From Developer To AI Visionary: Victor Shilo’s Guide To Building Innovation That Ships Breakthrough Innovation podcast

15:48

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, Preston Chandler and JL Heather are joined by Daniel Holguin, the Chief Technology Officer at Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachyocca Tribe . Daniel shares his extraordinary journey from a police officer to a leader in the tech world, highlighting the key moments that shaped his career, including overcoming a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Through it all, Daniel has developed a unique leadership style focused on empathy, relationship-building, and resilience. Daniel dives into what it means to lead with kindness, offering valuable insights into how great leadership goes beyond technical expertise. He emphasizes the importance of fostering strong connections with teams and motivating them by keeping the “why” of a project front and center. In this conversation, Daniel offers real-world wisdom on overcoming challenges within government and tribal organizations, effectively communicating complex ideas, and driving innovation with clear, concise communication. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: Empathy & Relationships in Leadership : Daniel explains how empathy and strong relationships form the foundation of effective leadership and team success. Leading with Kindness & Motivation : Learn how to keep your team engaged and motivated by recognizing their value and maintaining a collaborative approach. Overcoming Challenges in Government & Tribal Organizations : Daniel shares his experience navigating bureaucracy, securing resources, and aligning teams for impactful change. Clear Communication for Tech & Innovation : Discover why clear and concise communication is crucial, especially in technical fields like IT. Resilience in the Face of Adversity : How Daniel turned personal adversity into professional success, showing that resilience and adaptability are key in leadership. Key Takeaways: ✅ Empathy is a key driver of leadership success. ✅ Leading with kindness fosters collaboration and innovation. ✅ Overcoming organizational barriers starts with clear communication. ✅ Resilience and adaptability can transform challenges into growth opportunities. ✅ Small wins build momentum for bigger innovations. Links And Resources: Daniel Holguin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielholguinsr Website: tachi-yokut-nsn.gov (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

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Travel Tech Revolution: How HousMthr is Redefining Vacation Rentals with Will Schmahl 17:58

2 days ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Will Schmahl, founder of HousMthr a travel tech startup that is redefining the way we approach vacation rentals and group stays. Will shares the story behind HousMthr, an innovative app designed to enhance the travel experience by offering personalized assistance, managing group logistics, and ensuring safety with real-time support during trips. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: AI and Machine Learning in Travel: Will explains how HousMthr leverages AI to provide real-time recommendations, streamline trip planning, and ensure a seamless experience for travelers. Personalization & In-Trip Support: Unlike traditional travel platforms, HousMthr focuses on personalized, in-the-moment assistance—whether you need a local recommendation or emergency support, the app has you covered. Overcoming Industry Challenges: Will shares the hurdles of disrupting the travel tech space, including privacy concerns, data security, and slow industry adoption of new technology. Scaling Travel Solutions: Learn about the steps HousMthr is taking to grow and expand, offering more features and better support as the app gains traction among users. The Future of Travel Tech: What’s next for HousMthr? Will discusses the future of vacation rental management, AI in travel, and the ever-evolving landscape of tech-driven vacations. Key Takeaways: ✅ HousMthr is redefining the travel experience by providing real-time, AI-driven support during vacations. ✅ AI-powered features enhance personalization and efficiency during group stays. ✅ Privacy and data security are top priorities for HousMthr as they scale. ✅ Innovation in travel is moving beyond just booking—technology is now about supporting travelers throughout their entire trip. ✅ The future of travel will be increasingly tech-driven, with AI and machine learning at the forefront. Links And Resources: Will Schmahl on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/schmahl Website: worksbywill.com/ (Personal) housmthr.com/ (Company) contentplace.co/ (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

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From Pedals to Products: Leadership & Innovation with Dylan Casey 20:19

