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. 3d ago

    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.

  2. Jul 30

    Using AI for Business, Innovation and Brainstorming – Mike Todasco

    Innovation is critical for tech companies to maintain their competitive edge.  My guest today is Mike Todasco.  He's sharing his expertise with innovation and artificial intelligence (AI). Mike is highly qualified to talk about these topics individually and he will discuss how AI can help with innovation and creativity.  He was formerly the Head of Innovation at PayPal and he's listed as an inventor on over 100 patents.  He left his work at PayPal to focus on Generative Artificial Intelligence. During our discussion, Mike shares information about the innovation culture that was created at PayPal and how team members were encouraged to innovate. He also discusses his current activities with AI and how he's using AI tools to write books, generate comic strips, create new ideas, and more.  Mike talks about how to use today's AI tools, like ChatGPT, to come up with innovative ideas, generate rough drafts of emails, and act as your brainstorming partner. I'm sure you will enjoy this discussion and get some valuable tips for creating innovative ideas and leveraging AI tools in your business. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - How to encourage all team members to innovate - Mike's technique for generating new ideas - The huge potential for Generative Artificial Intelligence - Using AI tools as your 24/7 brainstorming partner - Writing books and other content with AI tools Connect with Mike Todasco: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/ Email:  miketodasco (at) gmail.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.

  3. Jul 23

    Take Control of Your Data to Grow Your Business – Jon Thompson

    Are you effectively leveraging your company's data? On this episode, I have an interesting conversation with Jon Thompson.  Jon is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Blue Margin, which is a data analytics company that organizes data into dashboards.  Jon discusses how these dashboards can help companies quickly and easily understand complex data. Jon and his team have helped over 200 companies improve their business outcomes through the use of performance dashboards that drive focus and accountability.  Jon and the Blue Margin team works with companies in a variety of industries. Jon also co-authored a book with his brother titled "The Dashboard Effect," which explains why data intelligence is the next great differentiator in business.  He discusses this in more detail during our interview. Jon also explains that dashboards aren't just for the company leaders.  Jon encourages companies to provide dashboards to all team members, which can help build motivation and teamwork. I'm sure you will enjoy this discussion with Jon and I encourage you to take action by clicking the link below where you can download Jon's Stakeholder Survey and a free copy of his Book. "Dashboards need to be people-centric, not topic-centric.  Dashboards are tools for people to consume that will improve their activities and processes." – Jon Thompson Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - How companies can derive value from large amounts of data - Different types of data analysis for business data - Leveraging data dashboards in your company - Determining the most valuable data indicators for your company - How to incorporate data analysis into your entire business Resources: Learn more about The Dashboard Effect: https://www.bluemargin.com The Dashboard Effect podcast:  https://www.bluemargin.com/en-us/the-dashboard-effect-podcast-data-strategies-for-private-equity Connect with Jon Thompson: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-thompson-37282432/ Website:  https://www.bluemargin.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.

  4. Jul 16

    Protecting Your Highest Priority Inventions – Steve Sponseller

    This is another solo episode of the Tech Leader Talk podcast. Today's episode continues the discussion of the 7-Step system I created that's helped many tech companies build robust patent strategies.  I will be discussing the fifth step in that system, which helps you protect your highest priority inventions to build a valuable patent portfolio. In previous episodes of the podcast, I've discussed the first four steps.  Today, I'm discussing step 5 which is: Protecting your highest priority inventions that will add valuable assets to your patent portfolio. This step follows from the previous discussion of step 4 which talks about defining invention evaluation criteria that's used to evaluate your team's inventions.  If you want to listen to the step 4 episode, it was published on:  May 28, 2026.  Link to that episode:  https://www.podpage.com/tech-leader-talk-1/creating-invention-evaluation-criteria-for-a-robust-patent-strategy-steve-sponseller/ You want to patent the most valuable inventions that your team creates, so you continually build a strong patent portfolio filled with high-value patent assets. Unfortunately, many patents have minimal value for a variety of reasons, such as being easy for a competitor to design around.  Applying your company's evaluation criteria to each invention allows you to prioritize those inventions and select the highest value inventions for patent protection. When prioritizing your inventions, it's important to protect your core technology that provides a competitive advantage.  You should also prioritize must-have features that make your product stand out in the marketplace.  If you patent a must-have feature, you may have the ability to exclude competitors from offering that feature.  Other high-priority inventions are those that are likely to have high value in the future based on today's technology trends. Be sure to apply your evaluation criteria to each invention then select the highest priority inventions to file patent applications that will create patent assets for your patent portfolio.  Make this process of invention evaluation and patent protection part of your regular business activities. I will be talking about the remaining 2 steps to building your robust patent strategy in future episodes.  Questions? If you have any questions about building a robust patent strategy for your company, contact me to schedule a complimentary call. Contact me via email: Steve@SteveSponseller.com Thanks for listening! Be sure to get your free copy of my latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover my proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

