Avsnitt

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast, Clint chats with Rockwell Shah, the CEO of Ozlo Sleep, about his incredible journey from a remote tech support agent to leading a company focused on innovative sleep solutions. Rockwell shares the story behind the Ozlo Sleep Buds, a revolutionary product designed to enhance sleep quality by blocking out noise and streaming audio. He discusses the success of their crowdfunding campaign, the challenges of hardware manufacturing, and the importance of customer feedback in product development. Additionally, Rockwell reflects on his personal experiences, including the joys of fatherhood and the impact of macroeconomic conditions on consumer products. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike!

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to Rockwell and Oswell Sleep
    00:20 - Rockwell's Journey to CEO
    01:02 - Transition from B2B to Consumer Apps
    01:56 - The Bose Sleepbuds Experience
    02:52 - Acquisition of Bose's IP
    03:57 - The Importance of Sleep and Snoring Solutions
    05:02 - Consumer Trends in Sleep Products
    06:57 - Success of the Relaunched Sleepbuds
    07:47 - Advantages of Crowdfunding
    08:12 - Crowdfunding as a Pre-Order Campaign
    11:52 - Using Both Kickstarter and Indiegogo
    13:13 - Challenges of Hardware Development
    15:15 - The Complexity of Manufacturing
    16:33 - Navigating Supply Chain Issues
    19:02 - The Iterative Process of Product Development
    20:29 - The Risks of Hardware Startups
    21:25 - Customer Usage Patterns
    24:27 - Daily Life and Work Balance
    27:02 - The Joys of Fatherhood
    28:35 - Information Consumption Preferences
    30:35 - The State of E-Commerce and Consumer Products
    36:07 - The Importance of Community Support
    39:32 - Conclusion and Future Outlook

  • Clint recently sat down with Sanish Mondkar, the CEO of Legion Technologies, to explore the transformative world of workforce management. With over 20 years of experience in enterprise software, Sanish shares his journey from being the Chief Product Officer at SAP to founding Legion, a platform dedicated to enhancing the experiences of frontline workers across various industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to Legion Technologies
    00:18 - What Legion Does
    01:26 - Sanish's Background and Journey
    03:16 - Experience at SAP
    03:43 - Recent Funding Round
    05:24 - Growth Strategies for Legion
    08:10 - A Day in the Life of a CEO 1
    0:21 - Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence
    15:07 - Leadership in the Age of AI
    19:40 - Reading Recommendations
    21:19 - Maintaining Mental Health
    24:13 - Navigating the Macroeconomic Environment
    27:15 - The Importance of Giving Chances

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast, Clint sits down with Aaron Boyd, a leader in digital transformation and remote work, who shares his journey from Utah to various global destinations, including the Pacific Islands and Latin America. Aaron discusses the importance of creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their home communities, rather than feeling compelled to relocate to major cities for success. He highlights his work with Welchman Keen, a global consulting firm focused on connecting unconnected communities and fostering innovation, while also addressing the challenges faced by individuals in remote areas, such as accessing essential services and education.
    Clint and Aaron explore the impact of AI on job creation, the significance of cultural understanding in developing countries, and the role of benefit corporations in promoting social good. Join us for this insightful conversation about the future of work, the power of technology to empower people, and the universal human experiences that connect us all.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction and Personal Background
    02:29 - Global Operations and Projects
    04:45 - The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
    07:56 - AI's Impact on Future Employment
    12:47 - Cultural Perspectives in AI Development
    14:07 - Understanding Benefit Corporations
    16:05 - Singapore as a Business Hub
    18:24 - Supporting Local Leaders in Communities
    22:41 - Bridging the Connectivity Gap
    26:27 - Common Human Experiences Across Cultures
    28:32 - Conclusion and Acknowledgments

  • Clint recently sat down with Julia Gudish Krieger, Managing Partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shared her journey in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, and discusses the unique approach of her firm, which focuses on building a community of experienced operators and founders to support early-stage companies.

