Mastering venture capital and ethical growth is essential for startup success. Today’s guest, Andy Budd, shares insights from his journey as Founder and CEO of Clearleft, Venture Partner at SeedCamp, and Founding Member of Adobe’s Design Circle. Andy has evolved from a designer to an investor and advisor, bringing a focus on ethical growth practices and high-impact startup development.

As the author of The Growth Equation, Andy draws on over 20 years of experience to help companies achieve product-market fit and sustainable growth. His work with SeedCamp and other startups focuses on behavioral science and ethical growth strategies to build resilient, user-centered businesses.

In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly explores Andy’s approach to venture capital, leadership, and how his design roots influence his support for founders.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transition from Design to Venture Capital: Andy shares his journey from designer to venture capital partner, highlighting the unique insights that his design background brings to his work with startups.

• The Importance of Humility in Leadership: Andy emphasizes the value of hiring individuals who excel in areas beyond one’s own expertise, fostering a team culture of shared growth and continuous improvement.

• Supporting Startups Through Challenges: Known for working closely with startups facing obstacles, Andy describes how his collaborative approach helps companies pivot, adapt, and ultimately thrive.

• Ethical Growth Over “Growth Hacking”: Andy discusses the significance of ethical growth practices, contrasting them with conventional “growth hacking,” and focusing on strategies that promote sustainable and user-centered growth.

Additional Insights:

• The Influence of Behavioral Science in Product Development: Andy explains how understanding human behavior enhances product design and growth, encouraging founders to integrate behavioral science for more meaningful user engagement.

• The Role of Patience and Empathy in VC: Andy reflects on his approach to venture capital, prioritizing empathy and patience with founders to cultivate trust and strong, lasting partnerships.

• The Changing Landscape of Startup Investment: Andy shares his views on how venture capital is evolving, especially as design-thinking and user experience become increasingly vital for high-growth startups.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:39 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces Andy Budd, Startup Advisor, Investor, and Coach.

“Andy has extensive experience in design and startup advisory.”

• 03:31 - Transition from Design to Venture Capital

"I've always been inspired by others...there was an agency that really inspired Clearleft back in the day called Adaptive Path."​

• 06:58 - Unlearning Practitioner to Leader

“The main thing I had to unlearn was moving from a practitioner to a leader, where you need to let go and trust others.”

• 15:56 - Emphasis on Character and Integrity in VC

“If you're rude to the driver or the person at reception, it shows a lot about your character.”

• 24:34 - The Growth Equation: Helping Founders Find Product-Market Fit

"One of my reviewers said it’s like having a pocket coach. Why spend thousands on an online course when you can get the framework in a book?"​

• 33:32 - Role of Behavioral Science in Growth

"I'd demonstrate it with an example. So an example is economics... economists thought we were rational actors, that we’d make logical decisions about the future, like saving for retirement. But people tend to choose instant gratification, which is where behavioral economics comes in."​

• 37:26 - The Ethical Approach to Product-Led Growth

“Product-led growth has been one of the biggest trends in the last few years, around how we can use our products and the way we design them to attract more users and drive engagement.”

• 45:13 - Andy’s Thoughts on Growth Hacking vs. Ethical Growth

"A big part of my book is actually about how you look at growth, but in a more moral, reasonable, and acceptable way. I hate the idea of growth hacking."

• 46:42 - Wrap-up & Final Thoughts: Barry and Andy discuss the ongoing importance of community and knowledge-sharing.

"Everyone, get yourself a copy of The Growth Equation!”

Follow Our Guest

LinkedIn Accounts:  Andy Budd, Clearleft, Adobe, Seedcamp 

Websites:  Andy Budd - Personal Site, Clearleft, Adobe, Seedcamp 

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Mastering executive search and building lasting business relationships are essential for successful transformations. Today’s guest, Michael A. Morell, shares insights from his journey at Riviera Partners, a top executive search firm, and as a former member of the Technology Advisory Board at Bridgewater Associates.

Michael A. Morell is the Founder and Managing Partner of Riviera Partners, with over two decades of experience in executive search. After starting his career in technology, a poor interview experience sparked his idea to create a better approach to recruiting. Today, Michael and his team help tech companies make high-stakes hires, transforming how top talent is identified and placed in Silicon Valley and beyond. Riviera Partners continues to deliver executive search solutions for some of the most innovative companies around the world.

In this episode, host Barry O’Reilly explores Michael’s approach to executive recruitment, the importance of patience in relationship-building, and how Riviera Partners leverages technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Patience in Relationship Building: Michael shares why patience is critical in executive search and enterprise sales, where building strong, lasting relationships can lead to long-term success.

• Consistent Delivery of High-Quality Experiences: Michael emphasizes how consistent, positive experiences set Riviera Partners apart, explaining how a focus on quality service helped them build a reputable brand in executive recruitment.

