Disruption / Interruption

Terrence Taylor is the Founder of the African Institute of Future Technologies that aims to train one million to one billion individuals on the latest technologies, including AI, robotics, and genetics. The goal is to prepare the African continent to lead by 2050.

In this episode, KJ and Terrence delve into the potential risks of closed AI systems, Africa's history as early adopters of technology, and the power of African cultural values like Ubuntu in creating a unified, empowered community. Terrence also outlines AIFT's five-step plan for achieving their groundbreaking mission and underscores the importance of belief, thinking big, and overcoming fear with faith.

Key Takeaways:

04:18 Terrence's Journey and Vision for Africa

11:36 The Importance of Open AI

20:25 Challenges and Opportunities for Africa

30:01 Next Steps for AIFT

Quote of the Show (26:00):

“Africans tend to be early adopters of technology. My vision is to ensure they have the tools and skills to be the next wave of tech giants." – Terrence Taylor

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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 Terrence Taylor

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

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

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

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

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Martha Montoya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Agtools Inc., a game changing, dynamic, analytic data service that delivers business-critical access to accurate, real-time, market intelligence for over 500 specialty crops and growing.

In this episode, KJ and Martha discuss the unique challenges farmers face, including market volatility and strategic crop planning. Martha explains how AgTools harnesses dynamic analytic data to aid decision-making, pushing for efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

02:54 Understanding the Farmer's Perspective

05:16 Challenges in the Agricultural Supply Chain

07:35 The Role of AgTech in Modern Farming

11:44 The Impact of Consumer Demand

24:31 Revolutionizing Agriculture with Data

28:12 Future of Farming and AgTech

Quote of the Show (18:00):

“You can have all the technology in the world, but if you don't understand the human being making the changes on that farm, it's like hitting a wall." - Martha Montoya

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 Martha Montoya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-montoya-483908/

Company Website: http://www.ag.tools   

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

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

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Siddhartha Sharad is a Customer Experience Expert who helps enterprises realize business value through technology automation and artificial intelligence. In this episode, KJ and Siddhartha discuss the current challenges in customer service, including labor shortages and the necessity of AI implementation. The conversation highlights the importance of a clear strategy, high-quality data, and the collaboration between AI tools and human employees.

Key Takeaways:

02:30 The Impact of AI on Customer Service

05:17 Challenges in Implementing AI in Customer Service

12:03 The Future of AI in Customer Service

Quote of the Show (27:00):

"AI is just a tool, but data is the natural resource that powers it." - Siddhartha Sharad

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 Siddhartha Sharad

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

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.

Robyn Mussler is the Principal Consultant and CEO of Resolution Management Inc., an IT and Business Consulting firm, and the Founder of Connect IT 360 a non-profit organization that teaches youth the essential building blocks to life. In this episode, KJ and Robyn discuss her innovative program designed to empower youth with tech skills through a hands-on, real-world educational approach. Robyn highlights the importance of understanding customer value, human-centered design, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Through competitions, workshops, and mentorship, the program aims to reshape tech education and inspire the next generation of disruptors and innovators.

Key Takeaways:

01:49 Revolutionizing Education

04:52 Challenges in Traditional Education

12:10 Empowering Youth Through Real-World Experience

19:00 The Future of Tech for Youth

Quote of the Show (18:00):

"We're not just teaching coding; we're teaching curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application." – Robyn Mussler

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 Robyn Mussler:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmussler/   

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockinrobyn018?lang=en  

Company Website: https://connectit360.org/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectit360/

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.

Theresa Szczurek is the Co-founder, COO, and Corporate Board Member of Radish Systems LLC. Radish Systems LLC is the worldwide leader in visual interactive voice response and visual live assistance solutions, improving the way businesses communicate with mobile devices and browser users by sharing ‘Voice with Visuals.’ In this episode, KJ and Theresa discuss how visual and voice technologies can significantly enhance customer service, reduce frustration, and improve efficiency across various sectors such as healthcare, emergency services, and public sector communications. Theresa also reflects on her passion for purposeful work, the importance of enthusiasm in driving change, and her vision of leveraging artificial intelligence to further transform customer interactions.

Key Takeaways:

06:02 Challenges in Traditional Call Centers

18:31 Revolutionizing Customer Communication

26:30 Success Stories and Real-World Applications

37:56 Pursuit of Passionate Purpose

Quote of the Show (27:00):

“The way to communicate, the tools to communicate have changed a bit over time, but yet people, I believe, have an inherent need to connect and to communicate.” – Theresa Szczurek

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 Theresa Szczurek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaszczurek/   

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theresaszczurek?lang=en

Company Website: https://radishsystems.com

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radish-systems-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.

Dr. Mary O’Connor is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Vori Health, an award-winning, nationwide, virtual specialty medical practice designed to treat musculoskeletal pain more effectively. The organization offers full service physical medicine and rehabilitation medical care, physical therapy, prescriptions, imaging & lab ordering, health coaching, nutritional guidance, community support and premium instructional content. In this episode, KJ and Mary discuss her journey from an Olympic athlete to a healthcare disruptor, focusing on patient-centered care through virtual medical practices. The discussion also covers the importance of sex differences in medical treatment, challenges in women's health, and the future of virtual care. 