    Discover how Julia curates this powerful network, the importance of value-added investing, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. She also shares her thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in modern businesses, key leadership traits, and the significance of authenticity in today's corporate environment.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to Julia Gudish Krieger
    00:28 - Overview of Pari Passu Venture Partners
    01:53 - The Shift in Venture Capital Focus
    02:33 - The Importance of Value-Add Investors
    04:08 - Curating a Community of Founders and Operators
    06:58 - Structure of Investment: SPVs Explained
    09:01 - Building a Unique App for Community Engagement
    12:39 - Enhancing User Experience Through Technology
    13:50 - Community Interaction and Deal Flow
    15:36 - The Name and Philosophy of Pari Passu
    17:15 - A Day in the Life of Julia
    21:09 - Book Recommendations for Personal Growth
    23:58 - The Role of AI in Investing
    26:19 - Key Leadership Traits for Success
    29:31 - Navigating Political Conversations as a Leader
    31:22 - The Rise of Investor Media Presence
    32:46 - Reflecting on Opportunities Given

  • On this episode of The CEO Podcast, Clint interviews Prashanth Chandrasekar, the CEO of Stack Overflow, the world's largest software developer community. Prashanth shares insights into the company's history, products, and the future of AI in software development. They discuss the importance of open source in AI, leadership traits, and the evolving dynamics of remote work. Prashanth also reflects on the chances he was given as an immigrant that led him to where he is today.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction to Stack Overflow
    00:34 - Overview of Stack Overflow's Services
    02:06 - Foundation of Stack Overflow
    03:49 - Prashanth's Journey to Stack Overflow
    05:10 - Evolution of Software Development
    07:52 - Insights on the Future of AI 11:12 - Personal Use of AI Tools
    13:32 - Open Source vs. Closed Source AI
    20:39 - Key Leadership Traits
    22:32 - CEO's Role in Addressing Current Affairs
    25:21 - Work Environment Preferences
    26:56 - Acknowledging Supportive Figures

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast Clint sat down with Curtis Anderson, the founder and CEO of NURSA, a groundbreaking platform transforming the nurse staffing industry. Curtis shares his journey from acquiring a traditional staffing agency to creating a digital solution that addresses short-term staffing needs in healthcare facilities. We delve into the challenges of the traditional nurse staffing industry, how NURSA simplifies the staffing process with technology, and the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare staffing landscape. Curtis also discusses the role of AI in enhancing NURSA's services, his daily routine, leadership philosophy, and the importance of work-life balance and remote work dynamics.

    In addition to exploring the inception and mission of NURSA, Curtis offers valuable insights into the key traits of a leader and shares his reading recommendations for CEOs and leaders. He emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges. Curtis also reflects on the people who gave him a chance to succeed, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support in his journey.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction and Background
    00:31 - What is NURSA?
    01:14 - Traditional Staffing Agencies vs. NURSA
    02:09 - Challenges in Short-Term Staffing
    02:52 - Founding NURSA and Initial Hypothesis
    04:31 - Curtis's Background and Motivation
    06:08 - Purchasing the Business and Realizing the Problem
    07:01 - Building the Tech and Early Challenges
    10:00 - Launching During COVID-19
    14:55 - Company Growth and Market Penetration
    16:21 - A Day in the Life of Curtis
    18:30 - Impact of AI on NURSA
    22:02 - Work from Home vs. In-Office Debate
    27:17 - Reading Recommendations
    33:58 - Important Traits of a Leader
    40:53 - Speaking Last as a Leader
    41:10 - Who Gave Curtis a Chance?

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast, CEO of Formstack, Aled Miles, shares his journey to leadership and the importance of trust, communication, and self-awareness in business. From his experiences with influential mentors to the impact of face-to-face interactions on building trust, Aled provides valuable insights for aspiring leaders. Discover how humility, curiosity, and the ability to adapt have shaped Aled's leadership philosophy. Join the conversation as Aled reflects on the individuals who gave him the chance to succeed and the lessons learned along the way. Watch or listen for a deep dive into leadership traits, the power of communication, and the significance of trust in business relationships.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction to Formstack and Aled's Background
    02:46 - Importance of Compliance in Formstack's Services
    05:46 - Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Formstack
    10:04 - Aled's Daily Routine and Leadership Advice
    17:38 - Key Leadership Traits Every Leader Should Cultivate
    18:38 - Recommended Reading and Book Insights
    22:35 - Aled's Views on Macro Environment and Economy
    26:41 - Aled's Surprising Journey to Leadership
    38:37 - Importance of In-Person Interactions for Building Trust
    44:54 - Individuals Who Gave Aled a Chance to Succeed

