December 2023

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Dive into the fascinating world of AI with Dr. Seth Dobrin, founder of Quantum AI and former global chief AI officer at IBM. 

In this insightful interview, Dr. Dobrin shares his transformative journey from human geneticist to AI leader, shedding light on the pivotal role of generative AI, such as Chat GPT, in revolutionizing leadership. 

Discover how embracing AI not only increases productivity but also frees up time for creative, high-value tasks. 

Uncover leadership lessons learned through years of experience, and explore the pressing issues of bias, the digital divide, and the socioeconomic gap in AI development. 

Join us for a conversation that blends expertise, real-world insights, and a touch of humor, making AI accessible and relevant for leaders facing today’s challenges.

 

You can find Dr. Seth Dobrin at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdobrin/
• https://drsethdobrin.com/

In the interview, Dr. Seth shares

• “I’m Dr. Seth Dobrin, the founder and CEO of Quantum AI, dedicated to increasing AI IQ for non-tech professionals through my nonprofit, AIIQ.”
• “As IBM’s first global chief AI officer, I advised Fortune 1000 companies on implementing and executing AI strategies.”
• “During my time at Monsanto, I led data and AI transformation, generating over $20 billion in new value and cost savings.”
• “In my advocacy work, I collaborate with organizations like the International Association of Privacy Professionals to promote diversity and inclusivity in tech.”
• “My journey from human geneticist to AI expert began during the Human Genome Project, marking the start of the big data era in genetics and astrophysics.”
• “I transitioned from using machine learning in genomics to applying it in business at Monsanto, solving both scientific and business problems.”
• “Leadership lesson: I learned more about leadership during a year with no direct reports, understanding the power of influence over authority.”
• “Generative AI, like Chat GPT, has revolutionized leadership by increasing productivity and freeing up time for high-value, creative tasks.”
• “The Harvard Business School and BCG’s experiment proved that embracing generative AI can increase productivity and output value by almost 20%.”
• “The challenges of bias, the digital divide, and the socioeconomic gap underscore the need for inclusive AI development to prevent social strife and backlash.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Join us in a captivating conversation with Jeremy, the dynamic founder of Seven Factor Software, as he shares his extraordinary journey from a small rural town to leading a thriving software engineering consulting business. 

Delve into Jeremy’s non-traditional path to computer science, marked by resilience and the transformative power of failure. 

Gain insights into his unique leadership philosophy, distinguishing between peacetime and wartime CEO roles, and discover how Seven Factor Software navigated challenges to redefine success. 

Jeremy’s genuine approach to business, coupled with the Seven Factor Force Multiplier Program, offers inspiration for leaders seeking innovative solutions and authentic connections in the competitive world of software engineering. 

Tune in to explore the intersection of personal growth, leadership challenges, and creating a positive impact.

 

You can find Jeremy Duvall at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jduv2683/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/7factor-software/

In the interview, Jeremy shares

• “At Seven Factor Software, we’re not just a team of developers; we’re a force of problem solvers creating value for Fortune 500 companies.”
• “In the world of software engineering, failure is a powerful teacher. I firmly believe people learn more through failure than success.”
• “Georgia native turned tech entrepreneur, I learned the ropes of coding, problem-solving, and teamwork at Young Harris College and Georgia Tech.”
• “From bagging groceries to leading a multimillion-dollar company, my journey includes a pivotal failure at Georgia Tech, teaching me resilience and determination.”
• “Our journey to success at Seven Factor is marked by innovation and a commitment to genuine connections, not just transactions.”
• “In a world of commoditized development, we stand against the tide, valuing the curiosity, problem-solving, and business understanding of our engineers.”
• “Being a wartime CEO requires a shift from cultivating potential energy to focusing on kinetic energy, pushing the team to deliver and execute effectively.”
• “Our biggest challenge? Finding partners who believe in us and understand the true value we bring to the table, beyond just a transaction.”
• “The Seven Factor Force Multiplier Program: where our engineers work with nonprofits and startups, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
• “Success for us is not just hitting revenue milestones; it’s about building good human beings, fostering genuine connections, and creating a positive impact in the world.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Dive into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and leadership with Sharat Potharaju, co-founder and CEO of BeaconStack, in this insightful podcast episode. 

Sharat shares his incredible journey from growing up in South India to becoming an investment banker in New York and finally venturing into entrepreneurship. 

Gain valuable insights into the art of long-term thinking versus short-term action, the significance of prioritization in a growth-stage company, and the delicate balance between strategic and tactical decision-making. 

