In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Greg Stein, Founder and CEO of Shadowbox, to explore how interoperability is shaping the future of healthcare technology and why manual processes in healthcare cost the industry a staggering $300 billion annually. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leading major healthcare initiatives to building a company designed to eliminate inefficiencies in clinical workflows.

The conversation dives into the challenges of securing venture funding in healthcare tech, the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, and the importance of leadership vulnerability and integrity in navigating startup challenges. Greg highlights the $950 billion problem of interoperability in healthcare and how Shadowbox’s API-free integration model is solving it.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and collaboration, making it easier to navigate complex challenges.
• Shadowbox eliminates inefficiencies in healthcare by improving interoperability without requiring APIs.
• Healthcare faces a $950 billion interoperability problem, with insurance inefficiencies accounting for a significant portion of costs.
• COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation, forcing businesses to adapt and innovate faster than ever before.
• Proving the effectiveness of new technology is crucial for securing venture funding in healthcare.
• Integrity in business decisions leads to long-term success—cutting corners rarely results in sustainable growth.
• Celebrating small wins keeps teams motivated and fosters a culture of shared success.
• Transparency and shared ownership of problems prevent blame culture, creating an empowered and engaged workforce.
• Humility in leadership allows for better decision-making, ensuring teams feel valued and heard.
• Work-life balance is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout—leaders must prioritize well-being.

Quotes:

"We had to prove that the tech would work." – Greg on earning investor confidence in a complex industry.

"You need to celebrate those wins." – On why recognizing small victories keeps teams engaged and motivated.

"We try and collectively own the challenge." – Emphasizing the importance of transparency in team culture.

"The role of humility in leadership is to empower your team, not dictate their work."

YouTube Chapters:
0:00 - Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
1:15 - Introducing Shadowbox: A Breakthrough in Interoperability
4:27 - Navigating the Journey to Venture Funding
6:23 - Addressing the $950 Billion Interoperability Challenge
11:20 - Adapting to Change During COVID-19
16:38 - Lessons Learned from Eight Years of Entrepreneurship
20:30 - The Importance of Celebrating Wins
24:41 - Fostering a Transparent and Supportive Culture
31:28 - The Role of Humility in Leadership
37:36 - Balancing Work and Life: The Importance of Team Well-being
44:22 - Final Thoughts: Music and Meaning

Resources:
Learn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ - https://www.collective-genius.com/

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#TechScenes #Shadowbox #HealthcareTech #Interoperability #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #JeffJamesMartin #GregStein #VentureFunding #HealthcareInnovation #AI #BusinessGrowth #SaaS #Automation #DigitalTransformation #TeamCulture #WorkLifeBalance #FounderStories #ScalingStartups #OKRs #HealthcareSolutions #StartupChallenges #BusinessLeadership #PeakOperatingSystem™ #CollectiveGenius™ #TechScenesUnplugged

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Brett Waikart, Co-founder & CEO of Skillfully, to discuss the future of hiring, the impact of AI on recruitment, and how traditional resumes are failing both companies and job seekers.Brett shares how Skillfully is transforming the hiring process by shifting focus from outdated resumes to dynamic, real-world simulations that showcase candidates’ actual abilities. “The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change.” Instead of filtering through AI-generated resumes and rehearsed interview responses, employers can now see how candidates perform before making hiring decisions.The conversation also dives into the challenges of scaling a startup in the AI era, how workforce evolution is reshaping hiring methods, and the role of experimentation in business success. Brett shares insights on team alignment, OKRs, and navigating rapid technological change. They also touch on the future of work, the impact of AI on job disruption, and why org charts may become obsolete."We want to see what they can do." – Brett on why real-world simulations are the key to better hiring.

"AI is not a job killer." – Discussing how AI will disrupt tasks, not entire professions.

