AlchemistX: Innovators Inside

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman sits down with Lisa Bodell, futurist, founder of FutureThink, and champion of simplicity and innovation. Lisa shares her journey from advertising to leading FutureThink and discusses how companies often overcomplicate innovation efforts while missing the key to success: simplifying processes to make room for creativity.

Together, Ian and Lisa explore the critical role of subtraction in driving innovation, how AI reshapes problem-solving while leaving space for human ingenuity, and the importance of fostering curiosity in a fast-paced world.

Lisa offers actionable strategies for challenging the status quo, eliminating unnecessary rules, and focusing on meaningful work. Whether you’re a leader aiming to spark innovation or an employee seeking more time for creative thinking, this episode delivers powerful insights that can transform how you work.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Denis Kalyshkin, principal at I2BF Global Ventures and Co-Founder and CBDO at YouStar, to explore the exciting world of corporate innovation and deep tech.

Denis shares his inspiring journey from aerospace engineering to venture capital, discussing how his mission to support humanity’s long-term impact drives his work in transforming legacy industries like construction, logistics, and manufacturing. Together, they dive into topics such as the potential of space technologies, deep tech’s role in reshaping industries, and the challenges of implementing innovation in "unsexy" sectors. Denis also highlights the power of space observation, robotics, and quantum computing in creating lasting change.

Tune in to hear Denis’ thoughts on fostering innovation in traditionally slow-moving industries and how startups can disrupt the status quo to craft the future.

In the Season Six Premiere of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Luká Yancopoulos, co-founder of Grapevine, to explore groundbreaking innovations in the healthcare supply chain. Luká shares the compelling origin story of Grapevine, inspired by the urgent supply chain failures witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grapevine aims to revolutionize the medical supply chain, offering solutions that drastically reduce costs for healthcare practices while enhancing patient care.

Join us for an insightful conversation on how innovative approaches and relentless dedication can bring transformative changes to an industry resistant to change. Luká’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of innovation in healthcare.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside, Ian Bergman sits down with Rebecca Clyde, the co-founder and CEO of Botco.ai, to explore the intricate dance of innovation within the corporate and startup ecosystems. Rebecca shares her journey from a corporate background to the helm of a startup, providing a firsthand account of the challenges and exhilarations of navigating the startup landscape, especially in highly regulated industries. The discussion explores how startups like Botco.ai leverage advanced AI technologies to enhance customer interactions, offering insights into the critical balance between innovation, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Rebecca and Ian also dissect the dynamics of corporate innovation, touching on the common pitfalls large companies face when trying to incubate innovation internally versus when they support external ventures. This conversation illuminates the importance of understanding the buyer’s perspective within large enterprises and highlights strategies for startups to align their solutions with corporate objectives effectively. The dialogue is a treasure trove for anyone looking to understand the intersection of enterprise needs and startup agility, delivering practical advice and strategic insights that resonate with both entrepreneurs and corporate innovators.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

Connect with Rebecca Clyde

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Botco.ai

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, Ian Bergman sits down with Alex Bergo, Managing Director of Innovation Norway on the US West Coast, to explore the intersections of innovation across public and private sectors globally. Alex shares insights from his experiences fostering sustainable development through innovation, detailing how strategic independence in corporate innovation centers can shield creative ventures from stifling corporate influences.

The discussion delves into the necessity of an entrepreneurial mindset in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. Alex uses his background in machine learning to understand the shifts needed to transition from traditional industries to sustainable alternatives. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failures as learning opportunities, highlighting a visit to Amazon, where failures like the Fire Phone are celebrated as steps toward greater success.

As the conversation broadens to include ethical considerations and regulatory challenges in the rapidly advancing realm of artificial intelligence, Alex argues for proactive engagement in shaping technology's impact on society. This episode not only highlights the dynamics of innovation within large corporations but also paints a picture of the global innovation landscape where adaptability and proactive involvement are key to steering technological advancements.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman is joined by Chenny Xia, CEO and social impact entrepreneur of Gotcare. Discover how Chenny transformed her design-thinking background into a powerful mission, revolutionizing home care across Canada by closing gaps in the current healthcare system. She shares Gotcare's unique approach to patient-centered care that reduces hospital bed strain and empowers clients while navigating the complexities of rural and remote healthcare.

Listen in as Chenny reveals the strategies behind balancing diverse stakeholder needs, scaling Gotcare’s impact, and staying focused on the mission amidst competing demands. She also reflects on her community leadership journey and how her passion for social entrepreneurship fuels both her business and advocacy work.

The conversation wraps up with Chenny’s advice for changemakers to "keep going" and find their "why," offering insights on overcoming challenges and finding support among like-minded people. Tune in for a fresh perspective on healthcare innovation and leadership.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman and guest Rita Kim, founder of Partners for Growth, dive into the nuances of financial strategy and entrepreneurship. Rita recounts her familial legacy of entrepreneurship, detailing her evolution from a village banker's descendant to a financial consultant who navigated the complexities of the 2008 financial crisis. This rich history sets the backdrop for discussing her consultancy's role in bridging the gap between startups and access to capital.