  • On this episode of the CEO Podast, Clint interviews Chris Hulls, the CEO and co-founder of Life360. Chris shares his journey from college during Hurricane Katrina to creating a successful family safety app. They discuss the growth of Life360, the challenges of being a public company, and the importance of family-focused features. Chris also talks about the impact of AI on the company and his views on leadership and societal responsibilities. Tune in to hear about Chris's mentors, the inspiration behind Life360, and his unique perspective on leadership.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 - 4:15 - Introduction and the founding of Life360
    Clint Betts introduces Chris Hulls, and they discuss the origin of Life360, including how Chris founded the company during Hurricane Katrina, the early prototype development, and the initial pivot to focus on family safety and communication.
    4:16 - 8:45 - Challenges and Growth of Life360
    Chris Hulls shares the challenges Life360 faced in its early days, the impact of Apple launching Find My, and how Life360 steadily grew, especially among Millennial parents.
    8:46 - 13:00 - Differentiation and Features of Life360
    Discussion on how Life360 differentiates itself from competitors like Apple, with unique features such as driver safety, accident detection, and plans for hardware integration with Tile for anti-theft protection.
    13:01 - 17:00 - Life as a Public Company
    CEO Chris talks about the transition to being a public company, the pressure of quarterly earnings, and how it affects long-term strategy. He also describes his day-to-day responsibilities and challenges as a CEO.
    17:01 - 21:00 - Leadership, AI, and Personal Growth
    Chris reflects on the traits that have helped him succeed, the role of AI and machine learning in Life360’s future, and how he uses AI for personal productivity. He also discusses the importance of focusing on personal strengths as a leader.
    21:01 - 24:45 - Reading, News, and Continuous Learning
    Chris shares his recent reading recommendations, his addiction to news, and how he stays informed. He talks about the balance between learning and the pressures of staying up-to-date with current events.
    24:46 - 29:00 - Reflections on Leadership and Company Growth
    Chris reflects on the lessons he’s learned over 17 years of leading Life360, the challenges of scaling a business, and the importance of staying true to the company’s mission while managing public expectations.
    29:01 - 30:47 - Final Thoughts and Appreciation
    The interview concludes with Chris Hulls expressing gratitude to those who gave him a chance in his career, and mutual appreciation between Clint Betts and Chris Hulls for the success of Life360 and its impact on families.

  • In this episode, Clint sits down with Drew Glover, a general partner at Fiat Ventures, to discuss his unique approach to investing and building successful businesses. Drew shares insights into the world of venture capital, the importance of personal branding for leaders, and the power of affiliate marketing in today's digital landscape. He also reflects on the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry and shares valuable advice for aspiring founders.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction and Background: Drew introduces himself and talks about his career journey leading up to Fiat Ventures.
    02:18 - Unique Approach to Venture Capital: Drew discusses the unique approach of Fiat Ventures in working closely with companies before investing.
    04:42 - Importance of Value Beyond Capital: The conversation shifts to the importance of providing value beyond capital in the venture capital space.
    07:49 - Focus on Fintech: Drew explains why Fiat Ventures focuses on the fintech industry and the potential impact of AI in transforming it.
    12:15 - Lack of Diversity in Venture Capital: The discussion highlights the lack of diversity in venture capital and the challenges faced by minority founders.
    14:41 - Trajectory of DEI Efforts: Drew reflects on the trajectory of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and the need for continued focus on these issues.
    17:50 - A Day in the Life: Drew shares insights into his daily routine and how he balances work and personal life.
    20:33 - Reading Recommendations: Drew recommends books for founders and individuals interested in personal growth.
    21:51 - Traits of a Leader: The conversation delves into the essential traits of a successful leader. 22:34 - Career Advice: Drew reflects on the importance of knowing one's own goals and aspirations in career development.
    24:10 - Essential Tools: Drew discusses the tools and apps he relies on for productivity and growth. 25:36 - Role of Leaders in Current Events: The discussion explores the increasing expectation for leaders to engage with and comment on societal and cultural issues.
    28:31 - Personal Branding in Venture Capital: Drew shares insights on the growing importance of personal branding for venture capitalists and leaders in the industry.
    33:15 - Importance of Affiliate Marketing: Drew explains the significance of affiliate marketing as a cost-efficient growth channel for businesses.
    35:47 - Acknowledging Support: Drew acknowledges the individual who gave him a chance and played a significant role in his career development.

