A Geek Leader Podcast - inspiring technical and creative leaders around the world

About John John Munsell is the co-founder of Bizzuka, an AI consulting firm focused on artificial intelligence strategy and implementation. With a career spanning over 25 years in marketing, software development, financial services, and sales, John brings a wealth of experience to the AI industry. He is also an Adjunct Instructor of Artificial Intelligence at Louisiana State University, contributing to the academic field while leading Bizzuka. His work centers on helping enterprise leadership teams develop AI competency frameworks and upskill their workforces. John is the creator of the AI Strategy Canvas, a fundamental methodology for seamlessly integrating AI technologies across various business departments. Through his corporate training programs and the CXO AI Roundtable, John has personally trained over 200 corporate executives and managers, equipping them with practical AI applications to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovative new product development. Today We Talked About John's Background Digital Agency AI Training Prompt Engineering Training Data for the AI Context is King AI Strategy Canvas Getting Excellence from Gen AI Object Oriented Prompting? Persona development Connect with John LinkedIn Website Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Kevin Kevin is the father of the Virtual Assistant and a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, and futurist. He was INC Magazines’ Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC top Innovator of the Decade, World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, Chair of Silicon Valley Forum, Planet Forward Innovator of the Year nominee, featured for 5 years on TechTV’s Silicon Spin, and inducted into RIT’s Innovation Hall of Fame. He has 94 worldwide patents and led pioneering work on the first cellular data smartphone (AirCommunicator), the first human-like AI virtual assistant (Portico), soundproof drywall, high R-value windows, AI-driven building management, Generative AI for QA automation, supply-chain auctions, and the window/energy retrofits of the Empire State Building and NY Stock Exchange. Today We Talked About Kevin's background OnStar Virtual Assistant AI What do people want? Someone to do your bidding Connect with Kevin LinkedIn Website X Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Rand Rand Selig has an MBA from Stanford and earned undergraduate degrees in mathematics and psychology. He has managed hundreds of complex projects in his career and has run his own financial services firm for over 35 years. He has lived and worked in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He was a Little League coach and Scoutmaster and has served on numerous boards for decades. He is a roll-up-your-sleeves conservationist committed to helping others and Mother Earth by making annual philanthropic contributions. This book is based on extensive research and a wide range of experiences he has had going through life. Having a high set point for happiness and being relentlessly positive has been invaluable to him in overcoming his challenges and setbacks. He is committed to personal growth and is willing to learn from his mistakes. Rand believes he can design his own life and believes others can too.  Rand takes time every week to rest and recharge. He loves reading, watching movies, hiking, and playing tennis. He lives with his wife of 42 years in Mill Valley, California. They have two children and two granddaughters. Today We Talked About Rand's background Designing your life Courage to make choices Editing your story Cultivate relationships Trust Don't Balance work and life... integrate. Create a portfolio. The difference between leadership and management Managing Up Why having purpose is so important Tools and Habits that can help along the way Lists and Journals Annual, Monthly, Weekly, Daily plans Slow down.  Take time for yourself What's your plan for? Connect with Rand Website LinkedIn Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Topaz Topaz is an Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages and currently lives in Mexico with his wife and two children. Today We Talked About Topaz Background Asking Questions Questions should be gifts Create the Space for questions Create the boundaries and the intention Create the agenda Who ask the question, has the power Ask a connected question People want to be seen Conversations need to be safe... they don't have to be comfortable. Sitting in the discomfort of the question Be Graceful, in your discomfort Be vulnerable... by listening THE AND { } 12 Questions Connect with Topaz Website YouTube Book LinkedIn Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Jim As a professional in the marketing and advertising industry since 1988, Jim has a deep understanding of the local, state and regional marketplace and he provides the communication tools and strategies necessary to reach key target audiences with powerful messages carefully designed to get results. He loves to help people simplify, clarify and amplify their marketing messages so their best customer prospects listen, read, watch