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Tech Without Borders by dojo.live

Tech Without Borders by dojo.live

By dojo.live

Each week we bring together a broad roster of technology luminaries, business and thought leaders from a wide range of software companies and startups.

Each guest will have their time in the spotlight during a fun, casual interview session with the hosts Kimberly Lantis and America Guerrero, who are often joined by other folks at Encora as co-hosts.

dojo.live is a lively, informative, informal and fun conversation and is the perfect way to get to know and learn from the community’s movers and shakers outside the sometimes-staid confines of the traditional
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The Squiggly Path to Success - Sammy James - CEO @ Speak2leads

Tech Without Borders by dojo.liveJul 28, 2020

00:00
31:44
Discover How Your Competitors Keep Users Hooked

Discover How Your Competitors Keep Users Hooked

How can companies gain a competitive advantage by seeing how competitors grow, retain & engage with their users?

Idan Vakrat is a seasoned product and tech leader who oversees Watchful strategy and delivery of products, including engineering, product management, design, and analytics.

Before joining Watchful, he was a Group Product Manager at Google, where he led the product efforts for Waze.

Earlier in his career, Idan was head of products at Outbrain (NASDAQ:OB).

Idan is an 8200 elite unit alumni. He holds Physics degrees from the Technion (with highest honors) and a Master of Business Administration from Tel-Aviv Recanati business school.

Mar 12, 202431:57
Going Back to the Future: Traversing AI Implementation – [Segment 5/5]

Going Back to the Future: Traversing AI Implementation – [Segment 5/5]

All you need to know in order to traverse AI implementation, including who is responsible for the implementation of AI technology within an organization, how to determine which AI technologies to implement and where, how to "sell" AI within an organization and as a B2B solution and the importance of tracking KPIs and iteration for future road mapping.

David Chestler - President, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link] David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

Sally Kelly - SVP Advisory Services, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link] Sally has 15 years of experience and expertise in the development and execution of strategic communications, consulting, product development and deployment for the hospitality and travel industry. Prior to joining ProVision Partners, she held a leadership role at KPMG, and spent six years working with the Amadeus IT Group. She also served in a strategy and consulting role for Accenture, a global professional services company, before opening her own consulting firm in 2020.

Martin Chevalley - CEO & Co-founder, InnSpire [Linkedin Link] Martin Chevalley serves as CEO of InnSpire – the Digital Guest Journey, a global hotel technology company he co-founded in 2012 that is dedicated to developing and delivering hospitality-specific technology systems and integrated solutions for streamlining the guest journey and creating maximum efficiency for hotel operations. With a comprehensive suite of intelligent solutions, InnSpire helps hotels around the world to sell more, entertain better, analyze data and optimize results, with a prestigious clientele that includes such brands as Hilton Grand Vacations, Virgin Hotels, LVMH Cheval Blanc, LUX Hotels and many others. In addition to his role at InnSpire, Chevalley is a global business catalyst with over 10 years of experience in successfully conceptualizing, launching and commercializing electronics and software-oriented brands, products and companies in multiple business sectors worldwide. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Stockholm University‘s School of Business, as well as Harvard University.

Jorge Hernandez - Principal ML Research Engineer @ Encora [Linkedin Link] Jorge Hernandez is a Principal ML Research Engineer at Encora with over 23 years of experience in software. He has led cross functional, distributed teams as both Tech Lead and CTO to deliver solutions in projects for millions of users across local and federal governments, academia and industry. As an ML Research Engineer, he led clients’ machine learning teams in delivering SOTA results in data and text extraction from scanned documents, using a novel machine learning algorithm developed in-house, which allows Low Shot and Zero Shot training without sacrificing accuracy or recall, as well as facilitating transparency in the trained models. Jorge’s research interests include Deep Learning, Quantum Computing, Quantum Machine Learning and Fair, Safe and Transparent AI, as well as the applications of both standard and Quantum Machine Learning to Genomics, Proteomics, Synthetic Biology and Materials Science. His other interests include classical music, neuroscience, philosophy of science, physics and role-playing games. Jorge majored in Computer Science at the Faculty of Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Mar 07, 202431:10
Unlocking AI’s Full Potential Through Testing and Iteration – [Segment 4/5]

Unlocking AI’s Full Potential Through Testing and Iteration – [Segment 4/5]

What strategies can you employ for post-implementation, including gaining valuable customer feedback and making informed decisions on road mapping and potential pivots in the AI strategy?

President, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

Principal ML Research Engineer @ Encora [Linkedin Link]

Jorge Hernandez is a Principal ML Research Engineer with over 23 years of experience in software. He has led cross functional, distributed teams as both Tech Lead and CTO to deliver solutions in projects for millions of users across local and federal governments, academia and industry.

As an ML Research Engineer, he led clients’ machine learning teams in delivering SOTA results in data and text extraction from scanned documents, using a novel machine learning algorithm developed in-house, which allows Low Shot and Zero Shot training without sacrificing accuracy or recall, as well as facilitating transparency in the trained models.

Jorge’s research interests include Deep Learning, Quantum Computing, Quantum Machine Learning and Fair, Safe and Transparent AI, as well as the applications of both standard and Quantum Machine Learning to Genomics, Proteomics, Synthetic Biology and Materials Science. His other interests include classical music, neuroscience, philosophy of science, physics and role-playing games. Jorge majored in Computer Science at the Faculty of Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

David ChestlerJorge Hernandez

Feb 22, 202434:05
Using Technology to Connect Travelers and Tourists with Authentic Local Artisans

Using Technology to Connect Travelers and Tourists with Authentic Local Artisans

How can authentic cultural experiences like artisan workshops redefine and enrich travel?

