
AlchemistX: Innovators Inside
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.
Latest episodes

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.

Nov 18, 2022 • 38min
E.38 - Angela Lim: Founder Market Fit
Angela Lim is a serial health tech entrepreneur focused on innovative solutions and a former pediatric doctor at Auckland Hospital. She is the CEO and cofounder of Clearhead, a digital mental health company with a strong social mission to improve access to personalized care for everyone and empower them to maintain their well-being. Clearhead was one of the stars of the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator, which is operated by AlchemistX in partnership with Alberta Innovates and the Edmonton Police Foundation.

Sep 16, 2022 • 25min
E. 37 - Carolyn O'Hare: Organic Growth
Carolyn has over a decade of experience as a supply chain and operations expert in the consumer packaged goods industry. Formerly running operations at brands like Fiji Water and Beyond Meat, she's currently the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Tiny Organics, an early childhood nutrition company focused on shaping baby and toddler palates to prefer vegetables. Carolyn has been recognized by Partnership for a Healthier America as a member of their Shaping Early Palates Council and is a founding partner of the Veggies Early and Often campaign in 2022. She partnered with LinkedIn for their Welcome Professional campaign and was featured in their cross-platform content about the evolving definition of professionalism. She has a passion for mentoring entrepreneurs and serves as a mentor with Santander Bank's Cultivate Small Business Program supporting women, minority and immigrant owned early stage food businesses.

Jun 24, 2022 • 52min
E. 36 - Don Cox: The Risk Lens
Don started out in the US Army before becoming a police detective specializing in fraud and computer crimes. He's been a special agent for the US Secret Service and an IT program director for the US Department of State. Most recently, he has been chief information officer for Nova Corporation, a Navajo Nation-owned firm that provides IT to federal agencies, and for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And he was Chief Information Security Officer for Mednax, a national medical group, and he has worked with American Public Education, Inc., a provider of higher education. Don has been named one of the top 100 health care leaders and top 29 CISOs by the peer list community. He has a master's in science and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global College.

May 26, 2022 • 32min
E.35 - Latrice Barnett: Rock Star
After almost eight years with Salesforce, Latrice was a senior director and regional vice president for Partner Marketing Field Distribution. Before joining Salesforce, Latrice worked as an executive and interactive producer with the branding agencies, Cibo Studio and Odopod. She has a degree in comparative literature from UC Berkeley, and she's an accomplished vocalist whose excellent 2006 album Illuminate is available on your favorite streaming service.