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast Clint Betts sits down with Andres Angelani, the CEO of Wizeline, to discuss his journey in the tech industry and his recent appointment as CEO. Andres shares his background, having previously led Softvision, and explains his decision to join Wizeline, drawn by the company's culture and the vast opportunities presented by AI trends. He highlights Wizeline's role in driving digital transformation across industries, particularly in media, entertainment, retail, and financial services, emphasizing their approach to integrating AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than replacing human roles.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction and Andres' journey to becoming CEO of WiseLine
    01:54 - What WiseLine does and its focus on digital transformation
    03:32 - The role of AI in media and productivity tools for journalists
    05:40 - A day in the life of a CEO: Dynamic schedules and team coordination
    09:11 - Best leadership advice: Managing energy and its ripple effect
    11:51 - Reading recommendations: "The 48 Laws of Power" and more
    16:40 - Key leadership traits: Excellence, listening, and community building
    22:06 - Staying grounded: Balancing work, family, and personal interests
    24:36 - Essential apps and tools for daily productivity
    26:55 - The role of CEOs in today's socio-economic landscape
    30:35 - The importance of giving and receiving opportunities in leadership

  • In this episode of the CEO Podcast Clint sits down with Elise Smith, the CEO and co-founder of Praxis Labs, an innovative company focused on immersive learning and development. Elise shares her inspiring journey from her early days at IBM working on Watson for Education to co-founding Praxis Labs with Heather Shen.
    We delve into the transformative power of AI in education, the importance of building critical human skills for the modern workforce, and how generative AI is revolutionizing personalized learning experiences. Elise also opens up about her daily routine, the values that drive her leadership, and the importance of creating inclusive workplaces.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction and Background
    00:22 - Founding Praxis Labs
    01:03 - Early Career and Inspiration
    01:35 - Experience at IBM and Watson
    01:57 - Investing in Learning Innovation
    02:29 - Challenges in Learning Solutions
    03:01 - Immersive Learning and Stanford
    03:52 - Education and AI
    04:18 - Middle Manager Training
    05:00 - Generative AI in Learning
    06:08 - Daily Routine
    07:26 - Reading Recommendations
    08:06 - Future of AI
    10:23 - Leadership Traits
    12:48 - Defining Values
    15:07 - Sharing Opportunity and Privilege
    17:02 - CEO Responsibilities in Sociopolitical Context
    20:04 - DEI in the Current Climate
    22:51 - Essential Apps and Tools
    23:44 - Mental Health and Focus
    25:20 - Giving and Taking Chances
    26:46 - Conclusion and Thanks

  • On this episode of the CEO Podcast, Joe Payne, the CEO of Code42, discusses the significance of their software in preventing data loss and insider threats, citing high-profile cases like Edward Snowden and Anthony Levandowski. Payne emphasizes the importance of protecting companies from employees who might make poor decisions with sensitive data.

    Joe Payne talks about his journey to becoming CEO of Code42, explaining the company's transformation from an endpoint backup business to a leader in data security. He reflects on the challenges and extended timeline of this transformation, initially expecting it to take three to four years but realizing it took nine. He stresses the importance of being authentic, transparent, and relentlessly pursuing betterment as key leadership traits. Additionally, Payne addresses how AI is being integrated into their software to identify corporate and personal data, and how Code42 adapts to the dynamic nature of security threats.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 - 0:45 - Introduction and Joe Payne's role as CEO of Code42.
    0:46 - 2:00 - Relevance of Code42 in preventing cases like Edward Snowden and Anthony Levandowski.
    2:01 - 3:00 - Details about Levandowski's case and his pardon by President Trump.
    3:01 - 3:30 - Joe Payne thanks Clint Betts for having him on the show.
    3:31 - 4:30 - Code42's mission to secure a collaborative culture.
    4:31 - 6:00 - Joe Payne's journey to becoming CEO of Code42 and the company’s transformation. 6:01 - 10:00 - Challenges and timeline of transforming Code42; reflection on why business transformations take longer than expected.
    10:01 - 10:45 - Joe Payne's base in Washington, DC, and Code42's headquarters in Minneapolis. 10:46 - 11:45 - Advantages of Minneapolis as a business location.
    11:46 - 14:30 - A typical day for Joe Payne, including personal habits and meeting routines.
    14:31 - 18:30 - Importance of regular communication and meetings in leadership; impact of AI and its integration into Code42's software.
    18:31 - 21:00 - Book recommendations and current reading habits of Joe Payne.
    21:01 - 25:00 - Traits of successful leadership: authenticity, transparency, and relentless improvement. 25:01 - 29:30 - Creating a welcoming work environment, including alcohol management and company culture.
    29:31 - 32:00 - Essential tools and apps Joe Payne uses daily; discussion about Code42's product and customer interactions.
    32:01 - 35:00 - Final thoughts on leadership and giving chances, mentioning Bruce Payne and Brad Willison; concluding remarks and invitation to return for further discussions.

