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Join us as we speak with veteran technologist and all-around great guy, Caz Mostowy. In this episode, Caz tells us about coming up with several now-legendary figures at Maya Design and what it was like to run Bossa Nova Robotics' hardware division. We also discuss what it takes to be a technologist now vs. what it took in the past. The episode really goes downhill when, after several glasses of straight whiskey, we tell war stories about NYC and Jersey City involving grand theft auto, armed robbery, and so much more. This is a raw one, folks, so be sure to check it out. *Andy Norman, referenced 5-minutes into the episode, prefers the title "philosophical counselor" to "therapist." Given what he does, it is a better fit. You can learn more about Andy's book, "Mental Immunity," at https://andynorman.org/mental-immunity
Join us as we speak with veteran technologist and all-around great guy, Caz Mostowy. In this episode, Caz tells us about coming up with several now-legendary figures at Maya Design and what it was like to run Bossa Nova Robotics' hardware division. We also discuss what it takes to be a technologist now vs. what it took in the past. The episode really goes downhill when, after several glasses of straight whiskey, we tell war stories about NYC and Jersey City involving grand theft auto, armed robbery, and so much more. This is a raw one, folks, so be sure to check it out. *Andy Norman, referenced 5-minutes into the episode, prefers the title "philosophical counselor" to "therapist." Given what he does, it is a better fit. You can learn more about Andy's book, "Mental Immunity," at https://andynorman.org/mental-immunity
In this episode, you'll hear our interview with Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. To download the show notes or to see a transcript, go to http://www.l3leadership.org/episode218About Audrey Russo: Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council (www.pghtech.org), the oldest (1983) and largest technology trade association in North America. In this role, Russo facilitates strong interaction across all sectors of the regional economy, which she believes will only succeed and grow through technology innovation and commercialized disruptions across every platform and experience. With a background in information technology, operations and finance, Russo previously worked for large multi-national Fortune 500 companies (Alcoa, Reynolds Metals), as well as at MAYA Design, and in an adjunct faculty and project role at Virginia Commonwealth University.Russo earned her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. She also has a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs.Russo is committed to the complexity of Pittsburgh’s physical, literal and metaphorical terrain, and believes that vital cities are the moral imperative in achieving competitive, diverse and vibrant economies. She was the Board Chair for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Russo is a serving board member at the following organizations: Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh, CityLab, Highmark Business Advisory Board, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and City of Asylum.Russo also co-hosts TechVibe Radio on KDKA 1020 AM Friday nights at 7 to explore technology companies and entrepreneurial issues.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/l3-leadership-podcast-leadership-entrepreneurship-business/id495751888?mt=2 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=8ZllK41EQnaKHcqNkNUj5wListen on Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes495751888/l3-leadership-podcastListen on Tunein: http://tun.in/piVUO Subscribe to our podcast on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/learning-to-lead-podcast Subscribe on Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iehhmsctsgmvmoyvhxsv6yfzoiu Our Vision: L3 Leadership exists to build and develop a community of leaders that grow to their maximum potential, develop the courage to pursue their dreams, and to become great leaders in their families, communities, cities, nations, and their world. If you have an idea for a future podcast you would like to hear or a leader you would like me to interview, e-mail me at dougsmith@l3leadership.org.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/l3leadership)
Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest and largest technology trade association in North America. With a background in information technology, operations and finance, Audrey facilitates interaction across all sectors of the regional economy, which she believes will only succeed and grow through technology innovation and commercialized disruptions across every platform and experience. She previously worked for large multinational Fortune 500 companies (Alcoa, Reynolds Metals), as well as at MAYA Design. Russo earned her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. She also has a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs. Russo also co-hosts TechVibe Radio on KDKA 1020 AM Friday nights at 7 to explore technology companies and entrepreneurial issues. Attend my one-day conference January 27th in Pittsburgh. Learn more here. Audrey’s Challenge; Open the door for someone else to get a customer. Use your contacts, influence, and buying power to make a meaningful difference for someone’s business. Books Mentioned Nudge by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown Ayn Rand Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne 1984 by George Orwell Remaking Post-Industrial Cities: Lessons from North America and Europe by Donald K. Carter
