What’s good for Big Tech isn’t always good for Little Tech, and vice versa. In this episode, we’re breaking down the key differences between these two worlds and what they mean for you. Listen to learn:  Which Big Tech lessons don't apply in Little Tech and vice versa. The unique advantages (and pitfalls) of working in Big Tech vs Little Tech. How to position yourself (or your company) for success in either world. What the future holds for Big Tech, Little Tech, and the leaders who bridge the gap. Whether you're planning your next career move, building a business or investing in tech, this episode is for you.   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/big-tech-vs-little-tech   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Understanding Big Tech vs. Little Tech 06:12 Key Differences in Strategies and Mindsets 11:54 Navigating Career Choices in Tech 15:35 Platform Dependency Risks 20:05 Risks and Opportunities for Founders       For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.  

Have you noticed how some people seem to know exactly the right person to call when they need something? That's not luck - it's strategic networking. If you're an innovator with ambition, you need to build your network strategically. This episode will help you plan whom you need, why you need them and how to find them. Listen to learn: The 8 categories of professionals you need in your network if you want to build something new The types of developers to have in your network and how to connect with them Why you need both VCs and public market investors for different perspectives - even if you're not raising money How to surround yourself with highly successful people who expand your sense of what's possible Real examples of finding your tribe of ambitious innovators who are actually doing things, not just talking Whether you're starting a tech company, driving innovation in a corporate role, or exploring new opportunities, you'll learn how to build the right relationships that will nourish you for the long term.    Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Developers in Your Network 05:52 The Investor Perspective 09:13 Vision Expanders 12:00 Regulators in Innovation 14:48 Finding Your Tribe of Outliers 19:11 Leveraging Industry Veterans 23:04 Media Allies 25:58 Academic Connections 29:49 Conclusion   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/the-8-types-of-people-you-need-in-your-network   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

DeepSeek is a new AI that's 44 times cheaper than ChatGPT and completely open-source. While tech blogs obsess over the technical specs, there's a bigger story for non-technical innovators that no one else is talking about. In this episode, you'll discover the hidden opportunities DeepSeek creates for founders and innovators who don't code. Listen to learn: How to build genuine expertise around DeepSeek while others are still figuring it out (time sensitive) Smart ways to work with developers who are excited about DeepSeek Why DeepSeek's affordability means you can test your ideas without breaking the bank Practical steps to build custom AI solutions without needing a PhD Whether you're a founder tired of paying premium prices for AI, a corporate innovator looking to stand out, or an entrepreneur wanting to experiment with AI, this episode shows you exactly what to do with DeepSeek right now. Learn why the real DeepSeek opportunity isn't in the code - it's in how you use it to get ahead while everyone else is still talking tech specs. Resources mentioned in this episode: 227. How to Use AI in Product Development: A Non-Techies Guide 196. Why All Businesses Depend on Open-Source Software For the transccript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/240-what-non-technical-innovators-need-to-do-about-deepseek   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:59 DeepSeek vs. Other LLMs 06:14 Opportunities for Non-Technical Innovators 09:05 Open Source Advantages 11:56 Engaging with the Developer Community 15:14 Global Innovation with DeepSeek   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.  

Do you really need a co-founder? There's intense pressure in the startup world to find co-founders, but the data tells a surprising story. MIT research shows that solo founders are actually more than twice as likely to succeed compared to teams, while Harvard research reveals that 65% of high-potential startups fail due to co-founder conflict. In this episode, you'll learn how to make the right decision about co-founders for your business, based on data rather than pressure. Listen to learn: Why the "you must have a co-founder" narrative persists despite evidence showing solo founders often succeed What successful solo founders like Jeff Bezos, Sara Blakely, and Mailchimp founder Ben Chestnut did differently How to evaluate if you really need a co-founder for your specific business A practical framework for finding and testing potential co-founders if you decide you want one Whether you're a founder feeling pressured to find a co-founder, or an investor evaluating solo vs. co-founded companies, this episode will transform how you think about startup leadership and team building. Learn why it's better to be a successful single parent than stuck in a toxic marriage when it comes to your business. Resources mentioned in this episode: MIT Sloan: 2 founders are not always better than 1 The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup, by Harvard Business School professor Noam Wasserman   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/do-you-really-need-a-co-founder   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:06 The Co-Founder Relationship 06:00 Risks of Rushing into Co-Founding 08:52 Data-Driven Insights  12:12 Conflict and Co-Founders 15:08 When Co-Founders Make Sense 18:05 Evaluating Potential Co-Founders 20:58 Alternatives to Co-Founders 23:47 Testing Before Commitment 27:09 Focus on Success, Not Pressure   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Want to know how Apple turns technical features into stories that make people line up around the block for new products? In this episode you will learn the 3 step product storytelling framework that transforms complex features into benefits users love. Every successful tech company has mastered the art of product storytelling, so if you want your innovations to succeed, you need this skill too. Listen to learn: The 3-part framework behind every great product story Why product storytelling is more important than investor pitching Why talking about amazing tech pushes users away Simple ways to practice better product storytelling today Whether you're a founder trying to get users to love your product or a corporate innovator, this episode will transform how you communicate your product's value to your most important audience: your customers.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Product Storytelling 04:32 Duolingo: A Case Study  06:54 Spotify's Storytelling Framework 09:16 Features vs. Benefits 12:43 Implementing Product Storytelling 17:02 Conclusion   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/the-secret-to-user-growth-turn-features-into-stories   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Cryptocurrency is becoming a bigger financial and political force in our world, especially after Donald Trump's return to the White House. This is why smart people who want to have an impact in the world need to learn about it. But, learning about crypto is difficult, because the loudest voices are devout crypto evangelists and hardcore libertarians. This episode is different. We do not want you to trade crypto, we want you to be educated about what it is and why it matters. In this episode, you will learn from Stephanie Ramezan, CEO & Co-Founder of the Crypto Collective and former CEO of Gemini UK, the regulated cryptocurrency exchange set up by the Winklevoss twins.   Listen to learn: - What cryptocurrency is - Why big companies are getting involved in it - What stablecoins and memecoins are - Where to find good career opportunities in the crypto space (and what to avoid)   Timestamps 00:00 The Importance of Understanding Cryptocurrency 02:48 The Crypto Landscape 06:08 Cryptocurrency Basics 08:53 Crypto Transactions 11:46 Role of Stablecoins in Finance 15:01 Shitcoins and Meme Coins 18:13 Impact of Quantum Computing on Crypto 21:02 Stephanie's Journey into Crypto  23:50 Crypto Job Market 27:01 Evaluating Crypto Companies 30:12 Conclusion and Resources   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/237-introduction-to-crypto-for-smart-beginners   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

