Curious Minds

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Elliot Swartz, a scientist at The Good Food Institute, join us for an in-depth conversation about the future of food. Elliot's work primarily focuses on the development and commercialization of cultivated meat (a.k.a. lab-grown meat). We'll explore how cultivated meat is produced, the scientific challenges involved, and the potential impact on the environment, animal welfare, and food security. Elliot also shares insights into the regulatory landscape and the steps needed to bring cultivated meat to the mainstream market. Whether you're a foodie, a sustainability enthusiast, or just curious about the future of protein, this episode is packed with valuable information and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in to learn how science is paving the way for a more sustainable and ethical food industry.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ruchira, a leader in Deloitte's Innovation team, where she specializes in sustainability and financial services. Ruchira shares her expertise in driving early-stage ideation, market testing, and prototyping, with a keen focus on achieving product-market fit through creative and agile methods. With over eight years of experience in management consulting, particularly in customer growth and go-to-market strategies, Ruchira brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. We'll explore the challenges of innovation in financial services and how her passion for the outdoors fuels her strategic approach. Join us for a conversation on testing assumptions, finding product-market fit and challenges in innovation and consulting - as well as ways to overcome the

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Nesheva, a seasoned leader at the nexus of strategy and commercialization in biotech, life sciences, and deep tech. With a proven track record of aligning R&D roadmaps with pivotal value inflection points and crafting optimal commercialization strategies, Christina has been instrumental in driving innovation across these high-impact sectors. Currently, as Chair of the Board at Officinae Bio, a pioneering biotech company focused on optimizing mRNA medicines, she spearheads strategy development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising efforts. Christina also advises an early-stage biotech VC fund and several startups, bringing her expertise to the forefront of biotech and deep tech innovation. Tune in for an exciting episode that speaks about innovation, the functioning of the deep tech world, and necessary mindsets for success no matter what industry you're working in.

In this episode, we sit down with Neil C. Hughes, a renowned tech columnist, #1 best-selling author, and award-winning podcaster. Based in the UK and working with international clients across five continents, Neil has been recognized as one of the "Top 9 Influential Tech Leaders on LinkedIn" and a "LinkedIn Top Voice." After working in IT for decades, he decided to make a bit of a career shift and turn toward more creative pursuits. Join us as we explore topics such as AI, the essence of creativity, and learn tools the next generations can make the most of in the coming years.

In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast we welcome Josef Scarantino, a seasoned startup and investment leader with over 20 years of experience in social innovation, entrepreneurship, and early-stage investing. Josef has worked with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders across more than 50 countries, collaborating with global brands like Techstars, Western Union, Google, Microsoft, and Tiger Global. As a 3x impact founder and respected mentor, he shares his insights on building impactful startups and the importance of inclusivity and diversity, particularly advocating for neurodiversity and people with disabilities. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration from Josef's incredible journey and vision for the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Zajack, a seasoned marketing professional turned educator who is passionate about transforming the marketing and communications industry through practical knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking in the classroom. With extensive experience, including her role as Sr. Director of Portfolio & Innovations Communications & Programs at Nokia, she now oversees the curriculum development and faculty recruitment for two master's programs at Georgetown University. Holding a PhD in Education, she is dedicated to infusing technology into learning to create equal opportunities across geographies. Tune in as she shares insights on marketing trends, corporate reputation, and the future of education alongside AI.

In this episode, we sit down with Keeisi Caballero, a dynamic leader who has made significant strides working at multiple tech startups. With a robust background in business management and a master's in physics, Keeisi has successfully led grant writing efforts, developed innovative STEM programs, and facilitated strategic partnerships. While working at companies like Techstars, Spaced Ventures, and Expanding Frontiers, Keeisi navigated various challenges as a female first-generation immigrant in many male-dominated spaces, and during this conversation, we learn about the frameworks and mindsets that helped her achieve her goals. Now at Common Future, she still carries that same drive and passion. Join us for an inspiring talk about breaking barriers in the workplace and overcoming hardship.

In this episode, we are thrilled to interview Roger Spitz, a celebrated futurist and former Global Head of Technology M&A at an investment bank, where he advised on transactions totalling $25 billion. Now a leading authority on foresight, unpredictability, and systems innovations, Roger is a venture capitalist and expert advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Network. As the president of Techistential and chair of the Disruptive Futures Institute, Roger has delivered hundreds of keynotes globally and advised boards, leadership teams, and investors on strategic disruptions. His influential frameworks have been featured in Fast Company, Gartner, MIT Technology Review, and WIRED. Tune in for insights from one of the world's foremost experts on navigating the future. In this episode, we briefly mention Roger's book. For more info click here: https://www.koganpage.com/business-and-management/disrupt-with-impact-9781398616882 Official Techistential website: https://www.techistential.ai/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Shwartz, the author of "Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity." Steve began his illustrious career as a postdoc in the AI program at Yale University's Computer Science Department. He has founded and co-founded three AI-centric companies, including Esperant, a leading business intelligence tool in the 1990s, and Device42, one of the fastest-growing software companies today. With experience in two IPOs and several successful M&A exits, Steve is also an active angel investor and AI consultant. Tune in to hear his expert insights and experiences in the world of artificial intelligence. View Steve's book here: www.aiperspectives.com/evil-robots

On this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, join us for a conversation about mental health, wellness, and the startup world with Matthew Helt. Matt has had a wide range of careers from numerous creative pursuits including professional photography to even owning his own marketing agency. Eventually, he branched out into the tech startup world, becoming a Sr. Implementation Consultant within the company's ecosystem development team. As we discover in this episode, while all these accomplishments are certainly meaningful one of the most rewarding parts of Matt's life came afterward when he began his professional coaching career. Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation around how we can call integrate better mental health practices into our daily lives.

