Tech For Non-Techies podcast

#Business #Sophia Matveeva #Bigtech #Entrepreneurship #Enty #Investors #Productmanagement #Sophiamatveeva #Techfornontechies #Technology #Technologybusiness #Technologysector #Tfnt #Accelerator #MBA #Careers #Tech #Startup #Founders

32:48

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is back for its second season! Kay Adams welcomes the women who assemble the squad, Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of putting together the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Judy and Kelli open up about what it means to embrace flaws in the pursuit of perfection, how they identify that winning combo of stamina and wow factor, and what it’s like to see Thunderstruck go viral. Plus, the duo shares their hopes for the future of DCC beyond the field. Netflix Sports Club Podcast Correspondent Dani Klupenger also stops by to discuss the NBA Finals, basketball’s biggest moments with Michael Jordan and LeBron, and Kevin Durant’s international dominance. Dani and Kay detail the rise of Coco Gauff’s greatness and the most exciting storylines heading into Wimbledon. We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/NetflixSportsClub Find more from the Netflix Sports Club Podcast @NetflixSports on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. You can catch Kay Adams @heykayadams and Dani Klupenger @daniklup on IG and X. Be sure to follow Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammel @kellifinglass and @dcc_judy on IG. Hosted by Kay Adams, the Netflix Sports Club Podcast is an all-access deep dive into the Netflix Sports universe! Each episode, Adams will speak with athletes, coaches, and a rotating cycle of familiar sports correspondents to talk about a recently released Netflix Sports series. The podcast will feature hot takes, deep analysis, games, and intimate conversations. Be sure to watch, listen, and subscribe to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Tudum, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes on Fridays every other week.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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Tech for Non-Techies helps Business Leaders have great careers in the Digital Age, with episodes on innovation, digital transformation, start-ups and how technology is changing business. Learn tech concepts, apply them to business strategy, and get practical advice on how to succeed as a Digital Leader today. Learn how to work with tech clients, transition career, succeed in digital transformation and start a company as a non-technical founder. Tech for Non-Techies is for: - Leaders in corporates going through digital transformation - Non-technical founders - Professionals who want to transition into a career in tech - Tech investors Hosted by tech entrepreneur, executive coach and Chicago Booth MBA Sophia Matveeva.

260 епізодів

Tech for Non-Techies

updated 6 днів тому

Поширити

Головна серій•Feed

260 епізодів

Alla avsnitt

Tech for Non-Techies

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How non-techies succeed in tech: lessons from Microsoft’s CTO 38:23

6 днів тому38:23

38:23

What does it really take to lead in tech without a technical degree? In this episode, Jennifer Byrne, former CTO of Microsoft US, shares how she built a top-tier tech career starting with a psychology degree — and why understanding context , not code, is your key to success. You’ll learn: How Jennifer transitioned from nonprofit work to tech leadership The difference between digital fluency and context (and why it matters) What cloud computing really is — minus the jargon How Microsoft handled global trust issues post-Snowden What CTOs actually do at big companies (hint: it’s not coding) Whether you’re a founder, investor, or business leader, this episode will help you think more strategically about tech — and your role in it. Chapters 00:00 – Why this episode still matters 02:30 – Jennifer’s path from psychology to tech 08:55 – Cybersecurity and the WikiLeaks era 14:40 – What cloud computing really is 25:25 – Digital context vs. fluency explained 35:45 – What a CTO actually does in big tech Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/260-how-non-techies-succeed-in-tech-lessons-from-microsoft-s-cto…

Tech for Non-Techies

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259. Big tech, AI and the future of attention: what you missed in Cannes 14:29

14 днів тому14:29

14:29

Think advertising is just TikTok, Instagram, or TV? Think again. At Cannes Lions, a major industry summit, Big Tech set the agenda for what’s next in AI, branding, and attention. This is your insider's summary. In this episode, you will learn: How offline spaces are powering smart digital brands What AI personas are, and how to use them to test product and brand ideas faster (and cheaper) Why most agencies are missing half the audience — and what that means if you’re building a mass-market product If you’re building or marketing a tech product — whether you’re in a startup or a large org — this episode gives you a real-world edge, minus the fluff. Chapters FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/259-big-tech-ai-and-the-future-of-attention-what-you-missed-in-cannes…

