234. 2024 Reflections: Are You the CEO Your Career Deserves?
Release Date: 12/25/2024
251: Lessons from the Dot-Com era for today's AI Hype
techfornontechies's podcast
Is today's AI hype cycle just dot-com boom 2.0? In this episode, host Sophia Matveeva talks with David G. Ewing, who lived through the original tech bubble (literally in a closet in Palo Alto!) about the striking parallels between then and now. Listen to learn lessons from dot-com history to navigate today's AI boom. Listen to learn: Why the "more things change, the more they stay the same" when it comes to tech hype cycles The surprising success factor that determined which dot-com companies survived (and what it means for AI) A powerful career strategy that helps you...
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250. Less Tech, More Value: Why Simpler Digital Products Win
techfornontechies's podcast
The more technology you put into your product, the worse it can get. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva talks with Zahra Almahoozi, founder of DARB and recent graduate of the Tech for Non-Technical Founders program in Bahrain. Discover how Zahra's "less is more" approach helped her build a startup that addresses real user needs without overwhelming them with features. This episode is for you if you: Are building a digital product and wondering what to include Want to create something users will actually adopt (instead of ignore) Are looking to validate your concept with minimal investment ...
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249. AI ROI: 7 Insights from the Economist Business Innovation Summit
techfornontechies's podcast
Some companies waste millions on AI initiatives while others use it to gain serious market advantage. In this episode, you'll learn the seven insights Sophia Matveeva, our CEO, got from The Economist's Business Innovation Summit and what they mean for your AI strategy. This episode is for you if you: Are a leader considering AI investments but want to avoid chasing vanity metrics Need to justify AI projects to your CFO or board with realistic ROI expectations (!!!) Want to address "shadow IT" - when employees use unauthorised AI tools with company data Are responsible for...
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248. Q&A Episode: How to Keep Tech Teams On Track Without Micromanaging
techfornontechies's podcast
Here are the listener questions Sophia Matveeva answers in this episode: What should I be asking in product meetings if I don’t have a technical background? I’m leading a digital transformation initiative, but my tech team keeps telling me things take longer than expected. Should I push back? How? How do I know if I need a technical co-founder, or if I can build my product with an agency or no-code tools? Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE download: YouTube: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Navigating Product Meetings Without Technical...
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247. Million-Dollar Misunderstandings: How to Fix Tech-Business Disconnect
techfornontechies's podcast
Companies invest millions in tech projects every day. Some deliver remarkable returns while others crash and burn, wasting fortunes and careers. The deciding factor? Rarely the technology itself—it's the disconnect between technical implementation and business objectives. In this episode, you'll learn a proven system for bridging this expensive gap. You will see how to diagnose misalignment, quantify its impact, and implement frameworks that create genuine understanding between technical and business teams. You'll get lessons you can use at work today. This episode is for you...
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246. 5 Types of Innovation Leaders: From Nonsense to C-Suite
techfornontechies's podcast
Some "Heads of Innovation" are glorified event planners while others transform entire businesses. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify which type of innovation leader you're dealing with and what that means for your career or business. This episode is for you if you: Want to pursue a career in corporate innovation Are a founder pitching to corporate innovation departments Are an executive designing innovation roles for your company Need to collaborate with innovation teams but aren't sure of their actual authority Are an investor evaluating a company's innovation claims You'll learn...
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245. What To Do If Your Start-up Fails
techfornontechies's podcast
Start-up failure is never pleasant, but did you know you can actually make more money and be more successful as a result? In this candid, no-nonsense episode, you'll learn exactly what to do when your venture doesn't make it. This episode is for you if you: Run a company Are thinking of starting one Are thinking of joining one Are in the midst of a startup struggle and considering options Are working at a startup and worried about its trajectory You'll learn why panic is unnecessary, how your startup experience makes you uniquely qualified for lucrative jobs, and why...
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244. The Non-Techie's Path to VC
techfornontechies's podcast
If you're a non-technical founder or corporate innovator, you've likely heard the myth: venture capital is exclusively for bankers or coders. shatters this misconception completely. In this episode, Promise shares how she used her experience as a non-technical founder to become a successful venture capitalist - without writing a single line of code or spending years in investment banking. Listen to learn: Why business acumen and customer understanding are more valuable than technical skills How "product CEOs" often have advantages over purely technical founders Practical paths into...
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243. How to Work with Developers: A Guide for Non-Technical Leaders
techfornontechies's podcast
If you're a non-technical founder or leader, you might find developers frustrating to work with. (They also think the same thing about you) Developers resist quick changes, seem annoyed by status meetings, and always want the most expensive equipment. That's not because they are prima donnas. This episode will explain why developers work so differently from other professionals, and show you how to create communication systems that work for both business and technical teams. Listen to learn: Why a "5-minute change" actually costs 2 hours of developer time The hidden costs of cheap...
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242. Big Tech vs Little Tech: What Non-Technical Leaders Need to Know
techfornontechies's podcast
What’s good for Big Tech isn’t always good for Little Tech, and vice versa. In this episode, we’re breaking down the key differences between these two worlds and what they mean for you. Listen to learn: Which Big Tech lessons don't apply in Little Tech and vice versa. The unique advantages (and pitfalls) of working in Big Tech vs Little Tech. How to position yourself (or your company) for success in either world. What the future holds for Big Tech, Little Tech, and the leaders who bridge the gap. Whether you're planning your next career move, building a business or...
info_outlineDo you think year-end reviews are just about listing what you did?
Think again.
In this episode, you'll learn how to assess your year like a CEO - because whether you're a founder, innovator or investor, you're running the company of YOU.
Most people focus on activities - meetings attended, features shipped, deals analysed. But real leaders focus on impact and power dynamics.
Listen to this episode to learn:
- How to evaluate what you actually transformed in 2024
- Why being busy with innovation initiatives isn't the same as real change
- How to tell if you're hiding in product development instead of facing the market
- How to shift power dynamics in your favour
- Why your team is bigger than you think (even if you work alone)
Part 1 of a special 2-part series on becoming the CEO your career deserves.
Resource mentioned in this episode:
- Tech for Non-Techies: 221. How Paypal innovates
For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/2024-reflections-are-you-the-ceo-your-career-deserves
Timestamps
01:58 Reflecting on the Year as the CEO of Your Life
04:20 Question 1: What Have You Transformed This Year?
06:42 Founders: Did You Focus on Customer Traction or Product Development?
09:09 Question 2: Have You Used AI to Solve Real Problems?
11:30 Question 3: Have You Shifted the Power Dynamic in Your Favour?
13:51 Question 4: Who Was on Your Team This Year?
16:00 Recap of the Four Questions
FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life)
by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago
Growth Through Innovation
If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here.
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