• The Role of a Clear Vision: Michael discusses the importance of a simple and clear company mission that empowers employees to make decisions aligned with the company’s values.

• Adapting to Technological Advances: As technology has evolved, so has Riviera Partners. Michael shares how the firm leverages data and technology to enhance the recruitment process and provide better insights for clients.

Additional Insights:

• Learning Through Experience: Michael’s shift from technology to recruitment highlights the value of diverse experiences and risk-taking in meaningful work, as he reflects on the challenges of building Riviera Partners.

• The Changing Recruitment Landscape: Michael discusses how tools like LinkedIn have democratized recruitment and shares his excitement about AI and machine learning’s potential to transform executive search.

• The Future of Workplace Flexibility: Michael reflects on the pandemic’s impact on remote work, emphasizing the balance between flexible environments and the importance of in-person interactions for leadership roles.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:40 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces Michael A. Morell, Founder of Riviera Partners

“Michael has over two decades of experience in executive search.”

• 03:19 - The career transition into recruitment

“About 3 or 4 years into that, I got a random call from a recruiter who said, 'Hey, we’d love to grab coffee.' Long story short, I had coffee, she showed me a couple of opportunities—this was around the 2000 timeframe—and it was just the most awful experience I’ve ever had."

• 06:34 - Michael applies his long-term sales experience to relationship-building in executive search

“I had the patience to develop these relationships, but I thought, it couldn't be that complicated.”

• 15:27 - Delivering Consistent, High-Quality Experiences

“For us, it was really about one thing: how do we consistently deliver a great experience?”

• 24:17 - Navigating the shifts in recruitment technology

“The Rolodex became LinkedIn, and suddenly all the information was democratized. You can start to anticipate changes, but fundamentally, every client and every candidate is unique.”

• 34:02 - Embracing workplace flexibility and hybrid models

“We went from everyone needing to be on-site to realizing remote could work. Now, we’ve evolved to a hybrid model, balancing in-person and remote roles.”

• 36:59 - The future of recruitment with AI and machine learning

“I’m excited to see how AI can enhance our processes, from finding insights in data to improving client and candidate experiences.”

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn: Michael A. Morell, Riviera Partners,Bridgewater Associates.
• Websites:  Riviera Partners, Bridgewater Associates

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Driving innovation in technology and business transformation demands visionary leadership, seamless integration of business and tech strategies, and a willingness to take risks. Today's guest, David Gledhill, exemplifies these qualities as he shares his experience leading DBS Bank through a remarkable digital transformation and beyond.

David Gledhill is a seasoned technologist and business leader. As the former Group Chief Information Officer at DBS Bank for over 11 years, he spearheaded the bank’s technology and transformation efforts, building a high-performance culture and integrating technology into the core of the business strategy. Under his leadership, DBS achieved global recognition for its digital transformation, and David’s journey has been featured in Harvard Business Review as one of the top global transformations. After his time at DBS, David held a senior role at Lloyds Banking Group, further enhancing his expertise in large-scale transformation. He is now a non-executive director at companies like Singapore Airlines and serves as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company.

In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites David to discuss his leadership journey, from reshaping the technology at DBS to embracing a digital-first strategy. David offers insights on making tough decisions, aligning business with technology, and leading organizations through massive change.

Key Takeaways:

• Technology as a Strategic Driver: David emphasizes the shift from viewing technology as a support function to recognizing it as a core driver of business strategy. He explains how leading with a digital-first mindset can unlock new growth opportunities.

]

• Bold Decision-Making in Leadership: David shares the importance of making tough decisions early in leadership roles. He describes how scrapping failing projects and resetting strategies allowed DBS to pivot successfully.

• Building a High-Performance Culture: David highlights the significance of creating a culture where business and technology teams share accountability. His “two in a box” leadership model at DBS encouraged joint ownership of goals and outcomes.

• Learning from Tech Giants: Drawing inspiration from companies like Google and Amazon, David discusses how studying these tech giants helped DBS adopt cutting-edge practices in cloud computing, data analytics, and agile development, setting them apart in the banking industry.

Additional Insights:

• Fostering a Culture of Storytelling: David highlights the importance of storytelling in driving organizational change. At DBS, he brought in a journalist to craft compelling narratives around early successes, which helped engage teams and build momentum for transformation.

• From Technologist to Strategic Leader: David’s transition from a technical expert to a strategic business leader is a testament to the evolution required in leadership roles. He reflects on how moving from deep technical work to overseeing large-scale business transformation broadened his leadership perspective.

• The Role of Technology in the Future of Banking: David reflects on the future of the financial industry, noting that technology will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation and improving customer experiences. He emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation to stay competitive in the fast-changing digital landscape.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to the episode

Barry introduces David Gledhill, highlighting his role as former Group CIO of DBS Bank and his contributions to the company’s digital transformation.