Rita shares her professional journey through the financial sector, reflecting on key lessons from a failed family business that underscore the importance of robust planning and professional advice. These experiences shaped her approach at Partners for Growth, where she emphasizes character and ethical conduct alongside business acumen in choosing which entrepreneurs to support.

The episode explores Partners for Growth’s business models, from fee-based services to taking equity stakes in startups, and the inherent challenges each model presents. Rita discusses the critical role of aligning with entrepreneurs who not only have passion and expertise but also share a commitment to impactful and ethical business practices.

Lastly, Rita addresses the evolving challenges faced by today’s entrepreneurs, including navigating global socio-economic changes and complex HR issues. She stresses the importance of adapting to modern expectations of work-life balance while maintaining a keen focus on strategic growth. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the strategic imperatives for startups in a changing world, offering valuable insights for anyone involved in or interested in entrepreneurial ventures.

For more episodes and resources, visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

Connect with Rita Kim

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Partners for Growth

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman sits down with Logan Burchett, co-founder and COO of Forecastr, to explore the transformative impact of financial modeling on the startup ecosystem. Their conversation reveals how Forecastr's innovative platform is making financial planning and analysis accessible to startups and small businesses, challenging the traditional reliance on tools like Excel. Logan's journey from identifying a market need through customer discovery to overcoming potential competitive conflicts and securing funding for Forecastr serves as a testament to the power of preparation and strategic risk-taking in entrepreneurship.

The episode delves into the critical role of financial models beyond fundraising, positioning them as essential strategy tools for startup success. Logan shares invaluable insights on the right timing for financial planning, the significance of facing the worst-case scenario, and how embracing calculated risks can lead to generational wealth and success. This discussion contrasts the agility and innovation of startups with the static nature of larger corporations, highlighting Forecastr's goal to become the go-to operating system for financial planning in the venture-backed space.

This installment of AlchemistX Innovators Inside offers a profound look at navigating the challenges and opportunities within the tech startup landscape. By charting Forecastr's path and sharing key strategies for entrepreneurial success, Ian and Logan provide a blueprint for founders looking to innovate, pivot, and thrive in an ever-evolving market.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

Connect with Logan Burchett

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Forecastr

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman and storytelling expert Matthew Woodget explore the confluence of technology, storytelling, and the essence of human curiosity. Armed with insights from his journey through neurodiversity, Matthew uncovers storytelling's transformative power not just as a communicative tool but as a vital component for innovation and personal growth. As they dissect the rapid pace of technological advancement, Matthew emphasizes the necessity of introspection and the strategic use of storytelling to articulate complex ideas and foster meaningful connections.

Ian and Mathew delve into the significance of incorporating play and experimentation into our professional lives, illustrating through personal anecdotes how these elements can unveil unexpected discoveries and spark innovation. They explore the augmentation of human interaction with AI, particularly highlighting tools that enhance digital communication, thereby bridging gaps presented by neurodiversity. Venturing into philosophical territories, they discuss consciousness, the future of AI, and its implications for society, underscoring the enduring relevance of uniquely human skills in an increasingly automated world.

This episode celebrates the art of storytelling and invites listeners to embrace their narrative power. It urges them to explore GoNarrative.com for further inspiration and guidance. Join Ian and Matthew on this enlightening journey, where the past, present, and future of innovation converge through the timeless art of storytelling.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

Connect with Matthew Woodget

Matthew Woodget on LinkedIn

Go Narrative

In this episode of AlchemistX Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman engages with Sebastien Gendron, co-founder and CEO of TransPod, in a riveting discussion about the future of transportation. Gendron shares his entrepreneurial journey from the aerospace sector to pioneering the development of TransPod, a company at the forefront of designing a high-speed, tube-based travel system inspired by Elon Musk's Hyperloop vision. This revolutionary technology promises to blend the speed of aircraft with the frequency and convenience of subways, offering an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to traditional modes of transport.

Sebastien dives into the technical intricacies and challenges of creating a near-vacuum tube system that utilizes magnetic levitation and propulsion to achieve unprecedented speeds. He candidly discusses the realities of bringing such an ambitious project to fruition, including the initial skepticism, the struggle for credible investment, and the strategic partnerships that propelled TransPod's vision forward. The conversation also explores the importance of setting realistic yet ambitious goals, the need for incremental progress, and the strategic balancing act between technological development and market readiness.

The episode highlights pivotal moments in TransPod's journey, such as securing a non-binding agreement with the Alberta government, which was instrumental in demonstrating market interest and attracting private sector investment. Gendron reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on the project and the innovative ways the company adapted to ensure continuity and progress. He emphasizes the critical role of perseverance, realistic optimism, and a solution-oriented approach in overcoming the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in high-stakes industries.

Tune in and gain invaluable insights into the complexities of innovating within a traditional sector, the nuances of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, and the visionary thinking required to challenge the status quo of global transportation. Gendron's story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurial ambition, technical expertise, and the relentless pursuit of a sustainable and efficient future for intercity travel.

For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.