Tech Leader Talk

Are you using design reviews and testing to build a strong tech team?

Today I am talking with Shawn Buckley.  Shawn is the VP Destinations at Sierra Space where he and his team are developing and implementing the next generation of power and infrastructure for the evolving space economy.

Shawn is passionate about space systems, especially inflatable space habitats. 

He loves attending design reviews.  He considers it a privilege to participate in design reviews to see people’s work and see their excitement.  During design reviews, Shawn enjoys seeing all of the hard work done by hundreds of team members.

Shawn talks about mentors he’s had in his life and the way that he mentors young team members in his current work. 

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion with Shawn and get some valuable insights about working with your design team members.

“For our inflatable structures, we have orbital debris protection that’s stronger than steel. This protects against high speed objects.” – Shawn Buckley (Senior Director of Engineering at Sierra Space)

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Designing and burst testing inflatable space habitats

- Improving collaboration between remote teams

- Protecting against high-speed space debris

- Mentoring younger team members

- Managing supply chain issues

Resources:

Burst test video:  https://youtu.be/TcJuz6JA0BU

Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Calling-Fortune-Favors-Brave/dp/0593191676

Connect with Shawn Buckley:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lashawn-buckley-5b246328/

Website:  https://www.sierraspace.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Would you like to learn how to create stability in your organization while the tech landscape is constantly changing?

Today’s guest, Stephen Shapiro, will share his insights and experiences about using “Pivotal Strategies” to strengthen your tech company. 

Stephen is a leading keynote speaker, author, and advisor on innovation.  He has two decades of practical innovation experience, including a 15-year tenure at Accenture, where he created and led a 20,000-person innovation practice.

Stephen has just released a new book titled “Pivotal: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World.”  Today he will be sharing some insights from his latest book and the motivation behind the book.

Stephen talks about the importance of understanding your organization’s unique strengths and leveraging them as differentiators.  He suggests “doubling down” on what sets you apart to create maximum impact and value.

During our conversation, Stephen also explains that pivoting is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure a stable foundation.  Excessive pivoting can lead to burnout, confusion, and lack of alignment within your organization.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Using a basketball metaphor to illustrate the concept of pivoting

- Negative impact of excessive change in the workplace

- Identifying your differentiators

- Pivoting with purpose

- How to create stability in an uncertain world

"Instead of trying to figure out what's next, what do you do great that you should double down on."  Stephen Shapiro

Stephen’s new book:

Pivotal: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World - https://www.amazon.com/Pivotal-Creating-Stability-Uncertain-World-ebook/dp/B0CW1C6HKX

Connect with Stephen Shapiro:

Website:  https://stephenshapiro.com/

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

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Can your company benefit from rapid iteration techniques and simulation to quickly develop successful products?

Today I’m talking with Joe Pawelski, who is the Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of CisLunar Industries.

Joe and the team at CisLunar Industries are building and operating space foundries to enable the next industrial revolution.  In particular, he works with in-space metal processing and space debris recycling.

Joe has a passion for figuring out things people say are impossible.  Some of the projects he and the CisLunar team are working on include things that might seem impossible, like turning space debris into propellants and other useful materials.  And, doing this in orbit, not on Earth.

During our discussion, Joe talks about how to test and simulate these projects on earth during the design process.  He also discusses rapid iteration techniques that can be used when developing these types of systems.

Joe shares valuable insights that you can apply in your own tech business.

“We believe that abundant resources in space are a good way to sustain humanity.  We think of ourselves as a sustainable company that’s looking out for the earth.” – Joe Pawelski (CTO of CisLunar Industries)

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Creating metal propellants from space debris

- How to recycle space debris while in orbit

- Rapid iteration techniques to build better products

- What is ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization)

- Designing and building space foundries

Connect with Joe Pawelski:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-pawelski/

Website: https://www.cislunarindustries.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Do you want some insights on growing your business with digital transformation and innovation?

That’s what I’m discussing today with Michael Lynch.  Michael is the CEO of Praxie, which is a leader in AI-powered digital transformation software.

During our conversation, Michael discusses how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are changing the manufacturing process.  And, he shares information about how Praxie helps companies digitize their business in a cost-effective manner.

Michael also talks about horizontal AI (generalized) versus vertical AI (company-specific) and discusses practical application examples of both types of AI.

During our discussion, Michael shares how his work as an actor, singer, and dancer helps him in his role as a CEO today.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Today’s manufacturing process changes

- The AI-driven business process revolution

- Digitizing all aspects of the manufacturing process

- Horizontal AI vs. vertical AI

Connect with Michael Lynch:

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

Website:  https://praxie.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Did you know that NASA has patented inventions ready for you to license and commercialize?

On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Dan Lockney.

I’m excited about this episode because Dan and I talk about a fantastic program from NASA for technology companies.

Dan is the Technology Transfer Program Executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.  He is responsible for managing NASA’s intellectual property and the transfer of NASA technology to promote the commercialization and public availability of NASA’s patented inventions.

Dan and I discuss how NASA’s Technology Transfer Program operates and the types of companies that can license the technology.  Here’s a small spoiler:  any size of company can license the technology – from startups to large corporations.  And, you will be surprised at the cost of the license!

Dan shares information about the motivation behind the Technology Transfer Program.  He also discusses some of his favorite inventions that have been successfully commercialized.

Why is this program exciting to me?  As you may know, as a Patent Strategist I work with tech companies every day regarding patents and inventions.  This Technology Transfer Program is a great opportunity to license patented NASA technology to launch a business or a new product.

I encourage you to listen to this episode and see if the Technology Transfer Program is a good option for your business.