Tech for Non-Techies

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258. Why you need a brand before you need an app 18:56

28 днів тому18:56

18:56

Most founders dive straight into building — features, user flows, no-code tools — before they’ve nailed the strategy that actually drives traction: brand. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares why brand must come before product, especially for non-technical founders building tech-enabled businesses. You’ll learn the four brand foundations every founder needs — whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one: Clarity — Who you serve and why you exist Story — What problem you solve and what’s at stake Trust Signals — How to build credibility before or beyond your user base Voice — How to speak to your market without jargon Sophia also shares examples from Uber, Goldman Sachs, and her own company, Tech for Non-Techies, which is trusted by governments and Fortune 500s to teach non-technical leaders how to succeed in the digital economy. If you want customers, talent, and investors to take your venture seriously — and you’re not building brand strategically — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 – Code vs Brand 01:11 – Logos Are Not Brands 02:37 – Why Trust Matters More Than Features 04:37 – Non-Technical Founders’ Common Mistake: Features Before Brand 09:38 – Investors Back Missions, Not Apps 11:40 – Think Like an Investor 12:30 – 4 Brand Foundations Before Product 18:13 – What’s Next: Cannes Lions Insights Episodes to help you build your personal brand: 170. Advisory Boards: why join them & why have them 146. How to get headhunted For the full transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/258-why-you-need-a-brand-before-you-need-an-app FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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257. Why bad work wins 14:32

5 weeks тому14:32

14:32

Analysis paralysis is BORING. And it doesn't get you results. Most founders think they fail because of the market, the product, or the pitch. But the real killer is a slow mindset. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shows you why bad work beats perfect ideas — and how shifting your mindset can be the difference between building real momentum and watching your venture die. You will learn: Why perfectionism feels smart but keeps you stuck How no-code tools tempt you to tinker instead of launch Why top founders move fast and embrace imperfection How to build momentum before you’re ready — with real-world examples and a challenge for you to do today Chapters 00:00 The Mindset Shift for Non-Technical Founders 03:07 The Importance of Speed Over Perfection 05:53 Accepting Imperfection in Innovation 09:02 Consequences of a Slow Mindset 11:47 Taking Action Before You're Ready FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/257-why-bad-work-wins…

Tech for Non-Techies

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256. Top mistakes non-technical founders make & how to avoid them 25:38

6 weeks тому25:38

25:38

If you’re building a tech product but don’t have a technical background, this episode will save you months of wasted time and thousands in unnecessary spend. In this re-release of one of our most popular early episodes, Tech for Non-Techies founder Sophia Matveeva shares the 5 biggest mistakes non-technical founders make — and how to avoid them. Whether you’re a founder, a corporate innovator, or leading a new digital venture, these lessons will help you lead product teams effectively and build better tech businesses. You will learn: Why hiring a developer first is a mistake — and who to bring in instead The crucial difference between product metrics and business metrics (and how to use both wisely) How Facebook and WhatsApp built great products by focusing on engagement before monetisation What non-technical leaders must know about giving clear, measurable instructions to product teams What success looks like in the early stages — and why early growth shouldn’t be the goal Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Non-Technical Founders' Challenges 02:26 The Importance of User Experience Design 10:36 Understanding Product vs. Business Metrics 16:21 Setting Clear Goals for Product Teams 20:13 Embracing Flexibility in Product Development 24:32 The Journey of Product Improvement Over Growth FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. Listen to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora For the episode transcript, go here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/256-top-mistakes-non-technical-founders-make-how-to-avoid-them…

Tech for Non-Techies

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255. What Most Startup Support Gets Wrong — and How to Fix It 35:26

