AlchemistX: Innovators Inside

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Danny Brickman, CEO and co-founder of Oasis Security, to explore the rapidly growing threat of non-human identities in enterprise systems.As AI agents, machine workflows, and digital tools proliferate, companies are facing a new kind of cybersecurity challenge—one that traditional identity and access management systems were never built to handle. Danny draws from his background in elite Israeli cyber defense units and startup innovation to explain why non-human identities are multiplying, how they’re being exploited, and what organizations must do to secure them.This episode is packed with insights on:Why more than 80% of cyberattacks today are identity-basedHow startups can outmaneuver legacy giants in fast-moving marketsThe emotional and operational costs of failure in securityWhat "philosophical differentiation" means in cybersecurity innovationWhy trust, like in autonomous cars and AI tools, takes time—but is everythingDanny also reflects on the culture of innovation, the importance of failure, and what surfing taught him about leadership.Whether you're a security leader, startup founder, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will shift how you think about identity in the AI era.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Conrad Wade—Director of Strategy & Innovation at Moody’s—to unpack the real‑world playbook behind turning Fortune 500 scale into startup‑speed creativity. Conrad reveals why every one of Moody’s 14,000 employees is now considered a “prompt engineer,” and how that mindset shift is helping the 115‑year‑old firm stay ahead of generative AI, quantum computing, and whatever comes next.Listen to learn:The first domino of innovation – mapping a “day‑in‑the‑life” of your users before writing a single line of code.Why friction is your friend – and how to channel cross‑functional tension into market‑ready ideas.Execution > ideas – the simple change‑management moves that turn big concepts into bottom‑line results.Startups as radar – Conrad’s method for scouting early‑stage founders to spot horizon‑three threats (now collapsing to six months!).Leadership’s role – what happens when the C‑suite declares, “You’re all innovators,” and means it.Future‑proofing with tech – from gen‑AI enablement to the looming impact of quantum on credit‑risk modeling.Whether you’re fighting ivory‑tower thinking, launching an internal AI initiative, or hunting for your company’s next competitive moat, this conversation is packed with tactics you can use Monday morning.Connect with Conrad on LinkedIn and send your questions to innovators@alchemistaccelerator.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Victor Mulas, the first Chief Innovation Officer at Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), to unpack a 20-year journey that stretches from telecom deregulation in Europe to shaping startup hubs on three continents. Victor reveals the Panini Effect—his practical framework for sandwiching top-down vision with grassroots momentum—to push bold ideas through even the most risk-averse organizations.Key takeaways include:Activate the Glue. Why vibrant “networking assets” (events, mentors, super-connectors) are the real catalyst that binds university talent, capital, and policy into a living ecosystem.Incentives Over Talk. How Victor aligns systems and rewards so innovation isn’t just a slogan from the C-suite but a career accelerator for project managers on the ground.From Pilot to Platform. Lessons from scaling CIC’s community model from Cambridge to Tokyo—and how any company can globalize a proven playbook without losing local soul.The Sandwich vs. The Panini. Tactics for pressing resistance out of large institutions, drawn from Victor’s decade steering billion-dollar World Bank programs.Whether you’re a corporate intrapreneur wrestling with red tape or a government leader designing the next startup cluster, Victor’s stories deliver a punchy, field-tested roadmap for turning bureaucracy into breakthroughs.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with marketing maven and entrepreneurial force, Stephanie Melodia, to uncover the secrets behind hacking luck in both startup and corporate worlds. Stephanie shares how embracing a mindset of accountability, visionary thinking, and calculated risk-taking can transform setbacks into breakthrough opportunities. Throughout the conversation, she breaks down her unique “four-leaf clover” framework, which highlights the roles of accountability, vision, positivity, and risk tolerance in creating your own opportunities. Main takeaways:Own Your Journey: Discover how embracing responsibility empowers you to control your destiny.Craft Your Vision: Learn to define success on your own terms and set inspiring goals.Take Bold Risks: See why stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock extraordinary opportunities.Hustle Hard: Understand how relentless effort can pave the way to breakthrough success.Bounce Back: Hear strategies to transform setbacks into powerful comebacks.Stay Optimistic: Find out how a positive outlook attracts new possibilities.Experiment and Evolve: Explore the art of rapid testing to fuel continuous growth.Join us as we dive deep into powerful lessons on resilience, the art of seizing moments, and the crucial balance between hard work and the serendipity of luck in crafting sustainable success.