Discover how BeaconStack is revolutionizing customer engagement across physical and digital realms, and uncover Sharat’s personal tips for staying grounded and dreamy amidst the challenges of building a global software product company. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this interview is packed with wisdom to fuel your own leadership journey.

 

You can find Sharat Potharaju at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharatpotharaju/
• https://www.beaconstac.com/

In the interview, Sharat shares

• “BeaconStack, a SaaS company, is in the business of building customer engagement across physical and digital realms.” 
• “Our journey is about creating a global software product company, starting from India and expanding across the world.” 
• “Entrepreneurship and technology came naturally; the idea of creating impact was deep-rooted for me.” 
• “Long-term thinking is nice to say on a podcast, but implementing it is a lot harder. Act short term, dream in detail.”
• “In a growth stage company, prioritization is a superpower. Decide the first three most important things to tackle.” 
• “Eat the frog first—tackle the most difficult, impactful tasks early in the morning.” 
• “Culture should stay the same; implementation evolves. Each leader adds their flavor, personality, and character to it.” 
• “Over-communicate when scaling; the challenge is keeping the original ethos as new hires outnumber the founding team.” 
• “Success requires tremendous timing; it’s not just about product-market fit but founder-timing fit.”
• “Dream about the problem you’re solving and choose the right co-founder; it makes the entrepreneurial journey worthwhile.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Caroline Diehl, a dynamic leader and founder who defied societal norms to create impactful change. 

From her roots in Argentina and America to founding the UK-wide charity, the Media Trust, Caroline shares her journey of giving a voice to the unheard. 

Now at the helm of the Social Founder Network, she reveals the joys and challenges of starting anew at her stage in life. 

Learn how she conquered the fears of networking, navigated the balance between focus and scale, and why she believes in the three I’s: inspiration, income, and impact. 

Join us for an engaging discussion that promises valuable insights for leaders and founders facing similar hurdles.

 

You can find Caroline Diehl at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinediehl-mbe/
• https://www.socialfounder.org/

In the interview, Caroline shares

• “I now have set up a new organization called the Social Founder Network, which is a support organization for founders of social impact organizations.”
• “So it’s great fun starting again at my age. I think I am loving the energy that being a founder can bring.”
• “I fought against the societal expectations placed on me and my cultural background, which dictated that as a woman, I shouldn’t work.”
• “I wanted to harness the creative skills of the media industry in the UK and put them to good use in the charity sector.”
• “Being a founder is a rollercoaster; you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen. It was the best thing I ever did.”
• “The challenge is starting again. My gut feeling is that I will quite quickly hire someone to run it for me, and I will be like the chairwoman.”
• “One of the challenges was learning to delegate well as the organization grew and widened.”
• “I’ve made the decision to grow it big, raised a big contract, and am now hiring staff. We have an office space now rather than me just doing it from my home office.”
• “Networking gives you authority, energy, inspiration, and more than anything, it gives you a network, which is crucial for leadership.”
• “Overcoming the fear of networking involves taking a deep breath, being authentic, and having a little story that inspires and connects with the person you’re approaching.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Meet Kurt, a seasoned entrepreneur who embarked on his business journey at the tender age of 13. With a knack for operations and systems thinking, Kurt has been a part of over 60 acquisitions, wearing different hats as an investor, buyer, and seller in the technology space. 

Recently, he wrapped up a three-year stint with the largest real estate company globally, a company that didn’t even exist 15 years ago. In a candid interview, Kurt shares the story of his early LLC ventures prompted by his dad’s wisdom about taxes, leadership lessons learned from letting people fail, and his unconventional approach to sales – emphasizing cold calling and genuine conversations.

Reflecting on his evolution, Kurt delves into his experience scaling a company from $85 million to $1.44 billion, highlighting the common pitfalls in assumptions about hiring key positions. 

He emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals with a bias towards action, strong opinions held loosely, and a belief in healthy conflict. Kurt’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, acknowledging mistakes, and fostering an environment where micro-contributions are valued as much as major milestones.

In a world dominated by knowledge work, Kurt’s story is a refreshing reminder of the importance of balance and tangible, hands-on pursuits in personal and professional growth.

