In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, Steve Taplin sits down with John Price, a former Special Forces soldier, U.S. Senate staffer, and Deloitte M&A leader, who is now building High Ground, a “government operating system” for navigating federal contracts. John explains why most founders misunderstand how to sell into the U.S. government, how his military and policy background shaped his leadership style, and why repeatable workflows—not flashy pitch decks—win in GovTech. From AI legislation to deep learning for contracts, this is a crash course in building where others won’t.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Don Allen, CIO and CISO of Moda Operandi. They discuss Don's diverse career journey, the unique challenges and opportunities in technology leadership, and the evolving role of AI in e-commerce. Don shares insights from his experience in private equity, the importance of collaboration between tech and business, and the necessity of establishing clear AI policies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of adaptability, networking, and continuous learning in the fast-paced tech landscape.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Jason Wilcox, a seasoned technology leader with a diverse background in engineering and software development. They discuss Jason's career journey, the current projects he's involved in, and the challenges of leading a global engineering team. The conversation delves into the importance of data governance, the impact of AI on software development, and the necessity of soft skills in the tech industry. Jason shares insights on hiring challenges, building trust within teams, and justifying technology investments to non-technical executives. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring tech leaders and the evolving role of engineers in the industry.

In this inspiring episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, Steve Taplin speaks with Sherry Wu, CTO of University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU), about building tech that drives loyalty, innovation, and impact. Sherry shares how her team transformed UMCU’s digital experience to rival big banks, integrated AI-powered chatbots, and launched real-time card issuance at Detroit Lions games. She also opens up about navigating tech leadership as a woman, building strategic FinTech partnerships, and empowering other women to rise in the financial tech world.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Mark Myers, a multifaceted leader in the tech industry. Mark shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Neurodyne, a company focused on innovative health tech solutions. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a startup, the importance of understanding the market, and the unique tech stack that powers their products. Mark also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the health tech space, emphasizing the need for passion and networking.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Fawad FR Rashidi, CTO of Zest Dental Solutions. Fawad shares his unique journey from software engineering to becoming a CTO, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in the dental technology sector. He discusses the strategic transformations at Zest, including leveraging AI and e-commerce to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Fawad also provides insights into navigating regulatory challenges in the medical device industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring CTOs and technology students.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Fernando Higuera, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in software engineering and product management. Fernando shares his journey from being a hands-on engineer to taking on multiple CTO roles, emphasizing the importance of human-centered innovation and the need for effective leadership in technology. He discusses his current project, a mental health coaching app, and the role of AI in enhancing software development. The conversation also touches on hiring practices, the challenges of being a CTO, and the significance of cultural change within organizations. Fernando concludes with valuable lessons learned throughout his career, encouraging leaders to embrace failure and focus on empowering their teams.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Gavin Nicol, a seasoned technologist and CTO, who shares his extensive experience in the tech industry. They discuss the evolution of the web, the history of AI, and the innovations at Context Labs, where Nicol is currently CTO. Nicol emphasizes the importance of staying technical as a leader, the challenges of managing global teams, and the lessons learned throughout his career. He also provides insights into hiring practices and the future of programming in the age of AI.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Brian Guinn, a seasoned expert in technology and government contracting. Brian shares his journey from computer repair to becoming the CTO of a consulting firm focused on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the SBIR program, its benefits for tech entrepreneurs, and the role of AI in enhancing proposal writing. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding government needs and the rapid changes in technology, offering valuable insights for tech leaders looking to innovate and secure funding.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Ryan Russett, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and CTO. Ryan shares his journey from a background in evolutionary biology to becoming a successful CTO, emphasizing the importance of execution over mere ideas. He discusses his current projects focused on AI and self-service solutions, as well as the challenges he faces in hiring and managing talent in the tech industry. The conversation highlights the significance of culture, effective team restructuring, and the evolving landscape of technology and recruitment.