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Azita Esmaili, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Eviden, to explore the dynamic interplay between AI, innovation management, and future-proofing organizations. They dive into the rapid pace of technological change and discuss how building a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and data-driven decision-making can empower enterprises to not only adapt but thrive in uncertainty. Drawing from her extensive experience—transitioning from engineering to digital transformation—Azita shares practical strategies for developing challenge libraries, measuring ROI, and navigating the human elements of change. Tune in for actionable insights on how to harness AI responsibly and strategically, ensuring that innovation remains a transformative force for the future.Key takeaways include:AI’s Fast Pace: Technology is evolving quicker than regulatory frameworks can adapt.Culture of Learning: Success depends on fostering a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation.Integrated Strategy: Align technology, data, and people to embed AI effectively.Experimentation is Key: Without a set playbook, learning by doing is essential.Measurable Impact: Use clear KPIs and challenge libraries to track progress and ROI.Human Element: Address resistance to change and the emotional impacts of innovation.Adaptive Future-Proofing: Focus on building flexible, resilient systems rather than predicting the future.Balancing Risks: Manage cybersecurity and compliance challenges while innovating.Don't miss out—subscribe now to stay ahead with more expert insights and join the conversation on transforming tomorrow's challenges into today's opportunities!For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Nathaniel Smith, Epicenter Memphis’ Director of Programs, to explore how Memphis is transforming its economic landscape through innovation. They dive into how the city’s robust logistics and medical device industries are pivoting towards tech-driven solutions to drive growth and efficiency. Nathaniel shares his journey—from venture capital to spearheading Epicenter’s mission—and discusses the importance of customer discovery, building trust, and fostering cross-industry partnerships. Listeners will gain insights into solving real-world challenges like cargo theft through technology and learn practical lessons on leveraging local strengths to fuel innovation in any region.Key takeaways include:Memphis leverages its unique geographical and industrial assets to drive tech innovation.The importance of customer discovery and tailored solutions in addressing industry challenges.How collaborative partnerships between startups and established companies spur regional economic growth.Strategies for building trust and long-term relationships within local ecosystems.The role of focused innovation programs in transforming traditional industries.Tune in now to uncover the strategies fueling Memphis’ innovative surge and discover how these insights can ignite transformation in your own industry. Listen and get inspired to innovate!

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Manas Talukdar, a seasoned leader in enterprise AI and data infrastructure, to explore the evolution of cloud-native data platforms and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on businesses. Manas shares his journey from building middleware and pioneering distributed systems to leading innovative projects at companies like C3 AI and Labelbox. Key takeaways include:The shift from traditional on-premise systems to cloud-based, scalable AI solutionsThe critical importance of high-quality, curated data—and the emerging role of synthetic data—in training advanced modelsHow a customer-centric, iterative approach to product development drives successful AI implementationsThe need for a balanced, risk-tolerant culture that empowers teams to make bold product betsInsights on navigating industry challenges, from managing escalating GPU costs to addressing regulatory pressuresTune in for an insightful discussion on how embracing data-driven innovation can unlock new opportunities and redefine enterprise success.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Amir Khan, CEO and founder of Alkira, to explore groundbreaking advancements in networking technology. Amir shares his journey from his early days in the networking industry to founding Alkira and explains how his company is rethinking networking as a service using cloud infrastructure. Key takeaways include: Transforming Networking with Cloud Infrastructure: Discover how traditional hardware is replaced with a fully cloud-based networking solution that scales effortlessly. Simplifying Complexity: Learn how Alkira streamlines multi-cloud networking, making complex operations intuitive and efficient. Customer-Centric Innovation: Hear why listening to customer feedback is essential for continuous improvement and real-world solution development. The Importance of Team and Focus: Understand how effective leadership and a high-performing team drive long-term growth in a competitive startup environment. AI and the Future of Networking: Explore the role of AI in transforming networking solutions and staying ahead in today's fast-evolving tech landscape.Tune in to uncover how technology and innovation are reshaping the networking industry!For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Daniela Kandel, co-founder and CEO of the Evergreen Innovation Platform. Daniela shares her journey from impact investment and the vibrant Israeli startup ecosystem to building sustainable innovation models for smallholder farmers. Throughout the conversation, she discusses how aligning core values with business strategy, leveraging blended finance, and nurturing strong local partnerships can transform agriculture and empower rural communities. Tune in to uncover practical lessons on ecosystem collaboration, sustainable technology adoption, and addressing the real challenges that drive impactful innovation.For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman interviews Paul Reinitz about the evolving relationship between AI and intellectual property. Paul shares his journey from IP law in the music industry to leading IP compliance at Getty Images, highlighting how generative AI is reshaping IP practices and business strategies.  They explore the shift from broad IP enforcement to more targeted approaches in the digital age, and discuss the challenges startups face in navigating AI and IP compliance. Paul also offers valuable insights on balancing innovation with emerging regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the importance of transparency and strategic partnerships with rights holders.  This conversation provides a deep dive into the critical balance between fostering innovation and adhering to evolving legal standards in today’s technological landscape. For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.