HockeyStick Show

Welcome to Episode 50 of The HockeyStick Show. I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and this week I sat down with Peter Farkas to dig into the messy reality of modern infrastructure, open source licensing, and what really happens when companies try to protect their products from hyperscalers.We walked through his recent LinkedIn post, the story behind it, the unintended consequences of “defensive licensing,” and what the future might look like for teams trying to build sustainable businesses on top of open source.Cloud Providers, Open Source, and the Licensing SqueezePeter started by explaining the background behind his post: why companies shift to restrictive licenses like SSPL, what they’re trying to defend against, and why it often snowballs into confusion for both users and vendors.He shared examples of how cloud providers respond, how this changes the economics of running a service, and why certain licensing decisions end up punishing the wrong people. The conversation unraveled into a broader point about how blurry the line has become between infrastructure, managed services, and full-blown products.Why “Open Source Alternatives” Aren’t Always What They SeemWe also talked about the wave of drop-in replacements and forks that appear every time a company tightens its license. Peter explained the real costs behind “just run it yourself,” the pressure it puts on engineering teams, and why some of these forks still depend heavily on the original maintainers.Underneath it all is a bigger question: who actually pays for the innovation that everyone wants to remain free?The Realities of Building a Business Around InfrastructurePeter broke down the challenges of turning infrastructure into a viable product: operational burden, attack surfaces, compatibility expectations, and the never-ending stream of breaking changes that users don’t see.The theme kept coming back to sustainability. What does fair monetization look like? How do you protect your company without alienating your community? And what options do founders realistically have when cloud giants can replicate their service within months?Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 49 of The HockeyStick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and this week I sat down with three platform leaders who’ve lived through the messy, unglamorous reality of building internal platforms that actually help teams ship better software: Ajay Chankramath, Sean Alvarez, and Nic Cheneweth.We unpacked what platforms really are, why they’re misunderstood, and how good platform work is far more human than technical.Platforms Aren’t Magic — They’re Just Good Engineering Done at ScaleAll three guests pointed out a simple truth: most companies don’t need fancy platform branding, they just need to fix the basics. Shared tooling, stable environments, repeatable patterns — the “boring stuff” is what creates real leverage.A platform isn’t a product you install. It’s a consistent way of working that reduces chaos and duplication.Lesson: A platform is not the shiny thing — it’s the reliable thing.Action: Identify one repeated pain your teams face and solve it once, centrally.Internal Customers Matter More Than Internal TechnologyA theme that came up repeatedly: platform work only succeeds when the platform team treats engineers as customers, not as people who should “just use what we built.”Ajay talked about how teams often skip discovery and jump straight into building. Sean emphasized empathy. Nic highlighted that many “platform failures” are really product failures — misaligned expectations, poor communication, and unclear value.Lesson: If no one is using your platform, it’s not a platform — it’s shelfware.Action: Before building anything new, interview five developers about what they actually need.Reduce Cognitive Load, Don’t Add to ItEvery engineer knows the pain of juggling too many deployment paths, tooling options, and config formats. A good platform reduces cognitive load by removing decisions that shouldn’t matter.This isn’t about limiting freedom. It’s about letting teams spend their energy on product, not plumbing.Lesson: The best platform decisions remove decisions.Action: Pick one workflow today that your team repeats and standardize it.Developer Experience Is a Business MetricNic made a point that stuck with me: no executive wakes up excited about “platform engineering.” They care about throughput, reliability, cost, and time-to-market. A platform only earns its place when it moves those numbers.You don’t justify platform work with architecture diagrams. You justify it by showing how much faster teams deliver because of it.Lesson: If you want executive support, speak the language of outcomes.Action: Track one metric affected by platform friction — and show the before and after.Platforms Fail When They Become Mandates Instead of ChoicesSean raised this repeatedly: forcing a platform onto teams rarely