Tech Leader Talk

Steve Sponseller

The Tech Leader Talk podcast brings together successful technology company leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from around the technology industry to share successes, challenges, and examples of what's working now to build strong tech companies. Tune in each week as Steve Sponseller interviews a new leader in the tech world.

  1. 4d ago

    Building A Tech Ecosystem – Paul Zelizer and Vicki Apodaca

    Have you ever thought about how to build a tech ecosystem for your community?  Today I'm talking with two people who are doing that right now. My guests today are Paul Zelizer and Vicki Apodaca. They are the organizers of the first Tech Week in New Mexico.  Paul is a business coach for social entrepreneurs and has helped over 30,000 leaders grow their impact-driven companies and organizations. Vicki has been a founding member of several tech startups and is currently building a document intelligence platform with AI analytics. Paul and Vicki discuss New Mexico's emerging tech momentum, the role of national labs, startup funding, and the goal of bringing more investment and high-wage jobs to New Mexico. Vicki shares why inclusivity and "educating by doing" are central to the event, while Paul explains how the team has focused on New Mexico's distinct ecosystem. Paul and Vicki emphasize that New Mexico Tech Week is operated with the structure and discipline of a startup rather than as an informal community organization. Paul and Vicki also share the business lessons they have learned during the process of creating and implementing the Tech Week. I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some ideas for creating or supporting a tech ecosystem in your area. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Creating a startup ecosystem - Educate by doing - Being brave enough to try something new - Strong ecosystems need a flywheel Resources: New Mexico Tech Week: https://newmexicotechweek.com/ Connect with Vicki and Paul: Vicki – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaapodaca/ Paul – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzelizer/ Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's 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.

  2. Sep 24

    Technical Presentations with Clown Presence – Don Colliver

    Do you need help delivering compelling technical presentations? Today I'm talking with Don Colliver, who is a facilitator and communication consultant with over 20 years of experience.  He has worked as a consultant for tech companies like Google, Cisco, Adobe, and IBM.  Don is also a former theatrical clown for a circus and has performed with the Blue Man Group. He is the author of the book Wink: Transforming Public Speaking with Clown Presence. Don talks about how his experience as a clown helps him when training tech companies how to give good presentations. He also discusses how to present technical information without putting your audience to sleep. Don also shares the 3 questions you must ask about your audience before planning any presentation. I'm sure you will enjoy Don's tips and insights for building audience awareness, increasing rapport, and clearly communicating technical information. "Sometimes all you need is to hear positive feedback for a few presentations." – Don Colliver Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Important factors when presenting technical information - Why engagement is so important - 3 questions to ask about your audience when planning a presentation (Who – What – Why) - How to improve your tech team's presentations - A change in mindset regarding public speaking Resources: Don's book – Wink – https://www.amazon.com/Wink-Transforming-Public-Speaking-Presence/dp/B0B45CHMZK Free Audience Engagement Exercise – https://www.doncolliver.com/techengage Book: Crucial Conversations – https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186 Connect with Don Colliver: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/doncolliver/ 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.

  3. Sep 17

    Supporting Space Tech Startups – Casey DeRaad and Arial DeHerrera

    Do you want to learn about a Space Tech Ignitor program that helps space tech startups get tailored guidance, expert connections, and access to investors and customers? That's what I'm discussing today with my guests, Casey DeRaad and Arial DeHerrera.    As they discuss during this episode, Casey brings the vision, industry experience, and funding knowledge to NewSpace Nexus. Arial turns that vision into action by managing the details and helping companies tell their stories. Casey and Arial talk about the NewSpace Ignitor program and the secret behind the Ignitor's great results. In the last four years, NewSpace Ignitor has supported 63 startups that have raised over $350 million in total funding and contracts. Specifically, Casey brings decades of experience from AFRL, NASA, and industry partnerships, while Arial explains how an unexpected call pulled her from a potential career in medicine into space tech. Casey and Arial share their beliefs that space tech startups don't fail only because of their technology. Often, the harder problem is reaching the right customer, telling a clear story, and surviving uncertain funding cycles. Casey describes the NewSpace Ignitor as "a startup helping startups." Through the program, companies receive tailored support based on their specific needs, from customer connections and demonstration equipment to workforce resources and space qualification. Arial explains the three strengths of the program: 1.    Connecting suppliers to buyers 2.    Providing access to a broad expert network 3.    Offering tailored navigation based on each company's actual challenges I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some insights on what it takes to grow a successful space tech startup. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Growing a space tech startup - Success is not just based on the technology - A customized approach to growing tech startups - Concept to Product to Sales - The story behind the NewSpace Ignitor program Resources: NewSpace Nexus website: https://www.newspacenexus.org/ Learn more about NewSpace Nexus activities: https://www.newspacenexus.org/join-us/ Connect with Casey, Arial, and NewSpace Nexus: Casey – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-anglada-deraad-3201a715/ Arial – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arial-deherrera-3597b819a/ Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's 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.

