The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I have a fantastic conversation with Emma Steeley, CEO of Aro, formerly known as Freedom Finance. With 17 years of experience in consumer finance and fintech, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the rapidly evolving world of financial services. The episode starts with Emma discussing the strategic rebranding of Freedom Finance to Aro. She explains how this change reflects the company's commitment to innovation, adaptability, and growth, aiming to meet customers better needs in a dynamic global landscape. A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to how Aro is leveraging machine learning to transform personal credit matching. Emma elaborates on how the company uses application data, credit reports, open banking, and internal data in their machine learning models. This approach enables Aro to match customers with lending offers they are most likely approved for, significantly enhancing the customer experience beyond what generic credit scores can off

Today, I enjoyed an engaging conversation with David Woodward, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Zellis, a frontrunner in Human Capital Management (HCM) and payroll technology. David, with his extensive background spanning over two decades in the HR and payroll tech industry, including senior roles at ADP, SD Worx, and MHR, brings a treasure trove of insights and experiences. This episode arrives at a crucial time as the world grapples with a significant cost of living crisis. David sheds light on how technology is not just a tool for efficiency but a powerful ally in enhancing the financial wellbeing for employees. He shares his experiences with integrating Wagestream's financial wellbeing suite into several large organizations, both in the public and private sectors, highlighting how these initiatives are making a real difference in employees' lives. We delve into the nuances of how HR and payroll teams can effectively use technology to provide much-needed support to employees during these challen

I sit down with Hans Fischmann from Vericast to explore the evolving world of data privacy and ethical marketing. Vericast, known for its influence on how over 130 million households engage with the market, is at the forefront of redefining marketing solutions through a business-to-human approach. This discussion comes at a crucial time when consumer data protection is more regulated than ever, posing unique brand challenges and opportunities. We explore the groundbreaking partnership between Vericast and Qonsent, highlighting their shared commitment to placing consumer consent at the heart of data collection. We dissect how this collaboration is revolutionizing how brands interact with and maintain records of user consent, ensuring compliance in a complex digital landscape. The conversation shifts to Vericast's innovative strategies, particularly the NXTDRIVE platform, which empowers brands to utilize fully consented first-party data for targeted marketing. Hans offers insights into balancing potent marketin

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I, Neil, am thrilled to welcome Andrew Sullivan, President and CEO of the Internet Society, for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of Internet governance, regulation, and the ongoing battle to keep the Internet open and accessible for everyone. The internet, a marvel of the modern world, stands at a crossroads. Originally conceived as a decentralized "network of networks," it's now facing challenges that could reshape its very essence. Andrew Sullivan, with his wealth of experience in the Internet Society, brings a deep understanding of these issues to the table. We delve into how large corporations increasingly try to "enclose" the internet, shifting the paradigm from an open web system to a more controlled application-based environment. This conversation takes us through the nuances of technical proposals like Web Environment Integrity, "NewIP," and Private Access Tokens and what they mean for the future of the internet. Our discussion also turns to the ro

Peter-Jan Van De Venn, VP of Global Digital Banking at Hexaware-Mobiquity. Our conversation centered around a pressing issue in the banking sector: the relegation of sustainability initiatives amidst the current economic crisis. Peter-Jan brought to light some startling revelations from recent research. The study, involving 600 C-suite banking executives globally, indicated a significant shift in the banking sector's approach to sustainability. Notably, only two-thirds of these leaders now view sustainability as a key business strategy, a stark contrast to last year when it was unanimously seen as a top priority. This shift is particularly intriguing as more than a third of the executives acknowledge the profitability potential of prioritizing Environmental Societal Governance (ESG). Our discussion delved into the reasons behind this dramatic change, particularly in the context of current economic uncertainties. Peter-Jan shared his insights on why banks are increasingly focusing on short-term bottom lines, p

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Kurt Markley from Apricorn, a company at the forefront of encrypted hard drives and flash drives. Our conversation was a deep and insightful exploration into the world of data security, a topic that resonates with businesses and governments alike. Kurt brought to the table a wealth of knowledge, particularly highlighting a widespread issue in the realm of data backup protocols within organizations. It was intriguing to learn that even seasoned IT professionals in these organizations are often not doing enough to protect their data, a concern that Apricorn is keenly aware of and actively addressing. One of the most compelling parts of our discussion revolved around the need to simplify security practices. Kurt emphasized that current security measures are often too complex, too expensive, and, ironically, not sufficiently protective. This simplicity in approach, as Kurt suggested, is not just about making things easier but also about enhancing the effectiveness of da

In the latest Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with John Letter, CEO of Proem Behavioral Health. Our conversation offered a deep dive into how technology is reshaping the landscape of mental health care, a topic that resonates with many in our current times. John introduced Proem Behavioral Health, a company at the forefront of clinical workflow support software. Their mission is to streamline the screening process for mental illnesses, aiding in diagnosis and tracking treatment outcomes. As John highlighted, this approach is a game-changer i n addressing the fragmented nature of behavioral healthcare. One of the most striking aspects of our discussion was the real-world impact of Proem's technology. John shared an example from Eastern Europe: their tools are used to screen patients proactively. This proactive approach is critical in mental health care, where early detection can significantly alter treatment outcomes. However, the journey has its challenges. John candidly disc

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily,  I enjoy a thought-provoking conversation with Olivier Pailhès, the Co-founder of Aircall. Olivier's journey is a fascinating one, starting his career at The Boston Consulting Group and ArcelorMittal, where he gained invaluable insights into the business world. This experience laid the foundation for his venture into entrepreneurship with Aircall, a company that has recently celebrated a significant milestone, achieving centaur status with over $100 million in annual recurring revenue. Olivier shares his insights on the importance of embracing change and taking risks, especially in a landscape marked by economic challenges and unpredictability. His perspective is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced, technology-driven environment, where adaptability and innovation are key to success. A significant part of the discussion revolves around the launch of Voice AI, a groundbreaking development in the communications industry. Olivier explains how this technology is not jus

In this compelling episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am joined by Terry Ray, Senior Vice President at Imperva, for a crucial discussion on a frequently overlooked aspect of data security: protecting low-value data. Terry brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective, warning organizations about ignoring what is often perceived as insignificant data. Throughout the episode, Terry emphasizes a critical message: no data should be ignored, regardless of its perceived value. He draws an analogy between data security and home security, illustrating how leaving low-value data unprotected is akin to leaving your front door wide open. This oversight can give cybercriminals a foothold, allowing them to gather insights and eventually target more valuable, sensitive data. The conversation delves into why organizations need to monitor low-risk data as intensely as high-risk data. Terry argues that the goal of data security shouldn't be merely to catch criminals in the act but to identify and thwart their efforts befo

Today, I am joined by Monish Darda, the CTO and Co-founder of Icertis, in a riveting discussion about the intersection of technology and sustainability. As businesses grapple with the complexities of environmental responsibility, Monish brings his rich experience in using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to the forefront, discussing how these technologies are revolutionizing supply chain management and contract intelligence. The conversation begins with an exploration of how AI is being used to quantify and mitigate the environmental impact of supply chain partners. This topic is particularly relevant in light of the recent EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directives and the UK's Sustainable Disclosure Requirements, reshaping the landscape of corporate responsibility. Monish offers insights into how AI ensuresensures compliance with these new regulations and helps companies navigate this changing terrain. We discuss the transformative role of machine learning in analyzing millions

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the privilege of speaking with Kohji Nagata, the head of game design at Parallel, a Canadian gaming studio at the forefront of integrating AI and blockchain technologies. Our conversation offered a deep dive into Parallel's innovative projects, mainly focusing on how these technologies revolutionize the gaming industry. Kohji introduced us to Colony, a unique project epitomizing Parallel's innovative approach. He described Colony as a blend between a Tamagotchi and a Large Language Model, where players interact with an AI avatar that acts autonomously based on its memories and biography. This groundbreaking concept in gaming allows for a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience, setting Parallel apart from other studios. We discussed the Parallel Trading Card Game (TCG), a prime example of web3 and NFT integration in gaming. Kohji shared insights into the game's development process, highlighting the use of AI tools in coding and workflow enhancement. He also she

In this Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I had the opportunity to engage in a fascinating conversation with Thorbjørn Fink, COO of Pleo, a trailblazing company in the fintech sector. Our discussion offered an in-depth look at how Pleo transforms how businesses handle spending through innovative solutions that streamline financial processes and empower employees. Thorbjørn began by sharing his journey in finance and what led him to join Pleo. His insights provided a unique perspective on the company's mission and operations, setting the stage for an enlightening discussion about what distinguishes Pleo in the competitive fintech landscape. Much of our conversation revolved around Pleo's challenges while scaling across different markets. Thorbjørn highlighted the hurdles in attracting and retaining talent and the critical importance of investing in infrastructure and regulatory compliance to facilitate rapid expansion. This part of our dialogue offered listeners a rare glimpse into the complexities of scaling

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I had the opportunity to converse with Artem Kroupenev, VP of Strategy at Augury. Our discussion offered a deep dive into the transformative role of AI co-pilots in the manufacturing sector and how they are poised to redefine the industry in the coming years. Artem started our conversation by outlining his role at Augury, a company at the intersection of manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. He detailed how Augury's innovative machine health and process health solutions leverage AI to predict machine failures and optimize production processes, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the manufacturing industry. Our discussion focused heavily on the application of AI in manufacturing, particularly in the context of machine health and optimization. Artem and I explored how AI co-pilots are not just futuristic concepts but current realities transforming factory floors. These AI systems create safer work environments, boost efficiency, and improve pr

In this latest episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Zur, CEO of ThriveDX Enterprise, a company at the forefront of cybersecurity training and education. Our discussion centered around ThriveDX's innovative approach to addressing the critical cybersecurity skills gap, its unique training model, and its groundbreaking Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program. The conversation started by exploring the current cybersecurity landscape and its growing importance in a tight economy. Roy then shared his insights on how cybersecurity offers vast opportunities for individuals looking to reskill or upskill, especially in today's digital age, where security threats are ever-evolving. We then delved into what sets ThriveDX's training model apart. Roy elucidated on their hands-on, practical approach to cybersecurity education, which equips candidates with the necessary skills and prepares them for the real-world challenges they will face in the field. This focus on practical training

