CEO.com | Dispatches from the frontiers of leadership

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 WiseLine01:54 - What WiseLine does and its focus on digital transformation03:32 - The role of AI in media and productivity tools for journalists05:40 - A day in the life of a CEO: Dynamic schedules and team coordination09:11 - Best leadership advice: Managing energy and its ripple effect11:51 - Reading recommendations: "The 48 Laws of Power" and more16:40 - Key leadership traits: Excellence, listening, and community building22:06 - Staying grounded: Balancing work, family, and personal interests24:36 - Essential apps and tools for daily productivity26:55 - The role of CEOs in today's socio-economic landscape30:35 - 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 welcome00:32 - Ajoy's journey to becoming CEO of Cin703:02 - Overview of Cin7 and its customers04:53 - A typical day in the life of a CEO 07:08 - How Ajoy prioritizes his day 09:43 - Reading recommendations and staying informed13:00 - Integrating AI into Cin715:22 - Necessary traits for successful leadership16:42 - Lessons learned throughout Ajoy's career18:23 - Essential tools and apps for daily productivity19:51 - Staying grounded and maintaining mental health22:04 - Thoughts on the current macroeconomic environment25:33 - 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 - Introduction00:21 - What is Rally?00:43 - Financial System Insights01:57 - Early Fundraising Efforts04:58 - Building the Product09:01 - AI Integration15:20 - Daily Routine18:10 - Building Relationships with Leagues21:10 - Lessons Learned23:05 - Reading Recommendations25:08 - Power of Nostalgia26:37 - Essential Tools and Apps28:39 - Role of New York City31:14 - Advice for Entrepreneurs 34:32 - Mental Health and Staying Grounded36:58 - 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 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 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 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 Degreed00:02:10 - The Concept and Mission Behind Degreed00:03:50 - Critique of Traditional Education Systems00:05:14 - Early Career and Inspiration for Degreed00:07:01 - The Journey to Founding Degreed00:08:53 - Degreed's Business Model and Evolution00:12:23 - Challenges and Successes in Scaling Degreed00:15:10 - Principles and Values in Building Degreed00:16:17 - Critique of the University System00:19:19 - Student Loan Debt and Government Policies00:23:32 - Employer-Sponsored Education and Its Implications00:25:57 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education00:29:41 - Future of Job and Skill-Based Hiring00:31:41 - Transition from Degreed to Politics00:32:36 - Running for Vice President and Democracy Reform00:36:47 - Historical Context of Vice Presidential Elections00:40:00 - Typical Day and Current Roles00:42:19 - Writing "The Expertise Economy"00:43:38 - Decision on Hybrid Work Model00:45:50 - Book Recommendations00:47:31 - Reflecting on Who Gave a Chance