Cut the BS - Knowers vs. Learners: Are you a “knower” or a “learner?”Unfortunately, as we gain expertise throughout our careers, we tend to become “knowers” as opposed to early in life—through our early 20's-- when our main “job” is learning. It seems the more we know, the more it gets in the way of learning.Alvin Toffler's book Future Shock includes a powerful quote: “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write but who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”We benefit from life long learning in so many ways:*Economically—you'll earn more the more you learn.*As a leader—you'll change and adapt to the market and your team.*The Dos Equis Effect—Like the most interesting man in the world, learning makes you more interesting.*You'll be healthier—learning is great for the brain.Fight the natural fear of change and the unknown. Personal and professional growth improves your life and the lives of those around you. Carve out dedicated time to learning and Cut the Bullshit.About Audrey RussoAudrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that's grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.Audrey also serves as a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.Interview with Audrey RussoOn today's episode I sit down with Audrey Russo, the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and a woman who has become an agent for change in each of her career milestones leading up to her current position. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in social work, Audrey began on her path of continuous learning by working in various internships and diving deep into each ones' respective cultures.Audrey has dealt with many hurdles in her career, from managing a large team of 100+ individuals at a young age, to transitioning companies and cultures when her job at Reynolds Metals was acquired by Alcoa. Audrey speaks with me about the process of merging two deeply rooted company cultures, and how that can have an effect on employees, as well as the relationships between the two IT departments during the acquisition process.Now leading Pittsburgh's technology community, Audrey took many steps as President to revamp the council into what it is today. She comments on her first 100 days with the council, from an unknown player in the Pittsburgh community to becoming a key contributor in helping the city innovate and provide value to tech companies in the area. We also discuss the metrics she has established for her team in order to help the companies in Pittsburgh thrive.Key Takeaways[2:39] Educational Background and career history Bachelor's degree in social work from The Ohio State University Opportunities for applied learning – 6-7 internships during college career Masters degree in public policy from Syracuse University Was interested in operations, systems, and technology Ran IT department at Reynolds Metals before acquired by Alcoa Invited to run Pittsburgh Tech Council for past nine years[9:46] Transition when Alcoa was acquired Companies have deep rooted cultures Alcoa and Reynolds were combined at one point back in the 20s but had to be divested due to monopoly laws IT teams could talk and establish relationship over nine months Alcoa had incredible standards around safety which were ingrained in their culture[15:45] Maya Design job in Pittsburgh Went from 140 thousand people to 115 people At Maya was talking to the customers and what their business problems were Was learning every day, and enjoyed the nimbleness of the company[18:35] First 100 days at Pitts Technology Council Had Tech 50 Event on 3rd day
Kristi is the Creative Environments Lead at Maya Design consultancy and innovation lab. She pulls together interdisciplinary teams to think deeply about the interaction between physical and virtual space, and explores the widest possible definition of “environment” in service of our client’s desired outcome. Prior to joining MAYA, Kristi worked in Washington, DC as a management consultant, facilitating culture change tied to physical change for federal agencies. She has worked in California and Arizona as a behavioral strategist creating the workplace, mixed use development, and hospitality strategies. Kristi was also the CEO of her own firm that provided consultative services for architecture, interiors, FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), and construction. Additionally, she was on the faculty at Arizona State University teaching in both the Colleges of Architecture and Business, with research focused on the impact physical environment has on human behavior. You can also find her speaking about workplace, culture, community, and the future of work at conferences across the country. Kristi’s Challenge; The boundaries of your potential are drawn in your own mind. Ask yourself Is there more? Aim higher. Advice from Christopher Dorris. If you liked this interview, check out episode 74 with John Beck where we discuss product design and the internet of things.
Our hosts interview Joseph Morgano from MAYA Design. Recorded on 08/17/12. Joe’s Links: MAYA Design The Red Brick Project @redbrickproject on Twitter Joseph Morgano’s Behance @joemorgano on Twitter Things We Mentioned: Indian Larry Motorcycles Sturgis Trillions: Thriving in the Emerging Information Ecology (MAYA’s Book)