• 04:12 - David on his early career and technical roots

"I started off even when I was 11 or 12, building stuff with electronics and did computing electronics at university."

• 05:13 - The turning point of joining DBS

"When my career progressed, I became more of an exec... And then back in 2008, an opportunity came to join DBS Bank and become a CIO again, and get really back into tech."

• 12:21 - Scrapping the core banking system

"They’d spent like $300 million of a $200 million budget. And the estimate was this is going to take another five years and another billion dollars to complete."

• 12:36 - Rebuilding the technology strategy at DBS

"I had to basically scrap that whole program and restart... it was a total reset of strategy, roadmap, people, everything from scratch."

• 17:31 - Creating success with the ‘buy, sell, hold’ strategy

"We came up with this what we call the buy, sell, hold diagram... I love the system, and do more with it. Sell it to get rid of it. Hold is kind of meh but it'll keep going for now."

• 24:21 - The platform model and joint leadership

"We created a ‘two in a box’ leadership model, where a business leader and a tech leader had joint KPIs... business KPIs, customer service levels, tech modernization – everything."

• 31:47 - The ‘Gandalf’ moment and digital-first strategy

"We looked at Google, Amazon, Netflix, Apple, LinkedIn, Facebook, and I came up with this idea of what if we were the D in Gandalf?"

• 37:33 - Lessons for the future and technology’s role in business growth

"It’s hugely satisfying when you see that happen... they’re doing some super risky things, which may or may not play out, but that’s great fun to be part of."

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn: David Gledhill
• Website: DBS Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Singapore Airlines, McKinsey & Company

_________________________________

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Leadership in technology and operations requires a strategic focus on scaling businesses, empowering teams, and driving innovation. Today's guest, Richard Lennox, exemplifies these qualities as he shares his journey from leading Skyscanner through rapid growth to scaling healthcare innovation at Current Health.

Richard Lennox is an experienced technologist and business leader. As Senior Director at Skyscanner, he led the company’s engineering and operations teams through a pivotal period of scaling, focusing on high-performance teams and continuous delivery. After Skyscanner’s successful exit, Richard transitioned to COO at Current Health, where he helped scale the business, focusing on home healthcare delivery through technology. His leadership experience spans multiple industries, making him a valuable mentor and guide for those navigating startup growth and innovation.

In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites Richard to discuss his journey, from his early days at Skyscanner to his role at Current Health. Richard provides insights into scaling startups, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the operational challenges of growing high-performance teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Customer Value at the Core: Richard emphasizes the importance of focusing on delivering customer value in all areas of business, whether in technology or healthcare. Customer needs should drive product development and operational strategies.

• Scaling High-Performance Teams: Richard discusses how growing from small teams to larger, cross-functional squads allowed for better alignment with business goals at Skyscanner. He shares the challenges and successes of implementing a squad model to foster accountability and autonomy within teams.

• Rapid Decision-Making: Making fast decisions and knowing when to reverse them is critical to maintaining agility in a growing company. Richard stresses the importance of empowering teams to make decisions based on data and customer outcomes.

• Holistic Leadership: Transitioning from a function-specific mindset to a broader business operations perspective allowed Richard to lead with a focus on scaling the entire organization, not just the technology function.

Additional Insights:

• Empowering Teams through Data: Richard highlights the value of real-time data in empowering teams to make informed decisions. At Skyscanner, instrumentation of key metrics allowed teams to focus on customer outcomes and make data-driven decisions at scale.

• Transitioning from Tech Leadership to Business Leadership: Richard’s journey from Senior Director at Skyscanner to COO at Current Health showcases the evolution from technical leadership to overseeing broader business operations. He reflects on the mindset shift required to focus on business outcomes over functional expertise.

• The Future of Healthcare at Home: Richard shares insights into the growing importance of delivering healthcare in the home environment, using technology to monitor patients remotely and operationalizing care at home programs. This innovation is essential for reducing the burden on hospitals and improving patient outcomes.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Download free innovation map
• 00:41 - Introduction to Richard Lennox
• 03:36 - Early career and decision to join startups

"I got really lucky early on in my career, joining an early startup, which shaped my thinking about delivering value to customers."

• 07:48 - Learning from setbacks and focus on customer value

"There has to be a better way to deliver value consistently without causing setbacks for the business."

• 14:48 - Rapid decision-making and empowering teams

" I think the tricks for scaling are rapid decision making and how you invert the decision when you make it wrong. The more you hang on to a wrong decision, the worse the impact is."

• 24:21 - Richard’s Transition to COO at Current Health and Leading Healthcare Innovation

"Current Health provides a platform to enable care to be delivered at home."

• 32:12 - Future of Healthcare at Home and Operational Excellence

"Our job was to operationalize care at home programs, and that required a whole new set of tools and thinking."

