The Disruptor Podcast

Originally broadcast on September 13, 2025, on The Hungarian Hour (WCSB Cleveland 89.3 FM)In this special rebroadcast of The Hungarian Hour* (WCSB Cleveland 89.3 FM), hosts Walt Mahovlich and Elizabeth Papp Taylor are joined by John M. Kundtz. John shares the remarkable “rags to riches” American immigrant story of his great-grandfather, Theodor Kundtz. Tune in to hear how Theodor arrived in Cleveland with nothing and went on to build a massive manufacturing empire that profoundly shaped the city’s early Hungarian community and the historic Irishtown Bend neighborhood.Key Topics & Highlights: 1️⃣ The Journey to America: Discover Theodor’s origins in Metzenseifen (modern-day Medzev, Slovakia) and his arduous 1873 journey across the Atlantic in the muddy, unsanitary lower quarters of the S.S. Denmark.2️⃣ Building an Industrial Empire: Starting as an apprentice cabinet maker in the Flats, Theodor took his pay in equity when his employer struggled, eventually buying out the company and renaming it the Theodor Kundtz Company. He became the sole supplier of ornate cabinets for the White Sewing Machine Company and expanded into school desks (”Eclipse”), high-end wooden bicycle rims, automobile bodies for local car makers, and church furniture.3️⃣ Shaping Irishtown Bend: To staff his growing factory at 122 & 124 Elm Street, Theodor sponsored workers from his home country, driving early Hungarian immigration to Cleveland’s near west side.4️⃣ A Legacy of Philanthropy: Remembered as a “friend of the worker,” Theodor was heavily involved in the community. He founded the Hungarian Savings and Loan Company, financially backed Hungaria Hall, and helped fund a George Washington monument in Budapest.Community Call to Action: The Cleveland Municipal Stadium Seats.Theodor’s company manufactured all 62,781 of the original seats for the Cleveland Municipal Stadium. There is an ongoing community initiative to locate a few of these surviving seats for installation in the future Irish Town Bend Park as a memorial to Theodor and the Hungarian laborers who built them.Resources Mentioned in this EpisodeTori in Amerika: The Story of Theodor Kundtz: A private biography of Theodor written by Christopher J. Eiben in 1994. While hard copies are rare, an audiobook version is currently in development and expected to be available in mid-2026.How to help: If you have any of these stadium seats (ideally 2 to 4) in your garage or attic - Message us 👇Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to this trailer for another episode of Board Room Bound! Today, we are tackling one of the most frustrating challenges in the nonprofit world: strategic planning. We all know the drill: a beautifully detailed document is created with high hopes, only to gather dust on a shelf as forgotten “shelfware”.In this brief preview, we introduce John M. Kundtz’s latest book, The Five-Step Nonprofit Strategy Blueprint, to discuss how nonprofit leaders can flip the script. By shifting away from internal organizational assumptions and embracing a user-centric, design-thinking approach, you can create an agile, living roadmap that genuinely serves your stakeholders and drives impact.Key Highlights & Takeaways from the Upcoming Episode:The “Project Sedona” Epiphany: Hear the corporate cautionary tale of how focusing on your organization’s internal capabilities rather than understanding the users’ real challenges can stall your momentum.The Double Diamond Model: Discover how adopting the rhythm of “diverging” (exploring the problem without judgment) and “converging” (defining the core challenge) can revolutionize how your board approaches problems.The 5-Step Strategy Framework: We will walk through the exact, actionable steps to build your strategic plan:The Cake Experience Roadmap: Say goodbye to the overwhelming “waterfall” approach. Learn how to break your strategy down into deliverable chunks: low-risk “Cupcakes” for quick wins, medium-sized “Birthday Cakes”, and long-term “Wedding Cakes”.AI as Your Co-Facilitator: Learn how modern nonprofit leaders are utilizing tools like The Disruptor’s Custom GPT Facilitator to automate the heavy lifting of sorting data and generating insights.Other Books in The Disruptor’s Series:The Board Builder’s Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit LeadershipIntegrating Horses into Healing: Chapter 23 - The Key to a Successful Non-Profit BoardComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Heart without execution remains aspirational …… and systems without heart won’t scaleIn Part 2 of this two-episode series, John Kundtz sits down with Greg Warner, CEO & Founder of MarketSmart, to discuss bridging “Start with the Heart” from philosophy into an operating system. Greg argues that most nonprofits are still running outdated, transaction-first fundraising playbooks. Measuring activity instead of building trust, surfacing intent, and earning the right to have a major-gift conversation. The fix isn’t “more asks.” It’s a donor-driven approach built on signals, relevance, and disciplined follow-up, so engagement scales without losing the human element.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN1️⃣ Why transactional fundraising fails (and why donors disengage when they feel managed vs. known) 2️⃣How to use donor intent signals to prioritize the right supporters at the right time 3️⃣ Why major gifts behave like enterprise decisions, and what those changes in qualification and stewardship are4️⃣ How to shift from organization-centric messaging to donor-driven engagement that earns meetings 5️⃣ The leadership discipline required to make “heart” repeatable, measurable, and scalableLINKS & RESOURCES➡️Connect with Greg Warner on LinkedIn  ➡️ Check out Greg's (free) Fundraising Report Card and➡️ Greg's (free) DAF Widget ➡️ Visit the MarketSmart websiteComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, John Kundtz sits down with Bill Crouch, CEO of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors and former college president, to discuss why traditional development tactics are failing leaders, and what replaces them: ➡️Trust, ➡️Relevance, ➡️Relationship, and ➡️Mattership (the discipline of making supporters feel seen and valued, so philanthropy becomes relational, not transactional.)Bill shares the origin story behind his “start with the heart” philosophy (including the dinner that failed), why major donors evaluate leadership before the mission, and the practical disciplines nonprofit CEOs can use to build momentum without burning themselves or their teams out.What you will Learn:1️⃣Why transactional fundraising is failing—and how donor expectations have changed2️⃣What “start with the heart” looks like in real donor conversations3️⃣How major donors assess leadership, credibility, and trust before committing4️⃣The difference between targeting donors and earning a relationship5️⃣A simple weekly cadence leaders can use to build a sustainable fundraising engineAbout our Guest:Bill has spent 40 years helping nonprofits and higher education leaders shift fundraising from transactional activity to transformational impact through BrightDot’s “Art of Fundraising” approach—blending strategy with human connection, storytelling, and leadership presence. Connect with Bill on LinkedInContact Bill Crouch: [email protected] his book: Start with the HeartVisit BrightDot's Website Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

 The AI Energy Crunch: Why FinalSpark Thinks Neurons Are the Answers In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, Strategic Advisor at FinalSpark, to discuss a hard truth most AI leaders are starting to feel: the next wave of AI scale will be constrained less by algorithms and more by energy, cooling, and infrastructure limitations.While much of the industry is still running the traditional playbook, more GPUs, bigger clusters, and ever-larger data centers, FinalSpark is pursuing an entirely different path: biocomputing built from living neurons. Ewelina explains why biology may offer a credible route to radically lower-power computing, what FinalSpark is actually building today, and why the biggest breakthrough isn’t just hardware, it’s understanding how neurons encode information.You’ll also hear how FinalSpark is opening the door for universities and private-sector R&D teams to experiment now through its remote Neuroplatform, why this moment feels like the early days of quantum computing, and what it will take to move biocomputing from lab credibility to commercial adoption.Together, they explore what it means to stop brute-forcing scale and start rethinking compute from first principles, before the grid, the water, and the economics make the decision for us.In this episode, you’ll learn:1️⃣ Why the AI “energy crunch” is bigger than electricity—and increasingly about cooling and water2️⃣ Why “just add more GPUs” is a short-term fix with long-term structural risk3️⃣ What FinalSpark’s neuron-based biocomputing approach is—and what it can (and can’t) do today4️⃣Why the hardest problem is decoding neural information, not simply measuring neural activity5️⃣How R&D teams can start experimenting now via FinalSpark’s remotely accessible NeuroplatformAbout our guest:Dr. Ewelina Kurtys is a neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur and Strategic Advisor at FinalSpark, working at the intersection of neuroscience, frontier computing, and commercialization. She has built a career translating complex science into market-facing strategy, bridging lab reality with business adoption.Visit FinalSpark: finalspark.comConnect w/ Ewelina on LinkedIn: Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Jon Levesque, Founder and CEO of Seeq, to explore why the age of static directories such as Google, Yelp, and star ratings is officially over.Jon shares how Seeq, the world’s first Experience Network, transforms social content into living, bookable experiences. Instead of endless scrolling and fake reviews, Seeq turns creator videos into AI-assisted, mappable, and shoppable itineraries, bridging intent and action in one click.You’ll hear how Jon transitioned from setting up Microsoft stages to speaking on them, why he left corporate life to build something truly human-centered, and how his team is helping creators earn a real income while empowering users to get back out into the world again. Together, they discuss what it means to turn your phone from a prison into a compass and why the next digital revolution is rooted not in attention, but trust.In this episode, you’ll learn:1️⃣ Why the “directory era” is dying—and what replaces it.2️⃣ How Seeq lets creators monetize their content without chasing views.3️⃣ Why the future of discovery is human-led and AI-assisted.How digital platforms can move us from an attention economy to a trust economy.About our guest:Jon Levesque is the Founder and CEO of Seeq, a first-of-its-kind experience network that connects discovery, storytelling, and real-world action. A former Microsoft and DocuSign executive, Jon has built global communities, led Fortune 500 engagement strategies, and now focuses on empowering creators to build trust-based economies where authenticity, not algorithms, wins.