  4. Sep 10

    Building the Right Team for Your Tech Company – Mike Krupit

    Would you like to learn how to build the right team for your technology company? That's what I'm discussing on this episode with my guest, Mike Krupit. Mike is the founder and CEO of Trajectify, which provides leadership and business growth support. Prior to founding Trajectify, Mike worked with eight Silicon Valley Startups where he learned valuable business leadership lessons. On this episode, Mike talks about building a "not-to-do list" and outsourcing or automating tasks you don't enjoy or could be handled more efficiently by someone else. He also shares his thoughts on how you should delegate authority, not just tasks. Mike discusses why your business culture comes from core values and hiring decisions.  He recommends defining the behaviors your values require, then using those values throughout the hiring and recognition process. Mike also gives his thoughts on the four accountabilities of an effective CEO: 1. The organization's vision 2. Putting the right people in the right seats 3. Financial and legal sustainability 4. Being the company's outside face and voice  Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Startup challenges and insights - Company culture comes from core values and hiring decisions - How to delegate authority - The importance of building a "not-to-do list" - Four accountabilities of an effective CEO Connect with Mike Krupit: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrupit/ Website:  https://www.trajectify.com/ Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's 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.

  5. Aug 27

    A Good UX Design Improves Your Business – Matt Genovese

    Would you like to learn how to create a User Experience (UX) that accelerates time-to-market and reduces cost?  That's exactly what I'm discussing today with Matt Genovese.  Matt is the founder and CEO of Planorama, which is a User Experience design firm that focuses on making complex and technical software – simple and intuitive to use. Matt and the team at Planorama follow the mantra, "Time to market, accelerated by design." During our discussion, Matt shares information about how he and his team get involved early in the product design process so the UX requirements and documentation are defined at the beginning - and play an important role in the entire design process. Matt also explains the importance of User Stories in the overall UX design process to save time and money.  He also mentions a free User Story Generator tool offered by Planorama.  There's a link to this tool in the show notes. I know you will find value in this interview and get some insights for improving your company's User Experience design process. "Design is all about requirements. UX defines the solid visual requirements for a product. So, the investment in a good UX design saves money on the development activities." – Matt Genovese Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - A first step to improve your UX - How a good UX design improves your business - What are User Stories and why are they important to the design process - When to start UX design in the product design process - The importance of UX design to software companies Connect with Matt Genovese: Contact Matt:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgenovese/ 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.

