“I don't look at automation as displacing human jobs as much as enabling humans to do better stuff and spend more time together.” - Joe GleinserThere are a lot of opportunities for automation and integration of artificial intelligence in the area of software development. By leveraging technology to take care of the mundane, developers are free to focus on higher-level work that is creative and meaningful. That’s where we create the most value and where artificial intelligence is unlikely to become competitive with humans within our lifetime.Today, I’m exceptionally excited to be joined by someone I’ve known for almost 15 years, Joe Gleinser, Co-Founder of Trustgrid. Joe is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of experience growing technology product and service organizations around enterprise data centers, cloud, and security technologies. He is currently the CEO at Trustgrid, an edge computing platform that enables application providers to deploy in and connect to customer environments. He has previously been CEO at GCS Technologies, Inc. and is currently Chairman of the Board. In this conversation, Joe and I discuss the impact of social media on information distribution, why we need to teach our children critical thinking, how Joe’s family influenced his career, the evolution of education due to technology, why human relationships and collaboration are crucial even in a remote environment, and more. Enjoy the episode!HighlightsJoe’s early exposure to programming and his career in technology and businessHow Joe’s family has influenced his perspective on business and his professional lifeMy experience joining an internet startup right before the dot-com bubble burstThe role of technology in education and how it has evolved over the past 25 yearsHow the education of our youth changed as a result of the pandemicTrustgrid’s perspective on in-person interactions as a fully remote companyConcerns surrounding TikTok and its influence on our youthPositive and negative impacts of social media and the need for emphasizing critical thinking skillsThe challenges of maintaining the human side of technologyHow automation can enhance human capabilitiesNavigating the trade-offs between convenience and privacy/securityExploring the current state of artificial intelligence, the marketing hype, and its limitationsWhat people-driven tech means to JoeConnect with Joe GleinserJoe Gleinser on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegleinser/Trustgrid Website https://trustgrid.io/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

Humans are great at exploring thinly sliced pieces of life. AI enables us to solve problems at the level of a complex system, taking us from an era of data and information into an age of knowledge.We can’t think about the advancement of technology without considering who makes it, who uses it, and who’s leveraging it. Humans are the central piece of the puzzle, creating inventions and making discoveries that translate into everything that has become ubiquitous in our modern world. It’s impossible to separate people from technology and the influence of the human condition on the software we interact with daily.To explore this topic further, I’m joined by multi-dimensional thought leader Jaleh Daie today. Jaleh is a Partner at Aurora Equity and someone I’ve just recently had the opportunity to meet. She’s a trailblazer and pioneer many times over, having served as the first woman in several leadership roles.In this conversation, Jaleh and I discuss how her upbringing and immigrant experience influenced her career, her transition from academia to venture capital, the relationship between science and technology, AI's benefits and potential dangers, the importance of human involvement in decision-making, and more.HighlightsJaleh’s upbringing in Iran and the challenges she faced as a graduate student in the US during the Iran hostage crisisJaleh’s dynamic career journey from academia to serving the President and eventually joining the world of venture capitalThe importance of developing different skills and mental models to adapt to changing circumstancesHow growing up in a big family taught Jaleh the value of focus and cooperation in achieving her goalsThe motivation behind Jaleh’s decision to leave academia and pursue a career at the Packard FoundationExploring the interconnectedness of science and technologyHow AI has enabled the shift from the era of information to the era of knowledgeThe benefits of AI in understanding complex systemsWhy humans are an essential part of the equation, despite the advancement of AIWhy Jaleh made the move from San Francisco to AustinWhat people-driven tech means to JalehThe impact of technology on the immigration processConnect with Jaleh Daie Jaleh Daie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalehdaie/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

“Great relationships still need to happen, and technology should support that.” - Rob KaczmarekWhen you look at the community banking market and what they do well, it’s centered around their human connection with their clients. This connection is at the heart of relationships that last a lifetime, often from generation to generation. As we build the technology to improve our banking experience, it’s critical that that piece is supported and the human relationship remains at the center.Today, I’m incredibly pleased to be joined by Rob Kaczmarek, who I’ve known and respected for several years. Rob is a serial entrepreneur who has founded several successful SaaS companies, including inbanx, which we're talking about quite a bit today.In this conversation, Rob and I discuss his dynamic entrepreneurial journey, the influence of his family on his mindset, his approach to understanding user needs, the need to adapt and innovate while maintaining a human connection, and more.HighlightsRob’s family background and entrepreneurial journeyHow Rob’s family influenced his approach to business and problem-solvingThe importance of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice Why it’s crucial to be able to ignore distractions and stay focused on your goals, especially in a noisy and competitive industryThe evolution of software and its adaptability to different situationsUnderstanding context and building an enterprise-grade solution from scratchTechnology development and adapting to a changing environmentFlexibility and adaptability in entrepreneurshipThe positive and negative effects of AI and learning to leverage it as a toolWhat people-driven tech means to RobWhy technology needs to support and facilitate genuine human relationshipsConnect with Rob Kaczmarekinbanx Website https://www.inbanx.com/Rob Kaczmarek on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkaczmarek/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

