In this episode, I sit down with Omeed Tabiei, who is “coolest tech lawyer.” Omeed shares what sets him apart in the legal world: his background as a serial entrepreneur, his hands-on experience in tech startups, and his founder-first approach to legal challenges. 

We dive into his fascinating journey from working in U.S. Congress to joining the legal team at Hyperloop, where he helped raise $50 million in Series A funding within his first week on the job. 

Omeed gives us an insider’s look at how Hyperloop went from concept to reality and the challenges of navigating high-stakes legal work for a groundbreaking startup. He also talks about his adventures building tech products, raising millions in venture capital, and the tough realities of startup life. 

If you’re a founder, VC, or simply interested in the intersection of tech, law, and innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and stories you won’t want to miss.

Today’s 45th episode is the biggest episode yet!

We’re joined by Jaye Connolly, Chairman and CEO of RippleNami, Inc., and a trailblazing leader with over 40 years of experience driving innovation across industries. Under her leadership, RippleNami has become a transformative force, digitizing governments across Africa through cutting-edge technology that leverages AI, blockchain, and data visualization. Jaye has received numerous accolades, including being named among the Top 100 Influential Leaders, Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, Business Woman of the Year, and CEO of the Year. 

Her mission? To connect 5 billion unconnected people to the global economy—starting with Africa.

In this episode, we explore RippleNami’s groundbreaking work on Uganda’s Rental Tax Compliance System. Jaye shares how her team used blockchain to streamline tax collection and improve transparency, setting new standards for government efficiency. She offers insights on how tech, when applied for social good, can drive real change in emerging markets.

Join us as we chat with Allen Fung, Vice President of Engineering at Predactiv, about the fast-paced world of machine learning and AI. 

Allen shares his thoughts on the future of machine learning over the next 5-10 years and the exciting challenges brought by large language models.We tackle real-world topics like dealing with bias in AI models and the difficulties in building scalable AI solutions. Allen also shares how AI is transforming team dynamics at work and its impact on data-driven marketing and adtech.

Additionally, we discuss the balance between automation and human oversight in critical fields like healthcare and finance, and how Allen's approach to product development has evolved with AI's growth. Finally, we address the important issue of responsible AI use amidst growing calls for regulation. Tune in for a straightforward discussion on AI's role in today's tech landscape.

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Stepura, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the startups HireGPT and Forsify.com. Anna shares her journey from Eastern Europe to Silicon Valley, where she has become a prominent figure in the AI business landscape. She discusses the recent acquisition of HireGPT, an AI-powered tool designed to streamline candidate screening and scoring processes, which was developed and sold in just eight months. Anna also delves into her experiences as a two-time startup founder and offers insights into leveraging AI for career and business opportunities. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Anna Stepura as she reveals the challenges and triumphs of her entrepreneurial path.

In this episode, I spoke with Olha Onyshchenko about her mentorship experience, how she got started, and how she became one of the top 1% mentors on ADPList.org in just a few months. She also shared interesting stories and trends she’s noticed among her mentees, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to break into project management or level up in their role.

We also briefly discussed her company, CodeLaw, where she helps businesses with cloud operations and services

In this episode, Imran explores how AI is revolutionizing content creation and shaping the future of the creator economy. From AI-powered tools that make mass content production easier than ever to the rise of personalized media experiences, we dive into the trends that are driving this shift.

In this episode, I talk with Mariia Milashenko, a Product Manager at Priceline with a strong background in Fintech, EdTech, and APIs. Mariia shares her straightforward journey into product management, detailing how she moved from technical roles to leading major projects.

We also dig into her current work on a Generative AI Startup, exploring its practical applications and the challenges involved.

In this episode, Pallavi Gadepalli shares her raw, real journey—from sleeping in closets while working to pay for tuition at Loyola, to launching her product management career at Microsoft, and eventually becoming VP of Product at Screenify.ai. She also dives into her bold new move, building a Gen AI stealth startup. No fluff, just an inspiring, candid conversation about perseverance, breaking into tech, and what it takes to build something new. Listen in for lessons on grit and growth.

In this episode, I sit down for a relaxed and insightful conversation with Anurag Duddu, a talented product and design strategist known for his work leading cross-functional teams and creating user-centric solutions. We explore his journey through the world of startups, discussing his experiences founding Infinative and Farmrevv, and how those ventures shaped his approach to product strategy and design.

Anurag also opens up about his recent sabbatical, sharing how stepping away from the fast-paced startup world gave him a chance to reflect, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective on both life and work. It’s a thoughtful discussion on the importance of balancing professional drive with personal well-being.

Whether you’re a startup founder, a product strategist, or just looking to better balance work and life, this episode offers a wealth of insights and stories that are both practical and thought-provoking.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Julia Kolodkina, the Founder of Aliiiens: Brand Venture Lab, about the critical role branding plays in the success of startups. Julia shared her deep expertise in crafting compelling brands and emphasized why a strong brand is essential for new businesses navigating competitive markets.

We delved into the importance of establishing a clear and consistent brand identity from the very beginning and how it can influence everything from customer perception to long-term growth. Julia also shared three top branding frameworks that every startup should consider, along with a few insightful stories that highlight the transformative power of effective branding.

If you’re a startup founder or simply interested in the world of branding, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you build a brand that stands out and resonates with your target audience.