👉 Learn more at seeq.ing or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn or follow him on Substack: Jon J. LevesqueComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Can you create blue oceans after the sale?In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Ken Rapp, CEO and co-founder of BluStream, to discuss how to escape pre-sale “red ocean” battles by winning the ownership moment. Born from a cracked acoustic guitar and a missing post-sale experience, Ken’s Product Experience (PX) playbook shows how to activate, engage, and nurture customers across the unboxing, usage, and care phases.You’ll hear why e-commerce commoditizes pre-sale behavior, why the first 30–90 days decide retention, and how two-way, context-aware journeys lift repeat purchase, customer satisfaction, and revenue.In this episode, you’ll learn:1️⃣ Why the post-purchase window is where growth (and churn) really happens.2️⃣ The three phases of product ownership: activation (unboxing/onboarding), engagement (usage), and nurturing (care/renewal).3️⃣ How to design two-way, personalized journeys that time education, prompts, and offers to real usage.4️⃣ Why asking for reviews too early backfires and what to do instead.About our guest:Ken Rapp is the CEO and co-founder of BluStream. He’s a commercialization leader and repeat founder focused on unmet needs, now helping D2C and subscription brands reduce churn and drive revenue by “owning” the product experience after the sale.Want a Deeper Dive?👉 Connect with Ken on LinkedIn👉 Visit BluStream.io for blogs, white papers, and access to the platformBuyer Experience Mini-Series: The Disruptor's Practical Steps to move from the Red Ocean to the Blue Ocean.🎥 “Become an Experience Disruptor” 🎥 “Swimming in the Blue Ocean.” Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor, host John M. Kundtz takes listeners on a personal and historical journey into the remarkable life of his great-grandfather, Theodor Joseph Kundtz, an immigrant craftsman whose vision helped shape Cleveland and Lakewood at the turn of the 20th century.From his humble beginnings in Metzenseifen (today Medzev, Slovakia), Theodor crossed the Atlantic in 1873 with little more than his skills and determination. Within decades, he became a leading manufacturer, supplying sewing machine cabinets, school furniture, bicycle rims, automobile bodies, and church furnishings across the United States. His entrepreneurial spirit left a legacy that touched everything from industrial growth in Cleveland to the iconic Kundtz Castle in Lakewood, Ohio.John traces Theodor’s story through:➡️ The family tree and roots in Europe.➡️The immigrant journey that led to opportunity in Cleveland.➡️The rise of the Theodor Kundtz Company, serving industries from sewing to automobiles.➡️The construction and eventual fate of the Kundtz Castle, a Lakewood landmark.➡️A lasting church furniture legacy, with Kundtz craftsmanship found in thousands of churches nationwide.Blending genealogy, industrial history, and personal reflection, this episode captures how one man’s story reflects both the immigrant experience and the rapid expansion of Cleveland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.🎧 Whether you’re a history buff, a Lakewood local, or curious about the immigrant roots of American entrepreneurship, this episode offers a compelling look into the past and how it still echoes today.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

What if your business could deliver Disney-level customer experiences—without Disney’s budget?In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Vance Morris, a former Walt Disney World leader turned entrepreneur and customer experience authority. From cast member to carpet cleaner to consultant, Vance has built a career proving that small businesses can create “wow moments” that inspire loyalty, referrals, and repeat revenue.Vance shares the lessons he learned during his decade at Disney, including why simple systems and processes, not expensive gimmicks, create lasting impressions. He also reveals the biggest mistake most service professionals make: chasing new customers while neglecting the ones they already have.Listeners will learn:1️⃣ Why customer retention, not acquisition, is your most powerful competitive advantage.2️⃣ How to apply Disney’s “systematic magic” to everyday customer interactions.3️⃣ Practical, low-cost strategies for delighting clients—like handwritten thank-you notes, surprise gifts, or a simple follow-up call.4️⃣ The mindset shift every professional services provider should adopt before pouring money into marketing.Whether you run a law firm, a dental practice, or a home services company, this conversation will help you turn ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences that customers can’t stop talking about.Resources & Links:👉 Connect with Vance Morris on LinkedIn👉 Download 52 Ways to WOW Your Customers Without Breaking the Bank👉 Learn more about Vance’s work  at vancemorris.comComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

When founders design products for themselves, or worse, for their “dog,” failure is almost inevitable. In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Oksana Kovalchuk, founder and CEO of ANODA. This leading UX/UI design agency has guided more than 200 startups through Techstars and beyond.From writing her first line of code at age five to mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide, Oksana has seen the same mistakes repeat themselves:👉 Building solutions for a problem only one person has👉Scaling too soon—or not thinking about scale at all👉Adding endless features instead of releasing an MVP👉Trusting AI “hallucinations” instead of real customer feedbackOksana explains why walking in the user’s shoes is the single most critical step in building products that work, scale, and actually get adopted. She shares practical frameworks, from card sorting to real-world user validation, that keep startups from wasting months (and millions) on products no one wants.Listeners will also hear:1. Why relying on AI without data or training leads to dead ends2. How to use the “pizza slice” approach to launch MVPs in three months or less 3. Why ignoring cultural and regulatory differences can sink global expansionThis episode is a must-listen for founders, product managers, and anyone tired of bloated apps that ignore the human experience.To learn more about Oksana and ANODA, visit her website and connect with Oksana on LinkedIn or follow her on X.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

John Kundtz introduces his new book, "The Five-Step Not-for-Profit Strategy Blueprint," designed to help executive directors strengthen collaboration, governance, and growth. This interview-style review examines how nonprofits can transform strategic planning from static documents into dynamic processes that drive meaningful impact through stakeholder-centered design thinking.The "epiphany bridge" concept shifts focus from internal guessing to stakeholder co-creationDesign thinking's double diamond framework guides teams through problem exploration before solution developmentFive implementation steps: empathy to insight, walking in stakeholders' shoes, need to success statements, launch and adapt, and driving resultsThe "cupcake roadmap" approach starts with small pilots before scaling to larger initiativesCommon traps include one-and-done planning, ignoring stakeholder voices, overestimating capacity, and "strategic silence"AI can serve as a co-pilot in summarizing feedback, clustering insights, and suggesting KPIsHow will you start planning for a brighter future, maybe even starting today?Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz sits down with Harish Chandramowli, founder of Flaire Software, to explore how AI is revolutionizing traditional ERP systems. Drawing on his background in cloud security at MongoDB and Bloomberg, Harish shares how his deep technical expertise and hands-on experience led him to create Flaire, a lightweight, AI-enabled workflow optimization platform specifically designed for the fashion industry.Harish walks us through how most SMBs are stuck trying to force their business workflows into rigid ERP systems built for enterprise-scale complexity. Instead, he advocates for a radically different approach: utilizing AI and platforms like Shopify to create customized operational workflows, without the overhead and cost associated with traditional ERP deployments.We discuss: The evolution from cloud security to fashion-tech entrepreneurshipWhat a “schemaless ERP” really means—and why it mattersThe hidden costs and traps of customizing legacy ERP systemsReal-world examples of AI-driven workflow automation, including SKU creation and product launchesWhy knowing your internal workflows is critical before automating with AIHow AI is changing the speed, cost, and expectations around operational softwareHarish’s philosophy is clear: Don’t overbuild. Instead, understand your business deeply, build simple, iterate quickly, and only automate what’s ready for it.Whether you're a founder, operations leader, or curious technologist, this episode offers a fresh take on how to streamline your back office with modern tools and AI.To learn more about Harish and Flaire Software, visit their website (flairesoftware.com) and connect with Harish on LinkedIn.