• 38:06 -  Wrap Up

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlennox/
• Website:  https://www.currenthealth.com/
•                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyscanner/

_________________________________

Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly
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• Email: [email protected]

Leadership in government and technology requires not only innovative thinking but also a deep commitment to public service. Today's guest, Paola Santana, exemplifies these qualities as she shares her journey from law and politics to becoming a trailblazer in government technology.

Paola Santana is a lawyer, public procurement expert, and serial tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing government systems. As the founder and CEO of Glass, she is pioneering G-commerce, a new way for governments to procure goods and services. Her prior experience includes co-founding Matternet, a company leading the way in drone logistics networks. Under her leadership, Matternet worked with the White House, U.S. Congress, and NASA to establish the first U.S. drone regulations, leading to the first drone delivery platform authorized for permanent operations over a populated city.

In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites Paola to discuss her remarkable journey, from her early career in law and government to her groundbreaking work in technology. Paola offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of transforming public systems through entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of agility, data-driven decision-making, and the crucial role of small businesses in economic development.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Approach to Innovation: Sustainable change in government systems requires integrating public and private sector strategies, emphasizing agility, and leveraging technology.
• The Importance of Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of economic development. Empowering them through government procurement can lead to more dynamic and effective public services.
• Procurement as a Catalyst: Effective procurement is essential for materializing government initiatives. It's not just about contracts; it's about ensuring that public funds are spent in ways that truly reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
• Embracing Technology: The future of procurement lies in the intersection of e-commerce and government processes. Leveraging data and AI can make government procurement more efficient and aligned with public policy goals.

Additional Insights:

• From Law to Tech: Paola's transition from law and public service to tech entrepreneurship highlights the power of interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex public sector challenges.
• The Role of AI in Procurement: AI and data analytics are crucial in making government procurement more transparent and efficient, ensuring that public funds are used effectively to meet community needs.
• The Value of Persistence: Paola’s journey shows that persistence and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom can lead to breakthroughs, even in highly regulated sectors like government procurement.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Download free innovation map

• 00:41 - Introduction to Paola Santana

• 02:05 - Paola’s Career Clarity and Influence

The first thing is that for the level of clarity that someone like me has, where I've always known or carved moments to get very clear on where I wanted to go..."

• 07:26 - Transition from Law to Tech

  "I love this saying attributed to Steve Jobs: You can only connect the dots looking    backwards."

• 21:24 - Founding Glass and the Importance of Transparency

"Glass is literally the name that came very intuitively to me, and I've been unpacking what the name of Glass means."

• 22:39 - Contrasts Between Public and Private Sectors

"Entrepreneurship is grueling. Like, you know, you either have results or you don't."

• 47:29 - Small Businesses and Economic Development

"The future of procurement is not procurement. The future of procurement is e-commerce."

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolasantanam/ 
• Website:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/glassgovtech/

_________________________________

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• Email: [email protected]

Leadership in digital ecosystems requires a commitment to safety, trust, and ethical practices. Our guest today, Dave Byrne, founder of Trust Raise and a member of the Irish Digital Board, shares his journey from major tech giants to establishing a company dedicated to improving the integrity of digital platforms.

Dave Byrne has had an illustrious career, holding significant positions at Google, TikTok, and Spotify, where he spearheaded initiatives in brand safety and platform integrity. Now, as the founder of Trust Raise, he focuses on helping smaller companies navigate the complex landscape of digital safety. His work is driven by a deep commitment to creating ethical digital ecosystems that prioritize user needs and improve industry standards. 

Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to discuss his career journey, the challenges of maintaining digital safety in a rapidly evolving industry, and the inspiration behind founding Trust raise. Dave shares valuable insights into the importance of adaptability, the evolving role of AI in digital safety, and how smaller companies can leverage his expertise to build safer digital platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Through Failure: Early career setbacks can teach invaluable lessons about humility, perseverance, and the importance of continuous effort.
• Navigating Global Teams: Success in a fast-paced, global environment requires strong relationships, effective collaboration, and the ability to work across different time zones and cultures.
• Overcoming 'Golden Handcuffs': Comfort and security in large tech companies can sometimes hinder innovation. Pushing oneself out of the comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• AI’s Potential in the Workplace: AI has the potential to enhance productivity and creativity. Those who leverage AI effectively will be at the forefront of industry innovation.

Additional Insights:

• Personal Reflections on Failure: Dave shared how an early career setback taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of continuous effort. This experience has profoundly influenced his work ethic and approach to leadership.
• AI's Potential to Revolutionize Work: Dave is optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance productivity and creativity. He believes that those who learn to leverage AI effectively will be at the forefront of the industry, taking on more dynamic roles and contributing to a more innovative tech landscape.
• The Importance of Ethical Tech Development: Throughout his career, Dave has been a strong advocate for ethical practices in tech. He stressed the need for companies, big and small, to prioritize user safety and trust, especially as technology continues to evolve rapidly.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Download my free innovation map
• 00:39 - Introduction to Dave Byrne
• 03:00 - Dave’s unexpected start in his career and the impact of failure.

