Podcasts about tech leaders

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Chris Hallberg, entrepreneur, business coach, and former military and police leader, known for creating the Business Sergeant Leadership Philosophy. Chris brings decades of experience transforming teams, sharpening execution, and implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to help companies achieve breakthrough performance.From his formative years in the Army National Guard and law enforcement to his career as a sought-after business coach, Chris shares powerful insights into leadership, accountability, and the non-negotiables that separate thriving organizations from stagnant ones. He discusses why the best companies are unafraid to make tough personnel decisions, the importance of “re-enlisting” your team every 90 days, and how to kill problems decisively rather than admiring them in endless meetings.Listeners will hear candid stories from Chris' journey, his philosophy on curating the right people in the right seats, and practical lessons from his book The Business Sergeant's Field Manual: Military-Grade Business Execution Without the Yelling and Push-Ups. If you're a leader looking to build elite teams, create accountability without politics, and drive results with clarity, this conversation is packed with strategies to elevate your leadership game.TakeawaysMilitary and police leadership taught Chris the value of learning from both the best and worst leaders—and applying those lessons to business.Elite teams are built by curating the right people, not trying to “fix” the wrong ones.Commitment is key: employees should symbolically “re-enlist” every 90 days to stay aligned with company goals.Healthy conflict is essential; if team members can't speak the truth, accountability and results will collapse.Hiring should focus on slow-to-hire, quick-to-fire practices, supported by assessments that ensure cultural and role fit.Chris' “three winners, three losers” framework highlights how keeping the wrong people hurts individuals, teams, and future opportunities.Middle managers (sergeants) are critical bridges between leadership and frontline teams; they must be empowered to hire and fire.Moving goalposts erode accountability—leaders must set clear deal breakers and stick to them.Compensation should reflect high expectations: hire in the 75th percentile, expect 90th percentile performance.Always be recruiting—maintain a pipeline of talent by networking, even with competitors' top performers.New hires provide fresh perspectives; leaders should actively solicit feedback in their first weeks.Chapters00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome01:15 Lessons from Military & Police Leadership03:00 Commitment and Sacrifice in Team Building05:15 Applying Military Principles to Business Growth07:25 The 90-Day Re-Enlistment Concept09:30 Accountability and Volunteer Mindsets13:55 Curating the Right People vs. Fixing the Wrong Ones18:05 Decisiveness and Killing Problems Quickly21:20 The Fire Triangle and Root-Cause Problem Solving23:30 Healthy Conflict, Commitment, and Accountability28:20 Hiring Practices: Slow to Hire, Quick to Fire30:35 The Three Winners and Three Losers Framework35:15 Empowering Middle Managers (Sergeants)38:40 Lessons from The Business Sergeant's Field Manual42:00 Getting to the Next Level with the Right Team44:15 Favorite Books and Closing Reflections46:00 Outro & Key TakeawaysChris Hallberg's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315/https://www.facebook.com/chrishallberg09/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

The Trump administration is tapping a private sector tech leader with ties to the Department of government efficiency to overhaul federal websites. Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia says he's been appointed to serve as the Chief Design Officer of the United States. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week outlining his plans to make public facing services beautiful and efficient. Here with more on the EO and Gebbia is Federal News Network's Jory Heckman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Come si fa a trasformare una realtà consulenziale in una tech company orientata al prodotto? Quali sono le sfide culturali, organizzative e tecniche?In questo episodio della rubrica CTO Show, Alex Pagnoni intervista Davide Damiano, CTO di Begear, che ha vissuto in prima persona questa transizione strategica e ce la racconta nei dettagli: mindset, organizzazione, resistenze, metriche, benefici.Un confronto ricco di spunti per chi guida team tech, startup, aziende di servizi IT o realtà enterprise che stanno ripensando il proprio modello di business.Scopri come cambiare punto di vista può generare più valore, più ownership e più sostenibilità nel lungo periodo.L'articolo completo è su Tech 360: https://tech360.media/come-e-perche-passare-da-un-modello-consulenziale-a-uno-orientato-al-prodotto-cto-show-137/Capitoli:00:00 Introduzione al tema e all'ospite01:45 Perché oggi è importante parlare di prodotto04:10 Limiti del modello consulenziale07:30 I segnali che indicano la necessità di cambiare10:25 Dal progetto al prodotto: il cambio di mentalità13:20 L'importanza della visione di lungo periodo15:45 Mettere davvero l'utente finale al centro18:15 Cambi organizzativi: team cross-funzionali e processi21:00 Le resistenze culturali e come affrontarle24:20 Il ruolo della leadership tecnica nella transizione26:50 Product engineers, non solo sviluppatori29:30 Dal framework Scrum a Kanban per adattarsi meglio31:00 Velocità vs qualità: come bilanciare33:10 Nuove metriche per misurare il successo del prodotto36:00 Consigli pratici per chi vuole fare il salto38:30 Chiusura e riflessioni finaliHost e ospite:Host: Alex Pagnoni, founder di Axelerant, Tech CEO & CTO Advisor.Guest: Davide Damiano, CTO di Begear. Nato a Napoli e da anni a Milano, è un CTO con una solida esperienza nella progettazione di architetture software e nella gestione di team tech in contesti enterprise. Ha guidato progetti complessi in ambito digitale e platform engineering, con un approccio orientato alla qualità, all'innovazione e alla crescita delle persone. Appassionato di tecnologia, sport e sfide, affronta ogni obiettivo con determinazione, senza mai perdere di vista ciò che conta davvero: la famiglia.

What do you do when your technical brilliance doesn't translate into clear, compelling communication? That's where Salvatore Manzi comes in. With a background in business communication and a career spent coaching leaders across tech, finance, and global policy, Salvatore helps bold thinkers bring clarity and connection to even the most complex ideas. In this episode, we talk about the communication challenges that many technical leaders face—especially when speaking to non-technical stakeholders. Whether you're leading a product team, presenting in a high-stakes board meeting, or trying to assert your voice in a fast-paced discussion, Salvatore offers practical strategies that go far beyond public speaking tips. His insights are grounded in two decades of real-world experience, from coaching TEDx speakers and United Nations delegates to guiding SVPs through business model pivots and helping raise hundreds of millions in funding. We explore how data-driven leaders can use storytelling without compromising accuracy, how to manage energy and presence when nerves kick in, and what leadership looks like when you lean more analytical than charismatic. Salvatore shares a refreshing take on body language, framing it not as performance but as a tool for genuine alignment between your message and your intention. We also dig into the nuance of communicating uncertainty—how to be honest and credible without losing influence. For anyone in a technical role looking to lead more effectively, this episode is packed with insight. Salvatore's mission is to help people speak with clarity and lead with authenticity. After this conversation, you may just find yourself doing both a little differently.

In our first Founder Friday episode, we're talking to Andrew Murphy, founder of Tech Leaders Launchpad.Founder Friday is about works still in progress. Learning from success stories is important, but learning from founders still in the thick of getting to market is just as useful - and sometimes much more realistic.In this chat, we talk about what inspired Andrew to create TLL, his learnings along the way, and the advice he'd give brand new founders based on the experience. --------The Bootstrap is a production of Hieland Road for The Product Bus. It was developed by Scotty Allen and Declan Magee. Our producer is Sammy Perryman with assistance from Portia McEwan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Michelle Niemeyer, a former high-powered attorney turned burnout expert, certified health coach, and creator of The Art of Bending Time. With 33 years in law and a personal journey of reinvention, Michelle shares her path from the pressures of litigation and entrepreneurship to becoming a sought-after advisor on sustainable leadership and resilience.The conversation dives into the pitfalls of chasing “work-life balance,” why multitasking drains focus, and how leaders can prevent burnout by fueling themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Michelle explains how her health challenges and professional burnout led her to develop frameworks that help leaders align their goals with what truly lights them up. From her innovative SWORD analysis for goal setting, to practical strategies for reclaiming focus and accepting help, Michelle offers actionable insights that challenge traditional productivity thinking.Leaders will come away with fresh perspectives on integrating personal and professional life, the hidden costs of micromanagement, and why bending time isn't about managing minutes, but about living with purpose, clarity, and energy.TakeawaysBurnout often stems from chasing “work-life balance,” which can separate people from their whole selves.Leaders thrive when they integrate passions and strengths from different areas of life into their work.True productivity requires physical and mental health: quality sleep, nutrition, and consistent movement.The lymphatic system depends on physical activity — sitting too long allows toxins to build up.“Bending time” means focusing on what fuels you rather than squeezing more hours out of the day.Multitasking is a myth — it decreases focus, increases mistakes, and prolongs tasks.Removing notifications and delegating tasks clears mental space for deep, high-value work.Leaders must avoid micromanagement and trust their teams to develop and excel.The SWORD analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, risks, and desire) emphasizes whether goals are truly worth pursuing.Accepting help is not a weakness; it builds connection and accelerates progress.Personal and professional networks can be blended intentionally to open new opportunities.Micro-moments of joy — a walk, a cup of coffee, or celebrating small wins — can prevent burnout more than long vacations.Chapters00:00 The myth of work-life balance00:39 Introducing Michelle Niemeyer: From law to burnout coach02:21 Early career in law and frustrations with the system04:34 Burnout and the dangers of “work-life balance”07:57 Bringing your whole self into work and life09:31 Health coaching, lifestyle changes, and the lymphatic system11:34 Discovering autoimmune disease and the shift to health coaching15:44 Creating The Art of Bending Time framework19:34 Micromanagement, delegation, and team empowerment22:10 Why notifications and constant availability hurt focus27:02 Rituals for winding down and mental clarity29:54 Clarity, joy, and finding sparks in daily life31:19 SWORD analysis explained and the role of desire35:11 Letting go of outdated or inherited goals38:44 Blending personal and professional networks43:05 The importance of asking for and accepting help49:48 Leadership, teamwork, and accountability50:56 Michelle's favorite book and final reflections52:15 The power of daily sparks and micro-moments of joy56:28 Closing thoughts and community resourcesMichelle Niemeyer's Social Media Links:https://www.instagram.com/michelle_niemeyer_wellness/Michelle Niemeyer's Website:https://www.michelleniemeyer.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

