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

Today, I am joined by Rob Hays, the CEO of Atom Computing, a company specializing in the creation of scalable, gate-based quantum computers. In an era where quantum computing is quickly evolving from theoretical research to practical application, Rob Hays comes forward with an impassioned perspective on why the United States needs to lead the global race in this pivotal technology.  As we unpack his views, you will discover a detailed roadmap that includes increased public funding, diversified investment strategies, and the essential role of government partnerships. Rob and I also tackle the increasingly important topic of talent acquisition and retention in the burgeoning field of quantum technologies. The conversation illuminates the U.S.'s struggles and opportunities as it attempts to maintain a competitive edge, particularly when pitted against international rivals in the technology sector. However, this isn't merely about a race but the consequences of who crosses the finish line first. We will explore t

In this episode, I am joined by Barry Levett, the CEO of Mypinpad, a B2B SaaS enterprise making remarkable strides in the sector. Headquartered in Cardiff, UK, but with a presence in over 20 countries, Mypinpad aims to be the go-to solution for seamless and secure mobile transactions. Fresh from securing a $13 million investment led by the respected fintech investor Crossfin Holdings, Barry joins us to shed light on Mypinpad's ambitious goals and innovative technology. He will share how the company actively pursues financial inclusion in emerging markets, helping individuals access and manage their financial resources.  Given the current global economic landscape, it's an initiative that feels particularly timely, and we'll dive deep into how technology can make a difference in these communities. Beyond its laudable mission, Mypinpad is also setting the industry standard when it comes to security. We explore the company's emphasis on bank-grade security protocols that have undergone rigorous testing. Barry's

Tom McVey, Senior Sales Engineer EMEA at Menlo Security, joins me in a layered discussion about the complexities and potentials of artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing on Tom's extensive background in cybersecurity and AI, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide on how to boldly embrace AI's disruptive power while being vigilant about its ethical and security implications. The episode starts with Tom addressing the increasing proliferation of AI-generated images, videos, and voices and the threats these pose regarding misinformation and false flag operations. We examine the urgent need for verification tools to discern human-created content from AI-generated material, marking this as an essential line of defense against AI-based threats. Tom discusses the delicate balancing act of implementing ethical frameworks while not stifling the innovative potential of AI technologies. They also explore the concept of AI models controlling other AI models—what Tom refers to as the 'sci-fi reality' of multi-intelli

Today, I am joined by Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra, a trailblazing agtech company. Dimitra is revolutionizing the agricultural sector through its blockchain-based platform, designed to empower smallholder farmers across 18 countries. From combating deforestation to leveraging technology for sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a unique glimpse into how emerging technologies can address pressing global challenges. As an agtech pioneer, Jon outlines how Dimitra's flagship product, Connected Farmer, harnesses cutting—edge technologies— from blockchain and IoT sensors to satellite imagery—to offer a holistic solution to smallholder farmers. The platform equips them with the necessary tools to optimize yields, reduce costs, and secure financial assistance to foster sustainable agriculture. Jon shares how Dimitra's use of blockchain AI and machine learning can mitigate issues like deforestation while guaranteeing agricultural products' provenance. The dialogue emphasizes the critical role of education and trai

Join me in conversation with Joseph Carson, Chief Security Scientist at Delinea, where we delve into a critical but often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity: its alignment with business metrics. Based on alarming statistics from Delinea's Global CISO research, this episode urges cyber decision-makers to reframe their perspective and underscores the pressing need for integrating cybersecurity with business objectives. We explore the challenges stemming from the traditional cybersecurity-focused approach, emphasizing a seismic shift towards holistic business security. The statistics from Delinea’s Global CISO research set the tone: 89% of survey respondents reported experiencing at least one negative business impact in the past year due to the absence of alignment between cybersecurity and business strategies. This underscores the importance of the conversation and the pressing need for structural changes. We discuss the art of communicating the value of cybersecurity initiatives to executive boards. Joseph arg

