Tech Leader Talk Steve Sponseller

Would you like to learn how to create stability in your organization while the tech landscape is constantly changing?
Today’s guest, Stephen Shapiro, will share his insights and experiences about using “Pivotal Strategies” to strengthen your tech company. 
Stephen is a leading keynote speaker, author, and advisor on innovation.  He has two decades of practical innovation experience, including a 15-year tenure at Accenture, where he created and led a 20,000-person innovation practice.
Stephen has just released a new book titled “Pivotal: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World.”  Today he will be sharing some insights from his latest book and the motivation behind the book.
Stephen talks about the importance of understanding your organization’s unique strengths and leveraging them as differentiators.  He suggests “doubling down” on what sets you apart to create maximum impact and value.
During our conversation, Stephen also explains that pivoting is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure a stable foundation.  Excessive pivoting can lead to burnout, confusion, and lack of alignment within your organization.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Using a basketball metaphor to illustrate the concept of pivoting
- Negative impact of excessive change in the workplace
- Identifying your differentiators
- Pivoting with purpose
- How to create stability in an uncertain world
"Instead of trying to figure out what's next, what do you do great that you should double down on."  Stephen Shapiro
Stephen’s new book:
Pivotal: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World - https://www.amazon.com/Pivotal-Creating-Stability-Uncertain-World-ebook/dp/B0CW1C6HKX
Connect with Stephen Shapiro:
Website:  https://stephenshapiro.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shapiroinnovates/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Can your company benefit from rapid iteration techniques and simulation to quickly develop successful products?
Today I’m talking with Joe Pawelski, who is the Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of CisLunar Industries.
Joe and the team at CisLunar Industries are building and operating space foundries to enable the next industrial revolution.  In particular, he works with in-space metal processing and space debris recycling.
Joe has a passion for figuring out things people say are impossible.  Some of the projects he and the CisLunar team are working on include things that might seem impossible, like turning space debris into propellants and other useful materials.  And, doing this in orbit, not on Earth.
During our discussion, Joe talks about how to test and simulate these projects on earth during the design process.  He also discusses rapid iteration techniques that can be used when developing these types of systems.
Joe shares valuable insights that you can apply in your own tech business.
“We believe that abundant resources in space are a good way to sustain humanity.  We think of ourselves as a sustainable company that’s looking out for the earth.” – Joe Pawelski (CTO of CisLunar Industries)
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Creating metal propellants from space debris
- How to recycle space debris while in orbit
- Rapid iteration techniques to build better products
- What is ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization)
- Designing and building space foundries
Connect with Joe Pawelski:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-pawelski/
Website: https://www.cislunarindustries.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Do you want some insights on growing your business with digital transformation and innovation?
That’s what I’m discussing today with Michael Lynch.  Michael is the CEO of Praxie, which is a leader in AI-powered digital transformation software.
During our conversation, Michael discusses how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are changing the manufacturing process.  And, he shares information about how Praxie helps companies digitize their business in a cost-effective manner.
Michael also talks about horizontal AI (generalized) versus vertical AI (company-specific) and discusses practical application examples of both types of AI.
During our discussion, Michael shares how his work as an actor, singer, and dancer helps him in his role as a CEO today.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Today’s manufacturing process changes
- The AI-driven business process revolution
- Digitizing all aspects of the manufacturing process
- Horizontal AI vs. vertical AI
Connect with Michael Lynch:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsutherlandlynch/
Website:  https://praxie.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Did you know that NASA has patented inventions ready for you to license and commercialize?
On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Dan Lockney.
I’m excited about this episode because Dan and I talk about a fantastic program from NASA for technology companies.
Dan is the Technology Transfer Program Executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.  He is responsible for managing NASA’s intellectual property and the transfer of NASA technology to promote the commercialization and public availability of NASA’s patented inventions.
Dan and I discuss how NASA’s Technology Transfer Program operates and the types of companies that can license the technology.  Here’s a small spoiler:  any size of company can license the technology – from startups to large corporations.  And, you will be surprised at the cost of the license!
Dan shares information about the motivation behind the Technology Transfer Program.  He also discusses some of his favorite inventions that have been successfully commercialized.
Why is this program exciting to me?  As you may know, as a Patent Strategist I work with tech companies every day regarding patents and inventions.  This Technology Transfer Program is a great opportunity to license patented NASA technology to launch a business or a new product.
I encourage you to listen to this episode and see if the Technology Transfer Program is a good option for your business.
“Most of the technology in the Technology Transfer Program is outside of the aerospace area. Example technologies include medical devices, public transportation, consumer goods, and safety equipment.” – Daniel Lockney
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- How does the NASA Technology Transfer Program work
- Program success stories
- The motivation behind the Technology Transfer Program
- Types of technologies contained in the patented inventions
- How a team of NASA engineers designed a new low-cost ventilator in response to the Covid outbreak
 
Resources:
Spinoff publication:  https://spinoff.nasa.gov/
NASA Technology Transfer Program:  https://technology.nasa.gov/
NASA Spinoff temperature-regulating mugs:  https://burnoutmugs.com/
Book:  Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford - https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Class-Soulcraft-Inquiry-Value/dp/0143117467
 
Connect with Daniel Lockney:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lockney-bb5316a8/
Website:  https://technology.nasa.gov/network
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Are you looking for business insights from an experienced tech leader with 20 years of C-suite experience?
Today I’m talking with Brian Lillie, who is the President of Rackspace Private Cloud.  Brian is a globally recognized leader in the tech industry and currently leads a team of 3400 people at Rackspace.
During our discussion, Brian shares the importance of listening, learning, and leading in tech companies.
He also talks about the importance of diversity in innovation and customer-inspired innovation to foster a culture of innovation.
Brian shares insights about his leadership approach and how it was influenced by his military experience.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Insights for listening, learning, and leading
- Strategies for cloud innovation
- Diversity in innovation
- Creating a safe environment for innovative ideas
Connect with Brian Lillie:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachlillie/
Website:  https://www.rackspace.com/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Would you like some insights on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve your business innovation and efficiency?
That’s one of the topics I’m discussing today with Ajay Malik, who is an Artificial Intelligence expert and the CEO of Secomind.ai.  Ajay is also the author of the book:  Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Networking.
During our discussion, Ajay shares his thoughts on how AI will impact business in the future.  He specifically talks about three main areas where AI can be applied in business:  products, processes, and customer support.
Ajay explains the best ways for companies to take advantage of AI today to improve innovation and efficiency.  He also discusses his ideas about democratizing AI and business impact.
Ajay shares insights about the “Studio X” AI platform developed by the team at Secomind.ai.  He explains his desire to create AI tools to improve personal lives, enhance performance at work, and enable learning and growth.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- How to apply AI in your business
- Democratizing AI
- How AI is shaping the future of business
- Examples of using AI to proactively diagnose and solve problems
- Integrating AI into all aspects of business
Book Recommendation:
Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are by Robert Plomin - https://www.amazon.com/Blueprint-How-Makes-afterword-Press/dp/0262537982
Connect with Ajay Malik:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofai/
Website:  https://studiox.secomind.ai/
Email Ajay at ajay.malik@secomind.ai to schedule a free 30 minute call.
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve’s latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.