What does it mean to evolve your career in the Digital Age? Meet Janina Conboye, a Financial Times journalist who added data skills to her storytelling talent. This episode is a masterclass in smart career transitions.   Listen to learn: What data journalism actually is and why top news organisations are investing in it How to think strategically about your career evolution Why the "creative vs technical" divide is holding people back How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to help you learn new skills The reality of career transitions - from the tears to the triumphs   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:06 Understanding Data Journalism 05:49 Intersection of Traditional and Data Journalism  09:00 Data for Storytelling  12:12 Data Skills  15:07 The Future of Journalism and Data 17:51 Data Journalism for Readers  21:03 Transitioning Careers  23:49 Long-Term Investments in Career Development   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/236-combining-creativity-with-data-inside-the-future-of-journalism-at-the-ft   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

In a recent interview, Jeff Bezos shared that big leaders must "identify the big ideas, enforce tough execution, and grow the next generation of leaders." In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to apply that CEO-level thinking to your own career in 2025.  You will learn:  The four-step methodology to annual planning that works How simple plans get big results How develop and manage your relationships to have your best year yet Why your mum might want you to get a real job even when you're a successful innovator For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/235-plan-your-2025-like-a-ceo-the-jeff-bezos-approach-2 Timestamps 02:43 – Part 1: Find Your Big Idea 05:07 – Questions to Help Define Your Big Idea 07:26 – Part 2: Turn Your Big Idea into Action 09:50 – Build Your Power Circle 12:10 – Managing Personal and Professional Relationships 14:36 – Part 4: Success Metrics & the Pareto Principle 16:56 – Recap of the Four Phases of Planning 19:15 – Free Course for Digital Leaders   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Do you think year-end reviews are just about listing what you did? Think again. In this episode, you'll learn how to assess your year like a CEO - because whether you're a founder, innovator or investor, you're running the company of YOU. Most people focus on activities - meetings attended, features shipped, deals analysed. But real leaders focus on impact and power dynamics. Listen to this episode to learn: How to evaluate what you actually transformed in 2024 Why being busy with innovation initiatives isn't the same as real change How to tell if you're hiding in product development instead of facing the market How to shift power dynamics in your favour Why your team is bigger than you think (even if you work alone) Part 1 of a special 2-part series on becoming the CEO your career deserves. Resource mentioned in this episode: Tech for Non-Techies: 221. How Paypal innovates For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/2024-reflections-are-you-the-ceo-your-career-deserves   Timestamps 01:58 Reflecting on the Year as the CEO of Your Life 04:20 Question 1: What Have You Transformed This Year? 06:42 Founders: Did You Focus on Customer Traction or Product Development? 09:09 Question 2: Have You Used AI to Solve Real Problems? 11:30 Question 3: Have You Shifted the Power Dynamic in Your Favour? 13:51 Question 4: Who Was on Your Team This Year? 16:00 Recap of the Four Questions   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Think AI is just about adding chatbots to your business? Think again. In 2024, AI has completely transformed who can build tech companies and how they're funded - but there's also dangerous hype that's already landing companies in legal trouble. We're in what economists call 'The Middle Times of AI' - a messy period where massive opportunity meets massive hype. Some founders are building million-dollar businesses with lean teams, while others are getting fined by the SEC for false AI claims. Listen to this episode to learn: Why prototypes that once cost $32,000 can now be built for free How the SEC is cracking down on fake AI companies Why technical co-founders are no longer essential for tech startups How to spot real AI opportunities in the middle of the hype Why new tech hubs are emerging far from Silicon Valley Whether you're a founder saving thousands on development, a corporate innovator testing ideas without permission, or an investor avoiding AI washing, this episode will help you navigate the reality of AI in 2024. Resources mentioned in this episode: Tech for Non-Techies episode 155. How generative AI is changing business and the economy Legal Drive: SEC fines companies $400,000 for false AI claims For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/233-how-ai-changed-tech-entrepreneurship-and-investing-in-2024-and-what-s-to-come   Timestamps 02:42 AI’s Role in Product Development 05:05 The Middle Times of AI 07:26 Revolutionary Opportunities in AI 09:47 Jack Ma’s Prediction on AI 12:10 AI’s Impact on Start-up Teams 14:24 Global Opportunities in Tech 16:49 The Dangers of AI Hype 19:15 How AI Will Transform Start-ups 21:40 Actionable Steps for Founders and Investors   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.