  • In this episode of the CEO Podcast, host Clint sits down with Ajoy Krishnamoorthy, the CEO of Cin7, to discuss his incredible journey from a software product guy at Microsoft to leading a cloud-based inventory management software company. Ajoy shares his experiences, insights, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

    Timestamps:
    00:09 - Introduction and welcome
    00:32 - Ajoy's journey to becoming CEO of Cin7
    03:02 - Overview of Cin7 and its customers
    04:53 - A typical day in the life of a CEO 07:08 - How Ajoy prioritizes his day
    09:43 - Reading recommendations and staying informed
    13:00 - Integrating AI into Cin7
    15:22 - Necessary traits for successful leadership
    16:42 - Lessons learned throughout Ajoy's career
    18:23 - Essential tools and apps for daily productivity
    19:51 - Staying grounded and maintaining mental health
    22:04 - Thoughts on the current macroeconomic environment
    25:33 - The importance of giving and receiving chances

  • In this episode, we sit down with Rob Petrozzo, the Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Rally, to explore the fascinating journey of building a unique platform that democratizes access to high-value collectibles. From dinosaur fossils to Warhol paintings, Rally has turned the world of collectibles into a stock market where everyone can invest.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:21 - What is Rally?
    00:43 - Financial System Insights
    01:57 - Early Fundraising Efforts
    04:58 - Building the Product
    09:01 - AI Integration
    15:20 - Daily Routine
    18:10 - Building Relationships with Leagues
    21:10 - Lessons Learned
    23:05 - Reading Recommendations
    25:08 - Power of Nostalgia
    26:37 - Essential Tools and Apps
    28:39 - Role of New York City
    31:14 - Advice for Entrepreneurs
    34:32 - Mental Health and Staying Grounded
    36:58 - Acknowledging Support

  • In this episode of the CEO Podcast with Clint Betts, Sameer Maskey discusses the journey of his company approaching an IPO through a SPAC, detailing the steps involved in the process, including signing a Business Combination Agreement and waiting for SEC approvals. Maskey, with a rich background in AI and machine learning, elaborates on his career trajectory from his early research in dialog systems to founding Fusemachines in 2013. His initial focus was on creating customer service automation systems, leveraging his expertise in natural language dialog systems to cater to customer service sectors.

    The conversation also touches on the broader impacts and applications of AI in business and society, reflecting on its evolution from niche to mainstream. Maskey highlights his personal mission through Fusemachines to democratize AI, aiming to make AI education and tools accessible worldwide, particularly in underserved communities. This approach, he believes, can significantly contribute to reducing poverty and improving quality of life globally. Additionally, Maskey shares insights into the operational and strategic aspects of leading a tech company, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in the dynamic tech landscape.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction and discussion on going public via SPAC.
    01:15 - Explanation of the SPAC process and business combination agreement.
    02:30 - Background on Sameer Maskey's career and the founding of Fusemachines.
    03:45 - Discussion on the evolution of AI and its impact on society.
    05:00 - The mission of Fusemachines to democratize AI.
    06:20 - Sameer Maskey's background and education in Nepal.
    07:30 - Typical daily schedule as CEO of Fusemachines.
    08:45 - Strategy for deciding daily and weekly priorities.
    10:00 - Future predictions for AI and its integration into daily life.
    11:15 - Discussion on the potential for solo founders in the future due to AI advancements.
    12:30 - Personal reading habits and book recommendations.
    13:45 - Essential traits for leadership.
    15:00 - Reflections on what Sameer Maskey wished he knew at the start of his career.

