AlchemistX: Innovators Inside
By AlchemistX: Innovators Inside, Hosted by Ian Bergman
Join us for a series of interviews with thought leaders, founders, and high achievers inside the world of innovation. Through intimate conversations with Host and Head of AlchemistX, Ian Bergman, we explore what makes innovation so challenging. Guests range from established stars to the most exciting up-and-comers. Innovators Inside is a must-listen for anyone trying to instill a culture of curiosity into a large corporation or organization.
AlchemistX: Innovators InsideMar 03, 2022
Empowering Startups: The Financial Modeling Revolution with Logan Burchett, Co-Founder at Forecastr
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman sits down with Logan Burchett, co-founder and COO of Forecastr, to explore the transformative impact of financial modeling on the startup ecosystem. Their conversation reveals how Forecastr's innovative platform is making financial planning and analysis accessible to startups and small businesses, challenging the traditional reliance on tools like Excel. Logan's journey from identifying a market need through customer discovery to overcoming potential competitive conflicts and securing funding for Forecastr serves as a testament to the power of preparation and strategic risk-taking in entrepreneurship.
The episode delves into the critical role of financial models beyond fundraising, positioning them as essential strategy tools for startup success. Logan shares invaluable insights on the right timing for financial planning, the significance of facing the worst-case scenario, and how embracing calculated risks can lead to generational wealth and success. This discussion contrasts the agility and innovation of startups with the static nature of larger corporations, highlighting Forecastr's goal to become the go-to operating system for financial planning in the venture-backed space.
This installment of AlchemistX Innovators Inside offers a profound look at navigating the challenges and opportunities within the tech startup landscape. By charting Forecastr's path and sharing key strategies for entrepreneurial success, Ian and Logan provide a blueprint for founders looking to innovate, pivot, and thrive in an ever-evolving market.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
Connect with Logan Burchett
Mastering the Art of Storytelling in Tech and Innovation with Matthew Woodget
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman and storytelling expert Matthew Woodget explore the confluence of technology, storytelling, and the essence of human curiosity. Armed with insights from his journey through neurodiversity, Matthew uncovers storytelling's transformative power not just as a communicative tool but as a vital component for innovation and personal growth. As they dissect the rapid pace of technological advancement, Matthew emphasizes the necessity of introspection and the strategic use of storytelling to articulate complex ideas and foster meaningful connections.
Ian and Mathew delve into the significance of incorporating play and experimentation into our professional lives, illustrating through personal anecdotes how these elements can unveil unexpected discoveries and spark innovation. They explore the augmentation of human interaction with AI, particularly highlighting tools that enhance digital communication, thereby bridging gaps presented by neurodiversity. Venturing into philosophical territories, they discuss consciousness, the future of AI, and its implications for society, underscoring the enduring relevance of uniquely human skills in an increasingly automated world.
This episode celebrates the art of storytelling and invites listeners to embrace their narrative power. It urges them to explore GoNarrative.com for further inspiration and guidance. Join Ian and Matthew on this enlightening journey, where the past, present, and future of innovation converge through the timeless art of storytelling.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
Connect with Matthew Woodget
The Future of Transportation with TransPod’s CEO Sebastien Gendron
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman engages with Sebastien Gendron, co-founder and CEO of TransPod, in a riveting discussion about the future of transportation. Gendron shares his entrepreneurial journey from the aerospace sector to pioneering the development of TransPod, a company at the forefront of designing a high-speed, tube-based travel system inspired by Elon Musk's Hyperloop vision. This revolutionary technology promises to blend the speed of aircraft with the frequency and convenience of subways, offering an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to traditional modes of transport.
Sebastien dives into the technical intricacies and challenges of creating a near-vacuum tube system that utilizes magnetic levitation and propulsion to achieve unprecedented speeds. He candidly discusses the realities of bringing such an ambitious project to fruition, including the initial skepticism, the struggle for credible investment, and the strategic partnerships that propelled TransPod's vision forward. The conversation also explores the importance of setting realistic yet ambitious goals, the need for incremental progress, and the strategic balancing act between technological development and market readiness.
The episode highlights pivotal moments in TransPod's journey, such as securing a non-binding agreement with the Alberta government, which was instrumental in demonstrating market interest and attracting private sector investment. Gendron reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on the project and the innovative ways the company adapted to ensure continuity and progress. He emphasizes the critical role of perseverance, realistic optimism, and a solution-oriented approach in overcoming the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in high-stakes industries.
