Podcasts about tech leaders

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Jossie Haines—executive coach, fractional engineering leader, and former engineering leader at Apple, Zynga, Tile, and Life360—to unpack how great leaders build inclusive, high-performing teams and adopt AI with intention. Jossie shares pivotal moments from leading Siri teams at Apple (including award-winning Apple TV work) and scaling engineering at Tile, where she helped double the org and architect a culture people still miss. She gets candid about imposter syndrome, why inclusion (not box-checking diversity) drives psychological safety and product quality, and how to communicate in CEO/CFO language: business outcomes, trade-offs, and crisp “yes—and” solutions. You'll also hear her playbook for leaders using AI to reclaim strategic time, from code-base ramp-ups to custom GPTs that coach junior PMs and engineers. Plus: lessons from Zynga's two-week company-wide pivot, the value of age diversity in teams, and why “slow productivity” beats 80-hour grinds. A masterclass in defining success on your own terms—and leading with clarity, courage, and measurable impact.TakeawaysInclusion and psychological safety are prerequisites for high performance.Focus on mechanics (meetings, feedback, promotions) before chasing diversity metrics.Communicate in outcomes and trade-offs; lead with business impact.Use “yes, and” to surface constraints without being the “no” person.Leaders should model effective AI use to raise adoption quality.Treat AI as an 80–90% draft; humans add accuracy and context.Deploy AI where it frees strategy time: research, ramp-ups, admin loops.Build leverage by shipping tangible alternatives quickly.Age diversity strengthens execution and pattern recognition.Replace hustle myths with sustainable “slow productivity.”Senior leaders must self-generate confidence signals; feedback gets rarer.Define success on your terms and make clear, bold asks.Chapters00:00 Intro & Guest Setup02:00 Apple & Tile: Wins, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome05:00 Designing Roles and Cultures People Miss08:30 Why Senior Leaders Feel Isolated10:40 Inclusion → Psychological Safety → Performance13:10 Operationalizing Inclusion (Meetings, Feedback, Promotions)16:50 Hiring Panels, Representation, and Real Accountability18:55 Keeping Eyes on Outcomes, Not Optics21:50 The Overlooked Advantage of Age Diversity26:20 Boundaries, Peak Hours, and Sustainable Work28:40 Leaders & AI: Modeling Quality and Guardrails33:00 AI as Draft Partner: Seniors vs. Juniors36:30 Practical AI Workflows (Ramp-Ups, Custom Assistants)40:15 Speaking CFO/CEO: Outcomes, Trade-offs, “Yes, and”46:50 Shipping Fast for Negotiation Leverage51:10 Trust Yourself, Ask Boldly, Create Roles54:30 Closing & Book RecommendationsJossie Haines's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jossiemann/Jossie Haines's Websites:https://jossiehaines.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 sits down with Radhika Dutt—MIT-trained engineer, entrepreneur, and author of Radical Product Thinking, to rethink how high-growth companies set direction and measure progress. Radhika explains why traditional goal systems (KPIs/OKRs) often incentivize “performance theater,” tracing their lineage from Drucker's MBOs to Andy Grove to today's playbooks—and why they're mismatched to modern, creative work. She introduces OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings) and a “puzzle setting/puzzle solving” culture that pushes teams to interrogate bad numbers, not hide them. Along the way she names common “product diseases” (HERO syndrome, obsessive sales disorder, pivotitis, strategic swelling, Narcissus complex) and shows how a clear, testable vision prevents whiplash pivots. A standout case study: at Signal Ocean, reframing the challenge for tech-averse users helped double sales in 2024 and again in 2025 while reducing churn from 26% to 4%. Leaders also get a practical script for better reviews (“How well is it working? What did we learn? What will we try next?”) and a reminder to build experimentation muscles before a crisis. The result is a rigorous, human approach to strategy that replaces vanity metrics with compounding learning.TakeawaysOKRs often reward optics over insight, encouraging “performance theater.”Use a concrete vision that states the problem, audience, status quo, desired end state, and product's role.Shift from “hit the target” to puzzle setting so teams feel invited to solve the right problems.Run on OHLs: Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings to measure deeply and learn publicly.Watch for “product diseases” like HERO syndrome, obsessive sales disorder, pivotitis, strategic swelling, and the Narcissus complex.Pivot with gravitas by stating what was wrong, what you learned, and what you'll try next.Case study: at Signal Ocean, reframing for tech-averse users unlocked adoption, doubled sales year over year, and reduced churn.OKRs trace back to MBOs, which fit repetitive work but struggle with today's creative, uncertain problems.Leaders should act like detectives, not judges to create psychological safety for honest learning.Introduce OHLs inside your current cadence before replacing existing processes.Spread market insight beyond the founder so teams can challenge assumptions and stay aligned.Start with the segment that has the most urgent need, then expand intentionally.Chapters00:00 Intro & Why Targets Mislead01:27 Radhika's Path and Early Lessons03:41 Hitting Numbers vs. Reality on the Ground05:31 “Product Diseases” That Derail Strategy07:51 Writing a Vision You Can Execute09:49 The Wine Startup Example and Narcissus Complex13:07 Pivotitis and How to Pivot with Gravitas16:34 Translating Vision into Actionable Experiments17:44 Why Goals Alone Don't Work20:03 A Short History of OKRs and Their Limits24:43 From Targets to Puzzles: Reframing Stalled Sales26:50 OHLs: Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings29:14 Running Better Reviews: Three Questions35:31 Case Study: Signal Ocean's Tech-Averse Users39:55 Outcomes: Doubling Sales and Reducing Churn41:58 Intel's Lesson: Experimentation Beats Goal Mechanics47:58 Detectives, Not Judges: Building a Learning Culture50:06 How to Start Tomorrow with OHLs59:37 Don't Do Founder Mode; Spread Insight01:03:18 Closing Notes & ResourcesRadhika Dutt's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/Radhika Dutt's Websites:https://www.radicalproduct.com/https://rdutt.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