“Most of the technology in the Technology Transfer Program is outside of the aerospace area. Example technologies include medical devices, public transportation, consumer goods, and safety equipment.” – Daniel Lockney

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- How does the NASA Technology Transfer Program work

- Program success stories

- The motivation behind the Technology Transfer Program

- Types of technologies contained in the patented inventions

- How a team of NASA engineers designed a new low-cost ventilator in response to the Covid outbreak

Resources:

Spinoff publication:  https://spinoff.nasa.gov/

NASA Technology Transfer Program:  https://technology.nasa.gov/

NASA Spinoff temperature-regulating mugs:  https://burnoutmugs.com/

Book:  Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford - https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Class-Soulcraft-Inquiry-Value/dp/0143117467

Connect with Daniel Lockney:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lockney-bb5316a8/

Website:  https://technology.nasa.gov/network

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Are you looking for business insights from an experienced tech leader with 20 years of C-suite experience?

Today I’m talking with Brian Lillie, who is the President of Rackspace Private Cloud.  Brian is a globally recognized leader in the tech industry and currently leads a team of 3400 people at Rackspace.

During our discussion, Brian shares the importance of listening, learning, and leading in tech companies.

He also talks about the importance of diversity in innovation and customer-inspired innovation to foster a culture of innovation.

Brian shares insights about his leadership approach and how it was influenced by his military experience.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Insights for listening, learning, and leading

- Strategies for cloud innovation

- Diversity in innovation

- Creating a safe environment for innovative ideas

Connect with Brian Lillie:

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

Website:  https://www.rackspace.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Would you like some insights on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve your business innovation and efficiency?

That’s one of the topics I’m discussing today with Ajay Malik, who is an Artificial Intelligence expert and the CEO of Secomind.ai.  Ajay is also the author of the book:  Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Networking.

During our discussion, Ajay shares his thoughts on how AI will impact business in the future.  He specifically talks about three main areas where AI can be applied in business:  products, processes, and customer support.

Ajay explains the best ways for companies to take advantage of AI today to improve innovation and efficiency.  He also discusses his ideas about democratizing AI and business impact.

Ajay shares insights about the “Studio X” AI platform developed by the team at Secomind.ai.  He explains his desire to create AI tools to improve personal lives, enhance performance at work, and enable learning and growth.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- How to apply AI in your business

- Democratizing AI

- How AI is shaping the future of business

- Examples of using AI to proactively diagnose and solve problems

- Integrating AI into all aspects of business

Book Recommendation:

Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are by Robert Plomin - https://www.amazon.com/Blueprint-How-Makes-afterword-Press/dp/0262537982

Connect with Ajay Malik:

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

Website:  https://studiox.secomind.ai/

Email Ajay at [email protected] to schedule a free 30 minute call.

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

On this episode, I talk about the importance of performing an assessment of your systems for identifying and protecting the most valuable inventions created in your organization. 

I discuss a 5-step approach to assess your current systems and procedures.  I also talk about how to develop a plan to improve those systems and procedures over the next 12 months.

Listen to this episode so you understand how to perform an invention assessment in your business.

“I recommend performing an invention assessment at least once a year.” – Steve Sponseller

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- How to evaluate your current systems for identifying inventions

- Criteria for evaluating the value of an invention to your company

- Identifying critical patent filing deadlines

- Developing a 12-month plan to identify and protect your most valuable inventions

Questions?

If you want my help with an Invention Assessment or have any questions about identifying and protecting your critical inventions, schedule a free call with me at https://stevesponseller.com/call

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of my latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover my proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Need help growing your tech company?  Learn from a serial technology entrepreneur who has created and incubated nearly a dozen startups. 

On today’s episode, I am talking with Jay Bartot.

Jay is a Technical Partner at Madrona Venture Labs.  He is a serial technology entrepreneur and innovator with more than 20 years of experience developing data and machine learning applications.  As a co-founder of several companies, Jay has built technology teams, innovative analytics, and machine learning platforms.

Jay is also involved with Go Vertical, which provides startup creation workshops focused on technology entrepreneurship.

I hope you enjoy my discussion with Jay, where he shares tips and recommendations for launching and growing tech companies.

“Acquiring a tech startup can help larger companies stay at the forefront of technology and innovation.” – Jay Bartot

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Using artificial intelligence to improve business processes

- Experiences with company acquisitions

- Lessons learned from incubating tech startups

- Developments in RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

- Maintaining effective communication channels between team members

Connect with Jay Bartot:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bartot/ (get Jay’s attention by mentioning that you heard him on the Tech Leader Talk podcast)

Website: https://www.madronavl.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Are you looking for ways to accelerate and innovate your tech startup?

Then you’re in the right place because that’s what I’m discussing today with Zack Weisfeld, who is the VP and General Manager of Intel Ignite, which is Intel Corporation’s early-stage startup accelerator.  Zack has more than 25 years of experience as an executive and a serial entrepreneur.

Zack shares his experience in helping startups with funding, mentoring, and C-level executive support.  His experience includes founding and leading tech startups, corporate entrepreneurship, and mentoring tech founders.

During our conversation, Zack discusses challenges faced by tech founders and the importance of mental resilience in the tech industry.

Zack explains the Intel Ignite program and its unique approach to supporting tech startups and providing mentoring.  He also shares the goals of Intel Ignite and the criteria used to select startups for each cohort.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Mental resilience in the tech industry

- The importance of mentorship in building businesses

- Challenges faced by tech founders

- Intel Ignite’s startup selection criteria

Book Recommendation:

Give and Take by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986

Connect with Tzahi (Zack) Weisfeld:

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

Website:  https://intelignite.com/

Thanks for listening!

Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.