7 weeks тому35:26

35:26

From accelerators to corporate venture capital, most startup support structures fail to deliver. Investor and entrepreneur Andrew Ackerman explains why — and what founders and corporates should do instead. With over 70 investments and hundreds of founders mentored, Andrew brings rare perspective from both sides of the table. Andrew is a serial entrepreneur who has founded two companies, led an accelerator, and now advises startups, VCs and corporates. He’s also the author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey — a novel-style guide to what startup life really feels like. You will learn: Why most accelerators fail: Discover how many support programs offer flashy promises without delivering tangible outcomes like revenue or pilot deals. Rethinking venture capital: Understand why fundraising is often pursued for validation rather than strategic fit — and why most startups don’t necessarily need VC money. Corporate innovation pitfalls: Learn how misaligned incentives and internal politics transform innovation programs into mere theatre rather than engines of growth. The value of tailored support: Find out how startups can benefit from support structures designed as platforms that evolve with their specific stage and needs. What to do instead: Get practical insights on structuring your support programs, whether you’re a founder, a corporate team, or an investor. Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of Tech Startups 02:43 Understanding Startup Support Systems 06:48 Challenges in Corporate Innovation 10:05 The Value of Accelerators 16:58 The Glamour of Fundraising 22:12 The Reality of Startup Life FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. --- For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/What-most-startup-support-gets-wrong-and-how-to-fix-It…

Tech for Non-Techies

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254. How to build a tech ecosystem that lasts 17:25

8 weeks тому17:25

17:25

What does it really take to build a tech ecosystem that endures — beyond PR launches and startup grants? In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares hard-won insights from working with governments, corporates, and investors on the frontlines of global digital transformation. Whether you’re funding innovation, designing policy, or building a product yourself, this is a must-listen. You’ll learn what most ecosystem builders overlook, why non-technical founders are a critical (and underutilised) asset, and how trusted advisors — from lawyers to auditors — can unintentionally become blockers to progress. Most importantly, you’ll hear how to fix it. You will learn: Why traditional approaches to building tech ecosystems often fall short The critical role of non-technical founders in sustainable innovation Why advisors, lawyers, and accountants can be innovation blockers — and what to do about it The underestimated influence of government in market creation Four key traits shared by enduring tech ecosystems Why Most Ecosystems Don’t Last Short-lived programs: Many government-funded accelerators or hubs launch with fanfare but dissolve within 2–5 years due to lack of traction or measurable ROI. Startup survival rates: Globally, over 90% of startups fail. If an ecosystem is judged by the success of its startups, the system often doesn’t perform well. Dependence on external funding: Many ecosystems are grant-reliant and don’t create self-sustaining capital or talent flywheels. No enduring institutions: Unlike Silicon Valley (Stanford, Sand Hill Road, Google), most ecosystems don’t produce lasting institutions that regenerate innovation cycles. Chapters 00:00 Building Sustainable Tech Ecosystems 10:13 The Role of Non-Technical Founders 16:54 The Importance of Tech Fluency If you’re shaping innovation strategy — let’s talk. Tech for Non-Techies works with governments, economic development agencies, and public–private partnerships to design innovation ecosystems that endure. Book a call here or email info@techfornontechies.co --- Listen to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/254-how-to-build-a-tech-ecosystem-that-lasts…

Tech for Non-Techies

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253. 4 Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter This Summer 16:12

9 weeks тому16:12

16:12

Want to become a better tech innovator while you sit on a beach? In this episode, Sophia Matveeva shares four podcast episodes you can learn from through osmosis —and enjoy every minute of it. You will learn: Why Netflix’s original CEO got fired by his co-founder—and what that says about startup leadership transitions The founder Warren Buffett said was more scary than a grisly bear How the New York Times nearly collapsed and reinvented itself in the Digital Age Why building a stellar career takes longer than you think—and why that’s okay These episodes aren’t just entertaining—they’re strategy lessons in disguise. Timestamps: 01:18 Podcast Recommendations for Tech Innovators 05:36 The Story of Rose Blumkin 08:57 The New York Times Company Case Study 12:47 The Long Game in Professional Development Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the episode transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/4-Podcasts-That-Will-Make-You-Smarter-This-Summer…

Tech for Non-Techies

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252. Go from Local Player to Global Tech Leader 18:47

