Spark of Ages

Tim Henderson, former submarine officer turned author and entrepreneur, and Jason Hansberger, Air Force leader in AI and autonomy, discuss AI reshaping warfare. They explore great power competition, semiconductor and compute stakes, ethics and norms around autonomous weapons, practical AI for flight testing and decision-making, and the DAF–Stanford AI Studio’s role in bridging research and the military.

The episode explores the investment landscape in both public and private markets, focusing on technological opportunities and insights for 2025. Key discussions include the importance of resilience against market volatility, the impact of AI on innovation, and an outlook on the IPO market.• Highlights of recent economic performance and predictions for future growth • Role of AI and technology in shaping investment strategies • Discussion on the importance of preparing for black swan events • Diverging opinions on IPOs and their focus on early investor liquidity • Growing relevance of AI in venture capital decision-makingAI is reshaping our tech landscape, and we're here to dissect its profound influence. Google and NVIDIA are at the forefront, with Google's ventures like Waymo and Google Cloud setting the stage for future growth, despite antitrust challenges and fierce competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As we discuss NVIDIA's leap into consumer-friendly AI, we also explore the compelling world of alternative investments, from Bitcoin's potential surge in 2025 to the emerging opportunities in private credit and early-stage venture capital. Diversification in high-risk investing and the potential of black swan events by 2025 are also up for discussion.We'll also have our guest enter the "Spark Tank" and play a game of "Two Truths and a Lie," exploring some of the wildest, futuristic business ventures. Roundtable Guests:Ashish Aggarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishaaggarwal/Ashish is a highly active investor in AI/ML, and a two-time founder with significant experience building and scaling products. Ashish is also a Partner at Chamaeleon, a VC firm that uses a proprietary AI platform for sourcing deals, showcasing his focus on the intersection of AI and finance.Akash Agarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aagarwal/Akash is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader with a strong background in SaaS and AI. Last year he founded Agilitas, a CPG AI platform innovating the way food and beverage products are formulated. Viral Tolat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viral-tolat-a0b942/Viral Tolat is a technology entrepreneur and investor with 30 years of experience in fintech, specializing in AI and crypto.  With advanced degrees from the University of Miami and Stanford, he is currently developing a foundation AI model for finance at Neural Engines, Inc., and serves on the board of Quadency, a retail crypto trading platform. Subscribe, rate, and comment to never miss an episode! 🚀Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarveyAll content on the Spark of Ages Podcast is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements.In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions. We try to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of publishing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timelineWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

The episode centers on the evolution of marketing in an AI-dominated landscape, discussing whether traditional marketing roles are becoming irrelevant as organizations shift towards more integrated structures. Key topics include the importance of brand, human relationships, and the challenges of relying on outdated metrics as the industry heads toward 2025. • Examining concerns around the relevance of marketing in the AI era • Discussing the blurred lines between marketing and sales roles • Reflecting on the need for a new definition and strategic role for marketing leaders • Identifying mistakes in current go-to-market strategies • Highlighting the significance of building brand awareness and meaningful customer experiences • Analyzing the implications of AI and future marketing trends • Exploring innovations in experiential marketingRajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Jon Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/Abhi Ingle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingle-abhi/Mike Ni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelni/Subscribe, rate, and comment to never miss an episode! 🚀Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarvey#entrepreneur #innovation #growth #sales #technology #innovatorsmindset #innovators #innovator #product #revenue #revenuegrowth #management  #founder #entrepreneurship #growthmindset #growthhacking #salestechniques #salestips #enterprise  #business #bschools #bschoolscholarship #company #companies #smartgrowth #efficiency #process #processimprovement #value #valuecreation #funny #podcast #comedy #desi #indian #communityWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Spark of Ages podcast! Today, we sit down with the legendary Bobby Napoltonia, whose 36-year journey has forever shaped the tech landscape. From bringing sound to computers to democratizing the telecommunications industry, Bobby’s fingerprints are all over the tech we use daily. 🙌 Join Bobby and your hosts Rajiv and Sandeep Parikh as they chat about everything from building Salesforce's AppExchange to why his strategy isn't 'go to market' but 'get the money'.Find out how Bobby's visionary strategies have reshaped companies like Twilio and Salesforce, and why thinking outside the box is crucial for success in today's fast-paced tech landscape. From leveraging marketplaces to achieving groundbreaking partnerships, Bobby's insights promise to challenge conventional thinking and inspire transformative ideas for your business journey.Explore the trends reshaping the tech world, from the urgent need to tackle online identity fraud in gaming to the environmental impact of AI. Bobby sheds light on the critical issues of re-shoring manufacturing to the U.S. and the promising potential of robotics to address societal challenges like care deficits in aging populations. Learn why diversity in tech is more than just a buzzword and how it's shaping the future of innovation, as we highlight inspiring stories of overcoming funding barriers for African-American entrepreneurs through ventures like the "Super Foundry."Expect laughs, insights, and even a Hershey's chocolate quiz! 🍫 Tune in to uncover Bobby's views on scaling companies, the future of AI, and wild stories about traveling with the circus! 🎪 📌  Discover how these adventures translate into valuable business lessons and a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. With Bobby's infectious enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, this episode is a treasure trove of insights into the tech industry and the entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring you walk away with a fresh perspective on your own journey.Bobby Napiltonia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-napiltonia-8b82624/Subscribe, rate, and comment to never miss an episode! 🚀Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarvey#gotomarket #robotics #entrepreneur #innovation #growth #sales #technology #innovatorsmindset #innovators #innovator #product #revenue #revenuegrowth #management  #founder #entrepreneurship #growthmindset Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

