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

Charlie Robertson and Harry Simmonds from Studio Elros join me on Tech Talks Daily. Studio Elros isn't just another venture studio; it's a hub where world-class inventors and forward-thinking organizations converge to co-create products and startups. Their mission? To foster positive change for people, the environment, and communities. This episode takes us on a journey from the West Midlands to Edinburgh and New Zealand, illustrating the power of curiosity and uncertainty in driving innovation. Charlie and Harry share the fascinating origin story of Studio Elros, including their serendipitous meeting while walking the length of New Zealand. This adventure marked the beginning of their partnership and laid the foundation for a venture studio driven by a passion for exploration and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. We delve into Studio Elros' unique partnership model, focusing on building relationships with organizations to create products that genuinely move the world forward. The duo discusses thei

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we discuss the evolving world of data and analytics with Julie Smith, the director of data and analytics at Alation, a global leader in data intelligence. With over thirty years of experience in the data industry, Julie offers a unique perspective on its transformation and the role of women in this traditionally male-dominated field. Our conversation with Julie centers around the critical theme of a people-led data transformation. She believes there is no 'one size fits all' approach to data governance and emphasizes the importance of considering the diverse needs and perspectives of people involved in these processes. Julie's insights are precious for organizations looking to balance the technical aspects of data governance with the human elements that drive its success. Julie also discusses her journey as a woman in the tech industry, highlighting the barriers that still exist for women aspiring to succeed in data and tech roles. Despite the progress made, Julie ackno

In this compelling episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am thrilled to host James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist at CompTIA, the world's leading non-profit provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. Our conversation offers a panoramic view of the current landscape in cybersecurity skills and training, addressing critical issues and emerging trends in the tech industry. We kick off the episode by discussing the significance of IT certifications, especially cybersecurity. James provides valuable insights into how these certifications serve as benchmarks of achievement and play a crucial role in expanding the employment horizon for those aspiring to enter this dynamic field. Diving deeper, we explore the benefits of apprenticeships in tech. James shares compelling statistics from the National Apprenticeship Service, highlighting how apprenticeships improve staff retention and offer a practical, hands-on approach to learning and skill development. This segment is particularly enlightening for businesses consid

In this enlightening episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am joined by Neill Smith, Head of Infrastructure at the Agricultural Economy Directorate for the Scottish Government. We delve into the intricate journey of the Scottish Government's transition towards a more digital and cloud-centric approach. This episode offers a unique perspective on how a significant arm of the government, responsible for disbursing around $1 billion in subsidies to farmers, is navigating the complex landscape of modern technology. Neill Smith shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by cloud migration, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the specific needs of each workload. He sheds light on the common misconceptions about cloud-first strategies and the importance of a nuanced approach in public sector digital transformation. We also explore the broader implications of this shift, including the rising expectations of citizens for digital services, the challenges of cloud skills shortages

Join me for an insightful conversation with Mary Fratto Rowe, the newly appointed Chief Customer Officer at Navisite. With over three decades of experience in customer success and leadership, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge on transforming customer success organizations and driving business growth through exceptional customer experiences. In this episode, Mary discusses the evolving role of the Chief Customer Officer and how it's becoming increasingly pivotal in aligning company strategies with customer needs and expectations. She shares her vision for Navisite's customer experience, emphasizing the importance of building strong, honest relationships and the implementation of strategic programs like executive sponsor programs and customer advisory boards. We explore the concept of a customer-centric organization, delving into how such an orientation can drive a company's growth and success. They discuss the significance of a robust customer success program in increasing revenues, profitability, and sharehol

In this electrifying episode, I plug into the world of electric vehicle (EV) charging with Dan O'Shea, VP of Business Development at ABB E-mobility. With over a decade of experience in EV charging infrastructure and a finger on the pulse of public charging and utilities, Dan brings an invaluable technologist’s perspective to the table. ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, boasts the highest uptime and the largest installed base of DC fast chargers in the market. Dan discusses the company's vertically integrated offerings, including a wide portfolio of AC and DC charging hardware, digital services, and advanced energy and fleet management solutions. He highlights how critical cloud-based connectivity enables ABB to provide round-the-clock remote monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring reliability and availability. We explore the pressing question of whether EV charging infrastructure can keep pace with the anticipated growth fueled by government investment. They delve into the role of fleet e

Some often view Quantum computing as a futuristic concept. But Tony Uttley brings it into the present, discussing its real-world applications and the transformative impact it's already having across various sectors. From enhancing cybersecurity with advanced encryption methods to driving innovation in finance, pharmaceuticals, and materials development, quantum computing is not just a theoretical marvel but a practical tool reshaping our world. Tony and I dive into the potential risks and rewards of investing in quantum computing. We tackle common misconceptions, emphasizing that quantum computing is more than a theoretical concept; it's a burgeoning field demonstrating tangible benefits and capabilities across diverse industries. A significant focus of our conversation revolves around the critical role of quantum computing in cybersecurity. We discuss how quantum computing addresses sophisticated threats and the importance of preparing for the quantum leap in data protection and encryption. One of the unique

