Ian Bergman sits down with entrepreneur and author Alistair Croll, Founder of Fwd50 a to unpack ideas from his new book Just Evil Enough: The Subversive Marketing Handbook. They explore why product-market fit is no longer enough, how product-market-medium fit wins today, and why legitimacy—not features—decides who gets chosen in crowded markets.
Croll shares a builder-friendly approach to go-to-market: crafting “zero-day” marketing moves, spotting weak signals, and exploiting asymmetries competitors can’t or won’t match. From Dropbox’s built-in virality to IKEA’s customer-assembled value chain and Taylor Swift’s “Taylor’s Version” legitimacy hack, Ian and Alistair map the playbook for standing out when anyone can “vibe-code” a product.
You’ll hear a timely framework for the era of a million tiny horses (niche winners), the shift from an attention economy to an outcome economy, and a clear ethical line—Don’t Actually Be Evil—for running bold, subversive campaigns without crossing into fraud or harm.
Takeaways
Think in mediums: Aim for product-market-medium fit; platforms have norms, mechanics, and governance you must design for.
Compete on legitimacy: Make your offer incomparable so you’re chosen, not just compared.
Hunt weak signals: Look for early indicators that, if true, unlock outsized advantage.
Exploit asymmetry: Build plays rivals can’t respond to without breaking their own model.
Disrupt the value chain: Merge, split, reorder, or reassign steps (à la IKEA, Talk) to create a new reason to choose you.
Ship zero-day GTM: Treat distribution like product—engineer referral, incentives, and narrative into the build.
Stay ethical: Subversive ≠ sinister. Set rules like “don’t assume consent” and “don’t commit fraud.”
If this conversation sparks ideas, check out Just Evil Enough, and explore more resources at justevilenough.com. Subscribe and share with the innovation agitators on your team.
For full show notes and resources visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Maura O’Neill to explore her bold mission with The Decade Project: reshaping U.S. entrepreneurship so that it reflects the full racial, ethnic, and gender makeup of the nation.
Maura unpacks the economic and social potential of inclusive entrepreneurship — from unlocking trillions in GDP growth to empowering millions of new business owners. She shares the four pillars driving this transformation: access to capital, knowledge, connections, and belief — and reveals how innovation in financial instruments, mindset, and mentorship can spark systemic change.
Drawing lessons from her time in both the public and private sectors, Maura reflects on what it takes to drive large-scale innovation inside complex systems, why diversity and dissent fuel better solutions, and how optimism and urgency can turn impossible goals into reality.
Key Takeaways:
The four levers to close the entrepreneurship equity gap
Why innovation in capital and funding models is overdue
How to balance audacity with structure when leading change
The power of being “more curious than certain” in leadership and innovation
What entrepreneurs and policymakers can learn from USAID’s transformation journey
A masterclass in purpose-driven innovation and the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
🎧 Listen now to discover how Maura and The Decade Project are turning one of America’s biggest challenges into its next great opportunity.
For full show notes and resources visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Ron Green, Co-Founder and CTO of KUNGFU.AI, to explore the evolution of artificial intelligence and what it means for business leaders today.
Ron shares his 30-year journey in AI, from the early days of neural networks in the 90s to today’s frontier of reasoning models and reinforcement learning. He explains why we’re still at “day zero” of the AI revolution, the misconceptions that trip up companies, and the principles every leader should follow to unlock AI’s true ROI.
Key takeaways include:
Why “don’t reinvent the wheel” is the #1 rule for AI initiatives.
How proprietary data—not raw technology—creates competitive advantage.
The risks of deploying AI too quickly and how to mitigate them with safeguards.
Why stakeholder alignment is the biggest predictor of AI project success.
How to prepare your organization today for domain-specific, next-generation AI breakthroughs.
Whether you’re a C-suite executive under pressure to “do something with AI” or a leader looking for sustainable advantage, this conversation is packed with clear lessons on how to move cautiously, deliberately, and with impact.
For full show notes and resources visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
Ian Bergman sits down with Hassan Jaferi, Sr. Director at Myant Ventures and veteran of IP, tech transfer, and startup acceleration, to unpack the realities of turning academic breakthroughs into thriving businesses.
