215. 3 ways to learn from innovators

Tech for Non-Techies

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

הוסף לפני four שנים

תוכן מסופק על ידי Sophia Matveeva. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Sophia Matveeva או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast

1
You Are Your Longest Relationship: Artist DaQuane Cherry on Psoriasis, Art, and Self-Care 32:12

לפני 27 ימים32:12

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

32:12

DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

לפני שנה 7:21

MP3•בית הפרקים

If you want to be an innovator in the Digital Age, you must learn from those who came before you.

Here are Sophia Matveeva's top 3 recommendations for what to listen to to get the best innovators lessons.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 02:04 Behaviors of Famous Innovators 04:21 Product Management Strategies 06:06 Emphasize Customer Focus 07:04 Final Thoughts For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/3-ways-to-learn-from-innovators

For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on:

Do you want to succeed in the Digital Age?

Check out the Digital Leadership Coaching Program

Say hi to Sophia on Twitter and follow her on LinkedIn.

Following us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will make you smarter

262 פרקים

#Business #Sophia Matveeva #Bigtech #Entrepreneurship #Enty #Investors #Productmanagement #Sophiamatveeva #Techfornontechies #Technology #Technologybusiness #Technologysector #Tfnt #Accelerator #MBA #Careers #Tech #Startup #Founders

215. 3 ways to learn from innovators

Tech for Non-Techies

published לפני שנה

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

If you want to be an innovator in the Digital Age, you must learn from those who came before you.

Here are Sophia Matveeva's top 3 recommendations for what to listen to to get the best innovators lessons.

Timestamps

For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on:

Do you want to succeed in the Digital Age?

Check out the Digital Leadership Coaching Program

Say hi to Sophia on Twitter and follow her on LinkedIn.

Following us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will make you smarter

262 פרקים

כל הפרקים

1
262. Why the CEO is the most dangerous person in a tech startup 19:40

לפני 13 ימים19:40

19:40

Most startup CEOs think they’re the visionary. But in today’s episode, you’ll learn why the CEO is often the single biggest threat to team productivity — and how to avoid becoming one. Based on a real conversation with a seasoned CTO and a sales leader who’ve scaled startups to exit, this episode dives into the blind spots that trip up even well-meaning founders. Whether you’re a CEO, part of a startup team, or investing in one — this lesson will help you lead smarter, build better, and waste less time. Listen to learn: Why startup CEOs are more dangerous than corporate CEOs (and it’s not about ego) What “Seagull CEO Syndrome” does to your roadmap and morale How developer paralysis destroys velocity — and how to fix it What smart founders, teams, and investors can do to keep priorities on track Lesson mentioned in this episode: Why MVPs are Always Late, Why That's Okay, and What to do About It Chapters 00:00 — The Real Threat: Why Startup CEOs Kill Productivity 02:10 — Power Without Process: How CEO Impulses Go Unchecked 04:30 — Seagull Syndrome: How CEOs Derail Roadmaps 09:15 — Nothing to Do? Why Bored CEOs Delay MVPs 14:10 — Bottlenecks in Human Form: When CEOs Bypass Their Own Leaders Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/262-why-the-startup-ceo-is-the-biggest-risk-to-their-own-team…

1
261. AI won’t kill jobs — but short-term thinking will 17:50

לפני 20 ימים17:50

17:50

Some CEOs are already replacing engineers and junior staff with large language models. But what if the real risk isn’t that AI replaces your team — it’s that it doesn’t, and you’re left without a talent pipeline? In this episode, Sophia Matveeva breaks down: Why cutting junior hiring today could sabotage your company in 3–5 years What IBM’s CEO gets right that others get very wrong How the hype around “AI-first” companies is creating poor decision-making What the S-curve of innovation tells us about the real pace of AI progress And why thinking long-term — not just cutting costs this quarter — is a strategic advantage Whether you’re a government leader, innovation executive, or non-technical founder, this episode will help you make smarter, more resilient decisions in the age of AI. Fortune: IBM’s CEO says ‘the first thing you can automate is a repetitive, white-collar job,’ but he’s not cutting workers: ‘I’ll get more’ Chapters 00:00 — The Real Risk Isn’t AI — It’s What Happens When It Doesn’t Work 02:45 — What CEOs Are Saying: Duolingo, Klarna… and IBM’s Contrarian View 06:30 — The Junior Job Crunch: Accountancy’s Mistake Repeats in Tech 09:15 — The S-Curve Explained: Why AI Progress Is Slowing 14:10 — Your Strategic Takeaways: What Smart Leaders Are Doing Now Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/AI-wont-kill-jobs-but-short-term-thinking-will…