In this episode, I am joined by Ganesh Swaminathan and Javier del Prado from Qualcomm Technologies. We discuss Qualcomm's exclusive Wi-Fi 7 Day event in San Diego, exploring the latest initiatives and technologies shaping the future of connectivity. The conversation ranges from Wi-Fi 7's advanced features to its seamless integration with Fiber and 10G networks. We kick off the episode with an introduction to Qualcomm's Wi-Fi 7 Day event, which Ganesh and Javier describe as a seminal moment for the tech industry. Here, we delve into the advanced features of Wi-Fi 7, including its adaptability and remarkably higher connection speeds. Within the first ten minutes, you'll be up to speed on how Wi-Fi 7 is poised to revolutionize internet access with enhanced speed, low latency, and optimized interference management. We also take a deeper dive into Wi-Fi 7's breakthrough features. We cover how these attributes, such as interference puncturing, multiple connectivity, and high band simultaneous multi-link, promise to

I explore the world of drone delivery with Bobby Healy, the experienced inventor and technology entrepreneur behind Manna, the world's first aviation-grade B2B drone delivery 'as-a-service' company. The episode provides an enlightening look into Manna's journey to revolutionize last-mile delivery, with exclusive insights into their European operations, technology, partnerships, and future plans. We explore the genesis of Manna. Taking us down memory lane, Bobby shares how Manna was born and the early days of experimentation involving quirky methods like parachutes and cherry pickers. Here, Bobby brings to light the significance of their unique license, positioning Manna as a trailblazer in the European drone delivery landscape. Manna's collaborations with the Irish government and the healthcare sector show how technology can be leveraged for the greater good. The episode delves into Manna's poignant role during the pandemic, ensuring that medication reached vulnerable individuals when needed. The episode take

As the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds blur, I sit down with Arie Trouw, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of XYO Network, to dissect the labyrinthine world of geo-spatial technology within the blockchain universe. Known for their pioneering role in anonymously collecting and validating over 3 million IoT devices' geospatial data, XYO is also breaking ground in the metaverse and Web3. Key Topics: Mapping the Future with XYO World 4.0: Arie unveils XYO’s ambitious 2023 product roadmap, with a spotlight on their forthcoming XYO World 4.0. Learn how XYO aims to make geographical staking more granular and accessible than ever, all stored on the Ethereum blockchain. Self-Sovereignty in a Digital World: Navigate the idea of self-sovereignty and digital asset ownership as Arie outlines the ethos behind XYO’s mission. If personal data is the new oil, how does XYO plan to return the well to its rightful owners? Unlocking Geo-Tokens and NFTs: Get introduced to Geotokens, the unique NFTs that are inte

In an era where AI's transformative potential oscillates between allure and ambiguity, I sit down with Alwin Magimay, a three-decade veteran in digital and data science and currently the Global Head of AI at PA Consulting. Known for his interdisciplinary acumen, Alwin serves as a strategic guide at the intersection of academia, business, and innovation. His vast experience provides a multilayered lens through which we examine the disruptive influence of AI on financial services, among other sectors. Key Insights from our conversation: The Boardroom's AI Agenda: Alwin's latest research unlocks the mysteries of AI for board members, setting the stage for what every C-suite executive should know. Learn why a company's "AI IQ" is as essential as its bottom line and why an "AI manifesto" might be the cornerstone of future business ethics. The Annual Report 2.0: Explore Alwin's provocative assertion that the next evolution of annual reports will mandate the explication of AI usage and ethical frameworks. Transpare

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Ali Ahmed, the recently appointed EVP and General Manager of TIBCO & ibi, Cloud Software Group—a business unit underpinning the mission-critical software of some of the world's most innovative enterprises. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Ali provides a lucid, nuanced perspective on the seismic shifts occurring in the landscape of Business Intelligence (BI) and data analytics. Key Takeaways: Unlocking Enterprise Efficiency: Learn how deploying BI at scale isn't just a buzz term—it's the cornerstone of enterprise productivity and cost optimization. BI Evolution: Ali shares firsthand insights into the transformative changes in BI use over the last three years. Discover why modern BI is not your grandfather's reporting tool. Cloud is the New Fort Knox: A counter-intuitive perspective that cloud migrations, often seen as a security risk, are stepping stones to bolstering organizational security. AI and ML: The Next Frontier in Analyt

