
An Hour of Innovation with Vit Lyoshin
An Hour of Innovation is hosted by Vit Lyoshin, a technology professional with a product development, and program leadership background.
Each episode explores the art and science of innovation through conversations with product leaders, scientists, and innovators.
We dive into groundbreaking ideas, uncovering the why and how behind them. The goal is to amplify the voices of those driving change, offering insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways to spark listeners’ creativity and passion for progress.
Welcome, and enjoy!
Latest episodes

Jul 13, 2025 • 58min
The Future of Job Search! This AI Career Tool Builds Your Story | Vrijen Attawar and Logan Currie
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin explores the future of job search and career development with Vrijen Attawar and Logan Currie, the co-founders of Careerspan — an AI-powered career tool designed to replace outdated resumes with personalized storytelling and strategic self-reflection.Vrijen, a former McKinsey consultant with a background in business and strategy, and Logan, an education and edtech expert, are on a mission to democratize access to great career coaching using artificial intelligence.Together, they discuss how AI is transforming career planning, resume writing, and hiring processes. You’ll learn how Careerspan uses AI to help users build their “career IP,” position themselves more effectively in the job market, and navigate the hiring landscape with more confidence and clarity.If you're exploring resume alternatives, curious about AI-driven job search tools, or want to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market, this conversation is packed with insights for the future of work.Careerspan is a free, AI-powered career platform that turns coaching conversations into a rich, 3-D profile of your strengths, values, and working style, then matches you with roles where you’ll thrive. Claim your all-summer free access here: https://app.mycareerspan.com/create-account?oid=hourofinnovation Support This PodcastThis episode is brought to you by: https://pheedback.co/ Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response ratesTakeaways* Job searching is increasingly difficult and requires resilience.* AI can enhance career development by providing personalized insights.* The traditional resume is becoming obsolete in favor of more dynamic representations of skills.* Self-reflection is crucial for career advancement and should be encouraged.* Community support among founders can lead to collaborative success.* Understanding the difference between technical and human problems is essential for product development.* Transparency in AI tools is necessary to build user trust.* Career companions can help individuals navigate their professional journeys more effectively.* The job market is shifting towards referrals and networking rather than traditional applications.Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:26 Challenges in Leveraging AI for Career Coaching07:11 The Role of AI in CareerSpan's Platform11:09 Understanding Career IP and Its Importance13:34 The Cultural Shift in Self-Promotion17:05 Personalization in AI Career Tools22:55 The Future of Resumes and Job Applications26:49 Vision for a Career Companion Tool33:41 User Experience Challenges in Career Tools35:45 Data Privacy and User Trust38:57 Validating User Success45:04 Advice for Founders in AI46:59 Understanding Technical vs. Human Problems48:51 Advice to Job Seekers55:15 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Job ApplicationsConnect with Vrijen and Logan* Website: https://www.mycareerspan.com/ * Vrijen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrijenattawar/* Logan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-currie/ Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin * Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jul 8, 2025 • 47min
What Does It Really Take to Scale a Startup to $70M in 8 Months? | Phil Neil
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation, host Vit Lyoshin sits down with Phil Neil, a serial entrepreneur and investor who scaled his company, Neobex, to $70M in sales and over $30M in EBITDA in just 8 months. Phil shares the gripping story behind that growth, including how he pivoted during the chaos of the pandemic, took a $450K personal risk, and navigated team conflict and supply chain disruption. We also dive deep into Phil’s signature frameworks: The Shadow of Entrepreneurship™ and The Courage Compass™, which explore the emotional challenges founders face and how to make better decisions under pressure. Support This PodcastThis episode is brought to you by: https://pheedback.co/ Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response ratesTakeaways* Phil Neil founded Neobex to help local health centers optimize purchasing.* COVID-19 forced Neobex to pivot its business model.* The transition to nitrile gloves was a strategic response to market needs.* Entrepreneurs often face emotional challenges that impact decision-making.* The 'Courage Compass' helps entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty.* Intuition can be as valuable as analytical thinking in decision-making.* Failure is a common experience in entrepreneurship, but it can lead to growth.* Identity anchors outside of business are crucial for emotional health.* Growth should be managed to avoid burnout and misalignment.* Empathy is essential for identifying real problems to solve.Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:08 The Story of Neobex03:03 Navigating Challenges During COVID-1905:38 The Courage to Pivot: From Supply Chain to Nitrile Gloves10:58 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Shadow15:40 The Courage Compass: Tools for Decision-Making24:03 The Importance of Intuition in Entrepreneurship27:17 Journey in Entrepreneurship33:12 New Culture of Entrepreneurship35:50 Advice on Innovation and Entrepreneurship38:09 Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey41:33 Future of Entrepreneurship: Decision Quality and Growth45:21 Connecting with Phil Neal: Resources and InsightsConnect with Phil* Website: https://philneil.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-neil/ Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin * Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jul 4, 2025 • 42min