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Design isn't dead, but it's evolving fastNick Cawthon, the founder of Gauge, a San Francisco–based consultancy, joins John on this episode of The Disruptor Podcast to explore why traditional enterprise design often fails and how smarter strategies can bridge the gap between creativity and business value.HighlightsWhy commoditization pushed Nick to reinvent his design careerCommon enterprise pitfalls when integrating design and researchThe false promise of speed without strategic design thinkingHow design and development teams can collaborate more effectivelyWhat AI and generative tools mean for design’s futureKey Insights / Quotes“Design was dying 10 years ago; it was being commoditized and boxed in.”“Faster doesn’t always mean better; we need space for user research and real feedback.”“Designers must now master both strategic thinking and front-end tech stacks.”“Experience matters, especially when discerning signal from noise in AI-generated content.”Deep Dive OpportunitiesConnect with Nick. He would love to hear from you. As he says, "Please do make a connection, and we promise to respond back quickly. Life is short."Visit Gauge.io, a San Francisco–based consultancy helping teams design the right things, faster and smarter.Connect with Nick: Email: [email protected]: +1 (510) 560-5472Slack: gauge-io.slack.comLinkedIn Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to another edition of The Disruptor Podcast!This is part two of our two-part series. In this episode, Zengines CEO Caitlyn Truong returns to reveal how her team simplifies the high-stakes challenge of mainframe modernization. She also discusses the challenges of mainframe modernization and how Zengines helps enterprises de-risk legacy systems with smart data lineage.Key Topics Discussed:Why legacy mainframes still dominate large enterprisesCommon missteps that derail modernization effortsHow Zengines turns “black box” systems into readable dataReal case studies from banking and industrial sectorsKey strategies to reduce project risk and cost overrunsKey Insights / Quotes“Enterprise data lineage is a beast—start small with a clear use case.”“We help teams reverse-engineer the mainframe into business requirements.”“Every test case break used to spawn three more questions. Now they get answers in minutes.”“It’s not about replacing mainframes—it’s about de-risking what’s already working.”Zengines' Disruptive Way:Providing business analysts with AI tools for automating data mapping & changes. Minimizes large teams, speeding up data conversionPrioritizing tasks earlier in the processLowering costs and boosting productivityTo learn more about Caitlyn and Zengines, visit their website (Zengines.AI) and connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn. In Part 1 of our conversation, Caitlyn and I discuss how Zengines disrupt organizations by automating data conversion. Listen here: Disruption in Data: Why Digital Migrations Fail and How to Succeed.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to another edition of The Disruptor Podcast! In this episode, your host, John Kundtz, interviews Caitlyn Truong, CEO and Co-founder of Zengines. This is part one of our two-part series. Today's show explores how Zengines disrupts organizations' efforts to automate the end-to-end data conversion process.Caitlyn shares information from her background in electrical and computer engineering and consulting. She often saw the problems with data conversion and migration in large organizations, especially in financial services. This led her to co-found Zengines to help ensure data stays useful during modernization.Points from the Discussion:Understanding Data Migration: It includes all steps to get a new system running, from getting data to testing.Common Pitfalls: Not accounting for all steps, lack of a plan, not using tools, and not underestimating the work effort.Advice for Smoother Migration: Understand all steps, plan clearly, use tools (especially AI), empower business analysts, and work in steps.Zengines' Disruptive Way:Zengines gives business analysts AI tools to automate mapping and changing data. This "shift left" approach reduces the need for large teams, making data conversion faster and more efficient by letting the business directly influence data changes.This approach moves the work earlier in the process, making data conversion less expensive, more productive, and quicker by letting the business directly affect how data is changed.To learn more about Caitlyn and Zengines, visit their website (Zengines.AI) and connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn.Stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation, where Caitlyn and I shift gears and explore the challenges many enterprises face with Mainframe Modernization. You won't want to miss it.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Chapter 5: Defining High-Performance in Nonprofit BoardsIn this episode of Board Room Bound, host John Kundtz takes you through what makes a nonprofit board high-performing. Drawing on The Board Builder’s Blueprint, John explains the essential traits distinguishing exceptional boards. Episode HighlightsActionable strategies for aligning board governance with mission success.Real-world examples of innovative approaches that high-performing boards take to meet modern challenges.How to position your nonprofit for long-term sustainability by balancing governance, strategic oversight, and stakeholder engagementKey TakeawaysUnderstanding High Performance: Learn how high-performing boards drive their organization’s mission and embrace innovation to disrupt the status quo.Unity in Purpose: Discover how alignment between the board and executive team fosters strategic progress and organizational growth.Avoiding the Rubber Stamp Mentality: Explore the importance of fostering robust discussions and encouraging diverse viewpoints to make sound decisions.Prioritizing Stakeholder Experiences: Understand how a holistic focus on all stakeholders—including staff, donors, and the community—strengthens relationships and inclusivity.Navigating Strategic Waters: Dive into the Blue Ocean Strategy to uncover untapped opportunities and maintain long-term relevance.Duties of Care, Loyalty, and Obedience: Gain insights into the legal foundations of board governance and how they establish trust and credibility.Featured ResourcesRead the entire chapter on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack.Now available on Amazon (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers)Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of Board Room Bound, host John Kundtz discusses the importance of cultivating high-performing nonprofit boards. Drawing from Chapter 4 of his book, The Board Builder’s Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership, John explores how capable boards ensure mission success and organizational sustainability, even in challenging landscapes.Whether you're a board chair, executive director, or aspiring nonprofit leader, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your board’s performance and drive meaningful impact.Key TakeawaysBalancing Fundraising and ProgrammingFinancial OversightDiverse Skill Sets Sustainability Over Short-Term GainsCollaboration and AccountabilityEpisode HighlightsBoard Leadership Essentials: Why high-performing boards are indispensable for nonprofits in today’s competitive environment.Avoiding Pitfalls: How to prevent passion for a mission from overshadowing financial planning.Real-World Advice: Strategies for setting clear expectations and aligning program goals with financial realities.Donor Engagement: Building trust through responsible budgeting and showcasing fiscal health.Strategic Development: Practical tips to build a diverse and skilled board that can guide your nonprofit to sustained success.Featured ResourceRead the entire chapter on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack.Now available on AmazonThis book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.This episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of Board Room Bound, host John Kundtz takes you inside Chapter 3 of The Board Builder's Blueprint to uncover a critical element of nonprofit leadership: understanding who benefits from your board’s insights and how to ensure those benefits are maximized. Drawing from over 30 years of board experience, John outlines five key groups nonprofit boards must serve to achieve high performance and lasting impact.Key TakeawaysIdentify and Empower Stakeholders: Learn the five key beneficiaries of board insights – board members, executives, staff, volunteers, and the community you serve.Cultivate Open Communication: Foster clear channels informing and engaging all groups.Avoid Micromanagement: Support your executive team by offering strategic guidance, not oversight.Inspire Passion in Volunteers: Discover how sharing successes connects volunteers to the mission and drives retention.Community-Centered Leadership: Ensure your board’s decisions directly enhance the lives of the people you serve.Episode HighlightsJohn explains the importance of board members feeling heard and valued to contribute their best ideas.Why the executive team thrives when boards act as resources rather than overseers.Insights on creating transparency and connection between boards and nonprofit staff.Strategies to recognize and engage volunteers, strengthening their dedication to your cause.Real-world examples of how board insights translate into community impact.Featured Resources:Read the entire chapter on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack.Now available on AmazonThis book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.This episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of Board Room Bound, a subseries of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz outlines the essential steps for transforming your nonprofit board into a high-performance entity. Drawing on over 35 years of board experience and insights from his book The Board Builder's Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership, John outlines the key strategies that drive real, lasting impact in nonprofit governance.Whether you're a seasoned board chair or a newly appointed board member, this episode delivers actionable insights to elevate your board's performance and align it with your organization’s mission.  