What if your company's marketing could transform into its own dynamic trade publication? Learn from Melissa Rosenthal, co-founder of Outlever, as she shares her innovative approach to modern marketing on the Spark of Ages podcast. With Melissa's deep insights, we challenge outdated marketing strategies and unveil how companies can thrive in an AI-driven world by streamlining their tech stacks and targeting meaningful growth. Her experience at ClickUp underscores the importance of consolidating marketing efforts into efficient, multi-functional platforms.Join us as we uncover Outlever's transformative tactics that help businesses reach new heights by focusing on inbound marketing and audience-first content. Melissa reveals how human writers, empowered by technology, craft narratives that break away from traditional public relations, creating impactful stories that resonate with audiences and drive engagement. This fresh approach not only positions companies as industry leaders but also redefines what it means to connect with consumers in today's fast-paced digital landscape.The episode also explores Melissa's personal transition from the media to the tech industry, highlighting her adaptability and foresight in navigating career disruptions. We discuss the shift away from VC-backed hyper-growth models towards more sustainable, self-funded strategies that prioritize profitability and authentic engagement. Through Melissa's experiences with BuzzFeed and Cheddar, we gain valuable insights into the power of strategic decision-making and the importance of innovation in evolving marketing and technology landscapes.Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Join Rajiv Parikh on the Spark of Ages podcast as he explores the secrets behind Krispy Krunchy Chicken's rise in the Chicken Sandwich Wars.  With insights from Alice Crowder, the CMO who has transformed the brand's offerings into must-have menu items we'll learn about marketing innovation, and why KKC is a cut above the rest.  Discover the secrets behind their mouth-watering chicken, growth strategy, and how Alice’s leadership is fueling a nationwide craze.  Get a firsthand look at how strategic data use and innovative marketing have redefined roles in the fast-food sector, amidst technological evolution.Explore the unique challenges of marketing a restaurant within a convenience store setting, an environment where traditional demographics give way to occasion-based consumer behaviors. From regular C-store diners to third-party delivery service users, we discuss the distinctive strategies that cater to each segment, and how these approaches enhance brand awareness and consumer loyalty. Through platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, learn how KKC is expanding its reach and market basket size, all while maintaining the freshness and quality that define its "hot store" concept.Wrap up with a lighthearted game that uncovers surprising fast-food myths and truths, revealing the quirks of the industry. Hear about grassroots marketing campaigns like the MyKKC challenge, which engage consumers through creativity and passion. Alice shares how KKC aligns new product ideas with consumer expectations using a structured innovation funnel, ensuring a harmonious balance between enjoyment and strategic marketing. This episode promises a fascinating journey through the competitive and ever-evolving world of fast-food marketing.  Tune in for rich flavors of marketing wisdom, laughter, and maybe a bit of chicken envy. 🍗🔥 📚Alice Crowder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicecrowderKrispy Krunchy Chicken:  https://www.instagram.com/krispykrunchychicken/West With the Night by Meryl Barkham: https://www.amazon.com/West-Night-Beryl-Markham-ebook/dp/B0B4VCG4SYProducer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarvey #chickensandwichwars #dataanalytics #innovation #growth #branding #sales #data #analytics #product #revenue #revenuegrowth #management #entrepreneurship #growthmindset #growthhacking #salestechniques #salestips #enterprise  #business #companies #smartgrowth #efficiency #process #processimprovement #value #valuecreation #funny #podcast #comedy #desi #indian #communityWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Join Rajiv Parikh on the Spark of Ages podcast as he chats with LeagueApps co-founder Brian Litvack who shares how technology can uplift youth sports organizations. Discover how League Apps has evolved from its humble beginnings to becoming a crucial tool for over 3,000 sports organizations, offering solutions for everything from scheduling to communication. Brian shares his passion for using technology to create positive experiences for millions of young athletes and their communities, highlighting the company's journey and vision for the future.We examine the nuances of youth sports with a focus on parental behavior and the pivotal role of coaches and community organizers in shaping young athletes' experiences. With anecdotes and insights, we navigate the complexities of volunteer-led initiatives compared to professional coaching systems. Find out how programs like the Positive Coaching Alliance are essential in fostering character development and how youth sports have transitioned into a substantial industry, especially in the digital era where engaging children has never been more challenging.From the significance of sports in promoting wellness to the inventive ways technology can enhance participation, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of youth sports. We tackle challenges like field space utilization and coach training, emphasizing the role of software in creating safe environments. Our conversation takes a whimsical turn as we explore unconventional sports trends, from futuristic drone racing to playful sports trivia, ensuring an insightful and entertaining experience that promises to ignite curiosity and inspire innovation in youth sports.Brian Litvack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlitvack/LeagueApps: https://leagueapps.com/Tom Farrey: https://www.amazon.com/Game-All-American-Race-Champions-Children/dp/1933060468Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarvey #youthsports #founder #entrepreneur #saas #payments #innovation #growth #sales #technology #innovatorsmindset #innovators #innovator #product #revenue #revenuegrowth #management  #founder #entrepreneurship #growthmindset #growthhacking #salestechniques #salestips #enterprise  #business #bschools #bschoolscholarship #company #companies #smartgrowth #efficiency #process #processimprovement #value #valuecreation #funny #podcast #comedy #desi #indian #communityWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Can the future of our food systems be saved by a humble aquatic plant? Join us as we sit down with Tony Martens, co-founder of Plantible Foods, who believes it can. Plantible's innovative plant protein, Ruby, derived from the sustainable Lemna plant, may hold the key to revolutionizing agriculture and food production. Tony shines a spotlight on the pressing environmental issues of our current food systems, from greenhouse gas emissions to water consumption and biodiversity loss. Discover the fascinating journey of Rubisco protein, a nutritional powerhouse found in leafy greens, which Plantible has harnessed to outperform traditional animal proteins. Tony shares their pivot to a focus on sustainable food production, unveiling the health benefits and their innovative extraction process of Rubisco. We also explore the transition from traditional agricultural methods to more efficient crops like Lemna, alongside broader market trends demanding better labeling and ingredient transparency in plant-based foods.Scaling a startup is no small feat, and Tony's story is packed with entrepreneurial grit. From early days in a small R&D facility to navigating the pandemic's hurdles and securing significant commercial agreements, Tony's experiences offer invaluable lessons.Tony Martens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydmartens/Plantible Foods: https://www.plantiblefoods.com/Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarveyWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