This week on CLD Talks Conor sits down with Dibya and Sarahfrom The Young Women's Movement who discuss the work they have done with anamazing group of women to create their “Guide to AI”. This is a really interesting conversation looking into theirunderstanding and impact of Artificial Intelligence, specifically on youngwomen and young people. We discuss the formation of the “Guide to AI”, learningfrom working within the project, the power of language, their demands forDecision Makers, Tech Leaders and Public and so much more! Join the team for their Celebration & Launch Event onSaturday 23rd of August from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the City Art Centre,2 Market St, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE (Gallery 5) To access the Guide to AI once it'slaunched 23rd August: https://youngwomenscot.org/ Trigger warning – 24:35 till 33:10 - discussion aroundeating disorders, social media, body image.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Mark Monchek, founder and Chief Opportunity Officer of Opportunity Lab. A seasoned author, speaker, and advisor, Mark has guided leaders from top global organizations through times of radical disruption. Drawing from his books Culture of Opportunity and the forthcoming Opportunity Intelligence, Mark shares how to unlock growth through collaboration, mindset shifts, and purpose-driven leadership.The conversation explores how leaders can thrive in chaos by embracing abundance over scarcity, building resilient networks, and identifying leverage points in times of upheaval. Mark recounts powerful stories—from rebuilding Asheville's River Arts District after Hurricane Helene to transforming the Literacy Assistance Center's resources through network mapping—that illustrate his belief in turning disruption into opportunity. The discussion also dives into cultivating generosity, forging unconventional partnerships (even with competitors), and the philosophy behind his upcoming “UnConference” for mid-market CEOs. This episode offers a compelling mix of history, personal resilience, and actionable strategies for leaders who want to create lasting impact in their organizations and communities.TakeawaysRadical disruptions impact all sectors simultaneously today, making adaptability more critical than ever.Leveraging networks can unlock hidden resources—often far more than organizations realize.Scarcity mindset limits growth; abundance mindset fosters collaboration and innovation.Crisis moments often accelerate trust, generosity, and community-building.Major innovations often emerge during economic downturns or crises.Partnerships—even with competitors—can expand capacity without adding overhead.Resilient leadership starts with finding a “place to stand” before taking action.Leaders should cultivate anti-fragility: emerging stronger after adversity.Most significant personal and professional growth comes from responding to challenges, not avoiding them.The UnConference model emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and authentic relationship-building.Storytelling and shared vision drive cooperation and collective success.Aligning business goals with a higher purpose strengthens resilience and motivation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mark Monchek's background in business, art, and psychology03:35 Defining radical disruption and why today's challenges are different05:24 Rebuilding Asheville's River Arts District after Hurricane Helene09:18 Finding leverage points in crisis and innovation during downturns13:31 Case study: Unlocking hidden resources at the Literacy Assistance Center19:53 Generosity, abundance mindset, and building collaborative networks24:12 The UnConference model for authentic leadership connections34:19 Partnerships, resilience, and balancing priorities40:09 Lessons in resilience from family history and adversity46:29 Why the UnConference exists and the outcomes it aims to create53:31 Closing advice: Lead with purpose and embrace collaborationMark Monchek's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/Mark Monchek's Website:https://opplab.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

Dustin explores the major areas where tech leaders can leverage procurement to advance their core goals and maximize mission delivery.

Ever felt like you have more to give as a leader but didn't know how to make the leap? In this powerful episode, Kemerlin sits down with Marlene Paul, a tech integration expert who made the brave jump from 17 years in education to building her own business.Marlene shares her honest story about recognizing the gap between being valued for what you know and stepping into who you're meant to lead as. From surviving as a military spouse to thriving as an entrepreneur, she reveals how she found her authentic power in the tech world - a space that wasn't always designed for women like her.You'll discover Marlene's game-changing "Three T Framework" and her brilliant "FATS" method for finding your tribe (hint: it's not what you think!). She gets real about imposter syndrome, the importance of battle buddies, and why sometimes AI can call you out better than your best friend.This conversation is perfect for high-achieving women who are ready to stop hiding behind their skills and start leading from their heart. If you've ever felt torn between being the person with all the answers and the leader who inspires with vision, this episode will give you the courage to step into your authentic power.For More Detailed Shownotes visit here.. Ready to Bridge the Gap Between Your Expertise and Your Influence?The Authentic Power Cohort isn't another leadership program teaching you how to be someone else. It's an intimate space where accomplished women like you finally stop performing competence and start leading from the truth of who you are.Apply for Your Interview Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kemerlinrich.substack.com

In questa puntata di Database Mindset entriamo nel cuore dell'innovazione nel settore assicurativo. Con ospiti d'eccezione come Luca Esposito (Head of Data Services di Groupama) e Gerardo Di Francesco (co-founder di Wide Group e dell'Italian Insurtech Association), insieme a Diego Zucca e Marco Ondradu di IKI Cloud, esploriamo come cloud, database e AI stiano trasformando modelli operativi, compliance e strategie di business.Parleremo di:- Soluzioni cloud native e multi-cloud nel mondo assicurativo- Data governance e nuove normative come DORA ed EU AI Act- L'impatto dell'AI e dei database non relazionali sul futuro dell'insurtech- Sfide e strategie per ottimizzare costi e performance dei database in cloud- Il ruolo dell'ecosistema insurtech e la complessità del modello dati assicurativoUn episodio ricco di insight per chi lavora nella tecnologia, nell'IT aziendale o nel settore finanziario.L'articolo completo è su Tech 360: https://tech360.media/insurtech-e-trasformazione-del-dato-come-database-cloud-e-ai-stanno-ridisegnando-il-settore-assicurativo/Capitoli- 00:00 Introduzione e ospiti- 02:15 Database e cloud nel settore assicurativo- 06:48 Soluzioni cloud native e multi-cloud- 12:30 Il ruolo del dato nella trasformazione digitale assicurativa- 17:55 Data governance, compliance e normative (DORA, AI Act)- 25:40 L'ecosistema insurtech e il modello dati assicurativo- 33:20 Sfide e strategie nel multi-cloud- 40:55 Ottimizzare i costi dei database in cloud- 47:10 Sicurezza, AI e cambiamenti nel panorama tecnologico- 54:00 La tecnologia più impattante per i prossimi 5 anni- 59:45 Conclusioni e salutiOspiti e host- Alex Pagnoni – Host, Founder Axelerant- Diego Zucca – IKI Cloud- Marco Ondradu – IKI Cloud- Luca Esposito – Head of Data Services, Groupama- Gerardo Di Francesco – Co-founder Wide Group e Italian Insurtech Association

Send us a textWhat do rugby, open-fire cooking, and managed IT services have in common? In this energetic and deeply human episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Frank Merino—serial hobbyist, MSP veteran, and community-driven technologist—to talk about grit, service, and savoring life.From building his first MSP at age 15 to helping transform a small HR firm's workflow with smartphones, Frank's story is packed with passion and problem-solving. He shares his love for CrossFit, the meditative art of cooking with hardwood from Uruguay, and the humbling lessons from honoring military heroes through grueling Murph workouts. But behind every story is a single driving force: a desire to help others live better lives through technology.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Joel Benge, a strategist, author, and the mind behind "Message Therapy." With a rich and unconventional background that spans theater, video game testing, cybersecurity, and federal communications, Joel helps technical founders transform complex jargon into messaging that actually connects.Joel unpacks the biggest reason messaging falls flat: it's too cerebral and not nearly human enough. Drawing from Aristotle, Maslow, and his own experience in government and tech startups, Joel introduces frameworks like his “Message Therapy” card deck, a tool that blends psychology, storytelling, and gamification to uncover the true heart of a brand.This episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, product marketers, and anyone tasked with explaining something complicated in a way that actually sticks.If you've ever felt like your messaging doesn't land or sounds like everyone else, this conversation will help you find your voice, and your big idea.TakeawaysJoel Benge coined the term “Message Therapy” to help founders move from brainy jargon to emotionally resonant messaging.People don't want more data — they want their problems taken away.Message Therapy uses Aristotle's head, heart, and gut model to build trust, likability, and clarity.Joel's background in theater and government communications gives him a unique edge in helping technical teams communicate effectively.Gamification (via his card deck) helps teams uncover buried insights through fast-paced, structured prompts.Most messaging fails because it skips emotion and leans too heavily on logic or technical credibility.One simple fix: print your website and highlight content using color codes for logic, emotion, and credibility to visually audit your message mix.Outsourcing marketing too early often leads to generic, disjointed messaging without a narrative backbone.Founders should fall in love with the problem they're solving, not just the product they're building.Creating a shared "mantra" can unify internal teams and external messaging across ICPs and channels.Emotional storytelling is just as important (if not more) in B2B and technical industries.True differentiation comes from listening deeply, reframing language, and uncovering the beliefs and values that drive your company.Chapters00:00 Intro: Meet Joel Benge & Message Therapy01:45 From Theater Kid to Homeland Security Comms04:30 Jargon vs. Real Communication in Tech05:50 The Birth of Message Therapy07:00 Why Most Marketing Sounds the Same08:30 Head, Heart, Gut: The Aristotle Framework10:15 How Gamification Helps Teams Get Aligned12:30 Why Jargon Kills Sales and Clarity14:00 The "Blank Stare" Effect in Messaging17:00 Role Clarity: Be the Peacock or the Expert18:00 Website Fix: Use Highlighters to Audit Copy19:45 The Curse of Knowledge Trap21:00 Why Outsourcing Messaging Can Backfire23:00 The Hidden Power of White Papers25:00 Building a Database of Messaging DNA26:45 Messaging for Multi-Sided Marketplaces28:30 Creating Mantras That Actually Stick29:45 Aha Moments That Unlock the Real Message31:00 Who “Be a Nerd That Talks Good” Is For32:30 Why Joel Created a Card Deck34:00 Personal Advice for Technical Leaders36:00 Sell the Result, Not the Feature38:00 Reclaiming Authority in the Age of AI39:30 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find JoelJoel Benge's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelmbengehttps://www.instagram.com/joelmbengehttps://www.tiktok.com/@joelmbengeJoel Benge's Website:https://messagespecs.com/link/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