1
260. How non-techies succeed in tech: lessons from Microsoft’s CTO 38:23

לפני 27 ימים38:23

38:23

What does it really take to lead in tech without a technical degree? In this episode, Jennifer Byrne, former CTO of Microsoft US, shares how she built a top-tier tech career starting with a psychology degree — and why understanding context , not code, is your key to success. You’ll learn: How Jennifer transitioned from nonprofit work to tech leadership The difference between digital fluency and context (and why it matters) What cloud computing really is — minus the jargon How Microsoft handled global trust issues post-Snowden What CTOs actually do at big companies (hint: it’s not coding) Whether you’re a founder, investor, or business leader, this episode will help you think more strategically about tech — and your role in it. Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode still matters 02:30 – Jennifer’s path from psychology to tech 08:55 – Cybersecurity and the WikiLeaks era 14:40 – What cloud computing really is 25:25 – Digital context vs. fluency explained 35:45 – What a CTO actually does in big tech Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/260-how-non-techies-succeed-in-tech-lessons-from-microsoft-s-cto…

1
259. Big tech, AI and the future of attention: what you missed in Cannes 14:29

לפני 5 weeks14:29

14:29

Think advertising is just TikTok, Instagram, or TV? Think again. At Cannes Lions, a major industry summit, Big Tech set the agenda for what’s next in AI, branding, and attention. This is your insider's summary. In this episode, you will learn: How offline spaces are powering smart digital brands What AI personas are, and how to use them to test product and brand ideas faster (and cheaper) Why most agencies are missing half the audience — and what that means if you’re building a mass-market product If you’re building or marketing a tech product — whether you’re in a startup or a large org — this episode gives you a real-world edge, minus the fluff. Chapters FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/259-big-tech-ai-and-the-future-of-attention-what-you-missed-in-cannes…

1
258. Why you need a brand before you need an app 18:56

לפני 7 weeks18:56

18:56

Most founders dive straight into building — features, user flows, no-code tools — before they’ve nailed the strategy that actually drives traction: brand. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares why brand must come before product, especially for non-technical founders building tech-enabled businesses. You’ll learn the four brand foundations every founder needs — whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one: Clarity — Who you serve and why you exist Story — What problem you solve and what’s at stake Trust Signals — How to build credibility before or beyond your user base Voice — How to speak to your market without jargon Sophia also shares examples from Uber, Goldman Sachs, and her own company, Tech for Non-Techies, which is trusted by governments and Fortune 500s to teach non-technical leaders how to succeed in the digital economy. If you want customers, talent, and investors to take your venture seriously — and you’re not building brand strategically — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 – Code vs Brand 01:11 – Logos Are Not Brands 02:37 – Why Trust Matters More Than Features 04:37 – Non-Technical Founders’ Common Mistake: Features Before Brand 09:38 – Investors Back Missions, Not Apps 11:40 – Think Like an Investor 12:30 – 4 Brand Foundations Before Product 18:13 – What’s Next: Cannes Lions Insights Episodes to help you build your personal brand: 170. Advisory Boards: why join them & why have them 146. How to get headhunted For the full transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/258-why-you-need-a-brand-before-you-need-an-app FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

1
257. Why bad work wins 14:32

לפני 8 weeks14:32

14:32

Analysis paralysis is BORING. And it doesn't get you results. Most founders think they fail because of the market, the product, or the pitch. But the real killer is a slow mindset. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shows you why bad work beats perfect ideas — and how shifting your mindset can be the difference between building real momentum and watching your venture die. You will learn: Why perfectionism feels smart but keeps you stuck How no-code tools tempt you to tinker instead of launch Why top founders move fast and embrace imperfection How to build momentum before you’re ready — with real-world examples and a challenge for you to do today Chapters 00:00 The Mindset Shift for Non-Technical Founders 03:07 The Importance of Speed Over Perfection 05:53 Accepting Imperfection in Innovation 09:02 Consequences of a Slow Mindset 11:47 Taking Action Before You're Ready FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/257-why-bad-work-wins…

1
256. Top mistakes non-technical founders make & how to avoid them 25:38

לפני 9 weeks25:38

25:38

If you’re building a tech product but don’t have a technical background, this episode will save you months of wasted time and thousands in unnecessary spend. In this re-release of one of our most popular early episodes, Tech for Non-Techies founder Sophia Matveeva shares the 5 biggest mistakes non-technical founders make — and how to avoid them. Whether you’re a founder, a corporate innovator, or leading a new digital venture, these lessons will help you lead product teams effectively and build better tech businesses. You will learn: Why hiring a developer first is a mistake — and who to bring in instead The crucial difference between product metrics and business metrics (and how to use both wisely) How Facebook and WhatsApp built great products by focusing on engagement before monetisation What non-technical leaders must know about giving clear, measurable instructions to product teams What success looks like in the early stages — and why early growth shouldn’t be the goal Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Non-Technical Founders' Challenges 02:26 The Importance of User Experience Design 10:36 Understanding Product vs. Business Metrics 16:21 Setting Clear Goals for Product Teams 20:13 Embracing Flexibility in Product Development 24:32 The Journey of Product Improvement Over Growth FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. Listen to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora For the episode transcript, go here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/256-top-mistakes-non-technical-founders-make-how-to-avoid-them…

1
255. What Most Startup Support Gets Wrong — and How to Fix It 35:26

לפני 10 weeks35:26

35:26

From accelerators to corporate venture capital, most startup support structures fail to deliver. Investor and entrepreneur Andrew Ackerman explains why — and what founders and corporates should do instead. With over 70 investments and hundreds of founders mentored, Andrew brings rare perspective from both sides of the table. Andrew is a serial entrepreneur who has founded two companies, led an accelerator, and now advises startups, VCs and corporates. He’s also the author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey — a novel-style guide to what startup life really feels like. You will learn: Why most accelerators fail: Discover how many support programs offer flashy promises without delivering tangible outcomes like revenue or pilot deals. Rethinking venture capital: Understand why fundraising is often pursued for validation rather than strategic fit — and why most startups don’t necessarily need VC money. Corporate innovation pitfalls: Learn how misaligned incentives and internal politics transform innovation programs into mere theatre rather than engines of growth. The value of tailored support: Find out how startups can benefit from support structures designed as platforms that evolve with their specific stage and needs. What to do instead: Get practical insights on structuring your support programs, whether you’re a founder, a corporate team, or an investor. Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of Tech Startups 02:43 Understanding Startup Support Systems 06:48 Challenges in Corporate Innovation 10:05 The Value of Accelerators 16:58 The Glamour of Fundraising 22:12 The Reality of Startup Life FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. --- For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/What-most-startup-support-gets-wrong-and-how-to-fix-It…

1
254. How to build a tech ecosystem that lasts 17:25

לפני 11 weeks17:25

17:25

What does it really take to build a tech ecosystem that endures — beyond PR launches and startup grants? In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares hard-won insights from working with governments, corporates, and investors on the frontlines of global digital transformation. Whether you’re funding innovation, designing policy, or building a product yourself, this is a must-listen. You’ll learn what most ecosystem builders overlook, why non-technical founders are a critical (and underutilised) asset, and how trusted advisors — from lawyers to auditors — can unintentionally become blockers to progress. Most importantly, you’ll hear how to fix it. You will learn: Why traditional approaches to building tech ecosystems often fall short The critical role of non-technical founders in sustainable innovation Why advisors, lawyers, and accountants can be innovation blockers — and what to do about it The underestimated influence of government in market creation Four key traits shared by enduring tech ecosystems Why Most Ecosystems Don’t Last Short-lived programs: Many government-funded accelerators or hubs launch with fanfare but dissolve within 2–5 years due to lack of traction or measurable ROI. Startup survival rates: Globally, over 90% of startups fail. If an ecosystem is judged by the success of its startups, the system often doesn’t perform well. Dependence on external funding: Many ecosystems are grant-reliant and don’t create self-sustaining capital or talent flywheels. No enduring institutions: Unlike Silicon Valley (Stanford, Sand Hill Road, Google), most ecosystems don’t produce lasting institutions that regenerate innovation cycles. Chapters 00:00 Building Sustainable Tech Ecosystems 10:13 The Role of Non-Technical Founders 16:54 The Importance of Tech Fluency If you’re shaping innovation strategy — let’s talk. Tech for Non-Techies works with governments, economic development agencies, and public–private partnerships to design innovation ecosystems that endure. Book a call here or email info@techfornontechies.co --- Listen to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/254-how-to-build-a-tech-ecosystem-that-lasts…

1
253. 4 Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter This Summer 16:12

לפני 12 weeks16:12

16:12

Want to become a better tech innovator while you sit on a beach? In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares four podcast episodes you can learn from through osmosis —and enjoy every minute of it. You will learn: Why Netflix’s original CEO got fired by his co-founder—and what that says about startup leadership transitions The founder Warren Buffett said was more scary than a grisly bear How the New York Times nearly collapsed and reinvented itself in the Digital Age Why building a stellar career takes longer than you think—and why that’s okay These episodes aren’t just entertaining—they’re strategy lessons in disguise. Timestamps: 01:18 Podcast Recommendations for Tech Innovators 05:36 The Story of Rose Blumkin 08:57 The New York Times Company Case Study 12:47 The Long Game in Professional Development Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the episode transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/4-Podcasts-That-Will-Make-You-Smarter-This-Summer…

1
252. Go from Local Player to Global Tech Leader 18:47

לפני 13 weeks18:47

18:47

Phil Knight spotted better running shoes in Japan — and turned that insight into Nike, one of the world’s biggest brands. In this episode, you'll learn how thinking internationally sparks breakthrough ideas — and how to build a global edge into your career and business. This episode is for you if you: Want to lead innovation, not just follow trends Are building products or businesses with global ambition Know you need a global perspective but aren't sure where to start Timestamps 00:00 The essence of global leadership 06:07 Learning from Global Innovations 11:50 How to get an International Perspective 18:04 Action steps you can take now Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. To get the full transcript for this episode, go here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/-go-from-local-player-to-global-tech-leader…

1
251: Lessons from the Dot-Com era for today's AI Hype 35:20

לפני 14 weeks35:20

35:20

Is today's AI hype cycle just dot-com boom 2.0? In this episode, host Sophia Matveeva talks with David G. Ewing, who lived through the original tech bubble (literally in a closet in Palo Alto!) about the striking parallels between then and now. Listen to learn lessons from dot-com history to navigate today's AI boom. Listen to learn: Why the "more things change, the more they stay the same" when it comes to tech hype cycles The surprising success factor that determined which dot-com companies survived (and what it means for AI) A powerful career strategy that helps you thrive amid tech disruption Why measuring AI's impact requires looking beyond traditional ROI metrics For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/251-lessons-from-the-dot-com-era-for-today-s-ai-hype Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Wild West of Tech: Lessons from the Dot-Com Era 10:02 Navigating the AI Hype 19:53 Building Infrastructure for Success in AI 29:45 The Hydra vs. Phoenix Analogy About Our Guest David G. Ewing is the founder of Content Lion, a next-generation AI centralisation and enterprise content management system. He brings decades of technology experience and a pragmatic approach to digital transformation. Resources Mentioned David's blog: davidgewing.com David's podcast: Content Kingdom David's company: contentlion.com Book recommendation: " What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars " For thinking about risk and Black Swan events: Nassim Taleb's " The Black Swan " Connect with Tech for Non-Techies Visit techfornontechies.co to learn more about our courses, community, and resources designed specifically for non-technical founders, corporate innovators, and professionals navigating the digital world. For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know…

1
250. Less Tech, More Value: Why Simpler Digital Products Win 18:23

לפני 15 weeks18:23

18:23

The more technology you put into your product, the worse it can get. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva talks with Zahra Almahoozi, founder of DARB and recent graduate of the Tech for Non-Technical Founders program in Bahrain. Discover how Zahra's "less is more" approach helped her build a startup that addresses real user needs without overwhelming them with features. This episode is for you if you: Are building a digital product and wondering what to include Want to create something users will actually adopt (instead of ignore) Are looking to validate your concept with minimal investment You will learn: Why starting with WhatsApp groups or Google Forms can be more effective than complex technology The three things every non-technical innovator must know to communicate effectively with developers How documenting requirements can save you thousands in development costs You can connect with Zahra Almahoozi on LinkedIn or follow Darb on Instagram Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:10 The Journey of a Non-Technical Founder 06:01 Lessons from the Tech for Non-Technical Founders Program 08:54 Understanding User Behavior 11:48 The Value of Networking in Tech 15:09 Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs 17:04 Future Plans For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/250-less-tech-more-value-why-simpler-digital-products-win For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

לפני 47 weeks13:43

13:43

Every time you see Login with Facebook or Pay with Paypal on an app, you’re seeing a tech tool called an API. This tool allows companies to make millions of dollars, reach billions of people, and collect valuable data, if you use it strategically. Listen to this episode to learn what APIs are and how smart business strategists use them. This is a re-run of episode 37 of this podcast. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Review 04:19 APIs: The Interwoven Web of Software 08:38 Connecting Products and Services 09:36 Leveraging Code Snippets 12:02 The Importance of APIs For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/why-uber-uses-google-maps-introduction-to-api For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

ברוכים הבאים אל Player FM!

Player FM סורק את האינטרנט עבור פודקאסטים באיכות גבוהה בשבילכם כדי שתהנו מהם כרגע. זה יישום הפודקאסט הטוב ביותר והוא עובד על אנדרואיד, iPhone ואינטרנט. הירשמו לסנכרון מנויים במכשירים שונים.