On this episode of Spark of Ages, we sit down with Rajiv Parikh, CEO of Position Squared, to do a mid-year review to uncover the daily grind and the high-stakes decisions behind leading an AI-driven growth marketing powerhouse. Rajiv offers a treasure trove of insights into the transformative power of AI, revealing how his company has formed a robust AI product development team, launched strategic initiatives, and tackled the challenges of fundraising to seize AI-driven opportunities.Next, we spotlight two compelling business success stories. How does a security company specializing in deception security boost their lead-to-close rates by a staggering 10x? And what does it take for a moving company to overcome systemic marketing flaws to achieve sustainable growth? We break down these real-world cases while addressing common startup pain points like ROI measurement and channel optimization. The emphasis is on truthful, data-driven analysis for long-term success, shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of growth marketing.Finally, we explore the art of building meaningful connections. We recount a networking event that beautifully blended fun and accountability, complete with basketball, pickleball, and even arcade games. Learn how Dungeons and Dragons served as the ultimate icebreaker and team-building exercise. We also delve into the power of recording presentations for improved content quality and the significance of authentic relationships in business. To wrap it up, we venture into bold predictions for the future, from the U.S. presidential election to the fate of AI investments and the evolving landscape of remote work. Tune in for an episode packed with insights, stories, and forward-thinking discussions.Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarvey #entrepreneur #innovation #growth #sales #technology #innovatorsmindset #innovators #innovator #product #revenue #revenuegrowth #management  #founder #entrepreneurship #growthmindset #growthhacking #salestechniques #salestips #enterprise  #business #bschools #bschoolscholarship #company #companies #smartgrowth #efficiency #process #processimprovement #value #valuecreation #funny #podcast #comedy #desi #indian #communityWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Join us on the Spark of Ages podcast as we unlock the secrets behind Silicon Valley's sales success with our insightful guest, Ankur Srivastava. Ankur takes us through the transformative power of cloud computing and SaaS marketplaces, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS), in fostering startup growth. Discover how AWS has enabled rapid innovation for technology companies worldwide and gain valuable tips on developing your sales skills through curiosity and a deep understanding of human behavior.Transitioning between cultures can be daunting, especially in a corporate setting. Ankur shares his personal journey from the hierarchical environment he grew up with in India to the American workplace, highlighting the importance of balancing respect with assertiveness. Learn how customer obsession, a core principle at AWS, can drive long-term trust and bigger deals. And we'll learn about the world of independent software vendors (ISVs) and the pivotal role AWS plays in their success. Ankur brings his extensive experience as he emphasizes the importance of removing friction from customer engagements and building talented teams. Discover the strategic advantages of leveraging cloud marketplaces to optimize unit economics, and the thrill of "buy moments" that drive successful transactions. As Ankur reflects on his journey and philosophy, you'll find inspiration in his ability to view challenges as opportunities for reinvention and the value of fostering deep connections in the tech community.Ankur Srivastava LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankursrivas/Ankur Srivastava Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankur_srivas_og/Producer: Anand Shah & Sandeep ParikhTechnical Director & Sound Designer: Sandeep Parikh, Omar NajamExecutive Producers: Sandeep Parikh & Anand ShahAssociate Producers: Taryn TalleyEditor: Sean Meagher & Aidan McGarveyWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com