Like a baby learning to walk, failure is a crucial part of learning.Many companies have a culture deeply rooted in a fear of failure. That fear leads to risk aversion that can often result in companies staying stagnant and rejecting growth opportunities simply to avoid the difficulties of pushing the needle. Calculated risk is vital in business and with teams, especially when developing software that can make or break a company's bottom line.Today, I'm exceptionally pleased to be joined by Adrian Williams, a highly experienced senior technology leader and Vice President of Engineering at aboutGOLF. I've had the opportunity to know Adrian for the last five or six years, not only as an individual and colleague but also as a very good friend. With over 30 years of experience in the software development space, Adrian has spent a lifetime as both an engineer and a leader, failing and succeeding, learning and teaching people, teams, and companies how to be wildly successful.In this conversation, Adrian and I discuss how he naturally developed a high risk profile, how it shapes his approach as a leader, the concept of "failing fast," the impact of work environments on success, the challenges of remote communication, the limitations of technology, and more. HighlightsAdrian’s diverse background, interests, and experiences and how they have shaped his risk profileFear of failure and embracing the “fail fast” mentalityChallenges of failing fast and the need for a supportive environment that allows for quick iterations and correctionsSuccess story - how failing fast and being agile led to a successful solution during the COVID-19 pandemicWhy trust and transparency in leadership is essential in creating a culture of fearlessness and innovationThe art of listening and effective leadershipThe role of software in improving efficiency and reducing wasteChallenges of remote work and the need for tools that facilitate human connection and communicationThe excessive use of tools in education and the negative impact on kinesthetic learnersThe limitations of technology in replicating rich human interactionsWhy visual cues are crucial in communicationWhat people-driven tech means to AdrianConnect with Adrian WilliamsaboutGolf Website https://www.aboutgolf.com/Adrian Williams on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-williams-austin-tx/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

“You and I can exchange value as long as we have an internet connection. We don't necessarily need an intermediary like we did before, and that’s exciting.” - John AinsworthFrom data to money to the ledger, traditionally, everything related to currency exchanges has been centralized. With the decentralization of finance, millions of people who could not access traditional banking have access to technology that can transform their lives and the way they exchange currency.Today, I’m extremely excited to be joined by John Ainsworth, President and CEO of Bonifii. I've had the chance to get to know him personally over the last several years, and I respect him as a technology leader and a visionary in many different areas. After starting his career at SunTrust, he continued to Visa and Mastercard as a senior leader, driving strategy and change and implementing key policies and procedures.In this conversation, John and I discuss the evolution of payment and authentication, how trust in the financial industry has changed over the years, what the humanization of money transfers looks like, the importance of trust, the role of technology in banking, potential risks and benefits associated with AI, and more.HighlightsJohn’s background and career experience in the world of Fortune 50 companiesJohn’s journey from Visa and Mastercard into the startup worldThe evolution of standard payment methodsHow technology has revolutionized payment experiencesThe transformation of currency exchangeThe shift from centralized payments to peer-to-peer transactions and the use of various form factors for paymentsLeveraging technology for the humanization of financial servicesRecognizing the level of trust and confidence in financial systems that’s needed for a transaction to occurInsights from the rising trust placed in cryptocurrencyConsequences of errors and the need for controls and balancesThe changing acceptability of AI and the associated benefits and dangersWhat people-driven tech means to JohnInterconnectivity and the value of genuine connections, trust, and respect in the context of technologyConnect with John AinsworthJohn Ainsworth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnainsworthjr/Bonifii Website https://bonifii.com/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