How can reframing your approach to talent, technology, and learning future-proof your entire organization? In this episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Steve Cadigan—renowned talent strategist, former LinkedIn VP of Talent, and author of Workquake—to unlock what it means to truly lead in an era where work is being reinvented at lightning speed. Drawing on experience guiding LinkedIn through explosive growth, building world-class cultures, and advising the likes of Google and Harvard, Steve shares a bold blueprint for navigating AI, fostering “career security,” and turning today's workplace challenges into tomorrow's breakthrough opportunities. Steve and Nicole challenge the status quo in how leaders approach AI, talent development, and organizational design. From leveraging AI to unleash human potential (not just cut costs), to building learning-centric cultures that attract and retain top talent—even in a world of short tenures and ever-evolving skills—this is essential listening for leaders ready to thrive in the future of work. Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Career Security vs. Job Security 1:40 – The Promise & Pitfalls of AI 4:10 – Asking Better AI Questions 9:24 – Discovering Hidden Talent 10:14 – Work Trends: Change & Upskilling 13:43 – AI Case Study: Prudential's Approach 16:07 – Rethinking Retention 21:13 – Learning Over Tenure 23:46 – Companies as Learning Hubs 31:14 – Growth Through New Challenges 34:09 – Embracing Experimentation 36:14 – Adaptability & Pandemic Lessons 41:13 – The Human Side of Tech 42:00 – Action Steps for Leaders 10 Key Takeaways Career Security Beats Job Security: The modern workforce values opportunities for growth over the false promise of long-term employment. Leaders that invest in employee learning build true loyalty and adaptability. AI is More Than Automation: Most companies only use AI to cut costs or replace jobs. Its real power lies in redefining work, solving new problems, and unlocking human creativity. Ask the Right Questions: “How can we use AI to rethink our work altogether?” opens far more potential than “How do we do this same process faster?” Hidden Talent Is Everywhere: Most organizations don't know the full extent of their people's skills. AI can help surface and map internal capabilities, opening up new pathways for growth and engagement. Experimentation Over Benchmarks: There are no established playbooks for this new era. Leading organizations experiment constantly—and learn quickly from the results. Retention is Out, “Returnship” is In: Rather than focusing on keeping people forever, forward-thinking companies build relationships that welcome alumni back and track who returns and why. Hire for Learning Agility: Technical skills expire fast; the ability to learn quickly is now the most sought-after trait in hiring and promotion. Break the Boxes: Job titles and prior roles excessively limit talent. When employees' true capabilities are surfaced, internal mobility and innovation soar. The Joy of Newness: Growth, engagement, and breakthrough innovation come from giving employees new challenges—even if they stretch comfort zones (and tenures are short). Reclaiming the Human Side of Tech: Leaders should use AI and digital tools to create more meaningful, joyful work experiences—not just greater efficiency. Ready to future-proof your organization? Dive in, get inspired, and take action. Episode Resources: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/544-unlocking-human-potential-with-ai-steve-cadigan Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