Key Takeaways:What Defines High-Performance Boards: Learn the traits of proactive, innovative, and mission-aligned boards. Building a Strong Foundation: How role clarity creates accountability and collective impact.The Importance of Innovation: Move beyond the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset to embrace creativity and fresh approaches. Practical Steps: Strategies to evaluate and elevate your board's performance level. Real Stories: John shares lessons and experiences from his early days as a board leader.Episode Highlights:Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities: How to eliminate inefficiencies and foster collaboration.Innovation in Governance: Encouraging creative solutions to overcome stagnation.Your Call to Action: Assess your board’s current performance and commit to improvement.Featured Resources:Read the entire chapter on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack.Now available on AmazonThis book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.This episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Join host John Kundtz, a veteran with over 35 years of nonprofit board experience, as he shares invaluable insights from his journey in transforming nonprofit governance. Drawing from his extensive experience serving on multiple boards and his latest book, "The Board Builder's Blueprint," John reveals the essential elements of building and maintaining high-performance nonprofit boards.Key Takeaways:Discover why passion is paramount in board recruitment and how to identify truly committed board membersLearn strategies for cultivating a collaborative board culture that drives mission successUnderstand the importance of continuous learning and development in board leadershipExplore how to transform your board from a compliance body into a driving force for innovationEpisode Highlights:John's journey from IBM executive to nonprofit board leaderLessons learned from serving on diverse boards, including Cleveland Sight Center, Fieldstone Farm, and Boy Scouts of AmericaPractical insights on building sustainable, mission-driven board culturesStrategies for recruiting and retaining passionate board membersThe importance of long-term commitment and continuous learning in board leadershipFeatured Resource:The Board Builder's Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership - Now available on AmazonThis book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.Get Connected:Connect with John Kundtz on LinkedInThis episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Redefining Boardroom Success: Strategies for High-Performance Governance in Not-for-ProfitIn this inaugural episode of Board Room Bound, host John Kundtz explores why high-performance governance isn't just a luxury — it's essential for nonprofit survival. Drawing from his 35+ years of board experience, John outlines how to build and maintain an exceptional nonprofit board in today's challenging landscape of shrinking donor pools and fierce competition.Key Insights:Why traditional CEO-centric approaches fall shortHow to align programming with funding sustainability Essential frameworks for evaluating mission impactPractical strategies for recruiting and retaining top board talentThe critical role of disruption in transforming nonprofit governanceFeatured Resource: The Board Builder's Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership - Now available on AmazonThis book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.Get Connected:Connect with John Kundtz on LinkedInThis episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz discusses the challenges and opportunities facing family-owned businesses with guest Lowell Mora, CEO of Impact CFO. Together, we explore why 50% of family businesses fail after the owner's death and how Lowell's "disruptive" approach can provide invaluable insights on avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring lasting success across generations.Key Topics Discussed:The alarming statistics behind family business failuresCommon mistakes in succession planningThe importance of early planning and overcoming egoKey financial practices often overlooked by family businessesThe value of fractional CFO services for small to mid-sized companiesHighlights:Only 1 in 3 family businesses survive to the second generation, and just 1 in 8 make it to the third40% of family business owners consider themselves financially illiterate, yet 81% handle their own financesThe benefits of implementing basic financial reporting and budgeting practicesHow to approach succession planning 5-10 years before intended exitLowell's Key Advice:"Check your ego at the door and realize that you're not going to be able to run the business forever. Put a plan in place and say, 'Hey, I'm not gonna be around forever.'"Deep Dive Opportunities:Want to unlock the secrets to preserving your family's legacy? Contact Lowell for a free consultation and access to his 13-week cash flow forecasting template. Email Lowell at:  [email protected] the Impact CFO websiteCall (847) 212-4081And don’t forget to connect on LinkedInComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

"Managing confrontation is hard, leading through conflict is harder, avoiding either is not an option." - Andrew NetschayIn this Disruptor podcast episode, Andrew Netschay of Warm Steel Consulting returns to the show to explore his Leadership Mindset module on Leading Through Confrontation.Andrew shares strategies from his Enter The Leader program, focusing on conflict management and negotiation—critical skills for today's leaders. He emphasizes emotional intelligence, empathy, and awareness as foundational tools for handling high-stakes negotiations and challenging discussions.Drawing from his martial arts and boardroom experience, Andrew offers actionable advice on navigating challenging conversations, maintaining relationships, and driving positive outcomes.Key Takeaways:Tough conversations are inevitable in leadership.Traditional conflict management approaches often fall short.Andrew's unique framework combines martial arts and business insights.Mastering these skills improves client relationships and employee retention.Practical tips include developing awareness, building empathy, and disarming difficult situations.Andrew also discusses his Conflict Management Workshop, a 95-minute session that arms participants with essential tools like ACE’ing Conflict (Awareness, Connection, and Empathy) and Disarming Speech techniques. Leaders will leave the workshop better prepared to tackle daily conflicts gracefully and respectfully, ensuring long-term client relationships and team satisfaction.About Andrew Netschay:Andrew is a leadership coach with over 35 years of experience in confrontation's emotional, mental, and physical aspects. He helps organizations and individuals develop skills to navigate challenging situations and achieve their goals.Learn more: Warm Steel Coaching and connect with Andrew on LinkedInComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz interviews Luká Yancopoulos, CEO and founder of Grapevine, a groundbreaking startup revolutionizing the healthcare supply chain landscape.They explore the pressing challenges and inefficiencies plaguing the healthcare sector, including high costs, tech lags, and dependency on single suppliers. Luká shares insights on the benefits of digital transformation in healthcare procurement and management and outlines the common pitfalls organizations face in this journey.Episode Highlights:Luká shares his journey from studying renewable energy to tackling healthcare supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.The shocking reality of outdated systems used by major healthcare suppliers and the ripple effects on patient care.How digital transformation in healthcare supply chains can lead to significant cost savings - up to 60% on medical supplies and drugs.The potential to reduce patient costs by 25% through efficient supply chain management.Common pitfalls organizations face when addressing critical issues in the healthcare supply chain.The importance of user experience in successful technology adoption.Key Insights:Improved supply chain management could potentially save the healthcare industry $350 billion in the next five years.Successful digital transformation requires benefiting all stakeholders, from procurement personnel to clinicians.Start with improving the shopping experience before changing suppliers or products.The concept of "11:59" - preserving what works while coaxing stakeholders into beneficial changes.Implementing change in small, digestible increments is crucial for successful adoption.Deep Dive Opportunities:Ready to revolutionize your healthcare supply chain and potentially save millions? To learn more about Grapevine and how it can benefit your organization, visit www.go-grapevine.com. Join for free.Connect directly with Luká Yancopoulos by email:  [email protected] or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Addressing Mass Incarceration Creep with Judge Ray HeadenWhat if our justice system could be revolutionized by a simple, data-driven approach? Discover the compelling insights of the Honorable Ray Hedden, who introduces the concept of "Mass Incarceration Creep."In this final segment of the Disruptor Podcast, hosts John and Jan uncover with Judge Ray Headen the subtle disparities in sentencing that disproportionately affect poor Black males. They emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive data analytics to ensure fairness and equality in our judicial system. Ray shares his ambitious initiative to create a database that provides judges with crucial information to maintain judicial discretion while promoting just decisions. Judge Headen discusses his initiatives to improve Ohio's judicial system by introducing data analytics and insights to ensure fairness and equality in sentencing. The conversation touches on the socio-economic impacts, racial disparities, and potential cost savings of implementing a data-driven approach. The episode emphasizes the necessity for legislative support and civic action to bring about meaningful change in the criminal justice system.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