and RESPOND in meaningful ways. Originally from Hopewell, Pennsylvania, Jim is a 39 year resident of Morgantown. He graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Advertising from the Perley Issac Reed School of Journalism in 1988. He has extensive experience in leadership positions with media companies in newspaper (The Dominion Post), television (WBOY – 12NEWS), cable (Rutter Media), direct mail (VALPAK), radio (100.9 FM) and Internet. Jim is 55 years old and is currently active in, and has held leadership positions with the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce (6 year Board Member), PACE Enterprises (Board President 5 years), Rotary Club of Morgantown (Past-President), Mountaineer Chapter BNI (Leadership Team), and the West Virginia Miracle Baseball League (Founding Board member and 16+ year coach). Jim is also the author of “Marketing Matters” book and the founder and host of Positively West Virginia, a weekly iTunes podcast that highlights business leaders making a positive contribution to West Virginia. Jim lives in Morgantown with his wife Rebekah Matuga, and has two children Dylan (30 years old) and Jordan (28 years old). Jim and Rebekah have two Chihuahuas Daisy and Petunia. Jim and Rebekah are active volunteers with Chestnut Ridge Church, Chestnut Mountain Ranch, Rotary International, Miracle League baseball, United Way, and love to spend time in the outdoors traveling, fishing, camping and adventuring. They both have a passion for making West Virginia a better place for all. Today We Talked About Jim's background Media background Creating SaaS products Mentors and Coaches Life Long Learning Culture and Strategy Givers Gain AI in media Humble Influence - Followership Connect With Jim LinkedIn Website Positively West Virginia Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Benjamin Dr. Benjamin Ritter has made it his mission to guide and empower others to become confident leaders of their lives and careers and overcome fear. Driven by the belief that every person deserves to “live for themselves,” Ben founded Live For Yourself Consulting and has grown it into a global brand where he gets to do what he loves most: help highly-driven professionals figure out what’s holding them back, enabling them to become fearless and take accountability and feel empowered to create a life that they love. Ongoing enthusiasm and positive response to his weekly podcast, “Fearless Fridays,” inspired him to write this book. He hopes to help an even larger audience to become fearless and live more for themselves. With over twenty years of executive-level professional experience in Leadership and Talent Development, Ben has worked with and coached over 500 clients one-on-one and over 10k leaders through workshops at some of the most well-known global organizations including, Amazon, Adidas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Coursera, Doordash, Google, Fiserv, MayoClinic, PayPal, Pinterest, and Yelp. Ben’s passions include working with Better for You CPG organizations, small business entrepreneurs, and minority owned companies, for which he offers pro bono coaching services. Ben possesses a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with focus on value congruence and job satisfaction, an MBA in entrepreneurial management, and an MPH in health policy administration. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ben now resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Tiffany, Squirt a “rebel in a shell” turtle, Elwood, a scruffy rescue pup, and Sima, the kitty queen of their kingdom. Today We Talked About Becoming Fearless Fear Loss Crafting your future What do I care about and Why? What is draining you? Boundaries and Saying "No" What if you can change everything... what would you do Skills based learning Unfollow people you compare yourself too Inner Critic vs. Inner Champion Experiment Connect with Benjamin LinkedIn Website Podcasts Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Angelique Angelique is an engineer and former corporate executive with 25 years of experience in the metals and mining sector. After managing multimillion-dollar innovation portfolios and leading teams of scientists and engineers worldwide, she discovered that her true passion lies in developing people rather than products. In 2021, Angelique authored an Amazon best-selling career guide for women in STEM, which served as a springboard to transition into academia and entrepreneurship. Today, Angelique runs her own leadership training and coaching company, is the Founding Director of the Leadership in Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program and serves as an Associate Professor of Practice at the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee. Angelique holds a Ph.D. in Energy and Mineral Engineering from Penn State and an MBA from MIT.  