The U.S. tech and startup community was stunned by an executive order last week imposing a $100,000 fee for employers seeking new H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, a program heavily used by the technology industry. This move brings a longstanding debate back to the forefront: are skilled immigrants taking American jobs, or are they a vital engine for innovation and economic growth? Our guest this week has a strong point of view on this topic. Shirish Nadkarni is a serial entrepreneur and Microsoft veteran who founded companies acquired by BlackBerry and Rosetta Stone. An immigrant himself, he just released a timely new book, The Indian American Tech Success Story, which makes the case that immigrant founders, particularly from India, are one of America's greatest economic assets — creating far more jobs than they could ever be accused of taking. Related Links and Stories Startup leaders warn new $100K H-1B visa fee will hurt U.S. entrepreneurship and innovation New TiE Seattle president on how the $100K H-1B fee could snuff out entrepreneurial flame Will new U.S. visa fee boost Canada’s tech sector? B.C. sees an opening against Seattle and Silicon Valley With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Dr. Reece Akhtar, CEO and founder of Deeper Signals — a leading organizational psychologist and data scientist helping companies unlock human potential through AI-powered talent insights. Together, they explore how the future of leadership is being shaped by behavioral science, soft skills, and the rise of AI in the workplace.Dr. Akhtar breaks down what defines high-caliber leaders today, emphasizing the evergreen traits of cognitive aptitude, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and execution. He shares powerful stories about helping a scaling company move from 200 to 1,000 employees while improving performance by 15–20% year-over-year by using data-driven assessments.Listeners will gain a practical blueprint for building talent-centric organizations, minimizing bias in hiring, and turning assessments into tools for onboarding, coaching, and long-term leadership development. This episode is packed with actionable advice for executives and founders who want to future-proof their organizations, hire and grow the right leaders, and create high-performing, cohesive teams in an AI-driven world.TakeawaysHigh-performing leaders share four traits: cognitive aptitude, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to execute.AI will amplify the need for collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity—not replace them.Psychometrics offer a data-driven way to reveal leadership potential beyond intuition.Assessments shouldn't just filter candidates; they should inform onboarding and ongoing coaching.Structured interviews combined with assessments dramatically improve hiring accuracy.Data can act as a guardrail against unconscious bias in leadership selection.Building a talent-centric organization requires aligning culture, leadership development, and performance metrics.Cognitive diversity within teams often outperforms a single "A-player" approach.Over-indexing on charismatic leaders can be dangerous—look for competence, not charm.The five-factor model (OCEAN) is the most scientifically valid framework for personality assessments.Leaders should pause before reacting—self-awareness and emotional regulation are key."Just pause and listen" is Akhtar's billboard advice for young leaders.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Why leadership needs data in the AI era01:35 What defines high-potential leaders today03:50 Evergreen traits: intelligence, EQ, curiosity, execution06:25 How psychometrics and AI reveal hidden potential09:05 Case study: Scaling from 200 to 1,000 employees with data-driven hiring13:10 Turning assessment data into onboarding and coaching tools17:00 The five-factor model (OCEAN) and its predictive power19:00 Limitations of assessments and human adaptability22:30 Combining interviews, references, and data for better hiring decisions27:50 Why resumes and unstructured interviews fall short29:50 Lessons from Dune: Avoiding the charismatic leader trap32:40 Using data to identify and mitigate bias in hiring36:15 Building a talent-centric organization and embedding values44:30 The importance of team fit and cognitive diversity47:15 Personal lessons: pausing before reacting as a leader48:30 Recommended reading: Social Physics by Sandy Pentland49:55 Closing advice: "Pause and listen" for young leaders51:00 Episode wrap-up and where to connect with Dr. AkhtarDr. Reece Akhtar's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeceakhtar/Dr. Reece Akhtar's Website:https://www.deepersignals.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

