Disruption / Interruption

Charles Thuo is the CEO and Founder of Apexloads. Apexloads is an online load board that addresses the critical challenges faced by the logistics sector, paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and reliable industry.  In this episode, KJ and Charles cover the importance of Africa's youthful demographics, market potential, and natural resources, as well as the challenges in implementing infrastructure and regulatory standards in the logistics industry. Charles highlights how technology and verification systems can bridge the gap, increase efficiency, and foster economic development across the continent. 

Key Takeaways:

01:49 Transforming Africa's Logistics Landscape

06:31 The Importance of Africa in the Global Market

14:30 Challenges and Solutions in African Logistics

23:45 Future Vision for Apexloads 

Quote of the Show (21:00):

"Right now, if you're not talking about Africa, you're not talking about the future." - Charles Thuo

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Charles Thuo:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesthuo/  

X: https://twitter.com/CharlesThuoh  

Company Website: https://www.apexloads.com/   

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apexloads/ 

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dino Martis is the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Genexia LLC. Genexia provides a platform that enables simultaneous mammogram and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk diagnosis using the same images, with no alteration to workflow. In this episode, KJ and Dino discuss the severe underdiagnosis of this condition in women, the clinical bias in healthcare, and Genexia's innovative approach of integrating coronary artery disease diagnosis with routine mammograms. Dino shares his personal motivation behind this venture, emphasizing the impact of cardiovascular disease on women's lives and how early detection can prevent heart attacks and strokes, ultimately aiming for a 50% reduction in deaths.

Key Takeaways:

03:09 The Importance of Women's Health

05:49 Challenges in Diagnosing Women's Heart Health

16:27 Innovative Solutions in Health Tech

23:02 The Broader Impact of Preventative Care

Quote of the Show (10:00):

"We believe the disruption that we are bringing to healthcare is one of health equity and democratization. Women are central to the family, central to the community." – Dino Martis

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Dino Martis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-martis/  

X:https://twitter.com/Dino_Martis  

Company Website: https://genexia.co/

WCPO Interview:
https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/finding-solutions/cincinnati-based-company-using-ai-to-diagnose-coronary-artery-disease-risk-during-a-mammogram

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Jarrett is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Co-Owner of Bulu a full-service, technology-enabled fulfillment company, that offers restriction-free, cost-conscious storage, packing, and shipping solutions to businesses of all sizes. In this episode, KJ and Paul explore the disruptive nature of Bulu’s hybrid hub and spoke model, and how it empowers companies of all sizes to operate with the efficiency of industry titans. Paul reveals the realities of the outdated logistics industry and stresses the importance of simplicity and direct action in innovation.

Key Takeaways:

26:35 Starting a Business with Zero Advertising

26:51 Sampling Strategies and Early Challenges

31:21 Disrupting the Logistics Industry

35:58 Democratizing Logistics for Mid-Market

36:26 The Future of Logistics and Technology

Quote of the Show (18:00):

"We're not afraid to stand up at a conference and go, 'I'm sorry, all 3,000 of you are wrong.'" – Paul Jarrett

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Paul Jarrett

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljarrett/  

X: https://twitter.com/PaulJarrett

Company Website: https://www.bulugroup.com/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bulu-group/ 

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Spurling is the Founder and CEO of Compt, an employee lifestyle benefits reimbursement platform that helps companies provide flexible, customizable, and scalable perk solutions to their employees. In this episode, KJ and Amy discuss the importance of equity in workplace benefits, challenges faced by HR and finance departments, and the impact of localized spending through personalized benefits. Amy also shares her personal journey and passion for equity-driven innovation.

Key Takeaways:

06:36 Challenges in Building Equitable Benefit Packages

08:26 The Ineffectiveness of Current Benefit Solutions

11:00 The Cost and Utilization Dilemma

20:34 Supporting Small Businesses Through Wellness Programs

23:36 The Role of Local Providers in Wellness

24:30 Challenges in HR and Finance Post-COVID

Quote of the Show (21:00):

"Our entire world has gone personalized, and there is a way to do that when you're looking at your employee benefits in a way that makes sense." - Amy Spurling

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Amy Spurling

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyspurling/ 

X: https://twitter.com/amyspurling?lang=en

Company Website: http://www.compt.io

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compt/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marilou McFarlane is the CEO, Founder, and Chair Emeritus at Women in Sports Tech, Inc. (WiST) a nonprofit organization that drives transformative growth opportunities for women and employers, from the classroom to the boardroom at the intersection of sports, technology, and innovation. In this episode, KJ and Marilou explore the distinctions between sports tech and fit tech, and the significant overlap with health tech. Marilou shares her journey, emphasizing diverse talent and equity within the sports tech industry. 

