Steve Sponseller

Innovation Techniques to Develop and Deploy Cutting Edge Systems in Space– Sebastian Asprella


Would you like to discover innovation tips from a tech leader who is developing and deploying cutting edge platforms in space?

This interview is part of the Space Tech Innovation event where Space Tech Leaders share the latest trends and key insights to grow any tech company. The event is Free – you can register at https://SpaceTechInnovation.com to see all the videos, edited transcripts, and an executive summary of each interview.

Today I have the pleasure of talking with Sebastian Asprella, the CEO and Co-Founder of ThinkOrbital. Sebastian has 25 years of leadership and entrepreneurship experience in multiple areas, such as business management, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.

ThinkOrbital is a space tech startup that’s developing novel systems that autonomously assemble structures while orbiting the earth. The structures can be used for servicing satellites in-orbit, managing space debris, in-space manufacturing, space tourism, and more.

During our interview, Sebastian discusses the challenges that the ThinkOrbital team faces and the innovation necessary to develop and deploy these cutting edge platforms in space.

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion and get some valuable insights about innovation and creating new systems that you can use in your own company today.

“We think of ourselves as a real estate developer in space. We provide possibilities for companies that want to operate in space, such as manufacturing, servicing, and data centers.” – Sebastian Asprella (CEO of ThinkOrbital)

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • Benefits of asking: “How do you think we’re going to fail?”
  • Augmenting product offerings from other companies
  • How to identify hundreds of use cases for a new platform
  • Innovation techniques for developing and deploying cutting edge platforms in space
  • Why limited capital may strengthen the space industry

Resources:

Connect with Sebastian Asprella:

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.

How Space Tech Innovation is Impacting our Daily Lives– Shelli Brunswick


Do you want to learn about how Space Technology is changing life on earth?

This interview is part of the Space Tech Innovation event where space tech leaders share the latest trends and key insights to grow any tech company. The event is Free – you can register at https://SpaceTechInnovation.com to see all the videos, edited transcripts, and an executive summary of each interview.

Today I have a fantastic discussion with Shelli Brunswick to launch the Space Tech Innovation event. Shelli is the Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation and has a broad perspective on the global space ecosystem. She’s worked with space technology during her service with the U.S. Air Force and in her current role with Space Foundation.

Shelli advocates for space tech innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, and inclusion.

During our interview, she discusses how space technology innovation is impacting our daily lives. Shelli also explains what’s driving the rapid growth of space-related companies.

She also discusses new collaboration opportunities in the space industry between the commercial, governmental, and educational sectors. Shelli also shares her excitement about the increasing number of women in the space industry.

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion, learn about the space industry, and takeaway some tips you can use in your business.
“Space tourism companies are building the infrastructure to the future of space. This leads to new opportunities for economic development.” – Shelli Brunswick

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • How space tech helps everyone on earth
  • Activities at the Space Foundation Discovery Center
  • Today’s collaboration among commercial, governmental, and educational sectors
  • Expanding inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access in the space industry
  • The workforce shortage in the space industry

Resources:

Connect with Shelli Brunswick:

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.

How To Recession-Proof Your Business– Mahesh M. Thakur


Are you worried about the current economic situation?

On today’s episode, I am talking with Mahesh M. Thakur who will share his tips and experiences with previous economic downturns.

Mahesh is a CEO coach and an entrepreneur. He helps CEOs and business owners re-prioritize their activities and position their company for success.

Previously, Mahesh has worked at Fortune 50 companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Intuit, and GoDaddy. He is currently an advisor to various technology startups. Mahesh is a member of the MG 100 Coaches family and is a Certified Board Director from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

During our discussion, Mahesh shares lots of valuable insights related to recession-proofing your business, prioritizing your business activities, and implementing a framework he uses when working with CEOs.

I’m sure this discussion will provide some valuable tips you can apply in your own business.

“It’s important for companies to understand their strengths and leverage those strengths during an economic downturn.” – Mahesh M. Thakur

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • Recession-proofing your business
  • A framework for CEOs to improve performance
  • Prioritizing your business activities
  • Leadership tips for tech companies

Resources:

Connect with Mahesh M. Thakur:

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.

How to Build a Long-Distance Team– Kevin Eikenberry


Are you struggling to build a team and define a culture in your organization – in today’s remote work environment?

That’s what my friend Kevin Eikenberry is discussing in this episode. Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group.

He is recognized as one of the World’s Top 30 Leadership Professionals. Today Kevin shares his 30 years of experience and insights about building remote teams that work for all team members. He also talks about his latest book The Long-Distance Team that focuses on Designing Your Team for Everyone’s Success.

During our call, Kevin explains the 3C model which includes Communication, Collaboration, and Cohesion. This model supports the connection of team design and culture in any organization by integrating all three of those factors.

I’m sure this discussion with Kevin will provide you with tips and insights you can use to build and strengthen your own team.

“The world of work is continuing to change and at least some people are going to be working remotely. We need to consider how our teams are designed and what our culture should look like.” – Kevin Eikenberry

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • What it means to “Pilot” your organization
  • The connection between Team and Culture
  • Understanding the 3C model – Communication, Collaboration, Cohesion
  • How to determine the “right culture” for your organization in a world that’s changing
  • Asynchronous collaboration strategies for your team

Resources:

Connect with Kevin Eikenberry:

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.

Accelerate Time-To-Market and Reduce Costs with UX Design– Matt Genovese


Would you like to learn how to create a User Experience (UX) that accelerates time-to-market and reduces cost?

That’s exactly what I’m discussing today with Matt Genovese. Matt is the founder and CEO of Planorama, which is a User Experience design firm that focuses on making complex and technical software – simple and intuitive to use.

Matt and the team at Planorama follow the mantra, “Time to market, accelerated by design.”

During our discussion, Matt shares information about how he and his team get involved early in the product design process so the UX requirements and documentation are defined at the beginning – and play an important role in the entire design process.

Matt also explains the importance of User Stories in the overall UX design process to save time and money. He also mentions a free User Story Generator tool offered by Planorama. There’s a link to this tool in the show notes.

I know you will find value in this interview and get some insights for improving your company’s User Experience design process.

“Design is all about requirements. UX defines the solid visual requirements for a product. So, the investment in a good UX design saves money on the development activities.” – Matt Genovese

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • A first step to improve your UX
  • How a good UX design improves your business
  • What are User Stories and why are they important to the design process
  • When to start UX design in the product design process
  • The importance of UX design to software companies

Resources:

Connect with Matt Genovese:

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.

Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Business, Innovation and Brainstorming – Mike Todasco


Innovation is critical for tech companies to maintain their competitive edge. My guest today is Mike Todasco. He’s sharing his expertise with innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).

Mike is highly qualified to talk about these topics individually and he will discuss how AI can help with innovation and creativity.

Mike was formerly the Head of Innovation at PayPal and he’s named as an inventor on over 100 patents. He left his work at PayPal to focus on Generative Artificial Intelligence.

During our discussion, Mike shares information about the innovation culture that was created at PayPal and how team members were encouraged to innovate.

He also discusses his current activities with AI and how he’s using AI tools to write books, generate comic strips, create new ideas, and more. Mike talks about how to use today’s AI tools, like ChatGPT, to come up with innovative ideas, generate rough drafts of emails, and act as your brainstorming partner.

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion and get some valuable tips for creating innovative ideas and leveraging AI tools in your business.

“Artificial Intelligence isn’t going to take your job, but someone who uses Artificial Intelligence is going to take your job.” – Mike Todasco

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • How to encourage all team members to innovate
  • Mike’s technique for generating new ideas
  • The huge potential for Generative Artificial Intelligence
  • Using AI tools as your 24/7 brainstorming partner
  • Writing books and other content with AI tools

Resources:

Connect with Mike Todasco:

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.

Growing Your Business by Taking Control of Your Data– Jon Thompson


Are you effectively leveraging your company’s data?