“This career in Google, TikTok, Spotify was not at all planned whatsoever... I actually ended up in Google because I lost a student union election in Trinity College."

• 07:35 - The rise of brand safety concerns and the 'Apocalypse.'

"The Adpocalypse... Brand safety became something that YouTube started caring about, Meta started caring about."

• 11:18  - Eroding Brand Perception

“ we're eroding brand perception of our customers. Again, scary things for any business to be facing, never mind the scale of the brands you're going to be working with within Google at the time.."

• 25:12 - The complexities of the tech ecosystem.

" I think when people think of the digital ecosystem, they think of the Googles, they think of the metas, they think of the TikToks of the world. And yes, they take up a huge amount of people's time and engagement but there are thousands of companies that make up this ecosystem, like just the ad ecosystem itself."

• 44:38 - The impact of AI on job roles and democratizing work opportunities.

" AI and the tools that we're seeing are democratizing like these skills and like the ability for these folks to actually participate in, in areas where they couldn't have before."

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebyrned/
• Website: https://www.trust-raise.com/

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Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and human behavior. Today’s guest, Dave Mahon, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, shares his journey from the FBI to leading global cybersecurity efforts in the corporate world.

Dave Mahon served as a Senior Advisor for Deloitte, where he was instrumental in developing and executing strategies to safeguard information, technologies, and data. Prior to Deloitte, he was the Global Chief Security Officer for CenturyLink, now Lumen Technologies, and also served as a Special Agent for the FBI, focusing on federal crimes involving cyber threats, terrorism, and more. In this episode, Dave discusses the critical thinking skills he developed over his 20-year career in the FBI and how he applied them in the private sector to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to explore his career journey, the lessons he learned, and the importance of mentorship, team building, and strategic thinking in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the nuances of transitioning from public service to corporate leadership, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and how businesses can better prepare for future challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Adaptability in Cybersecurity: As technology and business models evolve, so do the tactics of adversaries. Cybersecurity professionals must continuously adapt to stay ahead.

• Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity: Successful cybersecurity strategies involve not just technical defenses but also understanding the motivations and methods of adversaries.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Effective leadership in cybersecurity requires understanding the diverse skills and motivations of team members, providing the right guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

• Corporate Culture and Cybersecurity: Transitioning from the public to the private sector requires understanding corporate dynamics, including ROI and business objectives, to effectively integrate security measures.

Additional Insights:

• FBI Experience: Dave’s early career in the FBI instilled in him a deep understanding of critical thinking, investigation, and a life of purpose, which he has carried throughout his professional journey.

• Adapting to Corporate Culture: Moving from a black-and-white, rules-based environment in the FBI to the nuanced world of corporate security presented unique challenges, particularly in understanding business motivations and the need for clear ROI in security investments.

• The Future of Cybersecurity: As organizations move to cloud-based infrastructures and remote work environments, the strategies of cyber adversaries will continue to evolve, requiring constant vigilance and innovation from cybersecurity professionals.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to the episode.
• 00:02:47 - Dave's early life and influences

"There's a couple of key parts of everybody's life... because it starts to set the foundation for how you think about your life going forward and how you're going to make the decisions."

• 00:03:58 - Joining the FBI and early career challenges

"And all the standard corporations were there that you could imagine... and ultimately get hired by the FBI."

• 00:07:38 - Undercover work and relocation challenges

"So I literally went undercover for four years... and next thing I know, I was doing computer forensic work."

• 00:12:35 - Challenges of early cyber investigations

"A couple of things you start to realize around cyber that was so very different... there was a lot of learning."

• 00:22:15 - Developing leadership skills and understanding team dynamics

"You have to understand people... and what motivated them at what stage they were in their career."

• 00:39:00 - Evolving cybersecurity threats and the importance of staying ahead

"Bad guys don't go away, they innovate... we need to be moving in cyber to stay ahead."

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mahon-0751074/
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte/

_________________________________

Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly
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Innovation and Inclusivity in Motorsports are about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and making the sport accessible to all. Today's guest, Rob Smedley, founder and CEO of the Smedley Group, shares his journey from Formula One engineer to entrepreneur, revolutionizing the motorsport industry.

Rob Smedley is known for his work with top Formula One teams like Ferrari and Williams. Using data technology to drive innovation, Rob has now embarked on a new venture to create a global karting league, making motorsports accessible to a wider audience. His career is marked by his commitment to innovation and his belief in the potential of young talent.