Rana Saad is an entrepreneur and innovator connecting cultures through technology. Rana Saad is the founder of Tuzmo – a startup that helps travelers and tourists find authentic, local artisans. He is a former Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House. Prior to that, in his role as the North America Digital Innovation Lead at Accenture, he helped some of the largest corporations and organizations innovate like startups and at startup speed.

Previously he founded a global technology services company spanning four countries, that exited with a listing on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. He advises many early stage companies and has built digital innovation labs and programs at multiple organizations.

Feb 21, 202432:50
Managing the APPocalyse with Andrej Safundzic

Managing the APPocalyse with Andrej Safundzic

How can organizations improve their app usage, entitlements, and spending?

Andrej Safundzic is the visionary CEO and Co-founder of Lumos, the game-changing access management platform that has transformed the software spend landscape. Under his leadership, Lumos has pioneered innovative solutions for businesses, automating access requests, enforcing least privilege, and streamlining user access reviews. With Lumos, organizations gain invaluable insights into app usage, entitlements, and spending, all in one powerful platform.
In addition to his notable accomplishments in the tech industry, Andrej is dedicated to using technology for the public good, striving to make the world a more loving, enthusiastic, and just place. He co-founded two social enterprises in East Africa, with Starthub Africa still flourishing and providing employment opportunities to 30 individuals. Andrej’s innovative spirit and commitment to positive change have cemented his status as one of the World’s 50 Most Influential People Revolutionizing Government by Apolitical, and he continues to inspire and drive Lumos to new heights, while also advocating for SaaS solutions that support IT infrastructure and drive efficiency in organizations worldwide.

Feb 14, 202423:48
From Design Led Thinking to Implementing Real-world AI Solutions – [Segment 3/5]

From Design Led Thinking to Implementing Real-world AI Solutions – [Segment 3/5]

After the worthwhile process of empathizing, defining the problem, ideating, and prototyping it's time to implement your AI solution. Should you build or buy? What implementation challenges can you expect and how can you overcome them? What are some real-world examples of AI implementation in the hospitality industry?

David Chestler - President, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

Martin Chevalley - CEO & Co-founder, InnSpire [Linkedin Link]

Martin Chevalley serves as CEO of InnSpire – the Digital Guest Journey, a global hotel technology company he co-founded in 2012 that is dedicated to developing and delivering hospitality-specific technology systems and integrated solutions for streamlining the guest journey and creating maximum efficiency for hotel operations. With a comprehensive suite of intelligent solutions, InnSpire helps hotels around the world to sell more, entertain better, analyze data and optimize results, with a prestigious clientele that includes such brands as Hilton Grand Vacations, Virgin Hotels, LVMH Cheval Blanc, LUX Hotels and many others. In addition to his role at InnSpire, Chevalley is a global business catalyst with over 10 years of experience in successfully conceptualizing, launching and commercializing electronics and software-oriented brands, products and companies in multiple business sectors worldwide. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Stockholm University‘s School of Business, as well as Harvard University.

Feb 08, 202432:48
How Generative AI Impacts the Way Software Is Built

How Generative AI Impacts the Way Software Is Built

How are developers weaving genAI models into their business workflows?

Viren is the co-founder and co-CTO at enterprise microservices and application orchestration platform Orkes. He is also one of the creators for Netflix Conductor, an open-source microservices and workflow orchestration engine, used by hundreds of enterprises and Fortune 100 companies including Tesla, Oracle, American Express, Cisco, GitHub, and GE. Before founding Orkes, Viren led and managed Firebase engineering at Google. Prior to that he was a VP of engineering at Goldman Sachs, where he led development of distributed systems.

Feb 06, 202433:55
Subscriptions Without Borders

Subscriptions Without Borders

While the travel industry was an early adopter of subscription revenue (shoutout to timeshares!), buying preferences are changing. How can the industry meet travelers where they are in terms of "how to buy"?

John Sarver is a seasoned Executive Consultant & Innovation Strategist at Expeed Software and Saaslogic, and has a robust military foundation as a former U.S. Navy Supply Corps Officer. Transitioning from disciplined military service to the dynamic world of startups and corporations, John has mastered the art of operational excellence and strategic growth.

John’s passion for adventure transcends his professional life. As an avid outdoorsman and a soccer dad, he cherishes family time while continuing to seek challenging adventures, ranging from whitewater trips to summiting the 3rd highest mountain in North America. His global travels with the Navy have enriched his perspective, which he brings to every client engagement.

With an infectious enthusiasm for technological innovation, John’s mission is to revolutionize how businesses approach automation and analysis, ensuring they thrive in today’s fast-paced market.

Feb 01, 202431:26
New Hotel Tech Enabling Incredible Experiences

New Hotel Tech Enabling Incredible Experiences

How can hotels offer their guests incredible travel experiences and activities?

Fran is the co-founder of Turneo, the global experience commerce platform. Turneo enables hotels to launch their own experience stores and deliver unforgettable experiences to their guests, in a matter of minutes. With Turneo, travel brands can create and manage their own branded experience stores, and integrate them seamlessly into their existing booking journey.

Fran has over 10 years of experience in designing and launching corporate ventures, propositions, and products, as well as developing and executing corporate strategy, M&A, and partnerships. Prior to Turneo, he was the innovation lead at Brussels Airport Company, where he managed external innovation partners and assessed new investment opportunities. Before that, he was the Amsterdam Studio Lead at Market Gravity, working with clients across different industries to create and launch new ventures, products, and services. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, mountaineering, and diving.

