In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Spiros Xanthos, Founder and CEO of Resolve AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of DevOps, observability, and software reliability.
Spiros shares how Resolve AI is building autonomous AI agents that act like site reliability engineers, capable of troubleshooting incidents, detecting root causes, and even generating pull requests to fix issues before they escalate. The conversation delves into how AI automation is redefining what it means to be an engineer, the evolving trust relationship between humans and AI, and the technical challenges of creating systems that are smart enough to operate in complex production environments. Spiros also opens up about his entrepreneurial journey as a serial founder, his lessons from building multiple startups, and why Resolve AI is the hardest and most rewarding company he’s ever built.
Spiros Xanthos is a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and innovator in the observability and AI DevOps space. Before founding Resolve AI, he co-founded Omnition, which was acquired by Splunk, and Log Insight, which was acquired by VMware. He’s also one of the co-creators of OpenTelemetry, the open-source standard for telemetry data that powers modern observability systems. Today, as CEO of Resolve AI, Spiros leads a team that’s pioneering AI-driven reliability engineering, combining deep observability expertise with cutting-edge AI research to build self-healing software systems.
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Takeaways
* AI is moving beyond code generation; it’s now running and maintaining production systems.
* The biggest challenge in AI DevOps isn’t data, it’s reasoning across code, logs, and systems.
* Trust is earned; AI systems must prove reliability through transparency and evidence.
* AI can make safe, reversible changes autonomously, reducing human fatigue and error.
* The hardest part of building Resolve AI was teaching AI to reason like an engineer.
* Spiros believes AI won’t replace engineers; it will create more of them by automating repetitive work.
* The role of engineers will shift from coding to directing and orchestrating AI agents.
* Many current DevOps tools were built for humans; the next generation must be agent-first.
* Founders should practice radical transparency to build trust and alignment in their teams.
* Psychological safety and risk-taking are essential for innovation in AI startups.
* Even without a product, talking to users and showing prototypes accelerates validation.
* The future of software is self-healing, intelligent, and AI-managed systems.
* Every product in the next decade will have an AI-first version or be replaced by one.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: AI and the Future of Software
05:08 Resolve AI vs Other AI Tools
07:36 Human Oversight in AI Decisions
09:12 Building Trust in AI Systems
10:53 Challenges in AI Development
14:19 Future of Software Engineering with AI
16:53 Unsolved Gaps in AI and DevOps
18:12 Industry Views on AI Automation
19:50 Lessons from Serial Entrepreneurship
23:01 Competing for AI Talent
23:54 Inside Fast-Moving AI Startups
25:52 Customer-Driven AI Product Development
27:46 Engaging Users Without a Product
29:49 Choosing the Right Startup Idea
32:18 Key Lessons for AI Entrepreneurs
34:26 Building Strong AI Teams
36:11 Funding and Growth in AI Startups
37:28 Future of AI in DevOps
39:08 Opportunities in the AI Revolution
41:51 Final Advice for Entrepreneurs
Connect with Spiros
* Website: https://resolve.ai/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spiros/
* X: https://x.com/spirosx
Connect with Vit
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Rob LoCascio, founder of LivePerson and creator of Uare.ai (Formerly Eternos), to explore how artificial intelligence can be used not to replace us, but to remember us.
Rob shares the fascinating story behind his company building AI avatars that capture your voice, knowledge, and decision-making patterns to create a deeply personal digital version of you. They discuss the emotional first test case of a terminally ill man who spoke with his AI self, the future of human-centered AI, and what it means to leave a lasting digital legacy. The conversation also dives into Rob’s journey from inventing web chat in 1997 to pioneering conversational AI, his lessons from decades as an entrepreneur, and his vision for ethical, purpose-driven innovation.
Rob LoCascio is a visionary tech entrepreneur best known as the founder and former CEO of LivePerson, the company that introduced real-time web chat to the internet. After nearly three decades leading innovation in customer experience and AI, he launched Uare.ai (Formerly Eternos), an AI platform focused on preserving human stories and memories through personalized AI models.
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* To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* Rob shares the emotional story of a man who recorded his life story and later spoke to his AI self, proving how technology can preserve human connection.
* The core idea behind Uare.ai (formerly Eternos): building human-centered AI that keeps our memories, wisdom, and emotions alive.
* Rob predicts that experts and professionals will soon have AI versions of themselves sharing their knowledge globally.
* Passing down wisdom through personal AI is more powerful than passing down money; it’s a new kind of legacy.
* Rob reflects on nearly 30 years as a founder and reminds entrepreneurs that building something meaningful isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:42 From LivePerson to Digital Immortality
08:32 How Personal AI Works: Capturing Your Voice, Memory, and Wisdom
12:09 The Inspiration: AI for Humanity, Not Replacement
15:03 Inside the Human Life Model: The Future of Human-Centered AI
19:49 Use Cases: How AI Serves Families and Experts
21:45 Ethics, Privacy, and Data Ownership in AI Legacy Systems
25:51 Passing Down Wisdom: Generational Knowledge as the New Legacy
34:36 Entrepreneurial Lessons from a 30-Year Journey
38:19 The Hard Truth About Startups and Resilience
40:54 The Future of AI: Building Connection and Community Through Technology
Connect with Rob
* Website: https://www.uare.ai/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlocascio/
* X: https://x.com/roblocascio
* Other: https://eternos.life/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Henry O’Connell, CEO and Co-Founder of Canary Speech, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare through the power of the human voice.
Henry shares the fascinating story of how a simple conversation in a bagel shop led to the creation of a breakthrough technology that analyzes how we speak, not what we say, to detect early signs of neurological and mental health conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression. We discuss how AI voice biomarkers work, how Canary Speech can process 15 million data points per minute, and how this innovation enables early disease detection through non-invasive, real-time speech analysis.
Henry also explains how this technology integrates with wearables and clinical tools, allowing doctors to monitor patients through their voice using smartphones, smartwatches, and telemedicine platforms. He reveals how machine learning models can recognize patterns invisible to the human ear, helping medical professionals diagnose faster, more accurately, and with greater empathy.
Beyond the technology, Henry shares his vision for the future of medicine, his passion for accessibility in global healthcare, and his lessons from building a company at the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and digital health innovation.