3 days ago20:19

20:19

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, JL Heather and Preston Chandler are joined by Dylan Casey, Chief Product Officer at WISEcode and former Google and Yahoo leader, for an engaging conversation on leadership, product innovation, and decision-making. Dylan’s unique journey, from being an Olympic cyclist to a tech executive, offers fresh insights into how high-performance athletes can translate their skills into the business world. He shares powerful lessons on prioritization, strategic thinking, and maintaining focus on both immediate and long-term goals. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Sports to Business: High-Performance Leadership: Dylan discusses how his experience as an Olympic cyclist shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making in the business world. The Power of OKRs for Product Development: Learn how Dylan leveraged OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) at Google to drive innovation and build successful product strategies. Empowering Teams for Breakthrough Innovation: Dylan shares his insights on how fostering a culture of autonomy and accountability within teams can lead to extraordinary product breakthroughs. Innovation Requires Bold Leadership: In business and sports, achieving greatness often involves taking calculated risks and making tough decisions. Dylan discusses the importance of courage and clarity in leadership. Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Dylan reflects on the challenges he’s faced as both an athlete and a business leader, and how overcoming adversity has fueled his success. Adapting Sports Mindset to Business Strategy: Discover how strategies used in competitive sports can be applied to business to maintain focus, drive efficiency, and achieve long-term success. Key Takeaways: ✅ High-performance sports can teach valuable lessons for leadership and business strategy. ✅ OKRs are a powerful tool for driving successful product innovation. ✅ Innovation requires bold leadership and a culture of empowerment. ✅ Resilience is key to navigating setbacks in both sports and business. ✅ Adapting a strategic mindset from sports to business can drive long-term success. Links And Resources: Dylan Casey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dylan-casey Websites dylancasey.com (Personal) wedu.team (Company) Email: dylan@dylancasey.com Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

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From Supply Chain to Strategy: Karen Chao on AI, Innovation, and Adaptive Leadership 18:12

7 days ago18:12

18:12

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Karen Chao , Chief Product Officer at Flowspace , who takes us through her remarkable journey from a first-generation college student to a pioneering leader at the intersection of AI, product innovation, and supply chain strategy . Karen’s career path—from Cisco to Apple to high-growth startups—demonstrates how adaptability and lifelong learning are essential tools for navigating complex, fast-changing industries. Karen opens up about the evolution of her leadership style, forged by experience across vastly different company cultures. She dives deep into how Flowspace is integrating AI to enhance human decision-making , why understanding AI's limitations is as important as leveraging its strengths , and how leaders can spark innovation by creating space for collaboration, curiosity, and cross-industry insight . Whether you’re building a tech product, leading a startup, or simply navigating the future of work, Karen’s insights provide a practical and inspiring roadmap for driving meaningful change. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: Curiosity as a Leadership Superpower : Discover how Karen’s passion for learning fuels her innovation mindset and ability to lead across diverse industries. AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch : Learn how to integrate AI thoughtfully into operations while preserving the critical role of human oversight. Tailoring Solutions for Unique Challenges : Understand why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in product leadership—and how to stay agile in a dynamic market. Building a Culture of Innovation : Hear how Karen transformed Flowspace’s decision-making culture by empowering her team to speak up and contribute ideas. Inspiration from Unexpected Places : Explore why looking outside your industry can unlock the next big breakthrough in your own field. Key Takeaways: ✅ Innovation thrives in environments where curiosity and collaboration are encouraged. ✅ AI can drive efficiency, but human judgment remains irreplaceable for strategic decisions. ✅ Great leadership adapts to the company, the context, and the moment. ✅ Empowering voices at every level fuels stronger, more resilient teams. Links And Resources: Karen Chao on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen1chao Websites: flow.space (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Digital Pioneer to Transformational Leader: Howard Holton’s Vision for Business and Tech Innovation 18:17

9 days ago18:17

18:17

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Howard Holton, the Chief Technology Officer at GigaOM , who shares his journey from a tech enthusiast to a trailblazer driving digital transformation. Howard reveals how his unconventional path from software development to consulting in sectors like government, telecom, and healthcare has shaped his unique leadership style, where business outcomes always take priority over technical jargon. Howard breaks down the keys to leading digital change within organizations—listening to business needs, aligning technology with real-world solutions, and cultivating trust with decision-makers. He offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of innovation, emphasizing that digital transformation is about reshaping business models, not just implementing new tech tools. If you're an executive or tech leader looking to drive meaningful change, Howard’s insights will give you the framework for success. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: The Power of Empathy in Leadership: Learn how empathy can help you build trust and communicate technology's value in terms that matter to business leaders. Aligning Tech with Business Goals: Discover how to align technology solutions with business needs for impactful, sustainable outcomes. Driving Organizational Change: Howard explains how to guide organizations through digital transformation by focusing on customer-centric solutions and aligning teams around a unified mission. The Role of Curiosity in Innovation: Hear why curiosity is essential for leaders to stay ahead of the curve and foster continuous growth. The Real Value of Digital Transformation: Understand why digital transformation is about adapting business models to evolving customer needs, not just adding more tech tools. Key Takeaways: ✅ Success in digital transformation hinges on aligning tech with real-world outcomes. ✅ Empathy and active listening are essential for driving meaningful change. ✅ Innovation thrives in a customer-centric, problem-solving environment. ✅ Curiosity and adaptability are vital for continuous growth and leadership. Links And Resources: Howard Holton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/howardholton Websites: gigaom.com (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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AI, Education, and the Human Mindset: Unlocking Potential with Vishwath Mohan 14:34