Jan 31, 202434:08
Loyalty Programs in a Post-COVID World

Loyalty Programs in a Post-COVID World

How can banks, airlines, and hotels fix their broken loyalty programs in the wake of excess elite status, credit card perks, and outstanding loyalty points?

As the Founder & CEO of OdynnJohn Taylor Garner is on a mission to revolutionize the loyalty and awards industry by using machine learning to help users earn and redeem their points and miles, without spending more. With over 11 years of experience in fintech, portfolio management, and derivatives trading, he has the skills and insights to create and scale products that deliver value to both businesses and individuals.

John founded his first startup, Card Curator, in 2018. After attending the Wharton School, where he double majored in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Marketing Analytics, he founded Odynn in 2022. Since then, he has built a global team and a suite of products that have been featured in Bloomberg, WIRED, U.S. News & World Report, and more. He is also a Fintech Founder Fellow at On Deck, a community of ambitious entrepreneurs. John is driven by a love for travel, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Jan 30, 202432:45
From Overwhelming to Overcoming: Strategies for AI Adoption with Design Led Thinking – [Segment 2/5]

From Overwhelming to Overcoming: Strategies for AI Adoption with Design Led Thinking – [Segment 2/5]

With such a wide range of AI technologies and applications available, how can organizations avoid the risky behavior of "AI-washing?" And how can Design Led Thinking be used to discover the AI trends that truly align with your business goals and objectives?

David Chestler - President, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

Sally Kelly - SVP Advisory Services, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

Sally has 15 years of experience and expertise in the development and execution of strategic communications, consulting, product development and deployment for the hospitality and travel industry. Prior to joining ProVision Partners, she held a leadership role at KPMG, and spent six years working with the Amadeus IT Group. She also served in a strategy and consulting role for Accenture, a global professional services company, before opening her own consulting firm in 2020.

Sandra Vazquez - User Experience and Design, Encora [Linkedin Link]

Sandra Vazquez is a UX and CX leader with more than 10 years of experience helping software companies improve the user experience of their products. With an entrepreneurial background, she guides companies on how to build engaging products and impact market adoption. In her role as Head of User Experience, Sandra works with clients from all around the world to discover their user’s perspectives and translate them into actionable design solutions that ultimately drive growth. She has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona.

Jan 25, 202436:28
Legends: TravelDNA Powering a New Era of Personalization

Legends: TravelDNA Powering a New Era of Personalization

How are paradigm shifts in data, privacy and regulation changing the landscape for marketing and personalization?

Stephanie grew up in a small village in England, which ignited her early passion for the power of travel to drive individual and collective evolution. She studied MA Economics at Cambridge which amplified her foundational belief in the power of data to help us make good decisions and allocate resources. She spent almost 15 years in investment banking with Deutsche Bank in London and NY building the strongest foundation of markets, finance, strategy, management, client and product innovation. Her most recent role was Managing Director and co-head of a structured finance strategic coverage team of over 30 people and $400 million revenue.
However the entrepreneurial spirit was always going to propel Stephanie to deliver on her mission to build a platform to empower more people to experience the world and drive authentic connection. With her co-founder Shaina Shiwarski they are excited to be combining their passions and experience to bring Legends to life.
Legends unlocks a new era of personalization by transforming travelers’ phone and photo data into actionable insights to help providers increase revenue, loyalty and experience. Our TravelDNA is the new data layer that puts the human first. With backing from Techstars and Trip Ventures, we have received validation from the industry as Phocuswright Global Start-Up Winner and Skift IDEAS Innovation Problem Solver Nominee.
Stephanie continues to explore the world, from a current base in NY with her young daughter, husband and dog. She loves reading classic fiction, music, yoga and restaurants whilst connecting with friends old and new.

Jan 17, 202434:14
The Tech Opportunity Between Healthcare and Travel

The Tech Opportunity Between Healthcare and Travel

How can you find reputable non-emergency healthcare services when you're traveling to a different country?

Dana Le is the Founder & CEO of Wander Health, a medical concierge startup that connects travelers while abroad to vetted, English-speaking urgent care doctors. She previously was on the Founding Team and Head of Operations at KidsX, one of the world’s leading digital health ecosystems focused on accelerating pediatric innovation.

She built, designed, and managed the KidsX Accelerator, AWS Healthcare Accelerator, VaxUp Innovation Challenge with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Press Ganey KidsX Accelerator, and other prominent entrepreneurial programs. Prior to this role, she was building payment models at ECG Management Consultants and co-founded a community ventures program at Dell Medical School.

She has a Master of Health Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. Le is a Forbes 30 Under 30 lister, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice.

Jan 16, 202431:41
Do More in ’24: Identifying How to Take the Next Step With AI – [Segment 1/5]

Do More in ’24: Identifying How to Take the Next Step With AI – [Segment 1/5]

With nearly every hospitality organization discussing the implementation of AI-powered technology in 2024, is the AI revolution really needed? And if so, how can organizations best use the wide range of AI technologies for each of their business goals and objectives?

President, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

SVP Strategic Marketing, ProVision Partners International [Linkedin Link]

A veteran of the B2B travel and hospitality technology industries, Andrea has developed and implemented successful, comprehensive integrated marketing and communications initiatives for high-growth organizations around the globe, from technology startups to established Fortune 500 public companies. As president of her own PR and marketing agency for over two decades before joining ProVision Partners in 2021, Andrea led the PR, advertising and marketing programs for a “who’s who” of global hospitality technology solution providers, industry associations, resorts and destinations.

David ChestlerAndrea Mane

Jan 11, 202431:37
Tech Traverse in Booking Hotels

Tech Traverse in Booking Hotels

How can Online Travel Companies navigate the future stay with innovation and ease?

