Tales From The Sky Lounge-A Business Podcast

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Karen Rands, founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and author of Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing.Karen spent years at IBM navigating the transition from mainframe dominance to distributed computing — watching Dell, Compaq, and Apple take market share from a company that assumed loyalty was permanent. That front-row seat to corporate stagnation shaped everything that came after: a pivot into intrapreneurship, a failed dot-com-era fundraising run that introduced her to angel investing, and a moment in a parking deck outside an Atlanta investor meeting where she found her calling with goosebumps.She took over a nearly-defunct angel group — discovered the membership was largely fictitious and the revenue model nonexistent — rebuilt it into one of the top 50 most active angel networks in the U.S., and has spent the years since solving the one problem nobody else is tackling: most people who have the means to be angel investors have never heard the term.Karen and Todd dig into why the angel investing model hasn't been innovated since the 1980s, what revenue share financing unlocks for Main Street businesses that VCs will never touch, and why AI is finally making Karen's long-held vision of a digital investor education platform actually executable. Plus: the snowstorm, the last flight out of LaGuardia, and what happens when IBM opens the bar mid-circle over Hartsfield.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Karen Rands, founder of the Compassionate Capitalist™ Movement, is a nationally recognized thought leader on angel and crowdfund investing. A former IBM innovator and past Managing Director of a leading angel group, she has spent 20+ years advising entrepreneurs and guiding investors. As the author of two books as part of the 'Inside Secrets' Series about Angel and Crowdfund Investing, host of the top rated podcast The Compassionate Capitalist Show, and creator of The Compassionalist Academy™; a digital on demand training platform for learning how to be angel / crowdfund investors, Karen inspires and equips people to build wealth by investing in private businesses, fund innovation and share in the success of those founders' businesses.All of her links to books, podcast, academy, free resources and social links are available at http://bit.ly/linkCCS.CONTACT:http://bit.ly/linkCCSWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Rachel Zeller, Managing Director and Integrator at Kitces.com, the leading education and resource platform for financial advisors.Rachel started as a virtual bookkeeper doing five hours a month for founder Michael Kitces in 2006 — before remote work was a thing anyone took seriously. Nine years later, he asked her to drop every other client and come run the operation full-time. The job description was essentially: "I have no idea what it's going to look like, but it's going to be so much fun."In this conversation, Rachel walks through what happened when Kitces doubled its staff in 2021, how she built systems while the plane was already in the air, and why she now requires candidates to submit their AI transcript alongside their work sample. She talks through the candidate whose eyes kept going up and to the right mid-interview, why she turned off LinkedIn Easy Apply, and what """"culture fit every time, flat out"""" actually means in practice. Plus: what she's coaching her college-age son to develop that no AI can replicate.""ABOUT OUR GUEST: With a background in counseling and a love of spreadsheets and project management, I have found a role that allows me to lean into those skills simultaneously. My time as Managing Director is split between executing company strategy and overseeing the projects that roadmap towards those goals and ensuring my Team has everything they need to be their best selves at work.CONTACT:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-zeller-51013656Email: [email protected] is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by John Church, lead product manager at Nethermind and adjunct professor at Duke University. John has been deep in the blockchain world since 2017 — from speculative ICOs to running treasury management for a 20,000-person decentralized autonomous organization, to now working on zero-knowledge cryptography and AI agent infrastructure.In this conversation, John breaks down what stablecoins actually are and why their adoption matters far beyond the crypto-native crowd. He explains why Ethereum's decentralization gives it an edge over faster competitors, and what it means that AI agents are already building wallets and executing trades on their own. He also shares his take on how he's preparing engineering students for a world where AI compresses timelines — and creativity matters more than syntax. Plus, a survival school story from the Utah desert involving a wanted poster, stolen macaroni casserole, and a well-timed lie.ABOUT OUR GUEST: John Church is a Lead Product Manager at Nethermind, specializing in enterprise blockchain solutions, cryptography, and digital assets. Currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, John teaches Fintech with a focus on blockchain. Previously, they held the role of Director of Product Management at Bankless Consulting, providing oversight on web3 projects. With over 20 years of experience in technology implementations and project management, they have contributed significantly to the field, including as a core contributor to BanklessDAO and a proud validator of Ethereum since 2020.CONTACT:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-church/What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Niral Shah — trauma surgeon, serial entrepreneur, and one of the more unusual career arcs you're likely to hear about. Niral started medical school at 19, paused to build a search engine in Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom, went back to finish his MD, became a trauma surgeon, and then in 2018 decided healthcare was headed for a reckoning and he needed a seat at that table.This conversation covers a lot of ground. Niral talks about pitching Nokia Ventures without a deck — and not even knowing he was going to pitch. He walks through why he chose Chapter 7 over keeping the cash when his first company ran out of road, and what that decision meant for his reputation with investors. On healthcare, he's direct: the U.S. spends 18-21% of GDP on it and gets outcomes roughly equivalent to Albania. He explains where the fat actually is, why the end user and the buyer are almost never the same person in healthcare, and where he thinks entrepreneurs should be focusing right now. Plus, his wife's very unexpected airport lounge conversion story.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Niral Shah, MD MBA FACS is triple-board certified in Surgery and Critical Care by the American Board of Surgery. A serial surgeon-entrepreneur with unique vantage at the intersection of medicine, innovation and entrepreneurship successfully launching and scaling early-stage technology and life science companies. Having founded and exited two companies and advised a number of others, Niral brings a proven track record of translating clinical insight into commercial success and guiding startup teams from ideation through exit. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business and he was awarded the C.K. Prahalad Initiative Fellowship to evaluate new models focusing on healthcare for the “Bottom of the Pyramid” and transferability to developed countries.He continues with various humanitarian causes even going into hotspots when needed such as Haiti with the United Nations Stabilization Mission and was the course lead for trauma surgery on behalf of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and the International Medical Corps in Mykolaiv Oblast, Ukraine. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, skiing, fishing, and spending time with his family. CONTACT:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/niral-shah-md-mbaContact info 617-544-7428; [email protected] is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.As a C-Level executive, entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by John Yates and Gregg Bedol. John has spent 44 years representing tech companies in Atlanta, starting in 1981 when IBM opened up the PC architecture—literally the beginning of time for the tech community. Gregg has been in consulting since the Arthur Andersen days and is now a serial entrepreneur on his latest venture.The conversation centers on their collaboration building TractionBD, a platform that takes John's four decades of business development expertise and makes it accessible through AI. They break down why most professionals fail at business development—it takes 7 to 10 touches to convert a prospect, but most give up after two or three. The solution isn't just about automation; it's about making those touches authentic, timely, and impossible to forget.John and Gregg also discuss Atlanta's opportunity to plant a flag in Applied AI, the evolution from business cards in coat pockets to voice-enabled relationship management, and why the traditional mentorship model for professionals is being compressed from decades into days. Plus, travel stories involving conference calls on Italian mountainsides and horse-drawn wagons at India's largest toll booth.ABOUT OUR GUESTS: John YatesJohn Yates is a partner at Gunderson Dettmer with over 40 years representing tech companies and investors throughout the Southeast as a recognized leader in the field of technology law. He co-founded several influential Atlanta organizations including the Southeastern Software Association, Technology Association of Georgia, Tech Executives Roundtable, and Tech Leaders Forum. A sought-after speaker, John has delivered 250+ presentations at events hosted by organizations like the American Bar Association. His contributions to Atlanta's tech community have earned him recognition as one of Atlanta's ""Most Influential Leaders,"" the Technology Association of Georgia's ""Leader of Influence Award,"" and induction into the Computer Museum of America's Hall of Fame. He also serves on the boards of Duke Law School and Furman University.Gregg BedolGregg Bedol is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and advisor with over forty years of experience in enterprise software, professional services, and consulting.He has worked both inside established organizations and as an independent consultant, delivering complex, long-running engagements. That experience gave him a clear view into how professional services really operate—where time goes, how follow-up breaks down, and why business development often becomes uneven even for capable professionals.Gregg is known for a practical, systems-oriented approach. He focuses on how incentives, tools, and workflows shape behavior over time. Today, he is Co-Founder and CEO of TractionBD, where he applies those lessons to building tools that support consistent execution without adding unnecessary overhead or sales pressure.CONTACT:John Yateshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johncyates/Gregg Bedolhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/greggbedol/Find out what SUMMIT is from episodeWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Chris Thomajan, a CFO who's spent 35 years with startups and has worked with over 100 companies—mostly in biotech, mostly venture-backed, always as the steady hand while everyone else loses their minds.Chris didn't start in finance. English major, disco worker in London, law firm (hated it), Columbia Business School, then three decades of pattern recognition in the startup world. He's developed a particular skill: knowing which CEOs will make it and which won't. He's even categorized them like wine—from Beaujolais Nouveau (enthusiastic first-timers) to Port (dictators you really don't want to work for).We explore what makes Boston's biotech ecosystem unique, why nine out of ten boards need to be ""managed away,"" and what it really takes to prepare a company for IPO. Chris breaks down the current VC landscape (""too many capital calls, not enough distributions""), why he'd never personally invest in early-stage biotech, and the one quality that separates great CEOs from the rest: the ability to delegate.Plus: hitchhiking 5,000 miles across America in an era when that was still possible.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Chris Thomajan has been a CFO for over 30 years in a variety of industries, including: biotech, medtech, healthcare tech, software, digital media, Internet services and investment banking.Chris was a founding partner of America’s Growth Capital, a boutique investment bank focused on emerging growth technology companies. He was the early-stage CFO/VP Operations for Asurion Corporation, which is a closely held, multi-billion-dollar private company. He was also the founding CFO for a pioneering Internet company, Delphi Internet Services, which was acquired by News Corporation in 1993.Chris has extensive experience in raising debt and equity. He has also been involved in numerous M&A transactions and has managed the operations of several start-up companies during rapid revenue growth. He received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.CONTACT:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomajan-1879143What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, Todd is joined by Bryan Dennstedt for the second year running to review how their 2025 AI predictions played out and forecast what's coming in 2026.They tackle the AI trough of disillusionment head-on—turns out they nailed it, though some people are well up the other side, while others are still stuck at the bottom. The conversation moves from commercial real estate's ongoing struggles to the rise of agentic workflows that are replacing simple chatbots. Bryan explains the shift from ""light bulbs to motors""—companies moving beyond point solutions to build real automation factories.The duo unpacks SaaS pricing compression, the manufacturing renaissance happening through local 3D printing, trust verification, and speed starting companies in the AI era. They close with a lightning round covering college's ROI, world models versus LLMs, healthcare disruption, and whether we'll hit AGI by 2027.Check out Part 2 on Bryan's pod AIWithBry: https://bry.net/aiABOUT OUR GUEST: Bryan Dennstedt is an accomplished Fractional CTO or Fractional CIO with TechCXO in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has focused his efforts as a hands-on Fractional CTO and Interim CIO with numerous clients. He is an expert in mobile application development, healthcare integrations, and all aspects of telemedicine and has worked on over 40 engagements in a fractional capacity for the firm. His experience includes managing all information technology operations, from fractional CTO product development to Interim CIO large-scale technology migrations. Bryan works to ensure that his clients’ high-level Information Technology roadmaps are well-defined and then digs into the details to ensure that established metrics, accountability, and results are being delivered by the team he leads. Once a client is up and running with his methodologies, the Fractional CIO capacity can be leveraged in an ongoing model, and it can be ramped up to Part-Time CIO as needed throughout a project.CONTACT:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phingers/Website: https://bry.net/aiWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