What if the key to a fair and just legal system lies hidden within vast amounts of unexamined data? Join us on the Disruptor Podcast as we sit down with the Honorable Raymond C. Hedden to explore his transformative efforts in the judicial realm. Ray passionately discusses his groundbreaking work on a statewide criminal sentencing database in Ohio, aimed at eradicating implicit biases and ensuring equal treatment for all. This initiative, supported by Ohio Supreme Court justices, promises to bring long-overdue transparency and accountability to the sentencing process.Throughout our conversation, Ray reflects on the historical context of the past 25 years in the U.S. legal system and the critical need for a comprehensive database to track sentencing disparities. Despite numerous task forces advocating for change, institutional biases have continuously stalled progress. Ray's relentless pursuit of justice and his commitment to integrating data and analytics into judicial practices reveal a path forward for achieving true fairness. This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about legal reform and the ongoing fight for equal justice.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Embark on a transformative journey where failure paves the path to innovation, and empathy maps the way to understanding. Together, we navigate the startup ecosystem, championing the 'fail forward' mentality and the essential quest for product-market fit. Drawing inspiration from Andy Jassy's wisdom on mitigating the risks of unsuccessful endeavors, we share personal stories that highlight the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the startup arena. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the practicalities of validating business concepts, leveraging design thinking and lean startup methodologies, and utilizing social media analytics as a powerful, cost-effective gauge of consumer interest.Step into the user's shoes as we dissect the intricate process of product development, magnifying the importance of truly grasping user experiences. We unravel how personas and empathy mapping can align your product with your clients' unspoken needs, fostering a user-centered design that propels innovation. By sharing real-world examples, we reveal the profound impact of empathy on organizational dynamics, transforming assumptions into actionable insights. Our dialogue sheds light on the nuanced art of crafting compelling user experiences, which can spark opportunities for product evolution and redefine your approach to problem-solving.Unlock the secrets of collaboration and ideation in this episode, where psychological safety and collective creativity take center stage. We explore the power of play and the rules that guide it, demonstrating how constraints can ignite creativity and mutual respect. The episode reveals how simple acts of kindness, like the distribution of chocolates, can significantly boost performance, illustrating the role of happiness and safety in fostering innovation. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the transformative power of empathy, collaboration, and play in the workplace, and leave equipped with actionable strategies for igniting creativity in your team.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Prepare to have your entrepreneurial mindset revolutionized as we introduce you to the marriage of design thinking and strategic innovation. Imagine starting your product journey with a 'cupcake'—a delectable morsel of customer delight, rather than settling for the bare-bones functionality of a typical 'minimum viable product.' This episode guides you through an Agile-inspired 'cake roadmap' that promises to sprinkle delight at every development stage, serving up practical advice for remote collaboration and iterative testing, designed to steer your ventures toward a mouthwatering product-market fit.As the tide of competition rises, we sail into the uncharted waters of the Blue Ocean Strategy, alongside design thinking tenets, to discover unspoiled market territories. You'll glean insights into how companies, like Uber, have navigated away from the bloodied 'red oceans' of fierce rivalry, toward the serene 'blue' where untapped client needs await. We'll also celebrate the genius of inclusive design, taking cues from OXO's Good Grips and Roku's simplified remote, to showcase how products tailored to extreme user needs can result in universally loved solutions.Finally, we explore the democratic revolution transforming the creative process within today's design thinking framework. We discuss how a chorus of diverse voices, from end users to cross-discipline experts, can harmonize to foster innovation beyond the capabilities of a solitary visionary. This collective symphony of perspectives not only enriches the design process but also amplifies personal growth, nudging us toward a consciousness revolution powered by technological and communicative leaps. Join us for a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is thought-provoking, packed with actions you can apply directly to your next creative endeavor.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Honoring a Legacy: Raymond C. Headen’s Journey from Cleveland Streets to Judicial TrailblazerWhat happens when two childhood friends from opposite sides of the tracks join forces to disrupt the status quo? Join us on a heartfelt journey as we celebrate the life and legacy of the Honorable Raymond C. Headen in a special three-part series of the Disruptor Podcast. Hosted by John Kundtz and Jan Almasy, this episode takes an intimate look at Ray's inspiring transformation from an inner-city Cleveland kid to a trailblazer in the judicial community. Hear firsthand how Ray and John's 50-year friendship was forged during a time of significant civil rights upheaval and how it shaped their lives and careers.This "Throw Back Thursday Edition” of the Disruptor Podcast was originally recorded in August 2021. This conversation with Ray has been remixed into a 3 part series to honor his memory after his passing in May 2024. Ray's impactful work as a lawyer and judge, his commitment to justice, and his role as a disruptor in the legal field are all explored in depth. Listen to stories about their middle school days, the transformative power of racial integration, and Ray's encounters with pivotal moments in history. This episode is not just a tribute but a call to action, encouraging listeners to continue the causes Ray championed. This is more than just a podcast—it's a testament to enduring friendship and relentless pursuit of progress.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this Throwback Thursday (TBT) edition of The Disruptor Podcast, we delve deep into the whirlwind world of digital disruption, design thinking, and the critical importance of a customer-centric approach to innovation. Join hosts Jan Almasy and John Kundtz,  alongside special guest Nicholas Jayanty, as they explore the intricate dance between disrupting and being disrupted in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. What You'll Learn:The Essence of Value Creation: Discover how businesses navigate the complex terrain of delivering value not just to themselves but, more importantly, to their customers.  Disruptor’s Insights: Kundtz has witnessed the rise and fall of industry giants to help startups navigate these turbulent waters. He provides a unique perspective on the digital age's challenges and opportunities.Design Thinking at Its Core: Nicholas Jayanty, a principal UX researcher, discusses his transition from the independent film industry to IT and how design thinking has become pivotal in addressing customer needs and driving innovation.From Empathy to Transformation: This episode highlights the journey from understanding customer needs (empathy) to effectively implementing solutions that significantly improve their experiences (transformation). Real-World Applications: Through anecdotes and experiences, the conversation illuminates the practical application of design thinking and customer-centric strategies in overcoming sales hurdles and fostering product development that genuinely meets user needs.Navigating Disruption: Learn how companies, from startups to tech giants, employ design thinking and customer-centric approaches to survive and thrive amid ongoing digital disruption.This episode is a must-listen for those looking to deepen their understanding of leveraging disruption for growth and creating meaningful, user-focused products and services.Subscribe to The Disruptor Podcast for more insights into the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation, and disruption. Stay ahead of the curve as we bring you stories, strategies, and expert opinions to help you navigate the currents of change.Stay tuned for part 2Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to a special edition of The Cloud Collective Podcast, where we explore the transformative world of artificial intelligence (AI) and focus on practical strategies for success. In this episode, host John Kundtz is joined by Kyndryl Vice President and Distinguished Engineer Greg Pruett, a multi-patent holder and expert in infrastructure and cloud architecture. Greg begins by clarifying the differences between traditional predictive AI and the emerging field of generative AI, which has the unique ability to create new content. He then outlines the five crucial steps for getting started with AI:Analyze Business Needs and Desired Outcomes: Conduct a structured assessment to identify potential use cases and quantify the return on investment from AI adoption.Define Your Data Strategy: AI systems are only as good as the data they're trained on. Greg emphasizes the importance of data quality, inclusivity, and representativeness and addresses privacy, security, and bias concerns.Choose an AI Software Platform: Explore the growing ecosystem of AI platforms that offer pre-trained models and accelerate adoption by enabling organizations to use rather than invent AI solutions. Select AI Infrastructure: Decide whether to run AI workloads on public cloud, private cloud, or a hybrid model, considering factors like data sovereignty and compliance requirements. Establish ModelOps Processes: Implement robust processes for monitoring, updating, and testing AI models to ensure responsible deployment and maintain high-quality outputs over time.The show wraps up with insights into overcoming common challenges in AI projects, ensuring data quality, and operationalizing AI within your organization.Want to dive deeper into the world of AI and explore how it can revolutionize your business? Connect directly with Greg Pruett on LinkedIn and check out his insightful article, "5 Steps to Get Started with AI," for more valuable advice. Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with the latest insights from industry leaders. Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this special Throwback Thursday edition of The Disruptor Podcast, we re-release an episode originally aired in March 2021 with Yolanda Albergottie on her podcast "5 Easy Things." As we celebrate Women's History Month, join us in revisiting this insightful conversation that explores actionable tips and strategies aimed at advancing women in the workplace.Drawing from research conducted by IBM's Advanced Business Institute, the episode highlights alarming statistics underscoring the challenges women, particularly women of color, continue to face in corporate America. Despite the proven benefits of gender diversity at leadership levels, the data reveals systemic barriers and biases that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.The 5 “Not So” Easy Steps:Pair Bold Thinking with Big Commitments: Emphasizing the importance of treating gender equity as a critical business priority.Insist on Making Room: The necessity of asking "Who's missing?" and ensuring diverse voices are included in every aspect of the business.Identify Specific Crisis-Related Interventions: Focus on middle management and implement diverse task forces and leadership groups.Use Technology to Accelerate Performance: Leverage technology, including AI, to foster innovation and inclusivity and eliminate bias.Create a Culture of Intention: Moving beyond programs to cultivating a growth mindset that embraces and amplifies diverse perspectives.The candid discussion emphasizes the need to move past intentions to measurable actions that hardwire equity into organizational DNA. John advocates for leaders to act as allies, using their platform to drive cultural change.Download the full report: Women, leadership, and missed opportunities.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to a special edition of the "Cloud Collective Podcast," where we dive deep into the transformative world of cloud-native services and operations. John Kundtz hosts this episode and features a conversation with Rishi Ranjan, a seasoned expert in Hyperscaler and Cloud Native Services. Rishi shares his extensive experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and outlines the significant benefits organizations can realize by adopting a cloud-native strategy. These include substantial cost reductions of up to 30%, increased predictability through automated operations, and enhanced flexibility and agility to accelerate cloud adoption.In This Episode, You'll Discover: The Significant Benefits of Cloud Native Strategies: Understand how deploying a cloud-native strategy can enhance your multi-hyper scaler operations, driving efficiency, cost savings, and agility.Common Mistakes in Cloud Management: Learn about companies' typical errors when managing their cloud infrastructure and how to avoid them. Expert Advice for Cloud Optimization: Rishi shares invaluable tips for optimizing the management of your public cloud infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of a cloud-native approach. The Future of Digital Transformation: Gain insights into the future trends of digital initiatives and how cloud-native platforms will play a pivotal role by 2025.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to the "Cloud Collective Podcast" and today's special guest, Rishi Ranjan.02:30 Rishi's journey into the world of cloud-native services and hyperscaler management.05:00 The advantages of adopting cloud-native strategies for modern businesses.10:00 Discussing the common pitfalls in cloud infrastructure management and how to overcome them.15:00 Rishi's top recommendations for optimizing public cloud infrastructure.20:00 Conclusion and final thoughts on the future of cloud-native services and digital transformation.Want a Deeper Dive:Connect directly with our guest, Rishi Ranjan, on LinkedInExplore Kyndryl's Cloud Native Services offerings through the Kyndryl Bridge marketplaceComments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz and Jan Almasy are joined by adventurer, author, and motivational speaker Gary Guller to discuss his extraordinary journey to the summit of Mount Everest. Despite losing his left arm in a tragic climbing accident at 19, Gary refused to let perceived limitations hold him back from pursuing his dreams. Gary didn't just overcome his physical limitations; he shattered expectations by leading the first team of people with disabilities to Everest Base Camp and then going on to summit Mount Everest himself.Key Highlights:Early Days: Gary shares his introduction to climbing and how it shaped his life's trajectory, leading up to the life-altering accident that cost him his arm but not his spirit. The Ascent: Experience the harrowing and inspirational climb to Everest's summit as Gary recounts the challenges, close calls, and solidarity that propelled him forward. Motivational Insights: Gary delves into the lessons learned from the Sherpa community, his personal recovery, and how these experiences have influenced his motivational speaking career and philanthropic efforts.Legacy of Belief: A testament to believing in oneself and the power of community support, Gary's story is a profound reminder that limits are often just a state of mind.Special Moments:A chilling account of a near-fatal avalanche and the miraculous survival thanks to a Sherpa's faith and a handful of rice. Insights into the formation and execution of the groundbreaking expedition to Everest Base Camp with a diverse team, showcasing the inclusivity and strength found in diversity.Gary's Message: Through adversity comes an opportunity to discover our true potential. It's not the mountains we conquer but ourselves.Inspired by Gary's story? If Gary's journey moved or inspired you, please rate and review The Disruptor Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue spotlighting disruptors and changemakers worldwide.Share your own stories of conquering limits with us using #TheDisruptorPodcast.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of the Cloud Collective Podcast, we dive into the world of Financial Operations (FinOps)  with Anthony Dasari, Vice President of Modern Operations and Public Cloud Services Offerings at Kyndryl, for an in-depth look at Kyndryl's innovative approach to FinOps. FinOps stands for cloud "financial operations" and is focused on bringing financial accountability, cost management, and optimization to the highly variable expenses of the cloud. As cloud costs skyrocket and billing confusion sets in, FinOps has emerged as a critical discipline for enterprises undergoing digital transformation. In this discussion, Anthony outlines why FinOps is essential in today's cloud-centric business climate. He explains the fundamental methodologies behind FinOps frameworks and the cultural and organizational challenges companies face when implementing cloud financial practices.Suppose your business struggles to gain visibility and control over cloud spend in AWS, Azure, or hybrid environments. In that case, this episode will provide actionable advice on how to tackle this urgent priority successfully.Episode Highlights:The FinOps Imperative: Anthony sheds light on the industry's buzz around cost management governance and why FinOps is essential now.Unique Approach to FinOps: Insights into Kyndryl's strategic implementation of FinOps, including its impact and benefits.Historical Viewpoint: Historical insights and developments in FinOps from his extensive experience.Certification Insights: Anthony discusses his recent FinOps certification journey and the valuable lessons learned.Simplifying FinOps: An exclusive look at Kyndryl’s “FinOps in a Box” aimed at accelerating adoption and resultsDive Deeper: Explore the FinOps Framework at FinOps.org for a comprehensive understanding of various maturity stages.Head to the Bridge for industry-leading FinOps insights: Kyndryl's Bridge Connect with Anthony directly on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

There comes a moment when the strength of the human spirit truly shines, and nowhere is this more evident than in the extraordinary Sherpa community. Together, we trek through tales of bravery and resilience as these remarkable individuals guide climbers to remarkable heights, embodying the term 'Sherpa power.' Our journey begins with a profound account of empowerment, as those with physical challenges find joy in ice climbing at Everest Base Camp, a testament to the Sherpas' unwavering support and the transformative nature of unseen aid.Risk and reward go hand in hand in the high-altitude drama of the Himalayas, a truth I've come to know intimately through my personal experiences. We delve into the heart-stopping reality of avalanches, including the devastating 2014 Everest disaster and its impact on the tight-knit Sherpa community. Their unyielding spirit not only sustains them in their homeland but also transcends continents, as revealed in the story of aiding a friend's journey from the mountainous terrains of Nepal to the bustling streets of New York.Closing our expedition, we reflect on the enduring bonds formed through shared trials and the profound impact of kindness. By highlighting 'Make Others Greater,' a charity committed to the health, safety, and education of Nepal's youth, we see firsthand how a modest contribution can be the seed for a future of hope and change. Stay tuned for insights on how you can join this mission and make a tangible difference in the world, one small act at a time.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Cloud Collective Podcast, host John Kundtz interviews Robert Erickson, a cloud computing pioneer and VP of Strategy and Growth at Kyndryl. We start by unpacking why less than a third of crucial workloads have transitioned to the public cloud. Then, delve into the art of balancing public cloud environments with traditional on-premises data centers. Robert offers advice around best practices for getting started and insights on potential pitfalls and how to steer clear of them on your digital transformation journey.Key Discussion Points:Strategic Balance Insights: Understanding the strategic balance between public cloud and private data centersNavigating the Cloud Migration Challenge: Avoiding an overemphasis on technology without defined business outcomesStrategic Balance Insights: Starting small with low-risk cloud projects before complex mission-critical onesLearning from the Field:  Learning from real-world examples of effective digital transformationsCollaborative Strategies: Working with experts to develop a tailored cloud adoption strategyBalancing Act:  Balancing public cloud benefits (agility, innovation) with private cloud strengths (control, security)Deep Dive Opportunities:Connect with Robert on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on enterprise cloud computing.Read the recent Wall Street Journal article “The Cloud Isn’t The Answer to All IT Problems—At Least for Now” (By Steven Rosenbush, 2023), highlighting how less than 30% of mission-critical workloads are currently in the public cloud.Check out Robert’s upcoming blog posts expanding on optimizing cloud and data centers.Thank you for joining us on the Cloud Collective Podcast, where we bring clarity and actionable insights to the forefront of cloud management. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with peers interested in mastering the cloud management landscape.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this Throwback Thursday edition of The Disruptor podcast, co-hosts Jan Almasy and John Kundtz interview Ashley Welch, co-founder of Somersault Innovation and author of “Naked Sales.” They discuss how design thinking can transform traditional sales techniques by building empathy, uncovering insights, and accelerating revenue growth. Ashley explains how she helps sales teams move from pushing products to co-creating solutions tailored for each customer. Quotes:“Design Thinking Tools in the Hands of Sales Professionals is like putting Miracle-Gro on plants.” The iterative process helps you discover customer needs.“When the buyer's process and the seller's process align, you are actually both working towards the same goal.” Remove friction by understanding motives. “Stop playing the forecast game.” Obsess over customers, not projections, to drive organic business growth.   Key Points Discussed:The fundamentals of integrating design thinking into sales.Techniques to foster deeper customer relationships.The importance of empathy in understanding customer needs.Real-world examples of successful design-thinking applications in sales. Future trends in sales strategies and customer engagement. Dive Deeper:Check out her book, NAKED SALES: How Design Thinking Reveals Customer Motives and Drives Revenue, and how it helps teach the client about big-picture visions found through baby steps.Connect directly with Ashley Welch on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and share your experiences or questions about Design Thinking and Sales.Read our Meium.com Story, “How to Get from Empathy to Transformation,” and learn about the five-step process that Nicholas Jayanty and John co-created to help build a trusting relationship with their buyers during the early stages of the sales process.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of the Cloud Collective Podcast, host John Kundtz interviews Sreeni Maheshwaram, a FinOps Certified practitioner and patent holder. They discuss valuable advice for companies starting a FinOps journey, focusing on common tagging pitfalls and mistakes. With his extensive experience in IT and cloud architecture, Srini shares his expert insights on the role of tagging in cost management and resource allocation.  The discussion covers:Introduction to FinOps and its relevance in modern cloud infrastructure. The three phases of FinOps: Informed, Optimized, and Operating. The critical role of tagging in achieving financial accountability and visibility in cloud operations. Common pitfalls and best practices in developing a robust tagging strategy. The impact of tagging on cost allocation and optimization.Real-world scenarios illustrate the benefits of strategic tagging. Future trends and advice for organizations embarking on their FinOps journey.Key Take Aways:  Understand the fundamental role of tagging in cloud financial management. Learn how to avoid common mistakes in tagging strategy.Gain insights into integrating tagging with overall FinOps practices for optimal resource utilization and cost savings.Dive Deeper:Embark on a journey with us as we emphasize the critical 'shift left' mentality, integrating cost management and compliance into the development lifecycle. Explore the FinOps Framework at FinOps.org for a comprehensive understanding of various maturity stages.Head to the Bridge for industry-leading FinOps insights: Kyndryl's Bridge. Connect with Srini directly on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and share your experiences or questions about FinOps.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Conflict is inevitable in business, but with the right skills, leaders can turn discord into collaboration. In this episode of The Disruptor Podcast, host John Kundtz engages with leadership expert Andrew Netschay. Together, they delve deep into the essence of converting business conflicts into opportunities for collaboration. Drawing inspiration from his martial arts background, Netschay offers an alternative and refreshing lens on leadership, suggesting a paradigm shift in how confrontations should be approached and handled in the business milieu.Key Discussion Points:Martial Arts Meets Business: Grasping how martial arts tactics can be seamlessly translated to address corporate conflicts.The Power of Self-awareness: Emphasizing its pivotal role in nurturing confident leaders.An Underemphasized Aspect: The indispensable influence of self-worth and core beliefs in leadership and adept conflict management.Standing Out: The art of adeptly managing challenges and conflicts that most tend to evade.Building Resilience: Arming oneself with the right tools and mindset to face high-stakes conversations head-on.Deep Dive Opportunities:LinkedIn: Engage directly with Andrew Netschay for in-depth insights into Leadership Development. WarmSteel.com: Delve into leadership workshops and top-tier executive coaching programs crafted by Netschay himself. For executives on the hunt for transformative strategies or individuals with a thirst to amplify their leadership acumen, this episode of The Disruptor Podcast is a treasure trove of insights. Embark on a journey that promises to reshape your perspective on conflict resolution and leadership growth.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of "The Cloud Collective Podcast," host Shalini Manjunath speaks with Faith Taylor, a renowned expert in global sustainability and ESG. They delve deep into effective strategies for businesses embarking on their ESG journey. Key Highlights from the Discussion:Understanding ESG: A robust ESG performance indicates that a business is ethically driven and dedicated to fostering positive change. ESG Challenges: Companies often grapple with gathering precise organizational data, integrating ESG with their primary business model, and staying updated with new regulations.Initiating ESG: Start by defining your scope, setting boundaries, and pinpointing material impacts. Gather foundational data for tracking progress. Being aware of regulatory mandates and investor preferences can sharpen your program's focus.ESG's Influence on Business: Faith underscores how a company's ESG standing increasingly correlates with its financial value and organizational culture. Intangible assets like branding, intellectual property, and skilled workforce constitute over 90% of market worth - domains directly influenced by ESG initiatives. This enlightening conversation presents a comprehensive guide to kickstarting an ESG initiative. Tune in for actionable advice on enhancing your business's ESG efficacy. Want to Dive Deeper?Connect with Faith Taylor on LinkedIn for insights on crafting impactful ESG and Sustainability programs.Explore Kyndryl's corporate citizenship report for an in-depth look at their purpose, values, and actions, as emphasized by Faith.I strongly suggest visiting Project Drawdown.org. It showcases 100 actionable solutions available for implementation.Lastly, don't miss out on "The Bridge." The Green Guild recently introduced their Carbon Assessment and Sustainability Advisor Services there.