Tune in and gain invaluable insights into the complexities of innovating within a traditional sector, the nuances of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, and the visionary thinking required to challenge the status quo of global transportation. Gendron's story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurial ambition, technical expertise, and the relentless pursuit of a sustainable and efficient future for intercity travel.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
The Intersection of Innovation and Sustainability with Alina Adams
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside podcast, Ian Bergman chats with Alina Adams about her journey from physics and engineering into the world of startups focused on sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Alina, who has a track record of launching companies and teaching the next wave of entrepreneurs, shares her insights into how businesses can make a real difference in the world. She talks about the crucial balance between making a profit and having a positive impact, highlighting the roles everyone from consumers to big corporations and governments plays in pushing for a more sustainable future.
The conversation dives into the challenges of turning cutting-edge research into solutions that work in the real world, especially in climate and sustainability. Alina points out the missing links between university labs brimming with innovative ideas and their practical application, emphasizing the need for collaboration across the board to make these ideas come to life.
Alina offers straightforward advice to founders on how to build their companies with sustainability in mind right from the start, preparing for the increasing demand to show environmental and social governance (ESG) efforts. She uses examples like Tesla and Patagonia to discuss how companies can influence consumer behavior towards more sustainable choices, even questioning the long-term effectiveness of electric vehicles as the ultimate solution to our transportation issues.
This conversation is a deep dive into the realities of marrying business with sustainability, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark on the world in a positive way.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
Bridging Gaps in Health and Wealth with Sydney Thomas
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman engages with the dynamic Sydney Thomas, founder and general partner at Symphonic Capital, exploring the profound impact of venture capital on society. Broadcasting from sunny San Diego and foggy San Francisco, they discuss how Sydney's venture is revolutionizing the sectors of health and finance to better serve the 99%. From her academic roots analyzing wealth inequality to her ambitious leap into the venture capital realm, Sydney's journey epitomizes a blend of discovery, resilience, and a dedication to societal equity.
Sydney shares her innovative approach at Symphonic Capital, emphasizing not just investment but the nurturing of companies that address fundamental societal needs, aiming to guide them toward IPO readiness. This episode shines a light on the potential of venture capital to initiate substantial societal change, particularly through investments in health and finance, areas critical to individual stability and societal health.
The conversation delves into the imperative for inclusivity in AI development, stressing the importance of diverse data sets to ensure technology serves all segments of society equitably. Sydney highlights the challenges of ensuring AI's benefits reach underrepresented populations and the necessity of founders having firsthand experience with the problems they're solving. This insight is particularly relevant in discussing partnerships with large corporations in health and finance, where understanding industry intricacies and having a personal stake in the solutions proposed are crucial for success.
Sydney Thomas offers invaluable advice to prospective founders on the importance of community support and living with urgency, inspired by the perspective-shifting concept of life's 4000-week span. This episode is a testament to the power of empathetic investment and the role of venture capital in driving forward innovations that not only promise significant returns but also foster profound societal improvement.
Empathy and Empowerment: Driving Innovation with Natalie Born
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman welcomes Natalie Born, a principal consultant at Arch + Tower, to discuss the nuances of innovation in corporate settings. With a career that began in the bustling world of corporate America, Natalie quickly found her calling in product development and innovation. She shares her journey, highlighting the complexities and human elements involved in integrating newly acquired companies into larger platforms. Her experiences underscore the significance of empathy and understanding both the technical and emotional aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
Natalie delves into the crucial role of empowerment in fostering innovation, drawing from her early career experiences at CareerBuilder.com. She recounts the challenges of making critical decisions in different time zones, emphasizing how a deep grasp of the company's ethos empowered her to act effectively and independently. This approach not only shaped her leadership style but also provided insights into managing the delicate dynamics of mergers and acquisitions.
The conversation shifts to a broader perspective on innovation within organizations. Natalie advocates for a cultural shift where innovation is not the sole domain of top executives but a collective effort involving employees at all levels. She discusses the importance of breaking down limiting belief systems and creating an inclusive environment that encourages experimentation and learning from failures. Natalie stresses the need for companies to engage with customers early and often, ensuring that innovations are aligned with market demands and customer needs.
Wrapping up the episode, Natalie and Ian explore the incremental nature of innovation, arguing for a methodical approach that values small, manageable steps over grand leaps. This strategy reduces risks and allows for more agile adaptations to changing market dynamics.
This episode is perfect for anyone eager to delve into the nuances of leadership, empathy, and cultural transformation in the realm of innovation. Natalie Born shares invaluable insights that can redefine your approach to driving change within organizations.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
From Wall Street to the Forefront of Venture Capital with Brian Bell
In this episode, Ian Bergman sits down with Brian Bell, managing partner at Team Ignite Ventures. Bell shares his remarkable story, transitioning from history to finance, experiencing disillusionment on Wall Street, and ultimately finding his true calling in the world of technology and venture capital.
