Pioneer Series

Most founders obsess over what they're building, but completely skip the why.In this episode, tech philosopher Jean Arnaud breaks down why that's backwards. After studying at Stanford and building (then pivoting from) a metaverse education startup, Jean's learned that without a clear philosophy, you're basically building blind.We dive into:Why "accelerating for acceleration's sake" leads nowhereThe real difference between California and East Coast investor mindsetsHow his "failed" metaverse company taught him about market timingWhy money should never be your primary goal (and what should be instead)Jean's take? We've abandoned our responsibility to actually shape the future we want. Time to take it back.Whether you're pre-idea or scaling up, this conversation will make you rethink how you approach building.Episode Links:Jean Arnaud's Website: https://www.jeanarnaud.org/Jean Arnaud's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-arnaud-14887b1b4Aethos: aethos.org

Ever wonder how to really get VCs to listen? Extremely interesting conversation with Samantha Tabone: General Partner at XEIA Ventures. She invests in early-stage companies driving "Human 3" - the next era of health, wellbeing and performance through life sciences, AI, hardware, and deep tech. Extremely interesting convo on:- Deep tech startups + due diligence- How to reach out to VCs…- The next era of health - Human 3- Startup ideas with untapped potentialEpisode Links:Samantha's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/samtaboneXEIA Ventures: https://www.xeiavp.com/

Amarjot Singh, Founder of Skylark Labs, is revolutionizing physical AI. He's building brain-inspired foundational robotic models that run efficiently on edge devices, challenging the LLM scaling paradigm. A must-listen for founders and future-builders in deep tech.Episode Links:Amarjot's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarjot-singh-phd-b5269815/Skylark Labs: https://skylarklabs.ai/Other Resources Mentioned: Ryan Holiday, Calm AppPodcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneer-series/id1797833313LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/

🚨 He generated billions from a single patent.Now he's on a mission to help humans live to 200 years old.Meet Dr. BK Nayak (PhD in Electrical Engineering, MIT MBA), and the mind behind a breakthrough in optical connectivity that reshaped an entire industry.Today, he’s building Spike Well, an AI company reimagining healthcare, not to treat illnesses, but to prevent them entirely.I sat down with Dr. Nayak on the Thinking Tech podcast, and what he shared blew me away:💡 “With personalized medicine and ai, human lifespan easily go to 200 years”From predictive AI to biological age reversal, this episode dives into the science (and ambition) of radical longevity, and why the next healthcare revolution will start before you ever feel unwell.This isn’t science fiction. It’s a glimpse at your future.

Nick quit his job to build Trieve.1 year later, he joined YC with $3.5M raised.Here's the story:Trieve is an AI search platform powering 30k+ experiences.But it isn't just a search bar.It's building the future of online retail: replicating the human retail associate experience online using AI.Imagine a personal retail shopper that you can talk to.• Voice Input? Yes.• Image Search? Upload a pic, find similar items.• Even Image Generation? See what you'd look like wearing those shoes by uploading your photo. Wild.I asked Nick the #1 mistake founders make.What he said goes against most advice you'll hear.“If it's not worth doing manually? It's likely not a worthwhile business.”I sat down with Nick to explore:- Building an AI infrastructure startup- The surprising reality of founder strategy- and the #1 mistake building for developersCheck it out!

Meet Iulian Serban.From coding at 12 to raising $14M with Khosla and Bengio.Here's his crazy story:In 2014, he started his PhD at Mila under Yoshua BengioIn 2017, he co-founded Korbit AI.It was the first AI-powered tutor, before ChatGPT existed.2 years later, they raised $2M+ and grew to 20,000+ users.But they hit a wall, they struggled with engagement.So Iulian pivoted: AI code reviews for engineers.And it clicked.In 2023, they raised $11.3M and are growing like crazy.I spoke with Iulian on his story, the future of education with AI, and the implications of agents in the workforce.Chapters:0:00 The Power of Technology in Modern Times1:31 The Journey of Iulian Serban1:54 What is Korbit AI?02:37 The Value of Learning to Code05:47 Early Beginnings in Tech11:43 Theoretical vs. Practical Knowledge14:02 Transition from Research to Entrepreneurship17:48 The Evolution of Korbit AI25:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Education27:32 The Role of Universities and Self-Learning32:20 Corporate Learning and Employee Development37:07 Pivoting to Code Management37:49 Building and Testing POCs38:48 Focusing on Bug Detection40:14 Understanding User Feedback43:51 Launching the Product44:35 Targeting Engineering Managers47:41 The Role of AI in Code Reviews49:52 Future of AI and Product Management58:50 Virtual Personas and AI Agents01:12:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Steps

From Albania to Amazon, Irena's story is incredible: • 2013: Left Albania to chase a dream in the US • 2015: Juggled a full-time job, PhD studies, and raising two kids • 2021: Applied to ONE tech job - and got into Amazon • 2025: Leading Amazon’s AI revolution and inspiring changeShe shares her hard-earned lessons on resilience, embracing uniqueness, and her vision of the future with AI. Chapters0:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections3:35 Academic and Professional Challenges8:14 Balancing Family and Career14:48 Leadership and Mentorship21:39 Embracing AI at Amazon29:20 Testing AI's Strategic Thinking30:29 AI in Education: Pros and Cons31:55 Incorporating AI in Academic Courses38:30 Ethical Use of AI in Universities44:12 Navigating Career Transitions48:55 Future Skills and AI Integration56:36 Final Thoughts and AdviceEpisode Links:Irena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipxhurxhi/Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