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Comment faire grandir une organisation sans perdre en efficacité ni en engagement ?C'est le défi qu'a relevé Fabrice Bernhard, le cofondateur de Theodo. Partis de l'Agile, lui et son équipe ont vite dû trouver une nouvelle voie face à la croissance rapide de l'entreprise : des projets plus gros, des équipes support à embarquer, des recrutements massifs… Et leur réponse face à tout ça : le Lean. Un modèle qui transforme chaque problème en opportunité d'apprentissage et qui a permis, par exemple, de réussir 120 recrutements en un an sans sacrifier la qualité.Dans ce nouvel épisode de Learning by Doing, Fabrice partage donc les limites de l'Agile quand l'entreprise grandit, mais aussi comment appliquer le Lean au-delà de la tech (RH, recrutement, commercial). Et bien sûr, tout cela illustré par des pratiques concrètes : feedback en continu, visualisation des flux…Bonne écoute !À très vite,Prenez soin de vous !Plus d'info :Pour suivre Fabrice sur LinkedIn :Pour découvrir son livre : The Lean Tech Manifesto: Learn the Secrets of Tech Leaders to Grasp the Full Benefits of Agile at ScalePour recevoir gratuitement notre sélection hebdo de conseils pratiques pour animer votre équipe, rendez-vous ici : https://teambakery.com/nlEt n'oubliez pas de laisser 5 étoiles et un gentil commentaire sur Apple Podcast et Spotify si l'épisode vous a plu.CHAPITRAGE00:00:00 – Intro00:04:50 – De la méthode Agile au Lean00:13:14 – Qu'est-ce que le Lean exactement ?00:17:10 – Comment ont-ils su qu'ils allaient dans la bonne direction ?00:19:06 – Quel a été le résultat de tout ce qu'ils ont mis en place ?00:22:22 – Et qu'est-ce que cela a apporté à leurs autres équipes ?00:25:09 – Comment se matérialise l'approche de « flux » ?00:31:28 – Comment se matérialise l'organisation de travail apprenante ?00:36:11 – Quels autres rituels de partage ont-ils mis en place ?00:38:24 – Quelles sont les conséquences heureuses de ce livre ?00:41:37 – Et dans son organisation personnelle, qu'utilise-t-il du Lean ?00:43:44 – S'il ne fallait retenir qu'une chose du Lean ?Vous aimerez cet épisode si vous aimez : Outils du Manager • Happy Work • HBR on Leadership • Le Podcast de la Formation • MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP • Learn & EnjoyHébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Ari Galper, the world's #1 authority on trust-based selling and creator of the One Call Sale methodology and Ari AI, an AI-powered sales coaching platform built on decades of proven frameworks. Together, they explore why traditional relationship-building and persuasion tactics often fail in today's crowded marketplace—and what tech leaders can do instead.Ari shares how to transition from solution-centric pitching to problem-centric diagnosing, helping prospects see the cost of inaction before presenting a solution. He offers powerful language patterns and mindset shifts that compress long sales cycles into a single conversation, without pressure or chasing leads. Listeners will hear real-world stories, including Ari's personal turning point that inspired him to build a global movement around truth and trust in sales.Whether you're a founder, executive, or sales leader, this episode will help you rethink your approach to business growth—moving from transactional selling to creating deep trust that drives long-term success.TakeawaysTrust-building, not persuasion, is the foundation of modern sales.Stop selling pre-sale—diagnose problems first, like a doctor with a patient.The cost of inaction (COI) is critical: help prospects see the risk of staying with the status quo.Compressing the sales cycle into one call creates clarity and commitment without pressure.Relationship-building pre-sale often backfires; it can put you in the “friend zone.”Avoid using the phrase “follow-up”; ask for feedback instead to uncover the truth.Silence is a powerful tool—let prospects talk first and reveal their core issues.Clarity is the true value you provide, not your product demo or case studies.Create cultural change in sales teams by teaching trust-based frameworks, not scripts.Use trust-based language to keep prospects on your calendar and avoid chasing ghosts.Personal transparency and authenticity—like Ari's lessons from his son Toby—make you more effective.Market to the problems you solve, not your solutions, to stand out in a noisy world.Chapters00:00 Intro & Why Trust-Based Selling Matters in Tech01:30 The Shift: From Product-Centric to Problem-Centric03:15 Cost of Inaction: The Real Sales Trigger04:55 The One Call Sale Framework Explained06:40 Trust vs. Relationship Building08:20 Real Story: Why “Great Meetings” Don't Equal Sales10:40 Diagnosing Over Delivering: Coaching Case Study13:15 Ari's Sales Call Script (Doctor Analogy Breakdown)15:00 The Birth of Ari AI and What Makes It Unique18:00 How Leaders Role-Play and Write Better Emails with AI20:00 Difference Between Fact-Finding and Trust Questions21:40 Never Use “Follow Up” Again Use This Instead24:30 Building Culture Without Falling into the Friend Zone26:20 Sales Teams Need Interventions, Not Programs28:00 Avoiding Bad Business: Qualifying for Urgency30:00 Ari's Aha Moment: The Muted Sales Call That Changed Everything33:30 Why “Being Professional” Still Lost the Deal35:15 Favorite Book: 80/20 Sales & Marketing36:00 Why Ari Writes a New Book Every Quarter37:20 Writing Problem-Centric Cold Emails That Cut Through Noise39:00 Personal Wisdom from Ari's Son, Toby40:10 Final Advice: Trust is the New CurrencyAri Galper's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/arigalper/https://www.youtube.com/@ari_galperhttps://www.instagram.com/ari_galperhttps://x.com/arigalperAri Galper's Website:https://unlockthegame.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