The episode delves deep into the realms of technological accelerationism, with Bergman and Bell pondering the ramifications of rapid technological advancement. From large language models to AI's emergent properties, they explore how these developments are reshaping our understanding of possibility and creativity. Bell's optimistic outlook and belief in technology as a catalyst for a better future are both infectious and thought-provoking.
The discussion takes a turn towards the art and science of venture capital, with Bell detailing his investment strategy, the importance of founder vision, and the critical role of timing in startup success. His approach to venture capital is a unique blend of intuition and analysis, driven by a deep understanding of market trends and founder motivations.
Bell's journey from a challenging background to a successful venture capitalist is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity through optimism and hard work. His insights offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating the dynamic world of startups and technology.
This episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast promises not just a narrative of success but a deep dive into the mechanics of innovation, the future of venture capital, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
Mastering Go-to-Market Strategies with Peter Giordano
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman welcomes Peter Giordano, a go-to-market strategy expert with over 30 years of experience in the tech industry. Peter's journey, which includes transformative roles at Net Gravity/DoubleClick, VMware, and Google Cloud, is packed with lessons on innovation, strategic thinking, and market dynamics.
Throughout the conversation, Peter shares his deep understanding of Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, an essential element in transitioning from product development to creating a successful business. He breaks down GTM into six key areas: product strategy, market focus, commercialization, sales model, channel, and customer experience. This framework offers valuable insights for listeners looking to build scalable and effective customer acquisition and retention strategies.
Peter also delves into the complexities of navigating uncertainty in the tech sector. He emphasizes the need for confidence, risk assessment, and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape. His practical advice on decision-making and leveraging feedback for continuous improvement is particularly relevant for today’s fast-paced business environment.
If you're an entrepreneur, corporate innovator, or anyone keen on mastering the art and science of successful product market entry, this episode with Peter Giordano is a must-listen. Packed with practical advice and strategic insights, it's your guide to navigating the complexities of Go-to-Market strategies in the tech world. Tune in now to unlock valuable lessons and actionable strategies for your innovation journey!
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
Mentioned resources
GoStart
Peter Giordano's Consulting Practice Website (Ghost CEO) - https://www.ghostceo.com/
Connect with Peter Giordano
Connect with Ian Bergman
Driving Change and Breaking Barriers with Amali de Alwis
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman welcomes Amali de Alwis, a dynamic professional with a rich background in technology and innovation. Amali, known for her roles as CEO at Climate and Data Accelerator Subak, Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups UK, and CEO of Code First: Girls, shares her unique journey from a curious child fascinated with building and fairness to becoming a serial entrepreneur and influential leader in the tech world.
The episode traverses through Amali's diverse career path, from engineering to shoe design, leading her to discover her true passion in the principles behind design and research. This shift marked the onset of her innovation journey, heavily focused on understanding the dynamics of the world and aiding brands in crafting relevant products and services. Amali's role in the tech industry was deeply influenced by her geeky side and her initial foray into software engineering.
Ian and Amali discuss the sense of restlessness often experienced by individuals in large organizations, underscoring that such feelings, while challenging, can lead to significant scale and impact when effectively harnessed. The conversation then highlights Amali's impactful work with Code First: Girls, an organization she founded to bridge the gender gap in technology education. Amali shares the organization's growth, teaching over 40,000 young women to code, and its role in empowering women to enter the tech industry.
Exploring the concept of innovation beyond technology, Amali reflects on her time in shoe design, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding how products interact with people, which is key to innovation in any field. The discussion also covers Amali's time at Subak, where she focused on climate data acceleration and the collective fight against climate change, highlighting the need for data sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Delving deeper, Amali discusses the intersection of innovation, fairness, and the drive to make a difference, citing examples from various organizations addressing critical issues like climate action and decarbonization.
The conversation also touches upon how income inequality and the pursuit of profit can conflict with fairness, yet underscores that innovation can still lead to a fairer world.
This episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside offers a deep dive into the complexities of innovation, fairness, and the impact of technology on society, providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators alike.
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
Startup Compliance with Sam Li
In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman welcomes Sam Li, founder and CEO of Thoropass, a burgeoning startup transforming the compliance landscape for tech companies. With a background in software engineering and experiences at Goldman Sachs, Google, and Bain Capital Ventures, Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey leading to the creation of Thoropass. Formerly known as Laika, Thoropass provides a robust solution for information security, compliance, and audits, helping companies align with stringent IT security and privacy standards such as SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and more.
