In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' John Ligh interviews Brian Freeman, founder and CEO of Creator Land. They discuss the inception of Creator Land, a platform likened to LinkedIn but designed for the creative economy, addressing the unique needs of content creators, influencers, and talent managers. Freeman shares his journey from starting a female-focused dating app to pivoting towards serving the creator economy through manually executed campaigns, leading to the conception of Creator Land. The conversation delves into the challenges of talent acquisition in the tech industry, the importance of understanding and catering to your audience, and how to approach hiring and building a team with a focus on culture, cognitive diversity, and creativity. Freeman emphasizes the significance of self-awareness in leadership, the evolving workforce dynamics influenced by content creators, and the value of a 'give first' mentality among founders. 00:00 Welcome to Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool 00:31 Introducing Brian Freeman and Creator Land 01:58 The Journey from Dating App to Creator Land 08:27 Challenges and Strategies in Building Creator Land 12:39 The Importance of Hiring the Right Talent 20:08 Navigating the Creator Economy and Talent Acquisition 30:08 Embracing Creativity and Continuous Learning 34:02 Brian's Passion Project and Closing Thoughts Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Brian Freeman

In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' host John Light, engages in a captivating dialogue with Nick Jane, CEO of Idea Scale. They explore Nick's unique career journey from finance in New York to leading a company born from a White House initiative. Idea Scale, termed as a CRM for ideas, serves as a platform for large organizations such as NASA, McKinsey, and Comcast to harness and prioritize creative proposals from employees globally. The conversation delves into the ways technology, particularly AI, is transforming Idea Scale's operations, fostering a culture of innovation across geographical and organizational barriers. Nick shares an anecdote involving a major restaurant chain's crowdsourced menu innovation via Idea Scale, highlighting the platform's impact. Further, they touch upon the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving job market, the critical need for business acumen among tech professionals, and the personal growth that comes from embracing failure and risk management, drawing parallels to Nick's interest in poker. This episode not only sheds light on the significance of nurturing a transparent, idea-driven organizational culture but also reflects on technology's role in shaping future talents and innovations. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:41 Nick Jane's Journey and Idea Scale 02:27 The Concept of CRM for Ideas 03:49 Innovation in Complex Organizations 04:28 Success Stories and Use Cases of Idea Scale 07:13 The Role of AI in Idea Scale 15:35 The Impact of Evolving Job Market on Idea Scale 17:25 The Importance of Business Acumen and Skill Development 29:32 Nick's Passion Project: Poker 35:45 Conclusion: Embracing Failure and Learning Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Nick Jain

In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' host John Light talks with Hirbod Bigvan, a serial entrepreneur in the tech space, about the challenges and excitement of entrepreneurship, the balance between passion and discipline, and the innovative use of technology in personal development. Hirbod shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. with nothing to building successful startups. The conversation covers resilience in entrepreneurship, the impact of AI on the job market, and Hirbod's current venture, Cassius, which offers one-on-one dating coaching to men to improve their confidence and happiness. They also discuss the broader implications of technology in facilitating human connections and the importance of giving back to the community. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:10 The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship 05:04 The Importance of Discipline and Focus 07:03 The Role of Technology in Entrepreneurship 07:53 Introducing Cassius: A Dating Coaching Platform 08:57 The Impact of Confidence and Expectations 19:13 The Role of AI in Cassius 20:22 The Art of Interviewing and Self-Improvement 22:40 The Impact of AI and Technology Trends 24:17 The Influence of Tech Giants and Elon Musk 25:01 The Risks and Rewards of AI in Customer Service 26:25 The Role of AI in Dating and Building Communities 27:35 The Power of Real-Life Interactions and Community Building 28:31 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Startups 29:32 The Impact of Social Media on Real-Life Interactions 31:17 The Importance of Treating Others Right 32:30 The American Dream and the Role of Politics 35:10 The Power of Sacrifice and Giving Back 36:19 The Role of Politics in Local Communities 37:15 The Importance of Honesty and Vision in Politics 37:53 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Hirbod Bigvand

In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool', host John Light chats with Oli Journey, the CEO of True North Dynamics. Ole shares his journey from a computer science student to becoming a prominent figure in the tech service industry. He discusses the inception of his company, its name's origin, and the decision to split his business to better cater to the needs of its clients. Ole highlights the impact of AI and machine learning on business applications and the consulting industry's future, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements and adopting a client-centered approach to service delivery. The conversation also delves into the evolving tech talent landscape, the shift towards a remote working model, and the intrinsic value of human connection in a digital age. Ole and John also explore the challenge of maintaining a blend of technical and interpersonal skills in the workforce and the significance of continuous learning and adaptation in personal and professional growth. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:43 Journey into the Tech Industry 02:24 Challenges and Lessons from Mergers 03:19 Adapting to Remote Work and Company Rebranding 06:29 The Future of Technology in Business 08:07 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Business 12:26 The Shift from Creator to Innovator Economy 19:04 The Importance of Talent Acquisition in a Changing Market 22:42 Understanding Your Organization and Its Culture 23:05 The Importance of Context in Talent Acquisition 25:04 The Philosophy of Finding the Right People 27:03 The Transition to a Remote Work Environment 28:01 The Challenges of Virtual Collaboration and Innovation 29:04 The Future of Technology and Its Impact on Business 30:43 The Evolution of Service Delivery Models 36:13 The Personal Journey of an Introverted Leader 39:41 The Passion for Continuous Learning and Embracing Change Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Ole Gjerde

In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' host John Light interviews Julian Guthrie, the co-founder and CEO of Alphy, about their AI application Reflect AI. Julian discusses her journey from a word-obsessed child and a 20-year journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle to founding a tech startup aimed at improving communication. Reflect AI is designed to help mitigate the risk of harmful communications by prompting users to reflect before they hit send, focusing on reducing toxic, discriminatory, and potentially litigious language in professional settings. Guthrie also delves into broader themes of ethical communication, the transformative power of listening, and the importance of empathy, respect, and confidence in effective communication. The conversation touches on the significant costs associated with toxic communication in the corporate world and the role of AI in fostering better human interactions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:08 Julian Guthrie's Journey to Alphy and Reflect AI 01:35 The Power of Language and Communication 06:23 The Role of AI in Enhancing Communication 09:39 The Impact of Communication on Relationships and Business 13:20 The Importance of Ethical Communication 17:18 The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Tech Startup 20:58 The Future of AI and Communication 34:56 The Intersection of Personal and Professional Life 37:44 Conclusion: The Ingredients of Life, Communication, and Soup Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Julian Guthrie

In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' host John Light interviews Justin Helmig, CEO of Implan, a SaaS company specializing in economic analytics. They discuss Implan's focus on analyzing economic changes and their impacts, growth opportunities, and the critical role of talent in successful execution. With a background in growing, creating, and exiting companies in the SaaS space, Helmig shares insights into Implan's operations, including their support for 546 industries and ability to analyze down to ZIP codes. They delve into the complexities of modern work environments, touching on remote work, talent acquisition, and the importance of company culture. Helmig’s personal drive for business growth, rooted in early career experiences, highlights the overarching theme of learning from failure and embracing growth challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:55 Understanding Implant and its Role in the Market 02:47 The Importance of Talent in Business 08:50 The Impact of Remote Work on Business Culture 12:18 The Future of Work and Business Relationships 16:19 The Challenges and Opportunities in Growing a Business 20:18 The Role of Failure in Personal and Business Growth 33:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow us:  LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Justin Helmig