10 days ago14:34

14:34

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , Preston Chandler sits down with Vishwath Mohan, AI strategist and CTO of Bright Schools , as he discusses his transition from Google to transforming education for children in low-income neighborhoods. Vishwath shares how AI can reshape the educational landscape by providing personalized tutoring, promoting curiosity, and nurturing a growth mindset. He emphasizes that technology should complement, not replace, human teachers, and explores how AI can empower both students and educators. Vishwath’s journey is a testament to how innovation, when approached with purpose and humanity, can bring meaningful change to society. This episode dives into the role of AI in education, the value of asking the right questions, and how technology can elevate individuals to unlock their full potential. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Google to Bright Schools: Vishwath shares his inspiring shift from a successful career at Google to his mission of transforming education for underserved communities. AI as a Personalized Tutor: Explore how AI can provide personalized education, ensuring that every student receives the support they need, regardless of their circumstances. Human Resilience in the Age of AI: Discover the importance of nurturing resilience and curiosity in students, even as AI reshapes the way we learn. The Power of Asking the Right Questions: Vishwath breaks down how the ability to ask good questions will become even more important than knowledge in the AI-driven future. Fostering a Growth Mindset in Education: Learn how education can be reframed to encourage growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning for students in any environment. AI’s Role in Shaping the Future of Society: A look at how AI will impact society in the next decade and how we can harness it for good in the education sector and beyond. Key Takeaways: ✅ AI is a tool to empower, not replace, human teachers. ✅ A growth mindset is the key to thriving in the age of AI. ✅ Personalized learning through AI can unlock opportunities for students from all backgrounds. ✅ The future of AI in education is about fostering curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. Links And Resources: Vishwath Mohan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vishwath-mohan Websites: vishwathmohan.com (Personal) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Innovator to Disruptor: Russ Felker’s Vision for Revolutionizing Logistics 17:58

14 days ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Russ Felker, the Chief Technology Officer at Trinity Logistics , who is leading the charge in transforming the logistics industry through technology and culture. With over 30 years of experience, Russ shares his journey from working in startups to shaping the future of one of the largest logistics companies in the U.S. He reveals how Trinity is empowering employees and utilizing cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful change across the supply chain. Russ dives deep into the company’s innovative “Week of Wonder” competition, where employees contribute new ideas that are actively considered and implemented, demonstrating how innovation isn’t just top-down, but fueled by the collective creativity of the team. He also discusses the challenges of integrating AI, automation, and data into a legacy industry and how transparency, trust, and collaboration are essential for overcoming resistance to change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to create a culture of innovation within their own company and how technology can drive business transformation. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: Building a Culture of Innovation: Learn how Trinity fosters an environment where every employee’s voice can contribute to shaping the future. Week of Wonder: Discover how this unique initiative encourages employee-driven innovation and boosts engagement. The Power of Collaboration: Explore how combining technology and human creativity results in impactful solutions. Navigating Resistance to Change: Russ shares how Trinity navigates challenges in adopting new tech in a traditional industry. The Future of Logistics: Get a glimpse into the transformative role of AI, automation, and data in the logistics landscape. Transparency and Trust: Why these values are essential for successful innovation within a company. Key Takeaways: ✅ Innovation thrives when it’s driven by culture and collaboration. ✅ Overcoming resistance to change is possible with trust, transparency, and external perspectives. ✅ AI and automation are reshaping the logistics industry—what does the future hold? ✅ Empowering employees to think outside the box leads to real-world transformation. Links And Resources: Russ Felkern LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rfelker Websites: trinitylogistics.com (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Startup to Cybersecurity Visionary: Sumedh Barde's Journey Through AI-Driven Defense 17:57

16 days ago17:57

17:57

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Sumedh Barde, Chief Product Officer at Symbian , who takes us through his dynamic journey from building groundbreaking digital rights management (DRM) technologies to pioneering AI solutions in cybersecurity. Sumedh shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence in bridging the cybersecurity skills gap and enhancing human expertise. He dives deep into the challenges of integrating AI into security systems, emphasizing how it can predict cyberattacks, automate security tasks, and create real-time insights to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. This conversation offers a candid look at how AI is reshaping the future of cybersecurity, making it more proactive and intelligent. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Engineer to Innovator: Learn how Sumedh’s experience in tech shaped his vision for AI in cybersecurity and its potential to revolutionize digital defense. AI as a Security Partner: Discover how AI can complement cybersecurity teams, enhancing their ability to detect threats before they escalate. Bridging the Skills Gap: Sumedh shares how AI helps fill the growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, enabling teams to scale their capabilities. The Power of Predictive AI: Understand how AI’s ability to anticipate and predict cyber threats is redefining proactive security strategies. Human Expertise Meets Machine Intelligence: Explore the symbiotic relationship between AI tools and human cybersecurity professionals. Key Takeaways: ✅ AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity by automating tasks and predicting threats, but human expertise remains essential. ✅ Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap is key to staying ahead of the curve in digital defense. ✅ Proactive, predictive AI solutions are the future of cybersecurity. ✅ AI isn’t replacing human talent; it’s empowering professionals to be more effective and efficient. Links And Resources: Sumedh B. on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sumedhbarde Websites: https://simbian.ai/ (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Startup Scaler to AI Pioneer: Christian Hammer’s Vision for Future Innovation 19:54

17 days ago19:54

19:54

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Christian Hammer , a serial entrepreneur and founder of Heart.io, who takes us through his evolution from building startups to becoming a leader in AI-driven business innovation. Christian reflects on his time at Nike, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping their digital and direct-to-consumer strategy. Christian shares insights from his journey of creating the Valiant Lab at Nike, the team behind groundbreaking products like Nike ID, and explains how self-organizing teams and simplifying products were key to scaling massive businesses. He also discusses the challenges of overcoming bureaucracy within large organizations and why empowering teams to drive innovation is essential for sustained growth. In this engaging conversation, Christian dives deep into how AI is transforming industries and the pivotal role it will play in product development and management. He offers a forward-thinking perspective on how entrepreneurs and product managers can harness AI tools to accelerate growth and adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Startup to Innovation Leader: Discover how Christian transitioned from building startups to leading digital and AI-driven transformations at Nike and beyond. The Power of Self-Organizing Teams: Christian shares how empowering teams to innovate and make decisions quickly can scale products and businesses without unnecessary complexity. Simplifying for Scalability: Learn how simplifying your product roadmap and focusing on customer needs is crucial for scaling without introducing bloat. Breaking Through Bureaucracy: Christian opens up about overcoming corporate red tape and how innovation thrives when employees are given the freedom to act on their ideas. AI’s Role in the Future of Product Development: Explore how AI is revolutionizing product management and the strategies that will shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: ✅ To scale, simplify your product—complexity is your biggest barrier to growth. ✅ Empower your teams to take ownership and drive change. ✅ AI isn’t a trend—it’s the future of innovation and a key tool for entrepreneurs to thrive. ✅ Innovation often requires challenging the status quo—don’t be afraid to disrupt. Links And Resources: Christian Hammer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chammer1 Websites: christianhammer.io (Blog) harte.io (Company) podcast.techtastic.tech (Blog) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Transformation to Innovation: Alex Pyatigorskiy’s Guide to Digital Success 16:18

21 days ago16:18

16:18

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Alex Pyatigorskiy , a seasoned management consultant and expert in driving innovation through agile, lean, and human-centered design practices. Alex shares his journey from working in major corporations like Walt Disney to his current focus on transforming the financial and fintech industries. He offers valuable insights into what makes digital transformation successful and why companies need to rethink how they approach change. Alex dives deep into the biggest challenges companies face today—especially the resistance from leadership when it comes to embracing bold transformation. He explains why companies must go beyond simply adopting new tools and instead shift their mindset to survive in an increasingly fast-paced, disruptor-driven market. Through his experience, Alex offers a roadmap for leaders and teams to stay ahead of the curve and create sustainable, customer-centric innovation. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: The Necessity of Digital Transformation: Understand why digital transformation is no longer optional, but essential for survival in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. The Mindset Shift: Learn why successful digital transformations start with a change in mindset, not just technology, and how leadership buy-in is crucial to success. Overcoming Resistance to Change: Alex shares how organizations can break through the inertia that often comes with established processes and legacy systems to embrace agility and innovation. Building Agile Teams: Discover how companies can restructure teams to be more adaptable, transparent, and customer-centric to drive meaningful transformation. Leveraging AI for Big Impact: Alex explains why AI is often misused in business transformations and how to leverage it for real innovation instead of just automating routine tasks. Organizational Culture Matters: Explore why a company’s culture and processes are just as important as the tools they use in a successful digital transformation. Key Takeaways: ✅ Digital transformation is essential for survival. ✅ Leadership buy-in is critical for success. ✅ Shifting mindsets is the first step to transformation. ✅ Transparent, agile teams are key to navigating change. ✅ AI should be used to create big impact, not just automate small tasks. Links And Resources: Alex Pyatigorskiy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexpyatigorskiy Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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AI-Powered Marketing: Unlocking Efficiency and Growth for SMBs with Rob Riggs 14:45