Sam dives into the critical role of compliance in enterprise procurement and the challenges startups face with extensive security questionnaires and audits from potentially large clients. He discusses Thoropass’s mission to streamline the traditionally manual and labor-intensive compliance processes into a more manageable, software-driven approach. The conversation explores the tension between innovation and the inherently risk-averse nature of compliance and procurement departments in larger enterprises, revealing how Thoropass alleviates this tension for software vendors.
Throughout the episode, Sam offers valuable advice for startup founders, emphasizing the importance of validating their product-market fit and being open to iterations to address customer needs genuinely. He also advises enterprise buyers on maintaining compliance requirements while facilitating startups' processes, creating an environment conducive to innovation without compromising security.
Concluding the episode, Sam reflects on his active role in the startup community, sharing insights and experiences to guide aspiring entrepreneurs. He underscores his commitment to helping others navigate the entrepreneurial journey and extends an invitation to connect through Thoropass’s website and his LinkedIn for further insights into navigating compliance in the tech industry.
Tune in for a blend of strategic guidance, practical wisdom, and enlightening discussions on compliance challenges and solutions in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
Navigating the Paradox of Innovation with Robyn Bolton
In this episode, Ian Bergman engages with Robyn Bolton, innovator extraordinaire and founder of MileZero, known for her strategic acumen from her time at P&G to the insights gained under Clay Christensen’s tutelage. Robyn dives into her life as a risk-averse innovator, revealing how she molds breakthrough ideas into actionable strategies within the rigid frameworks of large corporations.
The conversation cuts through the complexities of innovation leadership and the venture studio model, unpacking the delicate dance between maintaining core business values and embracing disruptive change. With a critical eye on the pitfalls of 'innovation theater,' Robyn advocates for authenticity in meeting customer needs amidst the seductive haze of future tech promises.
As they explore the nuanced role of AI in advancing business innovation, Robyn offers invaluable advice to those on the innovation path: let curiosity be your guide, keep an open mind, and judiciously push boundaries. Join us for a deep dive into the philosophical and practical world of corporate innovation with one of the industry's most forward-thinking leaders.
Tune in for an episode rich in strategic insights and actionable advice that's crucial for anyone looking to navigate the complex currents of corporate innovation.
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
The Power of Dissatisfaction and Navigating Uncharted Routes to Innovation with Christy Canida
Christy Canida, Senior Director at Alchemist, joins host Ian Bergman for a deep dive into the intricate universe of corporate innovation. Christy's diverse background, spanning from the biotech industry to the helm of startups like Instructables—which later found its home with Autodesk—paints a vibrant backdrop to their conversation.
Redefining Boundaries: From Startups to Love in a Digital Age with Bianca Praetorius
Renowned startup pitch coach, political influencer, and now the mind behind an innovative dating platform, Bianca Praetorius, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. In the latest episode of "AlchemistX Innovators Inside," Bianca sits down with host Ian Bergman to peel back the layers on her illustrious journey, offering listeners valuable insights and lessons along the way.
The Future of Air Travel: Crafting Seamless Journeys with David Luong
In this AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast episode, host Ian Bergman sits down with the dynamic David Luong, the Innovation Hub Leader at Qatar Airways. Responsible for shaping the journeys of its 34 million annual passengers, David offers a deep dive into the airport's relentless pursuit of innovation to enhance the traveler's experience.
One of the episode's focal points is the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum in vast transit hubs. David passionately elaborates on their groundbreaking collaborations with advocacy groups, unveiling their ambitious plans to leverage the metaverse, augmented reality, and avatars to assist passengers with special needs.
David and Ian also navigate the complex intersections of risk and innovation in transportation, emphasizing the necessity of trial, error, and adaptation. David shares invaluable career advice for those eyeing a future in innovation, underscoring the power of conviction and curiosity.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at the next big thing in airport innovation? David cordially invites listeners to join Hamad International Airport's LinkedIn community.
Join us for a journey of discovery, where innovation meets action, and where the future of transit is being shaped today!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
AI at the Edge: Navigating the Paradox of Progress with Kostas Hatalis
From an early passion ignited by Kurzweil's visionary writings to the creation of pioneering AI solutions, Hatalis chronicles his journey that defied convention. This episode promises a whirlwind tour of the AI landscape, examining its transformative potential in fields like marketing and delving into the nuances between academic AI theories and real-world applications. Bergman and Hatalis confront the pressing questions: How does AI's surge influence human creativity? Are we inching closer to a world overshadowed by our own creations?
Journey of Evolution: JD Rico on Self-Determination, Creativity, and Pioneering Vox QI
In this episode of Alchemist X Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman sits down with JD Rico, the visionary founder of Vox QI. Drawing from his unique educational background in anthropology and economics, JD shares the evolution of Vox QI - an AI-powered platform reshaping the landscape of content marketing.