In this insightful episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sat down with Tobias Dengel, CEO of WillowTree, a leader in the digital product industry. Our conversation revolved around the transformative potential of voice technology and its role in reshaping our interaction with devices and machines. Tobias brought a wealth of knowledge and foresight on how the latest advancements in AI and voice technology are set to revolutionize our daily lives and the business landscape. At the outset, Tobias and I explored the concept of the complete reinvention of human-device interaction. We delved into how voice technology, powered by cutting-edge AI, is not just an emerging trend but a pivotal shift towards a more intuitive, efficient, and human-centric way of engaging with technology. Tobias emphasized the evolution of digital experiences towards multimodal interfaces, which integrate spoken words, screens, keyboards, sounds, and haptics, creating a seamless connection between humans and machines. A crucial part of

In this pisode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I had the privilege of engaging with Peter Platzer, the visionary CEO of Spire, a company at the forefront of utilizing space technology to address some of the most pressing challenges on Earth. As we delve into the intricacies of Spire's mission and operations, our discussion unveils how this innovative company is leveraging the vastness of space to bring tangible solutions to our planet, particularly in the face of escalating climate disasters. Our conversation began with an exploration of Spire's foundational mission: harnessing space to solve problems on Earth. Peter eloquently described how Spire, a data and analytics powerhouse, is utilizing its fleet of satellites to revolutionize our approach to weather forecasting and monitoring maritime and aviation activities. This global network of satellites is not just a technological marvel but a critical tool in predicting and understanding patterns that have far-reaching impacts on economies, international secur

In this episode, we're exploring the innovative world of Honeywell, a Fortune 500 company renowned for inventing and manufacturing technologies that tackle global safety, security, and energy challenges. I'm joined by Mehul Patel from Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS) to delve into how Honeywell is revolutionizing the retail experience. We discuss how modern customer demands are reshaping the retail landscape. Technology is playing an increasingly crucial role, from autonomous stores to the need for instant, informed customer service. With its rich history in the retail supply chain dating back to the 1970s, Honeywell is at the forefront of creating frictionless experiences in both shops and distribution centers. Notably, 60 of the top 100 global retailers and 50 percent of the top 100 e-commerce retailers rely on Honeywell's automated material handling solutions. Mehul shares insights on how Honeywell Technologies is helping retailers digitize their processes, offering a unified shopping expe

Today, I'm thrilled to have Aviv Cohen, the Chief Marketing Officer of cybersecurity unicorn Pentera, join us for a fascinating discussion on a topic that's crucial yet often overlooked: educating the next generation about cybersecurity. In this episode, Aviv and I dive into his unique initiative – the creation of a children's book titled "Castle Defenders: What Do Cyber Parents Do?" This Amazon #1 Bestseller is not just a book; it's a movement towards making cybersecurity a household conversation. Aviv shares the inspiration behind this innovative approach to educating children about the digital world and the importance of online safety. We start our conversation by exploring Aviv's role at Pentera, a category leader in Automated Security Validation. Pentera's platform is pivotal in enabling organizations to consistently test the integrity of their cybersecurity defenses, a mission that Aviv is deeply passionate about. The core of our discussion, however, revolves around "Castle Defenders." Aviv explains how

Welcome back to Tech Talks Daily! In today's episode, we're venturing into the innovative world of IoT with Neil Bosworth from Telit Cinterion, the largest western provider pioneering IoT innovation. Telit Cinterion is known for its award-winning and highly secure IoT solutions, modules, and services, catering to the industry's top brands. Our conversation today revolves around the transformative impact of IoT in two critical areas: Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and smart metering. First, we delve into the integral role of IoT in reshaping the EV charging landscape. Neil sheds light on how cellular connectivity is crucial in providing reliable charging services. He explains how Telit Cinterion's expertise plays a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring that EV charging is not just accessible but also efficient and dependable. We then tackle the challenges faced by EV charging stations, including revenue losses and reputational damage due to unreliable or dysfunctional charging points. Neil reveals how

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Michaela Ternasky-Holland, an Emmy and Webby award-winning director renowned for her groundbreaking work in immersive and interactive storytelling. Michaela's expertise in XR (Extended Reality) and the metaverse has positioned her as a leading voice in using technology for social impact. In this episode, Michaela shares her journey as an XR/metaverse creator, consultant, and speaker. Her work, featured by prestigious brands and organizations like Disney, TIME, Forbes, and the Tribeca Film Festival, focuses on creative strategy and impact production. We delve into how she leverages VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), and XR for purpose-driven projects, addressing global issues like nuclear weapons and gun violence and advocating for diversity in storytelling. Michaela discusses her recent project, "MAHAL," a VR film that was a finalist for the VR Film of the Year. This film exemplifies her commitment to championing underrepresented voices and cultures. We explore the nu