Send us a textJennifer Dulski's career journey is anything but linear. She started as a high school teacher, moved into the nonprofit world, and went on to hold executive roles at Yahoo, Google, Facebook, and Change.org. Today she is the Founder and CEO of Rising Team, a platform that equips managers with the tools to build trust, connection, and effectiveness across distributed teams, while also serving on the faculty at Stanford Graduate School of Business.In this episode of Badass Women in Business, Jennifer shares her hard-earned lessons on resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She explains why the ability to get back up after being knocked down is the most critical entrepreneurial skill, introduces her “Three Cs” framework for managers (clarify, coach, connect), and reflects on her own experience balancing executive leadership with motherhood. From insights on hybrid work and AI to the power of small movements that snowball into lasting change, Jennifer offers a candid and practical playbook for leaders who want to make a bigger impact.Show NotesJennifer's unconventional path from teaching to tech and why amplifying others has always been at the heart of her leadershipThe lessons she carried from leading at Yahoo, Google, Facebook, and Change.org into founding Rising TeamWhy resilience is the defining trait of successful entrepreneurs and how to build it in yourself and your teamsThe Three Cs of leadership—clarify, coach, connect—and how they apply in today's hybrid workplaceHow Rising Team blends AI with human connection to improve manager effectiveness and employee engagementWhy guilt doesn't help when balancing parenthood and leadership, and how Jennifer developed her own “work-life mash-up”The core principles behind her Wall Street Journal bestselling book Purposeful and what it really takes to start movements that matterPractical strategies to build trust and connection on distributed teams without overwhelming your calendarWhy women need to stop pre-apologizing in the workplace and lead with clarity and confidenceContact InformationGuest: Jennifer DulskiCompany: Rising TeamLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jdulskiBook: Purposeful: Are You a Manager or a Movement Starter? (Wall Street Journal Bestseller)--- Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts. Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way. Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com Athena: athenaac.com

In questa puntata di Digital Champions, condotta da Manuel Arlotti, ospitiamo Mauro Romanelli, Direttore Commerciale di Mancini Market.Partendo da una storia di oltre 40 anni nel settore delle lavorazioni delle carni, Mancini Market ha saputo trasformarsi grazie al digitale: dall'introduzione del sito web e dei social media, alle campagne di lead generation, fino alla creazione di un'Academy e di percorsi formativi innovativi come il Sommelier della Carne.Un esempio concreto di come la digitalizzazione non sia solo comunicazione, ma anche un modo per ripensare processi, clienti e futuro aziendale.Capitoli00:00 Introduzione01:30 La storia di Mancini Market e le origini tradizionali05:20 La trasformazione digitale: dal passaparola al digitale10:15 Il ruolo del Covid come spartiacque14:40 CRM, SEO e riorganizzazione interna20:05 L'Academy e la formazione come leva di business26:00 Il progetto Sommelier della Carne32:45 Clienti più consapevoli e tempi di acquisizione37:20 Prospettive future e digitalizzazione dei processi42:10 Assistenza post-vendita e Industria 4.047:00 Conclusioni e riferimenti a Mancini MarketHost e Guest- Host: Manuel Arlotti- Guest: Mauro Romanelli, Direttore Commerciale di Mancini Market

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the need to develop more energy systems, as new data centers that require a lot of electricity are being built in Ohio and the Midwest. We'll discuss whether nuclear power could be a viable alternative energy source.

