Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 21

In this episode of Innovator Café, David R. Stevens speaks with Laura Merling, Chief Transformation and Operations Officer at Arvest Bank. Laura, with over two decades of experience, leads digital transformation efforts and enhances operational excellence at Arvest Bank. She is renowned for aligning technology with business strategy to drive innovation and efficiency.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Extensive Transformation Experience Across Industries: Laura Merling highlighted her experience in driving digital transformation across various sectors, focusing on the intersection of technology and business change.

* Challenges and Opportunities with Generative AI: Laura discussed generative AI's potential for innovation, emphasizing challenges in data quality, security, and continuous AI model validation.

* Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Laura stressed the importance of securing data in AI, highlighting the risks of data leaks and the need for accurate AI model training.

* Overcoming Resistance to Change: Laura noted the challenges of implementing change in traditional companies, emphasizing the importance of trust, stakeholder involvement, and iterative testing.

* Measuring Value and Cost in Transformation: Laura emphasized understanding costs in business processes to justify and measure the success of digital transformation initiatives.

Learn more about Laura Merling:

 * Connect with Laura on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merling

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 20In this episode of Innovator Café, Dave Stevens speaks with Tyler Finn, who shares insights from his diverse and non-linear career path, touching on his experiences in public policy, privacy issues in the ad tech space, and his role at SpotDraft. Founded by a Harvard Law School lawyer and two Carnegie Mellon computer scientists, SpotDraft is a Contract Management System for the legal industry.

Tyler provides a deep dive into the importance of trust in business, especially in regulatory and compliance frameworks.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * Career Journey: Explore Tyler’s transition from public policy to privacy and ad tech, and how he navigated layoffs to start his own consulting firm.

 * Trust and Privacy: Tyler discusses how trust is crucial in handling privacy and compliance in the tech industry and beyond

 * The Role of Trust in Business: Insights on building trust within a company and with external stakeholders, including regulators and the public.

 * Navigating Regulatory Environments: Tyler shares his experiences with drone regulations and data privacy, emphasizing the need for education and collaboration in policy-making.

 * Leadership and Culture: Discover how leadership styles and company culture impact trust and compliance in business settings.

Learn more about Tyler Finn:

 * LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinn

 * LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraft

 * YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotDraft 

 * Check out Tyler’s Podcast, "The Abstract" Podcast for Legal Leaders: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 19

In this episode of Innovator Café, David R. Stevens interviews Diane DiMusto, an Executive Coach who helps leaders perform at their best and navigate their careers with confidence. Drawing from her background as a successful executive and her expertise in neuroscience and yoga philosophy, Diane primarily works with Director level through C-Suite leaders to overcome challenges with overwhelm, and imposter syndrome, managing and motivating their team, interpersonal dynamics, and maintaining their own energy. 

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Role of Executive Coaching: Diane emphasizes that executive coaching focuses on helping leaders improve specific behaviors such as communication, delegation, and empathy, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness within their organizations.

* Building Awareness: Diane goes over crucial aspects of coaching and building awareness of existing behaviors in leaders. 

* Empowering Teams: Diane illustrates the impact of coaching through an example where a leader learns to empower their team rather than taking on all challenges themselves. 

* Overcoming Leadership Challenges: She goes over navigating challenges such as establishing a coaching culture throughout an organization, managing overwhelm, and improving crucial conversations skills. 

Learn more about Diane DiMusto:

 * Connect with Diane DiMusto on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddimusto/

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c.

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 18

In this episode of Innovator Café, David R. Stevens speaks with Marylene Delbourg-Delphis, a serial technology CEO, executive consultant, and board member. Marylene has focused on avant-garde products throughout her 30-year career, empowering organizations to reshape their futures. 

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Inspiration for “Beyond Eureka”: Marylene's book, "Beyond Eureka," draws from her 35 years as a tech CEO and advisor.

* Navigating Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship: Delbourg-Delphis emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for the inherent uncertainties in entrepreneurship. 

* The Role of MVPs and Market Testing: She underscores the significance of creating Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and market testing. 

* Challenges and Realities of Innovation: Delbourg-Delphis discusses the difficulties of protecting intellectual property and the inevitability of copycats.

* The David and Goliath Dynamic: She elaborates on the dynamic between startups and large corporations. While startups can innovate quickly and take risks, large corporations benefit from their established infrastructure.

Learn more about Marylene Delbourg-Delphis:

* Visit Marylene’s website: https://www.delbourg-delphis.org/ 

* Connect with Marylene on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delbourgdelphis/ 

* Connect with Marylene on Scoop:  https://www.scoop.it/u/mddelphis 

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 17

In this episode of Innovator Café, Dave Stevens speaks with Abraham D. Sofaer, a Federal Judge and seasoned political analyst. Sofaer has a rich background in governmental roles, including significant involvement in international law and policy. His insights provide a unique perspective on global political dynamics and legal challenges.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * The current state of global politics, highlighting regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and the impact of disregarding international laws.

 * The role of major global powers and the limitations imposed by political structures, such as the Security Council, in addressing international conflicts.

 * Insights into the U.S. political landscape, including the judicial system's role and challenges in maintaining law and order.

 * Historical perspectives on foreign interventions, drawing lessons from engagements like Afghanistan and Iraq, and the complexities of implementing lasting policies.

 * The importance of foundational principles in governance, emphasizing the prevention of tyranny and the equality of all citizens.

Read more about Judge Sofaer on the Federal Arbitration website: https://www.fedarb.com/professionals/judge-abraham-sofaer

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 16

In this compelling episode of Innovator Cafe, host Dave Stevens is joined by Sean Collin, Vice President of Innovation at Elastic. Sean brings a rich background with extensive international experience, having lived and worked across six countries and engaged in transactions in over 70. His career spans multiple technologies and eras, offering unique insights into the evolution of intellectual property and innovation on a global scale.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

 * Sean's Global Experience: Discover how Sean's international career has shaped his understanding of intellectual property across different cultures and legal landscapes.