What a year of incredible journeys and unexpected connections! As 2025 comes to a close, we're bringing you our most memorable travel stories from the Sky Lounge—those moments when business trips turned into adventures and chance encounters became game-changing partnerships. These stories capture what really happens when entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors step out of their comfort zones to build something meaningful.Thank you to our remarkable guests who shared their journeys, and to you—our listeners—for joining us every step of the way. Pour yourself something good and let these stories remind you why the best opportunities often come from simply getting out there. Here's to 2026—may it bring even bolder moves and bigger adventures. See you in the Sky Lounge!Check out and subscribe to our new series SpeedRun here: Look for the Blog post for this episode here: What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CISO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, DevOps, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: Spotify: Apple: Amazon: Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: Instagram: Learn more about TechCXO: Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin - Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Steve Subar, a COO/CEO with 30+ years of building and exiting companies who's now tackling an altogether different problem with his new company MatFresher: dirty yoga mats.Steve shares how he validated his latest venture, not by building a machine first, but by setting up a folding table at yoga studios with rubber gloves and antiseptic spray. Would anyone actually pay two bucks to clean their mat? (Hint: yes, they would)We explore his journey from founding Open Kernel Labs (which ended up in 1.6 billion phones before its acquisition by General Dynamics) to consulting for tech companies, where he witnessed founders make the same expensive mistakes over and over. Steve breaks down why ""information plus experience equals wisdom,"" why he'll never do B2B sales friction again, and how the NSA's paranoia became his go-to-market strategy.Plus: why he once flew Sydney to San Francisco for a meeting that didn't result in funding—but changed everything anyway.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Steve Subar is an experienced technology leader with 20+ years of success launching and scaling high-growth tech companies from inception to IPO or Fortune 500 acquisition. He is known for novel product and business model innovation, focusing on enterprise applications, B2B, and SaaS.As a founder, CEO, investor, and board member, Steve builds clever strategies, winning teams, accelerates growth, fosters strong customer relationships, and creates superior shareholder value.His investment and exit scorecard includes raising $150m+ in capital, 5 acquisitions, and 1 IPO. He holds dual American and German citizenship with extensive knowledge of EU and APAC operations.At TechCXO, Steve partners with CEOs, boards, and private equity firms for early and mid-stage technology companies.He is chairman of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Network and on the advisory board for Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Innovation. He holds a BS in Marketing with a concentration in Computer and Information Technology from Miami University.CONTACT:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesubar/What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Neal Miller, partner emeritus at TechCXO and one of the firm's earliest members. Neal shares stories from 19 years working with over 70 companies, including the legendary Cloud Sherpas journey that started with a Monday morning Starbucks meeting in 2008 and ended with an Accenture acquisition. He reveals the simple napkin drawing that transformed Boomtown from chaos to clarity, why the 1983 IPO market let an $8 million revenue company go public, and his unusual career path from KPMG auditor to software sales to CFO. Plus, hear about his transition to Costa Rica, lessons from owning a microbrewery, and why uncertain economic times actually strengthen the fractional executive model.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Serial technology company exec for early/mid stage technology, healthcare and healthcare tech enabled services companies. Started career in Public Accounting at KPMGEarly career - Served as CFO of 3 public companies and 3 private/VC backed.2006 - was 5th partner to join TechCXO (then TechCFO), roles included: Managing Partner of CFO Practice, Atlanta Geo Practice, Member of Executive Committee and Board of Managers. Have worked as a fractional exec with over 60 early stage companies, from pre-revenue to >$60M in revenue. Participated or led many capital and debt raises and several exit transactions.Currently serve as BOD member of 2 equity backed companiesCONTACT:linkedin.com/in/[email protected](770) 329-9069What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