Host Barry O'Reilly invites Rob to discuss his path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and now an entrepreneur. Rob shares valuable lessons on embracing discomfort, committing to goals, and continuously innovating. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity in motorsports and the exciting future of the Global Karting League.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Discomfort: Success often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and committing to figuring things out as you go along.
• Innovation Culture: True innovation requires a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Companies must create environments that foster this mindset.
• Making Motorsports Accessible: The Global Karting League aims to democratize motorsports by significantly reducing costs and complexity, making it accessible to a wider demographic.
• Building High-Functioning Teams: Success in both engineering and entrepreneurship involves surrounding yourself with high-functioning individuals and creating a synergistic team environment.
• Continuous Learning: Whether in the pit or in the boardroom, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for sustained growth and success.

Additional Insights:

• Personal Journey: Rob's unconventional path from a disengaged student to a top engineer and entrepreneur highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability.
• Innovative Approach: Rob’s approach to the Global Karting League demonstrates how rethinking traditional models can lead to significant industry changes.
• Team Dynamics: Managing a team of innovators involves balancing different personalities and ensuring that each team member can contribute effectively.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to the episode
• 02:09 - Rob on committing to something and figuring it out

"Commit to something, don't be scared and figure it out as, as you go along."

• 04:00 - Rob’s academic journey and lack of engagement in school

"I wasn't a great student at school. I absolutely was a terrible student."

• 09:33 - The importance of innovation and feeling uncomfortable

"If you're not uncomfortable, you're probably not trying hard enough."

• 18:26 - How Formula One teams innovate

"Innovation is just embedded in the business of Formula One."

• 25:35 - Democratizing motorsports with the Global Karting League

"We've taken about 95 plus percent of the costs out of it."

• 36:19 - Transitioning to an entrepreneurial role and learning new skills

"I've had to unlearn coming into what I would call the outside world."

• 42:25 - What excites Rob about the future of the Global Karting League

"What I'm most excited about is team work, right? I love being part of a really strong, high performing team."

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• Website: https://www.smedleygroup.com/about#1

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly
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Leadership is about embracing sustainable practices, fostering continuous improvement, and aligning personal values with professional goals. Today's guest, Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance, shares her insights on achieving peak performance in both business and sports.

Annastiina Hintsa is the CEO of Hintsa Performance, a world-leading evidence-based coaching company that helps top athletes and business professionals achieve sustainable success. Driven by science and guided by people, their methods have been tested in some of the most challenging business and sporting environments. Annastiina's journey began with her father, Dr. Hintsa, whose pioneering work with athletes like Haile Gebrselassie laid the foundation for their holistic performance model. Annastiina has expanded this legacy, working with over 50% of Formula One drivers and Fortune 500 CEOs, ensuring they reach and maintain high performance.

Host Barry O'Reilly invites Annastiina to discuss her journey and the impact of Hintsa Performance. From her early involvement in the company to her leadership role today, Annastiina shares valuable lessons on balancing professional and personal well-being. The conversation covers the holistic nature of high performance, integrating physical activity, nutrition, mental energy, and more. Annastiina emphasizes the importance of defining personal success and maintaining perspective through life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Performance: Sustainable high performance involves a balance of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental energy, general health, and biomechanics.

• Defining Success: Personal success should be clearly defined, considering who you are and what you want beyond professional achievements.

• Maintaining Balance: Regularly scheduling recovery and downtime, both on a macro (yearly vacations) and micro (daily detachment rituals) level, is crucial for long-term success.

• Perspective and Resilience: Building resilience through multiple identity pillars helps maintain performance and happiness despite setbacks.

• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and being open to unlearning outdated practices is key to sustained growth.

Additional Insights:

• Personal Influences on Leadership: Annastiina’s father, Dr. Hintsa, played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of high performance and well-being.

• Handling Setbacks: Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and maintaining a broad perspective helps in overcoming challenges.

• Technology and High Performance: The rapid advancement of technology necessitates leaders to stay mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for continuous adaptation.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to the episode

• 02:56 - Annastiina on her early career and her father's influence

"I worked with my dad early days. I was employee number three in the very, very early days..."

• 03:25 - The turning point of joining the family business

"when my father got sick. So he was, uh, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, passed away 16 months after. And it was a turning point for for me personally"

• 07:26 - Defining and achieving sustainable high performance

"Our mission is to help people live better lives and as a consequence, perform better..."

• 27:29 - Importance of balance and avoiding the middle gear

"We get stuck in the middle gear. We get stuck in this kind of like execution mode where we're constantly just, you know, yeah, we're not we're not at our peak. We're also not recovering and resting. We're at this middle gear checking our emails, you know, responding, uh, executing. But when the time comes, when we would actually need to get to that high gear, get to the peak performance"

• 31:40 - Technology's impact on high performance and the need for human readiness

"how do we make sure that we as humans are ready for that shift?"

• 36:03 - Practical tips for achieving better performance

"start with the critical questions and you start with that. Do you know who you haven't really think of? Who are you as a person, not just you at work or your job title. How do you actually define success? What is it that you really want? What are the different points of success for you? And then the final question is around sort of control, which is as much as it is about, you know, what are the things that we can control and we can influence."

Follow Our Guest

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annastiina-hintsa/

• Website: https://www.hintsa.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly

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Email: [email protected]

Leadership is about embracing the process of unlearning outdated practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and aligning your team with visionary goals. Today's guest, with his esteemed 29-year tenure at one of the largest asset managers in the world, Vanguard, shares how he successfully navigated this journey.

John T. Marcante is a renowned technology and business executive with expertise in digital transformation, business strategy, financial planning, and cybersecurity. He is the US CIO in Residence at Deloitte, providing strategic guidance to clients and leadership.

Previously, John was the Global CIO at Vanguard, where he led digital transformation and drove growth to $9 trillion. He modernized Vanguard's technology and promoted an inclusive workplace. He also developed Vanguard’s global advice platform, making financial planning accessible to millions.

John has contributed to the WSJ CIO Journal and Harvard Business Review. His awards include Business Insider Top 50 CIOs and ORBIE CIO of the Year. He holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and Saint Joseph’s University.

Host Barry O'Reilly invites John to share his journey at Vanguard and beyond in leadership, culture transformation, and gratitude. Inspired by his father's legacy in technology, John discusses how he aligned tech with business goals at Vanguard. Barry highlights John’s approach to direct client engagement and open feedback. They also explore John’s commitment to servant leadership, maintaining company values, and his future goals of mentoring new leaders and giving back to the community. This episode offers personal insights into what drives effective leadership with gratitude.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership and Transformation: Transformations should align technology initiatives with business goals, led by C-suite executives.

• Servant Leadership: Building a culture of servant leadership is crucial for successful transformations.

• Client Engagement: Direct client feedback, really listening and a take-action approach are essential for quick and effective improvements.

• Maintaining Values: Sticking to core values and supporting clients and employees ensures long-term success and engagement.

• Future Aspirations: Coaching future leaders, staying engaged in technology, and giving back to the community are key aspects of making a positive impact.

Additional Insights:

• Personal Influences on Leadership: John’s father played a crucial role in sparking his interest in technology and instilling values of gratitude and support.

• Handling Client and Employee Relations: Prioritizing core values and employee well-being, even when making tough decisions like firing abusive high-net-worth clients, ensures long-term success.

• Learning from Mistakes and Building Trust: Creating an environment of trust and open communication allows employees to voice opinions and make mistakes, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Episode Highlights:

00.00 - Introduction to the episode

02:58- John's reflections on recent thoughts and his father's influence on his career

"I think the last thing that popped in my head since we just went through Father's Day, as I was kind of reflecting on my own father…"

05:29- Cultural transformation and leadership at Vanguard

"So I think I go back to a point you just made, which is, if this transformation is a technology transformation, if it's a technology initiative, then it's already lost, right? Because nothing's a technology initiative. Everything is, a business, a client transformation and that alignment..."

05:53- Leadership and servant leadership in transformation

"I always felt like that the transformation was a C-suite and CEO-led transformation. You know, technology, lean, agile. They'll roll out across the company, not just in technology, but across the company really took that level of focus and alignment."

15:00-Engaging and aligning with clients

"if you want to drive engagement and give a group of people an outcome that's meaningful to clients and give them access to clients, and you said, yes, it's a wonderful when they when they could do something, they see the impact."

15:21- Feedback on improving processes and client satisfaction

"And if you have a nimble, very, very nimble foundation that allows you to very quickly take that feedback and turn it."

18:38- Dealing with high-stakes decisions and maintaining company values

"Not every business is good business. Stick to your mission and purpose, and always have your clients' and employees' backs."

20:47 Discussing the importance of mission alignment in leadership

"It's also you feel connected to the mission of the organization. Like what I do every day has to be connected. But the mission, I have to sleep well at night knowing that the company has my back, but more importantly, that I'm actually doing good for society."

21:45- Personal anecdotes on handling client interactions and maintaining values

"this is one of the things I think that, uh, again, it shines about the company. Like sticking to the values, leaning into your principles, I know, and making tough decisions around that.."

23:52- Building Trust Through Commitment to Solutions

"And even if you don't know the answer that you know you're committed to getting the answer, I think you then build trust in the organization."

25.45- Servant leadership and employee engagement

"If your intention isn't good and you make a mistake, well, then we'll deal with that later, right? But if you're doing work for a client and your intention is good that you have nothing to worry about, even if it goes south..."

32:34- Embracing Grace as a Core Mission in Leadership

"I think as a father, that's our mission as a leader. That's our mission. Like, be gracious, you know, be gracious even when someone doesn't hit the record button"

35:09- Transitioning into a new chapter and future plans

"I want to be part of, uh, coaching and developing the next generation of leaders that I want to be part of that team, whatever team that is. Count me in, because that was the best part of my job. Second technology. I mean, like, come on, like, I mean technology, AI, generative AI."

