Would you like to automate your marketing activities? On this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Anu Shukla, who is a serial entrepreneur with more than 25 years of high-tech industry experience. She is an active angel investor personally supporting and investing in women and minority led enterprises. Anu has founded and exited several software companies: ranging from a Fintech loyalty currency company to Adtech and marketing automation companies.  She has successfully exited two startups with $600M in enterprise value. In her current role, Anu is a Co-founder and Executive Chair of Botco.ai, an emerging player in the application of AI/NLP to enterprise marketing automation.  And, she is named as an inventor on four patents based on her work in the technology industry. “You want to turn your website into a conversation.” – Anu Shukla Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - The best way to start integrating chatbots into your business - Current marketing automation breakthroughs using AI and other technologies - Marketing trends that use AI to stay nimble and campaign-driven - The art and data science of marketing Resources Mentioned: Get a free copy of Anu’s Book:  25 Best Practices to Turn Your Website Into a Conversation Connect with Anu Shukla: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anushukla/ Website:  https://www.botco.ai/ 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.  

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 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPGGF753 Connect with Colette Grail: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettegrail/ Website:  http://whatsthebigdataidea.com/ 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.

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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bartot/ (get Jay’s attention by mentioning that you heard him on the Tech Leader Talk podcast) Website: https://zeitworks.com 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.

Looking for tips from an experienced tech startup leader? On today’s episode, I am talking with Joyce Durst. Joyce is the CEO and co-Founder of Growth Acceleration Partners (referred to as “GAP”).  GAP is a strategic technology solutions partner and a leader in digital transformation consulting. When Joyce was a kid, she refused to accept the belief that “girls don’t do math” and kids from her small hometown don’t pursue college degrees.  Joyce overcame both of those mindsets and earned a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University. Joyce started her career at IBM and moved into Executive roles at multiple companies before founding Growth Acceleration Partners. Joyce is a sought-after speaker on the topics of leadership and women in business. “I realized that if I really wanted to have impact on a company’s direction and on the lives of other people, I would need to become a CEO.” – Joyce Durst Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Lessons from 21 years of experience as a CEO - Starting with a foundation of values - Tips for growing your team - Managing remote work for team members - The importance of occasional in-person team meetings   Connect with Joyce Durst: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycedurst/ Website: https://www.growthaccelerationpartners.com/ 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.

On today’s episode, I’m talking Ali Davachi, who is a serial entrepreneur with 25 years of experience working with Fortune 500 organizations in healthcare, consumer products, and financial services.  He helps businesses develop innovative solutions that save money and support new business opportunities. Ali is a Digital Transformation expert and shows companies how to stay focused on business outcomes. During our discussion, he shares his story of going from medical school to the world of technology. “Digital transformation means meeting companies and clients where they are.” – Ali Davachi Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: How companies can stay focused on business outcomes Why Digital Transformation is so important today Ali’s approach to helping entrepreneurs and small companies that are just getting started A process for incremental testing, measurement, and adjustment Mentioned Resources: Realware Connect with Ravi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alidavachi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/adavachi 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.  

Are you following your passion? On today’s episode, I have a fun conversation with Paul Baron where Paul talks about the importance of following your passion. Paul is the CEO of The Wall Printer, which produces printers that can print vertically.  He started his career as a high school teacher, then became an entrepreneur who has started several businesses. In addition to running The Wall Printer, Paul serves as a mentor at the Univ. of North Carolina – Wilmington and at their Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.  He also serves on advisory boards at non-profit organizations and privately held businesses. On this episode, Paul and I discuss his thoughts on mentoring and how he has developed creative teams at high-tech startups. “To have the best opportunity for success, you need to learn which hats (activities) you like to wear and the ones you don’t like to wear.  Then move towards the activities you enjoy and that benefit the stakeholders.” – Paul Baron Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Tips for developing creative teams in high-tech startups - Attracting and retaining great employees - Lessons learned from being a mentor - Making the jump from high school teacher to entrepreneur - Following your passion   Demo Video of The Wall Printer in action:  https://thewallprinter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/10-Sec-Oak-Island-Loop.mp4 Connect with Paul Baron: Website:  https://thewallprinter.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbbaron/ 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.