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Susan Ruediger, Founder and Chief Mission Officer of the CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF), and Laura MacNeill, the organization's CEO. Together, they explore how patient-led research is revolutionizing drug development and catalyzing billion-dollar outcomes. Susan shares the remarkable story of CMTRF's $128,000 seed investment in DTX Pharma that led to a $1 billion Novartis acquisition — a masterclass in strategic risk-taking and venture philanthropy. Laura explains how CMTRF's unique “go-out-of-business” mission drives urgency, focus, and impact, while also inspiring other nonprofits to adopt similar models. The conversation dives deep into storytelling's role in galvanizing donors, the importance of milestones and reinvestment, and how rare disease foundations can unlock breakthroughs for broader neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. Whether you're a biotech leader, investor, or nonprofit executive, this episode offers actionable lessons on focus, partnerships, and creating outsized impact with limited resources.TakeawaysPatient-led research can de-risk and accelerate drug development.$128K seed funding led to a $1B Novartis acquisition.CMTRF uses a venture-philanthropy model with milestone-based funding.Mission: fund treatments, find a cure, close the foundation.Storytelling drives awareness, donations, and partnerships.Early investments keep promising science alive.Biotech partnerships share risk and leverage expertise.Novartis validated CMT as a major market opportunity.Rare disease focus offers faster FDA pathways.Staying laser-focused means saying no to distractions.Chapters00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome01:20 From Grassroots Donations to Billion-Dollar Deals02:30 Understanding CMT and Its Impact05:00 Finding the Right Delivery Vehicle for Drugs07:40 The $128K Bet That Changed Everything09:50 Other Success Stories & Market Signaling13:00 The Venture-Philanthropy Model Explained16:30 The Power of Milestones and Flexibility18:45 Reinvestment and Sustainable Funding21:30 Role of Storytelling and Strategy in Movement Building26:10 Velocity Campaign & Raising $20M27:25 Why Biotechs Care About Rare Diseases31:50 CMT as a Gateway Indication for Neurodegenerative Disease33:30 Staying Focused and Saying No38:30 The Drug Development Lifecycle and Staying Mission-Aligned42:10 How to Get Involved and Follow CMTRF's Work45:10 Personal & Business Advice for Leaders48:30 Favorite Books and Final Thoughts52:00 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionSusan Ruediger's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ruediger/Laura MacNeill's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-macneill-m-b-a-97633732/CMT Research Foundation's Website:https://cmtrf.org/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

When it comes to innovation in the beauty industry, few wield more power and influence than Guive Balooch, L'Oréal Group's longtime tech leader.  “In the last three or four years, [we've seen] this incredible shift in the speed of innovation,” Balooch told Glossy. “It feels great to work on things that are shaping the future of our industry.”  Since Balooch last joined the Glossy Beauty Podcast in 2021, his team has released a light-powered blowdryer called the AirLight Pro; an in-store skin diagnostic device called Cell BioPrint; Water Saver, an in-salon water reduction tool; a home hair-color application tool called Color Sonic; and many more innovations. He's also taken on an expanded role as global vp of tech and open innovation, where he now oversees the partnerships driving L'Oréal's future innovation. This includes investments in Swiss longevity biotech company Timeline and San Diego-based Debut Biotech. In today's episode, Balooch shares insights into the future of beauty innovation, which includes further exploration of the skin's microbiome, ingredient creation through biotechnology and beauty at the intersection of longevity. He also shares details on his team's use of AI, the latest shift in consumer desires, and the unexpected inspiration behind L'Oréal's new 3D printable eyebrow technology called 3D shu:brow.  But first, Lexy Lebsack is joined by senior reporter Emily Jensen to walk through the biggest beauty and wellness news of the week. To start, the hosts discuss a new $28,000 fragrance from LVMH-owned Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The new 10-year anniversary edition of the brand's Baccarat Rouge 540 comes with many perks for the investment, including access to events and a members-only club. Jensen and Lebsack also dive into the latest earnings at Puig, which saw 7.7% like-for-like sales growth driven primarily by fragrance sales, which made up 73% of the quarterly sales. And they discuss Macy's Inc., which saw its best comparable sales growth in 12 quarters, thanks to boosts of 3.6% at Bloomingdale's and 1.2% at Bluemercury. Finally, everything you need to know about the influx of lawsuits in California courts challenging “made in America” marketing claims by top beauty brands including Unilever-owned Paula's Choice and It's a 10, which is privately held. 