On this episode, I have an interesting conversation with Jon Thompson. Jon is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Blue Margin, which is a data analytics company that organizes data into dashboards. Jon discusses how these dashboards can help companies quickly and easily understand complex data.

Jon and his team have helped over 200 companies improve their business outcomes through the use of performance dashboards that drive focus and accountability. Jon and the Blue Margin team works with companies in a variety of industries.

Jon also co-authored a book with his brother titled “The Dashboard Effect,” which explains why data intelligence is the next great differentiator in business. He discusses this in more detail during our interview.

Jon also explains that dashboards aren’t just for the company leaders. Jon encourages companies to provide dashboards to all team members, which can help build motivation and teamwork.

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion with Jon and I encourage you to take action by clicking the link below where you can download Jon’s Stakeholder Survey and a free copy of his Book.

“Dashboards need to be people-centric, not topic-centric. Dashboards are tools for people to consume that will improve their activities and processes.” – Jon Thompson

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • How companies can derive value from large amounts of data
  • Different types of data analysis for business data
  • Leveraging data dashboards in your company
  • Determining the most valuable data indicators for your company
  • How to incorporate data analysis into your entire business

Resources:

Connect with Jon Thompson:

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.

Using the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to Grow your Business –Tracy Gregorio


Did you know that the SBIR program can help your small business grow by solving particular problems defined by public sector organizations?

On this episode, I am talking with Tracy Gregorio. Tracy is the CEO of G2 Ops, which is an IT engineering and cybersecurity company serving the US Navy, the government, and commercial enterprises. She has a wide range of experience with both the military and the private sector.

Tracy shares how her variety of experience helps her as a company leader today. She also provides tips on how small businesses can be successful working with large government agencies.

During our discussion, Tracy explains the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and describes the three different phases of the program. The SBIR program is intended to stimulate technological innovation in small businesses.

Tracy also talks about how she and the team at G2 Ops has created and sustained a culture of innovation and creativity.

I’m sure you will get some great ideas from Tracy that you can incorporate into your own business.

“Our private sector experience dealing with revenue, ROI, and delivering value gives our company an advantage when working with government agencies.” – Tracy Gregorio

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • How to take advantage of the SBIR program
  • Tips for small businesses working with large government agencies
  • Creating a culture of innovation in your company
  • Tips for small businesses to scale quickly and handle big projects
  • Cultivating strong relationships with other businesses

Connect with Tracy Gregorio:

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.

Raising Funds for Tech Startups– Mark Sherman


How can your tech startup attract investors in today’s uncertain environment?

On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Mark Sherman.

Mark is a Managing Partner of Telstra Ventures, which is a venture capital firm in San Francisco, CA with a strong track record. As we talk about on this episode, Telstra Ventures uses data science and quantitative analysis when analyzing investment opportunities.

Mark talks about what he and his partners look for in a technology startup. One thing they like to see is a passion for the business. Mark shares other key factors during our discussion.

He also talks about how companies can make their pitch stand out to investors and make a good impression.

Mark and I also discuss his thoughts on what he expects with funding trends on the coming year.

I know you will enjoy this conversation with Mark and leave with some insights on how to position your company to improve the chances of getting funding.

“We typically invest in Series A and Series B companies. Our goal is to help companies grow to $100M in revenue and beyond.” – Mark Sherman

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • Using data analysis when evaluating tech startups for investment
  • How can a pitch grab an investor’s attention
  • How $300B in “dry powder” will impact investments in the near future
  • Factors considered before investing in a technology startup
  • Expected funding trends in the coming year

Connect with Mark Sherman:

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.

Using NASA Inventions to Launch or Grow your Company– Daniel Lockney


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.

NASA has a publication called “Spinoff” that highlights many types of transferred technologies that benefit life on Earth in the form of commercial products. NASA recently published a new edition of the Spinoff publication. It has dozens of stories describing businesses that have successfully launched products based on technology licensed from NASA. There’s a link to the Spinoff publication below.

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 line.

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:

Connect with Daniel Lockney:

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.

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