The Tech Leader's Playbook

In this insightful episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, host Avetis Antaplyan engages with Loren Rosario-Maldonado, a global HR expert and a champion of leadership optimization and cultural intelligence. Loren shares her vast experience in transforming corporate cultures and developing strategies for leadership excellence and team cohesion in the modern, diverse work environment. Key Takeaways: An exploration of the evolving nature of leadership in the global corporate world. Insights into the importance of cultural intelligence in leadership. Strategies for building resilient, agile, and united teams. Challenges and solutions in optimizing workplace culture for tech-driven businesses. The impact of leadership development programs on corporate growth. Episode Highlights: Loren's Journey: Insights into her 25+ years of experience in global HR. Cultural Intelligence in Leadership: Understanding its role in today's diverse workplace. Transforming Team Dynamics: Strategies for enhancing team resilience and agility. Overcoming Workplace Challenges: Practical advice for leaders. Leadership Development: Discussing the impact of Loren’s programs on businesses. Future of Work: Loren’s vision for leadership and team dynamics. Resources: Loren Rosario-Maldonado’s LinkedIn Profile Loren Rosario-Maldonado’s Personal Website Cultura Global Website Loren’s Book on Amazon Guest Bio: Loren Rosario-Maldonado brings over two decades of experience as a Global HR expert, specializing in leadership optimization and cultural intelligence. Her accolades include being recognized as a 'Best Place to Work for Latina' and numerous other awards. She empowers audiences with her insights on leadership, workplace culture, and evolving work landscapes. About the Host: Avetis Antaplyan, an experienced tech leader, delves into the minds of industry experts to bring valuable insights to his listeners. Join him on The Tech Leader's Playbook for engaging discussions on technology, leadership, and innovation. Connect with Avetis Antaplyan on LinkedIn Visit Avetis’s Website

In this episode, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Andrew Kahl, CEO of BackBox, about his experience in building and selling startups, the importance of customer success, and the impact of AI on network automation and security. Andrew shares his journey of co-founding and selling Credent Technologies, a data encryption software company, and his current role at BackBox. He emphasizes the significance of long-term customer relationships and the need for trust and genuine care. Andrew also discusses the advantages and drawbacks of private equity investment, strategies for building high-performing teams, and the importance of alignment and autonomy in leadership. The conversation covers topics such as proactive IT infrastructure management and the importance of connecting and building relationships. Takeaways Building long-term customer relationships requires understanding why customers buy your product and aligning your objectives with their long-term strategy. Maintaining agility while scaling involves accepting failure, learning from mistakes, and quickly moving forward. Leadership should focus on clear communication of objectives and providing autonomy to team members to achieve those objectives. Alignment between the company's vision and the goals of employees is crucial for long-term success. Customer success and genuine care for customers are key factors in building a successful business. Proactively monitoring and patching vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure can help prevent potential issues. Building strong relationships is essential for long-term success. Leadership plays a crucial role in driving customer experience and network automation. Network automation can improve efficiency and reduce manual errors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Andrew's Background 09:46 Building and Selling Credent Technologies 16:44 Starting BackBox and the Vision 21:17 Impact of AI on Network Automation and Security 23:26 Advantages and Drawbacks of Private Equity Investment 26:17 Strategies for Building Long-Lasting Customer Relationships 32:31 Maintaining Agility while Scaling 35:42 Leadership Philosophy and Motivating Teams 39:52 Alignment and Autonomy in Building High-Performing Teams 40:17 Proactive IT Infrastructure Management 41:30 Connecting and Building Relationships Connect with Avetis: Avetis's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright/ Avetis's Website: https://www.hireclout.com Andrew's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkahl/ Andrew's Website: https://backbox.com/