10 weeks тому18:47

18:47

Phil Knight spotted better running shoes in Japan — and turned that insight into Nike, one of the world’s biggest brands. In this episode, you'll learn how thinking internationally sparks breakthrough ideas — and how to build a global edge into your career and business. This episode is for you if you: Want to lead innovation, not just follow trends Are building products or businesses with global ambition Know you need a global perspective but aren't sure where to start Timestamps 00:00 The essence of global leadership 06:07 Learning from Global Innovations 11:50 How to get an International Perspective 18:04 Action steps you can take now Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. To get the full transcript for this episode, go here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/-go-from-local-player-to-global-tech-leader…

Tech for Non-Techies

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251: Lessons from the Dot-Com era for today's AI Hype 35:20

11 weeks тому35:20

35:20

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 thrive amid tech disruption Why measuring AI's impact requires looking beyond traditional ROI metrics For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/251-lessons-from-the-dot-com-era-for-today-s-ai-hype Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Wild West of Tech: Lessons from the Dot-Com Era 10:02 Navigating the AI Hype 19:53 Building Infrastructure for Success in AI 29:45 The Hydra vs. Phoenix Analogy About Our Guest David G. Ewing is the founder of Content Lion, a next-generation AI centralisation and enterprise content management system. He brings decades of technology experience and a pragmatic approach to digital transformation. Resources Mentioned David's blog: davidgewing.com David's podcast: Content Kingdom David's company: contentlion.com Book recommendation: " What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars " For thinking about risk and Black Swan events: Nassim Taleb's " The Black Swan " Connect with Tech for Non-Techies Visit techfornontechies.co to learn more about our courses, community, and resources designed specifically for non-technical founders, corporate innovators, and professionals navigating the digital world. For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know…

Tech for Non-Techies

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250. Less Tech, More Value: Why Simpler Digital Products Win 18:23

12 weeks тому18:23

18:23

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 You will learn: Why starting with WhatsApp groups or Google Forms can be more effective than complex technology The three things every non-technical innovator must know to communicate effectively with developers How documenting requirements can save you thousands in development costs You can connect with Zahra Almahoozi on LinkedIn or follow Darb on Instagram Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:10 The Journey of a Non-Technical Founder 06:01 Lessons from the Tech for Non-Technical Founders Program 08:54 Understanding User Behavior 11:48 The Value of Networking in Tech 15:09 Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs 17:04 Future Plans For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/250-less-tech-more-value-why-simpler-digital-products-win For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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249. AI ROI: 7 Insights from the Economist Business Innovation Summit 16:45

13 weeks тому16:45

16:45

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 upskilling your team in the age of AI For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/249-ai-hype-vs-reality-what-smart-business-leaders-are-actually-doing Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to AI and Market Dynamics 03:11 Key Insights from the Economist Business Innovation Summit 05:58 The Importance of Speed in AI Implementation 08:51 Understanding Shadow IT and Its Implications 12:12 The Role of Boards in AI Adoption 14:58 Training and Upskilling for the AI Age 16:24 The Impact of DeepSeek on Global Innovation For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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248. Q&A Episode: How to Keep Tech Teams On Track Without Micromanaging 15:28

14 weeks тому15:28

15:28

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: Anonymous Survey on the Tech–Business Divide YouTube: How to Work with Developers: A Guide for Non-Technical Leaders Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Navigating Product Meetings Without Technical Background 06:15 Managing Digital Transformation Timelines 10:56 Technical Co-Founder or Agency? For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/248-q-a-episode-how-to-keep-tech-teams-on-track-without-micromanaging For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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247. Million-Dollar Misunderstandings: How to Fix Tech-Business Disconnect 21:58

15 weeks тому21:58

21:58

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 if you: Want make sure you get the best ROI on your tech innovation projects Need to become the translator who can align technical realities with business goals Work in tech and are tired of business stakeholders changing requirements every week For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/247-million-dollar-misunderstandings-how-to-fix-tech-business-disconnect Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Digital Transformation Failures 02:50 Tech and Business Misalignment 06:09 Diagnosing the Disconnect 09:03 Importance of Communication 11:59 Creating a Collaborative Culture 15:11 Taking Action on Survey Results Resources mentioned in this episode: Harvard Business Review: Coding Isn’t a Necessary Leadership Skill — But Digital Literacy Is FREE download: Anonymous Survey on the Tech–Business Divide For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

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246. 5 Types of Innovation Leaders: From Nonsense to C-Suite 22:26

16 weeks тому22:26