She resides in Knoxville, TN, with her husband and two teenagers. Today We Talked About Background STEM Leadership Showing up as a Leader Why PhD.'s need coaching Entrepreneurship Experts need coaching too Design experiments to test behaviors Testing and Feedback mindset - weekly reviews Listening Communication and professional empathy Communicate technical items with the rest of the business Presentations for Leaders Find the information your audience cares about Prep for Q and A Connect with Angelique Website LinkedIn Book Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Manu MANU KAPUR developed the theory of Productive Failure and applies it in classrooms and workplaces around the world to transform learning and growth. He is a Professor of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and has spent the past two decades understanding the science of how people learn. His research has attracted substantial funding and media interest around the world, making him a sought-after keynote speaker, including two TEDx Talks. Manu has held prestigious visiting professorships and advisory roles globally, and his contributions extend across not only high-profile journals and conferences, but also impact educational policies and practices internationally. Today We Talked About Manu's background Failure Future Learning Initiative Science of Human Learning on multiple Levels Apply the understandings and design for deep learning Safely fail Why wait for failure Failure Zone... or Learning Zone? How to learn from Failing When Learning: Activation Awareness of what you know and don't know (the gap) Affect Assemble What is "Deep Learning?" Why things didn't work? Contrast them with things that do work Use Failure as a learning mechanism Use Failure as a "Signal" Use Failure as a feature of culture Connect with Manu Book LinkedIn Website Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Jennifer Jennifer B. Gardner is a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer, a persuasive communications educator, and a part-time administrative law judge for the County of Los Angeles. Jennifer has operated her own litigation law firm for 32 years in Los Angeles where she has litigated complex business, real estate and criminal matters through trial. She began her litigation career in the entertainment industry, has represented individuals in serious criminal cases, has advised and managed documentary filmmakers and visual artists, and today focuses on representing individuals and enterprises of all sizes in business and real estate disputes. Jennifer has received Certifications from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Executive Leadership and in Executive Presence, Influence and Persuasion. She is a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and the Graduate Program at The Gerry Spence Method. Jennifer has honed her communication skills through the study of Somatic Experiencing, the Sanford Meisner Acting Method, and interspecies communications with Rupert Sheldrake at the Esalen Institute. When she is not lawyering or learning, Jennifer educates high performing leaders on how to grow their executive presence and persuasive skills through programs offered through her company, The Edge Education (www.theedge.education). She also consults with lawyers on strategic messaging for their cases and helps them with their courtroom presence. Today We Talked About Jennifer's background Law Getting to Yes Negotiation Best Alternative to Negotiated Outcome Managing your risk Know your goal Influence? Push buttons Play to the right side of the brain System 1 and System 2 thinking You need the Data Empathy and Listening Communication Styles Slow down before the communication starts - Reflect Understand the story and the history Be a storyteller Univeral truths and emotions Not just what we say, but how we say Mirroring Practice with Zoom and ChatGPT The PowerLab - the Art of Influence Connect with Jennifer Website LinkedIn Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!

About Ryan Ryan has held leadership and coaching roles across both profit and non-profit organizations. With 8 years of experience in leadership coaching, team building, and personal excellence, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that today’s executives and emerging leaders encounter. Ryan’s coaching philosophy is rooted in strengths-based and authentic leadership. He leverages his expertise by adhering to ICF standards and utilizes strengths assessments and 360-degree surveys to partner with leaders in achieving personal growth, professional development, and team excellence. Throughout his coaching career, Ryan has successfully guided over 100 individuals in recognizing and appreciating their strengths to achieve greater personal fulfillment and professional advancement. His clients consistently commend him for helping them understand how to maximize their strengths. Connect with Ryan at http://www.XLcoaching.net. Today We Talked About Ryan's background Military service John Maxwell's team What is the purpose of a coach Leadership Strengths coach CliftonStrengths Assessment Working Genius Grace Find opportunities to invest Feed-Forward, not Feedback Listen Talk Less and Smile More Stages of Work Communication Connect with Ryan LinkedIn Website Leave me a tip $ Click here to Donate to the show I hope you enjoyed this show, please head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe and leave me a rating and review, even one sentence will help spread the word.  Thanks again!