🎙️ Episode 12: Reflecting on 2024 and a Preview of What’s Ahead! Kick off the new year with a special Silicon Heartland Sessions episode celebrating the incredible conversations we had in 2024! This episode brings together highlights from visionary leaders like Ben Blanquera, Srini Koushik, Rehgan Bleile, Bart Murphy, Cindy Leavitt, and many others. Hear their perspectives on innovation, resilience, leadership, and the future of technology. 🌟 What to Expect: Inspiring Lessons: Learn how these leaders have navigated challenges, embraced failure, and driven meaningful impact. Key Insights: From AI strategies to responsible innovation, community building to bold decision-making—this episode captures the essence of leadership in tech. Exciting Teasers: Get a sneak peek at some of the incredible guests joining us in 2025, offering fresh perspectives on leadership, technology, and community.

🎧 Tune in to relive the best moments of 2024 and get excited for the journey ahead! Whether you're an entrepreneur, technologist, or leader, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and energize you.

Episode 11: Building Startups, Embracing Challenges, and Shaping the Future with Rob Zwink In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we sit down with Rob Zwink, CTO and Co-Founder of Razi, to discuss the fascinating intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Rob shares his journey from enterprise technologist at JPMorgan to blockchain pioneer and now real estate tech innovator at Razi. Key highlights include: From Enterprise to Startup: Rob’s career evolution and the lessons learned in transitioning from large enterprises to launching startups. Solving Big Problems: How Razi simplifies complex real estate transactions through cutting-edge technology. Building High-Performing Teams: Insights on adapting leadership styles, fostering transparency, and cultivating a positive team culture in startups. The Future of Tech: Rob’s take on blockchain, local large language models, and their potential to revolutionize industries. 🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into Rob’s experiences and his vision for driving impactful innovation in tech and beyond.

Episode 10: Leadership, Resilience, and Embracing Change with Cindy Leavitt In this powerful episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, Cindy Leavitt, former CIO and Vice President at The Ohio State University, shares her extraordinary journey from the tech industry to higher education, offering profound insights on leadership, adaptability, and the transformative power of self-reflection. Key highlights include: Building Positive Leaders and Teams: Cindy’s purpose-driven approach to leadership focuses on creating environments where every individual can thrive. Adapting to Change: From technology shifts like DevOps to generative AI, Cindy discusses how foundational changes redefine how we work and lead. The Informal Organization: Discover how understanding the "culture of doers" is the key to driving meaningful change. The Power of Stories: How the narratives we tell ourselves shape our actions, emotions, and outcomes. Generative AI in Higher Education: Cindy shares insights from her time at OSU, including a proof of concept laying the foundation for future innovation in education and technology. Transformative Habits: Cindy reflects on how practices like meditation and journaling have grounded her in resilience and clarity throughout her career. This episode is an inspiring deep dive into the intersection of leadership, technology, and personal growth. Cindy’s reflections on authenticity, mindfulness, and the value of creating collaborative, thriving organizations will resonate with leaders and technologists alike. 🎧 Tune in now for insights that will transform how you think about leadership, change, and impact.