works. The healthiest platforms are opt-in, because they’re useful enough that teams choose them.Mandates hide problems. Adoption exposes them.Lesson: If you have to force adoption, the real issue isn’t adoption — it’s value.Action: Ask a team why they didn’t choose your platform. Their answer is your roadmap.Culture Makes or Breaks the PlatformAjay described how teams often treat platform issues as technical problems, when they’re usually cultural ones: trust, communication, ownership, and the willingness to collaborate across team boundaries.The best platforms grow in environments where experimentation is allowed, feedback loops are short, and teams feel safe saying “this isn’t working.”Lesson: A platform is a cultural artifact as much as a technical one.Action: Start including platform updates in your engineering ceremonies — make it part of the conversation, not an afterthought.A final thought from meThis conversation reminded me that platforms aren’t about abstraction layers or golden paths or YAML templates. They’re about helping people do their best work without tripping over the infrastructure underneath them.If you take one thing from this episode: treat platform engineering as a service, not a structure. Talk to your teams, fix the pain that matters, and keep the human side front and center.Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 48 of The Hockey Stick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK and a leading voice in open technology, open source, and policy. Amanda’s experience spans law, tech, and community-building, and we dove deep into the realities of open source, AI, and what it means to build a collaborative ecosystem.1. Focus on People, Not Just CompaniesAmanda emphasized that OpenUK is about bringing together people from all backgrounds, not just companies. The UK’s open source community is diverse and global, and real progress comes from connecting individuals, not just organizations.Lesson: Community is built on people, not brands.Action: Reach out to someone in your field you haven’t met yet—collaboration starts with a conversation.2. Openness in AI Is Complicated, but CriticalWe discussed the difference between “open source” and “open innovation,” especially in the context of AI models like Meta’s Llama. Amanda explained that true openness means anyone can use and share code freely, but many new licenses add friction.Lesson: Don’t take “open” at face value—read the fine print.Action: Next time you use an “open” tool, check the license and see what you’re really allowed to do.3. The UK’s Role in Open Source Is Bigger Than You ThinkAmanda shared that the UK leads Europe in open source contributors, but most projects are small and globally connected. The focus isn’t on “UK projects,” but on people who choose to live and work here.Lesson: Impact isn’t about ownership—it’s about contribution.Action: Contribute to a global project, even if it’s just a small fix or a comment.4. Funding and Culture Shape InnovationWe talked about why so many open source companies and talent move to the US: better funding terms, risk-taking culture, and strong local networks. The UK and Europe have the talent, but need to foster environments that reward experimentation and accept failure.Lesson: Innovation thrives where risk is embraced.Action: Try something new in your work—even if it might fail, you’ll learn more than by playing it safe.5. The Future of AI and Openness Is GlobalAmanda’s final message: the future of AI and open tech isn’t just about national interests or big companies—it’s about global collaboration, access, and making sure everyone can benefit from new technology.Lesson: The best solutions come from working together across borders.Action: Share your knowledge and support open access, wherever you are.A final Thought from meTalking with Amanda was a reminder that technology is about people, policy, and the choices we make together. If you take one thing from this episode: be open, stay curious, and connect with your community.Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 47 of The Hockey Stick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the chance to chat with Mark Liu about AI, creativity, and how to think about the future of technology. Mark has worked on some really cool projects, and we went deep into both the technical and personal lessons.1. Understand the Basics Before Chasing the HypeMark explained diffusion models in a super simple way. Imagine starting with a noisy picture and slowly cleaning it up until it looks like your idea — like “a dog walks on the beach.” That’s how modern AI image generation works.Lesson: Don’t just follow the buzzwords. Pick one idea, break it into small parts, and understand it step-by-step.Action: Next time you hear about a new tech trend, try to explain it to a friend in one sentence. If you can’t, you don’t understand it yet.2. New Tech is Cool, But It’s Messy at FirstWe talked about video generation models