"Louis Gump joins us in the Sky Lounge to explore a question every founder and executive faces eventually: what happens after the acquisition? In this candid conversation, Louis shares how he helped build the mobile business at CNN.com, led digital transformation at The Weather Channel, and became the steady hand guiding post-acquisition innovation at startups and growth-stage companies alike.We unpack the differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, what makes someone thrive inside a big company post-acquisition, and how timing and self-awareness shape every meaningful career move. Louis also discusses the importance of clarity in strategy, the value of not rushing change, and why keeping founders involved after a deal often leads to better outcomes.Louis is also the author of The Inside Innovator, a practical guide to driving innovation from within established companies — ideal for leaders navigating post-acquisition roles or scaling without the founder title.Whether you’re scaling, selling, or staying to build the next chapter — this episode will meet you at the crossroads.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Partner in the Executive Operations Practice of TechCXOAuthor of ""The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship"" available at booksellers and here: https://louisgump.com/Experienced executive with a demonstrated track record of success in the media industry on multiple platforms. Skilled in Digital Strategy, Innovation, Local Media, Multiplatform Content and Advertising, Connected TV, Mobile Media and Marketing, Management, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Strong business development professional with an MBA focused on General Management and Leadership.CONTACT:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgump/Site: https://louisgump.com/What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

Today in the Sky Lounge we are joined by Mike Martin, fractional CMO at TechCXO and creative veteran behind some of advertising's most impactful campaigns. Mike shares the inside story of creating the legendary Truth anti-smoking campaign, producing million-dollar Super Bowl spots that ran only once, and why he believes vanilla content is the biggest risk brands can take. From dealing with maniacal bosses who threw storyboards down hallways to accidentally creating viral moments with ice cream trucks at elementary schools, Mike's career spans the evolution from traditional advertising to AI-powered creativity. Plus, hear his travel adventures including swimming with 400-pound pigs in the Bahamas and getting rewarded for government success by having his program cancelled.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mike Martin is often described as a muse for creative-minded entrepreneurs and executive leaders who struggle to synthesize the brand story swirling in their heads. He operates at the intersection of Performance & Persuasion with an unwavering belief that revenue growth is accelerated when creativity has accountability and content marketing is grounded in human truth. Mike is a rare breed of CMO who cut his teeth on the creative side, building award-winning campaigns before pivoting into being an agency owner, tech startup founder, and software development shop CMO before exiting.Mike is well acquainted with the entrepreneurs journey and navigating periods of prosperity and adversity. With decades of experience in consumer marketing, B2B & B2C SaaS, G2C, and tech startups, he helps brands recalibrate strategy, reconfigure teams, and refocus on revenue growth as an interim and fractional CMO.CONTACT:Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-martin-atl/What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

Today in the Sky Lounge we are joined by Ted Stone, a 72-year-old fractional CFO at TechCXO who's living proof that experience beats age in the business world. Ted shares insights from four decades of private equity deals, including rollups, spinoffs, and integrations that taught him every strategy in the playbook. He explains how the ""silver tsunami"" of baby boomer business exits is creating unprecedented opportunities for private equity firms, why ESOPs are emerging as attractive exit strategies, and how fractional executive work lets veterans stay in the game past traditional retirement. Plus, hear his incredible travel story about surviving not one but two helicopter incidents on a single business trip.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ted is an experienced CFO who has worked with companies from start-ups to $2 billion global firms across technology-intensive industries including software, energy efficiency, logistics, and manufacturing.He combines finance, operations, and engineering expertise to build transparent management systems and drive value creation through operational turnarounds, acquisitions, and growth opportunities. Ted's collaborative, low-ego approach bridges technology teams with business leaders, and he has extensive experience in capital raising, M&A transactions, and consistently helping companies outperform competitors in equity value creation.CONTACT:Email: [email protected]: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tedstonecfoWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge we are joined by Virginie Glaenzer, fractional CMO at TechCXO and author of ""The Economy of Abundance."" From landing in Silicon Valley with four suitcases during the height of the dot-com boom to building community-driven marketing strategies that outperform traditional branding, Virginie shares insights from 25 years of digital transformation. She explains why the AI revolution exceeds the internet boom in scope, how Gen Z is rejecting traditional business models, and why the future belongs to co-creators rather than controllers. Plus hear about her minimalist lifestyle, founding the Acorn Oak women's community, and why Dubai's mall-centric culture shocked this world traveler.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Brantley Fry, Partner at TechCXO, specializing in human capital management. Brantley shares her remarkable journey from environmental lawyer working on the largest spills in US history to political service as state director for a US Senator, and eventually to the startup world, where she helped navigate a successful acquisition by Quest Diagnostics. Her philosophy of being a "connector" between people and policy has guided every career move, and she reveals the inside story of managing culture and communication during M&A. Plus, hear about her transformative 500-mile walk across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we are joined by Alex Gafford from BlueStreet Capital, who's living proof that working smarter beats working harder every single time. Nine years ago, Alex's company discovered an asset that boosted their KPIs by 24% and revenue by 30% without spending a dime. That asset? Time itself. Through their five-hour workday experiment, they cracked the code on peak performance - turns out knowledge workers max out at five hours of real productivity, and everything after that is just expensive theater. Alex reveals the wild world of financing AI infrastructure and raw GPUs while working just 25 hours a week, plus why multitasking is quietly stealing 28% of your day.Check out and subscribe to our new series SpeedRun here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4hlUN_ngCG9Nr2VXOJ8XH4ZWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge we are joined by Joe Gruca, Partner in Revenue Growth at TechCXO. Joe shares his remarkable journey from getting laid off during the 2008 financial crisis to helping grow Hire iQ, a pioneering automated interview platform, into a successful predictive hiring platform used by global giants like Delta Airlines. Now helping early-stage tech CEOs accelerate growth, Joe offers hard-earned insights on building repeatable sales motions, the evolution of B2B selling, and why founder-led sales are both essential and limiting. ABOUT OUR GUEST: As a founder, as a CRO and CSO, I’ve been in your shoes as someone who’s had to make the hard calls when the numbers didn’t line up, or scale fast when they suddenly did. I know what it takes to build from zero, and how to keep momentum when growth starts to shift.Over the course of my career, I’ve led GTM strategy for everything from early-stage startups to PE-backed scaleups, and Fortune 500 companies. What ties it all together is a commitment to results, clarity, and putting the right structure in place to turn potential into performance. I’m here to help companies move faster, align better, and grow smarter. Because I’ve been where you are, and I know how to get you to what’s next. That’s why the C-suite turns to me when they’re out of runway, looking for real growth, or ready to ditch the slideware for sustainable bottom-line impact.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Check out our new series SpeedRun where Todd takes a look at the latest AI technologies. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4hlUN_ngCG9Nr2VXOJ8XH4ZLearn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

"Today in the Sky Lounge, Todd Merrill interviews Mike Biwer, CEO of Cavallo, discussing his journey to the company, the importance of distribution in the economy, and the challenges and strategies in the software and ERP space. They explore the origin of Cavallo's name, the company's growth, customer satisfaction, and the significance of profitability in distribution. Mike shares insights on navigating ERP changes, the role of private equity, and how to approach economic cycles. He also offers advice for aspiring software CEOs, emphasizing the need for product market fit and understanding customer problems.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

"Bob Brogan joins us in the Sky Lounge to share his journey as Managing Partner at TechCXO for the Great Lakes Region. He pulls back the curtain on four decades in operations, IT, consulting, and strategy—including the story behind an incredible $100 million exit. From his family's surprising connection to the Chicago Bears to what really makes a business investable, this conversation delivers wisdom that's been battle-tested through multiple economic cycles.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Value Creation Expert-My outcomes and deliverables-Led numerous Buy/Sell-side Transactions totaling > $250M-Enabled Revenue, GM & EBITDA Growth synchronously as CFO.-Delivered multi-million $ CF improvements for companies-Automated key functions to reduce cycle times & drive GM performanceMy style and attributes-Collaborative & Mentor-Versatile-Passionate-Player/Coach -Team Builder-Simplifying the Complex-Integrity MattersMy background-35 years in business - variety of C-Level leadership roles-Operational & Financial Leader with $5.0M-$100M in Revenue -Strategic Advisor for Private, VC & PE portfolio companies-Track record of delivering EBITDA & CF Improvement-Enable Strategic Metrics for all levels of the Organization -Deep expertise in Enterprise SaaS, Recurring Rev. Services & Supply Chain-Transaction Readiness & Exit SupportMy top 5 areas of expertise-Strategy Definition & Execution (Enterprise Alignment)-Financial Performance Improvement (KPI, Metrics, etc.)-Executive & Board Reporting (Visibility, Forecast, Actuals)-Transaction Readiness & Execution-Finance & Accounting StandardizationWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

"Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Teja Yenamandra, founder of Gun.io — the dev marketplace built for engineers who don’t belong on job boards. From martial arts to macro trends, Teja breaks down why great hiring is about rhythm, not resumes; how AI is reshaping the shape of work itself; and what most startups forget after the match is made. This is a founder story built on cold calls, precision matching, and scaling trust — not headcount.What is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

"Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Michael Weinstein — fractional CFO, economic strategist, and finance veteran — who brings his hard-won insights and wit to an time of financial uncertainty in the current economic climate. From early days at Anheuser-Busch (yes, there was free beer) to senior roles in asset management, Michael has seen more business cycles than most of us have had iPhones.We dig into the structural fractures in today’s economy, why uncertainty is stalling investment, and how tariffs are creating ripple effects across industries. Michael breaks down why venture capital exits are clogged, the “overvalued” truth behind many private companies, and how interest rates are shaping (and stalling) our next wave of innovation. Plus, we explore how entrepreneurship might be the escape hatch — if we’re bold enough to build what’s next.Chapters0:00Introduction to Michael Weinstein and His Career2:47Current Economic Landscape and Uncertainty5:47Impact of Tariffs on the Economy8:55Venture Capital and Market Dynamics12:04The Role of Interest Rates in Economic Growth14:55Foreign Investment and Market Reactions18:06Corporate Profitability and Tax Implications21:03Historical Context of Economic Cycles24:03:00Employment Trends and Economic Shifts34:40:00The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses40:07:00Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Recovery44:42:00The Role of Innovation in Economic Growth52:34:00Navigating Corporate Politics and Skills Development59:37:00Travel Tales and Life LessonsWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise"

Jeff Haynie joins us in the Sky Lounge to talk scaling Appcelerator, why JavaScript won, the soul of Silicon Valley, and how AI agents are reshaping everything. From early days coding for iPhones to launching Agentuity—his latest startup focused on cloud-native agentic systems—Jeff shares a founder’s-eye view of what’s next for AI, startups, and software infrastructure.ABOUT OUR GUESTJeff Haynie is a seasoned entrepreneur and technical founder with a track record of launching and scaling five venture-backed companies, collectively raising over $175M in funding. With a deep passion for building tools and platforms that empower businesses through software, Jeff has spent his career at the intersection of technology and business impact. Currently, he is the founder of Agentuity, where he is pioneering the next evolution of AI agents—combining artificial intelligence with human ingenuity and creativity to reimagine how we shape the future.CONTACT: https://x.com/jhaynie?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/jhaynie/ https://x.com/agentuity https://www.instagram.com/agentuity_ai https://www.youtube.com/@agentuityWhat is THE SKY LOUNGE?Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.ABOUT OUR HOST:Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-loungeFollow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social MediaX/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

<p>Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Matt Oess, a seasoned leader in sales, marketing, and executive coaching at TechCXO. With over a decade of experience guiding C-suite executives, Matt shares invaluable insights on leadership coaching, AI-driven business transformation, and navigating the complexities of high-stakes decision-making.</p><p>We dive deep into AI’s game-changing potential, the evolving role of coaching in leadership, and how businesses can leverage AI for productivity, sales, and innovation. Matt also takes us behind the scenes of his work with the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy, where he’s helping shape global policies on emerging technologies like AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.</p><p>From early-stage startups to billion-dollar enterprises, Matt has seen it all. He reveals why vulnerability is a CEO’s secret weapon, how AI is revolutionizing business workflows, and why the next era of software might outgrow traditional SaaS models.</p><p>Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges technology, leadership, and human potential—perfect for executives, tech enthusiasts, and emerging leaders preparing for tomorrow's challenges.</p><p>What is THE SKY LOUNGE?</p><p>Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries.</p><p>ABOUT OUR HOST:</p><p>Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO.</p><p>He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals.</p><p>Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch!</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6</p><p>Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN</p><p>Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658</p><p>Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge</p><p>Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media</p><p>X/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLounge</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/</p><p>Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/</p><p>Production/Design: James Liebman</p><p>Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise</p>

Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is Lisa Calhoun, founding managing partner of Valor Ventures! Lisa shares her journey as a fourth-generation entrepreneur, the importance of relationships in venture capital, and her investment philosophy. She and Todd discuss the current state of the venture landscape, the impact of AI on startups, and advice for young entrepreneurs. Lisa shares her insights on navigating challenges in the industry and the transformative power of travel and personal growth. Growing up, working for her family's commercial print shop, cold-calling clients as a teenager, and witnessing the rise of the microcomputer revolution firsthand, Lisa's got a lot of experience with making things happen in the tech industry. She explains how those experiences shaped her investing philosophy at Valor, where she leads seed-stage AI and SaaS deals across the South. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Lisa Calhoun is an experienced leader in venture capital. Lisa was recently named Atlanta Investor of the Year by Startup Atlanta and highlighted among Business Insider’s Top 30 Women Early-stage Investors in the U.S. She is the founder and managing partner of Valor Ventures, the South’s first woman-led, institutional venture capital firm, now investing its third fund. Valor’s portfolio employs just over 1,000 people and has a footprint across 25 countries. Under her leadership, Valor leverages a high performance portfolio of AI and SaaS software companies based in the South. Valor’s first checks into AI startups change the real world. Valor portfolio firms are helping guide major law firms (Visalaw); major city industrial cores around vehicle automation (Autonoma); US hospitals (AI genomics and mental health monitors); as well is on the front in Ukraine (AI drone intelligence). Valor is also known for developing Vic, a visionary AI-powered investment management platform integrated with industry leaders like Salesforce, Carta, and PitchBook. Valor funds are backed by notable institutional investors as well as thoughtful private capital. CONTACT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacalhoun/ https://valor.vc/ What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/ Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Alan Gold, a marketing and sales strategist with decades of experience in M&A, startups, and growth strategy. Alan has been on both sides of the table—helping companies scale, navigating acquisitions, and leading turnarounds. From being part of the launch team for Wi-Fi technology to working on speech recognition and AI-powered business tools, he’s seen how markets evolve and what it really takes to stay ahead. We dive into: M&A trends—why some companies are stuck while others are thriving The hard truth about growth and why some businesses hit a ceiling The real role of strategy in marketing (hint: it’s not just about SEO and PPC) How AI is reshaping sales and marketing, and what’s next for the industry Why most companies miss the mark when hiring sales leadership Plus, Alan shares hilarious and wild travel stories, including a baboon with an attitude and getting detained in Colombia. If you’re in startups, consulting, M&A, or just trying to grow a business, this one’s for you. ABOUT OUR GUEST Alan’s a veteran of the B2B marketing world, having been an executive in startups, international public companies, high-growth technology and services companies, leading marketing and sometimes both marketing and sales efforts. Over my career, I have launched new technologies that are integral to our daily lives, repositioned companies to take advantage of new markets, and been involved in M&A activities on both sides of the process. I’ve worked in many different industries, including software, supply chain, medical and pharma, healthcare applications and services, as well as telecom and AI-driven planning software. Socials Instagram LinkedIn Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: 978-886-1910 What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CISO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media Twitter/X Instagram Learn more about TechCXO

Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Antonio Pagano, founder of Wawandco and co-founder of Symbol Security. Todd and Antonio discuss cybersecurity’s human element, compliance, evolving phishing attacks, and AI’s role in scams. Antonio shares insights on real-world incidents, cyber insurance trends, and the dynamics of running a business with a remote co-founder. He also delves into the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the balance between ambition and well-being, and how staying grounded fuels creativity and success. ABOUT OUR GUEST Antonio Pagano is a visionary entrepreneur from Barranquilla, Colombia, dedicated to making technology accessible. In 2013, he founded Wawandco, a software development company delivering efficient, high-quality solutions for US and European clients. His expertise spans web applications, mobile solutions, APIs, and UX. Antonio co-founded Symbol Security, a SaaS company focused on cybersecurity awareness. By addressing human risk factors, Symbol Security helps organizations protect their assets. His innovation extends to tools like Releaso, leveraging AI for product communication, and Retabler, optimizing data workflows. Beyond business, Antonio is a devoted family man who enjoys sports, outdoor activities, and quality time with loved ones. Contact: Email: [email protected] | [email protected] Socials LinkedIn Twitter/X What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge is a podcast that takes you through business, consulting, and venture investing, featuring stories from entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive assisting clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CISO at TechCXO. A SaaS leader, Todd blends technical expertise with mentoring. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The Sky Lounge on Social Media Twitter/X Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin - Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, Bryan Dennstedt joins Todd Merrill as they bring their unique perspectives from years in business, technology, and investing for a deep dive into the trends that will shape 2025. From venture capital’s cautious return to the AI-driven reshaping of industries, this episode is a candid discussion about what’s next for tech, work, and investing. Everything from whether AI is going to hit speed bumps or keep climbing, blockchain’s role in authenticity in AI and the future of collaboration tools is on the table! ABOUT OUR GUEST Bryan Dennstedt is an accomplished Fractional CTO or Fractional CIO with TechCXO in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has focused his efforts as a hands-on Fractional CTO and Interim CIO with numerous clients. He is an expert in mobile application development, healthcare integrations, and all aspects of telemedicine and has worked on over 40 engagements in a fractional capacity for the firm. His experience includes managing all information technology operations, from fractional CTO product development to Interim CIO large-scale technology migrations. Bryan works to ensure that his clients’ high-level Information Technology roadmaps are well-defined and then digs into the details to ensure that established metrics, accountability, and results are being delivered by the team he leads. Once a client is up and running with his methodologies, the Fractional CIO capacity can be leveraged in an ongoing model, and it can be ramped up to Part-Time CIO as needed throughout a project. Contact: LinkedIn Website What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CISO as a partner at TechCXO. With a history of leadership and innovation in SaaS product development, Todd combines technical expertise with a knack for mentoring. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The Sky Lounge on Social Media Twitter/X Instagram TikTok Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin - Sunrise

This year has been a whirlwind of adventure, and as we gear up for an incredible 2025, we’re hitting pause to share something special—our favorite travel stories! From mind-boggling mishaps to inspiring lessons learned on the road, these tales are all about the joy, challenges, and magic of exploring the world while living in the world of business. We’re so grateful to our amazing guests and YOU, our listeners, for making this journey unforgettable. Sit back, relax, and let these stories take you places. Here’s to another year of growth, adventure, and connection. See you in 2025! What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Jim Rozich, founder of Wheels Up Sales and Marketing. Jim specializes in helping early-stage startups overcome the unglamorous yet essential challenges of building solid sales and marketing processes. From CRM implementation to crafting value-driven email campaigns, Jim shares practical insights that founders need to create traction and scale effectively. In this episode, we explore the realities of early-stage startup sales, common pitfalls, and the art of developing scalable processes that work. Jim also shares his thoughts on the evolving venture investing landscape and why startups are becoming the “new bricks and mortar.” Plus, we dive into the tools and tactics that can help founders thrive, including the strategic use of CRMs, leveraging AI for marketing, and the critical importance of personalization in sales. ABOUT OUR GUEST With a dynamic career spanning two decades in sales and marketing, I’m Jim Rozich. As an industry veteran, I have consistently navigated the intricacies of bringing products and services to market - honing my expertise in crafting tailored strategies for CRM implementation, devising lead generation tactics, and refining messages that resonate with target audiences. My genuine passion for business development and startups is what sets me apart. Embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted ally with a 20-year history of propelling businesses to new heights. Socials LinkedIn Contact info Email: [email protected] What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people shaping these industries' future. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today in the Sky Lounge, we’re joined by Adam Lehde, co-founder of Happen Technologies, to explore the art of building businesses across borders. Adam shares how he turned his initial doubts about outsourcing into a thriving hybrid business model that bridges Midwest strategy with Ukrainian tech talent. We dive into Adam’s journey from a rocky internship to mastering mobile development, the resilience of Ukrainian developers amidst wartime, and why culture always matters in tech. Adam also reveals how personal priorities and work-life balance shaped his company’s values and offers insights into the ever-evolving remote work landscape. And yes, you’ll want to hear why Ukraine’s tech scene is full of PhDs and rocket scientists—and what makes it an underestimated hub for startups and innovation. ABOUT OUR GUEST Prior to founding Happen Technologies, Adam spent his career building mobile apps and managing software projects for national brands, including Mazda, Hyundai, Anheuser-Busch, National Car Rental, and more. He has a passion (maybe an obsession) for improving everything he encounters and looks for EVERY opportunity to make it better. Socials LinkedIn Company LinkedIn Happen Technologies Website Contact info Email: [email protected] What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people shaping these industries' future. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Kathryn O'Day, entrepreneur and partner at Atlanta Ventures. Kathryn shares her journey of building multiple successful startups and being a major part of massive acquisitions. We dive deep into the parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship, uncovering how triathlon training taught her key lessons in consistency, grit, and pushing through difficult times. Kathryn also reveals key insights into startup culture, highlights how Atlanta Ventures finds and molds startups to be their best selves and shares the value of being “positive, supportive, and self-starting”—qualities that shaped her experience at Pardot and beyond. We explore the importance of confidence, especially for women in tech, and discuss why being nice can be a superpower in business. ABOUT OUR GUEST Kathryn is a partner at Atlanta Ventures, where she empowers entrepreneurs to learn, build, and grow. She has been scaling Atlanta tech companies for over a decade as employee #9 at Pardot (acquired by Salesforce) and COO at Rigor (acquired by Splunk). Kathryn lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. She is a 7x Ironman Triathlon Finisher, including two World Championships. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynoday/ Instagram: instagram.com/kathrynoday Blog/Substack: kathrynoday.substack.com Website: kathrynoday.com Company: https://www.atlantaventures.com/ Join us for Office Hours (Open Q&A w/Atlanta Ventures Partners): https://www.atlantaventures.com/events What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