Join Avetis Antaplyan in an enlightening episode as he converses with Alexander De Ridder, the tech maestro behind INK Content, Inc., and Smyth OS. Alexander shares his extensive knowledge on AI's revolutionary role in business and marketing, providing insights into the future of collaborative AI agents and AI-driven transformations in various industries. Key Takeaways: Discover how AI is reshaping the world of marketing and business. Learn about the functionalities and impact of Smyth OS in the realm of AI. Explore the future of AI in search, e-commerce, and human-computer interaction. Understand the transition strategies for businesses towards AI-driven models. Delve into the complexities of AI model development, including large language models. Episode Highlights: Introducing Alexander De Ridder and his innovative AI vision. Deep dive into Smyth OS and collaborative AI agents. The transformative role of AI in search and e-commerce. Effective integration of AI into business practices. Technical insights on AI, machine learning, and NLP. Economics and innovations in AI model development. Resources: Alexander De Ridder’s LinkedIn Profile Smyth OS Product Information INK Content, Inc. Company Information Guest Bio: Alexander De Ridder, Co-Founder and CTO of INK Content, Inc., is a leader in AI innovation for marketing and business. His expertise in AI, machine learning, and SEO positions him as a top thought leader in the tech industry. About the Host: Avetis Antaplyan, a seasoned tech leader and innovator, brings you engaging conversations with industry experts on The Tech Leader's Playbook. Explore the latest in technology and business with Avetis. Avetis Antaplyan’s LinkedIn Profile Visit Avetis’s Website About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook offers in-depth discussions with technology and business innovators. Hosted by Avetis Antaplyan, delve into the trends, strategies, and breakthroughs shaping the tech landscape.

In an enlightening episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, host Avetis Antaplyan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jason Rosoff, CEO of Radical Candor. They delve into the nuances of the Radical Candor philosophy, its implementation in modern workplaces, and its profound impact on leadership and team dynamics. Key Takeaways: An exploration of the Radical Candor concept and its essential role in organizational culture. Practical advice on implementing Radical Candor in everyday business operations. Insights into the transformational impact of Radical Candor on leadership styles. Strategies to foster a feedback-first culture for enhanced team performance. The significance of balancing directness with empathy in managerial communication. Episode Highlights: [03:20] - Introduction to Radical Candor and its foundational principles. [08:15] - Overcoming challenges in adopting Radical Candor within diverse organizations. [14:30] - The transformational effects of Radical Candor on leadership and team dynamics. [22:10] - Jason's tips for leaders to balance candor and empathy effectively. Resources: Radical Candor Official Website Learn More about Radical Candor Services Connect with Jason Rosoff on LinkedIn Guest Bio: Jason Rosoff, as the CEO of Radical Candor, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in developing effective leadership and communication strategies. Co-founding the company alongside Kim Scott, Jason has been instrumental in shaping a new narrative around honesty and transparency in the workplace. His leadership has guided teams worldwide to embrace Radical Candor, transforming their work culture and enhancing overall team collaboration and efficiency. About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook is your go-to source for insights from leading figures in the tech and business world. Hosted by Avetis Antaplyan, each episode uncovers the strategies, challenges, and success stories shaping today’s tech landscape.

In this insightful solo episode, Avetis Antaplyan, a member of the Forbes Tech Council, explores the evolving landscape of the workplace as teams gradually return to the office. Drawing from his recent Forbes article, "Redefining the Office: Navigating the Delicate Dance of Bringing Teams Back," Avetis delves into the complexities and considerations that leaders must navigate in this transitional phase. Key Takeaways: An in-depth analysis of the current state of workplaces as organizations transition back to in-person work. Strategies for leaders to manage the return to the office while balancing employee preferences and business needs. The importance of communication, flexibility, and empathy in redefining the office space. Insights into how technology can facilitate a smoother transition and enhance collaboration in hybrid work environments. Episode Highlights: The New Workplace Reality: Understanding the post-pandemic office environment. Leadership Strategies for a Smooth Transition: Best practices for managing the return to the office. Balancing Flexibility and Productivity: How leaders can find the right mix for their teams. The Role of Technology in Hybrid Work: Tools and systems that support effective collaboration. Addressing Employee Concerns: Tips for open communication and ensuring employee well-being. Resources: Read Avetis’s Forbes Article Forbes Tech Council About the Host: Avetis Antaplyan, a seasoned tech leader and member of the Forbes Tech Council, shares his expertise and insights on the changing dynamics of the workplace. With years of experience in leading teams and driving technological innovation, Avetis brings a unique perspective on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving work environment. Connect with Avetis Antaplyan: LinkedIn HIRECLOUT Forbes Article

In today’s episode, we're thrilled to have Makoto Kern, the Founder and UX Principal of a leading Product Development and Design Agency. With nearly two decades in the UX Product Design realm, Makoto brings a wealth of knowledge from a diverse array of industries, ranging from energy to healthcare. Dive into this engaging conversation, led by Avetis Antaplyan, as they explore the intricacies of user-centric product design, the importance of an outcomes-driven strategy, and the future of UX in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Key Takeaways: Makoto’s Origins: From his early interests in Electrical/Robotics engineering to leading design initiatives at industry giants such as Deloitte, Accenture, and Razorfish. UX Across Industries: The unique challenges and opportunities in designing for sectors as varied as cybersecurity and healthcare. DesignOps & DevOps: How Makoto harnesses agile methodologies, UX & Product Design, and strategy to revolutionize outdated enterprise applications. Business-Centric UX: Dissecting the discrepancy between companies that tout user-importance and their actual investment in UX teams and usability testing. Innovating Amidst Downturns: The philosophy of building and innovating during challenging times and how it can set businesses apart in the post-crisis era. Mentioned in this episode: IIIMPACT: The renowned Product Development and Design Agency led by Makoto, known for transforming complex applications into user-friendly solutions. Recognized in the 3x Inc5000 list from 2021-2023. Makoto's Scholarly Work: A peek into Makoto’s academic prowess with a link to his publications on Google Scholar. Key Career Stints: Highlighting Makoto's significant roles at Deloitte, Accenture, Razorfish, Manifest Digital, and other reputed design firms in major cities like NYC, Austin, and Chicago. Connect with Makoto Kern: IIIMPACT's Official Website Makoto's LinkedIn Up Next: Stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to delve into the dynamic world of technology, design, and business. Thank you for joining us! Remember, for SEO optimization, you should ensure that the provided links are properly working and relevant. Also, make sure to use the chosen episode title consistently across platforms to boost its visibility in search results.

In this riveting episode, Avetis sits down with the multifaceted entrepreneur Robert Indries. From humble beginnings in Transylvania, Robert has traveled the globe, founded multiple 7-figure businesses, and contributed immensely to various non-profit initiatives. Dive deep into his business strategies, personal achievements, and adventures that span continents. Key Takeaways: Understand the influence of Robert's early experiences on his entrepreneurial journey. Discover the universal business principles that Robert has identified across diverse sectors. Gain insight into Robert's stringent criteria for collaboration and why ethics, ambition, and capital are non-negotiables for him. Learn from Robert's experiences with non-profits and hear about initiatives that resonate deeply with him. Uncover the secret behind Robert's enviable work-life balance and the pivotal role his family plays in his success. Be inspired by Robert's personal journey of overcoming dyslexia and becoming multilingual. Explore the exciting and adventurous side of Robert through his bucket-list achievements. Connect with Robert: Robert's LinkedIn Profile Robert's Official Website About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook is your go-to podcast for insights from tech industry leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world. Each episode provides in-depth conversations, uncovering the strategies, mindset, and tales of resilience from visionaries who shape the tech landscape.