From his early career as a patent examiner to building and mentoring deep tech ventures through Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners, Hassan shares the pivotal lessons he’s learned about bridging the gap between research and commercialization. He explains why most startups fail to define the real problem, the critical role of industry engagement, and how founders can avoid wasting years chasing the wrong market.
Key insights include:
Why 50% of academic spinouts struggle to identify a true problem to solve
The importance of engaging industry early—and speaking in the language of problems, not solutions
Three hard-won lessons from scaling Bitnobi, a data-sharing startup that was recently acquired
How founders should think about grant funding, bootstrapping, and the right time to raise venture capital
Why embedding entrepreneurial experience inside universities can make or break tech transfer success
Whether you’re building a deep tech startup, working in corporate innovation, or navigating university tech transfer, this conversation delivers practical lessons on what it really takes to move research from the lab to the market.
For full show notes and resources visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman welcomes back Robyn Bolton, author of Unlocking Innovation: A Leader’s Guide to Turning Bold Ideas into Tangible Results. Robyn explains why innovation consistently stalls in large organizations—and why the issue isn’t a shortage of ideas but a leadership challenge.
Together, Ian and Robyn break down the ABCs of innovation—Architecture, Behavior, and Culture—and how leaders can align them to create lasting impact. They explore the risks and realities of leading innovation, why “stealth mode” kills momentum, and how to show meaningful value before the dollars show up.
You’ll learn:
- Why innovation fails without clear leadership ownership.
- How leaders can align personal risk tolerance with organizational goals.
- The importance of telling a value story from day one—not waiting for financial ROI.
- Why innovation isn’t a recipe—and how to design for experimentation and learning.
- How to thrive on the three-year clock that most corporate innovators face.
This is a must-listen for leaders who want to stop treating innovation as a side project and start turning bold ideas into tangible results.
For full show notes and resources visit: https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with John Rossman, Keynote Speaker & Advisor—former Amazon leader and author of Big Bet Leadership—to break down the operating system senior executives need to win transformational bets. From T‑Mobile’s Un‑carrier playbook to Amazon’s working‑backwards method, John explains why most corporate transformations stall—and how to build the second playbook that actually ships change.
They dig into the three habits of “big bet” leaders—create clarity, maintain velocity, and accelerate risk & value—plus practical tools like narrative docs, DRIs/single‑threaded leadership, and the “Continue, Kill, Pivot (or Confusion)” decision cadence. John also shares why cost‑model innovation must pair with customer value, what it means to be an “active skeptic,” and the first step any leader should take tomorrow morning.
You’ll learn:
Why the hyper‑digital era demands a different leadership OS
How to frame a Big Bet Vector: name the problem and the future state
The three habits: create clarity, maintain velocity, accelerate risk & value
How to use writing & debate (not slides) to kill groupthink and analysis paralysis
The role of a senior DRI/single‑threaded leader in de‑risking innovation
A clean governance loop: Continue, Kill, or Pivot—avoid “confusion”
Why cost‑model innovation + 10x customer value drives real adoption
A simple starting move: write 3–5 hard problems in one paragraph each
For John’s book and frameworks visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Roey Eliyahu and Michael Nicosia, co-founders of Salt Security—the company that pioneered the API security category. Together, they break down the early decisions that helped them go from idea to industry-defining solution.
Roey shares how he went from coding at nine in Israel’s cybersecurity units to buying a one-way ticket to Silicon Valley with a bold pitch and a few thousand dollars. Michael recounts how their first four-hour meeting turned into a lasting partnership. What followed was a masterclass in customer discovery, iterative product development, and relentless market education.
Key takeaways include:
From crawling to running in the API security space, Roey and Michael offer hard-won lessons in navigating ambiguity, building trust with enterprise buyers, and scaling a product that protects some of the world's biggest companies.
