10-Minute Tech Talks: Business Insights and Growth Hacks for Time-Crunched Entrepreneurs

When did AI stop being a fun experiment… and start becoming table stakes for running a business?

In just a year, AI has gone from "interesting" to essential. But while nearly every company is talking about it, only a fraction are actually seeing real returns.

In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, you'll hear from Justine Kasznica and Chris Farmakis of Babst Calland on why AI adoption has exploded, what's driving CFOs a little crazy right now, and how the companies getting it right are separating themselves from the pack.

This is the moment AI stopped being optional, and became core to how business gets done.

So here's the takeaway: AI is officially mainstream, but success is far from guaranteed.

Some companies are unlocking massive efficiency gains. Others are burning money and wondering what went wrong.

In our next episode, we'll dig into why so many AI initiatives fail, and what leaders must do differently if they want real ROI instead of expensive experiments.

If you're asking yourself, "Okay, so how do we actually do this right?" — you'll want to catch Part Two.

Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the next breakout startup isn't powered by better software… but by better connectivity?

Today's 10 Minute Tech Talk is all about removing the invisible limits that hold entrepreneurs back. We are joined by Jay Noschese from T-Mobile for Business, and this conversation flips the script on how founders should think about 5G.

We're not talking faster phones. We're talking about new business models, new customer experiences, and entire industries being reshaped because connectivity can now be customized, optimized, and trusted for mission-critical work.

Hit PLAY, and you'll hear how technologies like 5G Advanced and network slicing are already powering live sports broadcasts, massive events, and healthcare systems where failure isn't an option. And more importantly, you'll start to see what this unlocks for entrepreneurs building what's next.

If you're a founder, operator, or innovator asking, "What can I build now that wasn't possible before?" You're in the right place. Let's jump in. Listen to the entire TechVibe interview here.

This Pittsburgh Technology Council podcast is for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the biggest threat to your startup isn't the competition, but the decisions you make in the first six months?

In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we dive into a powerful segment from our TechVibe Radio interview with Juliana Keeling and Joe Swider of Terravive, the fast-growing company reinventing single-use products with American-made compostable materials. Their journey hasn't been driven by hype or shortcuts — it's been shaped by sharp strategic thinking, disciplined growth, and a relentless commitment to building a real business from the ground up.

In this clip, Juliana and Joe open up about the lessons most founders learn too late: • Why a great idea means nothing without true product-market fit • How accelerators can accelerate the right things — including funding that doesn't cost you equity • The danger of jumping at the first investor check, and how early dilution can quietly sink a company • What authentic partnership looks like when the stakes get high • Why staying scrappy and in control ended up being their greatest advantage

This is a candid, practical look at entrepreneurship from two people who have fought through the messy middle and come out stronger. Whether you're building something new or trying to course-correct something established, their insights land with uncommon clarity.

Give it a listen — your future self will thank you. Click here for their full TechVibe interview.

This is a Pittsburgh Technology Council podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the key to better leadership, sharper decisions, and next-level strategy was sitting on a chessboard?

Host Jonathan Kersting with the Pittsburgh Technology Council and TechVibe Radio dives into a conversation that every founder, innovator, and builder needs to hear.

We're featuring a powerful slice of his TechVibe Radio interview with Ashley Lynn Priore, the force behind Queens Gambit and Queenside Ventures. She launched her first nonprofit at just 14 years old. Today she's empowering thousands of kids each year, guiding CEOs, and—yes—working with NFL players looking to think three moves ahead.

Hit PLAY, you'll learn how Ashley turns chess into a real-world strategy framework, why inclusive leadership matters, and how bold thinking—like cold-emailing NFL teams—can unlock huge opportunities. Plus TechVibe Cohost and Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo joins the conversation. Have more than 10 minutes? Listen to the entire interview here.

This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What does it take for a small, bootstrapped tech company to leap from building dashboards… to designing AI-powered drones for the U.S. Army?

Today on 10 Minute Tech Talks, dive into one of the most unlikely — and inspiring — pivots in tech as we welcome James Julius, founder and CEO of Visimo.

James reveals how his team evolved from early-stage ramen budgets to landing a $3 million defense contract, why staying close to customers drove every major turning point, and how rapid prototyping and AI are transforming what small teams can build.