Today, I am joined by Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, the mastermind behind Profound Impact Corporation. Sherry founded the company as a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Scott A. Vanstone, and she brings to the table a wealth of expertise in startups, technology, and systems security and a life devoted to philanthropy and leadership. They kick off the discussion with a look at the unique and emotional origin story of Profound Impact, an AI-based software company focused on driving meaningful change. The conversation naturally flows into Sherry's personal journey in the STEM fields, where she emphasizes the crucial  role of mentorship and breaks down her experience of venturing into new areas. Her narrative serves as a practical guidebook, especially resonant for young women aspiring to make their mark in science, technology, research, and entrepreneurship. The dialogue also takes a significant turn towards diversity and inclusion, especially within the context of cybersecurity—a field where Sherry's extensive

In today's episode, I sit down with Ian Barrell, Partnerships & Business Development Manager at DivideBuy, a frontrunner in the burgeoning consumer finance industry. Join me in a conversation that dissects the rapidly expanding landscape of consumer financing while shedding light on the technological innovations that are setting DivideBuy apart. We explore the unique selling points of DivideBuy, focusing on their dedication to merging technology with retail finance. The discussion pivots to the importance of ethics and responsibility in lending, emphasizing DivideBuy's commitment to making prudent and informed lending decisions. As we delve deeper, the conversation takes an exciting turn toward DivideBuy's recent acquisition by Zopa. Ian unravels the synergistic opportunities this merger opens up, from leveraging Zopa's underwriting capabilities to infusing new technological advancements into their portfolio. This union aims to redefine the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) concept by incorporating comprehensive

In this thought-provoking episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore the transformative world of edtech with Graham Glass, CEO of CYPHER Learning and a visionary in the field of educational technology. Graham, a former senior lecturer at the University of Texas, Dallas, shares his fascinating journey from academia to entrepreneurship, revealing how he has consistently been at the forefront of driving meaningful change in the education industry. The conversation explores the seismic shift happening in learning environments—traditional and corporate—pivoting on human-focused experience design. Graham discusses how he and his team at CYPHER Learning are championing this shift through next-generation intelligent learning platforms. These platforms are not merely responsive; they actively mentor learners, regardless of geographical distance, breaking down traditional barriers to effective education. Among the episode's highlights is the discussion about Copilot, CYPHER's revolutionary AI-driven tool that significantly

In today's episode, I will take you on a journey through the frontiers of quantum computing, a technology surrounded by an aura of scientific intrigue and commercial promise. Yuval Boger, Chief Marketing Officer at QuEra, joins us to cut through the fog surrounding this emerging field. QuEra, a visionary Boston-based company founded by luminaries from MIT, has set out to transform quantum computing from a theoretical wonder to a practical tool for solving real-world problems. The crux of our conversation orbits around the timeline of quantum computing's contributions to real-world business applications. While the technology has been enveloped in a whirlpool of hype over the years, Yuval provides a sober perspective on when quantum solutions might genuinely disrupt industries like finance, oil and gas, and government research.  Yuval offers a nuanced view of how quantum processors will coexist with traditional CPUs and GPUs. The key takeaway is that rather than upending the computational apple cart, quantum wi

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with TJ Jiang, the Co-Founder and CEO of AvePoint, a company at the forefront of SaaS operations and cybersecurity. With an esteemed client list including the U.S. Department of State, NASA, Ikea, and Bloomberg, AvePoint is the critical infrastructure for optimizing the hybrid workforce, data management, and secure collaboration. The conversation with TJ offers an in-depth exploration of modern technology's multifaceted challenges and opportunities. TJ starts by delineating the growth trajectory of SaaS applications, which have become indispensable for modern enterprises. Given AvePoint's client base of over 17,000 worldwide, his insights are backed by hands-on experience and a broad spectrum of case studies. Data sprawl, a natural byproduct of our digital age, becomes the next focal point of the discussion. TJ delves into how this complexity can be managed effectively, particularly in hybrid work environments. For organizations grappling with enormous and dispe

In today's episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I speak with Alfons Straek, a seasoned leader in the tech industry with a wealth of experience at giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Global Recruiting Technology and Experience at Boston Consultant Group, Alfons is the go-to expert regarding the intersection of AI, recruitment, and ethical considerations. The episode comes at a critical time. After an unfortunate incident where employees unintentionally leaked sensitive data, Samsung banned its employees from using ChatGPT on company devices. This event underscores the risks of integrating generative AI solutions like ChatGPT into HR and recruitment processes. Alfons takes the opportunity to dissect these challenges, leaning on his two decades of experience in the technology sector. Alfons kickstarts the conversation by discussing the growing prominence of AI in recruitment. He emphasizes that companies must develop responsible AI programs as AI becomes an increasin

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the deployment of 5G networks holds the promise of unprecedented speeds and data capabilities. However, with these advancements comes the imperative to address their environmental impact, a challenge the technology industry must confront head-on. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeni Barovian, Intel's VP and GM of the Network & Edge Compute Division, about this pressing concern. Our conversation touched on many critical points, starting with Intel's strategies for making 5G networks more power-efficient. Jeni shared insights into innovative approaches, such as integrating Intel VRAM boost into processors. These advancements help to optimize power consumption without compromising on performance. Another fascinating initiative she highlighted was the development of Intel's Infrastructure Power Manager software, specifically designed to calibrate performance levels with energy use in 5G networks. Jeni and I agreed that collaboration will be the linch

Today, I am rejoined by Donna Loughlin Michaels, an award-winning PR influencer, strategic communicator, and recognized innovator in many tech spaces. She brings unparalleled insights into the transformational power of technology, especially regarding AI, agritech, EVs, and robotics.  The episode kicks off with an exploration into the role of AI in automating labor-intensive tasks in agriculture, a subject that has become incredibly pertinent due to the pandemic-induced labor shortages. Donna brings an illuminating perspective on how autonomous tractors and AI interfaces are revolutionizing not only agriculture but other industries like automotive. Safety, predictability, and responsibility are crucial parameters for technological integration, a topic we discuss with gravitas. Donna highlights the need to build systems that prioritize these aspects without stifling innovation, essentially striking a balance that supports public good and corporate interests. One of the most enlightening segments is when the co

I sit down with Ranjit Bahia, the CEO of Cyferd, a next-generation digital transformation startup that is redefining how businesses approach low-code development and unified data processes in the cloud. This eye-opening conversation dives into the intricacies of AI-driven digital transformation and the far-reaching implications it has on the future of work, governmental policy, and the business landscape at large. The episode begins with an engaging exploration of Cyferd's unique cloud-based data platform. Ranjit shares how their platform leverages artificial intelligence to streamline application development and unify disparate systems, setting the stage for more agile and efficient businesses. We delve into how this paradigm is especially vital in sectors like healthcare, where inefficiency can be costly both financially and in human terms. As the conversation progresses, they discuss the transformative potential of AI. We address the common fears surrounding AI, demystifying the notion that AI will replace

In this episode, I am joined by Katy Trost, a highly sought-after coach and advisor specializing in guiding CEOs and executive teams through the intricacies of scaling up. With a client list that reads like a 'Who’s Who' of the venture capital world, including firms like SoftBank, Octopus Ventures, and First Round Capital, Katy brings unparalleled experience to the table. The conversation starts with an insightful discussion on the challenges CEOs commonly face as their companies move through funding rounds and scaling stages. Katy delves into the psychological aspects of leadership, touching upon the role of imposter syndrome, the CEO's relationship with the board, and nuanced gender differences in how leaders seek and utilize support. As the episode progresses, Katy shares her perspective on the dynamism that exists within various departments of a scaling company—from the sales team to tech to finance. The chat sheds light on how CEOs can serve as the linchpin that connects different personalities and profe