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Throwback Thursday edition of The Disruptor podcastMeet David Kundtz: From the streets of Cleveland to the Catholic churches of Idaho and further south in Cali, Colombia, David's journey is an intriguing tapestry of challenges and change. Once a family psychotherapist for over two decades, David now relishes his retired life. But his passion? Writing, especially on mindfulness and mental health. Disruption in the Modern Era: As we navigate the tumultuous 2020s, it's clear: disruption is the name of the game. Are you the one shaking things up like Netflix? Or are you being sidelined like Blockbuster? Everyone's facing change – but how are you coping? Episode Spotlight – The Art of Stopping: Jan and John delve into David's latest masterpiece, which focuses on the transformative power of "stopping" in our chaotic lives. Key Takeaways:The Essence of Stopping: Stopping is more than just a pause - it's purposefully doing nothing to become more self-aware and remember what matters. Journey to Discovery: David discovered the power of stopping during a pivotal month alone on the Northern California coast, reflecting on his life and future. Stopping's Many Shades: There are "still points" (brief moments of quiet), "stopovers" (a day or weekend of reflection), and intensive "grinding halts" (weeks of alone time).David's Personal Stop: David shares an intimate story of his month-long grinding halt on the coast that changed his path. Promoting Pause for Entrepreneurs: Pausing to stop and reflect helps ensure you are headed in the right direction.Quotes: "Stopping is doing nothing as much as possible for a moment or a month in order to wake up and remember who you are and what you want." - David Kundtz"If you don't disconnect, it's often tragic. Because if you miss the most important thing in your life, then what's the use?" - David KundtzTune in and discover how to navigate and thrive in this disruptive era with the power of reflection and stillness.To learn more about David and his writings or sign up for his biweekly inspirational newsletter, visit https://davidkundtz.com/ To buy the most recent book, visit The Art of Stopping: Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Welcome to this special Throwback Thursday edition of The Disruptor podcast.  In this remixed episode, originally aired on The Apex Podcast in November 2021, hosts Jan and John explore their family histories to uncover the ancestral origin of John's great-grandfather. A couple of ago, Jan and John made an intriguing discovery - their families both hail from towns just 35 km apart in what is today Slovakia. Jan’s roots hail from Košice. John grew up hearing that his great-grandfather, Theodor Kundtz, emigrated from Metzenseifen to the United States in 1873, claiming to be Hungarian but speaking German. The only problem is that Metzenseifen can't be located on a current map. To help solve this ethnic mystery, Jan and John interview their guest, David Kundtz, Theodor's grandson.David grew up near Cleveland before heading out West in the 1960s as a Catholic priest. He spent over 20 years ministering in Idaho and Colombia, South America. After leaving the ministry, David became a family psychotherapist in Berkeley, California, for over 20 years until retiring. He is also a prolific author. His most recent book, The Art of Stopping: How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going, will be featured in an upcoming TBT remix episode. In this episode, Jan, John, and David discuss and compare three generations of culture, traditions, travel experiences, family lore, and their common ethnic confusion. Does the mystery town turn out to be Metzenseifen, Mecenzéf, or Medzev?Tune in to find out!Learn more about David Kundtz and his work at davidkundtz.com. Stay tuned for our next TBT remix episode featuring David's book,  The Art of Stopping: How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going. Thanks for listening!Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

In this episode of The Cloud Collective Podcast, host John Kundtz interviews distinguished engineer Greg Pruett on the emerging topic of sovereign clouds. They discuss what sovereign clouds are, why they've become crucial for companies today, common mistakes to avoid when implementing them, and advice for getting started on the right foot.  As we delve into Greg's personal and professional interest in Sovereign Clouds, we'll uncover the potential pitfalls and mistakes that businesses often encounter while venturing into Sovereign Cloud solutions. Greg's experience shines through, providing listeners with a clear roadmap toward understanding and implementing Sovereign Clouds. Whether you're a novice in the cloud computing world or an experienced IT professional, this enlightening discussion promises to enhance your understanding of Sovereign Clouds and their growing significance in businesses today. Tune in for an insightful journey into the future of cloud computing!Key Takeaways:Sovereign clouds provide a new architecture to improve data privacy, control, and locality to meet regulatory compliance across borders. Mistake #1 is not thoroughly understanding the complex data privacy and sovereignty regulations that differ across countries.Mistake #2 is overlooking the people and processes needed to properly control restricted data access based on location and other requirements. Consult experts to assess your data privacy and security posture across locations rather than trying to solve it all internally. Rethink cloud strategy to optimize for distributed data needs.Sovereign clouds are critical, not just nice-to-have, for mastering compliance, securing data, and combating cyber threats in today's digital business environment.What to Learn More: Learn more about designing effective sovereign cloud solutions by connecting with Greg Pruett on LinkedIn and checking out his in-depth blog article:  “The Sovereign Cloud: Data Is King”Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Are you tired of cloud costs spiraling out of control? Do you want to unlock the full value of FinOps? In this episode of The Cloud Collective, the host of The Disruptor Podcast, John Kundtz, chats with FinOps guru Kathryn Lin to explore the typical challenges companies navigate when embarking on their FinOps journey. In this enlightening discussion, Katherine shares her impressive journey from acquiring her MBA at USC, specializing in technology commercialization, to working with Kyndryl and IBM. She also delves into the importance of maximizing savings from overspending and making the most of every dollar spent on cloud services. Take advantage of this treasure trove of insights - perfect for anyone navigating the FinOps journey or grappling with managing cloud costs.The Highlight Reel:Top 3 Mistakes Made by IT Finance Managers:Cost-Driven Thinking: Overemphasizing cost savings and overlooking the dual potentials of efficiency and agility. Tech Over Strategy: Getting lured by tools and technology while sidelining the paramount importance of people, processes, and governance. FinOps isn't a tool—it's a transformation.Overambitious Beginnings: Diving too deep, too soon. Embrace the 'crawl, walk, run' principle: start with a small pilot and scale as you learn.Key Takeaways: Transparency in cloud expenditure is pivotal for aligning costs with business objectives. A culture of "shift left" empowers engineers, fueling both cost optimization and innovation.Achieving FinOps success hinges on executive support—it's all about stakeholder buy-in and seamless data access. FinOps transcends mere cost-cutting—it's about maximizing value from every dollar spent. Dive Deeper: Explore the FinOps Framework at FinOps.org for a comprehensive understanding of various maturity stagesHead to the Bridge for industry-leading FinOps insights: Kyndryl's Bridge Connect with Kathryn Lin directly on LinkedIn Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!

Are you looking to amplify your professional influence and connections on LinkedIn?In this episode, we sit down with the Disruptor himself as he shares his wealth of knowledge on becoming a thought leader in your industry. Gain practical insights and actionable strategies for leveraging LinkedIn to drive sales success. Key Takeaways:1. Improved credibility and thought leadership: A complete, optimized profile demonstrates your expertise and establishes you as a credible thought leader. 2. More engagement and discussions: Tactics like using compelling headlines, inserting calls to action, responding to comments quickly, and using rich media boost engagement on your posts. This sparks more discussions with your network.3. Expanded opportunities: With greater visibility, credibility, and connections, you're more likely to attract exciting opportunities, leads, and valuable relationships.4. Enhanced personal brand and professional image: These various optimization tips let you craft a cohesive personal brand across your profile and content. TDive Deeper:Connect with John on LinkedIn to continue the discussion. Check out John's 3-part series on optimizing your LinkedIn presence:Part 1: Revamp Your LinkedIn ProfilePart 2: Crafting Impactful LinkedIn ContentPart 3: Amplify Your InfluenceDon’t forget to check out your Social Selling Index: See how successful you are at using your LinkedIn account and engaging with others.Comments or Questions? Send us a textSupport the show***Engage, Share, and Connect!Spread the Word: Valuable insights are best when shared. Share this episode with peers who may benefit from it if you find it insightful.Your Feedback Matters: How did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, insights, or questions. Your engagement enriches our community.Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on further insights.Subscribe: You can listen to our podcast, read our blog posts on Substack, and watch our YouTube channel.Collaborate with The Disruptor and connect with John Kundtz.Got a disruptive story to share?  We’re scouting for remarkable podcast guests. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, let’s redefine the status quo!