23 days ago14:45

14:45

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , JL Heather and Preston Chandler chat with Rob Riggs , a seasoned marketing technology strategist with over two decades of experience helping businesses grow smarter through AI and automation. Rob shares his unique journey from working at a small clothing manufacturer to founding his own tech-forward companies, where he focuses on optimizing business processes for both startups and enterprises. The conversation explores some of the biggest misconceptions about AI—what’s hype versus what’s actually useful. Rob emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, relying on it too heavily without human context can create new challenges. Instead, he advocates for human-centered automation, where AI supports, not replaces, thoughtful business strategy. A major highlight is Rob’s explanation of “AI personas”—virtual team members designed to handle specialized tasks like lead generation, reporting, and customer engagement. He walks through practical ways small businesses can implement these tools to compete with larger players, without massive budgets or teams. Rob also shares real-world use cases for AI, from automating simple workflows like appointment scheduling and follow-ups to more innovative applications like virtual companions that address loneliness, or AI coaches that encourage personal growth. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: AI as a Business Ally: Learn how AI can be used to assist—rather than replace—your team’s efforts. Avoiding Automation Pitfalls: Rob explains the danger of over- or under-automating business tasks and how to find the right balance. Small Business, Big Impact: Discover how small businesses can punch above their weight by using affordable AI-driven tools strategically. Start Simple: Begin with automating tasks that already work well to save time and free up human talent for higher-value work. AI-Driven Growth: Rob envisions a future where AI unlocks endless opportunities for marketing innovation and operational efficiency. Key Takeaways: ✅ AI is a tool to enhance not replace human creativity and judgment. ✅ Smart automation is about balance: not too much, not too little. ✅ “AI personas” can help small businesses scale smarter. ✅ Begin your AI journey by automating proven, repetitive tasks. ✅ The future of AI in business is bright and it’s already here. Links And Resources: Rob Riggs on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robriggs Websites: codeconspirators.com/ (Company) robriggs.com (Personal) savify.co (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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Guardrails for Innovation: Michael Bar-Sinai’s Vision for AI-Driven Development 17:16

24 days ago17:16

17:16

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Michael Bar-Sinai, co-founder and CTO of Provengo , to explore the critical role of formal methods in AI development and software engineering. Michael takes us through his extensive career in tech, discussing the transformative potential of formal specifications—mathematically rigorous guidelines that ensure software meets necessary business, legal, and functional requirements. He shares how formal methods provide guardrails for AI-driven development, helping mitigate risks, errors, and compliance issues in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: The Power of Formal Methods: Learn how formal specifications help developers create precise and reliable software by preventing bugs and errors before they occur. AI as a Tool for Development (with Guardrails): Michael discusses why AI-driven development needs strict guardrails and how formal methods provide the necessary checks and balances to avoid costly mistakes. Natural Language vs. Formal Specifications: Discover why natural language programming, though helpful, cannot replace the accuracy and rigor of formal specifications, particularly for high-stakes systems like healthcare or finance. Agentic AI Systems and Safety Mechanisms: Explore the future of AI, where autonomous systems will require formal methods to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance. The Role of Formal Methods in Preventing AI Failures: Understand how formal methods can reduce the risks of AI failures, ensuring systems meet business, legal, and ethical standards before they are deployed. The Importance of Mathematical Precision in Software: Michael explains why mathematical rigor is vital for building systems that are not only functional but also resilient and secure. The Future of Software Engineering and Formal Methods: Get a glimpse into the future of software engineering, where formal methods will play an increasingly crucial role in the development of AI and complex systems. Key Takeaways: ✅ Formal methods are essential for ensuring software and AI systems are reliable and compliant. ✅ AI-driven development must include guardrails to avoid potential risks and errors. ✅ Formal specifications offer a level of precision that natural language programming cannot match. ✅ Future AI systems will require formal safety mechanisms to prevent failures and ensure ethical standards. Links And Resources: Michael Bar-Sinai on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelbarsinai Websites: mbarsinai.com (Personal) codeworth.io (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Developer to AI Visionary: Victor Shilo’s Guide to Building Innovation That Ships 18:57

