🎙️ 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.

Episode 8: A Journey Through Resilience, Leadership, and Innovation with Dan Manges

In this deeply insightful episode, Dan Manges, Co-Founder of RWX, shares his incredible journey through the tech startup ecosystem, from being the CTO of Braintree (acquired by PayPal) to co-founding Root Insurance, and now building innovative developer tools at RWX. Dan delves into the importance of resilience, the power of authentic leadership, and how stoicism has guided him through some of the toughest challenges in his career.

Key highlights include:

Leading Diverse Teams: Dan emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual uniqueness and adapting leadership styles to maximize effectiveness.

Scaling Systems: He explores the challenges of building large systems vs. small systems and how engineers must adapt to collaborate in team environments.

The Role of Resilience: From taking Root Insurance public to overcoming self-doubt to run a marathon, Dan shares how embracing obstacles has fueled his personal and professional growth.

Stoicism as a Guide: Discover how Dan applies stoic principles to navigate ambiguity and lead with authenticity.

Building a Payments Platform for Uber: A look at Dan’s pivotal moments, including his work at Braintree that laid the foundation for modern payment solutions.

Aligning Values and Leadership: Insights into creating harmony between personal values and professional decisions.

This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders alike. Whether you’re navigating ambiguity, leading teams, or striving for personal growth, Dan’s candid reflections and practical advice will inspire and resonate. Plus, discover Dan’s personal philosophy, his love for NF's "Happy," and how his journey continues to evolve with RWX.

🎧 Tune in now for a conversation that combines technology, philosophy, and the human spirit, offering a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.

Episode 9: Thanksgiving Reflections – Gratitude, Leadership, and Giving Back In this special Thanksgiving episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we pause to reflect on the incredible conversations we’ve shared with our inspiring guests and the lessons they’ve brought to the Silicon Heartland community. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and this episode celebrates the spirit of giving back and collaboration that drives our technology community forward. Highlights include: Ben Blanquera: On the power of collaboration - “By yourself, you can go fast; with others, you can go far.” Srini Koushik: On empathetic leadership - “Winning hearts and minds is the foundation for success.” Warner Moore: On authentic connections - “Networking isn’t about transactions; it’s about meaningful conversations.” Rehgan Bleile: On discipline and innovation - “Motivation is fleeting. Never rely on it.” Murali Sundararajan: On building relationships - “Build relationships when you don’t need them, so they are meaningful when you do.” Bart Murphy: On resilience - “Never waste a catastrophe.” Bryan Mundy & John Bishop: On prioritizing health - “Fitness isn’t about where you start; it’s about taking the first step.” We also share a preview of next week’s episode featuring Dan Manges, where he reflects on resilience, leadership, and the journey of innovation. As we head into the holiday season, this episode serves as a reminder of the power of hope, gratitude, and creating possibilities. Take a moment to reflect on the relationships and communities that inspire you, and let’s continue to give back and lift each other up. 🎧 Tune in now and celebrate Thanksgiving with us!

Episode 7: Transforming Health and Building Resilience with Bryan Mundy and John Bishop In this special fitness-focused episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we welcome Bryan Mundy and John Bishop to share their inspiring journeys of health transformation, resilience, and discipline. From losing over 50 pounds to competing in bodybuilding shows, Bryan and John dive into the lessons they’ve learned through fitness and how these principles apply to every aspect of life. Key highlights include: Setting Bold Goals: John shares how his decision to compete in a bodybuilding show pushed him beyond his limits. Starting the Journey: Bryan talks about how, at 24, he lost over 50 pounds in just 5 months by committing to a healthier lifestyle. The Power of Discipline and Accountability: Both guests reflect on how consistency and support systems were key to their success. Resilience and Adaptability: Insights into overcoming obstacles and staying motivated through setbacks. Balancing Fitness with Life: Strategies for integrating health into demanding professional and personal lives. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or looking for inspiration to take your goals to the next level, this episode offers actionable advice and motivating stories to help you prioritize health and resilience. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Bryan and John’s journeys and find your own path to success.

Episode 6: Strategic Vision, Resilience, and Tech Leadership with Bart Murphy In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we’re joined by Bart Murphy, CTIO of OCLC, who shares his invaluable perspective on effective leadership in the tech world. Bart’s career is grounded in guiding principles that have helped him navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation. From his “Work Smart and Hard!” philosophy to his rule of “Never Waste a Catastrophe!”, Bart offers a roadmap for leaders at any stage of their journey. Key topics include: Working Smart and Hard: Bart emphasizes the power of combining effort with intelligence, a mindset that drives both efficiency and impactful outcomes. Expect Obstacles and Manage the Hype Cycle: Bart discusses the importance of embracing setbacks and evaluating the hype around emerging technologies carefully to ensure long-term success. Action Over Analysis: For Bart, forward progress takes priority. He shares how focusing on action and adaptability has enabled him to turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Data-Driven Decisions and Resilience: Learn how Bart makes critical decisions by balancing data insights with a resilient mindset, ensuring his teams are prepared to adapt quickly and strategically. If you’re looking for real-world advice on tackling tech challenges, building a resilient career, and leading with a strategic vision, Bart’s insights are invaluable. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Bart Murphy’s principles for achieving success, even in the most complex environments.

Episode 5: Leadership, Technology, and the Pursuit of Progress with Murali Sundararajan In this episode of Silicon Heartland Sessions, we are joined by Murali Sundararajan, EVP and CIO of Victoria’s Secret. Murali shares his journey from aspiring lawyer in India to leading IT for a global brand. Known for his logical mindset and commitment to lifelong learning, Murali opens up about the pivotal moments, mentors, and values that have shaped his career. In this episode, Murali dives into: Building Relationships and Leading with Empathy: Murali emphasizes the importance of building relationships when you don’t need them and shares insights into fostering trust and influence as a leader. Progress Over Perfection: He explains his “progress vs. perfection” philosophy, especially in the realm of data and AI, where constant change requires agility over static ideals. Embracing Change and the Future of AI: Murali highlights how AI and data are transforming industries and personal roles alike, sharing his thoughts on navigating these shifts with resilience and optimism. Murali’s story is a powerful reminder to stay adaptable, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. Whether you’re an IT professional, a leader, or simply passionate about growth, this episode offers actionable wisdom and insights into achieving long-term success. 🎧 Listen now to learn from Murali’s incredible journey and his views on the evolving intersection of leadership and technology.