On our latest episode, follow along as we explore the world of financial wellness with Danial Khan, widely known as "The Financial Wellness Guy." With a wealth of experience managing Stanford University's Financial Wellness Program, Danial has spent over a decade empowering students, early career professionals, and entrepreneurs to achieve financial security and freedom. Key topics in this episode include: tips for first-time investors, risk management strategies, and valuable frameworks to apply to your own life. Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering a healthier relationship with money and personal finance.

Our latest episode of the Curious Minds podcast features Sid Pailla, an individual who is passionate about enabling financial well-being for ALL hardworking Americans. As the CEO of Sunnyday Fund, he works with impactful leaders to make workforce financial well-being easy, accessible, and rewarding - starting with emergency savings. Sunnyday Fund has been featured in online newspapers like Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Pailla is also the board member of WorkLife Partnership, a non-profit that delivers individualized health and financial resource navigation services for low and moderate-income employees, and strategic insights to employer’s leadership.

In this latest episode of the Curious Minds podcast, follow us on a transformative journey towards abundance with Carl Grant. From writing and publishing his own book to decades of experience as a business leader, community advocate, and family man, Carl illuminates the path to a life brimming with purpose and fulfillment. Through his insightful guidance, we uncover the importance of a positive mindset, selfless service, discovering one's purpose, spiritual growth, and embracing challenges. Join us for an inspiring and memorable episode as we learn how to live life abundantly. We frequently speak about Carl's book, "How to Live the Abundant Life" which you can view here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637351941/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

Discover the extraordinary journey of Jennifer Stojkovic, a pioneering executive leader at the forefront of food and tech innovation. From her roots in Silicon Valley, collaborating with industry giants like Google and Facebook, to her pivotal role in advancing alternative protein and sustainability, Jennifer's story is one of relentless ambition and global impact. Join us as we explore her trailblazing career, from keynote stages to international missions, and uncover the transformative power of her vision for a sustainable future. In this episode we hear about Jennifer's #1 Bestselling book, The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet. Learn more here: https://www.amazon.ca/Future-Food-Female-Reinventing-System/dp/B09WQBJQ74.)

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Ashley Kienzle, an extraordinary executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, join us for an enlightening conversation. As the CEO and Founder of Almma Health, Ashley is at the forefront of ecohealthtech innovation, leveraging AI and business strategy to drive positive change. At Almma Health, Ashley's vision is clear: to empower users to make healthier choices for themselves and the environment through the power of technology. Through her pioneering work, she's spearheading the development of an AI-enabled app that revolutionizes how individuals approach health and sustainability. Join us for an exploration of how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive positive impact, both in our lives and in fostering a healthier, more sustainable world.

In this episode, we welcome Karen Hold. As the founder of Experience Labs, Karen has carved a unique path across diverse industries, ranging from education and advisory services to government, healthcare, finance, telecommunications, entertainment, and the arts. Her journey began in the dynamic world of brand marketing at Procter & Gamble, where she gained firsthand experience in the transformative power of innovation to drive revenue and profit growth. Inspired by this pivotal experience, Karen embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, founding a successful publishing company, and built sales through innovative marketing partnerships with Forbes and BusinessWeek magazines. Join us for an episode that promises to offer a captivating glimpse into the mind of a true visionary shaping the future of business and beyond.

In this new and exciting episode of the Curious Minds podcast, we shine a spotlight on Simon Smith, a visionary leader driving innovation at the crossroads of healthcare and artificial intelligence. Serving as the EVP Generative AI at Klick Health, Simon is on a mission to harness the revolutionary potential of generative AI within the healthcare sector. Throughout his distinguished career, Simon has been at the forefront of pioneering digital strategies for drug launches and has made significant contributions to biomedical AI startups. His deep understanding of the industry extends to spearheading the integration of large language models in pharmaceutical research and development, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations that are transforming the landscape of healthcare. Listen in for an inspiring episode that covers everything from overcoming adversity to diving into the most exciting emerging technologies today.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of venture capitalism and deep tech innovation with Cyril Ebersweiler, the visionary Founder and Managing Director of HAX. Cyril's expertise has propelled SOSV to the forefront of fostering global entrepreneurship, with investments that have generated billions in value. Join us as we uncover Cyril's journey, exploring his insights into venture capitalism, deep tech innovation, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Amr Abdelgawad, the Co-Founder and COO at FluidAI. Amr shares the founding story of the company, its mission, and the clinical staging of its innovative solutions. Join us as we delve into the future of safer surgeries and the impactful work of FluidAI, a Canadian-based start-up dedicated to revolutionizing post-operative care. Amr's expertise and leadership are at the forefront of driving positive change in the medical field, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about healthcare innovation.

In this episode, we get a deep dive into the world of space exploration and business with Madison C. Feehan, an entrepreneur and woman in STEM who is committed to shaping foreign policies for businesses through volunteer work with numerous consortiums including the United Nations. At just 19 years old, Madison is the CEO and COO of Space Copy, an aerospace company working to further advance space technologies, including methods like in-situ resource utilization to make lunar habitation a possibility. Additionally, as the CFO of Moon Trades, Madison is determined to revolutionize the space sciences industry through the company's AI-enhanced VR platform. Moon Trades, aside from its focus on education, has also been involved in a long-term initiative for lunar mining, deploying autonomous robotics to excavate lunar regolith for in-space assembly and manufacturing, with applications in Earth-based mining projects. In this release, we'll dive deep into Madison's experience as a successful entrepreneur in aerospace and learn about all the specific mindsets and frameworks that have benefitted her throughout her journey.