In an era where cloud breaches are not just risks but realities, I sit down with Liat Hayun, co-founder of Eureka Security and a vanguard in the cybersecurity domain, on this episode of Tech Talks Daily. Liat, with a decorated background from the Israeli Cyber Command to Palo Alto Networks, and now at the helm of Eureka Security, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of innovation to the table. The episode kicks off with Liat sharing her journey as a female tech leader and entrepreneur. She reflects on her pivotal roles, from her service in the IDF, which earned her the Israel Defense Prize, to leading the production of Cortex XDR at Palo Alto Networks. Liat offers insights into the growth opportunities and learnings from her transition from on-prem to cloud solutions and the nuances of building a threat hunting team. As the conversation progresses, we delve into the evolution of data security. They dissect the challenges businesses face in securing data in the cloud and how Eureka's distinctive ap

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I enjoy a thought-provoking conversation with Projjal Ghatak, the innovative mind behind OnLoop, a platform that's pioneering the space of Collaborative Team Development (CTD). Projjal, with his rich background from Uber to Accenture and his academic stint at Stanford GSB, brings a disruptive approach to traditional performance management. The dialogue opens with an exploration of OnLoop's mission to transform how hybrid teams are assessed and developed. Projjal shares his decade-long frustration with outdated enterprise performance tools and how it fueled his dedication to empowering the world's 1 billion knowledge workers. We dive into the nuances of managing team productivity, discussing the critical need for managers to maintain visibility on their team's capacity to perform. They dissect the concept of shared clarity on business and personal goals, and the importance of building habits around frequent and constructive feedback. A significant highlight of the conversat

I explore the psychological underpinnings of the startup world with Yael Daniely, a seasoned startup psychologist and co-founder therapist. Yael brings to the table a unique blend of clinical expertise and intensive research focused on the mental and emotional well-being of founders and their teams. The conversation opens with Yael discussing the common psychological barriers that startup founders face. From the specter of burnout to the pervasive stress and fear of failure, Yael unpacks the personal experiences and triggers that can hinder founders' professional journeys. With 70% of her portfolio successfully moving on to their next funding round, Yael's approach to transforming vulnerability into strength is not just theory but proven practice. As a therapist who specializes in co-founder relationships, Yael sheds light on the complex dynamics that can make or break the startup's leadership. She stresses the importance of personal relational resumes, psychological contracts, and the necessity of regular, o

In today's episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I'm thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation straight from the bustling halls of VMware Explore 2023. It's here, amidst the center of the multi-cloud universe, where I had the fortunate chance to bump into Andy Corcoran, the UK&I Channel Sales Director at VMware.  Known for his fervent passion for leveraging technology to drive positive business outcomes, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into VMware's approach to multi-cloud innovation. Our discussion kicks off with an in-depth look at VMware's partner program. Andy eloquently describes how this program is intricately designed to align with the evolving needs of both partners and customers in the cloud technology space. He emphasizes the importance of these partnerships in driving incremental business value, a testament to his meticulous approach in planning and executing business strategies. As we delve deeper, Andy shares his insights on how VMware collaborates with key partners to a

This episode is a special broadcast live from VMware Explore in Barcelona. This event is at the forefront of guiding businesses on their journey to multi-cloud, and today, we're diving into a topic that's on everyone's mind: the evolving priorities of C-suites regarding cloud innovation. Martin Hosken, VMware's Chief Technologist for Cloud in EMEA, joins me in this insightful discussion. Martin is a driving force behind VMware's technology vision and a recognized thought leader in the Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud communities. A rich technology strategy background and a deep industry understanding shape his insights. Alongside Martin, we're joined by Gavin Jolliffe, CEO and Co-Founder of Xtravirt. Gavin's expertise lies in steering a modern consulting and managed services firm committed to unlocking the full potential of cloud and business technologies for its clients. His perspective is crucial in understanding how consulting services are shaping the future of cloud strategies. In our conversation, we delve i

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Ken Timsit, Managing Director of Cronos Labs, the driving force behind the Cronos chain ecosystem's remarkable growth. Cronos, known for being the first EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain network built on the Cosmos SDK, has seen a staggering 600% increase in on-chain transactions and a quadrupling of its user base, despite the market's volatility. Ken, who has been instrumental in this exponential growth since joining Cronos in November 2021, shares his experiences and the strategic moves that have led to the flourishing of over 500 dApps within the Cronos ecosystem. He sheds light on the Cronos Accelerator Program's second cohort, emphasizing the program's focus on AI and its implications for the future of blockchain applications. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how Cronos is nurturing its ecosystem, with Ken discussing the accelerator program's contribution to the chain's success. He elaborates on Cronos' commitment to building a blockchain wi

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am joined by Rob Whitehead, the visionary co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Improbable and M2, who has been at the forefront of pioneering interoperable virtual worlds. With a background that marries academic rigor from Cambridge University to the entrepreneurial zeal of the Web3 frontier, Rob offers a unique vantage point on the burgeoning metaverse landscape. As the metaverse conversation gains renewed vigor, with recent milestones like Futureverse's $54 million funding round and the anticipation of new augmented reality headsets, we engage in a timely discussion about the resurgence of virtual spaces and their potential to revolutionize our digital interactions. Rob shares his journey from the early inspirations drawn from Second Life to orchestrating the vast, interconnected realms of Improbable and M2, where thousands can converge in shared digital experiences. The duo delves into the potential of virtual spaces to transcend gaming, touching upon the integrati

Cindi Howson, Chief Data Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot joins me in an enlightening episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast. With a career spanning over three decades in the analytics space, Cindi brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the evolving world of business intelligence (BI) and the revolutionary impact of generative AI. In this episode, we delve into the transformative effects of generative AI on BI, discussing the significant advancements since the advent of OpenAI's GPT 3.5. They explore the nuanced shifts in data team roles and the emergence of new specializations, underscoring the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. The conversation takes a deep dive into the critical role of data literacy in businesses today. Cindi addresses the future of AI-powered analytics and the sectors poised for disruption. They don't shy away from the tough questions, tackling the ethical concerns of AI's integration into our daily decision-making processes and advocating for a balance of inn

For years, IT and security have operated as separate entities within organizations, each with its own set of priorities and concerns. IT professionals often view security teams as the "Department of No," hindering progress and innovation. On the other hand, security teams see IT as reckless, prioritizing speed over safety. However, as digital transformation accelerates, the need for these two departments to collaborate has never been more critical. Linh Lam, the Chief Information Officer at Jamf Software brings her expertise to the table, shedding light on the root causes of the tension between IT and security teams. She argues that this division is not just counterproductive but also detrimental to the organization's overall health. Linh outlines four key strategies to mend this fractured relationship: changing the culture of division, fostering early collaboration and communication, overcoming C-suite hierarchy issues, and adopting the CISO-as-risk-management-leader model. During the podcast, Neil and Linh

I sit down once again with Arsen Avakian, the Founder and CEO of Cooler Screens, a company that's revolutionizing the in-store retail experience. Arsen's innovative approach to retail media has garnered significant attention and support from industry giants across retail, consumer products, and technology sectors. Retail media, the practice of showing personalized ads to consumers both online and in physical stores, has been gaining traction. It's a win-win for both retailers and consumers. Retailers get to monetize their platforms, and consumers receive personalized ads based on their preferences. The scale of this is enormous, with projections indicating that retail media advertising could reach $125.7 billion by 2023 and even outpace TV ad revenue by 2028. Cooler Screens is taking this concept a step further by bringing digital ads right to the store aisles. Imagine walking into a grocery store and seeing smart screens instead of traditional cooler doors. These screens not only display ads but also provid

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I explore the fascinating intersection of human labor and artificial intelligence with Kit Cox, the Founder and CTO of Enate. Kit's journey is a compelling narrative that many in the tech industry can relate to. After years of working on bespoke automation projects for large-scale enterprises, he reached a pivotal moment in 2017. He realized that the technology he had been developing had matured to a point where it could effectively mimic human actions. This led him to a crossroads: should he continue down the path of custom projects, or pivot to create a platform that could manage a hybrid workforce of both humans and digital workers? Choosing the latter, Kit founded Enate with a straightforward yet ambitious vision—to help businesses navigate the future of work by organizing their operations and maximizing efficiency. Enate is a no-code process orchestration platform that allows work from multiple sources to flow into a single system. It enables teams to build si

In an enlightening episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I  sits down with Oleg Fomenko, Co-Founder of Sweat Economy, to explore the transformative power of technology in the realms of health, well-being, and economic productivity. Sweat Economy, a top 4 dApp on DappRadar with over 7 million users, is at the forefront of catalyzing cultural change by intersecting crypto and health. Built on the NEAR protocol, the platform is making strides in mainstreaming Web3 technology while rewarding physical activity. The episode kicks off with Oleg discussing the high-level mission behind Sweat Economy: to establish a movement economy that realizes the value of physical activities. The platform aims to inspire a healthier, wealthier planet by rewarding all forms of movement. Oleg delves into the 'Move-to-Earn' concept, explaining how incentivizing physical activity not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to broader economic productivity by lowering healthcare costs. As the conversation progresses

In a timely episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I welcome back Oliver Linch, the CEO of Bittrex Global, to discuss the company's recent settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This episode comes on the heels of the SEC's charge against Bittrex Global for allegedly operating an unregistered exchange in the U.S., making it a crucial conversation for anyone interested in the evolving regulatory landscape of the crypto industry. We dive into the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the confusion surrounding them. We discuss the urgent need for clear regulations in the crypto industry and express hope for a hybrid solution that marries the best aspects of blockchain technology with traditional finance. As the conversation progresses, Oliver shares his insights on the recent settlement between Bittrex Global and the SEC. He underscores the importance of proper legislative processes and regulation clarity, advocating for global standards that can unlock the full potenti