  • On this episode of the CEO podcast Jon Lensing, CEO of OpenLoop, discusses the foundation and evolution of his company which provides comprehensive telehealth services. Established during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020, OpenLoop initially served as a matching system for healthcare providers to cover shifts in hospitals. Lensing explains how the company pivoted to becoming a significant player in the telehealth sector, offering technological infrastructure, staffing, legal compliance, and billing services to facilitate remote healthcare. He shares insights into his background, from a small-town upbringing to starting a drone company during his undergraduate studies, which influenced his innovative approach in healthcare.

    As the discussion unfolds, Lensing reflects on the shifts in OpenLoop’s business model in response to the pandemic, transitioning from physical healthcare staffing to a broader digital health service provider. He emphasizes the importance of technology in maximizing healthcare efficiency and details how OpenLoop assists health entrepreneurs and organizations in adapting to the digital age. The conversation also touches on broader economic conditions and their impact on healthcare consumer behavior, highlighting the strategic adjustments OpenLoop has made to navigate the changing landscape. Lensing concludes with personal reflections on the support systems that have facilitated his journey, including his family, team, and investors.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Clint Betts introduces Jon Lensing and asks about the current state of OpenLoop post-pandemic.
    01:20 - Jon Lensing explains the services provided by OpenLoop, including technological infrastructure for digital health.
    03:45 - Lensing details his personal background, including his initial ventures and medical training. 05:30 - Transition to discussing the origins of OpenLoop and its initial focus on staffing hospitals. 07:10 - Discussion of the pivot OpenLoop made during the pandemic towards telehealth services. 08:55 - Jon elaborates on the rapid growth and expansion of services OpenLoop experienced during the pandemic.
    10:30 - Explanation of a typical day for Jon Lensing and how it varies.
    12:15 - Lensing provides advice on raising venture capital and the importance of choosing the right investors.
    14:50 - Discussion on the future of artificial intelligence in OpenLoop and its role in healthcare.
    17:25 - Jon Lensing reflects on the macroeconomic environment and its impact on OpenLoop's business strategy.
    19:00 - Closing thoughts from Jon Lensing on the support he has received throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

  • In this episode of the CEO.com Show, host Clint Betts interviews Amena Ali, the CEO of Optoro, delving into her extensive leadership experience and her current role at the helm of a company specializing in returns and reverse logistics. Amena shares her journey through the tech industry over the past 25 years, highlighting her progression from management consulting and various roles in marketing and finance to her current position as CEO. She details her entry into the software sector and her ascent to chief executive roles at several companies, emphasizing her strategic involvement in scaling businesses at critical junctures.

    During the conversation, Amena explains the operations of Optoro, which focuses on managing the complexities of returned goods in the e-commerce era. She describes the logistical challenges and innovative solutions involving machine learning and AI to optimize the reverse logistics process, ensuring efficient handling of returns, reducing environmental impact, and improving financial outcomes for retailers. The discussion also covers the broader implications of return policies on consumer behavior and the necessity of integrating advanced technology to handle the increasing volume of online shopping returns effectively.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 - Introduction to the CEO.com Show with Clint Betts and introduction of Amena Ali, CEO of Optoro.
    0:45 - Amena Ali discusses her 25-year journey through technology, highlighting her roles from management consulting to becoming CEO.
    2:00 - Explanation of Optoro's role in returns and reverse logistics.
    3:20 - Discussion on machine learning and AI's role in managing returns and optimizing logistics.
    5:40 - Challenges and processes involved in handling returns, from quality checks to reintegration into inventory or other dispositions.
    7:10 - The impact of return policies on consumer behavior and the necessity for efficient handling of returns.
    8:50 - Broader implications of AI in enhancing customer experiences and optimizing return processes.
    10:30 - Strategies to minimize fraud in the returns process using AI and data analytics.
    12:15 - Amena shares her approach to prioritizing tasks and making impactful decisions daily.
    13:50 - Discussion on reading habits and influential books.
    15:30 - Amena talks about the culture within Optoro and the importance of team values.
    17:10 - Amena discusses the role of empathy in leadership and the broader societal context.
    19:00 - Closing thoughts and thanks to Amena Ali for her insights and participation on the show.