"OKRs should be used to measure progress and learn from failures." – Brett shares insights on using objectives and key results effectively.From rethinking job applications to leveraging AI for smarter hiring, this episode offers a fascinating look at the changing dynamics of recruitment, business scaling, and leadership in the digital age.Key Takeaways: - The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change—AI can provide a more accurate and fair assessment of candidates’ abilities. - Skillfully enables job seekers to showcase real skills through simulated job tasks, reducing bias and inefficiency in hiring. - Employers often rely on outdated job descriptions, leading to mismatches in hiring needs and inefficiencies in talent acquisition. - AI is transforming recruitment, reducing screening time by 50%, and helping companies hire more effectively. - Understanding a candidate’s potential is more important than assessing past job titles—companies need to hire for real capabilities, not just credentials. - The evolution of technology is reshaping employment, forcing companies to adapt hiring methods to attract top talent. - Scaling a company in the AI space requires adaptability and foresight—experimenting with new business strategies is crucial. - The future of recruitment lies in assessing real-world skills, not just resumes—Skillfully is leading this charge. - OKRs should be used as learning tools, not just performance metrics—companies must iterate and evolve based on real results. - The org chart may become obsolete in the AI era, as technology reshapes job roles and team structures.Episode Chapters:0:00 - Revolutionizing Recruitment: The Role of AI10:10 - Skillfully: A New Approach to Job Applications19:51 - The Evolution of Hiring Practices29:57 - Building a Company in the Age of AI31:19 - AI's Impact on Jobs and Work Dynamics34:41 - Challenges in Scaling a Startup37:42 - The Importance of Experimentation in Business46:30 - Navigating Rapid Change in Business51:19 - Desert Island Album ChoiceLearn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies🔗 https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™🔗 https://www.collective-genius.com/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.Music by Andrew Applepie🔗 https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

In this episode of Tech Scenes, Jeff James Martin sits down with Jennifer Henderson, Founder & CEO of Tilt, to discuss the challenges and innovations in leave management, the startup journey, and the role of female founders in venture capital.

Jennifer shares her personal experiences that led to the creation of Tilt, an HR tech platform designed to automate and streamline leave of absence management, making the process easier for both companies and employees. “We are obsessed with the world of leave.” The conversation dives deep into the complexities of leave compliance, the transition from corporate to startup life, and the importance of company culture in a fast-growing business.

They also discuss the unique challenges faced by female founders when raising capital, why more encouragement is needed for aspiring women entrepreneurs, and how guardrails in business help create efficiency and empowerment. Jennifer emphasizes resilience as a key trait for successful founders, while also sharing some fun personal reflections on her love for 80s music.

"You gotta imagine you're going down a road." – Jennifer on why businesses need clear guardrails for efficiency and success.

"Unless you win the manager jackpot." – Discussing the inconsistencies in how companies handle leave management.

"The pain becomes untenable is getting smaller." – On how Tilt is removing the biggest pain points in HR processes.

"We need more points on the board." – Jennifer advocating for more female entrepreneurs in venture-backed startups.

"Def Leppard is my childhood in every single song." – A fun conclusion to a deeply insightful conversation.

From navigating startup challenges to building a strong company culture, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about improving employee experiences.

Key Takeaways:

- Guardrails in business help maintain clarity and efficiency, preventing wasted effort.

- Tilt automates leave management, saving organizations time, money, and compliance headaches.

- Personal experiences often drive innovative business solutions, as seen in Tilt’s founding story.

- Leave management is highly complex, varying based on individual circumstances, company policies, and legal compliance.

- Transitioning from corporate to startup requires a different skill set, with steep learning curves for first-time founders.

- Building a strong company culture is essential for long-term startup success.

- Female founders face unique challenges in securing venture capital, requiring persistence and strong networks.

- Encouragement and role models are crucial for inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

- Resilience is key in the entrepreneurial journey, especially when navigating challenges like funding and scaling.