In this episode, Ghazenfer Mansoor shares his journey from engineer to global entrepreneur. He dives into the entrepreneurial mindset needed to grow startups, develop smart products, and manage teams across multiple countries. Ghazenfer explains the challenges of building a multi-continent business and offers insights on product development blueprints, adapting post-COVID, and the importance of flexibility in business operations. ABOUT OUR GUEST Ghazenfer Mansoor, originally from Pakistan, relocated to the United States in 1999 and has since made his home in Virginia, near the Washington DC area. He lives there with his wife and three children. Technology Rivers, a bespoke software development firm, excels in aiding businesses to craft innovative software products. Initially launched as a mobile app development company in 2015, it has progressively shifted its focus towards custom healthcare and AI solutions. Keeping pace with the latest technological advances, the company has recently concentrated its efforts on developing cutting-edge applications powered by Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI. Socials https://linkedin.com/in/gmansoorhttps://x.com/gmansoorhttps://x.com/techrivershttps://www.instagram.com/gmansoorushttps://www.instagram.com/techrivers Contact info Ghazenfer [email protected] (703) 444-0505 x 101 Ghazenfer’s Books/Webinar The Top 8 Ways App Development Goes Wrong & How to Get Back on Track Webinar: Preparing for AI in Healthcare Coming Soon: 31 Proven Ways to Boost Your Mobile App's Reach What is THE SKY LOUNGE? Tales from the Sky Lounge takes you on a journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, hearing stories from the entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors shaping these industries. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. Learn more about and Contact Todd Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzENApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: https://x.com/TFTSkyLoungeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/ Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is Kirby Winters—tech entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and partner at TechCXO. Kirby takes us through his journey from telecom to launching (and selling) his own business before diving back into consulting. He also shares some serious Eagle Scout leadership insights, breaks down the world of cybersecurity, and how AI is changing the game. Chapters [00:00] Introduction to Kirby Winters and His Journey [03:04] Leadership Lessons from Scouting and Mentorship [06:10] Navigating Career Paths: Technical vs. Management Roles [09:03] The Entrepreneurial Leap: Starting a Business [11:56] The Exit Strategy: Selling a Business [14:59] The Importance of Cybersecurity in Business [17:57] Social Media and Personal Security Concerns [21:01] Scams and Vulnerabilities: Protecting Yourself [23:56] The Role of Cyber Insurance in Business [26:55] Understanding Cyber Breaches and Their Causes [29:45] The Changing Landscape of Cybersecurity [33:14] The Future of Data Centers and Cloud Services [35:51] Compliance and Cybersecurity Regulations [39:01] The Business Cycle and Cybersecurity Investments [42:00] The Importance of Proactive Cybersecurity Measures [44:57] Travel Stories and Personal Reflections [47:57] Conclusion and Contact Information ABOUT OUR GUEST Kirby J. Winters is a leader in the cybersecurity and technology-based communications industry with extensive experience across multiple sectors. Since 2016, he has led the Information Security Practice at TechCXO, working with healthcare, banking, and Department of Defense clients. His leadership has delivered innovative solutions, including advanced Electronic Medical Record systems, AI-driven practice management, and wireless health monitoring tools. Kirby has held executive positions across numerous industries. Kirby founded Winter Media in 2011, offering custom application development and information security services to clients like the US Navy, Department of Defense, and various healthcare organizations. Socials/Web TechCXO Profile X/Twitter and Instagram—@kirbywinters LinkedIn What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO

In this episode, we sit with Rich Makover, a seasoned CRO and executive coach, to discuss how athletics prepared him for a career in sales leadership, his journey from CPA to sales, insights on resilience, mentorship, and the evolving sales landscape. Learn how strategic thinking, coaching, and leadership have shaped Rich's path to success at TechCXO. Chapters [00:00] Introduction and Background [03:00] Resilience and Rejection in Sales [08:03] Transitioning from Salesperson to Sales Leader [11:28] Lead Generation Strategies and Channels [14:29] The Changing Landscape of Sales [18:31] Hiring and Developing Young Sales Talent [20:23] Coaching and Supporting Sales Team Members [26:56] The Importance of Diversity in Sales Teams [33:00] Don't Pre-Assume [34:06] Coaching at Different Stages of a Career [38:59] The Power of Coaching [45:06] Aligning Personal Values [52:53] Transformative Coaching [57:07] Getting in Touch with Rich Makover ABOUT OUR GUEST Rich Makover is a seasoned Fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Executive Coach, with an extensive background in both athletics and business. Leveraging his experience as a D1 athlete at Penn State University and former executive at top companies like KPMG, Avon Products, and Citizen Watch Group, Rich specializes in driving significant growth and transformation for companies across various industries. He is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped him at Penn State by being a mentor for the Men's Lacrosse Team and being a part of the Teammates for Life program, as well as helping professionals, especially those going through business transitions, unlock their full potential through strategic leadership and coaching. Socials LinkedIn Contact info Email: [email protected] Phone Number: (347) 216-5374 What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. . ABOUT OUR HOST Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter Instagram Learn more about TechCXO Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today, we are joined in the Sky Lounge by IT experts Ian Findlay, David Johnston, and Paul King from TechCXO to explore the crucial role of IT leadership in today’s economic climate. They delve into technology health assessments, uncovering cost inefficiencies, and optimizing IT spend. From alternatives to VMware to cutting cloud costs, the panel offers actionable insights for businesses navigating economic downturns. Key Topics: The role of fractional CIOs and technology health assessments. IT cost inefficiencies and optimization strategies. VMware alternatives and cloud cost management. Downsizing IT staff: risks and best practices. Show Notes: [00:00] Intro to the IT panel. [03:15] Ian Findlay on fractional CIOs. [07:45] David Johnston on IT health and cloud. [12:30] Paul King on cost optimization. [19:40] Impact of economic downturns. [32:00] VMware alternatives. [38:15] Downsizing IT staff. [55:00] Final thoughts. Connect with the Panelists: Ian Findlay David Johnston Paul King What is THE SKYLOUNGE?Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast journey through business, consulting, and venture investing, featuring stories from industry leaders. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and follow: YouTube Spotify Apple Amazon Follow Us: X/Twitter Instagram Learn more:TechCXO Production/Design: James LiebmanMusic: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

The Sky Lounge is packed today with our first Roundtable! Joining us are AI experts Nikolaos Vasiloglou, Joel Forman, and Kevin Carlson to dissect the latest in machine learning, generative AI, and the future of tech. When is AI, AI?! When is it just a parrot? From practical applications to ethical quandaries, this is a deep dive into artificial intelligence past, present, and future! ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Nikolaos Vasiloglou is the VP of Research-ML at RelationalAI. He has spent his career on building ML software and leading data science projects in Retail, Online Advertising and Security. He is a member of the ICLR/ICML/NeurIPS/UAI/MLconf/KGC/IEEE S&P community, having served as an author, reviewer, and organizer of Workshops and the main conference. Nikolaos is leading the research and strategic initiatives at the intersection of Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs for RelationalAI. Nikolao's's LinkedIn Kevin Carlson is a veteran technology executive with a unique combination of technology expertise and business acumen. He has served as CTO and CISO for companies in various industries in North America and Europe. Kevin was voted one of a global top 50 information security professionals by OnCon in 2021 and 2022. As an executive coach, he focuses on developing leaders in technology and information security, leveraging 35 years of experience navigating challenges faced by those in technology-related roles. Kevin's LinkedIn Joel Forman leads the AI team’s development of machine learning tools that accelerate and improve engineering design. He has a decade of industry experience developing data analysis and machine learning tools that empower actionable decision making. He uses this experience to bring state of the art computer vision technology to help machines extract and understand aerial imagery and Lidar data making geospatial analysis more accessible to all. Prior to joining AirWorks Joel worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Boston Fusion. Prior to that, Joel worked as a Managing Engineer at Exponent (a technical consulting firm). Joel earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and is a professionally licensed control systems engineer. Joel can be reached at [email protected] or on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in trying AirWorks AI for yourself, drop him a line. What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/