Henry O’Connell is a healthcare innovator and entrepreneur. As the CEO of Canary Speech, he leads a team pioneering the use of voice biomarkers for early detection of diseases that affect millions worldwide. His work has been published in The Lancet and recognized by global partners including Microsoft, Samsung, and Harvard’s Beth Israel Hospital. Under his leadership, Canary Speech is redefining how AI can listen, understand, and improve human health.
Support This Podcast
* To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* AI can now analyze how we speak, not what we say, to detect health conditions.
* The human voice contains over 2,500 measurable biomarkers tied to brain and body function.
* Canary Speech analyzes 15 million data points per minute from spoken language.
* Diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression can be detected early through voice.
* The central nervous system controls speech, making it a powerful source of diagnostic data.
* Voice biomarkers are universal; the same disease patterns appear across languages and cultures.
* The technology works through smartphones, telehealth systems, and even Samsung watches.
* Canary Speech partners with leading institutions like Harvard, Hackensack Meridian, and The Lancet.
* AI enables non-invasive, real-time health monitoring during normal conversations.
* The system can even detect stress, fatigue, and aggression, helping prevent hospital incidents.
* Voice-based diagnostics may one day redefine patient-doctor interactions.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:56 The Birth of Canary Speech
07:00 Can AI Hear Illness?
14:25 Inside Voice Biomarkers
22:21 Detecting Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Decline Through Speech
25:07 How AI Voice Technology Works in Real Healthcare Settings
26:29 Preventing Aggression and Protecting Care Teams
29:56 Giving Doctors a New Diagnostic Superpower
31:10 What Doctors Say?
32:17 Everyday Applications of Voice AI
34:57 Making AI-Driven Healthcare Accessible Worldwide
36:11 Data Privacy, Ethics, and Trust in AI Healthcare
38:49 Could We Talk to Animals?
42:00 Leadership, Failure, and Building with Purpose
Connect with Henry
* Website: https://canaryspeech.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjoconnell/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with longevity entrepreneur and author Jon Sabes to explore why healthspan, not just lifespan, is the future we should all be planning for.
We dive into Jon’s powerful framework from his book Healthy, Wealthy, Longevity and unpack how your health, wealth, and purpose must work together to prepare for a longer, more vibrant life. Jon explains the real cost of poor health, the impact of living longer on your financial future, the lessons from Blue Zones, and why your older self will either thank you or regret your choices. He also introduces a new financial product that flips the traditional insurance model: one that rewards you for living longer.
Jon Sabes is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Longevity Financial Partners, where he’s building innovative tools to help people prepare for longer lifespans. He previously led FOXO Technologies, where he worked on cutting-edge longevity biomarkers and epigenetics. Jon is also the author of Healthy, Wealthy, Longevity, and has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of financial services, molecular health, and aging science.
Support This Podcast
* Please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* Living longer without a plan can become your biggest financial risk.
* Health and wealth are deeply connected; poor health is financially expensive.
* Blue Zones offer a real-world model for how to live longer, healthier, and with purpose.
* Healthy aging depends on four things: eat wisely, move often, live with purpose, and connect with others.
* Your physical environment plays a major role in shaping good habits and reducing temptation.
* The worst-case scenario of aging: being alone and broke. Start preparing early to avoid it.
* You don’t need to be rich to live a long and healthy life; lifestyle matters more than wealth.
* Insurance should evolve to reward longevity.
* Jon’s company, LongevityFP, is building innovative financial products for longer lives.
* Movement doesn’t have to mean gym workouts; walking and small daily actions count.
* Processed food and sugary snacks are the silent killers.
* Purpose isn’t one big life mission; it can be small daily goals and routines.
* Staying connected socially becomes harder with age and remote work; build intentional relationships.
* AI and biotechnology are unlocking new ways to track aging and extend healthspan.
* Investing in self-care is no longer optional; it’s your hedge against an uncertain future.
* Think of your 90-year-old self and make choices they’d thank you for.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Why Longevity Is the New Wealth
01:06 Inside “Healthy, Wealthy, Longevity”: Jon Sabes’ Breakthrough Book
03:51 Ads
05:06 How Health, Wealth, and Longevity Intersect, and Why It Matters
08:07 Start Early: Planning Now for a Longer, Healthier Life
11:38 Longevity Financial Partners: Redefining Financial Security for Longer Lifespans
15:44 The Blue Zones Formula: 4 Habits for Healthy Aging
22:58 Movement as Medicine: Simple Ways to Stay Active Without a Gym
25:38 Nutrition That Extends Healthspan: Small Changes, Big Results
29:29 Finding Purpose: The Mental Fitness Behind Longevity
32:00 The Power of Connection: Building Strong Social Networks as You Age
36:26 AI and Technology for Health and Longevity: What’s Coming Next
45:35 Motivation That Lasts: How to Stick to Healthy Habits
48:04 Innovations in Longevity Finance: The Future of “Reverse Insurance”
51:27 Leaving a Legacy: Agency, Control, and Designing Your Future Self
Connect with Jon
* Website: https://longevityfp.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sabes-14368257/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Nesrine Changuel, former product leader at Google, Spotify, and Microsoft, and author of the Product Delight book.
Together, they explore the power of emotional design in product management and why building products people truly love requires more than functionality. The conversation covers how emotional motivators shape user behavior, the story behind Chrome’s inactive tabs feature, and why Nesrine insists on moving beyond B2B vs. B2C to embrace B2H: business to human.
She also shares her Delight Framework, a practical method for balancing functionality with emotion, her 50-40-10 roadmap model, and lessons from Spotify’s hack weeks that sparked major innovations like Discover Weekly. The discussion also touches on UX design, innovation culture, and the future of humanizing AI in product development.
Nesrine Changuel is a seasoned product leader, speaker, and innovation coach. She has shaped global products at companies like Google, Spotify, and Microsoft, where she worked on Chrome, Meet, Skype, and Spotify’s user experiences. Nesrine is the creator of the Delight Framework, helping teams bring emotional connection into product design, and she is the author of Product Delight, a book that makes emotional design actionable for product managers, designers, and innovators worldwide.
Support This Podcast
* To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* An emotional connection is just as important as functionality in product design.
* Users remember how a product makes them feel, not just what it does.
* Motivational segmentation goes deeper than demographics or behaviors by focusing on why users engage.
* Spotify users aren’t just there for music; they seek inspiration, connection, and productivity.