In this illuminating episode, Avetis chats with Bryan Clayton, the driving force behind GreenPal. Transitioning from a background in landscaping to creating a revolutionary tech-driven platform, Bryan shares the strategies, challenges, and data-driven methodologies that have propelled GreenPal to the forefront of its industry. Key Takeaways: The innovative methods Bryan employed to secure GreenPal’s initial 1,000 users and how this strategy evolved over time. The intricacies of pricing in a two-sided marketplace and GreenPal’s unique approach. Addressing and managing the inherent challenges of a dual-sided marketplace. The pivotal role of customer satisfaction at GreenPal and their commitment to stellar service. Building and motivating a cohesive team that's focused on unified company goals. The instrumental role of data in GreenPal's growth trajectory and decision-making. Navigating the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining core business focus. Bryan's top qualities and skills when hiring and his interview evaluation methods. Sage advice for budding entrepreneurs on securing funding and overcoming capital-raising hurdles. Episode Highlights: [04:05] - Bryan's self-taught journey into software development and the inception of GreenPal. [12:10] - Delving deep into user acquisition and how GreenPal's tactics have transformed. [19:15] - Pricing strategies and considerations in a two-sided marketplace. [27:30] - The importance of data-driven decisions and its impact on GreenPal's growth. [34:00] - Insightful advice for budding entrepreneurs on the complexities of fundraising. Resources: GreenPal's Official Website Bryan’s LinkedIn Profile Guest Bio: Bryan Clayton's entrepreneurial spirit has transcended traditional boundaries. Starting in the landscaping world, he identified the industry's inefficiencies and became a self-taught software developer to tackle them head-on. This led to the birth of GreenPal, a multimillion-dollar company he co-founded and leads. Bryan's dual expertise in landscaping and tech provides invaluable insights for any entrepreneur aiming to disrupt an industry. At the heart of GreenPal's success lies its unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook offers insights from the best in the tech and entrepreneurial world. Dive into transformative stories, strategies, and methodologies that can redefine business trajectories. Connect with Avetis Antaplyan: Avetis’s LinkedIn Profile

In this insightful episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with his business partner, Jeff Mitchell, a seasoned tech recruiting expert with over 35 years of experience. Jeff, the driving force behind HIRECLOUT, shares his journey of building successful startup recruiting firms, the art of talent acquisition in the tech industry, and the importance of building real, lasting relationships in a competitive space. Key Takeaways: Unpacking Jeff's illustrious career in technical recruiting and his ability to consistently satisfy clients’ needs. The successful inception of four startup recruiting firms and how Jeff placed over 1000 IT professionals in their ideal career positions. An in-depth look at HIRECLOUT’s rebranding journey in 2015 and its vision of empowering the tech sphere. Jeff's unique approach to building sustainable relationships in the tech recruitment industry. Strategies and insights for connecting top talent to both innovative startups and Fortune 500 companies. The evolving landscape of tech needs and how HIRECLOUT is raising the bar in meeting industry demands. Resources: HIRECLOUT's Official Website Jeff’s LinkedIn Profile Guest Bio: Jeff Mitchell has cemented his name as a leader in technical recruiting. With a career spanning over three decades, Jeff has built four successful recruiting firms from the ground up, placed over a thousand IT professionals into career roles, and trained hundreds of recruiters. His rebranding of The Mitchell Group to HIRECLOUT in 2015 marked a significant shift, focusing on empowering the tech industry through strategic talent acquisition. Jeff's emphasis on real relationships and understanding the evolving technology needs of clients has set a new standard in tech recruiting. About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook is your weekly dose of insights and stories from the heart of the tech industry. Join host Avetis Antaplyan as he uncovers the strategies, challenges, and success stories of tech leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this solo episode, Avetis delves into the transformative power of hiring for retention. Through effective hiring practices that align with business objectives and retention-focused strategies, businesses can experience unparalleled growth. Dive into Avetis's insightful guide on the alignment of business goals with the right candidates and discover the secret sauce to retaining stellar talent. Key Takeaways: The undeniable connection between business growth and retention-focused hiring. Crucial steps to align business goals with potential hires. The importance of fostering a nurturing work environment for employee longevity. Proactive strategies to retain top talent and minimize turnover. Real-world examples of companies that have seen exponential growth by prioritizing retention. Resources: Article: The True Cost of Employee Turnover Research: The Link Between Employee Retention and Business Growth About the Podcast: The Tech Leader's Playbook offers insights from industry stalwarts and pioneers in the tech world. Each episode dives deep into strategies, mindset shifts, and transformative stories that can redefine the trajectory of businesses and startups. Connect with Avetis Antaplyan: Avetis's LinkedIn Profile