Joining us in the Sky Lounge is Marc McCarthy, a seasoned business consultant helping UK companies expand into the US market. Marc spills the beans (and tea) on the quirks of taking your business transatlantic—from cultural idiosyncrasies to navigating legal language mazes. Discover why you need to get off Zoom and into the room where it happens! Marc offers practical advice for businesses looking to make their mark across the Atlantic. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Marc is a Fintech commercial executive who has helped SaaS companies with complex solutions overcome the challenges of expanding their global footprint, designed & implemented sales strategies to significantly grow their ARR and built lasting sales frameworks for growth. Marc is based in London, England. Website: proconsultiq.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcmccarthy74/ What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us in the Sky Lounge is Katherine Hunter-Blyden, a seasoned marketing expert who has journeyed from insurance pricing to global marketing roles at Ford, and now serves as a fractional CMO. Katherine shares her experiences, from the impact of mentorship and learning to take calculated risks, to the essentials of modern marketing in both large corporations and smaller startups. Discover her strategies for branding, direct response marketing, and leveraging AI tools, while still finding time to travel around the globe just to volunteer at the Olympics!! ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katherine Hunter-Blyden is a marketing veteran with over 29 years of business experience. She offers marketing services that give business owners, management teams and founders the strategies they need to find and keep the right customers at the right cost. Katherine is based in Los Angeles. Reach out to Katherine: Sign up for her newsletter? Contact info: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinehunterblyden/ To find out more about Junior Achievement and how to get involved visit https://jausa.ja.org What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: It all started with stumbling into a computer science course at the University of Oregon and culminated in a decades-long tech career filled with success. Rob Reesor reflects on his journey from pioneering early e-commerce to advancing AI, shares a ton of wisdom on how to lead a team and deliver promise to customers, and looks forward to sharing his expertise in new and exciting ways. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rob Reesor is a newly semi-retired CTO and VPE with nearly four decades of startup and PE-backed software development and leadership experience. Rob has both BSCS and MSCS degrees and has held software developer, architect, leader, director, VP, SVP, and CTO roles in both Silicon Valley and Austin Texas. Rob retired in 2022 after fourteen years at Planview, Inc., then after five weeks of retirement, took on the CTO role at fintech firm Cforia. After a successful sale of the company, Rob is semi-retired and available for fractional software executive leadership roles building/enhancing a team, their processes, their technology, and/or their scalability. Rob can be contacted through his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-reesor-908188/ What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Today we’re joined by Chris Caparon, a seasoned entrepreneur and tech veteran. Chris shares his journey from Michigan to sunny California, where he co-founded CForia Software and navigated the turbulent waters of tech business, venture capital and 20 years of highs and lows through every kind of crisis (un)imaginable. Now that he’s exited out the other side, he shares some perspective and excellent lessons learned. #EntrepreneurJourney #TechStartups #VentureCapital #BusinessConsulting #SuccessStories ABOUT OUR GUEST: Chris founded Cforia Software with his partner Dave McIntyre to build a software company that created a collaborative work environment for their employees and added value to our customers every single day. Cforia was a Fintech pioneer in accounts receivable automation software. After Cforia's 20+ year journey culminated this year with our sale to Highradius, they exited the business. Chris is currently retired but interested in “using my experience to help other entrepreneurs succeed with their companies and projects.” During his tenure at Cforia, the company acquired over 250 companies world-wide who operated in over 110 countries. The platform managed over 450 Billion USD in yearly accounts receivable in 2023. Total assets the platform managed exceeded 450 Billion USD in yearly accounts receivable. Specialties: Business and technical knowledge applicable in a wide variety of industries. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caparon-a2b58/ What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Bart Foster visits the Sky Lounge to talk about how an unceremonious ouster from the thriving startup he founded led him on a transformative journey to living a life of intention and purpose. He discusses founding BusinessOutside as a result, a venture that leverages nature to cultivate deeper connections and personal growth among leaders and teams, and the techniques he uses to get out of the mundane and into the “real” talk that makes real connections. #nature #intentionalliving #businessculture #businessoutside #techcxo #futureofwork ABOUT OUR GUEST: Bart Foster is the founder and CEO of BusinessOutside®, a facilitation and training company focused on engaging, inspiring, and empowering individuals and teams to get Outside in nature, Outside their comfort zones, and Outside of outdated norms. Bart is an entrepreneur and seasoned global executive who began his career at Kellogg’s and Novartis. After climbing the corporate ladder and building a successful healthcare startup, Bart found his true calling as an advisor, speaker, and coach to executives throughout the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two kids. Most mornings, he can be found hiking the peaks above town, usually with someone in tow, discussing business, outside. #BusinessOutside IG: @Business_Outside X: @Bart_Foster www.BusinessOutside.com www.Bart-Foster.com #futureofwork BusinessOutside Connection Questions: PDF: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/658f0890ea656379d1a749a6/t/661d6b01042f2075f237fab4/1713203969458/BusinessOutside+Connection+Questions.pdf URL (bottom of page): https://www.forumoutside.com/resources-and-tools What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is David Morczinek, the innovative CEO of Airworks, a geospatial AI company. David shares his fascinating journey from aerospace engineer to leading a cutting-edge company. He delves into his academic and professional experiences, including his time at Airbus and his transformative years at MIT where he pursued an MBA. With Airworks, David is at the forefront of utilizing drone technology to transform aerial data into actionable business intelligence, offering compelling insights into how aerial data is shaping the future of business decisions. #technology #ai #artificialintelligence #dronetechnology #aerospace #businessculture #mit #techcxo ABOUT OUR GUEST: David has worked in the aerospace industry for 10+ years. In the past, he led multiple teams at Airbus. As CEO, David is the driving force behind the development of AirWorks’ AI, with the goal of advancing the use of aerial intelligence across AEC. David holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Business and an MS in Aircraft Systems Engineering from the Technical University of Hamburg. In his free time, David enjoys traveling with his wife and two children. David Morczinek +1-857-990-1251 [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/morczinek/ What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge Instagram: @tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Todd chats with a true traveler, Christy Johnson from BIP Ventures. Her story is a testament to the idea that there's no one-size-fits-all path in entrepreneurship and venture capital as she shares her unconventional path from getting an IMBA (International MBA) in school to microloans in Costa Rica, steel manufacturing in Florida and eventually venture capital. She discusses the importance of culture, the challenges of remote work, and the power of being intentional in business practices and some holiday celebrations that are…NOT mandatory (hint: they are). ABOUT OUR GUEST: Christy Johnson has been a pivotal member of the BIP Capital platform team since its founding. She joined the firm initially as a member of the leadership team of BIP Wealth in 2008, then became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BIP Capital. In 2022, Christy became a General Partner and Chief Performance Officer (CPO) for BIP Ventures. As CPO, Christy provides comprehensive and tailored advisory support and resources that help the firm's portfolio companies grow further and faster. She partners with executive teams on talent acquisition, business practice improvements, market intelligence, leveraging growth opportunities, and assisting companies with preparation for exit or acquisition opportunities. During her tenure with BIP Wealth, Christy built the operational infrastructure for the new Investment Advisory firm. Her operational and management leadership helped lay the foundation for the firm's AUM growth from $35M to $440M in less than six years. As COO for BIP Capital, she built the internal operations for the firm and assisted portfolio companies with growth strategies, infrastructure building, and overall support. In 2016, Christy assumed the role of CEO of AchieveIt Online. Under her leadership, the company more than tripled in revenue, earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-growing Companies list for five years running (2017-2021), and was named to the Inc. Best Workplaces in 2021. Christy earned an IMBA with a focus on International Business at the University of Denver and a B.S. in Marketing at the University of Colorado, Denver. She serves as the Chairperson for the AchieveIt Board of Directors. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjohnsonatlanta/ Email: [email protected] What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries, entrepreneurs disrupting the status quo, consultants helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Joining us in the Sky Lounge this week is the fascinating Mike Blake, founder of High Score Strategies. Dive into the world of business valuation and strategy consulting, and learn how Mike navigates multimillion-dollar valuation opportunities with the finesse of a recovering venture capitalist. Get a little bit nerdy as these two tech aficionados explore what it takes to make it big in the business world, how you can use gift cards to pay employees (note: you can’t!) and why the Russian mafia played a big part in Mike’s career trajectory. Don't miss this high-flying and globe-spanning episode! #TechTalk #VentureVibes #BusinessBrilliance #SkyLoungeStories #InvestingInsights ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mike Blake is a Founder of High Score Strategies, a business valuation and strategic advisory firm with offices near Atlanta, Georgia, and Lisbon, Portugal. Mike helps his clients achieve winning outcomes in their business valuation-related opportunities (such as buying or selling a company) and challenges (such as tax compliance or financial reporting.) With 25 years of experience in valuation advisory, venture capital, and investment banking, Mike mixes market experience and data analytics to make his clients exceptional decision-makers for their most consequential and irreversible business decisions. Subscribe to Mike’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yourbusinessvalue LinkedIn Profile: / unblakeable Website: highscorestrategies.com What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise For more info visit techcxo.com