Chapters:

0:00 - The Importance of Guardrails in Business

2:07 - Understanding Tilt: Revolutionizing Leave Management

5:01 - Personal Experiences Shaping Business Solutions

9:48 - Navigating the Complex Landscape of Leave Management

15:08 - The Journey from Corporate to Startup

19:46 - Building a Strong Company Culture and Team Dynamics

24:51 - Challenges for Female Founders in Venture Capital

29:49 - Encouraging Future Female Entrepreneurs

34:59 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.

Learn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ - https://www.collective-genius.com/

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#TechScenes #Tilt #LeaveManagement #HRTech #FutureOfWork #StartupLife #ScalingStartups #Leadership #WomenInTech #Entrepreneurship #FemaleFounders

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Alex Jekowsky, CEO and Co-founder of Cents, to discuss the realities of startup life, building technology for unsexy industries, and transforming the laundry industry with product-led innovation.Alex shares his journey as a second-time founder, explaining how he turned his passion for simplifying everyday problems into scalable businesses. With Cents, he’s building a network of garment care SMBs, empowering local laundromats and dry cleaners to take back laundry day in America through centralized technology and streamlined operations.This conversation dives into the critical role of customer-driven product development, the importance of guiding principles in shaping company culture, and fostering open communication to build high-performing teams. Alex also shares key lessons from fundraising, why startups require mental resilience, and how happiness in the workplace is crucial for long-term success."It’s not worth it if you don’t enjoy it." – Alex on why founders must love the grind of building a company.

"Act like an owner, not just a shareholder." – A mindset shift that drives real business success.

"Fundraising is not a vanity metric." – Alex discusses the dangers of chasing investment for the wrong reasons.

From hiring practices rooted in core values to scaling through optionality and efficiency, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.Key Takeaways:Startups should be enjoyable—if you don’t love the process, it’s not worth it.Enduring challenges and pain is part of the entrepreneurial journey—it builds perseverance.Creating centralization and optionality empowers SMBs—helping them scale more efficiently.Customer relationships drive product development—listening to their needs shapes the roadmap.Act like an owner—this mindset enhances business success at every level.Guiding principles align the entire company—they provide clarity in decision-making.A selfish environment creates dysfunction—team success depends on alignment.Open communication is essential for high-performing teams—transparency fosters trust.Fundraising is not a vanity metric—it's a tool, not an end goal.A learning culture is key to scaling a startup successfully—leaders must continuously grow.Happiness is a choice in the workplace—building a positive culture leads to better outcomes.

Chapters:0:00 - The Reality of Startups and Small Business Ownership2:11 - Understanding Cents and Its Mission5:06 - Transforming the Laundry Industry with Technology10:01 - Product Roadmap and Customer-Centric Development15:47 - Guiding Principles and Company Culture22:04 - Fostering Open Communication and Team Dynamics29:34 - Building a Culture of Happiness30:01 - Establishing Guiding Principles31:59 - Core Values and Hiring Practices33:06 - High-Performing Team Behaviors34:29 - Enduring Pain for Growth36:23 - Navigating Fundraising Challenges39:25 - Lessons from Second-Time Founders40:41 - Personal Development and Leadership42:55 - Creating a Learning Culture45:44 - The Importance of Happiness in Teams50:34 - Final Thoughts and Desert Island AlbumDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.Learn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies https://geni.us/peak-teams Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ https://www.collective-genius.com/ Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie#TechScenes #Cents #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #LaundryTech #Leadership #jeffjamesmartin #AlexJekowsky #ProductLedGrowth #CustomerSuccess

