The Tech Blog Writer Podcast - Inspired Tech Startup Stories & Interviews With Tech Leaders, Entrepreneurs And Innovators

How does a company achieve an 80% profit surge in just one year? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I learn more about the remarkable journey of Stenn, a fintech powerhouse that has revolutionized financing for small and medium businesses globally. Join me as I sit down with Bilal Bajwa, Stenn’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, to uncover the data-driven strategies behind their record-breaking growth in 2023. Bilal shares insights on the technological innovations and data-centric approaches that have propelled Stenn to the forefront of the fintech industry. We explore how Stenn's algorithms analyze credit, fraud, and compliance risks to deliver superior customer experiences and discuss the company's role in advancing the UK’s ambitions to become a global fintech leader. Additionally, Bilal explains the strategic decision to open a second tech hub in Barcelona and how this expansion supports Stenn’s mission to provide fast, reliable financing to underserved businesses, particularly in emerging marke

Are you prepared for the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats that challenge today's businesses? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we sit down with Dave Merkel, CEO of Expel, to delve into the dynamic world of cybersecurity. With threats becoming more sophisticated and frequent, organizations must stay ahead of the curve to protect their assets and data. Dave Merkel brings a wealth of experience and insights into the conversation, discussing the latest trends in cybersecurity and offering practical advice on how both organizations and individuals can prevent and mitigate cyber attacks. We'll explore the role of AI in the security landscape, considering its potential as both a powerful tool for defense and a formidable weapon for attackers. How can AI support security professionals, and what are the risks involved? Another critical topic we'll tackle is the preparedness of CEOs in understanding cybersecurity. Are business leaders equipped with the necessary skills to make informed security decisions, and how

  How do you transform a developer's toolkit to speed up innovation and cut down time-to-market? In our upcoming episode, we welcome Uri Maoz, Co-Founder and CEO of WireMock Cloud, to dive into the dynamic realm of API Mocking. WireMock Cloud leverages the power of its widely recognized open-source API mocking framework, helping tens of thousands of developers at giants like IBM and PayPal enhance their productivity by creating more controlled, isolated development environments. Uri brings a wealth of experience, not only in fostering a company's growth from the ground up but also in carving out a niche within the fiercely competitive tech space, managing to secure $6.5M in seed funding. His journey involves transitioning from CRO roles at various startups to leading WireMock in developing a sustainable monetization strategy atop their open-source software (OSS) framework—a feat many OSS companies find daunting. Throughout the episode, Uri will share invaluable insights on: The significant role of

  Could the rapid evolution of CRM systems be the hidden game changer in today's business environment? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we sit down with Arun Gupta, a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 architect and CRM specialist who's reshaping client experiences at Sony Pictures Entertainment. Arun unravels the story behind a transformative CRM implementation that not only streamlined operations but also enhanced business outcomes on a global scale. From the meticulous selection of the right CRM system to overcoming integration hurdles with existing technologies, Arun provides a masterclass on navigating complex CRM scenarios. He emphasizes the critical role of user adoption and the often underestimated challenge of maintaining high-quality data within these systems. As we delve into the technical specifics, Arun explains the importance of integrating CRM with other business technologies like ERP and marketing automation to create a unified platform for customer management. This synergy, he argu

Have you ever wondered how the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology could revolutionize your connected home? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Gary Newson, EMEA Sales Director at NETGEAR, to demystify Wi-Fi 7 and explore its groundbreaking potential. Wi-Fi 7 promises to elevate our connectivity experiences to new heights, offering increased capacity, faster speeds, and enhanced performance compared to its predecessors.  Gary Newson sheds light on how this new standard will support the growing number of smart home and IoT devices, ensuring seamless connectivity with reduced interference. We delve into the specifics of Wi-Fi 7, discussing its ability to handle up to 200 devices simultaneously and its impressive speeds of up to 5Gbps for clients. In our conversation, Gary also explains how NETGEAR is preparing for this shift by developing innovative Wi-Fi 7 products like advanced mesh systems. These systems promise to extend coverage and provide robust connections throughout the home. We

  How can small-to-medium nonprofits leverage the power of generative AI to enhance their operations and outreach? This is the question at the heart of our conversation today with Tammy Hammond, Chief Product Officer at Bloomerang, on The Tech Talks Daily Podcast. In this episode, Tammy delves into the untapped potential of generative AI for nonprofits, highlighting its ability to save time and create compelling content. Unlike traditional AI, which relies on known data sets to find insights, generative AI is transformational in storytelling and message conveyance. Tammy shares her optimism about this technology, especially for nonprofits with limited resources, explaining how it can significantly reduce the time required for tasks such as grant writing and content editing. She emphasizes the importance of introducing generative AI in an approachable way to alleviate apprehensions and maximize its benefits. We explore the intersection of AI with donor and volunteer management, discussing how Bloo

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we have the pleasure of speaking with Frantz Saintellemy, a key figure at LeddarTech, a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive industry. LeddarTech’s software is making waves by helping auto manufacturers deliver safer vehicles through advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD). By unifying all sensor data, LeddarTech’s solution provides a more accurate and actionable snapshot of a vehicle's environment, significantly enhancing safety and performance. Frantz Saintellemy shares insights into how LeddarTech’s sensor fusion and perception software, which is both sensor and processor agnostic, is setting new standards in the industry. This innovative technology allows automakers the flexibility to choose their hardware, reduces costs, and delivers improved performance across a range of vehicle models from entry-level to premium. With over seven years of experience and a robust portfolio of 150 patents (80 granted), LeddarT

The AI landscape is experiencing a remarkable surge in investments, especially following ChatGPT's one-year milestone, showcasing the transformative potential of these models. However, this rapid progress has also highlighted a significant gap in cybersecurity readiness among organizations. According to McKinsey, while 40% of companies plan to increase their AI investments, only 38% are actively working to mitigate the associated cybersecurity risks. This discrepancy underscores the critical need for a balanced approach that leverages AI's benefits while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures. In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we speak with JP Perez-Etchegoyen, CTO of Onapsis to delve into the critical aspects of AI and cybersecurity strategy from a CEO's perspective. Mariano brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, providing valuable insights into the leadership imperative in steering organizations toward responsible AI adoption. JP emphasizes the pivotal role of CEOs in guiding their

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of quantum computing with Richard Murray, CEO and co-founder of ORCA Computing. ORCA, a spin-out from Oxford University, is pioneering the development of photonic quantum computers that are robust, portable, and operable at room temperature. This innovative approach eliminates the need for the complicated and cumbersome cryogenics required by other quantum computing platforms. We explore how ORCA Computing is making waves in the quantum computing industry, building and selling their cutting-edge technology from their headquarters in London, right beside Paddington Station. Notably, the UK government recently acquired its first quantum computer from ORCA for the Ministry of Defence, with ambitions for it to function under field conditions, even on the back of a Land Rover. Richard shares insights on why ORCA has sold five quantum computers worldwide in the last two years and who their primary customers are. We discuss the facto

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we speak with Sara Martin from HED about the evolving landscape of data center design. As data centers account for approximately 1% of global electricity usage, the push for sustainability and efficiency in their design has never been more urgent. Sara shares insights into HED's innovative approach to creating energy-efficient and sustainable data centers. This includes the adoption of modular systems, liquid cooling technologies, and the integration of renewable power sources. She emphasizes the importance of designing with flexibility and scalability in mind to accommodate future growth in AI and other technologies. Proper planning and the use of scalable "blocks" can prevent the need for expensive relocations and ensure business continuity. A significant portion of our conversation focuses on preventing power failures, a common cause of unplanned outages in data centers. Sara discusses the importance of investing in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and t

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we sit down with Vijay Balasubramaniyan, the CEO and Founder of Pindrop, to discuss the alarming surge in AI attacks and the emerging threats posed by deepfake technology. With a staggering 450% increase in AI attacks in just the first four months of this year, the urgency to understand and combat these threats has never been greater. Vijay offers an in-depth analysis of the drivers behind this surge, including the rise of voice cloning tools and the innovative, yet dangerous, uses of synthetic media. We delve into the recent instances of deepfake technology being used in political campaigns and elections, such as the false audio tape of President Biden, and the potential impact these technologies could have on the upcoming elections. As the founder of the industry's first deepfake detection engine, Vijay shares the challenges faced in developing this groundbreaking technology and how it effectively detects synthetic media. He also highlights the crucial role o

In our latest Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I sit down with Seamus Dunne from Digital Realty to explore the accelerating demand for compute power driven by AI and generative AI technologies. As these innovations push the boundaries of what's possible, the infrastructure supporting them must evolve at a matching pace—or risk being left behind. Seamus delves into the heart of the matter, explaining how Digital Realty responds to the rising demand for high-performance infrastructure like GPUs and AI chips. He shares insights on how AI drives the need for robust data storage and efficient data access solutions. The discussion touches on the strategic importance of local investment in infrastructure to maintain competitive advantage, especially in regions like the UK. We also explore the types of AI workloads becoming prevalent across various sectors. Currently, a significant portion of these workloads is dedicated to training models. Still, Seamus anticipates a shift towards inferencing as AI models mature an

Have you ever thought about how studying philosophy could make you a better coder? Goldman Sachs' CIO Marco Argenti recently suggested that AI engineers dive into philosophy alongside their technical studies to enhance the quality of their code. While this idea may seem unconventional, it underscores a vital truth in the age of AI: soft skills and a human touch are just as essential as technical expertise. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Rob Whiteley, CEO of Coder, to discuss what qualities organizations should seek in a coder beyond deep technical knowledge. We'll explore the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and human understanding, and delve into what coders should be studying to become well-rounded and successful. As AI increasingly becomes a go-to tool for faster coding, how can we ensure it doesn’t compromise quality and effectiveness? Rob will share insights on the value of a broad liberal arts education, the need for continuous learning, and the crucial role of soft skill

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail industry and revolutionizing loyalty programs? Join us in this engaging episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast as we sit down with Len Covello, CTO and co-founder of Engage People Inc. Len brings his expertise to the forefront, sharing insights on how AI is enhancing the retail landscape and the innovative ways Engage People is driving loyalty through their unique technology. In our conversation, Len explains how Engage People has built a robust network allowing loyalty program members to pay with points directly at checkout. This novel approach not only provides an additional currency option but also significantly increases average basket sizes and drives more transactions. We'll delve into how this technology works across various industries, adding value for consumers and building trust in loyalty programs. We'll also explore the broader impact of AI in retail. Len emphasizes that while AI isn't revolutionizing retail, it serves as a

What does it take to thrive in today's competitive and ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape? In this episode, I'm joined by Mario Peshev, CEO of DevriX and author of the new book "MBA Disrupted." Mario will share practical insights from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur and the framework he has developed for digital entrepreneurship success. From navigating economic downturns to leveraging AI tools for business efficiency, Mario's advice is not just theoretical, but actionable for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. We'll begin by exploring the current landscape of entrepreneurship. Mario will discuss the increased opportunities and heightened competition in the market, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, hard work, and adopting a CEO mindset. He'll also highlight why second-time entrepreneurs often see more success and the critical role of thorough research and preparation in avoiding failure. As we delve into the economic factors affecting businesses in 2024, Mario will provide a

Today, I'm delving into this fascinating intersection of archaeology and artificial intelligence with Dr. Filipe Natalio and Dr. Ido Azuri. Their groundbreaking research has utilized AI and spectroscopy to detect traces of ancient fire use in archaeological contexts, pushing the boundaries of what we know about early human innovation.  One of the highlights will be their findings at Qesem Cave, where evidence of fire use around 1 million years ago challenges previous assumptions about human ancestors and their technological capabilities. We’ll discuss how their interdisciplinary team dynamics contributed to their success, including memorable moments that shaped their research journey. We'll also examine the broader implications of their discoveries for understanding early human innovation and adaptation. Their use of AI to uncover patterns in large archaeological datasets offers new insights into ancient human behaviors and technological evolution. Additionally, we’ll explore the future potential of AI in arc

How can businesses adopt AI responsibly while maintaining ethical standards and transparency? Join us in this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast I welcome Deborah Golden, a distinguished leader from Deloitte, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the complexities of today's tech landscape. In our conversation with Deborah, we delve into the ethical considerations of AI adoption, exploring how companies can ensure transparency in their AI operations and invest in workforce training to stay ahead. Deborah shares her insights on the rapidly evolving tech M&A landscape, predicting increased activity as businesses strive to accelerate their digital transformation and expand their technological capabilities over the next three quarters of 2024. We'll also address the pressing issue of cybersecurity, discussing the most significant threats facing businesses today and how they can enhance their defense mechanisms. Deborah’s expertise sheds light on the innovative strategies companie

How can organizations strike the right balance between personalization and privacy in their customer-centric strategies? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Brad Herndon from PwC to delve into this complex issue. Brad, with his extensive experience in AI and transformation practices, provides a deeper understanding of the critical role data quality and integration play in effective AI and analytics. During our conversation, Brad highlights the importance of ensuring data quality and consistency across various customer touchpoints—a longstanding challenge for many organizations. He discusses how integrating disparate data sources is not only difficult but crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of customer behavior. Solutions like customer data platforms (CDPs) are pivotal in unifying customer data, providing a clearer context for customer interactions. We also explore the delicate balance between personalization and privacy. Brad explains that while customers desire rele

Are IT leaders prepared to harness the full potential of AI in today’s fast-paced business environment? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Paige Costello from Asana to explore this intriguing question. Paige, who leads AI strategy at Asana, shares her insights on the evolving role of IT leaders and how Asana's new AI-powered product features are shaping the future of work. As the enterprise work management platform of choice for many Fortune 100 companies, Asana is at the forefront of connecting strategy to execution for cross-functional team collaboration. Paige discusses the significant responsibilities IT leaders now bear, with 77% feeling personally accountable for driving IT transformation and 90% believing AI is crucial for overcoming future business challenges. Yet, a surprising 31% of executives and employees report a lack of a strategic plan for deploying AI within their organizations. We delve into Asana’s innovative approach to AI with the introduction of "AI Teammates

Can we harness the power of Gen AI and no-code technologies without losing control? This is the pressing question we address in today’s episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast.  I sit down with Andie Dovgan, the Chief Growth Officer at Creatio, a company that has recently achieved 'unicorn' status with a valuation of $1.2 billion. Creatio, a global leader in no-code platforms for automating workflows and customer relationship management (CRM), emphasizes the importance of embedding governance and control in the development of no-code and AI applications. As we explore these technologies' potential to democratize digital transformation, Andie sheds light on how Creatio ensures security, compliance, and risk management while enabling rapid, scalable enterprise application development. We delve into how no-code and AI reduce barriers for non-technical individuals, allowing a larger pool of knowledge workers to contribute to automation and digital transformation. This approach significantly accelerates the time-t