Come sta cambiando il marketing nel settore automotive? Qual è l'impatto reale dell'intelligenza artificiale sulla relazione con il cliente, soprattutto in contesti premium?In questa puntata della rubrica "Digital Champions" del podcast Pionieri del Tech, Manuel Arlotti incontra Serena Schiavone, Responsabile Marketing di AD Motor, per esplorare un'evoluzione profonda: dalla “signorina che fa la pubblicità” a un ecosistema tecnologico dove AI, CRM e comunicazione autentica si fondono per offrire un'esperienza cliente memorabile.Serena ci racconta:- Come si struttura oggi un reparto marketing automotive moderno- Perché il marketing non finisce con la vendita, ma inizia con la relazione- In che modo l'AI sta già supportando i team marketing e vendite- E perché nel lusso (come nel premium) la tecnologia non deve mai sostituire il tocco umanoUna chiacchierata densa, concreta e appassionata per chi vuole capire davvero come si guida l'innovazione nel marketing automotive.

President Trump alongside tech leaders in Pennsylvania, highlighting major investments in artificial intelligence which aim to drive innovation, enhance technological capabilities, and position the U.S. as a leader in AI development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with the legendary NFL coach and Hall of Famer, Dick Vermeil—a Super Bowl champion, Rose Bowl champion, and one of the most respected leaders in football history. Known for orchestrating one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history with the St. Louis Rams, Coach Vermeil shares the leadership principles that drove his career—from the gridiron to the vineyards of Vermeil Wines.This episode dives deep into the human side of leadership: how to build authentic trust, lead with empathy while demanding excellence, and foster strong cultures even during losing seasons. Coach reflects on inviting players into his home, balancing tough decisions with personal care, and the power of connection in high-stakes environments. He also explores delegation, hiring with integrity, and adapting leadership in a remote, modern world.Whether you're leading a sports team or scaling a startup, Coach Vermeil's timeless lessons on character, consistency, and heart will leave you rethinking what it means to lead well. Bonus: Don't miss the story of how he transitioned from football to winemaking—and what it taught him about purpose after peak success.TakeawaysTrust is built through consistent, authentic care—not performance alone.Bringing team members into your personal life can strengthen professional commitment.Great leadership requires balancing high expectations with emotional intelligence.Delegation is essential for growth—you can't scale by doing everything yourself.Culture is most important when you're losing, not just when you're winning.Business leaders should look beyond resumes to truly assess character and capability.Leadership isn't just innate—it can be taught if someone has the desire to grow.Making tough personnel decisions is part of protecting the team's greater mission.Even after retiring from football, purpose and service can evolve into new ventures.The best leaders continue learning, growing, and leading with integrity.Legacy is measured by the impact you have on others—often decades later.Chapters00:00 Welcome & Coach Vermeil's Legendary Career02:45 Building Trust Through Authentic Care05:30 Balancing Tough Love and Compassion07:20 Handling Players Who Don't Step Up10:30 Inviting Players Into His Home14:00 Why Relationships Deepen Commitment17:15 Delegation and Scaling Leadership20:15 Hiring, Referencing & Truth in Interviews24:45 Leading in a Remote World25:50 Is Leadership Innate or Teachable?28:35 Keeping Culture Strong During Losing Seasons33:00 From Gridiron to Vineyard: The Vermeil Wines Story41:00 The Hard Truth Leaders Must Hear46:00 Making Difficult Cuts with Compassion49:00 Coach's Favorite Book & Final Wisdom51:00 Closing Remarks & Toast to LeadershipResources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

Quantum computing is moving from theory to reality, and it's reshaping technology, AI, and cybersecurity. Technology strategies must move with it.

This episode of London Futurists Podcast is a special joint production with the AI and You podcast which is hosted by Peter Scott. It features a three-way discussion, between Peter, Calum, and David, on the future of AI, with particular focus on AI agents, AI safety, and AI boycotts.Peter Scott is a futurist, speaker, and technology expert helping people master technological disruption. After receiving a Master's degree in Computer Science from Cambridge University, he went to California to work for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His weekly podcast, “Artificial Intelligence and You” tackles three questions: What is AI? Why will it affect you? How do you and your business survive and thrive through the AI Revolution?Peter's second book, also called “Artificial Intelligence and You,” was released in 2022. Peter works with schools to help them pivot their governance frameworks, curricula, and teaching methods to adapt to and leverage AI.Selected follow-ups:Artificial Intelligence and You (podcast)Making Sense of AI - Peter's personal websiteArtificial Intelligence and You (book)AI agent verification - ConsciumPreventing Zero-Click AI Threats: Insights from EchoLeak - TrendMicroFuture Crimes -  book by Marc GoodmanHow TikTok Serves Up Sex and Drug Videos to Minors - Washington PostCOVID-19 vaccine misinformation and hesitancy - WikipediaCambridge Analytica - WikipediaInvisible Rulers - book by Renée DiResta2025 Northern Ireland riots (Ballymena) - WikipediaGoogle DeepMind Slammed by Protesters Over Broken AI Safety PromiseMusic: Spike Protein, by Koi Discovery, available under CC0 1.0 Public Domain DeclarationDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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What happens when an apparel guy decides to found a tech company?A game-changing concept that can drive retail sales - and build customer engagement, that's what can happen.And it is exactly what one smart entrepreneur did.Meet Jeff Gray, Founder and CEO of RoboArt Labs, a pioneering AI-powered platform that is transforming how retailers engage with their customers. He is also a co-owner of Creative Apparel Concepts, a company he co-founded over 25 years ago that develops and manufactures apparel and sleepwear programs for major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Disney.With decades of experience running an apparel company, leading sales strategies, and overseeing product development and manufacturing, Jeff is now at the forefront of AI-driven customization.Through RoboArt, he's giving e-commerce retailers a completely new kind of experience—one where customers can easily generate stunning AI art, personalize it with text, photos, or logos, and order it to be printed on-demand with no inventory required.Before we get started, if you looking to stay ahead of newest technology that's revolutionizing the apparel industry - as well as gain critical insights about fast growing markets, key developments in sourcing and how brands are reacting to the market, then you might want to take a look at Inside Fashion.  Each month you'll get vital information delivered in a reader-friendly format so you can get up to speed  - without spending all day reading.  You can learn more at Inside fashion live.net.  Now let's find out more about what Jeff is doing with AI - and how it helping retailers drive sales.Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted.https://gotopia.techRead the full transcription of this interview hereRandy Shoup - SVP Engineering at Thrive MarketCharles Humble - Freelance Techie, Podcaster, Editor, Author & ConsultantRESOURCESRandyhttps://bsky.app/profile/randyshoup.bsky.socialhttps://medium.com/@randyshouphttps://x.com/randyshouphttps://github.com/randyshoup-thrivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/randyshoupCharleshttps://bsky.app/profile/charleshumble.bsky.socialhttps://linkedin.com/in/charleshumblehttps://mastodon.social/@charleshumblehttps://conissaunce.comLinkshttps://se-radio.net/2008/09/episode-109-ebays-architecture-principles-with-randy-shoupDESCRIPTIONCharles Humble sits down with veteran tech leader Randy Shoup, now SVP of Engineering at Thrive Market.Randy discusses Thrive Market's evolution from a 10-year-old monolith to a microservices architecture, emphasizing domain-driven design and agile scaling. Drawing on his experiences at eBay and other tech giants, he explains when to adopt microservices and the importance of continuous delivery and platform engineering for boosting productivity.RECOMMENDED BOOKSSam Newman • Monolith to MicroservicesSam Newman • Building Resilient Distributed SystemsDave Farley & JDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan dives deep into the core leadership principle of extreme ownership. In this solo episode, Avetis, a seasoned entrepreneur and tech leader, delivers a powerful and unfiltered message on why every leader must take full responsibility for their culture, team performance, and company outcomes—regardless of external circumstances.He breaks down how blame limits growth, how silence equals agreement, and why leaders must set the tone through their energy and actions. Through real-world analogies and personal leadership philosophies, Avetis challenges listeners to stop outsourcing blame and instead reclaim control by owning every part of the organization's success—or failure. He emphasizes that toxic culture, lack of urgency, or underperformance are reflections of leadership neglect, and the fix starts at the top.Whether you're a CEO, founder, or team lead, this episode is a direct call to courage, clarity, and bold decision-making. If you're ready to elevate your leadership, tune in and learn how to become the thermostat—not the thermometer—in your company.TakeawaysExtreme ownership is the starting line for effective leadership.Blame is a ceiling on growth—leaders must take responsibility to evolve.Culture is a mirror of the leader; toxic teams reflect leadership gaps.Every issue—hiring, morale, results—can be traced back to leadership choices.Silence from a leader signals approval; address issues early and clearly.Responsibility isn't a burden—it's your power source as a leader.Don't settle in hiring; motivated teams start with intentional recruitment.Blaming external forces strips you of control; own the situation to fix it.Leaders must energize the team daily—your presence sets the tone.Asking your team “What did I do wrong?” creates space for honest feedback.Don't make 100 small decisions—make one bold, decisive move.Leadership isn't about guilt; it's about doing something now to shift outcomes.Chapters00:00 Intro & Leadership Mindset01:12 What Is Extreme Ownership?02:17 Culture Is a Mirror03:58 Underperformance Starts at the Top04:55 Silence Equals Agreement06:11 Structure and Ownership Create Freedom08:23 Reclaim the Steering Wheel09:35 Energy Sets the Tone10:26 Asking the Hard Questions11:40 Bold Leadership Is EverythingResources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