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Ethan Austin, Founding Partner of Outside VC, to discuss venture capital, outsider founders, and the power of community and empathy in investing. Outside VC is a pre-seed venture firm dedicated to supporting founders outside traditional funding networks, with the goal of lifting 100M people to the middle class over the next decade. The conversation explores the challenges faced by non-traditional founders, the role of peer learning and transparency in venture, and the importance of investing in people over ideas. Ethan also shares insights on mental health for entrepreneurs, scaling teams effectively, and the impact of AI on business operations. Key Takeaways: Venture capital is not a meritocracy—outsider founders often build the best businesses. Founders want investors they connect with, not just those proving they’re smart. Community and peer learning play a crucial role in founder success. Empathy and transparency are essential in venture capital relationships. Fun matters in the startup journey—not everything has to be serious. Mental health is a superpower—sleep, stress management, and mindset shape success. AI is transforming venture capital and how startups scale. Employee equity structures need reform to better reward workers. Exceptional founders focus on execution, not just ideas. Reverse engineering success helps entrepreneurs navigate long-term growth. YouTube Chapters: 0:00 - The Human Element in Venture Capital 3:09 - The Journey of Outsider Founders 6:08 - The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship 9:13 - Investing: A Passion for Supporting Founders 11:57 - The Impact of Personal Background on Entrepreneurial Drive 14:49 - Empathy and Transparency in Venture Capital 18:03 - The Importance of Fun in the Startup Journey 28:05 - Investing in People, Not Just Companies 30:06 - Mental Health Strategies for Entrepreneurs 31:27 - The Role of Empathy in Venture Capital 32:57 - Building Effective Teams in Startups 36:10 - Reverse Engineering Success 40:04 - The Importance of Mission and Vision 41:50 - Building the Engine to Scale 43:59 - Key Traits for Investment 46:07 - Navigating AI in Business 47:51 - Employee Equity and Fairness 51:01 - Desert Island Album Choice Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged. Learn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ - https://www.collective-genius.com/ Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #TechScenes #OutsideVC #VentureCapital #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Investing #jeffjamesmartin #EthanAustin #FounderSupport #AI #ProductLedGrowth

In this episode, Jeff James Martin sits down with Jeremy Vaughan, the founder behind Start Left® Security, to explore the intersection of cybersecurity, startup culture, and leadership. Jeremy shares his approach to transforming security from a compliance burden into a competitive advantage by integrating Secure by Design thinking into software development. They discuss the cultural shifts needed in cybersecurity, the challenges of software decay, and the evolving role of leadership in navigating complex environments. Jeremy also opens up about personal experiences that fuel his passion for building trust in technology. Key Takeaways: StartLeft Security: Focuses on embedding security into the software development process from the start, making it scalable and actionable. AI’s Role: AI should augment human efforts, enhancing efficiency and enabling teams to focus on critical challenges. Software Fragility: The economic and human impact of software decay highlights the urgency of addressing cybersecurity. Empowering Developers: Security becomes more effective when developers are empowered and involved in the process. Personal Experiences: Real-world events, such as Jeremy’s daughter’s journey with Type 1 diabetes, drive a deeper commitment to building trust in technology. Investor Engagement: Investors should act as supportive partners, aligned with a company’s long-term vision. Clarity and Alignment: Clear roles, responsibilities, and OKRs are essential for team efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. Mental Health: Founders often face significant stress and isolation; personal well-being practices like therapy and physical activity can help maintain balance. Execution Matters: The most organized and aligned teams consistently outperform chaotic ones. Chapters 0:00 - The Significance of StartLeft Security 02:49 - The Role of People in Cybersecurity 06:07 - Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape 08:55 - The Meaning Behind the Logo 11:51 - Personal Motivations in Cybersecurity 15:09 - The Impact of Software Decay 17:59 - Investor Dynamics in Cybersecurity 20:54 - Identifying Startup Moochers 24:11 - Building a Cohesive Team Culture 28:52 - The Power of Clarity in Team Execution 32:43 - Performance-Based Metrics for Advisors 38:54 - Mental Health Challenges for Founders 46:58 - Navigating Focus and Alignment in Startups 55:33 - Desert Island Album Choice Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged. Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu Visit Collective Genius™ to Build your team with the Peak Operating System™ (Peak OS™) - www.collective-genius.com Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #TechScenes #StartLeftSecurity #Cybersecurity #SaaS #Leadership #StartupCulture #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #jeffjamesmartin #JeremyVaughan #SecureByDesign