From the criticality of personalized content in today's saturated market to navigating the delicate balance between data utilization and privacy, the conversation delves deep into the heart of modern marketing. JD also casts light on the nuances of regional marketing, emphasizing the vast differences in customer personas even within proximal locations. With a focus on the transformative role of technology in aligning business offerings with genuine human needs, this episode offers a panoramic view of the intersection of AI, human behavior, and market demands.
Kid Drop: The Startup Dragon's Den Couldn't Resist!
Join host Ian Bergman on AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast as he delves into Julieta Miranda's journey from El Salvador to launching her revolutionary startup, Kid Drop. Discover how this single mom modernized kid transportation, faced entrepreneurial challenges head-on, and secured her first major investment from Dragon's Den. Dive into the importance of relationships in business, from school boards to community services. Don’t miss this episode where ambition meets innovation.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
The process of pivoting from running a traditional family business to launching a startup and the associated challenges and opportunities.
Strategies for identifying and addressing real-life problems with innovative solutions, as exemplified by Kid Drop's origin story.
The importance of planning, financial preparedness, and learning from failures in the world of startups.
The art of building and leveraging relationships for business growth, including collaborations and networking with key community stakeholders.
Exploring funding and expansion opportunities, with insights into Julieta's experience on Dragon's Den and securing major investments.
Listen now to delve into the fascinating world of innovation!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
The Intersection of Innovation and Design with Mike Gadsby
Join host Ian Bergman in the latest Alchemist X Innovators Inside podcast episode as he dives deep into a fascinating discussion with Mike Gadsby, Chief Innovation Officer at O3 World. From graphic design to the cutting-edge R&D space, listen as Gadsby recounts his journey while highlighting the crux of innovation—problem-solving for better user outcomes. Explore the importance of balancing incremental and radical innovation, and learn about the promise of AI, specifically generative AI, in transforming digital user experiences. Delve into the world of chatbots and the potential of AI to make them more human-like. The episode also addresses the culture of innovation, embracing failure, and the correlation between customer and employee experiences. This engaging conversation offers a wealth of insights for future-focused innovators, leaders, and anyone passionate about design and user experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
The journey through tech industry career transformations.
The core principles of innovation.
The role and potential of generative AI.
The enhancement of chatbot interactions using AI.
The importance of fostering innovation and a customer-centric culture.
Listen now to delve into the fascinating world of innovation!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
Igniting Innovation in Automotive Technology with Jeffrey Diwakar
Join host Ian Bergman in a captivating conversation with Jeffrey Diwakar, a seasoned innovator and leader in the corporate world, as they delve into the realms of corporate innovation, technology, and the future of the industry. Discover the importance of fostering a growth mindset, leveraging emerging technologies, and building conviction for innovative ideas. Gain insights into the transformative power of augmented reality, AI, and machine learning in the automotive and energy industries. Whether you're a corporate professional, entrepreneur, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on driving innovation within large organizations.
In this episode, you’ll find:
- Strategies for building emotional conviction in innovative ideas.
- The importance of customer feedback in driving innovation.
- Real-world applications of augmented reality and mixed reality in the automotive industry.
- The transformative power of AI and machine learning in diagnostics and maintenance.
- Practical tips for embracing new growth opportunities and continuous learning.
Listen now to unlock the secrets of unleashing corporate innovation.
Full show notes and resources at www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
E.40 - Aleksandr Kravchenko: United by an Idea
Aleksandr Kravchenko is the Deputy Product Officer at EOS Data Analytics, an incredible geospatial data startup that was a recent participant in the AWS Space Accelerator powered by AlchemistX. Alex's product experience stretches back several years and several startups and builds on a prior career in journalism and politics.
E.39 - Amanda Goltz: I Volunteer
Amanda L. Goltz, MPA is the U.S. Lead for Worldwide Healthcare Venture Capital and Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS), responsible for managing a portfolio of digital health companies and driving opportunities with AWS's enterprise healthcare and life sciences business. In a previous role at Amazon, Amanda led partnerships to power voice AI experiences at Alexa Health and Wellness. Before coming to Amazon, Amanda was Vice President of Digital Innovation at BTG (now Boston Scientific), a global medtech, managing the portfolio of digital initiatives combining clinical interventions, device technology, and digital services to incorporate the patient experience and improve measurable outcomes. As part of this role, Amanda founded Oncoverse, a software startup in cancer care, in a joint venture with CommonSpirit Health. Previously, Amanda was the Director of Product Strategy and Innovation at Aetna, sourcing emerging solutions from the digital health and innovative networks marketplace, pairing them with employer clients, and directing implementation of the solutions at scale. Amanda has led innovation and strategy initiatives at Pacific Business Group on Health, a large employer coalition; the State of California, MassGeneralBrigham, and New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Amanda advises several start-up companies as a mentor for the Alexa Fund, 500Startups, Rock Health, and StartXMed, the health and life sciences incubator for Stanford University.