The Leader Unmasked: Tiffany Willcox on Embracing Authenticity and Building Belonging   Struggling to show up as your true self in leadership? Feeling weighed down by the need to be perfect?   This episode of The Leader Unmasked is your invitation to break free. Host Angela Cox, a Master Coach for Executives and Founder of Paseda360, sits down with Tiffany Willcox, a senior technology leader and host of the National Coaching Awards, who shares her journey from layers of conformity to authentic leadership. From boarding school at age seven to projecting confidence at Specsavers while battling self-doubt, Tiffany built a “perfectionist mask” to prove her worth. Through deep self-awareness, she shed these layers, learning to embrace mistakes and lead with vulnerability.   Perfect for senior leaders and aspiring professionals in the “silent middle,” this episode will inspire you to foster belonging, trust your authentic self, and lead with ease. Tune in to discover how unmasking can transform your leadership and life. Subscribe now for more insights to be brilliant by being you!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: Discover how to shed the perfectionist mask and lead authentically by embracing your true self. Learn about the “silent middle” and how self-awareness can ease burnout and overthinking. Gain insights from Tiffany Willcox on fostering belonging and empowering teams through vulnerability. Resources: Contact Angela Cox on LinkedIn Visit The Leader Unmasked Podcast Explore coaching at Paseda360 Episode Highlights: [00:02:16 - 00:03:49] Layers of the Mask: Tiffany reflects on how childhood experiences, like being left at boarding school at age seven, built layers of independence and conformity, shaping her perfectionist mask. [00:05:20 - 00:06:57] The Perfectionist Facade: Tiffany shares how projecting confidence at Specsavers hid inner self-doubt, leading to exhaustion from worrying about others' perceptions. [00:09:43 - 00:12:34] Unmasking Through Self-Value: Tiffany discusses her struggle to list things she loved about herself, revealing a need to prove her worth, and how self-awareness transformed her perspective. [00:27:16 - 00:30:16] Hosting with Humanity: Tiffany describes hosting the National Coaching Awards authentically, connecting with speakers and the audience to foster belonging, creating a memorable sense of community. Three Powerful Quotes: [00:06:57] “I was so worried about what everyone else thought, I'd never considered what it felt like to be me.” [00:15:43] “The more honest I am about me, the more I inspire more people around me. It's the most amazing thing.” [00:32:10] “I can breathe lighter. I can stand taller. And I feel like I can love even more people.” About the Guest: Tiffany Willcox, a senior technology leader and host of the National Coaching Awards, is a beacon of authentic leadership. With over 25 years in technology, including a senior role at Specsavers, Tiffany once hid behind a “perfectionist mask,” projecting confidence while battling self-doubt rooted in childhood experiences like boarding school at age seven.   Her journey of self-discovery, sparked by working with Angela Cox, led her to shed layers of conformity and embrace vulnerability. Now, Tiffany leads teams by fostering belonging, empowering others to be themselves, and admitting when she doesn't know something. Her authentic approach shone at the National Coaching Awards, where she created a sense of community that left attendees feeling they belonged. Tiffany's story resonates with the “silent middle”—leaders quietly struggling under pressure—offering a path to lead with ease and joy.   Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn to learn more about her inspiring journey.Enjoy This Podcast? Authenticity is the key to great leadership. If you learned something new from Tiffany Willcox's story on The Leader Unmasked, hit subscribe and share it with your colleagues and friends!   Post a review and share your thoughts online—tell us how embracing your authentic self has inspired you. Your feedback helps more leaders find us. Have questions?   Contact Angela through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.   Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit theleaderunmaskedpodcast.podbean.com.   Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or PodBean.   To unmasking your brilliance, Angela.  

Everybody knows the world of technology is changing on a massive scale; in the federal community, there is a similar seismic change, but it has to do with policy, not graphics chips. In 2020, the Department of Defense aimed to ensure its suppliers had a reasonable level of cyber protection and released the first version of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). In subsequent years, CMMC became a “nice to have” rather than a mandate. COVID-19 drastically increased the number of remote users, federal technology was moving to the edge, and malicious actors continued to expand their attacks unremittingly. As a result of this “Perfect Storm,” regulators at the DoD have gotten serious about CMMC compliance. In today's interview, we sat down with two CMMC experts and discussed some of the challenges associated with completing the CMMC requirements. Fortreum's Ben Scudera mentions that as many as 300,000 companies may be looking at CMMC compliance. While individual companies can read the requirements, there can be misunderstandings. For example, if a company tries to define Controlled Unclassified Information, it may cast too wide a net or too narrow a net. If they are audited, the entire concept of scoping CUI can become a holdup for certification. Early versions of CMMC allowed companies to review their capabilities and report themselves. Today's CMMC transition is from self-attestation to external audits. These audits are challenging, with only 70 C3PAOs available to support 80,000 companies that require level 2 compliance. The process is complex, requiring detailed data scoping and significant preparation time. Companies must strike a balance between the costs and benefits of compliance, particularly for small businesses. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of CMMC for supply chain security and the potential for CMMC to evolve beyond federal contractin