like OpenAI’s Sora. They’re powerful, but they still make weird mistakes. The tech will get better, but it’s not “magic” yet.Lesson: Don’t expect perfection from new tools. Early versions always have flaws.Action: Experiment with new tools, but keep backups and don’t bet your whole project on them.3. Writing a Book or Building a Project Takes ClarityMark shared how writing his book forced him to clarify his ideas. You can’t just write for yourself — you have to make it easy for others to understand.Lesson: Teaching something is one of the best ways to truly understand it.Action: If you’re learning something new, write a blog post or record a short video explaining it.4. Don’t Be Afraid to Start SmallWe both agreed that starting is often the hardest part. Many people wait until they feel “ready,” but that day never comes.Lesson: Progress beats perfection.Action: Break your goal into the smallest possible next step and do it today — even if it’s just 15 minutes of work.5. Your Network is Part of Your SkillsetMark’s opportunities often came from people he’d met through side projects, talks, and collaborations.Lesson: Skills matter, but so do connections.Action: Share your work in public, even if it’s not perfect. You never know who’s watching.Final Thought from MeTalking with Mark reminded me that the future of AI (and any tech) isn’t just about algorithms — it’s about people who are willing to explore, make mistakes, and share what they learn.If you take one thing from this episode: be curious, start small, and share your work.Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 46 of The Hockey Stick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the chance to chat with Dan Cleary, co-founder of PromptHub. We dove deep into the world of prompt engineering — what it is, why it matters, and how it’s evolving alongside rapid advancements in AI.Understanding the Rise of Prompt EngineeringDan explained how PromptHub emerged from real challenges building LLM-powered features into traditional software. Versioning, collaboration, and the non-deterministic nature of LLMs highlighted the need for a dedicated, GitHub-like platform for prompts.Prompt engineering, it turns out, isn’t just a trend — it’s about treating prompts like first-class citizens in software development.Why PromptHub, Not GitHub for Prompts?Dan shared why GitHub alone doesn’t cut it for managing prompts:* Different update cycles: Prompts evolve faster than code.* Non-technical collaboration: PMs and domain experts need to iterate on prompts without touching code.* Testing & deployment: PromptHub includes tools tailored for LLM workflows, like testing prompts across models and environments.Prompt Engineering as a Core SkillWe explored the evolution of prompting — from copy-paste templates to a nuanced skill essential in production applications. Dan emphasized:* Practicing prompting improves your model intuition.* Strong prompts are crucial in LLM-integrated products.* Prompt engineering may not be a standalone role forever — but it will remain a vital skill for PMs, engineers, and AI builders.The Myth of the Jobless AI FutureDan addressed fears about AI replacing jobs:“If engineering becomes 10x easier, we won’t have 1/10th of the engineers — we’ll have 10x more code.”AI will empower smaller teams to achieve more, not eliminate human roles. The key? Learn the tools, become harder to replace.Prompting Today: Still a Bit of MagicFrom politeness in prompts to chain-of-thought breakthroughs, we’re still learning what works. Some "tricks" are fading, but clear, structured prompting remains core. As models evolve (like GPT-4.1 and Claude 3), prompt style must adapt too — and companies now publish official guidance on model-specific prompting.What Makes Prompt Engineering HardDan broke down what still makes this challenging:* Translating tacit knowledge into text* Handling subtle context in real-world scenarios* Designing reusable, portable prompts across modelsEven with smarter models, clear instructions remain an art — and a differentiator in production LLM apps.Looking Ahead: What’s Next for PromptingWe discussed where the space is going:* Formalization of tooling (like PromptHub, MCP protocols)* Agents, reasoning, long-term planning* Voice interfaces as a rising trend* More companies building prompt ops and infra stacksPrompt engineering is here to stay — but it’s becoming more sophisticated and integrated.Getting Started with Prompt EngineeringDan’s advice for beginners:* Use models a lot. Prompting improves with practice.* Test across models. Understand how they interpret inputs.* Explore community prompts. Learn by forking and tweaking.* Read the PromptHub blog for deep dives and practical guidance.Live in London: The First In-Person Prompt Engineering EventDan and I are excited to co-host the first in-person promptengineering.rocks Conference on October 16 2025 in London — following the success of the virtual event in 2023. Stay tuned for more details!Thanks for tuning in!You can connect with Dan on PromptHub.us and follow the latest prompt engineering discussions on their blog and community platform. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 45 of The Hockey Stick Show! I’m Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the chance to chat with Rob Charlwood, Principal Site Reliability Engineer at Cazoo. We explored the world of chaos engineering — what it is, how to get started, and why it’s essential for building resilient systems.Demystifying Chaos EngineeringRob broke down what chaos engineering really means: intentional, controlled experiments designed to reveal weaknesses in systems before they cause real problems. We discussed how chaos engineering isn’t about breaking things for fun, but about building confidence in how systems behave under stress.From Incident Response to Proactive ResilienceRob shared how his background in incident response and SRE shaped his passion for chaos engineering. Instead of waiting for outages, he advocates for proactive discovery of failure points through thoughtful experimentation — turning chaos into a tool for continuous learning.How to Start with Chaos EngineeringFor teams looking to adopt chaos engineering, Rob’s advice is to start small and safe:* Begin with game days or small-scale failure injections.* Focus on learning and sharing results to build a culture of resilience.* Leverage open-source tools (like Chaos Mesh or Gremlin) that help lower the barrier to entry.Balancing Risk and SafetyWe talked about how to design experiments responsibly, especially in production environments. Rob emphasized:* The importance of defining clear hypotheses.* Building guardrails and abort mechanisms.* Communicating openly with stakeholders.The Human Side of Chaos EngineeringRob highlighted that chaos engineering is as much about people as technology. It’s about creating psychological safety so teams feel comfortable exploring failure scenarios — and ensuring blameless culture when things go wrong.Looking Ahead: The Future of Chaos EngineeringRob shared his thoughts on where the field is headed:* More automation and integration into CI/CD pipelines.* Greater focus on socio-technical systems, not just infrastructure.* Chaos engineering as a standard practice in modern reliability engineering.Final ThoughtsThis episode is packed with insights on how to make chaos engineering approachable and valuable — no matter your team size or maturity level. Rob’s journey shows how deliberate experimentation can turn potential disasters into opportunities for growth.You can connect with Rob on LinkedIn and find more resources about chaos engineering at cazoo.co.uk and chaosengineering.org.Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Hockey Stick Show! I'm your host, Miko Pawlikowski, and today I’m diving deep into the fascinating crossroads of cybersecurity and psychology with Craig Taylor — a 25-year veteran of the security world, founder of cybersecurity education company CyberHoot, and someone with a background in behavioral science.We explored what actually drives human behavior in cybersecurity, why most training fails, and how slot machines, shock collars, and America's Got Talent can all teach us something about protecting digital lives.Slot Machines and Cybersecurity: What’s the Connection?I kicked things off by asking Craig a fun but pointed question: what do slot machines have to do with cybersecurity?Turns out, quite a lot.Craig explained that slot machines use the most powerful behavioral reinforcement schedule known to psychology: intermittent rewards. It’s what makes them addictive — you never know which pull is going to win, so you keep going. Sound familiar? That principle is exactly how bad actors exploit human psychology with phishing emails and social engineering — there's always a small chance this one is real, or safe, or maybe even necessary to click.His point: If hackers are using behavioral science to attack people, shouldn’t we be using it to defend them?Rewards Work Better Than PunishmentOne of Craig's strongest arguments was that the security industry relies too heavily on punishment — think "three-strikes-and-you're-fired" for clicking phishing emails. But this is outdated and ineffective.Using real-world analogies (and a very vivid comparison involving shock collars and invisible fences), Craig broke down the differences between:* Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior so it sticks. Think certificates, recognition, or gamification.* Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant when the right action is taken — like your seatbelt dinging until you buckle up.