E.38 - Angela Lim: Founder Market Fit
Angela Lim is a serial health tech entrepreneur focused on innovative solutions and a former pediatric doctor at Auckland Hospital. She is the CEO and cofounder of Clearhead, a digital mental health company with a strong social mission to improve access to personalized care for everyone and empower them to maintain their well-being. Clearhead was one of the stars of the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator, which is operated by AlchemistX in partnership with Alberta Innovates and the Edmonton Police Foundation.
E. 37 - Carolyn O'Hare: Organic Growth
Carolyn has over a decade of experience as a supply chain and operations expert in the consumer packaged goods industry. Formerly running operations at brands like Fiji Water and Beyond Meat, she's currently the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Tiny Organics, an early childhood nutrition company focused on shaping baby and toddler palates to prefer vegetables. Carolyn has been recognized by Partnership for a Healthier America as a member of their Shaping Early Palates Council and is a founding partner of the Veggies Early and Often campaign in 2022. She partnered with LinkedIn for their Welcome Professional campaign and was featured in their cross-platform content about the evolving definition of professionalism. She has a passion for mentoring entrepreneurs and serves as a mentor with Santander Bank's Cultivate Small Business Program supporting women, minority and immigrant owned early stage food businesses.
E. 36 - Don Cox: The Risk Lens
Don started out in the US Army before becoming a police detective specializing in fraud and computer crimes. He's been a special agent for the US Secret Service and an IT program director for the US Department of State. Most recently, he has been chief information officer for Nova Corporation, a Navajo Nation-owned firm that provides IT to federal agencies, and for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And he was Chief Information Security Officer for Mednax, a national medical group, and he has worked with American Public Education, Inc., a provider of higher education. Don has been named one of the top 100 health care leaders and top 29 CISOs by the peer list community. He has a master's in science and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global College.
E.35 - Latrice Barnett: Rock Star
After almost eight years with Salesforce, Latrice was a senior director and regional vice president for Partner Marketing Field Distribution. Before joining Salesforce, Latrice worked as an executive and interactive producer with the branding agencies, Cibo Studio and Odopod. She has a degree in comparative literature from UC Berkeley, and she's an accomplished vocalist whose excellent 2006 album Illuminate is available on your favorite streaming service.
E.34 - Michael Ellison: Leverage
Michael is the co-founder and CEO of CodePath, a 503 nonprofit transforming computer science education for underrepresented minorities at over 50 colleges and universities, doubling in size every semester. Working closely with major technology companies such as Cognizant, Microsoft, and Facebook, CodePath.org is changing what's being taught and how it's being taught in CS programs nationwide to increase diversity in tech using a system-wide solution.
Prior to codepath.org, Michael founded three nonprofits and three tech startups starting at age 19. He was a founding board member for Women Who Code and co-founder of Segment, which went through Y Combinator in 2011 and is now valued at over $1,000,000,000.
E.33 - Demetria McNeal: Professional Agility
Demetria is the assistant professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado. Her career has taken a unique path. She has an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology and a PhD in communications from the University of Georgia. She's worked at Johnson and Johnson and the VA and is a certified spin instructor. Today, her focus is on helping health care professionals and leadership teams develop and implement adaptive, sustainable strategies that produce results that address inequities in care delivery. These strategies oftentimes require creative, disruptive, innovative and unconventional ideas.
E.32 - Jennifer Kim: Rollercoaster
Who is Jennifer Kim?
Jennifer worked at Lever, the groundbreaking recruiting software company where she held every role from strategy to product to customer success to chief of staff. After leaving Lever, Jennifer founded Startup Recruiting Bootcamp, which aims to revolutionize how tech companies hire. She's also a prolific startup advisor and writer on tech culture.
Get ready to learn!
E.31 - Michael Moreno: The Tech Frontier
Michael Moreno is the business development manager for VCs and start-ups at a little bookstore I.T. shop up in Seattle called Amazon Web Services. You may have heard of it. He is also a former CIA Officer with an MBA from UC Berkeley. Mike co-founded a startup of his own, Vault to bring clean energy infrastructure to the Middle East. He is a prolific advisor to start-ups and a venture partner with NextGen.
E.30 - Peter Bae: Young at Heart
Peter is the new Executive Director for the Korea Innovation Center (KIC) Silicon Valley Support Startups, launching their products and services in North America through acceleration programs, industry expertise, and capital networks. It also helps North American startups launch their products and services in Asia via South Korea. Peter is himself a four-time founder of Social Radio Company, AlcaCruz, Fantage and Anoxis, and a prolific advisor to any investor in startups. He has an MBA from the University of Rochester, and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Sogang University.
E.29 - Tiffany To: Collaboration Compass
Tiffany is the Head of Product, Agile and DevOps Solutions at Atlassian and the former COO, CRO and member of the Board of Directors at NEA Security Startup for All Secure. She's a prolific investor and advisor to startups, and a veteran of Silicon Valley storage startups, Cohesity and Nutanix. Tiffany also has a computer systems engineering degree from Stanford, and an MBA from Berkeley's Haas School of Business.
E.28 - Neha Sampat: Software Sommelier
Neha Is Founder and CEO at Contentstack, a leading content management system and content experience platform adopted by brands including Best Buy, Chase, Holiday Inn, Iceland Air, Morningstar, Miami Heat, Shell and Walmart. Previously, Neha was Founder and CEO of digital experience platform, Built.io, which was acquired by German software powerhouse, Software AG, in September 2018. She's also the host of the podcast, Dreammakers with Neha Sampat, featuring conversations with trailblazing women who pursue profit and purpose.
E.27 - Ashif Mawji: Community Wellness
Who is Ashif Mawji?
Ashif is a serial entrepreneur who strives for efficiency in everything he is involved with. He's a venture partner with Rising Tide, a venture capital firm investing primarily in the information technology and healthcare life sciences markets. He sits on the boards of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, Invest Alberta, the Edmonton Police Service Foundation, Hockey Canada Foundation, and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, among many others. Ashif has 12 patents and speaks three languages. It's so great to have you on the show.
Have a listen to what he has to say!
E.26 - Noriya Tarutani: Bucket List
Who is Noriya Tarutani?
Noriya is the executive director of the Japanese External Trade Organization in San Francisco. With 15 years of experience in international business and new market strategy, Noriya has helped more than 500 Japanese companies to expand their business all over the world. Noriya has deep domain expertise across artificial intelligence and deep learning to name a few.
Strap in for a great episode!
E.25 - Corey Quinn: Personality Problems
Who is Corey Quinn?
Corey is really smart and professionally funny. He's the chief cloud economist for Duckbill Group, a consulting firm that helps companies fix their horrifying Amazon Web Services bill. This is accompanied by his newsletter, Last Week in AWS and his podcast, Screaming in the Cloud.
Get ready to have a blast!
E.24 - Adam Odessky- Riding a Lion
Who is Adam Odessky?
Adam is the founder and CEO of Sensely and a graduate of Alchemist Accelerator. Before Sensely, he spent three years at Orange Silicon Valley, and came from a leading product management role at Microsoft's TellMe Networks and Oracle. He has an MBA from the University of San Francisco and a computer science degree from Urbana-Champaign, home of the Mosaic browser.
Get ready to meet Adam!
E.23 - Diana Joseph: Learning Sciences
Who is Diana Joseph?
Diana is the CEO of the Corporate Accelerator Forum, a veteran of Citrix Systems and Adobe, and has studied at Stanford and Northwestern. As a former high-tech innovation director with a doctorate in learning sciences, she brings together techniques from motivational psychology, education, design, thinking, and lean startup.
And now, she's on the show!
E.22 - Brad Henrickson: Digging Deep
Who is Brad Henrickson?
Brad's a leadership coach and the co-organizer of the San Francisco CTO Club. He's the former CTO of Scoop Technologies and VP of Engineering at Earnest. Brad co-founded two startups of his own, Shotwell Products and Zoosk. He has a computer science degree from the University of Washington and spent six years at Microsoft.
And today, he's on AXII!
E.21 - Ian Bergman: Ahead of the Curve
Who is Ian Bergman?
Ian is a startup advisor, investor and self-described corporate innovation agitator. He's recently a 14 year veteran of Microsoft, where he worked in partner channel strategy, hardware planning and engineering, and Azure Cloud. While there he went on to be the Global Managing Director of Microsoft for startups, overseeing startup acceleration, global innovation, and engagement with Microsoft startup ecosystems around the world. Before joining Microsoft, Ian co-founded the political news site Raw Story. He has an MBA from the University of Washington and a BA in politics and French from Oberlin College.
It's time to get to know Ian!
E.20 - Veronica Siranosian: Urban Movement
Who is Veronica Siranosian?
Veronica is a vice president in the AECOM Digital and Innovation Group, advancing digital delivery and innovation in infrastructure planning, design and delivery. With a background in public and private sector transportation and land use planning, Veronica works with public agencies and private clients to understand, proactively plan for, and realize the future of infrastructure. Her passion is to leverage technologies to better connect people to opportunities and to create more equitable places.
Welcome to the show Veronica!
E.19 - Jacob Laporte: Future Medicine
Who is Jacob LaPorte?
Jacob LaPorte, PhD, is the Co-Founder & Global Head of The Novartis Biome at Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation. Previously he founded Snapdragon Chemistry with luminaries in the field of flow chemistry. And he is a former Harvard chemist and McKinsey & Company consultant who is passionate about leading digital transformations to improve.
So wonderful to have him on the show!
E.18 - Tiffani Alvidrez: Riding a Unicorn
Who is Tiffani Alvidrez?
Tiffiny joined Instacart as its Public Policy Manager after a dazzling career in government that began in the California state legislature as Chief of Staff to the California State Senate to Holly J. Mitchell. She also served as policy analyst to the California Department of Transportation and Drug and Alcohol Programs and special assisted in the California governor's office.
Today, AXII!
E.17 - Andi Mann The Innovation Mix
Who is Andi Mann?
Andi was an analyst at Enterprise Management Associates and went on to be a VP in the office of the CTO at CA Technologies, where he was responsible for product strategy and marketing. From there, he went to a spectacular term at Splunk as CTO of DevOps which led to now where he is Chief Technology Officer at Qumu.
Today, Innovators Inside!
E.16 - Mark Pesce: Next Billion Seconds
Who is Mark Pesce?
Mark is the host of the award-winning podcast The Next Billion Seconds, a columnist for The Register & the co-inventor of VRML. He's also the author of six books and was an entrepreneur in residence at Incubate Sydney University. He founded postgraduate programs in Digital and Emerging Media at the University of Southern California and the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School.
And now, AXII!
E.15 - Mayra Ceja: Ender's Game
Who is Mayra Ceja?
Mayra is currently head of Business Development and Partnerships for HubSpot and the podcast host of www.VentureUnpluggged.com. She received her MBA from Wharton and her BA from Princeton, where she spent nine years as president of the Princeton Entrepreneurs Network and led 21 Investments for Princeton University's first seed fund. With a knack for leadership, she is energized and inspired when advising VCs and startups in a way to facilitate their highest growth.
It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to Mayra Ceja!
E.14 - Fernanda Bordin: Smart and Sustainable
Who is Fernanda Bordin?
Fernanda is the Senior Manager for Innovation at Gerdau Next. The new business arm of Gerdau, the largest producer of long steel in Latin America. Before coming to Gerdau, Fernanda worked with open Innovation and data analytics at NASA via the laboratory of Innovation Science at Harvard and managed the business incubation program at Mercedes-Benz R&D North America.
And now, AXII welcomes her to the community!
E. 13 - Jez Humble: Continuous Innovation
Who is Jez Humble?
Jez works in Site Reliability Engineering at Google and teaches at UC Berkeley. He previously co-founded the amazingly influential DevOps Research and Assessment, DORA. And co-conducted the annual State of DevOps Report. Before that was stints at 18F, the legendary Obama-era federal agency that modernized several digital services and thought works.
Get ready to meet Jez!
E.12 - Shige Ihara: Win-Win Situation
Who is Shige Ihara?
Shigeto is the president and CEO of NEC X launched in 2018 by NEC Corp, formerly Nippon Electric Company. NEC X is a Palo Alto-based business incubator that fast-tracks technologies and business ideas selected from inside and outside NEC. Not only is AlchemistX working with them on their current accelerator batch, but we got Shige on our show!
You're going to love Shige!
E.11 - Kathy Chill: Tactics and Chill
Who is Kathy Chill?
Kathy Chill is a business development powerhouse. She spent 10 years at Citrix where she grew the SAAS business from 30 million to half a billion dollars - making Citrix one of the 10 biggest SAAS companies on Earth. But that was just the first act of a distinguished career. Kathy went on to found the awesomely named, Chill Strategic Partners, where she helps companies around the world accelerate time to market. Her clients include everything from early stage startups to established public and private enterprises. She provides both strategic guidance and hands-on operational support to folks launching new products in new markets. Kathy's particularly good at helping clients evaluate and capitalize on new market opportunities - the very core of Corporate Innovation.
What a delight to have her indeed!
E.10 - Laura Merling: Driving the Future
Who is Laura Merling?
Laura Marling is the Digital Transformation Officer Automotive for Google. Before joining Google, she was Managing Director and Chief Digital Officer for Slalom, providing business and product strategy to multi-billion dollar companies in technology, transportation, energy, cpg, retail, healthcare, and education. She served as Chief Digital Officer for Collins Aerospace and Vice President, Digital Products for Ford and AT&T.
Of course we had to get her on the show, she's awesome!