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham speaks with Catherine Stagg-Macey, executive coach, advisor, and host of the Unsaid At Work podcast. After more than 20 years in consulting and operations, Catherine has seen how traditional command-and-control leadership fails in fast-moving tech environments. Together they explore why authenticity and vulnerability are not weaknesses but core strengths for today's technology leaders. Catherine shares how letting go of the illusion of control, acknowledging challenges, and treating teams like adults can transform culture, build trust, and unlock better performance—even in turbulent times. Discover How to show vulnerability without oversharing: sharing “scars” rather than open wounds Why authenticity builds stronger teams and reduces the burden on leaders  Why “motivation” isn't something leaders can inject, but a balance of clear direction and the right people The difference between acknowledgement and toxic positivity—and why it matters Strategies for motivating self-driven teams without micromanagement How to handle difficult conversations when budgets tighten or uncertainty looms Practical ways to co-create solutions with your team while retaining decision-making authority If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe so you don't miss an episode. We would also appreciate a few moments of your time to rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; we value all feedback from our listeners to deliver the best content and experience.

GSA and FedRAMP are fast-tracking cloud authorizations for AI tools, while Congress is pushing to prioritize skills over degrees in federal cyber jobs. Together, these moves signal a shift in how agencies adopt innovation and build talent. Here to share how federal contractors can prepare is Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In questa puntata di Pionieri del Tech, Alex Pagnoni intervista Roberto Fumarola, CEO di Qapla', per esplorare un tema spesso trascurato: la fase di consegna come touchpoint strategico per la customer experience e la fidelizzazione.Perché ci concentriamo solo sull'acquisizione e dimentichiamo che la vera esperienza inizia dopo il checkout?Dalla delivery experience al tracking personalizzato, passando per le API e il ruolo dell'AI nella logistica: scopri come trasformare ogni consegna in un'opportunità di branding, marketing e customer retention.

"The world has an enormous shortage of qualified project managers - to the tune of tens of millions of people."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Greg from Nodes & Links and we got to learn about how AI is solving construction's biggest workforce crisis, why American customers bite your hand off for ROI while Europeans think about it for budget cycles, and the physics behind project acceleration... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the construction industry needs a billion more project managers and how AI workers will fill the gap ✅ How one customer saved $63,000 per scheduler per year using automation software✅ The brutal reality of startup hiring - 0.3% acceptance rate from 15,000 CVs reviewed ✅ Why the CEO's job is preventing failure while everyone else maximizes successListen now on Spotify to discover how construction scheduling is being revolutionized and what it means for the future of mega projects worldwide.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com---------Chapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction to Nodes and Links05:43 Evolution of Project Management Software08:54 The Role of AI in Construction11:39 Challenges in Project Management14:33 Customer Onboarding and Experience17:36 Pricing and Business Model20:35 Scaling Challenges in Tech23:29 Identifying Customer Pain Points34:14 Maximizing Productivity in Construction Projects35:55 Client vs Contractor Needs in Software37:07 Global Operations and Team Management38:36 Building High-Performance Remote Teams39:59 The CEO's Role in Preventing Failure43:29 Insights from 'The Physics of Project Acceleration'46:27 Recent Funding and Growth Strategies49:53 Understanding Profitability in Construction Tech52:01 Raising Capital in Construction Technology54:56 Calculating Capital Needs for Growth56:55 Vision for the Future of Project Management59:02 Cultural Nuances in Global Construction Practices

Today on The Scott Jennings Show, live from the campus of Georgetown University — Scott Jennings breaks down today’s slowing jobs report, Biden’s auto-pen scandal fallout, and what the Trump White House is doing on AI, space, and crime. Plus: hard-hitting guests Hayden Dublois and Jillian Michaels join the conversation.Keep up with the Trump Administration when you subscribe to The Trump Report. This email brings you daily highlights from the Oval Office, right to your inbox, 5 days a week. Subscribe today at http://salempodcastnetwork.com/trumpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VettaFi's Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the JPMorgan US Tech Leaders ETF (JTEK) on this week's “ETF of the Week” podcast with Chuck Jaffe of “Money Life.” Why should you attend Exchange? Exchange gives advisors access to subject matter experts and developmental opportunities across all of the dimensions of their professional portfolio. Invest in your greatest asset – yourself. To learn more visit https://www.exchangeetf.com/registration