Key Takeaways:

03:41 Defining Sports Tech and Its Impact

09:37 Driving Diversity and Innovation in Sports Tech

19:55 Challenges and Success Stories in Sports Tech

25:52 Managerial Challenges and Workplace Culture

28:29 The Role of Allies, Mentors, and Sponsors

31:51 Empowering Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Sports Tech

33:03 The Future of Sports Tech and AI

40:38 The Unifying Power of Sports

Quote of the Show (18:00):

"We lead with love...The network effect of what we’ve created is just beyond my wildest dreams." - Marilou McFarlane

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Marilou McFarlane

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilou-mcfarlane/    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmcfarlane415  

Company Website: http://www.womeninsportstech.org

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-sport-technology/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michele Heyward is the Founder and CEO of PositiveHire, a tech company engineered to bridge the gap between enterprises and underrepresented women in STEM professions. In this episode, KJ and Michele discuss the challenges faced by women of color in STEM fields, the need for structural changes in workplace culture, and the economic impact of failing to embrace DE&I. The conversation also covers the practical aspects of community engagement, addressing workforce shortages, and the significance of inclusive infrastructure initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

03:17 Michele's Journey into Civil Engineering

07:02 Challenges Faced by Women of Color in STEM

09:39 The Impact of Diversity on Engineering and Society

19:09 Community Engagement and Its Importance

24:15 Understanding Workforce Turnover

26:44 The Glass Cliff Phenomenon

30:06 Impact of Employee Attrition

43:51 Mid-Market Companies and Talent Retention

Quote of the Show (18:00):

"DEI is not going away. Some people may change the terminology, but if we do not grasp diversity, equity, inclusion in the workplace, we're in for a world of hurt around our infrastructure." - Michele Heyward

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Michele Heyward:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleCHeyward

Company Website: https://positivehire.co/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positivehireco/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Jeng is the Founder and CEO of Digital Self Labs, a tech & policy advisory firm that provides incubation advisory services for startups, Web3 investment advice for investment funds, and technical assistance to government agencies. In this episode, KJ and Linda delve into Linda's journey from the Federal Reserve to the private sector, her advisory work with startups, and her vision for a more transparent and equitable financial system.

Key Takeaways:

04:51 The Evolution of the Digital Ecosystem

08:33 Blockchain and Privacy Enhancing Technologies

10:53 The Future of Mobile Driver's Licenses

16:43 Self-Managed Finance and Decentralization

25:23 The Importance of Authentic Data in the AI Era

Quote of the Show (17:00):

"Blockchain technologies are driving the evolution of the internet. We’re moving towards a future where we can not only control our data but label it as authentic." - Linda Jeng

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Linda Jeng
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-jeng-4682b3/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaJeng1

Company Website: https://digitalselflabs.com/

Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-self-labs-llc/  

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Hillison is the Founder & CMO of Entry Point 1, a company helping ambitious CEOs and technology founders jumpstart their marketing revenue programs, expand customer awareness, and win market share. In this episode, KJ and Tim discuss the key elements of modern go-to-market (GTM) strategies, the importance of understanding your target audience, and the evolving concept of product-market fit, now defined through the three Ps: problem market fit, product market fit, and platform market fit. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of cohesive teamwork across various departments, the transformation of marketing from a cost center to a critical revenue partner, and the significant role of brand and storytelling in today’s noisy market.

Key Takeaways:

02:16 Debunking Marketing Misconceptions

03:21 The Fundamentals of Disruptive Innovation

06:59 The Importance of Brand and Customer Behavior

16:48 The Three P's of Product Market Fit

26:09 The Role of Marketing in GTM

Quote of the Show (26:00):

"Marketing is a social science, not a physical science. We're dealing with people. As we know, customer behavior has changed." - Tim Hillison

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Tim Hillison:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhillison/

Company Website: https://www.entrypoint1.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrypoint1/      

Free GTM Assessment: https://www.entrypoint1.com/gtmassessment

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Lazaro is a leader and innovator within the AEC industry, and Principal at AE Marketer, a marketing and management consulting firm that helps architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms develop and implement growth strategies. In this episode, KJ and Frank emphasize the industry's slow adoption of new technologies, the potential of AI to improve administrative efficiency, and the broader impact on productivity and profit margins. The conversation also covers the potential of AI in reducing administrative tasks, generating content, and revolutionizing CRM systems, ultimately offering significant benefits to small and large firms alike.

Key Takeaways:

03:04 Challenges in the AEC Industry

06:12 AI's Role in Transforming AEC

07:08 Practical Applications of AI in AEC

12:10 Broader Implications of AI Across Industries

Quote of the Show (21:00):

"The right content and the right training can lead to quick adoption and a transformative change within the industry." - Frank Lazaro

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Frank Lazaro

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazaro

Company Website: https://www.franklazaro.com/

Company Website:  https://franklazaro.ai/

Compay LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ae-marketer/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usman Javaid is the CEO of Ricult International, a multidimensional artificial intelligence-powered solution seeking to empower smallholder farmers in Asia, through a digital financial technology solution.  In this episode, KJ and Usman share insights on the critical challenges faced by farmers in Asia, such as inefficiencies, financial exclusion, and climate change, and how technology can mitigate these issues.

Key Takeaways:

01:33 The Ag Tech Revolution

06:30 Challenges in Agriculture

10:05 Climate Change and Its Impact

11:57 Innovative Solutions with AI

27:54 Future Vision and Expansion

Quote of the Show (18:00):

"My vision is to help farmers work their way out of poverty. Technology or access to capital is a means to an end. The end is improving lives." - Usman Javaid

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Usman Javaid

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanj

Company Website: https://www.web.ricult.com/  

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ricult/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.