Joining us in the Sky Lounge today is Jay Kleinman, a seasoned healthcare business development and sales strategy expert with over 30 years of experience. Jay dives into his journey from playing football at Auburn University to launching and scaling ventures in the healthcare space. Discover the power of teamwork, the art of sales, and the impact of digital health on elder care. Learn why you should think twice before sending that cold email and how chicken and broccoli can bring a team together. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jay Kleinman is a Texas-based Partner in TechCXO’s Revenue Growth practice. He supports clients as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Chief Commercial Officer/Chief Growth Officer (CCO, CGO), and Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Jay is a seasoned sales, strategy, and business development leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare services (payor/provider), MedTech, insurance solutions, technology, SaaS, marketing/advertising, and analytics. Jay’s track record of success includes end-to-end sales processes where he’s secured multiyear, 7+ figure agreements. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykleinman/ Email: [email protected] What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise For more info visit techcxo.com

Mark Flickinger, COO and GP of BIP Ventures shares insights into competitive drive in founders, The State of Startups in the Southeast, how #VentureCapital Funds operate and what it means to have a great team. We talk about “The SVB Hangover”, dry powder (not for napkins) and when to go slow. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mark Flickinger -General Partner & COO / BIP Ventures Mark Flickinger joined BIP Ventures in 2015. In his role as General Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark oversees fundraising, investor relations, marketing/branding, talent acquisition, and acceleration. Before joining the firm, Mark held leadership roles for 4th Strand, a product performance consulting firm (acquired by Intertek in 2012). He oversaw project management, product development, HR/recruiting, operations, and sales. Mark's experience also includes Medarex, a biotech startup developing therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases, as well as the oral care division of consumer products company Church & Dwight. Mark earned an MBA in General Management and Entrepreneurship from The University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University. He was a member of the US National Rowing Team from 2001-2008. Mark serves on the board for Venture Atlanta, AchieveIt, and VoApps. He is an avid father, cyclist, runner, and skier, both downhill and water. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-flickinger-24295538/ Contact info: [email protected] What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/ Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

We all hear about the legendary founders who grow their business, become an overnight success over a few decades and sell out to Private Equity. Jan shares insights about that journey that made him an ‘Exited Entrepreneur’. Watch as Jan takes us through how to close an M&A deal including some powerful Dutch negotiating techniques. Stay with us to see why getting to First Base is fun and where the next Dr. House is going to come from. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jan Heybroek -PARTNER - EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS; FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVE Jan Heybroek is a Partner in TechCXO’s Executive Operations practice. He is most frequently called on by investors, Boards and senior management teams with life sciences companies to assist as an interim and fractional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). With more than 30 years of senior leadership, Jan is exceptional in applying his knowledge and strategic marketing and product experience within life sciences and biopharma. He is particularly adept in building out new solutions, optimizing existing products and overseeing product portfolios to deliver industry and category-leading returns. Jan is also a thought leader in the areas of entrepreneurship, organizational partnerships, licensing and market insights. Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janheybroek/ Contact info [email protected] , +1.404.384.9315 https://scheduler.zoom.us/janheybroek What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

We speak to a legendary NYC Marketer, Lewis Goldman who talks about being a pioneer in digital marketing. Lewis shares stories about recent trends in digital marketing and where we are going in the new AI/LLM era. Hear about what role social influencers play, what the future of influence marketing is and also When is it appropriate to knock over a convenience store. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Lewis Goldman - PARTNER – CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, FRACTIONAL CMO, CRO The Consultant Who Scales Businesses Lewis Goldman is a TechCXO Partner in its New York office, and a marketing consultant specializing in scaling businesses rapidly through marketing, new products, new channels/partnerships, and leveraging customer data to cross sell and upsell existing customers. His focus on accelerating growth comes from extensive experience as a CMO and heading up growth, digital marketing, and E-Commerce efforts at companies ranging from Citigroup and MetLife to LinkedIn, Amazon, and LendKey. Customer Centric - Leveraging his experience in marketing, digital transformation, and data/analytics, Lewis specializes in leveraging a customer centric approach to innovation through using digital, data, and identifying new market opportunities to accelerate revenue growth. Beyond Marketing to help scale organizations - Lewis helps smaller entities scale their organizations and processes by using his experience building or reorganizing 10 different marketing/E-Commerce organizations ranging from startups to new businesses within Fortune 50 companies. What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

Todd starts off the series with a bang as he talks with his first guest, Maria Goldsholl, Managing Partner-Human Capital, about the mindset required to grow and learn from the tough times at any level, and what particular traits she looks for when evaluating a team or a leader. Watch till the end to learn what startup coffee and stinky fish have in common. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Maria Goldsholl, Managing Partner Human Capital Maria Goldsholl is a seasoned, energetic executive leader with an extensive background in organizational and talent development, culture management, developing HR infrastructure and building teams and operations. Her expertise has been cited and featured in Forbes HR council, The Wall Street Journal, Working Mother Magazine, Entrepreneur, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other publications. Prior to joining TechCXO, she was the Chief People Officer for PokitDok, a venture backed high growth healthcare technology company, where she provided leadership and direction for human resources function and served as trusted advisor to CEO and executive team on people related issues. Maria was also responsible for providing thought leadership and execution of people initiatives, organizational development, recruitment and culture initiatives. In addition, she served as COO for Moms Corps, where she was responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of this first- to-market staffing and search company. She began as the first employee of company and helped grow the organization to $16 million business with franchises and offices nationwide. As the Director of Organizational Development for The Weather Channel, she was responsible for the company’s diversity efforts, succession planning and work/life programs. The company earned five “Employer of Choice” top rankings in the telecommunications industry. A native of New York, NY, Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of La Verne in Athens, Greece, and a master’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Brooklyn College in New York. What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Subscribe and turn on notifications to listen to new episodes as they launch! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfeCS-Varb4gu2uCwyRTXWWEdP676Huh6 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jz6ubcaUZ20Xh8TXhwzEN Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-sky-lounge/id1730134658 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ba289a5-0d33-4589-95c7-83416731a864/tales-from-the-sky-lounge Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Learn more about TechCXO: https://www.techcxo.com/ Production/Design: James Liebman Music: Soundstripe/Cody Martin-Sunrise

What is THE SKYLOUNGE? Tales from the SkyLounge is a podcast where we take you on a journey through the world of business, consulting, and venture investing. In each episode, we gather in our virtual sky lounge, high above the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, to hear stories from the people who are shaping the future of these industries. From entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo, consultants who are helping companies solve their biggest challenges, and investors who are making bets on the next big thing. ABOUT OUR HOST: Todd Merrill is an experienced software executive who typically assists clients as a fractional or interim CTO and CiSO as a partner at TechCXO. He has served in a series of companies as a C-Level executive focused on leveraging the Cloud to bring SaaS offerings to market. As an entrepreneur, turn-around expert, technology and product leader, and mentor, Todd has held full corporate P&L and product development responsibilities and directed diverse international teams of Engineering Managers, Mobile Architects, Developers, Dev Ops, QA, and Customer Success professionals. Follow Tales From The SkyLounge on Social Media X/Twitter: @TFTSkyLounge  TikTok: tiktok.com/tftskylounge Spotify: iTunes: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFTSkyLounge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftskylounge/ Amazon: Facebook: TechCXO:  techcxo.com Music: Soundstripe.com Production/Design: James Liebman