  • In the interview, Abby Miller Levy, founder of Primetime Partners, shares her career journey and her motivations behind focusing on aging and longevity. Starting from her family influence and business-oriented upbringing, she discusses her diverse professional background, from working at McKinsey and SoulCycle to co-founding Thrive Global with Arianna Huffington. Her career experiences led her to identify a niche in venture capitalism, aimed at improving the lives of older adults, which became the foundation for launching Primetime Partners. She elaborates on the demographic shifts toward an aging population and the unmet needs in this sector, explaining how these insights directed her venture capital initiatives.

    Further in the interview, Abby dives into her venture fund's focus, detailing how they support startups that are innovating in the health and aging sectors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer needs and experiences, which she learned from her roles at prominent brands. Abby also discusses the broader implications of an aging society on healthcare and economics, highlighting the critical need for solutions that extend health span to match lifespan. Her insights into venture capital, combined with her personal experiences and professional background, underline her commitment to fostering significant impacts in the aging and longevity landscape.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Clint welcomes Abby to the show.
    01:30 - Abby introduces her background and early influences.
    03:00 - Discussion about her experience at McKinsey & Company.
    05:00 - Abby talks about her roles in Oxo and SoulCycle.
    07:00 - Founding of Primetime Partners and focus on aging.
    09:00 - Insights into demographic trends and aging.
    11:00 - Challenges in healthcare related to increased life expectancy.
    13:00 - Investment philosophy and types of companies Primetime supports.
    15:00 - Use of AI in venture capital and healthcare.
    17:00 - Abby's personal daily routine and habits.
    19:00 - Final thoughts on the impact of her work and future outlook.

  • In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Degreed CEO David Blake. David is a well-known figure in the Utah tech scene, and I've had the pleasure of knowing him since the early 2010s. One of my first events was with David at BYU, alongside Ryan Caldwell from MX. David is one of the most thoughtful and well-read CEOs in the world, and his unique approach to education and lifelong learning is truly inspiring. This episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

    Timestamps:
    00:01:06 - David Blake's Background and Introduction to Degreed
    00:02:10 - The Concept and Mission Behind Degreed
    00:03:50 - Critique of Traditional Education Systems
    00:05:14 - Early Career and Inspiration for Degreed
    00:07:01 - The Journey to Founding Degreed
    00:08:53 - Degreed's Business Model and Evolution
    00:12:23 - Challenges and Successes in Scaling Degreed
    00:15:10 - Principles and Values in Building Degreed
    00:16:17 - Critique of the University System
    00:19:19 - Student Loan Debt and Government Policies
    00:23:32 - Employer-Sponsored Education and Its Implications
    00:25:57 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education
    00:29:41 - Future of Job and Skill-Based Hiring
    00:31:41 - Transition from Degreed to Politics
    00:32:36 - Running for Vice President and Democracy Reform
    00:36:47 - Historical Context of Vice Presidential Elections
    00:40:00 - Typical Day and Current Roles
    00:42:19 - Writing "The Expertise Economy"
    00:43:38 - Decision on Hybrid Work Model
    00:45:50 - Book Recommendations
    00:47:31 - Reflecting on Who Gave a Chance

  • In this episode, we interviewed EPSG CEO Brent Rose. Brent has been in his current role since 2023 but brings over 30 years of industry experience to the table. Our conversation spanned a variety of topics, from his early days in the industry to his current responsibilities and insights on leadership.

    Timestamps:
    00:00:31 - Brent Rose's Career Journey
    00:02:35 - Early Days in the Industry
    00:05:54 - Self-Leadership and Daily Routine
    00:07:40 - Typical Day as a CEO
    00:09:07 - Deciding Where to Spend Time
    00:11:19 - Reading Recommendations
    00:13:24 - Impact of AI on Business
    00:16:56 - Work from Home and Hybrid Work Models
    00:18:35 - Defining Company Culture
    00:20:21 - Leaders and Inspirations
    00:22:30 - The Importance of Giving and Receiving Chances