CEO.com | Dispatches from the frontiers of leadership

In the latest episode of the CEO.com show, we had the honor of interviewing Bill Burns, the CEO of Zebra Technologies. Our discussion covered a wide range of intriguing topics, with a focus on Bill's insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Zebra's business both internally and externally. Bill shared how AI is being incorporated into customer-facing marketing, product development, and internal operations, leading to more efficient and effective processes.Bill also provided a thorough overview of Zebra Technologies, detailing how the company supports the on-demand economy by ensuring that every asset and worker is visible, connected, and optimally utilized. He highlighted Zebra's diverse product offerings, which range from barcode readers and RFID tags to hospital wristbands and robotics.We also delved into the current macroeconomic landscape, discussing the challenges of high interest rates, ongoing conflicts, and transitioning from a goods-based to a service-based economy. Bill's extensive experience, which includes over 30 years in telecommunications and technology and an MBA from Temple University, provided valuable context for his perspectives.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:20 - Bill Burns' Background and Zebra Technologies Overview00:03:31 - Future of the On-Demand Economy00:05:21 - Customer Experience at Zebra00:07:20 - Bill Burns' Daily Priorities and Time Management00:08:31 - Typical Day and Habits00:10:02 - Reading Recommendations and Keeping Up with Current Events00:11:28 - Importance of Global Awareness for CEOs00:12:22 - Role of AI in Zebra Technologies00:18:30 - Internal Use of AI for Efficiency00:20:08 - Work from Home and Hybrid Work Policies00:22:07 - Defining and Building Culture at Zebra00:23:32 - Zebra's Purpose Statement00:25:41 - Leadership Philosophy00:27:54 - Admiration for Entrepreneurs00:29:32 - Current Macroeconomic Environment00:32:27 - Reflecting on Opportunities and Mentorship 00:34:07 - Conclusion and Farewell

In this enlightening episode of the CEO.com show, we spoke with Charlie Hernandez, a visionary entrepreneur and the brains behind MyPocketLawyer. Charlie's innovative approach to democratizing legal services through AI technology is inspiring and a game-changer for individuals and small businesses struggling with legal issues.This conversation with Charlie Hernandez was informative and deeply motivating. It reminded us of the power of technology to enact real change in critical areas like legal services. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Tune in to better understand how MyPocketLawyer is setting a new standard for legal accessibility.Timestamped Chapters with Titles00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest IntroductionClint Betts introduces the podcast and guest Charlie Hernandez, a serial entrepreneur working on MyPocketLawyer.00:00:45 - Transition to MyPocketLawyerDiscussing Charlie's glasses leads to an introduction to MyPocketLawyer and its mission.00:01:10 - The Problem MyPocketLawyer AddressesCharlie explains the legal challenges various socioeconomic groups face in the U.S. and how MyPocketLawyer aims to address these.00:02:21 - Staggering Statistics on Legal RepresentationCharlie shares alarming statistics about the lack of legal representation in low-income communities.00:03:38 - How MyPocketLawyer WorksExplanation of how MyPocketLawyer utilizes AI and machine learning to provide legal assistance.00:04:46 - Accessibility and Language SupportDiscussion on making MyPocketLawyer accessible to low-income individuals and supporting multiple languages.00:06:45 - CEO's Daily Responsibilities and PrioritizationCharlie discusses his daily responsibilities as CEO and how he prioritizes tasks.00:08:54 - Typical Day for the CEOCharlie describes his typical day, emphasizing personal discipline and routine.00:10:18 - Reading Recommendations and Personal InterestsCharlie shares his reading habits and recommendations, focusing on classic literature.00:11:38 - Future of AI and Ethical ConsiderationsCharlie reflects on AI's potential and dangers, emphasizing the need for ethical development, especially in legal tech.00:14:30 - Regulatory Challenges and Legal TechDiscussion on navigating regulatory environments and the impact of technology on the legal industry.00:17:16 - Remote Work and Company CultureCharlie discusses the benefits and challenges of remote work and maintaining company culture.00:22:31 - Leadership and InfluencesCharlie discusses leadership and the people who influence him as a CEO.00:24:48 - Fundraising and Venture Capital in Legal TechInsights into the fundraising landscape for legal technology startups.00:28:11 - Macro Economic Considerations for CEOsCharlie reflects on the broader economic and societal issues that impact his role as CEO.00:31:09 - Motivation and MissionCharlie shares what keeps him motivated and focused on MyPocketLawyer's mission.00:33:11 - Gratitude and AcknowledgmentsCharlie expresses gratitude towards his investors and fiancée for their support and the chances given.

