

AlchemistX: Innovators Inside
AlchemistX: Innovators Inside, Hosted by Ian Bergman
What is new in Corporate Innovation, and why is it so hard?
Join us for a series of interviews with thought leaders, founders, and high achievers inside the world of innovation. Through intimate conversations with Host and Head of AlchemistX, Ian Bergman, we explore what makes innovation so challenging. Guests range from established stars to the most exciting up-and-comers. Innovators Inside is a must-listen for anyone trying to instill a culture of curiosity into a large corporation or organization.
Join us for a series of interviews with thought leaders, founders, and high achievers inside the world of innovation. Through intimate conversations with Host and Head of AlchemistX, Ian Bergman, we explore what makes innovation so challenging. Guests range from established stars to the most exciting up-and-comers. Innovators Inside is a must-listen for anyone trying to instill a culture of curiosity into a large corporation or organization.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2023 • 41min
The Power of Dissatisfaction and Navigating Uncharted Routes to Innovation with Christy Canida
Christy Canida, Senior Director at Alchemist, joins host Ian Bergman for a deep dive into the intricate universe of corporate innovation. Christy's diverse background, spanning from the biotech industry to the helm of startups like Instructables—which later found its home with Autodesk—paints a vibrant backdrop to their conversation.

Oct 10, 2023 • 42min
Redefining Boundaries: From Startups to Love in a Digital Age with Bianca Praetorius
Renowned startup pitch coach, political influencer, and now the mind behind an innovative dating platform, Bianca Praetorius, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. In the latest episode of "AlchemistX Innovators Inside," Bianca sits down with host Ian Bergman to peel back the layers on her illustrious journey, offering listeners valuable insights and lessons along the way.

Sep 26, 2023 • 34min
The Future of Air Travel: Crafting Seamless Journeys with David Luong
In this AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast episode, host Ian Bergman sits down with the dynamic David Luong, the Innovation Hub Leader at Qatar Airways. Responsible for shaping the journeys of its 34 million annual passengers, David offers a deep dive into the airport's relentless pursuit of innovation to enhance the traveler's experience.
One of the episode's focal points is the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum in vast transit hubs. David passionately elaborates on their groundbreaking collaborations with advocacy groups, unveiling their ambitious plans to leverage the metaverse, augmented reality, and avatars to assist passengers with special needs.
David and Ian also navigate the complex intersections of risk and innovation in transportation, emphasizing the necessity of trial, error, and adaptation. David shares invaluable career advice for those eyeing a future in innovation, underscoring the power of conviction and curiosity.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at the next big thing in airport innovation? David cordially invites listeners to join Hamad International Airport's LinkedIn community.
Join us for a journey of discovery, where innovation meets action, and where the future of transit is being shaped today!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts

Sep 12, 2023 • 37min
AI at the Edge: Navigating the Paradox of Progress with Kostas Hatalis
From an early passion ignited by Kurzweil's visionary writings to the creation of pioneering AI solutions, Hatalis chronicles his journey that defied convention. This episode promises a whirlwind tour of the AI landscape, examining its transformative potential in fields like marketing and delving into the nuances between academic AI theories and real-world applications. Bergman and Hatalis confront the pressing questions: How does AI's surge influence human creativity? Are we inching closer to a world overshadowed by our own creations?

Aug 29, 2023 • 39min
Journey of Evolution: JD Rico on Self-Determination, Creativity, and Pioneering Vox QI
In this episode of Alchemist X Innovators Inside, host Ian Bergman sits down with JD Rico, the visionary founder of Vox QI. Drawing from his unique educational background in anthropology and economics, JD shares the evolution of Vox QI - an AI-powered platform reshaping the landscape of content marketing.
From the criticality of personalized content in today's saturated market to navigating the delicate balance between data utilization and privacy, the conversation delves deep into the heart of modern marketing. JD also casts light on the nuances of regional marketing, emphasizing the vast differences in customer personas even within proximal locations. With a focus on the transformative role of technology in aligning business offerings with genuine human needs, this episode offers a panoramic view of the intersection of AI, human behavior, and market demands.