On this episode of the Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool podcast, John Light interviews Matthew Godley, the founder and CEO of Get Spendly. Matthew shares his insights on understanding market trends and leveraging technology to address financial pressures. He highlights how Get Spendly automates finding better service offers, potentially saving up to $2500 per employee annually. Matthew also discusses the significance of a skilled team and partnerships with industry leaders like Acrisure and JPMorgan Chase, emphasizing the importance of delivering value and balancing savings with quality. Timestamps: [00:03:35] Automated platform saves businesses money. [00:06:06] Spendly helps businesses save on expenses. [00:09:18] Tech challenges: backend, frontend, UX design. [00:12:01] Identifying data points, scaling challenges ahead. [00:15:37] Growing property casualty insurer, focusing on quality. [00:19:19] Six kids, circus, attitude and effort. [00:22:31] Passionate about financial freedom and efficiency. [00:25:41] Passion drives success, burn the boats. [00:28:38] Building a successful tech company together. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Matthew Godley

Tune in to this exciting episode of Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool, where John Light interviews Mark Abbott, the brilliant mind behind ninety.io. Explore the fascinating world of technology and humanity as Mark discusses the evolution of useful information and its impact on human connection and productivity. Discover the secrets to creating fulfilling work environments, building high-trust relationships, and achieving self-actualization through meaningful work. Mark's platform, ninety.io, is revolutionizing the way businesses operate by focusing on leadership, company culture, and aligning products with customer needs. Learn how to drive trust and accountability within organizations and empower employees globally through small and mid-sized businesses. Timestamps: [00:03:08] Fascination with people, systems, and evolution. [00:06:26] Book recommendation: Road to Serfdom. [00:10:11] Improve self-esteem and love what you do. [00:14:43] Cloud-based system for productive, humane workplaces. [00:18:14] Drive productivity, accountability, and value impact. [00:20:42] Agreements create accountability and alignment. [00:24:49] Strong talent acquisition key to success. [00:28:47] Passion for helping people thrive. [00:32:32] Helping small and mid-sized businesses thrive. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Mark Abbott

On this episode of Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool, host John Light interviews Dylan Robbins, founder and CEO of Lucra Sports. He discusses his company's innovative platform that allows users to engage in various sports and activities through their app. They discuss the challenges of acquiring and retaining quality tech talent, the importance of building proprietary technology, and the potential impact of AI in the future. They also delve into the importance of defining roles and hiring processes, and Dylan's passion for darts and his recent experience at a world championship tournament. Timestamps: [00:04:38] Lucra Sports offers a gamified experience for various activities and sports. [00:08:37] Challenges in acquiring and retaining tech talent. [00:11:56] AI can't replace human qualities. [00:15:38] Tech recruiting is challenging without clear benchmarks and understanding of roles. [00:19:03] Improved structure and process for hiring. [00:21:58] Hiring manager sets up interviews efficiently. [00:25:51] Summary: Balancing technical screening with other assessments. [00:28:59] Interviews should assess cultural fit first. [00:30:32] Passionate darts player shares tournament experience. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Dylan Robbins

On this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool' Dave Todaro, CEO and founder of Ascendle, takes us on a thrilling journey through the tech industry. From his early fascination with technology to his groundbreaking work in software development for the construction industry, Dave shares his challenges and triumphs. He also delves into the world of artificial intelligence, discussing its applications and value, while emphasizing the importance of clear problem definition. Join us as we explore the future of AI and its potential impact on different job roles. Timestamps: [00:00:01] Importance of delivering value through technology. [00:03:48] Helping software companies deliver business value. [00:07:13] AI applications are becoming increasingly critical in business operations. [00:12:17] Building capabilities for deeper customer experience. [00:15:30] Understanding customer needs before implementing AI. [00:18:57] AI advancements may replace certain job roles. [00:22:05] Contemporary software development leverages pre-built components. [00:25:22] Balancing people, process, and tools is crucial for success. [00:28:27] Continuous collaboration, upskilling, and happiness at work. [00:32:43] Building what customers want, being helpful. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Dave Todaro