 

You can find Kurt Uhlir at the below links

• https://www.kurtuhlir.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtuhlir/

In the interview, Kurt shares

• “I formed two LLCs at 14, not realizing I was starting a path where I’d learn I’m really good at operations and systems thinking.”
• “Being part of 60+ acquisitions taught me valuable lessons, sometimes as an investor, sometimes buying, sometimes selling, but always in technology.”
• “Stepping out of a three-year role with the largest real estate company that didn’t exist 15 years ago was my second hypergrowth experience.”
• “I started my first business at 13—a lawn care service. Selling was easy; finding others who could understand the business, not so much.”
• “My dad’s wisdom about taxes was the catalyst for forming an LLC at 14. He watched, shepherded me through, but the problem became my responsibility to solve.”
• “Leadership, to me, is letting people fail. Not everyone likes it, but it’s a crucial aspect of cultivating growth and innovation.”
• “Cold calling is my sales mantra. Founders should spend time on it, seeking to understand potential clients and not outsourcing that crucial initial interaction.”
• “Sales success comes from believing your product isn’t always the best fit. I’ll tell you if we’re not the right match, even if you want to write a check.”
• “Scaling is my passion. Going zero to one is what founders do, and I love advising and helping in that phase, but day-to-day scaling is my sweet spot.”
• “Healthy confrontation, strong opinions held loosely, and a bias towards action – traits I seek in my team to foster transparency, growth, and a thriving culture.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Dive into a compelling conversation with Sanjay Shrivastava, a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in building, scaling, and transforming businesses. 

In this insightful interview, Sanjay shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—from his early exposure to banking in agriculture to navigating the telecom revolution and spearheading ‘Make in India’ initiatives. 

Discover how he seamlessly transitioned across industries, learning valuable lessons along the way. 

Gain unique insights into the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of reflective conversations, and the art of leaving a significant and sustainable impact on businesses. 

Join us for an enriching dialogue that transcends typical career anecdotes and offers practical wisdom for anyone facing leadership challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape.

 

You can find Sanjay Srivastava at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjays/
• https://twitter.com/Sanjay_Sriv

In the interview, Sanjay shares

• “I specialize in building, scaling, and transforming businesses, a journey that spans over 25 years and different industries.”
• “My early exposure to banking, especially in agriculture, ignited a spark to always seek the next big wave and work on it.” 
• “Combining my computer science engineering background with management gave me the grounding to see opportunities for growing businesses in and out of India.” 
• “In a new business, real insights come when you roll up your sleeves, do the groundwork, and interact with customers.” 
• “I come from an era where logging into international servers at 10 pm was the norm, and that experience shaped my understanding of technology’s impact on customer lifecycle.” 
• “From the telecom revolution to ‘Make in India,’ each wave brought unique challenges in creating solutions that make a difference to customers and their businesses.”
• “Taking a sabbatical is crucial for senior leaders to step back, evaluate capabilities, and connect the dots for the next wave in a new domain.” 
• “To move to the next wave, a leader’s core skill set should include the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn, requiring dedicated time for reflection.” 
• “Empathy with customers, industry, and teams is the key to gaining insights not normally available, fostering genuine connections.”
• “Ultimately, satisfaction comes from leaving a significant and sustainable impact on business, contributing to India’s growth, GDP, and employment generation.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Uncover the inspiring journey of Rajshree Rao, a corporate veteran with 21 years of industry experience, on this episode!

From leading AI innovations at Rolls Royce to founding the Mythistical Foundation and Tech With Spa Consulting, Rajshree shares insights on empowerment, knowledge, and the transformative power of facing fears.

Discover her unique approach to bridging the gap between knowledge and technology for true empowerment.

Join us as she delves into her experiences in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the role of spirituality in building fearless leaders. Tune in for a candid conversation that promises valuable takeaways for your leadership challenges!

You can find Rajashree Rao at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajashreerao/

In the interview, Rajashree shares

• “Empowerment has to begin from roots; it’s not just about sitting somewhere else and wanting to transform the world.”
• “In the journey of empowerment, understanding what we need to do and what we have to undo is crucial.”
• “Knowledge plays a critical role and becomes the foundation of empowerment – it’s the source of true transformation.”
• “Application of knowledge through experiential learning is integral; it’s not just about what you know but how you use it.”
• “Mythistical Foundation focuses on knowledge enablement through experiential learning for holistic living.”
• “Technology enablement and knowledge must go hand in hand for true empowerment in the digital era.”
• “Success is not just about money, name, fame, or power; it’s about excelling and working towards becoming great.”
• “Facing fears head-on is the key to achieving freedom from them – it’s about doing what you think you can’t.”
• “In the world of entrepreneurship, don’t be afraid to take the road not taken; it’s about transcending societal norms.”
• “Discipline and consistency are crucial; success comes from learning, applying knowledge, and maintaining discipline.”