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted.https://gotopia.techRead the full transcription of this interview hereNat Pryce - Co-Author of "Growing Object­-Oriented Software Guided by Tests" & "Java to Kotlin"Duncan McGregor - Co-Author of "Java to Kotlin" & Independent ConsultantRESOURCESNathttps://mastodon.social/@natprycehttps://github.com/nprycehttps://x.com/natprycehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/natprycehttp://www.natpryce.comDuncanhttps://twitter.com/duncanmcghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-mcgregor-a3038b6https://github.com/dmcghttp://www.oneeyedmen.comhttps://java-to-kotlin.devLinkshttps://www.meetup.com/extreme-tuesday-club-xtchttps://guava.dev/releases/21.0/api/docs/com/google/common/base/Function.htmlDESCRIPTIONThis conversation between Duncan McGregor and Nat Pryce explores the legacy of Nat's co-authored book "Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests" (GOOS) and how software development practices have evolved in the past 15 years.They discuss the origins of test-driven development (TDD) within London's Extreme Tuesday Club, the shift from object-oriented to functional programming paradigms, and how changing technology has influenced development approaches.Key topics include outside-in vs bottom-up testing strategies, mock objects, the rise of microservices, and whether modern development practices have actually improved productivity.The conversation provides valuable historicaDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted.https://gotopia.techRead the full transcription of this interview hereAdrienne Braganza Tacke - Senior Developer Advocate at Viam Robotics & Author of "Looks Good To Me: Constructive Code Reviews"Saša Jurić - Author of "Elixir in Action" & The Ultimate Beacon in the Elixir SpaceRESOURCESAdriennehttps://bsky.app/profile/abt.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/AdrienneTackehttps://github.com/AdrienneTackehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennetackehttps://www.instagram.com/adriennetackehttps://www.adrienne.iohttps://blog.adrienne.ioSašahttps://bsky.app/profile/sasajuric.bsky.socialhttps://twitter.com/sasajurichttps://github.com/sasa1977https://linkedin.com/in/sa%C5%A1a-juri%C4%87-21b23186https://www.theerlangelist.comDESCRIPTIONAdrienne Braganza, author of "Looks Good to Me: Constructive Code Reviews", and Saša Jurić, author of “Elixir in Action”, explore best practices for effective code reviews. They discuss how smaller, well-organized pull requests lead to better feedback, the importance of comment classification, and when to take discussions offline. Both emphasize that code reviews aren't just about catching bugs—they're crucial for knowledge transfer and creating cohesive codebases.While AI tools can help with routine aspects, human judgment remains essential, especially as AI-generated code becomes more common. The speakers agree that when done well, code reviews Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Mark Donnigan, a seasoned virtual CMO and go-to-market strategist known for helping post-Series A tech companies scale with precision. With a background in video technology, streaming, and category design, Mark brings decades of practical insights to the table on what it takes to move beyond initial traction and build a sustainable growth engine.Together, they explore why so many engineering-led startups struggle to scale their marketing, what founders get wrong about hiring, and why understanding the customer journey is non-negotiable. Mark reveals the critical difference between volume and quality in outreach, the dangers of overvaluing brand-name hires, and how scaling today often means rethinking headcount in favor of better systems and tools.From real-world founder anecdotes to lessons learned from giants like Nvidia, this conversation offers a roadmap for any tech leader looking to evolve from early traction to market dominance—without wasting time or burning cash.TakeawaysMost startup marketing failures stem from brilliant founders not understanding how to build a market, not from flawed tech or product.Founders should remain hands-on in go-to-market strategy far longer than they think—often for years.Your best early-stage salesperson? You, the founder.Misalignment with customer pain is the root cause of ineffective messaging.Many engineering teams don't truly listen to customers or experience the product from their users' point of view.Messaging must evolve with the customer's buying journey; spray-and-pray approaches often backfire.Scaling doesn't always mean hiring—sometimes systems, automation, or refined processes are more effective.Hiring former big-tech talent can backfire; startup success demands scrappy, self-sufficient operators.Know whether your motion is sales-led or product-led to define how marketing supports growth.Talking to just 5–7 ideal customers can provide the clarity needed to realign your strategy.Founders should read Play Bigger—Mark calls it “the Bible of marketing” for tech startups.Tools like AI and agents can enhance output without bloating teams, especially in early scale stages.Chapters00:00 Intro: Why most leaders fail at hiring and marketing02:11 Meet Mark Donnigan: Virtual CMO for post-Series A tech companies03:49 Why founders struggle to scale marketing after traction05:36 When (and if) founders should hand off go-to-market efforts07:50 Diagnosing messaging failures and the role of listening11:12 Customer immersion: The missing link in product-market fit14:32 Slack, productization, and building for yourself15:48 Scaling marketing: What does “scale” even mean?17:18 Systems vs. headcount: Scaling smarter with AI and automation21:24 Messaging cadence vs. volume: Mapping to the buyer's journey24:27 Why marketing funnels fail and journey mapping wins25:48 The mistake of over-indexing on “big company” hires28:50 The inertia myth: Why prestige doesn't equal startup fit31:55 Mark's billboard advice: Get in the field, talk to customers33:27 How many customer convos are “enough” for clarity34:50 Favorite Book: Play Bigger and the power of category design35:57 How to get Mark's free marketing mini-books36:25 Outro: Better leaders build better companiesMark Donnigan's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdonnigan/Mark Donnigan's Website:https://growthstage.marketing/

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com According to Forrester, 48% of organizations have more than one hundred tools in a typical toolchain. How many are not being used? How many duplicates are there? How many can remove abilities in other tools? When you deal with a company, they are getting paid to focus on their solution and ignore others. When you deal with a reseller, they have biases, respond to changes quickly, and understand the complexities of vendors in “swim lanes,” which can include competitors. Today, we sit down with Sam O'Daniel, the President and CEO of TVAR. The conversation ranged from selection of the correct tool to procurement and licensing models. For example, in a recent interview, Scott Rose from NIST talked about modern technology that may include IPv6. The sad news is that it prevents scanning address blocks because it cannot scan all the addresses that IPv6 covers. TVAR collaborates with numerous vendors and is familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each. Additionally, he understands which vendors work well together and respects the concept of their “swim lanes” in the context of federal technology. A typical federal leader cannot spend five hours a day keeping up with modern technology; resellers must maintain updated knowledge, which they can provide federal agencies with a perspective that few have. The conversation also addresses the challenges of procurement and the need for tool consolidation to minimize government waste.  

EshallGo Inc. (NasdaqCM: EHGO) is redefining office tech in China, leading the market in office supply sales, leasing, and integrated service solutions. In this exclusive interview with Director and President Johnny Wu, we explore the key drivers behind EshallGo's market leadership, including strategic investments in proprietary ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and cloud platforms, a diversified revenue model, and ambitious plans for international expansion.Get a closer look at one of China's leading tech-driven office service providers by watching the full interview.Learn more about EshallGo: http://eshallgo.comVisit their investor relations site: http://ir.eshallgo.comWatch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/jg5_0RDUUrgAnd follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalOneMedia?sub_confirmation=1

What do a high school teacher, a psychologist, and a mother of two have in common with a space tech founder? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Sheila Maria Gough Kenyon – co-founder of Starbound Space Solutions and national committee member of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance – to explore what it really looks like to carve out a career in the space sector on your own terms. From juggling PhDs and newborns to co-building a company with a mission to rewire how we see knowledge, Sheila shares the power of late diagnosis, leading as a neurodivergent woman, and why inclusion isn't just about talk – it's about tangible, structural change. Together, Tash and Sheila dive deep into the invisible barriers many face in defence-adjacent industries, the realities of masking, and how true progress lies in designing for everyone – not just the usual suspects.  The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts.  Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

n this interview, Daniel Karim talks to Ferdinand Biere, founder & CEO of DeepMetis, an AI pioneer, venture capitalist and serial inventor from Berlin. Free Stuff: Free Courses: https://www.danielkarim.com/freestuff Books Tips: https://www.danielkarim.com/great-books Newsletter: https://www.danielkarim.com/newsletter Podcast: https://www.danielkarim.com/podcast Deal Diary for CEO´s: https://www.danielkarim.com/deal-diary

This interview was recorded for the GOTO Book Club.http://gotopia.tech/bookclubRead the full transcription of the interview hereRuss Miles - Engineering Manager, Chaos Engineering Practitioner & Co-Author of "Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms"James Lewis - Software Architect & Director at ThoughtworksRESOURCESRusshttps://bsky.app/profile/russmiles.bsky.socialhttps://github.com/russmileshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russmilesJameshttps://bsky.app/profile/boicy.bovon.orghttps://twitter.com/boicyhttps://linkedin.com/in/james-lewis-microserviceshttps://github.com/boicyhttps://www.bovon.orgDESCRIPTIONIn this episode of GOTO Book Club, James Lewis and Russ Miles discuss Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs), focusing on how they promote collaboration across security and development teams.Russ shares insights from his book, emphasizing the importance of OODA loops, balancing innovation with safety in platform design, and the benefits of off-the-shelf versus custom CNAPP solutions. Looking ahead, he predicts platform engineering will evolve into a commercial strategy like AWS and that AI will augment human decision-making, enhancing creativity and collaboration in the engineering field.RECOMMENDED BOOKSMiles, Giguere & Smith • Cloud Native Application Protection PlatformsMina, Warda, Marins & Miles • Digitalization of Financial Services in the Age of CloudRuss Miles • Learning Chaos EngineeringDan Pilone & Russ Miles Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Russ Hawkins, a seasoned three-time CEO renowned for reviving and scaling struggling startups into profitable, exit-ready companies. With a background rooted in sales and a practical MBA earned through hands-on transformation work alongside McKinsey and AT&T, Russ shares his battle-tested playbook for turning chaos into clarity.Together, they unpack Russ's journey from humble beginnings to orchestrating successful pivots in tech companies across hardware, software, and analytics. He reveals how he assesses leadership, evaluates products, and identifies untapped markets — even amidst fierce competition and failing patents. Russ emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, understanding competitors, and making quick, strategic decisions based on data.The conversation also explores signs that a pivot is needed, how to test for willingness to pay, and what makes a company attractive for acquisition — especially in the age of private equity dominance. This is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone steering companies through change, disruption, or scale.TakeawaysTurnarounds require deep customer and competitor understanding — listen more than you speak.Growth rate and churn are two of the clearest signs a pivot is necessary.Don't underestimate small, underserved market segments — they can be goldmines.Losing patent protection should trigger urgent strategic reassessment.Price high and validate value — underpricing can signal poor quality.Strategic pivots often mean repositioning your product, not reinventing it.Talk to everyone: competitors, customers, staff, and trusted advisors.Testing willingness to pay should be structured around real customer problems.Cultivate private equity relationships early — most exits go this route now.Always “lose quickly” in sales — avoid staying too long in the friend zone.Leadership assessments should focus on shared values, not just resumes.A strong turnaround starts with understanding the product's true capabilities.Chapters00:00 Competitive Weaknesses and Sales Foundations01:30 The Accidental CEO vs. the Professional CEO03:45 Russ's Background: Firefighting Roots to Sales Leadership06:30 The AT&T Breakup and Working with McKinsey09:00 First CEO Role and Million-Dollar Exit11:00 Pivoting a Failing Video Tech Company13:00 Losing Patent Protection and Facing Better-Funded Competitors15:00 Learning from Competitors and Going Where They Aren't17:00 Talking to Customers, Founders, and Trusted Advisors20:30 Finding Untapped Markets with Existing Technology23:00 Pivoting Hardware to Telecom Use Cases25:00 The Benefits of Private Equity vs. Venture Capital27:00 When a Pivot is Necessary: Signals and External Pressures29:30 Learning from Mistakes and Backing the Wrong Tech31:30 Quick Evaluation of Leadership and Sales Team Fit35:00 Researching New Market Opportunities with Your Team39:00 Willingness to Pay and the Dangers of Undervaluing43:00 The Case for Testing High Prices First45:00 Strategic Exits: PE Ecosystem vs. Traditional Acquirers48:30 Why Strategic Buyers Need to See Product Fit50:00 When Founders' Emotional Attachment Skews Valuation53:00 Russ's Favorite Learning Activity: Reading Biographies55:00 Final Advice: Know Your Product, Know Your Customer, Prioritize RelationshipsRuss Hawkins's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/Russ Hawkins's Website:https://www.agilenceinc.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

What does it take to go from childhood dreams of building a Terminator robot to leading AI innovation at Intel? Karenga Ross's remarkable journey offers a masterclass in career development that combines technical expertise with business acumen, authentic relationship-building, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.As Intel's Senior Director shaping the future of data center AI, Karinga shares how unexpected pivots became her greatest assets—from abandoning mechanical engineering after a challenging thermodynamics course to discovering her leadership voice at Coca-Cola where she was first challenged to articulate her personal brand. Her candid reflections reveal how saying "yes" to opportunities, even when they required significant life changes, opened doors she never imagined possible.For women intimidated by fields like AI and data center engineering, Karinga offers refreshingly accessible advice, demystifying complex technical concepts by connecting them to everyday experiences. "Don't be intimidated; be curious," she emphasizes, explaining that companies hire for aptitude and willingness to learn—not complete mastery of every technical detail. This perspective transforms imposing career paths into approachable possibilities.Perhaps most valuable is Karinga's evolved understanding of leadership essentials often overlooked in technical fields—strategic vision-building, cross-cultural communication, and the courage to ask for help. She reveals her personal strategy development process, which includes scheduled time away from digital distractions to think clearly among trees, and how discovering that people genuinely enjoy sharing knowledge transformed her approach to networking from something that felt like "schmoozing" to building authentic relationships based on mutual support.As AI continues transforming industries, Karinga provides practical guidance for both early-career professionals and those facing potential displacement. Her approach to continuous learning—currently pursuing a PhD in business leadership while leading at Intel—embodies her philosophy: "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready." This conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating technical careers with ambitions beyond coding.Support the show When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses.

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted.https://gotopia.techRead the full transcription of this interview hereSimon Wardley - Thought Lord, Mapper, Mostly GoodCharles Humble - Freelance Techie, Podcaster, Editor, Author & ConsultantRESOURCESSimonhttps://bsky.app/profile/swardley.bsky.socialhttps://me.dm/@swardleyhttps://twitter.com/swardleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simonwardleyhttps://swardley.medium.comCharleshttps://bsky.app/profile/charleshumble.bsky.socialhttps://linkedin.com/in/charleshumblehttps://mastodon.social/@charleshumblehttps://conissaunce.comLinkshttps://www.wardleymaps.comhttps://mapkeep.comhttps://miro.comDESCRIPTIONSimon Wardley and Charles Humble discuss the development of Wardley Mapping, a visual framework that helps organizations understand and navigate technological evolution. Moving beyond traditional business storytelling, the interview explores how mapping enables better strategic decision-making through understanding component evolution, inertia, and gameplay, while also addressing current technological shifts in AI and cyber-physical systems.RECOMMENDED BOOKSSimon Wardley • Wardley MapsSimon Wardley • Wardley Mapping, The KnowledgeSun Tzu • The Art of WarJonathan Allen & Thomas Blood • Reaching Cloud VelocityDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan welcomes Pete Steege, B2B growth strategist, founder of B2B Clarity, and author of the bestselling book Radical Clarity. With decades of experience across startups and Fortune 100 companies, Pete has carved out a unique niche: helping technical founders grow into confident, purposeful CEOs—no more accidental CEOs.The conversation explores Pete's unconventional journey from engineer to executive advisor, detailing pivotal moments that shaped his passion for guiding tech leaders. He shares the challenges many founders face when thrust into the CEO role—struggling with emotional leadership, unfamiliar responsibilities, and the overwhelming weight of building a lasting company.Pete unveils his “Chaos to Clarity” framework and “truth chain” methodology, both designed to help leaders simplify complexity, identify their true value, and scale with purpose. From diagnosing growth blockers to designing category-defining positioning, this episode is packed with practical insights. Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on leadership, marketing in the age of AI, and building companies that stand the test of time—by being more human, not louder.TakeawaysPete Steege helps technical founders evolve into confident, intentional CEOs.He coined the term “accidental CEO” for founders unprepared for executive leadership.Leadership often requires shifting from logic-driven thinking to emotional intelligence.Doing “more” is usually the wrong approach; doing less but better leads to success.Pete's "Chaos to Clarity" framework simplifies decision-making and business focus.His “truth chain” exercise aligns core identity with customer problems and outcomes.Customer journey mapping (map-gap-act) helps prioritize strategic business improvements.Trust is earned by leading with authenticity and a clear, purpose-driven message.Meaning drives both internal culture and external brand success.AI is overwhelming marketing—real differentiation comes from human clarity and restraint.Creating a "category of one" helps brands avoid competing on noise or price.Persistence, humility, and belief in the mission are hallmarks of CEOs who scale successfully.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pete Steege & B2B Clarity01:05 Pete's Career Shift from Engineer to Customer-Facing Leader02:30 The Rise of the “Accidental CEO” & Existential Pivots in Tech05:00 Identity Shifts: From Product Builder to Leader of People07:30 Advice for Overwhelmed Founders Facing Leadership Pressure10:40 From Chaos to Clarity: Doing Less, but Better12:20 The Blueprint & “Truth Chain” Framework16:14 Mapping the Customer Journey to Prioritize Growth18:28 It's All About the Customer: Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing19:31 Inside the Book Radical Clarity: Clarity → Meaning → Purpose21:28 Building Trust Internally & Externally Through Authenticity24:47 Case Study: Messaging Breakthrough That Landed a Fortune 50 Deal27:57 Leadership Challenges in the Age of AI & Content Saturation31:17 Creating Category-Defining Messaging & Market Singularity33:45 Human-Centric Outreach in a Noisy World35:25 Patterns of Successful CEOs: Grit, Humility, Belief38:49 One Sentence Every Tech Founder Should Read: “Make room for meaning.”39:41 Closing Thoughts & Bonus Resources from PetePete Steege's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petesteege/Pete Steege's Website:https://www.b2b-clarity.com/meet-pete/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

What do world-class persuasion, the secret storytelling power of “Baby Mozart,” and the real reason most B2B startups fail all have in common? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, we're joined by Dr. Yaniv Zaid, aka Dr. Persuasion, an economist, attorney, public speaking coach, and the author of 11 bestselling business books, including The 21st Century Sales Bible. Broadcasting from Tel Aviv but consulting with companies worldwide, Dr. Zaid reveals why so many organizations struggle to turn technical brilliance into commercial success and how a simple shift in communication can transform the fate of your business. If you've ever wondered why your incredible product isn't winning over customers or if your marketing team keeps missing the emotional mark, Dr. Zaid shares actionable frameworks to bridge the gap between tech teams and buyers, plus the art of “selling the problem before the solution” (using examples that will stick with you). He unpacks the psychology behind how buyers make decisions, the four crucial steps every sale must pass through, and the overlooked power of social proof and storytelling, even for the most technical founders. Prepare for myth-busting insights and practical tactics that could change the way you pitch, write, and sell. Dive in; you might discover the persuasion secrets your business never knew it needed. Some areas we explore in this episode include: The Importance of Communication in B2B: Why poor communication leads to failure and the need to bridge knowledge gaps.Yaniv Zaid's Background in Persuasion: His journey from debate and law to helping organizations persuade and connect.Common Startup Mistakes: Overemphasis on product development at the expense of sales and marketing.Focusing on Problems, Not Just Solutions: The value of selling by addressing the customer's core problem.Translating Technical Jargon: Making complex ideas understandable to non-technical audiences.Balancing Logic and Emotion: Combining facts with storytelling to connect with clients.The Know, Like, Trust, Buy Framework: The buying steps every client takes.Effective Web and Copywriting: Structuring websites and marketing messages to prioritize customer pain points.Storytelling and Social Proof: Using stories and testimonials to build trust and credibility.Customer-Centric Mindset: Always focusing on customer needs and emotions over features.And much, much more...

Payslip announces it is powering payroll for over 100,000 employees globally, driven by new enterprise partnerships with companies including Booking.com & EQT. Payslip's platform now powers global payroll operations for companies generating over $16 billion in combined annual revenue and supporting more than 100,000 employees worldwide. In parallel, Payslip has more than doubled its own revenue, achieving 102% ARR growth between December 2022 and December 2024, and sustaining a 70% CAGR. Founded in 2016 in Westport, Co. Mayo by entrepreneur Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip is one of Ireland's leading FinTech companies and the market leading global payroll technology provider. Payslip empowers multinational enterprises with scalable, standardised payroll solutions. In November 2024, it strengthened its board with David Clarke (ex-Workday CTO) and Barry Dowling (TransferMate Co-Founder). A strategic partnership with Deloitte further reinforces its growing enterprise impact. "We're delighted to be powering payroll for leading global companies like Booking.com and EQT, as they scale across international markets," said Fidelma McGuirk, Founder & CEO of Payslip. "We're also equally proud to welcome Ann Marie Smith and David del Pino to our senior leadership team. Their experience will be instrumental as we enter a new phase of growth." "With the launch of Payslip's AI Payroll Element Classification Solution, Payslip has achieved an industry holy grail. This is a turning point for the industry: Payslip AI automates the identification, mapping, and normalisation of complex payroll data across countries, removing manual effort and accelerating automated standardisation. Payslip Control Platform is market unique as it unifies all global payroll data into one Global Payroll System of Record. With Payslip AI, the global data standardisation & unification is now achievable in minutes. It's a major innovation toward smarter, more scalable payroll." Stefan Hjerne, Head of Payroll and Benefits at EQT Group said "Payslip automates our payroll operations across EQT's 20 countries, transforming our processes and setting us up for continued growth and expansion". Payslip's Global Payroll Control Platform is ideally suited to world leading Private Equity Company EQT, as they scale through international M&A. Payslip customers report an average of 40% efficiency gains during every pay run as a direct result of Payslip AI & Automation." Payslip AI Element Classification Solution brings automation to one of the most complex parts of global payroll: mapping and standardising data from multiple countries and providers. By applying machine learning to identify and normalise payroll elements, the tool reduces manual input, shortens onboarding timelines, and improves data consistency across systems. It's a foundational capability designed to support faster, more scalable payroll operations for enterprise clients. See more stories here.

In honor of National Safety Month, this special compilation episode of AI and the Future of Work brings together powerful conversations with four thought leaders focused on designing AI systems that protect users, prevent harm, and promote trust. Featuring past guests:Silvio Savarese (Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist, Salesforce) -Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/15548310Navindra Yadav (Co-founder & CEO, Theom) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/12370356Eric Siegel (CEO, Gooder AI & Author ) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14464391Ben Kus (CTO, Box) -  Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14789034✅ What You'll Learn: What it means to design AI with safety, transparency, and human oversight in mindHow leading enterprises approach responsible AI development at scaleWhy data privacy and permissions are critical to safe AI deploymentHow to detect and mitigate bias in predictive modelsWhy responsible AI requires balancing speed with long-term impactHow trust, explainability, and compliance shape the future of enterprise AI  ResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter: https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe Other special compilation episodes Ethical AI in Hiring: How to Stay Compliant While Building a Fairer Future of Work (HR Day Special Episode)Data Privacy Day Special Episode: AI, Deepfakes & The Future of TrustThe Future of AI Ethics Special: Perspectives from Women Leaders in AI on Bias, Accountability & TrustWorld Health Day Special: How AI Is Making Healthcare Smarter, Cheaper, and Kinder

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, we sit down with Michel Langlois, former Cisco and Juniper executive and author of Beyond the Code. From growing up on a chicken farm in rural Quebec to leading 6,000+ global engineers during the rise of the internet, Michel shares a masterclass on scaling tech organizations with heart and strategy.TakeawaysIt's not where you were born that dictate what you will become.You have to take the ways to get there.There was no playbook for scaling infrastructure.You acquire people, not just technology.Don't assume you're eternal in your market position.You need to manage your time effectively to avoid internal distractions.The new generation of workers cares about sustainability and purpose.Listening is a critical skill for leaders to develop.You need to find something else to do after retirement.Understanding financial fundamentals is crucial for business success.Chapters00:00 The Roulette of Life and Leadership01:02 Scaling Infrastructure with Humanity04:00 The Art of Acquisition09:59 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape15:08 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence20:02 Mentorship and Leadership Dynamics25:10 The Role of Innovation in Business30:59 Avoiding Complacency in Leadership36:58 Predictive Innovation and Market Awareness42:56 The Challenges of Scaling a Business48:54 The Evolution of Tech Leadership54:43 Core Principles of LeadershipMichel Langlois's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellanglois/Michel Langlois's Website:https://michellanglois.us/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of the Tyler Tech Podcast, Rita Reynolds, CIO at the National Association of Counties (NACo), returns to share forward-looking insights on the evolving technology landscape in county government.Recorded live at the Tyler Connect conference in San Antonio, this conversation explores NACo's 2025 technology priorities — from the rising significance of AI and IT modernization to the continued dominance of cybersecurity and the growing need to support smaller, rural counties.Rita walks us through the development and impact of the AI County Compass, a resource guiding local governments on how to responsibly integrate generative AI into their operations. She also details new hands-on programs like the CIO Reserves pilot, helping counties without dedicated IT leadership, and a national challenge aimed at modernizing legacy systems.Throughout the episode, Rita shares practical strategies for workforce development, cross-county collaboration, and making technology investments that strengthen infrastructure while keeping residents at the center.Tune in to hear how counties are turning emerging tech into actionable outcomes — and why partnership, planning, and policy are key to sustainable digital transformation.This episode also highlights “Resilient by Design: How Technology Supports Government,” our free e-book that explores how public sector agencies can strengthen their resilience in the face of disruption. From cloud infrastructure and automation to secure payment systems and crisis response tools, the e-book features real-world examples of how technology helps governments maintain continuity and serve their communities more effectively.Download: Resilient by Design: How Technology Supports GovernmentAnd learn more about the topics discussed in this episode with these resources:Download: NACo 2025 Technology PrioritiesDownload: NACo AI County Compass ToolkitDownload: How Priority Based Budgeting Saved Money in a Florida CountySubscribe: NACo County Tech XchangePodcast: Tech Transformation in CountiesBlog: Using Cloud-Based Solutions to Improve Access in CountiesListen to other episodes of the podcast.Let us know what you think about the Tyler Tech Podcast in this survey!

Host Piya Chattopadhyay speaks with historian Arash Azizi and foreign policy expert Barbara Slavin about what may come next following U.S. strikes on Iran, astrophysicist and science journalist Adam Becker interrogates tech moguls' visions of the future, The Economist's Rob Russo and Ottawa-based journalist and author Paul Wells take stock of the new government's progress as the House rises for summer, and actor and comedian Ed Helms talks about finding laughs and lessons in historical 'screw-ups'Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Jon Staenberg, a three-time Stanford graduate and founder of Agate Hound Fund. They discuss John's unconventional journey through entrepreneurship and investing, starting from his early work experiences in Omaha to his ventures in Argentina's wine industry. The episode dives into the influence of Warren Buffett, the importance of storytelling in business, and the emerging opportunities in search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Jon shares insights on the challenges and rewards of investing in traditional businesses amidst the rise of AI and demographic shifts in the market. In this conversation, Avetis Antaplyan discusses his journey into the world of ETA (Entrepreneurial Through Acquisition) and the unique approach he has taken with his fund. He emphasizes the importance of investing in small businesses, the criteria for evaluating potential investments, and the significance of building a community among investors and entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on the future of ETA, the richness of niche markets, and the value of personal connections in the business world.TakeawaysJon's early work experience instilled a strong work ethic.The importance of storytelling in business and investment.Warren Buffett's influence on Jon's investment philosophy.Stanford's entrepreneurial environment shaped Jon's career.Curiosity led Jon to start a wine business in Argentina.Search funds provide a structured approach to business acquisition.The potential of traditional businesses in the face of AI disruption.The demographic shift presents opportunities for acquiring businesses.Investing in people is crucial for successful entrepreneurship.The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship through acquisition.Investing in ETA requires full-time dedication.A non-correlated asset class can enhance portfolio stability.The index fund model for small businesses is innovative.Diverse industries present unique investment opportunities.Evaluating operators is crucial for successful acquisitions.The failure rate in ETA is significantly lower than in venture capital.Building a community fosters collaboration and growth.The future of ETA looks promising with expanding opportunities.Connecting people can lead to unexpected benefits.Engagement and passion are key to success in investing.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Search Fund Landscape01:28 Early Grit and Unconventional Pathways02:58 Childhood Work Ethic and Family Influence05:55 Lessons from Working Young and Modern Implications07:18 Parenting Perspectives on Work and Responsibility08:51 Warren Buffett's Influence and Omaha Values11:08 Catherine Graham and Inspiring Leadership12:07 Stanford, Startups, and Embracing Failure13:33 The Power of Storytelling in Business14:56 What Is a Search Fund and How Does ETA Work?17:00 Challenges and Scalability Limits of Search Funds19:45 Why Search Funds Are Niche but High-Return22:50 The Tech-Agnostic Opportunity of Traditional Businesses26:22 Starting a Fund of Funds and the Non-Correlated Model30:12 Evaluating Operators and Acquisitions in ETA36:35 Building Community Through Intentional GatheringsJon Staenberg's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/Jon Staenberg's Website:https://www.agatehound.fund/https://staenberg.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Philip Merrick, a seasoned technologist and CEO of pgEdge. They discuss Merrick's journey in the tech industry, the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of building great teams, and the vision behind pgEdge. The conversation also covers the evolution of cloud computing, data security, and fostering a culture of innovation within teams. In this conversation, Phillip Merrick shares his insights on the importance of mentorship in career growth, the key lessons for emerging leaders, and how to stay ahead of technology trends. He emphasizes the significance of building trust and accountability within teams and discusses the exciting potential of AI in leadership. Merrick distills his entrepreneurial philosophy into actionable advice, highlighting the need for adaptability and genuine care for team members.TakeawaysThe web protocols allowed for the automation of information exchange.Leadership styles evolve with experience and challenges faced.A great team is more important than a great idea.Transparency with the team builds trust and commitment.Curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving.Incremental innovation is often more impactful than radical changes.Cloud concentration risk is a growing concern for regulated industries.Data security and compliance are critical in software development.Fostering a culture of curiosity leads to better adaptability.Asking the right questions in interviews reveals a candidate's mindset.Mentorship is crucial for career growth and success.Emerging leaders should focus on articulating mission, vision, and values.Technology must be contextualized within business and societal trends.Building trust is essential for effective teamwork and accountability.AI has the potential to enhance leadership and management practices.Adaptability is key to overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.Caring for team members fosters loyalty and engagement.Clear communication of company values prevents cultural drift.A strong team culture can be a competitive advantage. Chapters00:00 The Genesis of Innovation04:07 Leadership Evolution and Challenges08:52 Building a Great Team12:00 The Vision Behind pgEdge17:57 Navigating Cloud Evolution20:54 Data Security and Compliance23:55 Fostering Innovation and Adaptability27:38 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Growth31:19 Key Lessons for Emerging Leaders34:07 Staying Ahead of Technology Trends39:43 Building Trust and Accountability in Teams40:44 Exciting Trends in AI and Leadership43:16 Core Entrepreneurial PhilosophyPhillip Merrick's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipmerrick/Phillip Merrick's Website:https://www.pgedge.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of the Federal Tech Podcast, host John Gilroy sits down with Vishwas Lele, CEO and co-founder of pWin.ai, and Larry Katzman, President and CEO of Applied Information Sciences (AIS), to explore how technology leaders can write smarter proposals in an increasingly complex federal landscape. The conversation dives into the current state of the government contracting industry, including how shifting policy initiatives are shaping new opportunities—and new challenges—for contractors. Larry shares firsthand insights on how AIS is adapting to these changes, the role of pWin.ai RFP tool in improving proposal efficiency and win rates, and what lessons they've learned along the way.    