Join Jeff James Martin as he sits down with Jason Heltzer, Managing Partner at Origin Ventures, for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, technology investments, and the importance of adaptability in rapidly changing business landscapes. Jason shares his journey from a technical background as a software engineer to becoming a venture capitalist and professor, offering unique insights into what it takes to evaluate, support, and scale high-growth technology companies. Key Takeaways Adaptability is Key: Startups must adapt to rapid changes in the market, prioritizing execution over perfection in strategy. Origin Ventures: Focused on investing in technology companies that shape the "Digital Native Economy," leveraging their team’s operational and engineering experience. Experience Matters: Investors with backgrounds in building companies bring invaluable insights to their portfolio companies. Transparency Builds Trust: Open communication between founders and investors strengthens alignment and fosters resilience during challenges. AI and Services Businesses: The intersection of AI and services presents untapped opportunities for enhancing business economics. Focus Wins: Staying committed to current strategies often yields better outcomes than expanding too quickly. Music and Personal Reflection: Music preferences, like Led Zeppelin, can mirror personal journeys and experiences. YouTube Chapters 0:00 - Adapting to Change in Business 01:20 - The Journey of Origin Venture Capital 03:45 - From Technical Background to Venture Capital 07:55 - The Allure of Venture Capital 10:20 - Understanding Investment Strategies 14:09 - Evaluating Companies: Strategy and Adaptability 18:55 - The Balance of Focus and Adaptability 24:07 - The Importance of Vision and Goals 27:52 - The Role of an Investor 30:19 - Transparency Between Founders and Investors 33:44 - Lessons Learned in Investing 39:58 - The Future of Services Businesses and AI 42:18 - Desert Island Album Choice Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged. Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System (Peak OS) - www.collective-genius.com Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie #TechScenes #OriginVentures #VentureCapital #StartupGrowth #AI #Entrepreneurship #jeffjamesmartin #jasonheltzer #DigitalNativeEconomy

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with André Ferraz, Co-Founder and CEO of Incognia, to discuss the journey of building one of the world's most precise location technologies for fraud prevention. Incognia empowers industries like food delivery, ride-hailing, marketplaces, and financial services with its innovative solutions to protect reputation, retention, and revenue.

The conversation delves into André's early experiences with technology, the pivotal moments in Incognia's evolution, and the challenges of scaling globally during the pandemic. André also shares valuable insights on customer engagement, building strong teams, and the personal influences that have shaped his entrepreneurial path.

Key Takeaways:

Early Start in Technology: André began coding at a young age, inspired by his father, and later pursued a university research project that became the foundation for Incognia.

Innovative Location Technology: Incognia's proprietary solution surpasses GPS accuracy, enabling advanced fraud prevention through user behavior and location analysis.

Pandemic Pivot: The company adapted quickly during the pandemic, focusing on a new product to address fraud prevention, which delivered remarkable results for its customers.

Customer-Centric Approach: Engaging with customers and focusing on one product type has been crucial for Incognia's growth and success.

Remote Team Excellence: Investing in onboarding and training has been essential for building and maintaining a strong remote engineering team.

Personal Influences: André's love for music and personal experiences have significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters:

0:00 - Early Beginnings and Influences

01:08 - Understanding Incognia and Its Mission

10:01 - The Evolution of Technology and Business

16:43 - Navigating Challenges and Pivots

20:08 - Lessons Learned and Focused Growth

30:24 - The Importance of Customer Engagement

32:15 - Scaling a Global Company

38:03 - Personal Reflections and Musical Influences

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#TechScenes #Incognia #FraudPrevention #LocationTechnology #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SaaS #jeffjamesmartin #andreferraz #productledgrowth #customerengagement