In this episode of the CEO.com show, we spoke with Eric Berridge, the CEO of Coastal (formerly Coastal Cloud), a leading Salesforce consultancy firm. Eric, a two-time author, and a TED speaker, shared his extensive insights on customer obsession, branding, and the evolving landscape of technology.This conversation with Eric Berridge was not only enlightening but also profoundly inspiring. It provided a comprehensive look at what it means to prioritize and continuously improve customer experiences in a tech-driven world. Eric’s leadership at Coastal and his approach to customer obsession, team collaboration, and embracing AI reflect a forward-thinking mindset many leaders can learn from.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of customer relations and the impact of technological advancements on business. In our show notes, check out the links to Eric’s book "Customer Obsessed" and his podcast for more insights from a seasoned leader in the tech industry.Timestamped Chapters with Titles00:00:00 - Introduction and Eric's BackgroundClint Betts introduces the podcast and guest Eric Berridge, discussing Eric's background, achievements, and current role at Coastal.00:01:30 - Discussing Coastal's RebrandEric explains the reasons behind Coastal's rebranding from Coastal Cloud to Coastal, reflecting on the company's evolution and market changes.00:04:06 - Excellence in Salesforce ConsultancyEric discusses what makes Coastal a top Salesforce provider in North America, emphasizing customer satisfaction and skilled consultants.00:05:21 - Defining Customer ObsessionEric shares his perspective on being customer-obsessed, including personal anecdotes and the importance of seamless customer experiences.00:07:47 - Examples of Customer-Obsessed BrandsDiscussion on brands that exemplify customer obsession, including Apple and Salesforce, and the importance of authentic customer interactions.00:10:27 - CEO's Role and Time ManagementEric talks about his daily priorities as CEO, focusing on customer opportunities and delivering consistent experiences.00:13:02 - Personal Reading Habits and RecommendationsEric shares his reading habits, including his preference for American fiction and how it influences his business approach.00:16:24 - Impact of AI on Business and SocietyEric discusses the potential of AI to enhance productivity and creativity, reflecting on his experiences and the broader implications for employment.00:19:20 - AI as a Tool for Employee EnhancementFurther discussion on AI emphasizes its role as a productivity tool rather than a job replacement.00:22:03 - Importance of Arts and Humanities in TechnologyEric advocates for the value of a liberal arts education in developing skills that complement technological advancements.00:25:01 - Managing Remote Work and CollaborationEric reflects on the challenges and opportunities of remote work, stressing the importance of physical collaboration spaces.00:26:48 - Defining and Managing Company CultureHow Coastal manages its culture remotely, focusing on company values and employee engagement.00:31:08 - Customer Obsessed Podcast PromotionEric promotes his podcast, 'Customer Obsessed,' discussing its themes and the type of guests featured.00:33:00 - Reflecting on Career Influences and OpportunitiesEric shares personal stories about the influences on his career and the importance of giving and taking chances in professional development.

A conversation with Barri Rafferty, the dynamic CEO of Morrow Sodali Americas. Barri shares her unexpected journey to leadership, her approach to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and the strategies she employs to steer the company through the complexities of today's macroeconomic environment.Barri also delves into the nuances of self-leadership, the importance of empathy in the workplace, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the hybrid work model post-pandemic. With a focus on future-proofing businesses and the role of culture in a rapidly expanding company, this episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and aspiring professionals alike.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Barri Rafferty and Morrow Sodali Americas00:42 - How Barri became CEO01:56 - What Morrow Sodali does02:57 - A day in the life of a CEO04:11 - Prioritizing tasks and self-leadership05:27 - The role of empathy in leadership06:42 - Barri's reading recommendations07:50 - Adapting to AI in business09:27 - Hybrid vs. in-person work post-pandemic10:44 - Defining company culture12:22 - The politics of ESG and DEI14:24 - The importance of equity in DEI18:00 - Leaders Barri admires20:48 - The role of empathy in leadership23:12 - The CEO's role in understanding the macro environment25:30 - Barri's thoughts on the current economy27:20 - The chance that shaped Barri's career🔔 Subscribe to CEO.com for more exclusive interviews and business insights.#Leadership #DEI #ESG #SelfLeadership #CorporateCulture #MorrowSodaliAmericas #CEOcomShow #BusinessStrategy #MacroEconomicEnvironment #HybridWorkModel #ArtificialIntelligence #StakeholderEngagement #CorporateGovernance

A conversation with James Kubik, CEO of Somewear Labs, a Silicon Valley startup revolutionizing critical communications for frontline teams, including military and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Somewear Labs' innovative products, like their satellite hotspot and multi-network device Node, enable life-saving communications in the most remote and challenging environments.In this episode, James shares his journey from a tragic sailing accident to leading a company with a mission to save lives. Learn about the importance of culture, values, and leadership in today's complex world and how Somewear Labs navigates the challenges of a hybrid workforce and the macroeconomic landscape.📅 Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Somewear Labs and James Kubik01:04 - James Kubik's journey to CEO and the mission of Somewear Labs02:09 - The technology behind Somewear Labs' communication platforms05:14 - The transition from consumer to enterprise/military focus06:01 - The concept of smart routing in Somewear Labs' devices07:17 - Decision-making as a CEO and focusing on impactful industries09:02 - Managing culture and the hybrid workforce model15:49 - James Kubik's reading habits and recommendations17:02 - Defining company values at Somewear Labs18:53 - The personal impact of Somewear Labs' life-saving technology20:21 - Leadership influences and the importance of doing the right thing 🔗 Important Links: Somewear Labs: somewearlabs.com CEO.com: ceo.com📚 What to Read Next: Remote Not Distant: Design a Company Culture That Will Help You Thrive in a Hybrid Workplace - Gustavo Razzetti (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U5sPx7)👤 About James Kubik: James Kubik is the CEO of Somewear Labs, a company dedicated to providing reliable communication solutions for teams operating in areas beyond the reach of traditional networks. With a background in engineering and a passion for the outdoors, James has led Somewear Labs to become a key player in critical communications technology.📈 Stay Informed: For more insights from today's leaders, subscribe to CEO.com and follow us on our social media channels.

On this episode of the For Leaders podcast, Clint meets with Jonathan Cherins who is the CEO of Vector Solutions. They talk about how the company tapped into the learning platform and education markets and how they focus primarily on teaching first responders. Jonathan speaks on the importance of being face to face with customers, as well as finding balance in his schedule, allowing himself the flexibility to read as many books as possible. They touch on the topic of using AI as a major asset to boost software development and content creation, and they dive into how it's being used at the company today. Tune in to learn more insights about the tech community ! "We grew organically from those origination points and we just kept building on that thesis over and over again until we're now in those three markets." 

Join Clint Betts for this episode of the For Leaders podcast as he meets Adam Fish, who is the CEO and co-founder of Ditto. Adam's company is an edge sync platform that syncs data from edge to cloud, even without connectivity. Artificial intelligence has taken the tech world by storm and Adam talks about how it has impacted his industry, as well as how companies are adapting today. Ditto has completely transformed data syncing and they dive into all the various ways the platform can be used to empower teams across the board, including in retail, airlines, and healthcare. They also chat about raising funds and sales strategy, dissecting Ditto's success. Tune in to learn more! "Those devices couldn't do this. This is kind of a new capability that exists and Ditto is enabling that for a lot of different applications that can now work more reliably than ever before."

The CEO and co-founder of Daffy, Adam Nash, joins Clint Betts on this episode of the For Leaders podcast. Daffy is a not-for-profit community built around a new, modern platform for giving with the intention of creating a good habit. Charitable giving is a massive market in the United States and Adam talks about navigating that market and expanding it further so millions of people can donate as much as they wish to on the platform. They chat about lessons learned as leaders, as well as the impact of AI on the tech industry. Adam shares his stance on the remote workforce and they touch on the subject of workplace culture. Tune in to learn more! "We make it as easy as possible for people to put money aside for charity. We take all that work away from the non-profits and we try to make it very easy for people to set up things like recurring donations."

Clint Betts meets with Samuel Wilson, who is the CEO at 8x8, for this exciting episode of the For Leaders podcast. 8x8 is a platform that empowers teams worldwide to connect, collaborate, and excel. They chat about AI's ability to synthesize meaning from questions and they touch on the topic of working from home, as well as the culture surrounding that debate. Even if they work from home, 8x8 employees work together seamlessly because they are provided the necessary tools to stay connected, the organization is accountable, and upholding company values is prioritized. They also talk about leading a company in Silicon Valley and focusing on changing the world, rather than focusing strictly on wealth. "I want to hire the best people I possibly can. So I never want to be constrained by saying those people, by pure chance, have to be in a 20 mile circumference around where I have an office. I love working with best in class people."

Join Clint Betts as he sits down with Adam Famularo, who is the CEO of WorkFusion, for this episode of For Leaders. WorkFusion seamlessly joins the traditional workforce with an automated workforce, integrating AI across industries. They chat about leveraging AI technology in the world of finance and expanding to various industries to optimize the workforce. Adam shares the biggest lessons learned about leadership through his career and they talk about traits of a good leader, including how they manage employees. For Adam, continuous learning is critical to long-term success which is why he encourages his team to learn as much and do as much as possible. Tune in to learn more! "I set up an environment where our employees feel like they can learn and grow. They won't be reprimanded for trying new things. If you try new things, I'm good if you fail. Fail fast. Learn from it and move on."