Marvel Puri is a passionate Travel and Hospitality executive with a tech heartbeat and entrepreneurial spirit. He has a history of navigating a unique intersection of travel, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Marvel co-founded Vervotech, an award-winning technology company specializing in managing hotel and room data, where he has been driving innovation for the past five years and leading the charge in building robust technology products and revenue teams.

He is the proud father of two boys and tries to infuse a touch of Indian heritage into every endeavor. He firmly believes in the school of thought that grit and building meaningful connections with people are the most essential ingredients for success.

Jan 02, 202440:13
Travel and Hospitality Sustainability

Travel and Hospitality Sustainability

How can the travel industry use AI to reduce carbon emissions? And what is the role of AI and Generative AI in the Travel Tech of the future?

Samar Khan, Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer at TripAI Technologies, has more than 20 years of broad experience in developing and delivering mission critical software in multiple industries. This experience includes the implementation of technology solutions for over 100 global airlines, Digital Transformation and Blockchain thought leadership. Currently Samar is focused on driving the Travel and Hospitality Industry to reduce carbon emissions using AI.

Dec 19, 202331:13
Emerging Technology and Its Impact on the Global Travel Industry

Emerging Technology and Its Impact on the Global Travel Industry

With more than four decades of experience under his belt, Norm Rose, former President of Travel Tech Consulting, shares his firsthand knowledge of how the arrival of the internet, the use of the first online booking tools, mobile, blockchain and more, have altered – and will continue to alter - the global travel industry.

Dec 12, 202333:21
Tech Employees Are in Crisis

Tech Employees Are in Crisis

How can tech leaders “be more strategic?"

Andrew Bartlow has 25 years of Human Resources and Talent Management experience at organizations across a wide spectrum of sizes, maturity stages, and industries.

He is the co-author of “Scaling for Success: People Priorities for High Growth Organizations,” has a master’s degree from the top program in his field, and has been CECP, SPHR, Six Sigma, and executive coaching certified.

Andrew leads Series B Consulting, which helps businesses to articulate their people strategy and accelerate their growth, while navigating rapid change. He also founded the People Leader Accelerator, which is the preeminent development program for startup HR leaders.

He’s worked with clients like Masterclass and many others to help them overcome obstacles in a hyper growth phase.

Dec 07, 202320:27
Growing Revenue With Embedded Finance

Growing Revenue With Embedded Finance

How can SaaS businesses take advantage of next-level monetization strategies like embedded finance?

Brandon Zorner currently serves as Chief Sales Officer for Exact Payments, an embedded payments provider that enables SaaS businesses to monetize payments through its turnkey PayFac-as-a-Service solution.

With over a decade of experience in the fintech and software industries, Brandon has led payments for both software platforms and fintechs, including Uber, Ladder, and WU Ventures. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business owners create excellent customer experiences by incorporating fintech into their products.

Dec 06, 202328:51
The Future of Connected Group Travel

The Future of Connected Group Travel

How could emerging technologies transform group trips and event discovery?

Jason van Esso is a visionary entrepreneur and leader, dedicated to transforming the travel and entertainment sectors for a contemporary audience. As the Founder & CEO of Crewfare, Jason has pioneered a groundbreaking travel-technology platform that offers a fully integrated, user-friendly, and social solution for booking event and group travel.

In only two years, Jason and his co-founders have rapidly expanded the company, employing a team of nearly 50 individuals, facilitating travel for over 200,000 adventurers, collaborating with 3,000+ hotels, and scheduling an impressive roster of 100+ major live events for 2023, such as Rolling Loud, Ultra Music Festival, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Governors Ball, and more.

Dec 05, 202333:14
Hospitality Tech 101

Hospitality Tech 101

How to navigate in the complex environment of the Hospitality Technology ecosystem?

Ira Vouk is the acclaimed author of top industry publications “Revenue Management Made Easy” and “Hospitality 2.0” and the originator of the first in the industry online learning course on hospitality technology. Ira is a hospitality consultant and tech innovator who brings nearly two decades of practical industry experience, predominantly championing the role of revenue management and the use of data and technology to provide hospitality companies with insight to lead their business strategy better.

She is a public speaker and educator on revenue and profit optimization, distribution and hospitality tech and currently teaches Hospitality Technology at Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at SDSU.

Ira is also a contributing writer for various hospitality publications and platforms and a guest lecturer at various universities worldwide.

Nov 15, 202328:51
Using UX to Better Understand the Gen Z Traveler and What It Means for Your Product

Using UX to Better Understand the Gen Z Traveler and What It Means for Your Product

How can travel companies better understand the Gen Z traveler and therefore better influence them into using their goods and services?

Kathia Alexander is a Mexican American Industrial Design Engineer and Product Designer at Encora with over 4 years of experience in the software industry. She has collaborated on more than 15 digital products, varying from marketplace add-ons for platforms like Jira, Monday.com, Trello, and Freshdesk, to standalone apps that help remote teams carry out their Agile Ceremonies, host video conference calls, and manage their digital assets (Digital Asset Management tools).

Nov 08, 202308:39
Direct Bookings Strategy Dilema: Cashback X Discounts - Marcelo Bicudo

Direct Bookings Strategy Dilema: Cashback X Discounts - Marcelo Bicudo

How can the hospitality industry improve direct sales results without compromised margins and compete with OTA giants?

Marcelo Bicudo, founder and CEO of Travel Cash. Our discussion revolves around the direct booking strategy dilemma, specifically focusing on the choice between cashback and discounts for hotels. Marcelo shares his background in the hospitality industry and loyalty programs, leading to the creation of Travel Cash, a travel fintech company. Travel Cash aims to enhance direct bookings by offering a unique approach—replacing discounts with a cashback system that doubles the value. Marcelo emphasizes the negative impact of discounts on relationships and value perception, proposing cashback as a solution. The conversation delves into the challenges faced during the pandemic, the shift in user behavior, and the importance of building relationships and partnerships in the industry. Marcelo also explains how Travel Cash monitors and measures its impact on shifting users from third-party intermediaries to direct bookings for hotels. The interview concludes with Marcelo encouraging entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry to focus on building connections and partnerships for mutual value.

Marcelo Bicudo, Founder and CEO of TravelCash, is an entrepreneur who is passionate about traveling, hotels and loyalty. He has worked many years in the hotel industry and database marketing projects, including loyalty. He launched AllpointsTravel.com in 2015 and in 2023 TravelCash, a Travel Fintech that combines both of his passions to became a Travel Currency and a Travel Marketplace. He is now determined to attract his dream team and make TravelCash a global company.

Summary of the videoBio

Nov 07, 202331:13
Wandering Wisely With Recreational Assets - Madison Rifkin

Wandering Wisely With Recreational Assets - Madison Rifkin

How to travel with just a backpack and connect with the local community?

Madison Rifkin is the Founder and CEO of Mount where she is on a mission to change the way we travel. She encourages travelers to go with just a backpack and rent everything they need in destination from locals. She’s rooted in the Short Term Rental Industry where she’s won the Rising Star Award in 2022 and 2023.

Nov 01, 202329:42
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Creators to Build Powerful Digital Products Through No-Code
Oct 31, 202331:26
E-Commerce Revolution: The Power of Biometric Checkout

E-Commerce Revolution: The Power of Biometric Checkout

How can biometric authentication redefine online transactions and user experiences for retailers? View the full video interview here.

Deepak Jain has built transformational businesses and products in the NFC payments, neobanking, blockchain and cross border payment spaces, resulting in multiple successful exits. His most recent venture, Wink, is a biometric identity and payments authentication platform using advanced face, voice and device recognition with AI and machine learning to eliminate identity theft and payments fraud in e-commerce transactions.

Aug 31, 202330:32
Hacking Growth Opportunities - Shreesha Ramdas

Hacking Growth Opportunities - Shreesha Ramdas

How does striking a balance between revolution and evolution increase the success rate for startups? View the full video interview here.

Shreesha Ramdas is an entrepreneurial executive with a track record of launching and growing products in competitive markets, general management experience in product development, Growth Hacking, and go-to-market strategy & execution. He is currently incubating a startup, Lumber.

In today’s nervous tech investor space, Shreesha believes the trend is for most startups to not pursue new, pioneering technologies for brand new markets, but technological advancements that can recast existing markets and applications. There is still value and opportunity in staking claim to something new, appealing to tech visionaries, but the risk is greater than what many can afford.

CEOs and company founders, especially at early-stage startups, should take the approach of looking for the holes in what already exists and is understood. Evolution is easier than revolution, even if the innovation itself is revolutionary. It is far easier to radically improve something than create something from nothing.

On this episode of dojo.live, Shreesha Ramdas will explain how he is applying these principles to his latest startup, Lumber, and discuss the balance between revolution and evolution to hack growth opportunities for the greatest success. He will provide some principles to consider, lessons learned, and real-life examples.

Aug 23, 202332:30
Pricing B2B SaaS - Dan Balcauski

Pricing B2B SaaS - Dan Balcauski

How can B2B SaaS businesses create profitable pricing strategies? View the full video interview here.

Dan Balcauski is the founder and Chief Pricing Officer at Product Tranquility, based in Austin, TX. He focuses on helping high-volume B2B SaaS CEOs define pricing and packaging for new products. Over his career, he has worked in both B2C and B2B companies ranging from startups to publicly traded enterprises.

Aug 22, 202333:21
Digital Renaissance – Why the Metaverse and Why Now?

Digital Renaissance – Why the Metaverse and Why Now?

View the full video interview here.

How does the metaverse redefine brand realities and drive customer engagement by providing immersive and interactive platforms that transcend conventional marketing methods?

Yonatan Raz-Fridman is a visionary entrepreneur, technology executive, and the co-founder and CEO of Supersocial, a leading metaverse company that builds and operates cutting-edge virtual worlds for top-tier global brands and turns them into prosperous businesses. Supersocial has garnered significant recognition and support, backed by industry-leading investors who believe in Yon’s vision.

Aug 09, 202321:30
The Bitcoin Era - Bruno Ver

The Bitcoin Era - Bruno Ver

Will blockchain and AI be forced, but useful, to human beings? View the full video interview here.

Bruno Ver, Co-Founder and CEO of Niftify, is drawn to entrepreneurship for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, he loves the idea of being his own boss and having control over his career. He is excited by the prospect of creating something from scratch and seeing it grow into a successful venture. Additionally, Bruno enjoys the challenge of problem-solving and finding creative solutions to obstacles that arise in the business world.

Aug 08, 202332:06
Riding the Digital Wave: Unleashing AI’s Potential for Products

Riding the Digital Wave: Unleashing AI’s Potential for Products

How can AI lead to profitable product sales, process efficiency, and higher customer satisfaction? View the full video interview here.

Lori Schafer is a senior software executive and entrepreneur with 30+ years in technology, analytics (Predictive, AI, Generative AI), Ecommerce, consumer products branding, and retail merchandising and marketing.

Aug 03, 202333:15
The Dramatic Disruption of Silicon Valley

The Dramatic Disruption of Silicon Valley

With layoffs and bank closures, is Silicon Valley facing a meltdown? View the full video interview here.

Scott Stuart is the CEO of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA). TMA is a global nonprofit organization of nearly 10,000 turnaround and corporate renewal professionals. With 50+ chapters worldwide, TMA members are a professional community that strengthens the global economy by working with distressed companies to improve performance, manage disruption, restructure through insolvency proceedings, and preserve equity to drive overall results.


Aug 01, 202333:46
Building the Assembly Line for Biology - Deniz Kent

Building the Assembly Line for Biology - Deniz Kent

Why does Prolific Machines exist? How can cultured meat help us save the natural world? View the full video interview here.

Deniz Kent is a mission-driven scientist passionate about growing meat without killing animals, making healthcare affordable, and becoming a multi-planetary species. He co-founded Prolific Machines to help address all three of these domains.

Jul 27, 202335:50
Machine Learning to the Rescue – of the Data Team - Barzan Mozafari

Machine Learning to the Rescue – of the Data Team - Barzan Mozafari

How can ML technology help manage insane volumes of data and keep cloud costs in check? View the full video interview here.

Barzan has spent the last 15 years of his career on statistical and machine learning techniques for building smarter, faster, more scalable data-intensive systems. He is an entrepreneur, researcher, and professor.

Jul 13, 202330:45
What Really Is the Threat in Cybersecurity?A Closer Look - Byron Bort

What Really Is the Threat in Cybersecurity?A Closer Look - Byron Bort

Who is behind the security breaches we read about, what are the motives, and what does this look like? Why do breaches keep happening and what can companies do about it? View the full video interview here.

Bryson is the Founder of SCYTHE, a start-up building a next generation threat emulation platform, and GRIMM, a cybersecurity consultancy, and Co-Founder of the ICS Village, a non-profit advancing awareness of industrial control system security.

He is a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute, Adjunct Senior Technical Advisor for Institute of Security and Technology, and an Advisor to the Army Cyber Institute. As a U.S. Army Officer, he served as a Battle Captain and Brigade Engineering Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before leaving the Army as a Captain. He was recognized as one of the Top 50 in Cyber by Business Insider, Security Executive Finalist of the Year by SC Media, and a Tech Titan in Washington DC.

Jul 06, 202332:34
Grocery 3.0

Grocery 3.0

How is AI ushering in a new era of online grocery adoption and transforming the way retailers interact with customers? View the full video interview here.

Henry Michaelson is the Co-Founder and the Chief Technology Officer of Halla.

Throughout his tenure as CTO, Henry has played a pivotal role in Halla’s growth and success. He spearheaded the development of Halla’s MVP, an AI grocery recommendation product, and supervised the creation of two mobile apps previously released by the company. Henry’s leadership and expertise have facilitated the successful implementation of Halla’s solutions across multiple top-ranking grocery retailers and thousands of storefronts. Henry is committed to innovation and transforms groundbreaking ideas into reality.

Henry’s achievements have gained him recognition in the technology realm. He is a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Class of 2023, and is frequently invited as a guest to magazines and podcasts, where he shares his insights on artificial intelligence (AI) and retail innovation.

Gabriel Nipote is the Co-Founder & COO of Halla. He’s primarily responsible for the company’s operations and healthy growth. As such, he touches many pieces of the company, providing leadership in business development, business administration, and finance, in addition to sitting on the board as a director.

Gabriel is also instrumental in Halla’s sales activities, ensuring effective communication of the company’s position in the marketplace and managing relationships with Halla’s retail partners and clients.

Bios

Jun 28, 202333:14
Real-World, AI-Based Digital Diagnostic Solutions for Human, Veterinary and Environmental Clinics and Labs

Real-World, AI-Based Digital Diagnostic Solutions for Human, Veterinary and Environmental Clinics and Labs

How can AI image analysis combined with digital workflows impact the lives of people, pets and the environment? View the full video interview here.

Mr. Cahoon is a serial entrepreneur that earned an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and an MBA from Brigham Young University. For the past seven years he’s helped launch Techcyte working on everything from the product to projections, marketing, partnerships and funding. He’s worked in large ventures such as Intel, Lenovo and start-ups in Digital Microscopy, IT, Automotive Performance, Education, Real Estate and the Fund Industry.

Jun 27, 202331:44
Proven Techniques for Creating High-Performance Teams

Proven Techniques for Creating High-Performance Teams

What proven techniques exist to transform team performance?

Scott Weiner, leading NeuEon’s Transformation Practice, is a recognized authority in driving high performance and strategic change across various industries. View the full video interview here.

With 30 years of leadership experience in roles such as CEO, CTO, and VP in technology, in healthcare, finance, and more, he provides strategic guidance to organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Scott is known for his insights in organizational transformation and his advocacy for small businesses. He has built multi-million dollar companies, mentored several million dollar prize winning business teams in competition, and has frequently engages with the U.S. Congress to improve technology policies.

Jun 15, 202338:38
From Global Meltdown to Quantum Leap: Why Tokenization Will Save the World

From Global Meltdown to Quantum Leap: Why Tokenization Will Save the World

How to reap the rewards of evolving Web3 technologies with the extraordinary possibilities of tokenization. View the full video interview here.

Dan Schmerin is an operating executive, investor, and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in finance, corporate strategy, and public policy.

He is the Co-Founder and President of Metaversal, a Web3-native company focused on the acquisition and production of iconic intellectual property across the NFT ecosystem. Metaversal seeks to unlock the vast potential of the metaverse while fueling the brands and businesses that will naturally follow in Web3.

Prior to founding Metaversal, Dan was the Chief Executive Officer of UOVO, the leading fine art, fashion, and collectibles storage and logistics provider in the United States. Dan previously served as the Director of Investment Research at Fairholme Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar value-oriented investment firm.

Bio

Jun 08, 202332:14
Digital World? WEB3? Let’s Not Forget We Still Live in a Physical World

Digital World? WEB3? Let’s Not Forget We Still Live in a Physical World

How can optical-AI tech improve security and trust while linking the digital and physical worlds without harming physical asset integrity? View the full video interview here.

The discussion revolves around the topic of the digital world and its connection to the physical world. Aethelion is a company that uses fingerprinting technology to identify and track physical products without the need for physical contact. They aim to combat counterfeiting and the gray market by providing a secure way to authenticate and trace physical items. The conversation explores how optical AI can improve security and trust by bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms. Ganzarski explains the challenges of counterfeiting and the importance of having a direct link between the digital and physical aspects of a product to ensure authenticity. The technology developed by Aethelion involves taking a picture of the product, which generates a unique fingerprint that can be compared to identify the item. The conversation also touches on the development process of the technology, its applications beyond luxury goods, and the cultural openness within Aethelion.

May 31, 202333:26
Discovery of Biologic Therapeutics in the AI/ML Era

Discovery of Biologic Therapeutics in the AI/ML Era

How can AI/Machine-Learning accelerate the discovery of new biomedical insights with high therapeutic application potential? View the full video interview here.


This interview features Eddie Moler, the VP of Data Science at Juvenile Therapeutics, discussing the role of AI and machine learning in the discovery of biologic therapeutics. Moler explains his background in science and technology, transitioning from quantitative physical science to biology and life science applications. He highlights the impact of cloud technology and AI/ML in accelerating the discovery of new biological phenomena and developing therapies for various diseases. Juvenile Therapeutics, an early-stage biopharma startup, focuses on leveraging stem cell biology to identify and develop new treatments based on naturally secreted proteins. Moler discusses how AI and machine learning contribute to accelerating the discovery of biomedical insights with high therapeutic potential. He emphasizes the automation of drug discovery processes and the analysis of complex biological data, such as genomics and proteomics. Moler also mentions the challenge of examining hundreds of thousands of proteins and the role of AI in identifying key factors and patterns. He discusses the proprietary nature of technology and methods used but acknowledges the importance of sharing discoveries for scientific credibility. Moler concludes by highlighting the need for domain expertise and continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field.

May 30, 202334:14
Rise of the [Friendly] Robots - William Santana Li - Knightscope

Rise of the [Friendly] Robots - William Santana Li - Knightscope

How are security robots changing the landscape of public safety? View the full video interview here.

Bill Santana Lee discusses the rise of friendly robots and explains that Night Scope aims to address the problem of crime and its negative economic impact by providing robotic solutions for public safety and security. Lee emphasizes the lack of federal jurisdiction and innovation in law enforcement agencies and private security firms. He highlights the limitations of human officers and guards in terms of their numbers and capabilities. Lee describes Night Scope’s autonomous robots, which can operate 24/7, observe their surroundings, read license plates, and collect evidence. He explains how the presence of these robots can deter criminal behavior and provide valuable data for prosecution. Lee expresses the need for advancements in technology, such as improved communication capabilities, to enhance the effectiveness of these robots. He asserts that traditional policing and security methods are costly and ineffective, and Night Scope’s robots offer a scalable and real solution to the problem. Lee mentions the positive response they have received from communities and the potential for further expansion.

May 24, 202334:59
AI at the Heart of Sustainability

AI at the Heart of Sustainability

How can we unleash AI's potential to transform the circular economy for a greener tomorrow? View the full video interview here.


Summary

Madhav Khurana, the head of data science and analytics at Rebuy, discusses the role of AI in sustainability. Rebuy is a used products marketplace that aims to combat overconsumption and waste by revolutionizing the perception of pre-owned goods. They use AI to dynamically price products, forecast demand and supply, and optimize operations costs. By leveraging AI, Rebuy ensures a seamless customer experience and promotes the circular economy. Madhav also emphasizes the importance of being data-driven and proactive in decision-making. The interview highlights the shift in consumer mentality towards sustainability and the increased demand for used products. Additionally, Madhav explains the significance of failure in the development of AI projects and advises starting with minimum viable products to test feasibility. The hosts also mention a recap show that will discuss Madhav’s interview and other topics.


May 24, 202332:09
Helping Talent Rise: Gratitude, Tech and Hospitality for Social Impact

Helping Talent Rise: Gratitude, Tech and Hospitality for Social Impact

How do soft skills impact the future of hospitality management? Can the recognition and appreciation of soft skills challenge the focus on monetary gain and potentially question the principles of capitalism? View the full video interview here.

Adrian Marquez is the founder of a company called Agaru. The episode focuses on helping talent rise in the context of gratitude, technology, and hospitality for social impact. Adrian shares his story of being involved in the hospitality industry for 20 years and his realization that many talented individuals in the industry lack access to education and opportunities. This realization led him to found Agaru, a platform where customers can vote for staff members and provide them with ratings. These ratings serve as a record of their skills and can open doors to new opportunities and career growth. The platform aims to address the challenge of assessing soft skills in the hospitality industry and help individuals showcase their talents. The conversation also explores the impact of soft skills on hospitality management, the potential to challenge the focus on monetary gain, and the role of gratitude in human interactions. The episode ends with an invitation for viewers to visit Agaru’s website and vote for individuals who have provided them with a positive experience.