We dive deep into the intersection of health and productivity with Nao Yukawa, co-founder of Lifestack and DeMind. Nao has a fascinating journey, from studying in Japan to moving to San Francisco and New York, navigating the startup world during the pandemic, and developing the revolutionary AI-integrated calendar app, Lifestack. This episode is packed with insights on innovation, the startup landscape, and the future potential of brain-computer interfaces.Chapters0:00 Introduction to Health-Driven Productivity1:13 Exploring Lifestack: The AI-Integrated Calendar App3:00 From Japan to San Francisco: An Entrepreneurial Journey5:47 A Meditation Crypto App8:31 Founding DeMind: A New Beginning13:04 The Vision Behind Lifestack20:09 Insights from the Startup Ecosystem23:41 Learning from New York vs. San Francisco24:51 Experiences with VCs and Funding27:23 Visa Challenges and Entrepreneurial Journey30:10 Influential Books and Recommendations37:08 Future Plans for Lifestack43:36 Personal Goals and Future StepsEpisode Links:Nao's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naoyukawa/Lifestack: https://lifestack.ai/Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

Join us with Nick Lawton, the founder of Side Shift, a platform dedicated to connecting Gen Z with part-time work opportunities. Hear about Nick's journey and discover how Side Shift is transforming the recruitment process for local businesses, startups, and brands by providing a seamless connection to talented Gen Z individuals. Learn about the challenges and rewards of building a startup, the importance of community, and how AI tools are shaping the future of job recruitment. Whether you are a college student, a recent grad, or a business owner, this conversation is packed with insights on innovation, growth, and determination.Chapters0:00 Episode Highlights2:03 Nick's Background, SideShift5:09 The Personal Journey Behind Side Shift8:03 Building a Community and Brand13:13 The Importance of Distribution15:39 Technical Challenges and Team Building19:49 Leveraging AI in Side Shift22:32 AI's Impact on Workflows and Productivity24:45 Next Steps for Side Shift28:44 Mentorship and Entrepreneurial Journey31:25 Lessons from Nick’s Past Ventures34:05 Advice for University Entrepreneurs36:40 Future Vision for Side ShiftEpisode Links:Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklawton100/Nick’s X Account: https://x.com/nicholasnlawtonSideShift: https://www.sideshift.app/Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of AI and neuroscience with Dr. Blake Richards, a researcher at Mila and an associate professor at McGill University. Dr. Richards shares his insights on the critical intersection of these fields, discussing the principles of intelligence, the importance of studying the brain for artificial systems, and his academic journey. We explore the efficiency of AI systems, potential risks, and the broader implications of AI in real-world applications. Dr. Richards also offers his perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the Montreal AI ecosystem and the vital role of collaboration and innovation for future advancements. Whether you are an AI enthusiast or a curious learner, this episode is packed with thoughtful discussions and valuable insights.Chapters0:00 Episode Highlights01:31 Meet Dr. Blake Richards04:30 Discovering Neural Networks08:25 Intersection of Neuroscience and AI17:39 Challenges and Future Directions in AI26:48 Principles of Intelligence30:37 AGI and Human Extinction34:48 Potential Dangers of AI Misuse37:45 AI's Economic Impact and Adoption Challenges45:57 Montreal's AI Ecosystem and Future ProspectsEpisode Links:Blake on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tyrellturing.bsky.socialBlake’s Research Lab: https://linclab.mila.quebec/team/blakePodcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with Marie France, a seasoned executive and MBA graduate with a rich background in technology, data analytics, and leadership. Marie shares her intriguing career pivots across industries like entertainment, banking, retail, and healthcare. Learn about her strategic approach to data management, the importance of a well-rounded business strategy, and the transformative potential of AI in various sectors. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and thoughts on fostering innovation and ethical considerations in today's rapidly evolving landscape. You don't want to miss out on this one!Chapters0:00 Discovering a Passion for Technology01:50 Career Pivoting and Growth03:22 First Steps in the Tech Industry06:31 Balancing Personal Interests with Career10:54 Impact of Technology in Various Sectors14:11 Ethics and Collaboration in Technology19:12 Adapting to Technological Trends22:24 Navigating Challenges: Building a Team During COVID-1923:01 Data Governance and AI at Aldo23:33 Retail Analytics and Inventory Management24:49 The Art of Hiring and Team Building28:26 Leadership and Learning from an MBA33:35 Generating Value from AI in Large Organizations39:16 Embracing AI: Curiosity and Continuous LearningEpisode Links:Marie-France’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-france-ouimet-emba-15b3892/Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

We welcome Kate Arthur, a British-Canadian entrepreneur renowned for her work in AI and computational literacy to discuss her latest book, 'Am I Literate?', which explores the intersections of literacy, storytelling, and technology,We explore her diverse background, the transformative power of combining arts and sciences, and the vital role of education in a rapidly advancing technological age. Kate emphasizes the necessity of strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy as prerequisites for AI literacy, and highlights the importance of ethics in technology. Tune in to uncover insights into Kate's inspiring journey, the concept of 'Burns luck,' the value of mentorship, and the role of diversity in tech.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Human Knowledge and Literacy2:04 Kate's Diverse Background and Global Experiences3:39 The Importance of Curiosity and Adaptability8:16 Literacy in the Digital Age17:12 The Role of Stories in Human History27:06 Education and Technology: A Vision for the Future32:06 The Role of Values in Education32:50 AI's Impact on Communication and Relationships33:53 Challenges in Adapting Education Systems34:39 Access to Tools and Literacy36:32 Types of Education: Formal, Non-Formal, and Informal38:51 The Importance of Curiosity and Play39:22 Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Insights46:37 Understanding AI: Skills and Ethics51:31 The Role of Ethics in AI56:08 Encouraging Women in Technology58:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts---Episode Links:Kate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katearthur514/Kate’s Website: https://karthurmedia.com/Kate’s Book: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000489204493Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

Nous accueillons Philip Hazeltine, PDG et cofondateur de Neolegal. Ancien avocat fiscaliste et membre du conseil d'administration d'Investissement Québec, Philip discute de la mission de Néolégal : transformer le secteur juridique en utilisant la technologie. Philippe partage également ses insights sur l'entrepreneuriat, la résilience et l'importance de l'équilibre travail-vie personnelle tout en avançant dans un domaine traditionnellement lent à adopter les nouvelles technologies comme l'intelligence artificielle.---We welcome Philip Hazeltine, CEO and co-founder of Néo Légal. A former tax lawyer and board member of Investissement Québec, Philip discusses Neolegal's mission: to transform the legal sector using technology. Philip also shares his insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of work-life balance while progressing in a field traditionally slow to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence.---Chapters:0:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest5:49 Philip's Entrepreneurial Journey9:55 Challenges and Solutions in Legal Tech12:04 Importance of Complementary Skills in Startups14:22 Adapting to AI in Legal Services25:44 Introduction to AI in Business Processes26:07 Regulatory Challenges in AI Adoption26:30 AI's Role in Legal and Other Regulated Industries29:17 Investment Trends in AI and Technology30:06 Navigating the Investment Ecosystem in Quebec33:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs40:54 Balancing Professional and Personal Life44:02 Resilience and Success in Entrepreneurship46:45 Reflecting on the Journey and Future PlansEpisode Links:Learn more about Philip here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-hazeltine-55b22a10/Neolegal: https://www.neolegal.ca/Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

Prepare to dive deep into the world of AI and data with Sacha Gucciardo, a data analytics consultant, on this episode of the Thinking Tech podcast. Sacha takes us on a journey from his beginnings as a data engineer at Bombardier, to his current role at Slalom, where he crafts innovative solutions using AI, data, and cloud technologies for his clients. This episode isn't just about technology; it's about the future of education, the importance of human connection, and the ethical responsibilities that come with wielding powerful AI tools.Chapters0:00 – Introduction and Background7:16 – Journey into AI and Data Science9:50 – Bridging the Gap Between Business and Tech12:17 – The Role of Education in Understanding AI18:36 – What Will Not Change in the Future 20:50 – Part 2: Ethical Considerations in AI Development25:45 – Social Impacts of AI31:40 – Startup Culture and The Importance of Environment34:09 – Canada's Potential in the AI Sector 37:08 – Future Plans and Podcast InsightsEpisode Links:Learn more about Sacha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachagucciardo/His podcast (LinkedIn): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/aiwithsach/⁠His podcast (Spotify): ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/29nsZIUYB3NyJMQHDcSKUS⁠Podcast Links:Substack: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

This episode features Joshua Pottel, CEO of Molecular Forecaster, a Montreal-based company at the forefront of using computational tools to accelerate drug discovery. Pottel discusses his journey, offering valuable insights for students, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the biotech industry and Montreal's growing ecosystem.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background05:23 – Sparking Interest in Chemistry and Computational Drug Discovery11:06 – The Creation and Evolution of Molecular Forecaster15:53 – Team Building and Company Culture30:35 – Startup 101 and Learning on the Job41:03 – Distinguishing Yourself and Leaning on Your Strengths42:05 – AI Developments and Affect on Education and the Biotech Sector47:30 – Entrepreneurial Journey and Priorities55:16 – Molecular Forecaster's Future Goals and ConclusionEpisode Links:Learn more about Molecular Forecaster here: https://molecularforecaster.com/Learn more about Joshua Pottel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-pottel/Podcast Links:Substack Blog: https://thinkingthomas.substack.com/⁠ X/Twitter: https://x.com/fortoulthomas⁠Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nUcKzoV5nHhwFqZrIit9wApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-tech/id1797833313LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-fortoul/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ONyHJ7p13KQrYyOH1WPAh

Welcome.