It’s hard to believe that there’s less than two months left in 2022.  That means 2023 is just around the corner. Since the new year is approaching fast, on this episode I talk about three things you can do now to be sure your Patent Strategy is off to a good start in 2023. The three things I recommend are: Check for patent filing deadlines. Educate your team regarding how to identify inventions AND encourage them to submit their ideas. Create a group of people to evaluate the inventions submitted by your team. I discuss all three of these activities in today’s episode. If you’re ready to start building (or expanding) your patent portfolio in 2023, now is a great time to get started. “There are three activities that automatically trigger a 12-month patent filing deadline in the United States.” – Steve Sponseller Questions? If you have any questions about building a strong portfolio of patents, contact me to schedule a Free Introductory Call so I can help you with your next steps.   Contact me via email:  [email protected] Or visit my website:  https://www.SteveSponseller.com Download my free white paper, InventLock™ Protection Guide for Tech Startups, at: https://stevesponseller.com/guide Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of my latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover my proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Are you moving fast enough? On today’s episode, I have a wonderful discussion with Nick Donofrio, who has spent most of his life as a technology leader.  Although Nick had countless accomplishments, he wonders if he was moving fast enough. Nick worked in various roles at IBM for 44 years.  During that time, he redefined innovation at IBM and initiated worldwide collaboration for the company. Nick was the first Executive Vice President of Innovation and Technology at IBM.  And, he was named one of Business Week’s 25 top innovation champions. Nick is the author of the book:  If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes.  The book discusses how Nick and others led IBM’s global technical team. During our discussion, Nick talks about how Innovation played an important role in IBM’s transformation during his 44 years at the company.  I’m sure you will enjoy this discussion (and get some tips for your own business, like I did) as Nick shares his knowledge and experiences during his many years at IBM. “Transforming IBM into an innovation company was all about value creation.” – Nick Donofrio Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - How IBM was transformed into an innovation company - Helping your team members be more successful - The role of Nick’s mom in his career   Nick’s Book: If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes:  https://www.amazon.com/If-Nothing-Changes-Donofrio-Story/dp/1544531346   Connect with Nick Donofrio: Website:  https://www.nickdonofriobook.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-donofrio-7588609/ Download Steve’s free white paper, InventLock™ Protection Guide for Tech Startups, at: 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.

Eric is a best selling author, speaker, and pragmatic futurist.   Eric is focused on addressing disruption by increasing the creative capacity of individuals, teams, and organizations to ignite change, innovation, and foster continuous growth.   Eric has an undergraduate degree in engineering, an MBA in Information Systems, and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership.  His doctoral work primarily explored complexity sciences centered on executive cognition and their use of intuitive improvisation, decision-making, artificial intelligence, and data-based decision models. Eric’s recent book, Surfing Rogue Waves released last year.  His love of being active and outdoors led him to use the parallels between life and surfing as a metaphor for how we can deal with the changes happening around us. “If we don’t ‘ride’ the 4th Industrial Revolution, we will be left behind.” – Eric Pilon-Bignell Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - What is the 4th Industrial Revolution and how is it changing the world - How surfing is related to the 4th Industrial Revolution - Why disruption is the new normal - Technology advancements are happening exponentially faster and converging with each other Resources Mentioned: Eric’s Book:  Surfing Rogue Waves Connect with Eric Pilon-Bignell: Website:  http://ericpb.me LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericpilonbignell/ 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.

Are you practicing user-centered design? On this episode, I talk with Eric Weiss, who is an Executive Coach to fast-growing tech companies.  He is also the Host of the Chaos to Clarity podcast. For the past 15 years, Eric has helped companies build amazing products, engage their customers, find the right product-market fit, raise capital, and scale their businesses quickly.  Eric has been obsessed with technology since he was a child, which led him to the work he’s doing today with tech companies.  He loves helping tech founders build and implement their product strategy to grow their companies. During our discussion, Eric talks about challenges facing tech companies today and how to overcome those challenges.   Eric also shares a great tip to organize your week and schedule focus blocks in your calendar every day. “Tech leaders can be a bottleneck to their company’s growth if they don’t let go of some activities.” – Eric Weiss Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - The importance of user-centered design - Engaging with customers early and often - Eric’s “continuous discovery” system - The “weekly sprint” Eric uses to stay focused   Eric’s Podcast: Chaos to Clarity podcast:  https://www.fullcycleproduct.com/podcast   Connect with Eric Weiss: Website:  https://www.fullcycleproduct.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmweiss/ Download Steve’s free white paper, InventLock™ Protection Guide for Tech Startups, at: 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.