Aug 15, 2023 • 32min
Kid Drop: The Startup Dragon's Den Couldn't Resist!
Join host Ian Bergman on AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast as he delves into Julieta Miranda's journey from El Salvador to launching her revolutionary startup, Kid Drop. Discover how this single mom modernized kid transportation, faced entrepreneurial challenges head-on, and secured her first major investment from Dragon's Den. Dive into the importance of relationships in business, from school boards to community services. Don’t miss this episode where ambition meets innovation.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
The process of pivoting from running a traditional family business to launching a startup and the associated challenges and opportunities.
Strategies for identifying and addressing real-life problems with innovative solutions, as exemplified by Kid Drop's origin story.
The importance of planning, financial preparedness, and learning from failures in the world of startups.
The art of building and leveraging relationships for business growth, including collaborations and networking with key community stakeholders.
Exploring funding and expansion opportunities, with insights into Julieta's experience on Dragon's Den and securing major investments.
Listen now to delve into the fascinating world of innovation!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts

Aug 1, 2023 • 55min
The Intersection of Innovation and Design with Mike Gadsby
Join host Ian Bergman in the latest Alchemist X Innovators Inside podcast episode as he dives deep into a fascinating discussion with Mike Gadsby, Chief Innovation Officer at O3 World. From graphic design to the cutting-edge R&D space, listen as Gadsby recounts his journey while highlighting the crux of innovation—problem-solving for better user outcomes. Explore the importance of balancing incremental and radical innovation, and learn about the promise of AI, specifically generative AI, in transforming digital user experiences. Delve into the world of chatbots and the potential of AI to make them more human-like. The episode also addresses the culture of innovation, embracing failure, and the correlation between customer and employee experiences. This engaging conversation offers a wealth of insights for future-focused innovators, leaders, and anyone passionate about design and user experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
The journey through tech industry career transformations.
The core principles of innovation.
The role and potential of generative AI.
The enhancement of chatbot interactions using AI.
The importance of fostering innovation and a customer-centric culture.
Listen now to delve into the fascinating world of innovation!
Full show notes and resources at https://www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts

Jul 18, 2023 • 48min
Igniting Innovation in Automotive Technology with Jeffrey Diwakar
Join host Ian Bergman in a captivating conversation with Jeffrey Diwakar, a seasoned innovator and leader in the corporate world, as they delve into the realms of corporate innovation, technology, and the future of the industry. Discover the importance of fostering a growth mindset, leveraging emerging technologies, and building conviction for innovative ideas. Gain insights into the transformative power of augmented reality, AI, and machine learning in the automotive and energy industries. Whether you're a corporate professional, entrepreneur, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on driving innovation within large organizations.
In this episode, you’ll find:
Strategies for building emotional conviction in innovative ideas.
The importance of customer feedback in driving innovation.
Real-world applications of augmented reality and mixed reality in the automotive industry.
The transformative power of AI and machine learning in diagnostics and maintenance.
Practical tips for embracing new growth opportunities and continuous learning.
Listen now to unlock the secrets of unleashing corporate innovation.
Full show notes and resources at www.alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts

Jan 27, 2023 • 41min
E.40 - Aleksandr Kravchenko: United by an Idea
Aleksandr Kravchenko is the Deputy Product Officer at EOS Data Analytics, an incredible geospatial data startup that was a recent participant in the AWS Space Accelerator powered by AlchemistX. Alex's product experience stretches back several years and several startups and builds on a prior career in journalism and politics.

Dec 16, 2022 • 1h
E.39 - Amanda Goltz: I Volunteer
Amanda L. Goltz, MPA is the U.S. Lead for Worldwide Healthcare Venture Capital and Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS), responsible for managing a portfolio of digital health companies and driving opportunities with AWS's enterprise healthcare and life sciences business. In a previous role at Amazon, Amanda led partnerships to power voice AI experiences at Alexa Health and Wellness. Before coming to Amazon, Amanda was Vice President of Digital Innovation at BTG (now Boston Scientific), a global medtech, managing the portfolio of digital initiatives combining clinical interventions, device technology, and digital services to incorporate the patient experience and improve measurable outcomes. As part of this role, Amanda founded Oncoverse, a software startup in cancer care, in a joint venture with CommonSpirit Health. Previously, Amanda was the Director of Product Strategy and Innovation at Aetna, sourcing emerging solutions from the digital health and innovative networks marketplace, pairing them with employer clients, and directing implementation of the solutions at scale. Amanda has led innovation and strategy initiatives at Pacific Business Group on Health, a large employer coalition; the State of California, MassGeneralBrigham, and New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Amanda advises several start-up companies as a mentor for the Alexa Fund, 500Startups, Rock Health, and StartXMed, the health and life sciences incubator for Stanford University.