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Andrew McVeigh, veteran technology leader and Chief Architect, whose career spans transformations at Hulu, Riot Games, and beyond. Andrew has navigated multi-billion-dollar shifts across industries from finance to gaming and healthcare, leaving behind architectures that still power companies today.The conversation dives deep into some of the most pressing questions in modern tech leadership: What matters most—EQ, IQ, or AI? Should organizations rebuild systems from scratch or evolve incrementally? Andrew shares candid stories, including lessons from Riot Games, the pitfalls of full rewrites, and the importance of balancing optimism with realism.Listeners will gain insight into how domain expertise and generalist skills complement one another, why EQ becomes more critical than IQ at senior levels, and how AI is reshaping engineering work without eliminating the need for human craft. Andrew also reflects on personal resilience, leadership missteps (like literally flipping a table), and the value of building systems and cultures that endure. This episode offers a rare inside look into decades of architectural wisdom and leadership lessons applicable to anyone guiding teams through complexity and changeTakeawaysEQ often outweighs IQ at senior leadership levels when managing large teams.Losing emotional control may feel satisfying in the moment but erodes long-term trust and outcomes.Generalists and specialists both play vital roles—large-scale architecture requires a mix of both.Domain expertise is valuable but shouldn't be an absolute barrier to hiring strong engineers.Successful engineers learn to work at the level of intention rather than just tasks.Psychological safety fuels better performance and innovation in teams.AI augments, not replaces—engineers must learn to collaborate with it effectively.Craft and fundamentals (e.g., programming) remain essential even as AI automates repetitive work.The Pareto principle (80/20) applies broadly—focus on high-leverage outcomes, not perfection.Full rewrites often fail; incremental evolution with a defined “North Star” strategy is safer.Optimism in leadership can shift cultures and reframe challenges as opportunities.Balancing results with humanity ensures people want to work with you again.Chapters00:00 Intro: EQ, IQ, or AI?01:15 Guest Introduction: Andrew McVeigh's career at Hulu, Riot Games, and more02:30 Industry Crossovers: From finance to gaming to healthcare04:10 Specialists vs. Generalists in large-scale systems05:20 The rising importance of EQ in leadership07:10 Riot Games culture and the “must be a gamer” debate11:20 What makes great engineers stand out13:40 Leadership, personal resilience, and the humanity factor17:50 How AI reshapes engineering work22:30 Applying the Pareto principle in tech leadership24:50 The rewrite dilemma: Start over or evolve?31:20 Preserving value while modernizing legacy systems36:10 Final thoughts: EQ, IQ, or AI? Andrew's choice37:30 Book recommendations and sources of inspiration38:40 Closing advice: Attitude, optimism, and ownership39:45 Outro and how to connect with AndrewAndrew McVeigh's Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmcveigh/Andrew McVeigh's Website:https://www.suvoda.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com Sometimes, a company becomes so large that it is difficult to be specific about how it can help any organization, especially one as vast as the federal government. Today, we sit down with Ron Bushar, Chief Information Security Officer & Managing Director – Google Public Sector. We address many of the significant concerns federal technology leaders have regarding topics such as cloud-native, edge computing, and Zero Trust. This is a rudimentary overview of working with Google Public Sector. If you would like to connect in more detail, you can attend the free Google Public Sector event in late October. The focus will be on the investments Google Public Sector has made in AI and security. Ron Bushar begins the discussion by highlighting the benefits of transitioning to cloud-native applications. Modern applications demand availability anytime and anywhere. Emphasizing applications that can leverage the cloud provides scalability and security that are often lacking in older systems. Furthermore, when one combines cloud-native with AI, the result is a lighter-weight platform that can be used worldwide to support missions. This “anywhere” concept encompasses areas of the world that require remote access, which is increasingly referred to as edge computing. Google has provided international access since its early years, and it has the capability that can allow federal technology to be connected at the edge. Most federal security conversations today involve the concept of Zero Trust. Ron Bushar makes the point that Google was a pioneer in Zero Trust. Listen to the interview to hear about ·      70% discount ·      Agentic AI ·      Hardening of Google   ·      Gemini and federal applications Even better, attend the Google Public Sector event on October 29, 2025. 

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.

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 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

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

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

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

Weekly AI Tech News:

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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!