Do people still have employment opportunities in a world increasingly focused on AI?  And if so, where? And what competitive advantage do they have?Turns out, there are still big opportunities for people in the workplace.  The key is to understand what value humans can offer that technology can't.  And how smart companies will see the strategic advantage of balancing people with AI.To find out more about where humans have an advantage in an increasingly tech-driven world, I reached out to Ron Thurston, retail consultant and bestselling author.  In his new book, ‘Human Pride', Ron talks about the critical role people play in the retail sector - from entry level roles to C-suites leadership.  In this podcast Ron is going to share retail-proven insights onThe importance of human connection in driving that all important customer retention.Why retailers need to identify and optimize each employee's strengths in order to reduce staff turnover.How non-linear career paths can be strategic for growth in today's retail landscape.Why people of all ages might want to consider the incredible opportunities in a retail career.USEFUL LINKS:Ron Thurston's book "Human Pride" on AmazonLearn more about Inside Fashion at insidefashionLive.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Adam Coffey, a seasoned private equity expert, shares his insights on the dynamics of private equity and its impact on entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of understanding private equity, the role of company culture, and the significance of choosing the right business model. Adam also reflects on his experiences with successful and less successful exits, emphasizing the influence of macroeconomic conditions. He provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the opportunities presented by the current wealth transfer as baby boomers retire. The discussion culminates in a deeper understanding of private equity fund structures and how they affect business operations. In this conversation, Adam Coffey discusses the critical aspects of private equity, focusing on the importance of Internal Rate of Return (IRR), the differences between private equity and venture capital, and strategies for successful acquisitions. He emphasizes the significance of understanding unit economics and scaling businesses effectively. The discussion also touches on hiring practices and the importance of aligning talent with future company goals. Adam shares valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of business growth and investment.TakeawaysPrivate equity can be a force for good in company culture.Understanding private equity is crucial for entrepreneurs.The growth of private equity has significant implications for business owners.Successful exits often depend on macroeconomic conditions.Choosing the right business model is essential for resilience.Recurrent revenue models provide stability in tough times.Entrepreneurs should conduct due diligence on potential partners.The importance of understanding fund structures in private equity.There is a wealth transfer opportunity as baby boomers retire.Unsexy businesses can be highly profitable. IRR is a key metric in private equity.Private equity firms often sell early to showcase high IRR.Family offices prioritize multiple of money over IRR.Buyout funds focus on mature companies for consistent results.Venture capital involves higher risk with potential for high rewards.Thesis-based investing is crucial for successful acquisitions.Understanding unit economics is essential for profitability.Scaling a business requires a focus on gross profit margins.Hiring for future growth is more effective than hiring for current needs.Failing small and fast can lead to better long-term outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Private Equity and Adam Coffey02:59 Understanding Private Equity's Impact on Entrepreneurs05:52 The Role of Culture in Private Equity09:12 Success Stories and Lessons from Acquisitions12:10 Key Indicators of Successful Exits15:01 Navigating Economic Challenges in Business18:10 Choosing the Right Business Model20:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs24:03 The Evolution of Business Models26:55 Understanding Private Equity Fund Structures28:43 Understanding IRR in Private Equity31:56 Comparing Private Equity and Venture Capital34:56 Strategic Acquisition: Finding the Right Industry40:00 The Importance of Unit Economics52:46 Scaling for Success: The 30-20-10 Rule54:09 Recommended Reads for EntrepreneursAdam Coffey's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/https://www.instagram.com/adamecoffey_official/Adam Coffey's Website:https://adamecoffey.com/

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Josh Dorfman, a serial climate entrepreneur, about his journey into sustainability and the founding of Planted, a company focused on creating sustainable materials. They discuss the challenges of commercializing innovative solutions, the importance of scaling climate tech, and the role of media in raising awareness about climate action through Supercool, a platform that highlights successful climate tech stories. In this conversation, Josh and Avetis explore the intersection of climate technology and business, emphasizing the importance of commercializing sustainability. They discuss the role of AI in driving innovative solutions, the need to make climate solutions appealing to consumers, and the significance of effective messaging in the clean tech sector. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by rare earth minerals in the clean energy transition and the potential of urban mining and recycling to address these issues. Ultimately, they highlight the urgency of engaging with climate innovation and the need for actionable solutions in the face of climate change.TakeawaysJosh Dorfman's journey into sustainability began in China.The need for practical solutions to climate change is urgent.Planted aims to replace traditional materials with sustainable alternatives.Commercializing innovative materials presents numerous challenges.The vision for Planted is to create a carbon removal machine.Supercool was created to highlight successful climate tech stories.Investments in clean energy are outpacing fossil fuels.The importance of scaling climate tech solutions is critical.Understanding the core innovation of climate tech is essential.Media plays a vital role in raising awareness about climate solutions.AI is increasingly integrated into climate tech solutions.Making climate solutions appealing is crucial for adoption.Effective messaging should focus on business value, not just sustainability.The clean energy transition relies on critical minerals.Urban mining presents a novel solution for resource recovery.Engaging with climate innovation requires understanding customer needs.Energy efficiency is becoming a priority in climate solutions.Necessity drives innovation in recycling and clean tech.The time for climate action is now.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Climate Innovation01:18 Josh's Journey into Sustainability06:36 Founding Planted: A New Approach to Materials09:42 Challenges in Commercializing Sustainable Materials14:07 The Vision Behind Planted's Innovation20:40 Transitioning to Media: The Birth of Supercool24:25 Choosing Stories for Climate Tech Awareness26:57 Commercializing Sustainability28:51 AI in Climate Tech Innovation31:01 Making Climate Solutions Appealing32:16 Selling Sustainability Effectively35:47 The Role of Technology in Clean Energy39:55 Rare Earths and Clean Tech Boom44:22 Recycling and Urban Mining Solutions46:14 Engaging with Climate Innovation48:41 The Time for Climate ActionJosh Dorfman's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/https://x.com/Josh_DorfmanJosh Dorfman's Website:https://supercool.beehiiv.com/

In this episode, Salim, Dave, and Peter discuss news coming from Apple, Grok, OpenAI, and more. Recorded on April 3rd, 2025 Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. ​Dave Blundin is a distinguished serial entrepreneur and has co-founded 23 companies, five of which have exceeded $100 million in revenue. He is currently an instructor at MIT and is the Managing Partner of Link-XPV. Salim Ismail is a serial entrepreneur and technology strategist well known for his expertise in Exponential organizations. He is the Founding Executive Director of Singularity University and the founder and chairman of ExO Works and OpenExO.  Learn about Dave's fund: https://www.linkventures.com/xpv-fund  Join Salim's ExO Community: https://openexo.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/salimismail  Learn more about Abundance360: https://bit.ly/ABUNDANCE360  Learn more about Exponential Mastery: https://bit.ly/exponentialmastery  -- I only endorse products and services I personally use. To see what they are,  please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:  Get started with Fountain Life and become the CEO of your health: https://fountainlife.com/peter/ AI-powered precision diagnosis you NEED for a healthy gut: https://www.viome.com/peter  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code PETER at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod -- I send weekly emails with the latest insights and trends on today's and tomorrow's exponential technologies. Stay ahead of the curve, and sign up now:  Tech Blog -- Connect With Peter: Twitter Instagram Youtube Moonshots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody, a physical therapist turned business development lead at a rehab tech startup, shares his winding and inspirational path through full-time clinical care, entrepreneurship, concierge PT, and global service work. From launching the Rise & Walk—a game-changing neuro rehab tool—to surfing and treating patients in El Salvador, Cody embodies the spirit of "helping without the table."