  6. Aug 20

    Protecting Space Tech Inventions – Steve Sponseller

    Episode 200!  I'm excited to publish the 200th episode of the Tech Leader Talk podcast. I've talked with some amazing people and learned something from every guest.  I hope you enjoy this episode and learn from the information I share. Are you protecting your company's critical inventions that create a competitive advantage, attract investors, and increase valuation?     This interview is part of the Space Tech Innovation event where Space Tech Leaders share the latest trends and key insights to grow any tech company.  The event is Free – you can register at https://SpaceTechInnovation.com to see all the videos, edited transcripts, and an executive summary of each interview. Today's interview is going to be different.  I've turned the tables and I am the person being interviewed.  Shelli Brunswick (a previous guest on the podcast) has generously agreed to interview me today.  Shelli is the former Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation and a fantastic interviewer for her own podcast. Today, I will be talking with Shelli about my insights from interviewing eight space tech leaders as part of the Space Tech Innovation event.  I've been working with tech companies for more than 25 years, but I still discovered new things from my discussions with the space tech leaders. I will also be sharing my own knowledge and experience about how tech companies (space tech and non-space tech) can protect their most valuable inventions to create patent portfolios that provide a competitive advantage, attract investors, and increase company valuation. I think you will enjoy this conversation with me and get some valuable tips and insights that can help you in your own business activities. "Two of the biggest mistakes I see space tech companies make regarding their inventions are 1) not having a system to identify all inventions created by their team, and 2) not understanding patent filing deadlines." – Steve Sponseller (Patent Strategist at Strategic IP Solutions, LLC) Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Why space tech companies must protect their inventions - Insights from talking with eight space tech experts for the Space Tech Innovation event - Biggest mistakes when protecting inventions - The motivation behind Steve's book, Cracking the Patent Code - Why collaboration among space tech companies is critical Resources: Space Tech White Paper:  https://stevesponseller.com/spacetech/ Steve's book, Cracking the Patent Code:  https://stevesponseller.com/book Connect with Steve Sponseller: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesponseller/ Website:  https://stevesponseller.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.

  7. Aug 13

    Space Engineering: Power Systems and Orbital Data Centers – Al Tadros

    Do you want to know how an experienced space tech CTO solves space's toughest problems?  Keep listening because that's what I'm discussing with today's guest, Al Tadros. Al is a Space Technology Innovator and the CTO of Redwire Space.  In this role, he is focused on making strategic investments that support Redwire's customers, advance technology development, and maintain a collaborative technical culture.  Al has three decades of experience in space systems engineering, including satellite and space systems for exploration, national security, and commercial missions. On today's episode, Al talks about his passion for solving tough problems, which led him to pursue engineering in the space industry.  During our discussion, he shares information on designing space-based power systems, roll-out solar arrays, and orbital data centers. Al shares his insights on redundancy and risk strategies when developing systems that operate in space.  He also discusses challenges when dealing with space industry innovation. Al provides his thoughts on the evolution of power systems for space missions and how those power systems may change in the future.  He also talks about challenges when scaling up power generation for orbital data centers, lunar systems, and other systems. Whether you're an engineer, a tech leader, or just curious about the future of space, this episode will provide inspiration and practical insights from an industry leader. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Techniques for solving hard problems - Scaling up power systems for space - Designing with redundant systems - High-efficiency, roll-out solar arrays (ROSA) - Requirements and challenges for orbital data centers Resources: Orbital Data Centers white paper:  https://rdw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RDW26-053-ODC-Power-Thermal-Study-White-Paper-R11-Digital.pdf Video: Deployment of Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CFejld5r_I Connect with Al Tadros: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-tadros-986a583/ Website:  https://rdw.com/ Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's 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.

  8. Aug 6

    Innovation and Risk in Today's Space Industry – Hadi Alhassani

    Do you want to learn about innovation and risk from a veteran of the space industry?  Today's guest, Hadi Alhassani, has more than 25 years of experience with satellite operations, technical leadership, launching satellites, and space sustainability.  Early in his career, Hadi worked as a Satellite Engineer then moved to an Engineering Director and a Chief Strategist.  During his career he has managed complex projects and worked with other space professionals across many countries. During our discussion, Hadi discusses the importance of following your passion.  That's exactly what he did by following his passion for space technology. Hadi shares his thoughts on risks involved in the space industry, such as technical risks and financial risks.  He shares some important ideas for managing those risks. Hadi also talks about the unique opportunities and challenges that exist for the space industry in the Middle East and North Africa.  In particular, he discusses growth, sovereignty, and global collaboration. I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some valuable insights you can use in your own business. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Why you must follow your passion - Evolution of the space industry - Opportunities and challenges in today's space industry - Managing risk in the space industry Connect with Hadi Alhassani: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulhadi-alhassani-3b899018/ Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's 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.

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About

The Tech Leader Talk podcast brings together successful technology company leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts from around the technology industry to share successes, challenges, and examples of what's working now to build strong tech companies. Tune in each week as Steve Sponseller interviews a new leader in the tech world.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Sponseller
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Tech Leader Talk

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