“In a time-constrained environment, technology has to be as intuitive as possible.” - Damian McKeonThere’s a big problem that first responders face. When you arrive on the scene of an emergency, and it’s somewhere you’ve never been before, you waste a lot of time figuring out where to go. Mission-critical teams typically have 300 seconds or less to solve problems where the consequence of failure is death or catastrophic loss.Today, I have the pleasure of hosting two extraordinary guests, Ashley Hamilton and Damian McKeon, the co-founders of Aiki. Ashley and Damian recognized this problem and are now revolutionizing the world of emergency response with intuitive, symbol-based indoor mapping. Damian brings over 29 years of experience in the fire service and 27 years as an EMT paramedic in Texas. A seasoned professional, Damian has served in the United States Army as a Green Beret and the 19th Special Forces. He has traveled the world sharing his expertise, tactics, and tactical medicine. With 15 years of firefighting experience, including six years in the Special Operations Battalion, Ashley excels in solving complex problems in hazardous and restrictive environments. She serves as an Emergency Planning Specialist for the Austin Fire Department. She has pioneered programs that require and enable first responders and command staff to make rapid, secure, and efficient decisions using symbols instead of written language.In this conversation, Damian, Ashley, and I discuss the need to leverage technology for emergency response, their mission to empower children in crises, the need for more effective responses to active shooter incidents, the power of real-time communication and instant notification systems in schools, the future of Aiki, and more.HighlightsAshley’s journey from financial advisor to firefighterDamian’s unique background in the fire service, Special Forces, and as a medicLeveraging data and technology to help first responders save livesThe process of digitizing paper plans and maps to turn unstructured data into structured dataRecognizing the need and opportunity to empower children in emergenciesThe horrific statistics on mass shootings and the need for faster response timesHow real-time, intuitive, visual data can transform the way first responders and individuals respond to a crisis situationEmpowering students and teachers during a school shootingThe individual use cases for Aiki for end users and first respondersCreating an interface for real-time communication during emergenciesUsing visual references and symbols for efficient information transmissionThe future of AikiWhat people-driven tech means to Damian and AshleyConnect with Damian McKeon and Ashley HamiltonAiki Website https://www.aikiplans.com/Ashley Hamilton on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/whatahamiam/Damian McKeon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-mckeon-955428223/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

“I always envisioned building a company that focuses on quality software. Not just software that works, but software that endures.” - Denzil FillisWhen developing software, it’s easy to hyper-focus on functionality, but the truth is, getting your code to work well is just one part of the equation. Code doesn’t have to be impersonal. When the zeros and ones are combined with the intent to do something significant and create positive change, you are helping humanity.Today I’m quite pleased to be joined by someone who embodies this philosophy and built it into the foundations of his company, Denzil Fillis, CEO of MpiloTech. Denzil's journey from software developer to entrepreneur is truly inspiring. After reading "The Alchemist," he took a leap of faith to follow his passion and start a software company. Since then, he’s built an organization that embraces teamwork and authentic relationships, making a significant impact in South Africa and the African continent.In this conversation, Denzil and I discuss why he decided to take the leap to pursue entrepreneurship, his vision for building a company that prioritizes quality software, the challenges of working with cross-border institutions, why people development has to be a central focus, how Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) is used at MpiloTech, the negative impact of ego in software development organizations, and more.HighlightsDenzil’s background and drive to start his own software businessTaking the leap from corporate to entrepreneurshipDenzil’s vision of building a company that prioritizes quality softwareChallenges of working with different cross-border financial institutions and the importance of a simplified and secure customer experienceMpiloTech’s perspective on people developmentThe massive impact on humanity of providing good quality software with a higher intent and purpose behind itCapability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) and how it’s used at MpiloTechWhy Denzil is passionate about creating job opportunities for individuals with potentialDriving awareness and connection between the South African and North American tech ecosystems Opportunities for collaboration between African and US companies in creating software solutionsCreating unique bonds and forging authentic relationshipsWhat people-driven tech means to DenzilManaging developer egos and why teamwork is crucial in software developmentConnect with Denzil FillisMpiloTech Website https://mpilotech.co.za/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_swTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

“There's no better time in history to be a musician than right now.” - John ZozzaroFor the first time in history, we’re starting to see independent artists taking control over their destinies through the tools and technology that are now available at our fingertips. As technology continues to integrate seamlessly across different types of infrastructures, artists have more data and more useful information that - when properly utilized - can allow them to engage their audience and get to a sustainable place easier than ever before.Today I’m very excited to be joined by John Zozzaro, founder and President of MediaTech Ventures. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area suburbs, John Zozzaro started his entrepreneurial journey in his early twenties playing music and touring all over the U.S. During this time, his passion and obsession with the convergence of media and technology began to blossom. In mid-2013, he decided to break away from the stage and forge a new path, launching two different marketing agencies leveraging his music industry experience to create more opportunities for bands and brands. In October of 2016, he met his now business partner Paul O'Brien and launched MediaTech Ventures as the solution to help educate public, private, and corporate capital how to invest in Media-Technology, while providing innovators access to networks, education, tools, and capital, necessary for their success.In this conversation, John and I discuss his journey from professional musician to entrepreneur, the overlap between the music and technology industries, how technology has empowered independent artists, the financial struggles artists face in an already revenue-deficient industry, the democratization of ownership, and more.HighlightsJohn’s path from professional musician to marketer and entrepreneurHow John’s father’s entrepreneurial journey influenced his career pathThe tie-ins between music and technologyChallenges faced by musicians in the past and how technology has empowered independent artists to take control of their careersOpportunities for artists in the ever-changing digital economyHow technology has revolutionized the music industryIndiegogo as an example of a resource that was ahead of its timeThe financial struggles faced by artists in an already revenue-deficient industryThe problem with how music industry technology was initially designed to support the industry itself rather than the artistsCreating technology that empowers artists by supporting the democratization of ownershipThe complexities of ownership in the digital worldUnderstanding the concept of NFTs as digital receipts and their potential for creating transparency in ownership and authenticityWhy the collaboration between artists and technologists often leads to innovationThe importance of encouraging creativity in software developmentThe role of mentorship and resources in reducing startup failure ratesConnect with John ZozzaroJohn Zozzaro on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnzozzaro/MediaTech Ventures Website https://mediatech.ventures/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