* Product management is not B2B or B2C, it’s B2H: business to human.
* The Delight Framework helps teams systematically design for emotional connection.
* Roadmaps should balance features using the 50-40-10 model (functional, deep delight, and surface delight).
* Hack weeks at Spotify produced major features like Discover Weekly and AI DJ.
* Emotionally connected users stay longer, buy more, and refer more than satisfied users.
* Delight can be measured with metrics like NPS, CSAT, and Google’s HaTS survey.
* Emotional design applies even in “unsexy” industries like GitHub and Jira.
* Humanizing AI requires culture and leadership that embrace it, not block it.
* The best products remind users that real humans are behind the experience.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Why Emotional Design Matters
03:43 What Is Emotional Connection in Products?
05:10 Ads
06:26 Chrome Tabs Story: Reducing Stress Through UX Design
10:43 Emotional Motivators: The Real Reason Users Choose Products
13:31 B2B vs B2C vs B2H (Business to Human)
15:27 The Delight Framework: 4 Steps to Build Emotional Products
20:24 How to Identify and Implement Emotional Motivators
21:54 Measuring Emotional Connection: Metrics That Matter
25:37 Balancing Functionality vs Emotion in Roadmaps (50-40-10 Rule)
29:16 Emotional Design in “Unsexy” Industries (GitHub, Jira, Atlassian)
32:40 From PhD Scientist to Product Leader
36:20 How Innovation Happens at Spotify and Google (Hack Weeks)
39:41 The Role of AI in Humanizing Products
45:21 Humanizing Products: Making Users Feel Real Humans Behind the Tech
49:02 Product Delight Book: Making Emotional Design Actionable
Connect with Nesrine
* Website: https://nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesrinechanguel/
* Substuck: https://substack.com/@nesrinechanguel
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Eric Müller, an engineering leader and security expert at Work & Co, to explore how AI is reshaping software development and why tools like GitHub Copilot and other AI code assistants must be treated like junior developers: fast, eager, and potentially dangerous without proper oversight.
We dive into the emerging trend of “vibe coding”, the practice of relying heavily on AI to generate code without fully understanding or validating it. Eric unpacks the hidden risks this creates, including hallucinated libraries, security vulnerabilities, and long-term maintainability challenges. He shares actionable insights on how developers and leaders can use AI responsibly, how to grow junior talent in an AI-assisted world, and what engineering managers should be doing to prevent burnout and maintain team health. We also discuss what makes a good manager, the role of psychological safety, and how to lead with trust in high-performing teams.
Eric Müller is an experienced engineering leader and cybersecurity expert. He currently leads product engineering and digital security efforts at Work & Co. Over his 20+ year career, Eric has held leadership roles at companies like Presence, Razorfish, and Edelman, helping teams build secure, high-quality digital products. He is known for his thoughtful approach to engineering culture, developer experience, and security-first product development.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* AI tools act like junior devs, fast but risky without oversight
* Vibe coding skips thinking and leads to bad code
* AI can hallucinate libraries, opening security holes
* Always review, test, and secure AI-generated code
* Great for prototyping, not solving new problems
* Junior devs are still essential, don’t stop hiring them
* Managers should remove blockers, not micromanage
* Burnout signals: too much pressure, no time off
* Watch team health via Slack activity and standups
* Best leaders listen, trust, and protect their teams
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to AI, Developers & Software Innovation
03:36 Ads
04:50 How AI Coding Tools Are Changing Software Development
13:19 AI Limitations, Hallucinations & Common Misconceptions
17:00 Security Risks of AI-Generated Code & Maintenance Challenges
22:58 Why We Still Need Junior Developers in the Age of AI
28:02 What Makes a Great Engineering Manager in Modern Teams
31:48 Building Accountability & Psychological Safety in Dev Teams
36:25 Preventing Burnout & Promoting Work-Life Balance in Tech
41:30 How to Measure Team Health, Performance & Productivity
44:36 Transitioning to Engineering Leadership: Listening & Trust
46:42 The Future of AI in Secure & Scalable Software Development
Connect with Eric
* Website: https://work.co/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Galvin Widjaja, founder and CEO of Loretta.io, to explore how AI in the real world is moving beyond counting people to actually predicting human behavior.
They discuss how computer vision AI is reshaping malls, airports, and casinos, why context is everything when it comes to intent detection, and how balancing privacy and ethics is critical for the future of AI surveillance.
Galvin shares how Loretta.io’s technology can detect suspicious behavior, from identifying someone planting a bomb without ever witnessing the act, to uncovering hidden demand in shopping malls, to supporting casino security systems that resemble something straight out of Ocean’s Eleven. He also explains why Loretta.io is designed to “forget who you are” by default, and why that ethical choice matters as predictive AI expands into the physical world.
Galvin is the founder and CEO of Loretta.io, an AI company that focuses on understanding human experiences in physical spaces through computer vision and non-biometric tracking. His background spans finance, consulting, and data optimization, which led him to spot early opportunities in AI surveillance and intent-based analytics. With a deep focus on AI ethics and privacy, Galvin is helping shape how predictive AI will be adopted in industries from retail to security. He also shares his advice for AI founders, thin vs thick AI, and why most AI startups will fail if they don’t choose wisely.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* AI in the real world is shifting from counting people to predicting human intent.
* Context matters: the same action means different things in different places.
* The AI technology can infer behavior, like spotting someone planting a bomb, even if the act isn’t seen.
* Retail use cases: understanding shopping behavior, hidden demand, and improving mall analytics.
* Security use cases: airports, public spaces, and casinos with thousands of surveillance cameras.
* AI acts as an assistant to human security guards, extending their attention span.
* Loretta.io is built to forget identities by design, prioritizing privacy and ethics.
* Consent is key: identity is only linked when explicitly given or under legal security boundaries.
* Embodied AI is coming, think robot dogs in homes that track movement and behavior.
* Future AI will make intent detection more precise, but it raises ethical questions about preventive security.
* Galvin stresses the importance of responsible AI design to avoid privacy abuses.
* Galvin introduces the Thin vs Thick AI concepts: startups built on single models vs layered systems.
* Most AI startups will fail if they rely too heavily on one public model.