From bootstrapping to battlefield-ready AI drones, Visimo's journey shows that when you stay curious, stay agile, and stay close to your customers, big opportunities follow.

If you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or anyone navigating fast-moving technology, this is a segment you do not want to miss.

Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if scaling your tech business was as simple—and as flexible—as snapping together a few Lego bricks? In this 10 Minute Tech Talks episode, we break down how modular, on-demand infrastructure is becoming a game-changing advantage for today's tech entrepreneurs. Dave Tomassoni of Megaport gives insights reveal why agility is no longer a luxury — it's a competitive necessity.

Dave details:

1. How adopting a "Lego mindset" can reduce complexity and help you scale globally without slowing down. 2. The hidden ways your current network setup may be costing you money, time, and competitive advantage. 3. Why the most successful tech entrepreneurs build for flexibility first — and how you can, too.

If you want the blueprint for faster scaling, leaner operations, and smarter tech decisions, press play and get the insight every modern entrepreneur needs.

Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the secret to staying ahead in business isn't mastering every new technology — but learning how to adapt faster than it changes?

In this episode, Jonathan Kersting's TechVibe Radio Cohost and Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo talk with Michelle O'Neill, Senior Director of Web Solutions and Delivery at Brunner — a marketing agency that's been fusing creativity and technology for decades.

Michelle shares:

• How she carved her own path inside Brunner,
• What entrepreneurs can learn about agility and lifelong learning, and
• Why she believes AI should be seen as a tool — never a replacement for human creativity and connection.

Dive into this conversation to find your entrepreneurial edge.. And if you have a few more minutes, be sure to listen to our entire Techvibe interview here.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What can earning a black belt in karate teach you about running a startup?

CGI's Manoj Mishra shares how discipline, quiet confidence, and servant leadership form the backbone of strong leadership — in business and beyond. Manoj joined TechVibe Radio to dive deep on how his journey to a black belt informed his leadership and being a better human. If you have a few more minutes, click here for his full interview.

Whether you're leading a global team or building your first startup, the message is the same — discipline keeps you consistent, quiet confidence earns trust, and servant leadership inspires others to follow.

If you want to grow as a leader, start by mastering yourself. Remember, the best tech leaders are always learning, on and off the mat. Hit Play now for these amazing insights!

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if your AI could help you live well — not just work better? In this episode of TechVibe, host Jonathan Kersting talks with Mike Hruska, founder of Baryons, about how his new AI platform is redefining what it means to flourish in life and work.

After two decades leading Problem Solutions, Hruska's latest venture uses voice-based, human-first technology to help people reflect, reframe, and rediscover purpose. Drawing from science in positive psychology, Baryons engages users in short, mentor-like conversations designed to boost mental wealth, creativity, and clarity — all while maintaining privacy and emotional safety.

Hruska's mission? To democratize human flourishing at scale. He believes that when people feel centered, purposeful, and connected, they don't just improve their own wellbeing — they elevate entire organizations.

Key Takeaways:

• Only one-third of today's workforce is truly thriving — Baryons aims to change that.

• AI can be used to build mental wealth and emotional resilience, not just productivity.

• "Flourishing" isn't about success or status — it's about living well, every day.

• Voice-driven interactions are the future of human-centered technology.

Why Listen: If you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or leader curious about how AI can empower people — not replace them — this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of technology designed for human potential. Hit PLAY and get ready to FLOURISH!

Try Baryons for Yourself:

Free Trial: Up to three calls per month; $20/month for full access Website: www.baryons.com — use code PITT to skip the waitlist

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What if the next breakthrough in AI doesn't come from a giant data center or another LLM, but from a small Pittsburgh startup that's building artificial intelligence modeled on the human brain?

Hit PLAY to hear from Chris Paradise and Nick Retos of Digital Dynamics AI—two founders chasing an idea that could redefine what AI is capable of. In just a year, they've gone from concept to prototype, and their KARIOS platform already challenges the limits of traditional AI thinking.

Be one of the first to learn about this potentially disruptive AI technology.

Let's jump into a clip from the full TechVibe Radio interview where they explain how biomimicry and brain-inspired design could push AI to the next frontier. And if you have a few more minutes click here for the full interview.

Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.