AlchemistX: Innovators Inside

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.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman sits down with Natalie Neelan, Director of Innovation at Boston Mutual Life Insurance and author of Rebel at Work: How to Innovate and Drive Results When You Aren't the Boss. Natalie shares her remarkable journey from sales to shaping corporate innovation, offering a wealth of insights for anyone looking to drive change from within an organization. Throughout the conversation, Natalie discusses how she leveraged her startup experience to build an effective innovation council, align diverse stakeholders, and break through the notorious "Wall of No" that many innovators face. She emphasizes the importance of understanding corporate strategy, fostering a culture of collaboration, and focusing on behavior change to drive real results. You will learn practical strategies for: Forming and empowering an innovation council to navigate corporate bureaucracy. Aligning innovation efforts with top-level strategic goals to secure buy-in. Identifying and tackling the right problems by embracing ambiguity and chaos. Using landscape research to anticipate market trends and customer needs. Choosing your battles and celebrating small wins to maintain momentum. Natalie’s candid storytelling and actionable advice provide invaluable lessons on overcoming internal resistance, driving stakeholder engagement, and creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. This episode is a must-listen for corporate innovators seeking guidance on how to effectively champion change, navigate organizational politics, and deliver impactful results. Tune in to gain insights on breaking through barriers, fostering a culture of innovation, and driving sustainable growth within large organizations. 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 Moisés Noreña, a seasoned innovation leader with an extraordinary career spanning Whirlpool, Allstate, Moen, and now MiTek. Moisés shares his unconventional journey—from architecture and computer science to leading transformative corporate innovation—and the principles that have shaped his success.  Throughout the conversation, Moisés breaks down his "Ten Commandments of Innovation," a framework for aligning purpose, strategy, and innovation execution within any organization. He reveals how to tie innovation to the enterprise agenda, navigate the challenges of driving change, and unlock meaningful growth. Drawing on examples like Whirlpool's surprising pivot to the Gladiator brand and MiTek’s mission to transform the construction industry, Moisés emphasizes the power of observation, experimentation, and collaboration to fuel sustainable innovation. This episode delivers insights into balancing purpose-led strategy with pragmatic execution, proving that innovation thrives when anchored in solving real human needs. Whether you're an aspiring innovator, a corporate change agent, or simply fascinated by stories of transformation, Moisés' lessons on humility, collaboration, and trust will inspire you to rethink how you approach innovation in your organization. Tune in and learn how to align purpose, process, and persistence to build a sustainable innovation culture. Moisés’ book: Arquitectura de la Innovación: Un enfoque universal (Spanish Edition) For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman welcomes Sam Vise, the co-founder and CEO of Optimum Retailing, to discuss the transformative power of technology in the retail sector. Sam shares his journey from in-store signage to developing a cutting-edge retail intelligence platform that utilizes RFID and AI to enhance the shopping experience. Throughout their conversation, Sam highlights the challenges retailers face in implementing new technologies and how Optimum Retailing addresses these issues by providing real-time inventory tracking and personalized marketing solutions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse market needs and leveraging data to create tailored retail environments that engage customers effectively. Sam also explores the balance between technology and human interaction in brick-and-mortar stores, showcasing how his platform not only improves operational efficiency but also enriches the customer journey. By sharing success stories from clients like Mac Cosmetics and Best Buy, Sam illustrates how strategic innovation can drive sustainable growth and elevate the retail experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights on integrating technology into retail, overcoming resistance to change, and fostering a culture of innovation that meets evolving consumer demands. For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman welcomes Joseph Banh, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Avida, to discuss the art and science of creating meaningful experiences through innovation. With a background that spans from artist to museum planner to corporate strategist, Joseph shares how his journey has shaped his unique perspective on blending storytelling, sensory design, and technology to connect with people on a deeper level. The conversation explores how organizations can redefine innovation by focusing on human-centered design, ethical collaboration, and the emotional impact of their work. Joseph highlights the power of balancing bold leadership with community-driven insights and offers a glimpse into his groundbreaking project, "Portal to the Arctic," an immersive installation that brought the story of climate change to life through stunning visuals and evocative soundscapes. This episode is a masterclass in bridging creativity, strategy, and empathy to craft experiences that resonate and inspire. Whether you're an innovator, designer, or leader, Joseph’s insights will leave you rethinking what’s possible in the spaces where humans and technology meet. For more episodes and resources, visit https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman interviews Myrna Bittner, CEO and founder of RUNWITHIT Synthetics. Myrna discusses her company's innovative approach to synthetic environments, which extends beyond traditional digital twins by simulating complex systems and future scenarios. Her team creates dynamic models that integrate diverse data sources to help organizations plan and make informed decisions with enhanced foresight. Myrna highlights a significant project where their models simulated the economic impact of reopening international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the real-world applications of their technology. She also emphasizes the importance of transforming complex data into actionable insights through their "holodeck" technology. The episode covers the impact of synthetic data on decision-making, the evolution of planning tools, and the future directions of this technology.

In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, Ian Bergman speaks with Eren Hukumdar, co-founder and CEO of Entrapeer, about transforming corporate innovation through strategic partnerships with startups. Eren shares his journey from developer to innovator, revealing the importance of addressing genuine business challenges over chasing technology trends. They explore how AI-driven platforms like Entrapeer can bridge the gap between startups and large corporations, helping enterprises uncover tailored solutions and optimize workflows for significant impact. From finding the right startup partners to measuring innovation ROI, Eren’s insights offer valuable lessons for both corporate leaders and startup founders aiming to navigate the complex world of corporate innovation. Tune in to learn how focusing on real problems, balancing risk, and embracing a collaborative mindset can unlock breakthrough innovation and lasting business value.