Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge

Join host Mike as he welcomes Brian Root, founder of Rooted in Product, to discuss how fractional product leadership can drive significant impact for startups. Drawing from his experience at Amazon and Walmart Labs, Brian reveals the power of a fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) in transforming company culture and driving innovation, even within highly regulated sectors like FinTech and InsureTech. Discover why Brian believes in the philosophy that you are not your customer, and how the right strategy can deliver value without the need for a full-time executive presence.

Explore how Amazon's PR FAQ framework can transform your innovation process with insights from tech veteran Marcelo Calbucci. In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Marcelo, a former Amazon product leader, shares the power of crafting vision and strategy through writing, why presentations can hinder progress, and how truth-seeking can prevent costly missteps. Learn how this approach can apply beyond tech, to education, healthcare, and more, and discover practical steps for implementing it within your team or business. Hosted by Mike, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on launching new ideas effectively.

Join Mike as he delves into the dynamic world of tech leadership with Nick Hume, a fractional CTO known for bridging the gap between engineering teams and executive management. Discover why companies are increasingly turning to fractional models, the importance of aligning tech and business strategies, and how curiosity fuels innovation across industries. Nick shares insights from his experiences at Microsoft and AWS, offering a fresh perspective on navigating leadership roles and advocating for cutting-edge technologies like AI to accelerate growth. Tune in for strategies that help organizations scale smarter and faster.

Discover how Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., revolutionized casual menswear by merging comfort and style with the dress collar polo. Mike and Justin delve into Justin's journey from tech to fashion, his experience on Shark Tank, and the agile strategies that have fueled his success. Learn about the innovative mindset that drives Justin to disrupt traditional industries and his passion for creating products that resonate with modern customers. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, product development, and leveraging AI in business.

Discover the future of marketing through the lens of Hikari Senju, an AI innovator and Harvard-trained strategist. Hikari shares insights on leveraging AI and machine learning to revolutionize brand storytelling and marketing efficiency. Explore themes around data-driven content personalization, the pitfalls of hustle culture, and the balance of creativity and technology. Hosted by Mike, this engaging conversation delves into strategic thinking, overcoming challenges in advertising, and the evolving landscape of marketing. Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on enhancing brand value and competitive strategy.

Entrepreneurship isn't just about achieving financial milestones; it's also about navigating the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges that arise. Join Mike as he chats with Mohamed Ahmed, author of "The Inside Out Entrepreneur," who shares insights from his five-year journey of building and selling a startup. Explore how mindset influences business growth, the dangers of hustle culture, and the importance of vulnerability and asking for help. Mohamed emphasizes that a founder's mindset can profoundly affect their team, investors, and customers, underlining that true success starts from within.

Join Mike as he delves into the 30-year journey of Jeff Barrella, CEO of Andromeda Technology Solutions. Discover how Jeff and his co-founders grew their business from a small startup to a 50-person team with repeated recognition as a best place to work. Explore insights on intentional company culture-building, leadership evolution, and navigating industry shifts like moving from break-fix to managed services. Jeff shares valuable lessons from their journey, emphasizing the importance of dedication, adaptability, and the long-term commitment required for sustained success. Tune in for inspiring stories and practical advice from a seasoned tech leader.

Mike and Ted Santos delve into the transformative journey of CEOs, emphasizing the often-overlooked necessity of personal change to drive business transformation. They explore common pitfalls, such as shifting blame to others, and the significance of leadership style in breaking stagnation. As Ted outlines his approach to producing business "miracles" by fostering disruptive strategies and redefining corporate culture, he also shares insights from his book on the intersection of business leadership and personal relationships. Tune in to discover how evolving mindsets can unlock unprecedented organizational success.

Join Mike as he delves into the world of legacy systems with Juan Lucas Barbier, the renowned COBOL Whisperer and founder of Cobb COBOL Agency. Discover why COBOL remains vital in today's tech landscape, powering critical sectors like banking and healthcare. Juan Lucas shares insights on modernizing COBOL systems using AI and human expertise, emphasizing the importance of documentation and domain-specific knowledge. Tune in to unravel the intricate dance between legacy systems and cutting-edge technology, and learn how AI-driven modernization is reshaping the digital infrastructure.

Mike engages with Frank Carone, former chief of staff to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, exploring the art of negotiation, leadership, and building a "culture of yes." Frank shares insights from his diverse career spanning law, business, and government, reflecting on pivotal projects like Willets Point and his tenure as commissioner for New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. Listen in to discover strategies for turning challenges into opportunities, fostering productive relationships, and his approach to making impactful decisions in high-pressure environments.