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◦ Profile- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-t-marcante/

◦ Deloitte- https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html

◦ Website- https://marcantejohn.wixsite.com/technologyleadership

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Email: [email protected]

AI is transforming the world, and William is working on how IP is impacted in an AI world… 



William Carbone is an AI expert, former IBMer, and now a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in aerospace, quantum computing, and AI.

At IBM, William’s main focus was to identify opportunities, driving business & technology strategies and roadmap for the industries worldwide. He led the Business Development for IBM's Global Automotive, Aerospace & Defense industries. 

Currently, William is the CEO and co-founder of Evalify, a flagship venture under Nobody Studios, and the CEO and co-founder of The Adjacent Possible. He also serves as the Program Director for the Master in AI at the Rome Business School (RBS) and advises the European Commission as a senior consultant. From creating an innovation studio to developing cutting-edge tools for intellectual property assessment, His work spans Quantum, Spacetech, AI, and various domains.

In this episode hosted by Barry O’Reilly, William discusses his journey, including his transition from corporate life and the transformative experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial path. He delves into the practical aspects of innovation and intellectual property, offering advice on navigating these complex areas. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to improve their approach to entrepreneurship and understand the value of mental health in the process.

Key Takeaways from the episode include:

• Entrepreneurial Journey: The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship involves significant rewiring of the brain and requires navigating uncharted territories with curiosity and resilience.

• Parallels with Music: William's self-taught journey as a pianist highlights the importance of playfulness and self-expression, which he parallels with the creative process in entrepreneurship.

• Innovation and IP Assessment: William discusses the development of a tool that evaluates the patentability and intellectual property risks of startup ideas, providing investors with quick and affordable insights.

• Unlearning Traditional Methods: The necessity of unlearning conventional approaches to intellectual property and embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay competitive.

• Mental Health for Founders: The critical importance of mental health for entrepreneurs, with William sharing his experience of attending a silent meditation retreat to find clarity and balance.

• Future of Intellectual Property: The potential of AI and advanced tools to democratize access to intellectual property insights, helping entrepreneurs and investors make better-informed decisions.

Additional Insights:

• Leadership and Innovation: This episode emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within startups.

• Role of AI in IP: The discussion involves the advancements in AI that have made tools like E-Verify possible, highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in the intellectual property space.

• Practical Applications: This episode provides insights about real-world examples of how the IP assessment tool has helped investors make quicker and more informed decisions, reducing the risk and enhancing the potential for successful investments.

Episode Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode 

(01:25) Importance of rewiring the brain and transformative journey of entrepreneurship  

[01:43] “There is no one making things for you… You have to take the tools on the way and find the way.”

(02:23) William shares parallels between learning music and his entrepreneurial journey

[3:53] “Music has always been there for me in the journey, even in difficult times or more challenging situations.”

(05:14) Barry discusses the importance of following curiosity in entrepreneurship

[7:39] “There was a lot of untapped potential in that space, like in billions of dollars that have been spent on patents that have been just never commercialized…”

(08:35) Introduction of E-Verify and its capabilities in de-risking investments

(11:43) The evolution of AI and its impact on intellectual property assessment

[13:22] “But the biggest unlearning there was how to make the industry, to unlearn how they approach LLP. That was the biggest challenge, right.”

(13:23) The challenges and benefits of helping the VC industry unlearn traditional approaches to IP

[14:27] “I would say the biggest challenge for us and for the investors is to understand that the IP can be a valued friend and partner…”

(15:17) Barry shares his experiences with continuous delivery and automation in software development

[17:34] It's not that we're taking the humans out of the process, it's we're allowing them to focus on high-value tasks…”

(19:10) The concept of patent viability assessment and its impact on investment decisions 

[21:13] “So these are all great indicators that are simply not available, or maybe no one has the intuition to look for them and find competitors for a startup.”

[22:03] “Some investors will tell you.. revenue speaks louder than IP. Others say, okay, IP is so fundamental.”

(24:13) William's vision for the future of IP and entrepreneurship

[25:29] “There is already a populated market in the direction that you haven't seen before with your business analyst.”

(26:27) The democratization of patent information and its impact on founders and investors 

(30:39) William's entrepreneurial journey and the importance of mental health retreats

[30:48] “Actually what is not so much covered is mental health or founders - I would say that's the number one priority.”

(33:29) The importance of balance and intention in life and work

[34:48] “We live in the attention economy, like everything, trying to grab our attention.”

(35:35) Conclusion and final thoughts from Barry and William

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly

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FOLLOW OUR GUEST:

William Carbone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcarbone

Personal Site: www.williamcarbone.com