May 23, 202330:56
How to Build AI for Enterprise

How to Build AI for Enterprise

How will AI transform businesses? What are people trying and what are the difficulties? View the full video interview here.

Debarghya Das, the founding engineer of Gleam, discusses building AI for enterprise. He shares his background, passion for technology, and his transition from working at Google to joining Gleam. Gleam aims to solve the problem of information retrieval in the workplace by providing a search engine for all consumer apps used in an enterprise setting. The goal is to create a smart search box that allows users to find documents and information quickly and efficiently. Das also discusses the challenges and potential of AI in various business applications, such as customer support and conversational AI. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as a tool and leveraging human knowledge and understanding alongside it. Gleam focuses on providing answers grounded in real information and sources, promoting trust and enabling users to perform real work tasks effectively.

May 11, 202332:36
Optimization’s Essential Role in the AI Revolution

Optimization’s Essential Role in the AI Revolution

What is Optimization and how does it relate to AI and Data Science? What kinds of applications is Optimization used for and what skills are needed to apply it successfully? View the full video interview here.

Dr. Irv Lustig, the optimization principal at Princeton Consultants, discusses the essential role of optimization in the AI revolution. He highlights the need for comprehensive thinking in applying optimization, from understanding the problem to deploying the solution and changing decision-making processes. Princeton Consultants focuses on management consulting and information technology, applying optimization to help customers make better decisions. The convergence of optimization and AI is driven by the availability of data, which enables improved decision-making. Optimization can automate processes and solve business problems efficiently. Skills required for optimization include a background in operations research, data science, and business analytics. Dr. Lustig emphasizes the importance of communication and considering downstream effects when implementing optimization solutions. He suggests pursuing degrees or programs in operations research, business analytics, or data science and attending conferences to learn more about optimization and its applications.

May 10, 202336:07
AI and Machine Learning for eCommerce

AI and Machine Learning for eCommerce

View the full video interview here.

How can direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce retailers take advantage of AI and Machine Learning technologies to scale their businesses in 2023?

Rakesh Yadav, the founder of Adaptive shared his background as an immigrant and his experience at Google, where he worked on several projects, including building an end-to-end machine learning platform for Google Ads. Rakesh discussed how AI and machine learning can benefit eCommerce retailers by personalizing user experiences, improving search and recommendations, and driving revenue. He explained that Adaptive offers intelligent products to help companies build their own customized eCommerce platforms. Rakesh also emphasized the importance of adaptability in the rapidly changing market and shared his advice for startup founders, such as focusing on people, having a process, and seeking continuous learning. The interview concluded with a discussion on the value of mentorship and mental safety in professional settings.

May 09, 202332:07
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Dementia Diagnostics and Care

Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Dementia Diagnostics and Care

What is the role of AI in accelerating proper diagnosis of dementia patients? View the full video interview here.

James Hamet, the founder and CEO of Vistum Labs, discusses the use of artificial intelligence in improving dementia diagnostics and care. He explains his background and passion for building technologies for doctors and helping patients. James previously founded a neurotech business called Nurable, which developed mind-reading technology to assist people in wheelchairs. Now with Vistum Labs, James focuses on addressing the clinical problem of diagnosing dementia. He highlights the difficulty in quantifying and evaluating dementia and the need for more accurate diagnoses to ensure effective treatment. James emphasizes the prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and the unequal impact it has on women. He discusses the capabilities of Vistum Labs’ technology, which uses AI to interpret brain damage and provide results comparable to PET scans and other diagnostic tests. He mentions the importance of early diagnosis and the potential for preventing neurodegenerative disorders. James shares his vision of expanding the technology’s application to other forms of dementia and brain damage. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine friendships and fostering a sincere approach in business. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, cultural differences, and the joy of trying new foods.

May 03, 202332:38
Machine Learning and AI in Mitigating Online Fraud Risks for Businesses

Machine Learning and AI in Mitigating Online Fraud Risks for Businesses

How can businesses use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and prevent online fraud? View the full video interview here.

Dennis Weiss, is the founder and CEO of IPQS. Dennis shares his background and the founding of IPQS, which stemmed from his experience with fraud in the advertising industry. They discuss how IPQS uses machine learning and AI to mitigate online fraud risks for businesses. IPQS analyzes various data points such as IP addresses, device fingerprinting, and email validation to detect and prevent fraud. They offer a comprehensive solution compared to competitors who focus on specific data points. The goal is to catch fraud before it happens and provide a frictionless experience for legitimate users. IPQS serves businesses across different industries, including finance, gambling, ride-sharing, and food delivery. They prioritize data accuracy to minimize false positives. The conversation highlights the importance of having the right data and constantly testing and learning to improve fraud prevention strategies.

May 02, 202332:43
AI in the Global Supply Chain - Rui Aguiar

AI in the Global Supply Chain - Rui Aguiar

How can new advances in AI rewrite global supply chain infrastructure? View the full video interview here.

Rui Aguiar, CTO of Expedock, discussed with us the application of AI in the global supply chain. Aguiar explained how AI can automate manual processes in supply chain operations, such as cataloging receipts and container pictures, to make the supply chain run more efficiently. He also shared how AI can be used in document extraction, which is the information protocol of how goods move around, to help businesses reduce their operational costs. Aguiar attributed the recent shock to the global supply chain to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused a demand spike for goods and materials and led to more companies entering the space to help improve the broken infrastructure system.

Rui Aguiar is the Cofounder and CTO of Expedock, a company that is using AI to increase efficiency and scalability in the global supply chain. Prior to that, he worked in the Stanford ML Group, and several companies including Rockset, Facebook and Airbnb.

Summary of the videoBio

Apr 27, 202330:55