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Innovate, Disrupt, or Die!

Innovate, Disrupt, or Die!

Written by: Danny Nathan
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About this listen

Featuring guests from across the innovation ecosystem, the podcast extends our already unique perspective into a more conversational space. Episodes delve into the realities of today’s innovation landscape, seeking out insights, tales, and tips from the folks who are deep in the trenches. We host conversations with startup founders, corporate innovators, and venture builders about: • What does innovation mean to you? • How have you seen orgs structure (or strangle) innovation teams¥ • Dealing with the clash between corporate scale and startup speed • How to spot disruption before it hits • Does tech = innovation. (We have opinions...)2025, Apollo 21 LLC Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Innovate, Disrupt, or Die | How Neil Goodrich Went from PI to CIO
    Jan 15 2026

    Summary
    In this episode, Neil Goodrich shares his unique journey from a private investigator to an innovator in the technology space. He discusses the importance of product design, the role of innovation within IT, and how to foster a culture that encourages ideas from all levels of the organization. Neil also explores the impact of AI on innovation and the future of technology in his field, emphasizing the need for strategic evaluation of ideas and the importance of creating a supportive environment for innovation.

    Takeaways

    • Neil's background as a private investigator shaped his problem-solving skills.
    • Innovation often comes from understanding user needs and creating solutions.
    • Building a culture of innovation requires intentional team selection and environment.
    • Encouraging ideas from all levels leads to a more engaged workforce.
    • AI has potential but must be approached cautiously in high-stakes environments.
    • The role of IT is evolving to include innovation and value creation.
    • Establishing credibility in innovation takes time and effort.
    • Successful product design focuses on making users' jobs easier.
    • Retention of talent is linked to the tools and environment provided.
    • Innovation is a continuous process that requires adaptation and openness.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Neil Goodrich and His Journey
    • 02:53 From Investigation to Innovation: A Unique Path
    • 05:17 Product Design and User-Centric Innovation
    • 06:33 The Role of Innovation in IT
    • 08:11 Establishing a Culture of Innovation
    • 10:40 Fostering a Collaborative Environment
    • 13:13 Encouraging Creative Problem Solving
    • 15:24 The Impact of Diverse Backgrounds on Innovation
    • 17:32 Conclusion and Future Outlook
    • 19:22 Fostering a Culture of Openness
    • 19:54 Evaluating Ideas and Prioritization Frameworks
    • 22:07 The Role of AI in the Insurance Industry
    • 26:36 Enhancing Work Life for Engineers
    • 30:23 Building a Culture of Innovation
    • 31:40 The Evolution of Innovation in Business


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    36 mins
  • Innovate, Disrupt, or Die | How One Man Changed the Face of Healthcare Innovation in S. America
    Dec 18 2025

    Summary
    In this episode, Danny Nathan interviews Ricardo Silva, who shares his extensive background in innovation, healthcare technology, and his journey from Venezuela to the US. Ricardo discusses his early career, including leading the national Y2K program, developing telemedicine solutions, and building smart hospitals. He emphasizes the importance of academic-industry partnerships and his work with the WHO on global health initiatives. Additionally, Ricardo reveals his passion for writing sci-fi novels, blending his technical expertise with creative storytelling.

    Takeaways

    • Ricardo's journey into innovation began with a pivotal elective in biomedical engineering.
    • He led the national Y2K program in Venezuela, showcasing his leadership in crisis management.
    • The development of telemedicine solutions was a significant step in healthcare innovation.
    • Building academic-industry partnerships is crucial for translating research into practical applications.
    • Ricardo's experience in Ecuador involved creating electronic medical records and health IT systems.
    • He emphasizes the importance of transparency in academic and industry collaborations.
    • Ricardo's work with the WHO focuses on empowering healthcare systems with digital tools.
    • His transition from academia to consulting allowed him to leverage his diverse experiences.
    • Writing sci-fi novels allows Ricardo to merge his technical knowledge with creative expression.
    • The importance of teamwork and collaboration in driving innovation is a recurring theme in Ricardo's career.


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Innovation and Background
    02:20 The Journey into Biomedical Engineering
    05:00 Y2K and the Birth of a Startup
    07:51 Expanding Scope: From Y2K to National Programs
    09:38 Innovations in Telemedicine and Smart Hospitals
    14:01 Transitioning to the U.S. and WHO Involvement
    17:26 Navigating Innovation in Academia and Government
    21:51 Building Startups from Academic Research
    26:26 Cultural Differences in Innovation
    31:43 The Sci-Fi Novelist: Merging Passion with Profession

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    37 mins
  • Innovate, Disrupt, or Die | How Wissem Maazoun is Using AI to Design the City of Tomorrow
    Dec 4 2025

    Summary
    In this episode, Danny Nathan interviews Wissem Maazoun, who shares his journey in innovation from academia to industry, focusing on the development of BusPas, a company revolutionizing smart mobility. Wissem discusses the importance of real-time data processing, privacy concerns, and building an ecosystem for smart cities. He emphasizes the need for collaboration with universities and fostering a culture of innovation within teams. The conversation highlights the future of smart cities and the role of technology in creating sustainable and efficient urban environments.

    Takeaways

    • Innovation starts at university and evolves into industry.
    • Connecting university innovation to industry is crucial.
    • Real-time data processing is essential for smart mobility.
    • Privacy concerns must be addressed in data collection.
    • Building an ecosystem is key for smart city development.
    • Collaboration with universities enhances innovation.
    • A culture of trust and accountability fosters creativity.
    • Innovation is a continuous process that requires resilience.
    • The future of smart cities relies on sustainable mobility solutions.
    • AI should be used for the good of humanity.


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Innovation and Background
    02:42 The Evolution of Data and AI in Innovation
    05:26 BassPass: Building Smart Cities
    07:39 Real-Time Data and Privacy Concerns
    09:39 The Technology Behind BassPass
    12:37 Creating an Ecosystem for Data Sharing
    13:37 Business Models and Partnerships
    16:47 Future Prospects and Installations
    21:02 The Journey of Innovation in AI Development
    23:18 Building Bridges with Universities for Innovation
    25:24 Collaborative Research: Merging Academia and Industry
    28:10 Envisioning the Smart City of Tomorrow
    31:17 AI's Role in Modern Society and Smart Cities
    31:50 Innovation as a Living Entity: Embracing Change
    34:28 Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Trust

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    38 mins
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