If you're building a startup or buying enterprise tech, this conversation is packed with strategy, insight, and inspiration.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman welcomes Matt Brady, Strategy & Growth Advisor at Innosight, to uncover how venture studios are reshaping the way corporations and universities launch disruptive startups. Dive into a masterclass on strategic innovation as Matt shares his winding journey from aerospace consulting at Booz Allen to pioneering the venture studio model for Fortune 500s. You’ll learn practical frameworks and real-world tactics to:
Frame the right problems: Discover why rigorous problem selection and diligence underpin every successful startup venture.
Set expectations: Learn how to align timelines, ROI metrics, and stakeholder incentives to avoid the “innovation team pendulum.”
Map corporate pathways: Explore the “Sherpa” approach to navigating procurement, legal, and compliance so your venture avoids common roadblocks.
Leverage strategic advantages: See how combining deep analytical rigor, experienced founders, and powerful partner networks creates “advantaged startups.”
Drive real impact: Hear the inspiring case study of Gold Health—an opioid-crisis solution born from a partnership with UNC and Buncombe County, already saving lives across North Carolina.
Whether you’re an innovation leader, intrapreneur, or aspiring founder, this episode delivers actionable insights on building, partnering, and scaling ventures inside large organizations.
🔔 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an insider’s guide to crafting the future of corporate innovation.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman gets philosophical with Ciara Peter, Senior Vice President of Product at Robin, to explore how AI and hybrid work are reshaping the future of innovation. Ciara draws on 18 years in B2B SaaS and her product leadership at Robin to unpack:
Redefining Product Management: Why the PM’s real job is strategic customer research and long-term ownership, not just feature delivery.
Automating Busywork: How AI assistants can free teams from routine tasks—saving thousands of days of wasted effort—and surface the real problems to solve.
Human Connection as a Competitive Edge: The case for intentional in-office days, serendipitous encounters, and why the “busywork” that builds empathy still matters.
Designing the Ideal Hybrid Playbook: Introducing Robin’s collaboration score, space-booking automations, and data-driven policies that balance employee sentiment and workspace analytics.
Measuring Success: Key KPIs—from adoption and retention to task funnels—that reveal whether new features truly land and deliver value.
Tune in to discover actionable takeaways on harnessing AI to automate the mundane, crafting spaces that foster real human interaction, and leading product innovation in a world where technology accelerates teamwork—but only human insight sparks true transformation.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Celia Wanderley, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of AI at Bits In Glass, to unpack the mindset, methods, and guardrails that power today’s most effective innovation. Together, they explore how to stay ahead in a world of constant AI breakthroughs and turn proof-of-concepts into production-ready solutions. You’ll discover:
How to prevent knowledge overload by weaving continuous, bite-sized learning into your workflow.
Why treating innovation as a portfolio of experiments beats betting everything on a single project.
What guardrails and data governance frameworks ensure you can take calculated risks—without exposing your organization to runaway liability.
Tune in for actionable insights on bridging the gap between hype and reality, leveraging cutting-edge research in days not months, and building an innovation engine that delivers lasting business impact.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Danny Brickman, CEO and co-founder of Oasis Security, to explore the rapidly growing threat of non-human identities in enterprise systems.
As AI agents, machine workflows, and digital tools proliferate, companies are facing a new kind of cybersecurity challenge—one that traditional identity and access management systems were never built to handle. Danny draws from his background in elite Israeli cyber defense units and startup innovation to explain why non-human identities are multiplying, how they’re being exploited, and what organizations must do to secure them.
This episode is packed with insights on:
Why more than 80% of cyberattacks today are identity-based
How startups can outmaneuver legacy giants in fast-moving markets
The emotional and operational costs of failure in security
What "philosophical differentiation" means in cybersecurity innovation
Why trust, like in autonomous cars and AI tools, takes time—but is everything
Danny also reflects on the culture of innovation, the importance of failure, and what surfing taught him about leadership.
Whether you're a security leader, startup founder, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will shift how you think about identity in the AI era.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Conrad Wade—Director of Strategy & Innovation at Moody’s—to unpack the real‑world playbook behind turning Fortune 500 scale into startup‑speed creativity. Conrad reveals why every one of Moody’s 14,000 employees is now considered a “prompt engineer,” and how that mindset shift is helping the 115‑year‑old firm stay ahead of generative AI, quantum computing, and whatever comes next.
Listen to learn:
The first domino of innovation – mapping a “day‑in‑the‑life” of your users before writing a single line of code.
Why friction is your friend – and how to channel cross‑functional tension into market‑ready ideas.
Execution > ideas – the simple change‑management moves that turn big concepts into bottom‑line results.
Startups as radar – Conrad’s method for scouting early‑stage founders to spot horizon‑three threats (now collapsing to six months!).
Leadership’s role – what happens when the C‑suite declares, “You’re all innovators,” and means it.
Future‑proofing with tech – from gen‑AI enablement to the looming impact of quantum on credit‑risk modeling.
Whether you’re fighting ivory‑tower thinking, launching an internal AI initiative, or hunting for your company’s next competitive moat, this conversation is packed with tactics you can use Monday morning.
Connect with Conrad on LinkedIn and send your questions to innovators@alchemistaccelerator.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Victor Mulas, the first Chief Innovation Officer at Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), to unpack a 20-year journey that stretches from telecom deregulation in Europe to shaping startup hubs on three continents. Victor reveals the Panini Effect—his practical framework for sandwiching top-down vision with grassroots momentum—to push bold ideas through even the most risk-averse organizations.
Key takeaways include:
Activate the Glue. Why vibrant “networking assets” (events, mentors, super-connectors) are the real catalyst that binds university talent, capital, and policy into a living ecosystem.
Incentives Over Talk. How Victor aligns systems and rewards so innovation isn’t just a slogan from the C-suite but a career accelerator for project managers on the ground.
From Pilot to Platform. Lessons from scaling CIC’s community model from Cambridge to Tokyo—and how any company can globalize a proven playbook without losing local soul.
The Sandwich vs. The Panini. Tactics for pressing resistance out of large institutions, drawn from Victor’s decade steering billion-dollar World Bank programs.
Whether you’re a corporate intrapreneur wrestling with red tape or a government leader designing the next startup cluster, Victor’s stories deliver a punchy, field-tested roadmap for turning bureaucracy into breakthroughs.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with marketing maven and entrepreneurial force, Stephanie Melodia, to uncover the secrets behind hacking luck in both startup and corporate worlds. Stephanie shares how embracing a mindset of accountability, visionary thinking, and calculated risk-taking can transform setbacks into breakthrough opportunities. Throughout the conversation, she breaks down her unique “four-leaf clover” framework, which highlights the roles of accountability, vision, positivity, and risk tolerance in creating your own opportunities.
Main takeaways:
Own Your Journey: Discover how embracing responsibility empowers you to control your destiny.
Craft Your Vision: Learn to define success on your own terms and set inspiring goals.
Take Bold Risks: See why stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock extraordinary opportunities.
Hustle Hard: Understand how relentless effort can pave the way to breakthrough success.
Bounce Back: Hear strategies to transform setbacks into powerful comebacks.
Stay Optimistic: Find out how a positive outlook attracts new possibilities.
Experiment and Evolve: Explore the art of rapid testing to fuel continuous growth.
Join us as we dive deep into powerful lessons on resilience, the art of seizing moments, and the crucial balance between hard work and the serendipity of luck in crafting sustainable success.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Azita Esmaili, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Eviden, to explore the dynamic interplay between AI, innovation management, and future-proofing organizations. They dive into the rapid pace of technological change and discuss how building a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and data-driven decision-making can empower enterprises to not only adapt but thrive in uncertainty. Drawing from her extensive experience—transitioning from engineering to digital transformation—Azita shares practical strategies for developing challenge libraries, measuring ROI, and navigating the human elements of change. Tune in for actionable insights on how to harness AI responsibly and strategically, ensuring that innovation remains a transformative force for the future.
Key takeaways include:
AI’s Fast Pace: Technology is evolving quicker than regulatory frameworks can adapt.
Culture of Learning: Success depends on fostering a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation.
Integrated Strategy: Align technology, data, and people to embed AI effectively.
Experimentation is Key: Without a set playbook, learning by doing is essential.
Measurable Impact: Use clear KPIs and challenge libraries to track progress and ROI.
Human Element: Address resistance to change and the emotional impacts of innovation.
Adaptive Future-Proofing: Focus on building flexible, resilient systems rather than predicting the future.
Balancing Risks: Manage cybersecurity and compliance challenges while innovating.
Don't miss out—subscribe now to stay ahead with more expert insights and join the conversation on transforming tomorrow's challenges into today's opportunities!
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Nathaniel Smith, Epicenter Memphis’ Director of Programs, to explore how Memphis is transforming its economic landscape through innovation. They dive into how the city’s robust logistics and medical device industries are pivoting towards tech-driven solutions to drive growth and efficiency. Nathaniel shares his journey—from venture capital to spearheading Epicenter’s mission—and discusses the importance of customer discovery, building trust, and fostering cross-industry partnerships. Listeners will gain insights into solving real-world challenges like cargo theft through technology and learn practical lessons on leveraging local strengths to fuel innovation in any region.
Key takeaways include:
Memphis leverages its unique geographical and industrial assets to drive tech innovation.
The importance of customer discovery and tailored solutions in addressing industry challenges.
How collaborative partnerships between startups and established companies spur regional economic growth.
Strategies for building trust and long-term relationships within local ecosystems.
The role of focused innovation programs in transforming traditional industries.
Tune in now to uncover the strategies fueling Memphis’ innovative surge and discover how these insights can ignite transformation in your own industry. Listen and get inspired to innovate!
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Manas Talukdar, a seasoned leader in enterprise AI and data infrastructure, to explore the evolution of cloud-native data platforms and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on businesses. Manas shares his journey from building middleware and pioneering distributed systems to leading innovative projects at companies like C3 AI and Labelbox.
Key takeaways include:
The shift from traditional on-premise systems to cloud-based, scalable AI solutions
The critical importance of high-quality, curated data—and the emerging role of synthetic data—in training advanced models
How a customer-centric, iterative approach to product development drives successful AI implementations
The need for a balanced, risk-tolerant culture that empowers teams to make bold product bets
Insights on navigating industry challenges, from managing escalating GPU costs to addressing regulatory pressures
Tune in for an insightful discussion on how embracing data-driven innovation can unlock new opportunities and redefine enterprise success.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Amir Khan, CEO and founder of Alkira, to explore groundbreaking advancements in networking technology. Amir shares his journey from his early days in the networking industry to founding Alkira and explains how his company is rethinking networking as a service using cloud infrastructure. Key takeaways include:
Transforming Networking with Cloud Infrastructure: Discover how traditional hardware is replaced with a fully cloud-based networking solution that scales effortlessly.
Simplifying Complexity: Learn how Alkira streamlines multi-cloud networking, making complex operations intuitive and efficient.
Customer-Centric Innovation: Hear why listening to customer feedback is essential for continuous improvement and real-world solution development.
The Importance of Team and Focus: Understand how effective leadership and a high-performing team drive long-term growth in a competitive startup environment.
AI and the Future of Networking: Explore the role of AI in transforming networking solutions and staying ahead in today's fast-evolving tech landscape.
Tune in to uncover how technology and innovation are reshaping the networking industry!
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Daniela Kandel, co-founder and CEO of the Evergreen Innovation Platform.
Daniela shares her journey from impact investment and the vibrant Israeli startup ecosystem to building sustainable innovation models for smallholder farmers. Throughout the conversation, she discusses how aligning core values with business strategy, leveraging blended finance, and nurturing strong local partnerships can transform agriculture and empower rural communities.
Tune in to uncover practical lessons on ecosystem collaboration, sustainable technology adoption, and addressing the real challenges that drive impactful innovation.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.
In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman interviews Paul Reinitz about the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property. Paul shares his journey from IP law in the music industry to leading IP compliance at Getty Images, highlighting how generative AI is reshaping IP practices and business strategies.
They explore the shift from broad IP enforcement to more targeted approaches in the digital age, and discuss the challenges startups face in navigating AI and IP compliance. Paul also offers valuable insights on balancing innovation with emerging regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the importance of transparency and strategic partnerships with rights holders.
This conversation provides a deep dive into the critical balance between fostering innovation and adhering to evolving legal standards in today’s technological landscape.
For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.