  5. Jul 9

    Growing your Business with the SBIR program – Tracy Gregorio

    Did you know that the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program can help your small business grow by solving particular problems defined by public sector organizations? On this episode, I am talking with Tracy Gregorio.  Tracy is the CEO of G2 Ops, which is an IT engineering and cybersecurity company serving the US Navy, the government, and commercial enterprises.  She has a wide range of experience with both the military and the private sector. Tracy shares how her variety of experience helps her as a company leader today.  She also provides tips on how small businesses can be successful working with large government agencies. During our discussion, Tracy explains the SBIR program and describes the three different phases of the program.  The SBIR program is intended to stimulate technological innovation in small businesses. Tracy also talks about how she and the team at G2 Ops has created and sustained a culture of innovation and creativity. I'm sure you will get some great ideas from Tracy that you can incorporate into your own business. "Our private sector experience dealing with revenue, ROI, and delivering value gives our company an advantage when working with government agencies." – Tracy Gregorio Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - How to take advantage of the SBIR program - Tips for small businesses working with large government agencies - Creating a culture of innovation in your company - Tips for small businesses to scale quickly and handle big projects - Cultivating strong relationships with other businesses Connect with Tracy Gregorio: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracygregorio/ Website:  https://g2-ops.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.

  6. Jun 25

    Raising Funds for Your Tech Startup – Mark Sherman

    How can your tech startup attract investors? On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Mark Sherman. Mark is a Managing Partner of Titanium Ventures, which is a venture capital firm in San Francisco, CA with a strong track record.  As we talk about on this episode, Titanium Ventures uses data science and quantitative analysis when analyzing investment opportunities. Mark talks about what he and his partners look for in a technology startup.  One thing they like to see is a passion for the business.  Mark shares other key factors during our discussion. He also talks about how companies can make their pitch stand out to investors and make a good impression. I know you will enjoy this conversation with Mark and leave with some insights on how to position your company to improve the chances of getting funding. "We typically invest in Series A and Series B companies. Our goal is to help companies grow to $100M in revenue and beyond." – Mark Sherman Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Using data analysis when evaluating tech startups for investment - How can a pitch grab an investor's attention - Factors considered before investing in a technology startup   Connect with Mark Sherman: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markheyssherman/ Website:  https://telstraventures.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. Jun 18

    Leveraging Your Innovation and Automation – Andrew Cohen

    Are you effectively leveraging your innovation and automation to improve efficiency? On this episode of the podcast, I am talking with Andrew Cohen. Andrew is the Managing Director of Netsurit and the Managing Partner of EVOKE.  These companies partner with clients to build modern workplace solutions that address organizational and technological challenges. During our discussion, Andrew explains how he and his team help companies stay competitive through innovation and automation.  He talks about the relationship between innovation and automation. During our conversation, Andrew talks about "Innovate as a Service" – a new term for me.  I encourage you to listen as Andrew explains how Netsurit uses "Innovate as a Service" with its clients.  It may give you some new ideas for your own business. I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation with Andrew and get some insights on using innovation and automation to strengthen your company's competitive advantage. "Look at your current business activities, identify any inefficiencies, and leverage your existing technology to be more efficient." – Andrew Cohen Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - Staying competitive through innovation and automation - Providing innovation as an ongoing service - Implementing Innovate as a Service - User adoption as part of the innovation and automation process - Fostering an innovative spirit in your organization Connect with Andrew Cohen: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cohen-91945a4/ Website:  https://netsurit.com/en-us/ 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.

  8. Jun 11

    Space Tech Innovation for X-Ray Satellite Inspection – Lee Rosen

    Do you want to hear the story behind a space technology innovation that performs x-ray satellite inspection in space?  Keep listening because that's what I'll be discussing today with my guest, Lee Rosen. Lee is a co-founder of Think Orbital with an interesting background spanning military service in the Air Force and working at SpaceX.  His fascination with aviation began in his high school rocketry club and has continued through his work at Think Orbital. Lee discusses how the team at Think Orbital discovered that electron beam technology could generate x-rays.  This discovery led to their innovative system that can x-ray satellites to determine if weapons or other dangerous objects are hidden inside a satellite. On this episode, Lee shares his motivation for co-founding Think Orbital and talks about the current projects the company is developing. Lee talks about how true innovation often comes from accidental discoveries while solving real problems.  He also shares his belief that success in tech isn't just about physics – it's about questioning every human-made constraint.  If it's not a law of nature, it's open to challenge and innovation. I'm confident that this conversation with Lee Rosen will give you some valuable information that you can apply in your own business. Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast: - True innovation from accidental discoveries - Rigorous testing techniques - Cross-disciplinary experimentation - Enabling large-scale construction in space - Why you should question every human-made constraint Connect with Lee Rosen: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewrosen/ Website:  https://thinkorbital.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.

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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
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Tech Leader Talk

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