28 days ago18:57

18:57

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Victor Shilo, SVP of AI and Data Engineering at Solved and author of AI Driven , a practical guide for organizations ready to transform how they innovate. Victor shares his journey from junior developer to executive leader, diving deep into how AI is reshaping the future of decision-making, product development, and business value creation. Victor offers a refreshingly candid look at what it takes to turn big ideas into production-ready solutions and why most innovation fails to do just that. With stories from his work at Solved, NASDAQ, and Microsoft, Victor unpacks the principles of scalable innovation, practical AI implementation, and how leaders can adapt to a probabilistic world. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Software Engineer to AI Strategist: Discover how Victor climbed from junior developer to AI executive, and how each role shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation. What It Means to Be “AI-Driven”: Learn the real meaning behind Victor’s book title and how organizations can move beyond buzzwords to deploy AI that creates measurable impact. Probabilistic vs. Deterministic Thinking: Victor explains why embracing uncertainty is key to leveraging AI and how this shift can drive smarter decision-making across industries. The Innovation Bottleneck: Explore why great ideas often die before they reach production, and what businesses can do to ensure their innovations actually get built. Value Over Vanity: Victor emphasizes why innovation should be focused on solving problems and creating value not just looking flashy on a slide deck. How to Start with AI Today: Victor outlines practical steps for teams and leaders to begin integrating AI into their workflows, no PhD required. Shipping Is the Strategy: Uncover why execution not just ideation is the true differentiator for companies aiming to lead in the age of AI. Key Takeaways: ✅ AI success starts with understanding the problem, not the technology. ✅ Probabilistic systems are the future embrace complexity, don’t fear it. ✅ If innovation doesn’t reach production, it’s just an idea. ✅ Leaders don’t need to be AI experts they need to build AI-ready teams. Links and resources: Victor Shilo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-shilo Website: eastbanctech.com (Company) kublr.com (Company) sympli.io (Company) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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From Builder to Visionary: Vladimir Baranov’s Journey Through Startup Reality 16:21

4 weeks ago16:21

16:21

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation , we’re joined by Vladimir Baranov engineer, founder, and now startup coach, who shares his unconventional journey from building satellites and scaling fintech startups to mentoring more than 150 founders across climate, deep science, and social impact sectors. Vladimir opens up about the hidden challenges founders face and what it really takes to grow a company that lasts not just raises. He breaks down how shifting from perfectionism to experimentation can transform both a startup and its founder, and why building something meaningful doesn't always mean chasing unicorn status. This is a grounded, empowering conversation for anyone navigating the messy middle of entrepreneurship. Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Builder to Coach: Hear how Vladimir transitioned from technical founder to a trusted guide for dozens of entrepreneurs, helping them scale with intention and clarity. Beyond the Unicorn Myth: Why the startup world needs to stop glamorizing billion-dollar exits and how to measure success in more sustainable, human ways. The Trap of Perfectionism: Vladimir shares how perfectionism holds founders back and how embracing experimentation leads to innovation and growth. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Explore the mental and emotional shifts founders must make as they go from solving technical problems to leading people and building culture. What Makes a Strong Co-Founder Relationship: Discover why founder chemistry matters more than resumes and how to find (or become) the right partner. Navigating the Inevitable Struggles: From burnout to imposter syndrome, Vladimir opens up about the real internal battles founders face and how to move through them. The One Skill Every Founder Needs: Learn the fundamental leadership trait Vladimir believes every founder must develop to succeed in the long run. Key Takeaways: ✅ Success isn't binary real innovation happens in the messy middle. ✅ Let go of being "right" stay in experimentation mode. ✅ Great startups are built by emotionally aware leaders. ✅ A powerful mission is nothing without a sustainable team behind it. Links and resources: Vladimir Baranov on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov Website: vladimirbaranov.com (Personal) Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation ! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review we’d love to hear from you!…

Breakthrough Innovation

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Embracing Failure: Scaling Startups with Patrick Petit 16:56

4 weeks ago16:56