Key Takeaways:

03:36 The Broken System: Challenges in Healthcare

09:01 The Overuse of Surgery in Low Back Pain

14:46 The Business of Medicine: Financial Realities

25:22 The Importance of Patient Engagement

26:55 Telehealth: Expanding Reach and Convenience

28:54 Virtual Physical Therapy: A Patient's Perspective

31:15 Hybrid Models in Healthcare

33:54 Women's Health: Addressing Disparities

34:41 Biological Differences in Healthcare

44:03 Future of Healthcare: Virtual and Affordable

Quote of the Show (15:30):

“We need to focus on good non-surgical care and to truly see patients as whole persons.” - Dr. Mary O’Connor

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 Dr. Mary O’Connor

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

Twitter: https://x.com/MaryOConnorMD  

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

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vori-health/

Read Dr O’Connor’s Book, Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health: https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Care-You-Empowered-Womans/dp/1945564148

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.

Torin Ellis is Principal at The Torin Ellis Brand, a progressive HR boutique with a focus on diversity and inclusion. In this episode, KJ and Torin delve into the gritty realities of implementing effective diversity strategies and the importance of running towards challenges rather than retreating. Torin emphasizes the need for genuine communication and accountability within organizations. The discussion highlights real-world examples of companies adopting inclusive practices, the necessity of building trust, and the power of love and humanity in leadership

Key Takeaways:

08:04 Challenges in Diversity and Inclusion

20:26 The Role of Communication in D&I

25:42 The Importance of Inclusion and Belonging

29:23 Effective Leadership Communication

34:05 The Future of Trust in Technology

37:49 Creative Ventures in D&I

40:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Quote of the Show (28:30):

"Love forces us to remove the masks that we live within and fear that we cannot live without.” – Torin Ellis

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 Torin Ellis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/torinellis

Company Website: http://www.torinellis.com

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-torinellis-brand/   

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.

Pamela Ryckman is an Emmy-winning producer, writer, Founder at PBR, LLC and a business executive with a focus on women in the workforce. In this episode, KJ and Pamela highlight the influence of big pharma, systemic inequalities in research, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst adversity. Pamela also shares insights into the pervasive corruption in the healthcare system.

Key Takeaways:

03:43 The Power of Curiosity in Driving Innovation

05:46 Candace Pert: Unveiling Genius, Greed, and Madness in Science

10:07 Navigating the Underbelly of the American Healthcare System

11:50 The Revolutionary Impact of Candace Pert on Science and Healthcare

Quote of the Show (21:30):

“Stay true to yourself and keep your center, no matter what anybody else says.” – Pamela Ryckman

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 Pamela Ryckman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-balbach-ryckman-551108/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelaryckman?lang=en

Company Website: https://pamelaryckman.com/   

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.

Ling Huang is the President and CEO of Technology North Corporation, a local IT professional service and technology provider that specializes in innovation product development and marketing, infrastructure management, and high-quality senior professional services. In this episode, KJ and Ling explore the misconceptions surrounding autism, emphasizing that those with autism are not disabled but simply different, and explore the societal and employment challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum. He introduces a revolutionary business model that not only creates a supportive workplace environment for people with autism but also turns their unique skills into a productive asset, generating significant revenue and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. Ling's personal connection to the cause, as a father to a son with autism, drives his commitment to making a radical change and ensuring a supportive future for individuals on the spectrum.

Key Takeaways:

06:29 Understanding Autism: Beyond the Labels

09:11 The Growing Challenge of Autism in Society

10:54 Navigating the Costs and Challenges of Autism Support

15:28 Rethinking Employment for People with Autism

23:04 Expanding Services and Embracing Data's Potential

23:17 Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace

27:25 Engineering Solutions for Autism Inclusion

36:02 Building a Community Beyond Employment

Quote of the Show (15:30):

"Employment for people with autism isn't just about jobs; it's about creating a space where they feel like they belong to a community." - Ling Huang

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 Ling Huang

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ling_huang

Company Website: https://www.technologynorth.net/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/technology-north-corporation/

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.

Anna Yuan is an Entrepreneur, Investor, and the Co-Founder & CEO at ScaleGrowth, a no-code platform for building AI-powered community-driven businesses and marketplaces. In this episode, KJ and Anna explore Anna’s personal journey from a disregard for her initial career in chip design to becoming a tech innovator, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity in entrepreneurship. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the evolving purpose of technology and its role in creating a new era of innovation and community.

Key Takeaways:

05:28 The Power of No-Code Platforms: Democratizing Technology

14:03 The Future of Software Development: No-Code and AI

19:37 Pivoting to a Broader Market: The Journey of Scale Growth

24:04 Embracing Challenges and Disrupting Standards

29:07 Personal Passions and Building Habits

Quote of the Show (16:00):

“I wonder, what's the next level of purpose that we can create for ourselves? The sky's the limit." – Anna Yuan

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 Anna Yuan:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamfaranna

Company Website: http://scalegrowth.ai  

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

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.