How to Leverage AI-Powered Customer Feedback to Scale Faster and Grow Smarter | Eli Portnoy
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin talks with Eli Portnoy, founder of BackEngine.ai, about how AI is reshaping the way companies gather and act on customer feedback. They explore how AI can surface hidden insights from emails, calls, and support tickets, turning scattered conversations into structured product intelligence. Eli shares how feedback loops break as companies grow, how to validate feature ideas using real data, and what it takes to build smarter, more customer-centric products.Eli Portnoy is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of BackEngine.ai, an AI-powered platform that helps teams operationalize customer feedback at scale. He previously founded Thinknear (acquired by Telenav) and Sense360 (acquired by Medallia), and also worked as a product leader at Amazon. With over 15 years of experience building tech companies, Eli is passionate about helping businesses deeply understand their customers and move faster with confidence.Support This PodcastThis episode is brought by: https://pheedback.co/ Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates. Takeaways* Startups often lose touch with their customers as they grow.* AI can help capture and analyze customer feedback effectively.* Frequent communication with customers is crucial for retention.* Understanding customer needs can prevent churn.* Feedback should be seen as a gift, not criticism.* BackEngine.ai can help validate product ideas and features.* Large companies struggle with customer feedback due to complexity.* Startups have the advantage of agility in responding to feedback.* The future of AI holds great potential for transforming customer insights.Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:44 The Role of AI in Feedback Collection07:53 Example of How AI Helped Figure Out Customer Churn09:26 Customer Communication Channels11:07 Brainstorming and Prototyping with AI12:19 Who are the Users of Back Engine15:08 Validating Customer Feedback and Ideas16:36 Prioritization and Recommendations17:51 Dealing with Unused Features19:08 Beyond Customer Feedback25:10 The Evolution of Customer Feedback in Startups28:40 Challenges of Large Organizations in Customer Feedback34:24 The Future of AI and Customer Feedback39:16 Advice for First-Time FoundersConnect with Eli* Website: https://www.backengine.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliportnoy/ * X: https://x.com/eportnoy Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin * Buy things on Amazon that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 27, 2025 • 46min
How to Go From MVP to Product Market Fit Without Burning Out | Ali Hafizji
What happens after you launch your MVP?In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, Vit Lyoshin sits down with Ali Hafizji, founder and CEO of Wednesday Solutions, to explore how startups can go from MVP to product-market fit without burning out. Ali breaks down the common mistakes founders make post-MVP, how to avoid feature bloat, and why lean, AI-native teams are the key to scaling smart. He also shares his unique Vibe Sprints methodology, designed to replace Agile practices with an AI-powered, outcome-driven approach that helps startups move fast and stay focused.Support This PodcastThis Episode is Brought By: https://pheedback.co/Pheedback is an AI-powered platform that transforms traditional surveys into dynamic conversations, delivering deeper insights and higher response rates. Takeaways* Startups often focus on vanity metrics after MVP launch.* Founders must adapt their roles post-MVP to focus on growth.* Vibe Sprint methodology emphasizes outcomes over tasks.* AI tools can significantly reduce development time.* Premature spending can derail startup progress.* Focus on core product loops to drive user engagement.* Retention metrics are crucial for assessing product success.* Building a small, effective team is essential post-MVP.* Hiring should align with the startup's current needs and context.* Founders should leverage online resources to build their MVP.Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:00 Common Mistakes After Launching MVP06:00 Lesson From a Successful MVP Launch08:51 Understanding Vibe Sprint Methodology13:51 Vibe Coding and AI Tools15:50 Measuring Success with Vibe Sprints16:58 Challenges in Achieving Product Market Fit21:59 Identifying Red Flags During the Product Market Fit Phase24:07 Key Milestones After MVP26:37 Navigating Product Market Fit Timelines28:29 Building the Ideal Post-MVP Team32:51 Essential Skills and Roles Pre-Product-Market Fit35:20 Understanding Growth Metrics and Patterns37:53 Avoiding Common Scaling Traps40:07 The Future of Product Development and Engineering44:06 Advice for Founders and Aspiring EngineersConnect with Ali* Website: https://www.wednesday.is/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alihafizji/ * X: https://x.com/ali_hafizji Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Buy things on Amazon that Vit recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshinPodcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 21, 2025 • 48min
The Startup Story Behind Fireflies.ai: Fundraising, Product-Led Growth, AI at Scale | Krish Ramineni
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin interviews Krish Ramineni, co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant. They discuss the inception of Fireflies.ai, the challenges of fundraising, the importance of user feedback, and the company's commitment to efficiency and innovation. Krish shares insights on navigating the AI landscape, building trust with users, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to focus on customer success and adapt to the rapidly changing market.Krish Ramineni is the co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant used by over 20 million people worldwide. A former Microsoft product manager, Krish left the corporate world to build a horizontal AI platform that makes workplace productivity accessible and efficient for everyone. Under his leadership, Fireflies has become known for its product-led growth, global remote team, and user-first philosophy. Krish is a visionary founder who bet on AI long before it became mainstream, building a profitable and scalable product without relying on traditional sales strategies. His journey is a masterclass in conviction, focus, and building smart in a noisy world.Support This Podcast* Amazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin * Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding: https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe * MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting: https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln * Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors: https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 * Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less): https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* Fireflies was born out of a desire to reduce meeting fatigue.* The company focuses on democratizing AI for all knowledge workers.* Customer feedback is integral to product development and improvement.* Fundraising is challenging; building traction first is crucial.* AI technology has evolved significantly, improving accuracy and capabilities.* Word of mouth and product virality were key to initial growth.* Balancing qualitative and quantitative feedback is essential for product decisions.* Efficiency is prioritized through a flat organizational structure.* Innovation is driven by constraints and rapid market changes.* Building trust with users is vital, especially in AI.Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:18 Building a User-Centric Product05:15 Team Size and User-Centric Approach at Fireflies07:40 When User Feedback Suggests Great Features09:07 Navigating Fundraising Challenges12:13 Embracing AI and Technology Evolution14:15 Ignoring Some VC Advice Early On16:54 Market Entry Strategies and Lessons Learned19:26 Scaling Through Word of Mouth and Product Virality21:08 Go-To-Market Strategies That Didn’t Work22:53 Driving Product Growth Through User Experience23:53 Product Growth Mindset25:20 Decision-Making Hierarchy26:53 Staying Close to Users28:04 Efficiency as a Core Value in Team Dynamics30:53 Innovation and Agility in a Fast-Paced Market33:13 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Metrics35:10 North Star Metric35:44 Balancing Qualitative and Quantitative Feedback38:01 Building Trust in AI Technology40:15 AI Taking People's Jobs46:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the AI SpaceConnect with Krish* Website: https://fireflies.ai/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishramineni/ * X: https://x.com/krishramineni Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 18, 2025 • 45min
The Future of Work in the Age of AI! How to Stay Relevant, Reskilling & AI Layoffs | Ben Tasker
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vitaliy Lyoshin speaks with Ben Tasker, an AI educator and advocate, about the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, emphasizing the need for upskilling and reskilling in the face of AI-driven layoffs. He highlights the importance of personal branding and creating a learning plan to navigate the evolving job landscape. The discussion also covers the changing definition of skills, the shift towards skills-based hiring, and the necessity for individuals to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology.Ben Tasker is an AI educator, workforce strategist, and Dean of AI at one of the world’s largest online universities. With a background in data science and engineering, he helps individuals and organizations navigate the shifting landscape of work driven by artificial intelligence. Ben is passionate about skills-based learning, human-centered upskilling, and building career resilience through personal branding. His work focuses on empowering people to thrive in what he calls the “between times” - the transitional space between the old world of work and the AI-powered future.Support This Podcast* Amazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin * Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding: https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe * MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting: https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln * Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors: https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 * Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less): https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* AI is creating a transitional space full of possibilities.* The current wave of AI-driven layoffs is unprecedented.* Upskilling and reskilling are crucial for career success.* Human skills are becoming increasingly valuable in the AI era.* AI skills and human skills are now distinct categories.* Organizations are struggling to embrace AI technology fully.* Creating a personal learning plan is crucial for career development.* Skills-based hiring is gaining traction among large employers.* The traditional education system is evolving to accommodate skills-based learning.* Individuals must take ownership of their learning journey.* Experiential education will become mainstream in the near future.* Soft skills are essential and part of one's personality.* Human skills will be prioritized as AI takes over specific tasks.* Personal branding is increasingly important in the age of AI.* Education will undergo significant transformation due to AI.* Organizations need to develop structured learning plans for employees.* Learning can be enjoyable and doesn't have to be traditional.* AI can help personalize education and learning experiences.Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:00 The Tsunami of AI-Driven Change05:39 Evolving Roles in the AI Era08:16 Redefining Skills in the Age of AI10:25 Organizational Shifts and AI Implementation12:30 Personal Journeys and Career Pivots14:47 Creating a Learning Plan for the Future17:49 Skill-Based vs Degree-Based Learning20:24 The Future of Work and Skills-Based Hiring23:20 Balancing Human and AI Skills25:14 The Learn-Practice-Apply-Reflect Framework27:45 Identifying Skills and Growth Opportunities30:55 The Importance of Personal Branding33:52 Using LinkedIn for Personal Branding35:58 Transforming Education for Future Employees38:51 Teaching AI in High Schools41:42 Organizational Responsibility in Upskilling Employees43: 58 Advice from BenConnect with Ben* Website: https://www.bentaskerai.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/ Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 14, 2025 • 48min
The Future of MedTech! First-in-Human Studies, Robotics and AI Devices | Julio Martinez-Clark
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vitaliy Lyoshin speaks with Julio Martinez-Clark, CEO of Bioaccess, a contract research organization that helps MedTech and biopharma startups accelerate clinical trials in emerging markets like Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Australia. They explore the challenges startups face in getting to market, the critical role of first-in-human studies, and the risks and rewards of conducting trials outside the U.S.Julio also shares his vision for equitable access to medical innovation and how increasing clinical research in developing countries can drive global health impact. The conversation touches on exciting trends such as robotics in surgery, AI-powered medical devices, diagnostic tools for remote care, brain-computer interfaces, and the growing field of radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics.Support This Podcast* Amazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin * Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding: https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe * MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting: https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln * Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors: https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 * Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less): https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* MedTech startups often struggle with patient recruitment in the U.S.* Latin America offers faster approval pathways for clinical trials.* First-in-human studies are crucial for startup validation.* Investors look for promising data from early trials.* High-risk devices are typically the focus of these startups.* Patients in clinical trials gain early access to innovations.* Equitable access to healthcare remains a challenge in developing markets.* Governments are enacting laws to attract more clinical trials.* Clinical trials can create high-paying jobs and boost local economies.* The growth of startups in healthcare is promising, but regulatory challenges remain.* Regulatory harmonization can facilitate faster access to medical devices in different markets.* Navigating bureaucracy is crucial for successful clinical trials.* Intellectual property protection is vital for safeguarding innovations.* Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into medical devices and diagnostics.* Emerging trends include robotics and smaller, more efficient medical devices.* Longevity research is gaining traction, treating aging as a disease.* Local expertise can significantly enhance the success of clinical trials.* The future of healthcare will see advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics.Timestamps00:00 Introduction04:21 The Importance of Latin America in Clinical Trials08:42 Navigating Risks in International Trials13:40 Types of Startups and Their Innovations17:30 Equitable Access to Medical Innovations22:58 Future of Clinical Trials and Patient Access25:06 Regulatory Challenges in Medical Device Approval28:04 Navigating Bureaucracy in Clinical Trials30:58 Protecting Intellectual Property in Innovation33:30 The Role of AI in Medical Devices36:29 Emerging Trends in Drug Development37:35 Future Technologies in Healthcare40:47 Longevity and Aging Research44:44 Key Takeaways for Startups in Clinical TrialsConnect with Julio* Website: https://www.bioaccessla.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliomartinezclark/ * X: https://x.com/jmartinezclark * Other: https://www.juliomartinezclark.com/ Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 11, 2025 • 48min
Create the Impossible! How Play, Imperfection and Fast Learning Drive Innovation | Melissa Dinwiddie
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, Vit Lyoshin and Melissa Dinwiddie discuss Melissa’s Create the Impossible™ framework, which consists of three steps: play hard, make crap, and learn fast. Melissa emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and playfulness in the workplace to unlock creativity and innovation.Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and creativity consultant whose journey, from Juilliard-trained dancer and professional calligrapher to jazz singer and innovation coach, brings a rich and artistic perspective to the world of business. Through her signature Create the Impossible™ framework, she guides tech leaders at companies like Google, Meta, Salesforce, and Uber to embrace playful experimentation, welcome “crappy” prototypes, and learn fast for breakthrough innovation.Support This Podcast* Amazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin * Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding: https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe * MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting: https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln * Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors: https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 * Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less): https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* Creativity can be unlocked through a structured framework.* Embracing play is essential for innovation.* Perfectionism can hinder creativity; making mistakes is necessary.* Self-awareness and self-compassion are crucial for overcoming fears.* Leaders must model vulnerability to encourage team experimentation.* The concept of 'impossible' should be redefined in business contexts.* Playfulness can enhance team dynamics and engagement.* Recognizing and managing internal fears is a key to personal growth.* Creating a culture of experimentation leads to breakthroughs.* The journey to creativity is ongoing and requires continuous learning.* Psychological safety is crucial for team dynamics.* Leaders can generate safety by showing vulnerability.* Celebrating failures can lead to valuable learning.* Creating a 'creative sandbox' allows for experimentation.* Sharing imperfect work encourages feedback and growth.* Iteration is key to learning and improvement.* Resistance to change is common but can be managed.Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:49 The Create the Impossible Framework06:47 Defining the Impossible in Business11:14 Overcoming Blockers to Creativity18:17 Embracing Play in the Workplace25:55 The Importance of Making 'Crap'32:50 The Importance of Iteration and Learning Fast34:04 Examples of the Create the Impossible Framework39:22 Embracing Play and Experimentation in Work41:21 Leadership's Role in Fostering Creativity45:10 Connecting with Resources and Further LearningConnect with Melissa* Website: https://melissadinwiddie.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDinwiddie * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_creative_life/ * Book: https://melissadinwiddie.com/my-book/ * Link from the QR code: https://bit.ly/hoipthankyouConnect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

Jun 6, 2025 • 48min
Master Your Inner Game! Resilience, Personal Branding & Fulfillment | Christian Ray Flores
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, Vit Lyoshin and Christian Ray Flores discuss the importance of inner mastery as a foundation for personal and professional success. Christian emphasizes the importance of emotional self-regulation, the impact of resistance on progress, and the significance of establishing daily practices to enhance inner mastery. The discussion also covers resilience, anti-fragility, and the necessity of developing a personal system for growth and skill acquisition. Christian Ray Flores is an entrepreneur, investor, speaker, performance coach, and former pop star whose career spans music, startups, philanthropy, and personal development. As founder of Xponential Life, he helps high achievers align inner mastery with outer impact. With a life shaped by global experiences, from political asylum to creative success, Christian brings a unique perspective on resilience, purpose, and authentic leadership.Support This Podcast* Amazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends: https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin * Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding: https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe * MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting: https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln * Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors: https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 * Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less): https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* Inner mastery is essential for sustainable success.* Focus on emotional self-regulation and personal growth.* Resistance can be both internal and external.* Daily practices can help build inner mastery.* Resilience is a universal human experience.* Incremental growth leads to long-term resilience.* You need a diverse skill set to succeed in business.* Surround yourself with a supportive community.* Coaching and mentorship can accelerate growth.* Understanding your inner resources can lead to greater success.* We are naturally influenced by the skill levels of those around us.* Translating personal success into a cultural baseline is essential.* A personal brand is your reputation.* Investing time in sharing your expertise is crucial.* Personal brands can be small yet impactful within organizations.* Developing a personal brand can lead to numerous benefits.* Fear of rejection often hinders personal growth and expression.* Inner mastery helps mitigate the fear of making mistakes.* Aiming higher than the average can lead to greater success.Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:13 Defining Inner Mastery08:37 Building Inner Mastery Practices12:29 Understanding Resistance15:01 The Importance of Outer Mastery19:14 Resilience Through Adversity23:46 Developing Anti-Fragility28:11 Creating a Personal Development System29:27 The Power of Tribal Influence30:25 Building a Personal Brand37:03 Overcoming Fear of Mistakes40:57 Consistency and Commitment43:03 Where to Start When Building a Personal Brand45:17 Aiming Higher Than the MiddleConnect with Christian* Website: https://www.xponential.life/ * Newsletter: https://www.christianrayflores.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrayflores/ * X: https://x.com/christianray * Other: https://www.thirddrivemedia.com/Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin Podcast Website* https://www.anhourofinnovation.com/

May 30, 2025 • 49min
Inside Hoshin Kanri: Toyota’s Strategy System for Alignment and Results | Mark Reich
In this episode of An Hour of Innovation podcast, host Vit Lyoshin speaks with Mark Reich, a former Toyota executive and author of 'Managing on Purpose.' They delve into the Hoshin Kanri framework, a strategic management system that aligns an organization's vision with execution. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience at Toyota, discussing the importance of vertical and horizontal alignment, common pitfalls in implementation, and the role of metrics in driving organizational success.Mark Reich is a senior coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute. With over 30 years of experience in lean thinking and strategy deployment, he has helped organizations across industries implement Hoshin Kanri and build cultures of continuous improvement.Support This PodcastAmazon - buy things that Vit Lyoshin recommends* https://www.amazon.com/shop/anhourofinnovationwithvitlyoshin Webflow - Create custom, responsive websites without coding* https://try.webflow.com/0lse98neclhe MeetGeek - Record, transcribe, summarize, and share insights from every meeting* https://get.meetgeek.ai/yjteozr4m6ln Monkey Digital - Unbeatable SEO. Outrank your competitors* https://www.monkeydigital.org/?ref=102449 Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes (or less)* https://www.podpage.com/?via=vitaliy Takeaways* Hoshin Kanri is a management system for strategy.* It defines midterm and long-term direction and objectives.* The cycle of Hoshin Kanri includes planning, execution, and review.* Common mistakes include budget-driven planning and a lack of vision clarity.* Vertical and horizontal alignment are crucial for success.* North Star metrics help unify organizational goals.* People development is a key aspect of Hoshin Kanri.* Leadership behavior significantly impacts implementation success.* Opportunities often arise from unexpected circumstances.* Toyota's culture emphasizes lifelong learning and employee engagement.* Hoshin Kanri has evolved to enhance leadership development.* Cultural differences exist, but Toyota maintains a consistent corporate culture.* Alignment and unity are crucial for large organizations.* Healthy discourse fosters better decision-making and teamwork.* Stability in leadership is important for sustaining culture.* Regular assessments of alignment help maintain organizational health.* Organizations should incentivize teamwork over siloed achievements.* Start small to implement effective management systems.* Continuous improvement is key to addressing business challenges.Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:55 Understanding Hoshin Kanri Framework06:30 The Cycle of Hoshin Kanri09:28 Common Mistakes in Implementation11:20 Achieving Vertical and Horizontal Alignment15:54 The Role of North Star Metrics19:02 Case Study: True Mowers Implementation23:20 Introduction to Toyota's Culture and Training28:33 Cultural Differences: Japan vs. America31:53 Evolution of Hoshin Kanri at Toyota35:16 Sustaining a Strong Organizational Culture38:09 Assessing Alignment and Organizational Health41:06 The Importance of Healthy Discourse44:49 Final Thoughts on Leadership and DevelopmentConnect with Mark* Book: https://www.lean.org/store/book/managing-on-purpose/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markareich/ * Other: https://www.lean.org/about-lei/faculty/mark-reich/ Connect with Vit* Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/contact/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://x.com/vitlyoshin