 * The Evolution of IP Strategy: Learn about the transformation in intellectual property management over the decades and how companies can leverage IP for competitive advantage.

 * Cultural and Geographic Differences in IP: Sean discusses how the approach to intellectual property varies significantly across different regions and how this impacts global business strategies.

 * IP and Company Valuation in M&A: Gain insights into how intellectual property plays a crucial role in mergers and acquisitions, potentially affecting company valuations dramatically.

 * Future Trends in Innovation: Sean and Dave explore the future of innovation, emphasizing the importance of continuous adaptation and the impact of emerging technologies on traditional IP strategies.

Learn more about Sean Collin:

 * Connect with Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-collin

 * Read about Elastic on their website: https://www.elastic.co

***********************************

About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 15

In this solo episode of Innovator Cafe, host Dave Stevens, a seasoned attorney, delves deep into the intricacies of trade secrets, focusing on their crucial role in the business and entrepreneurial landscape. Dave explains the fundamentals of trade secrets, how to protect them, and their significant impact on innovation and competition.

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

 * Understanding Trade Secrets: Dave breaks down what trade secrets are, why they are valuable, and how they differ from other forms of intellectual property such as patents and copyrights.

 * Protecting Your Trade Secrets: Strategies for safeguarding trade secrets are discussed, including practical measures like education, policy enforcement, and the importance of confidentiality agreements.

 * Leveraging Trade Secrets in Business: Explore how properly managed trade secrets can serve as a competitive edge in negotiations and partnerships, and why they should be an integral part of your IP portfolio.

 * Trade Secrets vs. Open Innovation: Dave addresses the balance between protecting trade secrets and engaging in open innovation, highlighting the challenges and strategies for navigating this complex terrain.

 * The Role of Culture and Management in Protecting IP: Insights into cultivating a workplace culture that values innovation and understands the importance of protecting intellectual property, thereby enhancing overall business sustainability.

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 14

In this episode of Innovator Café, Dave Stevens is joined by Ron Vaisbort, a serial entrepreneur and lawyer. Ron shares insights from his journey in the entrepreneurial and legal landscapes, discussing the challenges and triumphs of merging these two worlds.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ron's early experiences growing up in an immigrant family business and how it shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

 * Career Shifts: How Ron transitioned from planning to start a business to unexpectedly pursuing a law career, and how he integrated his entrepreneurial drive into his legal practice

 * Innovation in Legal Practice: Ron's approach to legal work within technology companies, focusing on being a proactive business partner rather than just a legal advisor

 * Future of Innovation and AI: Insights into the impact of AI and robotics on future business and legal practices, emphasizing the need for adaptability and forward-thinking

 * Creative Thinking and Leadership: The importance of creative thinking in leadership roles and how it can transform business practices and outcomes

 * Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs: Ron highlights the importance of networking and curiosity

Learn more about Ron Vaisbort:

 * Connect with Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronvaisbort 

 * Check out Ron’s book, Murder by Numbers: In Silicon Valley, Death Has an Algorithm, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7yhbyHs 

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 13

In this episode of Innovator Café, the host, Dave Stevens, an attorney specializing in intellectual property and founder of Stevens Law Group, shares crucial insights into intellectual property management for entrepreneurs. With a passion for helping businesses protect and leverage their intellectual property (IP) assets, Dave discusses how aligning your IP strategy with business goals can maximize your company's growth potential.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * Building and Protecting IP Assets: Understand how to categorize, protect, and leverage your intellectual property to align with your business strategy.

 * Closed vs. Open Innovation: Learn how companies approach innovation differently and why your organization needs a strategic IP expert.

 * Auditing Your IP Portfolio: Discover the importance of regular IP audits, structuring, and budgeting to prevent overspending and protect what's valuable.

 * Leveraging IP for Business Growth: Learn how to leverage IP for negotiations, strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and new revenue streams.

 * Types of Intellectual Property: Get an overview of the different types of IP—patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—and how they can support your business goals.

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569

Innovator Café with David R. Stevens, Episode 12

In this episode of Innovator Café, David R. Stevens interviews Jennee DeVore, a seasoned legal executive with a passion for launching innovative healthcare products. With over two decades of experience, Jennee has supported numerous product ideas. 

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Fractional General Counsel Model: Jennee DeVore finds fulfillment in transitioning from full-time to part-time general counsel for multiple companies, embracing efficiency in her new arrangement.

* Transitioning Between Clients: Jennee manages client switches through time-blocking and brief breaks, ensuring adaptability and focus across different company cultures.

* Leveraging AI in Legal Practices: Jennee boosts legal efficiency with AI tools, using them for tasks like summarizing regulations and creating contract templates, streamlining workflows effectively.

Learn more about Jennee DeVore:

 * Connect with Jennee DeVore on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendevore/ 

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About Innovator Café:

Welcome to the Innovator Café, your Entrepreneur go-to podcast. Watch or listen as Dave Stevens and his guests provide resources and assurances to build a company growth roadmap.

Subscribe — don’t miss an episode of Innovator Café:

 * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovator-caf%C3%A9-with-david-r-stevens/id1740378639

 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hKZOLNExFgwpQBJpDjRpg

Connect and learn more from your host, Dave Stevens:

 * Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy0oNMYMW0InFHbTud7hmg

 * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestevensstevenslawgroup/

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevens-law-group-p.c./

 * Follow Stevens Law Group, P.C on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076376076569