Back in the day, it was hard to turn the TV off, knowing there might be something interesting waiting on the next channel. Now, with personalized recommendations and algorithmically-curated feeds, much of the technology we interact with is optimized for so much more than core functionality.While it can sound scary, this type of ubiquitous code isn’t all bad. The software evolution has produced highly effective educational tools, significant advances in medical technology, and much more. It's up to us to ensure that technology serves us rather than the other way around. Today I’m excited to be joined by someone I've known and respected since I moved to Austin, Bill Leake. As the CEO of Apogee Results, Bill draws on deep expertise in both business and marketing to help increase revenues for a wide range of clients. He has been driving provable revenues through Internet marketing techniques since the early 1990s when, as part of the management team at Power Computing, he built the first company to sell $1 million of product over the Internet. As founder of Apogee Results, he has guided the company from inception to its current position as the largest search engine marketing company in Texas, one of the 20 largest independents in North America, and one of the fastest-growing companies on the Inc. 500 / 5000 list.In this conversation, Bill and I discuss where Austin is going as a city, the evolution of digital marketing over the last three decades, good versus bad technology, what ChatGPT and advancements in AI mean for humanizing software, and more.HighlightsHow Bill ended up in Austin and his experience founding and growing companies hereAustin’s growth and evolution into a tech hubThe impactful OGs of the Austin tech industryBill’s accidental entry into digital marketing through his work at Power ComputingThe early days of the internet and lesser-known Austin success storiesChallenges of humanizing softwareDifferentiating between cute and ubiquitous from a user experience perspectiveThe changing expectations for digital marketingPositive examples of technology being used for the greater goodThe negative impact of social media, which rewards conflict instead of censoring itTremendous opportunities in the internet spaceWhat people-driven tech means to BillThe trade-off between privacy and convenienceBill’s perspective on the pros and cons of ChatGPTConnect with Bill LeakeBill Leake on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/leake/Apogee Results https://www.apogeeresults.com/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

Back in the 90s, the best code was the one that maximized the limited computing power available. Human interaction was an afterthought. Fast forward to today, user experience is at the heart of the software development process.The current user-first approach to software has totally shifted the development process and the types of software being built. Users expect every interaction to be intuitive and seamless and with minimal friction. That’s where people-driven tech comes in, making people's lives better.For this episode, I was pleased to talk to Kaj Gronholm, CEO of Woodridge Software. Kaj is a 20-year software industry veteran who has built and led three companies, helping them grow from original idea to successful exit and ongoing operations. He founded and sold a leading Network Access Control company, Roving Planet, to HP. Kaj understands what it takes to build a company and develop new products. He is skilled in leading teams of people, honing strategy, and focused execution. He is also an expert in cyber security and enterprise data. Kaj has an ability to understand customers’ points of view, goals and needs and helps guide projects to exceed expectations.In this conversation, Kaj and I discuss his nomadic childhood, the detours his career took before joining the financial services industry, how software can help make the world a little better, the accelerated pace of change with technology, the key to hiring amazing developers, and more.HighlightsKaj’s background growing up in an airline family and his early interest in programmingHow Kaj’s love for mountain biking led him to discover his people skills and selling abilitiesThe great adventure of a three-month bike trip across the US without much technologyHow Woodridge helps make the world a little better by making software betterThe shift towards user-focused software and how it’s become a major aspect of software developmentTransformative changes to how software is built and the way we interact with applicationsHow Woodridge and Kaj think about the accelerated pace of change with technologyThe role of technology as a potential source of discord and what we can do about itThe importance of people-driven technology in the banking industryHiring developers who are smart, good at solving problems logically, and humbleConnect with Kaj GronholmKaj Gronholm on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaj-gronholm-820b61/Woodridge Software https://woodridgesoftware.com/Thanks for Listening!Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Engage with us digitally on:Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZALinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindswTwitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw