The Leadership Exchange

Rob Ocel sits down with Andrew Tunnell, Vice President of AI at CompuGroup Medical US, to explore the transformative potential of AI across industries. From reshaping U.S. manufacturing with AI-driven robotics to tackling identity challenges in the digital age, Andrew shares his bold predictions and insights on leveraging AI for problem-solving and innovation. The conversation also explore ethical considerations, operational security, and the evolving landscape of hiring in AI. - AI in Manufacturing: Andrew predicts that AI-driven robotics will revolutionize U.S. manufacturing within the next decade, reducing reliance on global outsourcing by enabling cost-effective, modular, and flexible production lines. - AI and Identity Challenges: Advances in AI voice replication and deepfake technologies raise concerns about identity theft and security. Organizations and individuals must adopt new strategies for operational security and data ownership. - AI in Cybersecurity: The arms race between malicious AI and defensive AI will define future cybersecurity strategies. Organizations must leverage AI to proactively identify, counteract, and prevent threats in real time. - Passion Over Credentials in Hiring: Andrew emphasizes hiring for passion and character over formal qualifications, noting that hard skills can be learned but passion and integrity are essential for building high-performing teams in the fast-evolving AI industry. Chapters 0:00 - The Risk-Return Balance in Hiring 0:31 - Ownership in Hiring Outcomes 0:42 - The Art of Reading People in Hiring 1:00 - Current Hiring Challenges for Engineers 1:08 - Welcome to the Leadership Exchange Podcast 1:12 - Introducing Andrew Tunnel, VP of AI at Compy Group Medical 1:27 - Andrew’s Journey: From Startups to AI Leadership 2:00 - First Encounter with AI: Writing Patent Applications 2:24 - Lessons from Building a Fintech AI Startup 2:36 - Transitioning into AI Consulting and Leadership 2:48 - Live from an AI Event: Thoughts on Current Trends 3:03 - The Future of AI Technologies: Problem-Solving and Beyond 3:47 - AI in Healthcare: Potential Applications and Proof of Concepts 4:10 - The Hype and Reality of AI Capabilities 4:29 - Identity Challenges with AI: Voice Ownership and Ethics 5:00 - Educating Yourself on AI’s Impact on Personal Data 5:23 - AI’s Dual Nature: Exciting Features vs. New Threats 5:48 - Protecting Against Voice-Based Cyber Threats 6:22 - Rethinking Operational Security in an AI Era 7:00 - Teaching the Next Generation to Navigate AI Risks 7:59 - Cybersecurity in a World of Advanced AI Tools 8:48 - AI for Defense: Fighting Fire with Fire 9:42 - How AI Can Counter Malicious AI Attacks 10:12 - Real-Time Problem Solving with AI in Cybersecurity 11:12 - AI and Robotics: Revolutionizing US Manufacturing 11:45 - Predictions for AI-Driven Domestic Manufacturing 12:18 - Cutting Costs Through Localized AI Manufacturing 13:25 - The Role of AI in Dynamic and Modular Factories 14:25 - Flexibility in Manufacturing with AI and Robotics 15:25 - Challenges of Transitioning to AI-Driven Automation 16:03 - The New Generation of AI Engineers 16:42 - Shifting Talent from Crypto to AI 17:12 - Identifying Passion and Character in Hiring AI Engineers 18:00 - Indicators of Passion and Honest Character in Candidates 18:56 - Balancing Technical Tests with Cultural Fit in Hiring 20:01 - Flaws in Overemphasizing Perfect Candidates 21:15 - Finding Hidden Gems in the Hiring Process 22:01 - Testing for Persistence vs. True Skills in Hiring 23:07 - Balancing Risk and Return in Building Teams 24:10 - Leveraging Passion as a Predictor of Success 25:25 - Closing Thoughts: Developing AI Teams with Character 26:13 - Andrew’s LinkedIn as a Point of Contact 26:46 - Closing the Leadership Exchange Podcast Episode Follow Andrew Tunnell on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-tunnell-075162b9/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee chats with her longtime friend and coach, Noa Ronen, co-founder of The Coaching Connection. They explore how organizations can approach change fatigue, balance growth with emotional well-being, and create space for meaningful connection. Noa shares practical advice on fostering collaboration, empowering teams to solve problems, and building stronger relationships in remote work settings. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: Is Training Still Relevant Today? 0:25 - Welcome to the Leadership Exchange Podcast 0:50 - Meet Noah: Co-Founder of the Coaching Connection 1:45 - The Story Behind the Coaching Connection 2:30 - From the Israeli Army to Coaching Leaders 4:20 - Leading Change: Lessons from Talent Development 5:50 - Change Fatigue: Challenges in Today’s Organizations 7:40 - Balancing Growth and Human Development 9:15 - Why Traditional Training Fails to Drive Behavior Change 10:40 - The Power of Repetition and Short Learning Cycles 12:10 - Collaborative Learning and the Role of Facilitators 14:30 - Building Relationships Through Repetitive Learning 16:20 - Coaching Technical Leaders: From Expert to People Leader 18:45 - Empowering Teams: Letting Go of Being the Problem Solver 21:20 - Coaching and Accountability: Keys to Behavior Change 22:50 - Remote Work: Maintaining Connection in Distributed Teams 24:45 - Rituals for Building Connection in Remote Work 26:30 - The Impact of Missing Social Cues in Remote Leadership 27:40 - Helping Younger Generations Build Relationship Skills 28:45 - Final Thoughts and Thank You Follow Noa Ronen on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/NoaRcoach Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noarcoach/ Website: https://www.coachingconnection-on.com/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

In this episode of the Leadership Exchange Podcast, host Tracy Lee speaks with Sam Raghavachari, Head of Technology at Cabot, about the evolving role of technology in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. They discuss the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, leveraging AI for administrative tasks and data optimization, and the critical importance of data quality and governance. Sam shares insights on integrating technology with business goals, the untapped potential for startups in CRE, and strategies for aligning innovation with ROI. Key Points - Modernizing CRE Technology: Sam shares challenges in updating legacy systems and scaling technology for global operations. - AI in Commercial Real Estate: AI's potential to streamline tasks like leasing, investment analysis, and administrative work is explored. - Data as a Foundation: Clean, well-managed data is critical for successful AI implementation and operational efficiency in CRE. - Startup Opportunities in CRE: The industry offers numerous areas for innovation, from document management to building optimization. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: The Importance of Data 0:43 - Welcome to The Leadership Exchange 1:08 - Sam’s Role and Background 2:24 - The Challenges of Legacy Systems 3:29 - AI in Commercial Real Estate 6:48 - Real-World Examples of Automation 7:50 - Quick Wins with AI in Real Estate 9:02 - Top Technology Upgrades in Real Estate 13:26 - Fixing Outdated Processes 15:10 - Startup Ideas and Innovation 19:54 - Building Optimization and Small Players 22:41 - Caution Around AI Hype 23:40 - Final Thoughts on AI Strategy 24:41 - Closing and Where to Find Sam Follow Sam on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samraghavachari/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

In this episode of the Leadership Exchange Podcast, Tracy Lee welcomes back Jeremy Edberg, co-founder of DBOS, former Chief Architect at Reddit, and veteran startup investor. Together, they look into the realities of building and scaling startups, from the myth of "overnight success" to practical strategies for maintaining motivation through the slog of slow growth. Jeremy shares valuable insights on how to communicate a long-term vision, celebrate small wins, nurture developer communities, and stay focused while navigating market trends. Key Points: - The myth of overnight success: Startups like Cloudflare may seem like instant hits, but real success takes years of consistent effort.   - Keeping teams motivated: Learn how to communicate a long-term vision and celebrate small wins to boost morale during slow growth periods.   - Building developer tools: Insights on creating a standout developer experience and why simplicity is key to adoption.   - Riding market trends: Hear how startups can strategically lean into emerging trends like AI without losing focus.   - Staying resilient as a founder: Practical advice on managing expectations, tracking growth without stress, and navigating the ups and downs of startup life. Follow Jeremy on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/jedberg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedberg/ Github: https://github.com/jedberg thisdot.co

In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, host Rob Ocel is joined by Pat Clarke, Director of Engineering at Lumen Learning, to discuss his framework for balancing coaching, directing, and "choreographing" as leadership modes, explaining how situational awareness helps leaders adapt their approach to meet team and project needs. Follow Pat Clarke on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-clarke-dev/ Twitter: https://x.com/LeftShotDev Website: https://patclarke.dev/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

In this episode of the Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee, co-founder and CEO of This Dot Labs, talks with Celest Hall, founder of Shining Opus, about navigating the AI innovation wave and preparing for a tech-driven future. They discuss how businesses can stay competitive through upskilling, operational readiness, and making bold strategic bets. Celest shares insights on balancing technological progress with social responsibility and the critical role of leadership in driving sustainable growth. Chapter [00:00] Welcome [02:17] Understanding Innovation Waves [03:46] The AI Innovation Wave [05:09] AI Becoming Ubiquitous [07:16] Preparing for AI’s Impact on Jobs & Skills [10:43] Economic Shifts & Social Responsibility [13:39] How AI Differs from Previous Tech Waves [16:26] Upskilling & Lifelong Learning [19:03] Strategic Leadership for the Future [23:47] Planning for the Next Innovation Wave [25:21] The Role of Humanity & Legislation [29:50] Closing Thoughts Follow Celest on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestineturnerhall/ Shining Opus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shining-opus-llc/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

On this episode of the Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee chats with Ben Nadel, Principal Engineer and co-founder of InVision. They explore Ben’s journey building InVision, lessons on scaling, staying connected to customers, and the challenges of closing a company after 14 years. They also discuss team structures, microservices vs. monoliths, and reevaluating "best practices" in software development. Ben’s passion for building and learning shines as he shares insights on creating meaningful products and embracing change in tech. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - Ben’s Career Journey 06:11 - Leadership & Resilience Lessons 12:41 - Tech Evolution & Frameworks 17:22 - Reexamining Best Practices 23:27 - Microservices vs. Monoliths 26:39 - People Problems vs. Tech Problems 30:33 - Staying Connected to Customers 31:37 - Where to Find Ben Online 32:00 - Closing & Thank You Follow Ben Nadel on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/BenNadel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennadel/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

Join Tracy Lee as she talks with Bradley Dick, co-founder and CEO of ZeroDivide.ai, about his journey from CIO to tech entrepreneur. In this episode, Bradley shares why he left a stable healthcare CIO role to launch a startup focused on AI-powered tools for individuals with developmental disabilities. Discover the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned about leadership, and how Zero Divide AI is tackling one of the biggest future challenges in healthcare. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - Career Leap: From CIO to Tech Entrepreneur 05:21 - Challenges of Entrepreneurship 10:33 - Building Zero Divide AI 15:24 - The Future of Healthcare Tech 23:26 - Staying Ahead in Tech & AI 27:08 - Startup Lessons for Health Tech Founders 30:53 - Closing Thoughts Connect with Bradley Dick on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleydick/ ZeroDivide.ai: https://zerodivide.ai/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee talks with DEI expert Nina Bryson Fleming, founder of Inclusive Ideas, about how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs can affect positive transformations in workplaces. Drawing from her 15 years of experience, Nina shares actionable strategies for building inclusive cultures, improving employee morale, fostering innovation, and enhancing customer engagement. She emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, cultural intelligence, and equitable hiring practices, offering practical insights for creating resilient and diverse organizations that drive business success. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - Nina’s Journey in DEI 05:00 - Success Stories in DEI 08:30 - The Role of Leadership in DEI 11:30 - Psychological Safety as a Foundation 14:00 - Building Inclusive Teams 18:00 - The Tangible Impact of DEI 22:00 - Breaking Barriers in Hiring and Development 28:00 - Overcoming Resistance to DEI Efforts 34:00 - Practical Steps for Deepening DEI Efforts 39:00 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Nina Follow Nina Bryson on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-bryson-fleming/

In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee chats with healthcare and AI expert Eric Doherty about how AI is transforming industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Eric shares his insights on generative AI, digital twinning in drug development, and the ethical considerations of AI adoption, drawing parallels to Google’s rise in the tech world. They discuss regulatory challenges in the US and EU, the importance of responsible data usage, and strategies for leaders to foster excitement and overcome resistance to AI.  Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - Eric’s Journey in Healthcare and AI 05:00 - AI’s Transformative Potential 08:00 - AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges 11:20 - Regulatory Considerations for AI 13:50 - Data Privacy and Security in the AI Era 18:20 - Cross-Departmental Collaboration in Cybersecurity 21:00 - The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption 25:40 - Balancing Innovation and Risk 29:30 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Follow Eric on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/EDohertyGlobal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdohertygloballeader/