Category Archives for "Podcast"

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.

Managing Cybersecurity and Data Protection Issues– Justin Daniels


Will additional regulations be a good thing for security?

On this episode of the podcast, I have a great discussion with Justin Daniels.

Justin is an attorney and shareholder at the law firm of Baker Donelson where he practices as a transactional lawyer, which includes Merger & Acquisition work.

Justin specifically advises his clients on identifying and managing cybersecurity risk related to various types of transactions. He also leads incident response teams for ransomware and wire fraud cases.

Justin is a co-host of the podcast She Said Privacy/He Said Security – which he co-hosts with his wife Jodi Daniels (who is a privacy consultant). Justin also co-authored a book with his wife, titled “Data Reimagined: Building Trust One Byte At A Time”.

During our conversation, Justin discusses how companies can support innovation while also managing cybersecurity and data protection issues. He shares examples of situations where a lack of privacy and a lack of security in computing services resulted in huge losses due to lawsuits.

Listen carefully as Justin provides valuable tips and guidance for protecting your data and managing your cybersecurity protection.

“You must be a lifetime learner because education doesn’t stop when you leave school – that’s when your education is just beginning.” –Justin Daniels

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • A first step to protecting your company
  • The relationship between innovation, cybersecurity, and data protection
  • Motivating better security through government regulation
  • How to do a better job of listening
  • The motivation behind writing the book Data Reimagined

Resources:

Connect with Justin Daniels:

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.

Staying Competitive Through Innovation and Automation– Andrew Cohen


Are you effectively leveraging your innovation and automation to improve efficiency?

On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Andrew Cohen.

Andrew is the Managing Director of Netsurit and the Managing Partner of EVOKE. These companies partner with clients to build modern workplace solutions that address organizational and technological challenges.

During our discussion, Andrew explains how he and his team help companies stay competitive through innovation and automation. He talks about the relationship between innovation and automation.

During our conversation, Andrew talks about “Innovate as a Service” – a new term for me. I encourage you to listen as Andrew explains how Netsurit uses “Innovate as a Service” with its clients. It may give you some new ideas for your own business.

I’m sure you will enjoy this conversation with Andrew and get some insights on using innovation and automation to strengthen your company’s competitive advantage.

“Look at your current business activities, identify any inefficiencies, and leverage your existing technology to be more efficient.” –Andrew Cohen

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • Staying competitive through innovation and automation
  • Providing innovation as an ongoing service
  • Implementing Innovate as a Service
  • User adoption as part of the innovation and automation process
  • Fostering an innovative spirit in your organization

Connect with Andrew Cohen:

White Paper (Protection Guide for Tech Startups):

Free download: https://stevesponseller.com/guide

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.

Managing Security for Small and Medium-Sized Companies– Scott McCrady


Is your company protected against cyber attacks?

On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Scott McCrady.

Scott is the CEO of SolCyber, which provides Managed Security Services.

Scott has 25 years of experience working in the areas of networking, telecommunications, and information security. He has experience with large corporations (like IBM and EDS) and several technology startups.

During our discussion, Scott shares tips and experiences to help tech companies successfully implement cybersecurity in their organization. For example, he shares critical cybersecurity tools that increase the security posture of small- to mid-sized companies.

I’m sure you will get value from this discussion with Scott, and you will learn how to strengthen your company’s cybersecurity.

“The customers love it because they get a best-in-class security program in a per user, per month model.” –Scott McCrady

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • The “modern engagement model” for cybersecurity
  • Finding the business reason people want to buy your product
  • De-risking a company’s operational security and financial standpoints
  • Focusing on solving business problems
  • Identifying your core skill set

Book recommendations:

Connect with Scott McCrady:

White Paper (Protection Guide for Tech Startups):

Free download: https://stevesponseller.com/guide

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 Money Without Giving Up Control of Your Tech Company– Ron Bauer


Would you like a roadmap that helps your tech startup grow while you maintain control of the company?

On this episode, I have a great discussion with Ron Bauer who helps companies launch and raise funds without giving up control of the company.

Ron is a venture capitalist and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in technology, life sciences, education technology, and natural resources. He has created a number of ventures with leading entrepreneurs and scientists. He is the founder and managing partner of Theseus Capital.

Ron has also launched ventures with several academic institutions, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and Cornell.

He has as strong track record of nurturing innovative concepts and supporting entrepreneurs and scientists from early-stage startups to initial public offerings. Ron has successfully raised capital across many sectors, multiple geographies, and ever-changing market conditions.

I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion with Ron, where he shares his expertise with launching and growing tech companies, and discusses strategies for raising funds.

“The roadmap we created allows the founders to maintain control of the company and retain full scientific and creative freedom.” –Ron Bauer

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • What investors look for in tech startups
  • Creating and launching university spin-out companies
  • Adapting to changing economic environments
  • The critical importance of intellectual property
  • Identifying hot sectors based on changing market conditions

Book recommendations:

Connect with Ron Bauer:

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.

Solving Big Problems with Big Data– Colette Grail


Are you leveraging the data in your business to solve important problems?

Today I am talking with Colette Grail, who is a former Navy pilot and describes herself as a “data and emerging technology geek.” She is obsessed with ensuring that individuals, leaders, communities, and countries understand data.

During her 30 year career as a U.S. Naval Officer, Colette provided important insights for strategic and tactical decisions. Based on that experience, she wrote a book on making decisions with Big Data.

Colette’s book has just been released – the title is: The Fallacy of Laying Flat.

On today’s episode, Colette and I discuss the differences between Small Data and Big Data. She also explains how to solve Big Problems with Big Data.

I’m sure you will enjoy my discussion with Colette and the tips and recommendations she shares for your business.

“Data needs to be real time and interactive in order to have relevance and context.” –Colette Grail

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

  • Important differences between big data and small data
  • What motivated you to write the book: The Fallacy of Laying Flat?
  • How are big problems solved with big data?
  • The 3 Vs of big data
  • Ideas for visualizing data

Colette’s Book: The Fallacy of Laying Flat

Connect with Colette Grail:

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.

Launching and Growing Tech Companies– Jay Bartot


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

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

Jay is the CEO of Zeitworks, which is an artificial intelligence-powered business process intelligence platform. The Zeitworks systems provide enterprises with data-driven insights and tools to improve and transform their business process operations.

Jay 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.

Prior to founding Zeitworks, Jay was CTO and Managing Director at Madrona Venture Labs, where he helped create and incubate nearly a dozen startups.

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:

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.