* Successful AI companies must focus on fundamental technology and long-term differentiation.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Galvin’s Journey into AI
06:52 Ads
08:06 AI in the Real World: Understanding Human Experience
14:23 Loretta.io Technology: Computer Vision & Non-Biometric Tracking
18:06 Context Matters: How AI Predicts Human Intent
22:53 AI for Retail vs Security: Business Insights & Threat Detection
27:32 Casino Surveillance: The Ocean’s Eleven of AI
33:11 Robot Dogs, Embodied AI & The Future of Surveillance
39:06 Ethics and Privacy: Why Loretta.io Forgets Who You Are
43:25 The Future of Predictive AI & Security
48:00 Advice for AI Founders & Innovators
Connect with Galvin
* Website: https://lauretta.io/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galvinw/
* X: https://x.com/galvinw
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Ben Carle, CEO of FullStack Labs, to explore the real-world impact of AI in software development.
Ben is a PhD-trained computer scientist, engineering leader, and the driving force behind FullStack Labs, a software consultancy known for building AI-powered tools for enterprises that want scalable, modern applications.
Together, they unpack whether AI can truly replace engineers, how agentic AI is being used (and misunderstood), and what “code testing with AI” looks like in practice. Ben shares behind-the-scenes insights from FullStack’s internal AI systems, including a tool that now grades 80% of developer interviews, and how enterprise clients are adopting AI responsibly by starting with better data, stronger architecture, and measurable ROI.
Ben also shares practical lessons from the frontlines: how AI is transforming developer workflows, why junior engineers can't just "vibe code" with AI, and what engineering leaders need to know before integrating large language models into production environments.
With nearly a decade of experience scaling FullStack Labs, Ben brings a rare blend of technical depth and business clarity. His approach to AI adoption is grounded, ethical, and results-driven, making this episode a must-listen for engineers, product leaders, and founders navigating the future of software development.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* AI helps senior devs, not replaces them.
* Agentic AI = smarter automation, not magic bots.
* AI testing is harder, so non-deterministic outcomes need new QA methods.
* FullStack's AI grades 80% of developer interviews.
* Enterprise clients focus on data readiness, not flashy tools.
* Proof-of-concept first: no ROI, no build.
* AI audits live phone calls for compliance more accurately than humans.
* Companies forget to capture training data from human workflows.
* AI is improving UX in complex spaces like healthcare.
* Vibe coding doesn’t work at enterprise scale.
* Trust in AI is growing, but slowly in large orgs.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
04:12 Ads
05:27 Navigating AI in Enterprise Solutions
06:38 Why Aren’t Enterprise Companies Jumping into AI
09:51 What Expertise Enterprises Lack
12:26 Quality Assurance in AI Applications
15:14 Internal AI Tools and Processes
18:08 How to Hire Developers
20:29 AI in Developer Assessment and Certification
21:42 AI is Changing Developers' Behavior
26:25 AI's Role in Software Design and Architecture
28:49 Use Cases and the Future of AI in Development
33:32 The Integration of AI in Software Development
41:12 Identifying Suitable Use Cases for AI
50:01 Navigating Challenges in AI Adoption
54:32 Preparing for the Future of AI
58:24 Agentic AI
Connect with Ben
* Website: https://www.fullstack.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencarle/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin speaks with Brian Perks, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of 5x5 Data.
Brian is a seasoned data strategist and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in the data industry. The conversation explores how data co-ops are disrupting the traditional broker model, why “no one’s data is as good as everyone’s data,” and how real-world usage is the most effective way to validate information. The discussion also covers identity verification, fraud prevention, privacy trade-offs, and the role of AI in analyzing data, identifying patterns, and enabling precise targeting. Other highlights include insights into the future of publishing in the AI era, the balance between personalization and privacy, and why efficiency in data activation benefits both businesses and consumers.
Brian Perks has held leadership roles at ZoomInfo, Bombora, and Pipl, where he specialized in data acquisition, licensing, and identity solutions. Today, as co-founder of 5x5 Data, he is pioneering a cooperative model that democratizes access to high-quality, continuously validated data. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a vision for disrupting outdated systems, building trust in digital ecosystems, and empowering companies of all sizes to innovate with reliable data. Widely regarded as a thought leader, Brian continues to shape conversations around data strategy, privacy, and the evolving role of AI in business.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* How 5x5 Data was born out of necessity, turning an informal data exchange into a full cooperative model.
* The surprising truth: “No one’s data is as good as everyone’s data.”
* How billions of daily validation signals (emails, phone numbers, IPs) create a more accurate “identity graph.”
* The most reliable way to validate data is to consume it in real-world use cases.
* A live email address is worth more than your Social Security number on the dark web.
* The trade-off between privacy and personalization, and why 70% of people actually prefer targeted ads.
* Why efficiency in targeting matters: the best data isn’t a big list - it’s knowing who will actually buy.
* How better targeting can reduce marketing waste and even lower product costs for consumers.
* The hidden risk for publishers: AI tools are reducing their traffic by up to 90%, similar to Napster’s effect on music.
* Why publishers may need a new licensing model as AI “answer engines” replace traditional search.
* The limits of AI: it can accelerate data processing, but it can’t synthesize personal identifiers like emails or phone numbers.
* Controlling data through brokerage stifles innovation - democratizing access enables it.
* Data has no intrinsic value - it only matters in how you activate it.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:29 Ads
03:45 The 5x5 Concept and Data Utilization
06:17 Understanding the Work Co-op Model
08:26 Joining the 5x5 Community
11:26 Diverse Use Cases Beyond Marketing
13:58 Ensuring Data Integrity and Privacy
15:51 Navigating Privacy Concerns
18:12 The Trade-offs of Privacy and Personalization
21:59 Efficiency in Marketing and Sales
27:37 The Impact of AI on Product Development
29:37 Challenges in AI and Data Licensing
33:12 Source of Hallucinations and Mistakes in AI
38:00 Utilizing Data for Targeting Audiences
42:47 Social Media
45:38 Application will Do More
49:37 Entrepreneurial Insights and Advice
55:33 Advice from Brian
Connect with Brian
* Website: https://5x5data.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangperks/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Rowan Stone, CEO of Sapien, to explore how human knowledge powers the next generation of artificial intelligence. Together, they dive into the importance of high-quality data, the challenge of bias in AI, the role of blockchain payments in rewarding contributors, and the future balance between human input and machine learning.
Rowan shares his journey from energy executive to crypto entrepreneur, building early DeFi protocols, co-creating Coinbase’s Layer 2, and eventually launching Sapien, a decentralized data platform that connects enterprises with a global network of contributors. He explains why data is the true bottleneck in AI, how Sapien incentivizes contributors from everyday people to doctors and engineers, and why human oversight remains essential even as AI becomes more advanced.
Rowan Stone is a seasoned entrepreneur whose career spans energy, crypto, and AI. He co-founded multiple ventures in the blockchain space, including projects acquired by Coinbase, where he spent three years leading initiatives around stablecoins, tokenization, and Layer 2 solutions. Today, as CEO of Sapien, he focuses on sourcing and structuring human data for specialized AI models used in fields like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and healthcare. His mission is to democratize access to AI’s growth by enabling people everywhere to monetize their knowledge while ensuring enterprises get the high-quality data they need.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* AI is only as smart as the quality of data it’s fed.
* The true bottleneck in AI is data, not algorithms or compute.
* Everyone’s knowledge, from experts to everyday people, has value for training AI.
* Global diversity in data contributors is key to reducing bias in AI.
* Politically correct outputs can still be factually wrong, as seen in the Viking ship AI fail.
* AI can enhance doctors’ diagnostic power while creating new income opportunities.
* Self-driving cars still struggle because training is highly city-specific.
* Incentive systems like staking and slashing help ensure high-quality data for AI.
* Stablecoin payments enable instant, global compensation for AI contributors.
* Human input will always be needed to handle real-world randomness and context.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:14 From Energy to Crypto: A Personal Journey
05:56 Understanding Sapien: The Decentralized Data Foundry
10:33 Quality of AI Data: What Does It Mean?
12:17 Contributors and Their Role in Data Annotation
14:13 Scaling Contributor Networks and Quality Control
20:47 Addressing Bias in AI Data
25:31 Expert Contributors: Recruitment and Qualification Process
29:28 AI as a Diagnostic Tool for Healthcare
32:03 Challenges in Autonomous Vehicle Development
35:01 The Intersection of Crypto and AI
39:32 The Future of Human Expertise in AI
43:39 The Role of Creativity in AI
48:15 Getting Started with AI Model Training
Connect with Rowan
* Website: https://earn.sapien.io/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-stone/
* X: https://x.com/rowanrk6
* Other: https://www.sapien.io/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Nick Cawthon, a seasoned UX designer, researcher, and educator, to explore the evolving role of user experience in the age of AI. Nick shares insights on how UX has transformed from the early days of the internet to today’s standardized design systems, and why research remains at the heart of building products people love. We discuss the British Design Council’s Double Diamond framework, balancing qualitative and quantitative data, and how AI tools are reshaping research, prototyping, and usability testing. Nick also warns about the risks of replacing human connection in research with automated tools and why maintaining a human-centered approach is more important than ever. The conversation is filled with practical examples, including a memorable story about a taqueria that manages to juggle orders from eight different delivery apps.
Nick Cawthon is the founder of Gage, a user experience consultancy, and a faculty member at the California College of the Arts, where he teaches UX and data visualization. With over two decades of experience, Nick has worked across startups and Fortune 500 companies, helping teams bridge the gap between design and development. He is known for his deep expertise in research operations, design systems, and the integration of emerging technologies into UX workflows. Passionate about both the craft and the strategy of design, Nick brings a rare mix of practical know-how and visionary thinking to the conversation.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* How the iPhone and standardized design systems shifted UX from aesthetics to experience-first thinking.
* Why the Double Diamond Framework is still one of the best ways to ensure you build the right thing before building it right.
* Nick shares a vivid story of a taqueria struggling to manage orders from eight delivery platforms.
* How blending numbers with human stories creates deeper, more persuasive insights.
* How AI speeds up surveys, persona creation, and testing, but risks losing authentic human insights.
* Why algorithms can’t replace empathy and genuine human connection.
* The importance of moving beyond Figma handoffs to integrated design-to-code workflows.
* Why modern UX designers must understand developer workflows and component libraries.
* Why safeguarding data and respecting consent are essential in AI-powered design.
* Why designers should preserve proven design patterns instead of reinventing the wheel.
* Why moving too fast with AI-driven features can frustrate users and erode loyalty.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:12 The Evolution of User Experience
06:31 Research Methodologies in UX
09:42 Starting Research: The Double Diamond Approach
12:14 The Importance of User Observation
14:30 Balancing Qualitative and Quantitative Data
18:03 AI's Impact on User Experience
19:56 The Shift from Voice to Chat Interfaces
24:00 AI and Emotional Companionship
25:13 AI's Impact on UX Research
28:52 The Future of UX Research
31:18 Skills for Emerging Designers
35:54 The Role of AI in Design
37:57 Ethics of AI and Personal Data
39:59 Innovative Tools and Methods
41:35 Designing for User Satisfaction
Connect with Nick
* Website: https://gauge.io/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/
* X: https://x.com/ncawthon
* Other: http://nickcawthon.com/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vitaliy Lyoshin sits down with Richard Savoie, co-founder and CEO of Adiona Tech, to explore how AI is driving innovation in supply chain management and transforming the future of logistics.
They dive into the carbon cost of delivery and reveal why last-mile delivery is the most expensive and environmentally damaging segment in the supply chain. Richard explains how Adiona uses AI to automate route planning, optimize commercial fleets, and deliver impactful last-mile delivery optimization for enterprise clients. The conversation also covers how data, simulation, and predictive modeling play a role in cutting costs and emissions, and what the future of AI in logistics might look like. Richard shares insights from working with companies like Coca-Cola and Australia Post and offers practical lessons for leaders navigating the complexity of modern supply chain operations.
Richard Savoie is an engineer, AI innovator, and the CEO of Adiona Tech, a company at the forefront of logistics and supply chain technology. With a background in manufacturing and hardware design, Richard brings a systems-thinking approach to solving high-impact challenges in transportation. His company helps large enterprises reduce delivery costs and emissions through advanced optimization algorithms and machine learning. Under his leadership, Adiona has pioneered solutions in last-mile delivery optimization, EV fleet planning, and sustainable supply chain management. Richard is also a strong advocate for using AI responsibly and effectively to build greener, more efficient infrastructure worldwide.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways & Insights
* 53% of delivery costs and emissions happen in the last mile.
* Most commercial delivery vehicles are running 40% empty.
* AI is just one tool — it works best when combined with traditional optimization and constraint-based algorithms.
* Adiona focuses on enterprise fleets because the sustainability impact compounds at scale.
* Agentic AI will allow us to dynamically prioritize deliveries, even mid-route.
* Simulation modeling is now essential for planning in a volatile world, especially with tariffs, EV rollouts, and shifting supply chains.
* Adiona built the first EV routing engine in logistics, but adoption is still slow in some regions.
* You may love your idea, but if no one will pay for it, it’s not a business.
* Cutting emissions is not just a feel-good goal - it’s a cost-saving opportunity.
* Let humans solve the edge cases, and let AI handle the repetitive work.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:57 The Birth of Adiona
02:59 Technical Challenges and the Role of AI
04:30 Building a Scalable Technology Stack
06:04 Focusing on Enterprise Solutions for Sustainability
08:53 Addressing Operational Inefficiencies in Logistics
12:02 Optimizing Last Mile Deliveries
14:10 Case Studies: Success Stories in Efficiency
17:25 Government Organizations and Sustainability
20:22 Leveraging AI and Quantum Computing for Optimization
22:47 Optimizing Routes with Technology
26:17 Balancing Edge Cases and General Solutions
29:50 The Human Element in Automation
32:15 Future Breakthroughs in Logistics
36:45 Opportunities in Air or Sea Logistics
38:04 Regulatory Challenges in Technology Adoption
41:23 Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur
45:06 Unexpected Uses of Technology
47:48 Future Innovations on the Horizon
Connect with Richard
Website: https://www.adionatech.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richsavoie/
Connect with Vit
Website: https://vitlyoshin.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
AI Assistant to build apps: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vitaliy Lyoshin dives into the future of DevOps with a compelling question: What if AI could not only streamline your cloud workflows but also uncover hidden costs and inefficiencies you didn’t know existed?
Vitaliy is joined by Ardhendu Tripathy, AI Lead at OpsCanvas and former assistant professor specializing in statistical machine learning. Together, they explore how OpsCanvas is using AI to transform cloud infrastructure management—optimizing deployments, reducing cloud waste, and empowering DevOps teams with better visibility and control. The conversation also touches on the challenges of applying AI responsibly in DevOps, the importance of guardrails, and what the future holds for AI-powered developer tools.
Ardhendu, or “Ardi,” brings a deep academic background in machine learning and decision-making algorithms, previously teaching and researching at Missouri S&T. At OpsCanvas, he now leads AI initiatives that simplify DevOps workflows and improve infrastructure efficiency. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical, real-world applications. Passionate about innovation, Ardi is helping redefine how teams deploy, monitor, and scale applications in the cloud.
Support This Podcast
To support our work, please check out our sponsors and get discounts: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/sponsors/
Takeaways
* OpsCanvas addresses cloud sprawl by providing visibility into resources.
* The platform helps identify and eliminate unused cloud resources, termed 'zombie resources.'
* AI can enhance DevOps efficiency, but it must be used responsibly.
* Client reactions often reveal a lack of visibility into their cloud usage.
* Implementing AI in DevOps faces challenges, including data privacy concerns.
* Automation in DevOps is possible, but it will take time to fully realize.
* Future developments may enable more seamless deployments with AI assistance.
* AI's capabilities are improving, but it is not yet fully intelligent.
* Understanding AI's limitations is crucial for effective use in software engineering.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:58 Journey from Academia to a Startup
03:00 What is OpsCanvas
05:46 Understanding Cloud Sprawl and Resource Management
10:15 Benefits of OpsCanvas
14:25 Who Would Benefit the Most from Using OpsCanvas
16:05 Leveraging AI for Enhanced DevOps Efficiency
21:33 What Users Say After Using OpsCanvan For the First Time
23:24 Challenges Implementing AI
29:17 The Role of AI Agents in DevOps
32:41 Ethical Considerations in AI Implementation
37:25 Future Innovations in DevOps Automation
41:17 Excitement and Challenges in AI-Driven Development
44:22 Navigating Rapid AI Developments
48:23 Misconceptions About AI in DevOps
Connect with Ardihendu
* Website: https://www.opscanvas.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardhendu-tripathy/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
Vit’s Projects
* Podcast: https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
* Company: https://appforgelab.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Kyle McDowell, a former Fortune 10 executive turned leadership coach and author of Begin With WE. They discuss what's broken in traditional leadership, the toxic behaviors that erode workplace culture, and Kyle's powerful framework, the 10 WE Principles, designed to build trust, accountability, and high-performance teams.
Kyle McDowell spent nearly three decades leading large organizations. Disillusioned with ego-driven leadership and performative culture, he stepped away to redefine what it means to lead with integrity. Today, he coaches leaders around the world, helping them transform their teams through principle-based leadership. His book “Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence” has become a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, inspiring a growing movement of values-driven leadership.
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Takeaways
* Kyle's journey reflects a common struggle with corporate leadership.
* Self-reflection is crucial for effective leadership.
* Toxic workplace behavior can lead to apathy and disengagement.
* Leading by example is essential for building trust.
* The 10 principles of leadership can transform workplace culture.
* Embracing challenge is key to personal and team growth.
* Measuring outcomes, not activity, drives real progress.
* Authenticity in leadership fosters loyalty and commitment.
* The future of leadership will require adaptability to new technologies.
* Personal connections in the workplace are more important than ever.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:04 The Journey from Apathy to Purposeful Leadership
06:18 Establishing Leadership Principles
10:21 Challenges in Implementing Leadership Principles
14:06 The Importance of Commitment Over Compliance
15:46 Realizing the Effectiveness of Leadership Principles
18:22 The 10 Principles of Leadership
26:07 Measuring Success by Outcomes
28:13 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership
31:58 Understanding Leadership Impact
34:55 Leading Without Authority
37:55 Generational Differences in Leadership
43:41 The Future of Leadership in an AI World
44:50 Choosing to Lead Differently
46:37 How to Connect with Kyle
Connect with Kyle
* Website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/
* X: https://x.com/KyleMcDowellInc
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc
* Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
* Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin
Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
In this episode of the An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin delves into climate-tech entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation with Josh Dorfman, co-founder of Plantd, a company that builds carbon-negative building materials from fast-growing grass.
Josh shares the origin story of Plantd, how his time in China shaped his perspective on sustainability, and how a chance encounter with a former SpaceX engineer led to a vertically integrated company tackling climate change through construction. The conversation also explores breakthrough innovations in home energy, AI-powered school transportation, circular trade models, and even electric Formula E racing, all through Josh’s lens as host of Supercool, a podcast spotlighting scalable climate solutions.
Josh Dorfman is a seasoned sustainability leader, entrepreneur, and media host. In addition to Plantd, he previously founded The Lazy Environmentalist brand and has spent decades driving forward practical, profitable solutions to environmental challenges.
Support This Podcast
* This episode is brought to you by: https://pheedback.co/
* Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates
Takeaways
* The founding of Planted was driven by a need for better materials.
* Planted focuses on creating carbon-negative building materials.
* The company aims to build a vertically integrated business model.
* Collaboration with farmers is crucial for sourcing sustainable materials.
* A diverse team, including engineers and agronomists, drives innovation at Planted.
* Building relationships with builders is key to market entry.
* Major partnerships, like with D.R. Horton, are essential for scaling up.
* Innovations in transportation, like Zum, are transforming school bus systems.
* Home energy solutions are evolving with technologies like virtual power plants.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:06 Josh's Journey to Sustainability
06:49 The Birth of Plantit
12:04 Finding the Right Alternative to Trees
16:44 Building a Vertical Business Model
20:42 Collaborating with Farmers for Sustainable Growth
22:56 Assembling a Diverse Team for Innovation
24:29 Market Entry and Building Trust with Builders
29:36 Team Size
30:31 Innovations in Transportation: The Future of School Buses
35:45 Revolutionizing Home Energy with Solar and Storage
39:57 The Impact of Formula E Racing on Climate Awareness
45:55 Underestimated Solutions for Climate Change
52:41 The Future of Clean Energy and Technological Innovations
Connect with Josh
* Website: https://www.plantdmaterials.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/
* X: https://x.com/Josh_Dorfman
* Other: https://getsuper.cool/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
* Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin
Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin explores the future of job search and career development with Vrijen Attawar and Logan Currie, the co-founders of Careerspan — an AI-powered career tool designed to replace outdated resumes with personalized storytelling and strategic self-reflection.
Vrijen, a former McKinsey consultant with a background in business and strategy, and Logan, an education and edtech expert, are on a mission to democratize access to great career coaching using artificial intelligence.
Together, they discuss how AI is transforming career planning, resume writing, and hiring processes. You’ll learn how Careerspan uses AI to help users build their “career IP,” position themselves more effectively in the job market, and navigate the hiring landscape with more confidence and clarity.
If you're exploring resume alternatives, curious about AI-driven job search tools, or want to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market, this conversation is packed with insights for the future of work.
Careerspan is a free, AI-powered career platform that turns coaching conversations into a rich, 3-D profile of your strengths, values, and working style, then matches you with roles where you’ll thrive. Claim your all-summer free access here: https://app.mycareerspan.com/create-account?oid=hourofinnovation
Support This Podcast
This episode is brought to you by: https://pheedback.co/
Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates
Takeaways
* Job searching is increasingly difficult and requires resilience.
* AI can enhance career development by providing personalized insights.
* The traditional resume is becoming obsolete in favor of more dynamic representations of skills.
* Self-reflection is crucial for career advancement and should be encouraged.
* Community support among founders can lead to collaborative success.
* Understanding the difference between technical and human problems is essential for product development.
* Transparency in AI tools is necessary to build user trust.
* Career companions can help individuals navigate their professional journeys more effectively.
* The job market is shifting towards referrals and networking rather than traditional applications.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
04:26 Challenges in Leveraging AI for Career Coaching
07:11 The Role of AI in CareerSpan's Platform
11:09 Understanding Career IP and Its Importance
13:34 The Cultural Shift in Self-Promotion
17:05 Personalization in AI Career Tools
22:55 The Future of Resumes and Job Applications
26:49 Vision for a Career Companion Tool
33:41 User Experience Challenges in Career Tools
35:45 Data Privacy and User Trust
38:57 Validating User Success
45:04 Advice for Founders in AI
46:59 Understanding Technical vs. Human Problems
48:51 Advice to Job Seekers
55:15 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Job Applications
Connect with Vrijen and Logan
* Website: https://www.mycareerspan.com/
* Vrijen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrijenattawar/
* Logan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-currie/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
* Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin
Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Phil Neil, a serial entrepreneur and investor who scaled his company, Neobex, to $70M in sales and over $30M in EBITDA in just 8 months. Phil shares the gripping story behind that growth, including how he pivoted during the chaos of the pandemic, took a $450K personal risk, and navigated team conflict and supply chain disruption.
We also dive deep into Phil’s signature frameworks: The Shadow of Entrepreneurship™ and The Courage Compass™, which explore the emotional challenges founders face and how to make better decisions under pressure.
Support This Podcast
This episode is brought to you by: https://pheedback.co/
Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates
Takeaways
* Phil Neil founded Neobex to help local health centers optimize purchasing.
* COVID-19 forced Neobex to pivot its business model.
* The transition to nitrile gloves was a strategic response to market needs.
* Entrepreneurs often face emotional challenges that impact decision-making.
* The 'Courage Compass' helps entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty.
* Intuition can be as valuable as analytical thinking in decision-making.
* Failure is a common experience in entrepreneurship, but it can lead to growth.
* Identity anchors outside of business are crucial for emotional health.
* Growth should be managed to avoid burnout and misalignment.
* Empathy is essential for identifying real problems to solve.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:08 The Story of Neobex
03:03 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
05:38 The Courage to Pivot: From Supply Chain to Nitrile Gloves
10:58 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Shadow
15:40 The Courage Compass: Tools for Decision-Making
24:03 The Importance of Intuition in Entrepreneurship
27:17 Journey in Entrepreneurship
33:12 New Culture of Entrepreneurship
35:50 Advice on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
38:09 Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey
41:33 Future of Entrepreneurship: Decision Quality and Growth
45:21 Connecting with Phil Neal: Resources and Insights
Connect with Phil
* Website: https://philneil.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-neil/
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
* Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin
Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin talks with Eli Portnoy, founder of BackEngine.ai, about how AI is reshaping the way companies gather and act on customer feedback. They explore how AI can surface hidden insights from emails, calls, and support tickets, turning scattered conversations into structured product intelligence. Eli shares how feedback loops break as companies grow, how to validate feature ideas using real data, and what it takes to build smarter, more customer-centric products.
Eli Portnoy is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of BackEngine.ai, an AI-powered platform that helps teams operationalize customer feedback at scale. He previously founded Thinknear (acquired by Telenav) and Sense360 (acquired by Medallia), and also worked as a product leader at Amazon. With over 15 years of experience building tech companies, Eli is passionate about helping businesses deeply understand their customers and move faster with confidence.
Support This Podcast
This episode is brought by: https://pheedback.co/
Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates.
Takeaways
* Startups often lose touch with their customers as they grow.
* AI can help capture and analyze customer feedback effectively.
* Frequent communication with customers is crucial for retention.
* Understanding customer needs can prevent churn.
* Feedback should be seen as a gift, not criticism.
* BackEngine.ai can help validate product ideas and features.
* Large companies struggle with customer feedback due to complexity.
* Startups have the advantage of agility in responding to feedback.
* The future of AI holds great potential for transforming customer insights.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:44 The Role of AI in Feedback Collection
07:53 Example of How AI Helped Figure Out Customer Churn
09:26 Customer Communication Channels
11:07 Brainstorming and Prototyping with AI
12:19 Who are the Users of Back Engine
15:08 Validating Customer Feedback and Ideas
16:36 Prioritization and Recommendations
17:51 Dealing with Unused Features
19:08 Beyond Customer Feedback
25:10 The Evolution of Customer Feedback in Startups
28:40 Challenges of Large Organizations in Customer Feedback
34:24 The Future of AI and Customer Feedback
39:16 Advice for First-Time Founders
Connect with Eli
* Website: https://www.backengine.com/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliportnoy/
* X: https://x.com/eportnoy
Connect with Vit
* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/
* X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin
* Buy things on Amazon that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin
Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/
What happens after you launch your MVP?
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, Vit Lyoshin sits down with Ali Hafizji, founder and CEO of Wednesday Solutions, to explore how startups can go from MVP to product-market fit without burning out. Ali breaks down the common mistakes founders make post-MVP, how to avoid feature bloat, and why lean, AI-native teams are the key to scaling smart. He also shares his unique Vibe Sprints methodology, designed to replace Agile practices with an AI-powered, outcome-driven approach that helps startups move fast and stay focused.
Support This Podcast
This Episode is Brought By: https://pheedback.co/
Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates.
Takeaways
* Startups often focus on vanity metrics after MVP launch.
* Founders must adapt their roles post-MVP to focus on growth.
* Vibe Sprint methodology emphasizes outcomes over tasks.
* AI tools can significantly reduce development time.
* Premature spending can derail startup progress.
* Focus on core product loops to drive user engagement.
* Retention metrics are crucial for assessing product success.
* Building a small, effective team is essential post-MVP.
* Hiring should align with the startup's current needs and context.
* Founders should leverage online resources to build their MVP.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
04:00 Common Mistakes After Launching MVP
06:00 Lesson From a Successful MVP Launch
08:51 Understanding Vibe Sprint Methodology
13:51 Vibe Coding and AI Tools
15:50 Measuring Success with Vibe Sprints
16:58 Challenges in Achieving Product Market Fit
21:59 Identifying Red Flags During the Product Market Fit Phase
24:07 Key Milestones After MVP
26:37 Navigating Product Market Fit Timelines
28:29 Building the Ideal Post-MVP Team
32:51 Essential Skills and Roles Pre-Product-Market Fit
35:20 Understanding Growth Metrics and Patterns
37:53 Avoiding Common Scaling Traps
40:07 The Future of Product Development and Engineering
44:06 Advice for Founders and Aspiring Engineers
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In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin interviews Krish Ramineni, co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant. They discuss the inception of Fireflies.ai, the challenges of fundraising, the importance of user feedback, and the company's commitment to efficiency and innovation. Krish shares insights on navigating the AI landscape, building trust with users, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to focus on customer success and adapt to the rapidly changing market.
Krish Ramineni is the co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant used by over 20 million people worldwide. A former Microsoft product manager, Krish left the corporate world to build a horizontal AI platform that makes workplace productivity accessible and efficient for everyone. Under his leadership, Fireflies has become known for its product-led growth, global remote team, and user-first philosophy. Krish is a visionary founder who bet on AI long before it became mainstream, building a profitable and scalable product without relying on traditional sales strategies. His journey is a masterclass in conviction, focus, and building smart in a noisy world.
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Takeaways
* Fireflies was born out of a desire to reduce meeting fatigue.
* The company focuses on democratizing AI for all knowledge workers.
* Customer feedback is integral to product development and improvement.
* Fundraising is challenging; building traction first is crucial.
* AI technology has evolved significantly, improving accuracy and capabilities.
* Word of mouth and product virality were key to initial growth.
* Balancing qualitative and quantitative feedback is essential for product decisions.
* Efficiency is prioritized through a flat organizational structure.
* Innovation is driven by constraints and rapid market changes.
* Building trust with users is vital, especially in AI.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:18 Building a User-Centric Product
05:15 Team Size and User-Centric Approach at Fireflies
07:40 When User Feedback Suggests Great Features
09:07 Navigating Fundraising Challenges
12:13 Embracing AI and Technology Evolution
14:15 Ignoring Some VC Advice Early On
16:54 Market Entry Strategies and Lessons Learned
19:26 Scaling Through Word of Mouth and Product Virality
21:08 Go-To-Market Strategies That Didn’t Work
22:53 Driving Product Growth Through User Experience
23:53 Product Growth Mindset
25:20 Decision-Making Hierarchy
26:53 Staying Close to Users
28:04 Efficiency as a Core Value in Team Dynamics
30:53 Innovation and Agility in a Fast-Paced Market
33:13 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Metrics
35:10 North Star Metric
35:44 Balancing Qualitative and Quantitative Feedback
38:01 Building Trust in AI Technology
40:15 AI Taking People's Jobs
46:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the AI Space
Connect with Krish
* Website: https://fireflies.ai/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishramineni/
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Podcast Website
* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/