* Punishment: Applying an unpleasant consequence after bad behavior — like zapping a dog every time it crosses a line.The best path forward? Use psychology to build habits, not fear. Like giving your employees treats (metaphorically speaking) instead of punishments.Why Psychology Belongs in CybersecurityCraig’s background in psychology isn’t just a cool origin story — it’s a competitive edge. He’s used those skills to lead security programs for Fortune 500 companies, framing secure behaviors in a way that makes teams want to comply — not because they were forced to, but because they were convinced it's their own idea.It’s not about “locking everything down” after a breach — it’s about getting involved early and collaboratively to prevent issues in the first place.What’s Actually Causing Breaches?You might imagine hackers furiously typing code like in the movies. But in reality?* #1 cause of breaches for the last 20 years: Phishing.* #2: Bad password hygiene.From AI-driven phishing attacks to nation-state actors lurking inside U.S. telecom networks, the threats are evolving — but most of them still rely on human error. That’s why education and behavior change are more important than ever.The Problem With Credit Monitoring (And the Better Alternative)We also talked about breach fatigue — the idea that everyone’s data has already been leaked at this point, so why care?Craig had a perfect analogy: credit monitoring is like living next to a fire station — it doesn’t stop your house from catching fire, it just means someone will be there after the damage is done.Instead, he recommends freezing your credit at all major (and lesser-known) bureaus to prevent identity theft in the first place. In his words: “Don’t monitor the fire — fireproof your house.”Cyber Literacy Is the FutureCraig coined a term I think we should all get behind: cyber literacy.It’s not just knowing how to use a computer — it’s understanding phishing, password security, MFA, and how social engineering works. Most schools and workplaces teach computer literacy, but not cyber literacy — and that’s the gap we need to close.Final ThoughtsThis episode left me thinking about how much we could improve security if we just… stopped punishing people and started teaching them. And more importantly, started rewarding them for doing the right things.Craig’s biggest takeaway? Security works better when it’s built on psychology and compassion.You can find more of Craig’s work at CyberHoot.com.Thanks for tuning in, and if you liked this conversation, share it with a friend — and maybe your company’s IT team. They’ll thank you later.Stay safe. Stay smart. And don’t click suspicious links.Until next time,—Miko This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 43 of The Hockey Stick Show! I'm Miko Pawlikowski, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of Sheets & Giggles. We talked about building a purpose-driven brand, the power of humor in business, and how to grow a company without taking yourself too seriously.Building a Brand That Doesn’t Take Itself Too SeriouslyColin shared the origin story of Sheets & Giggles, a sustainable bedding company that’s anything but boring. From a hilarious brand name to clever ad copy, Colin explained how humor has been a crucial part of the company’s identity from day one. But it’s not just about making people laugh—it’s about standing out in a crowded market with authenticity.Purpose and Profit Can CoexistWhat really stood out is how Colin built Sheets & Giggles around sustainability. Their eucalyptus lyocell sheets use 96% less water and produce significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional cotton. Colin believes that doing good doesn’t have to come at the expense of growth. In fact, it can be your growth engine.How to Build a Business with No Plan BColin’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience. He talked about the emotional rollercoaster of running a startup and why having “no plan B” pushed him to make Sheets & Giggles a success. His advice? Be uncomfortably honest with yourself, stay lean, and don’t be afraid to do things differently—even if people don’t get it at first.Insights for Aspiring FoundersGetting Started:Colin encourages would-be founders to stop waiting for perfect conditions. You don’t need a huge team or funding to start. He launched Sheets & Giggles with a crowdfunding campaign and a strong brand voice. The result? $284K in pre-orders in just 30 days.Raising Capital:When it comes to raising money, Colin emphasized building genuine relationships with investors and not being afraid to walk away if the fit isn’t right. He also touched on why being a profitable business shouldn’t be a revolutionary concept—and why chasing venture capital shouldn’t always be the end goal.Customer First, Always:A key part of their strategy is community engagement. From meme-filled newsletters to random acts of kindness, Sheets & Giggles is all about delighting customers in unexpected ways. Colin shared how this approach helped build a loyal fanbase and led to organic word-of-mouth growth.Leadership with Empathy and IntegrityAs a founder, Colin values empathy above all else. Whether it’s hiring, managing a team, or communicating with customers, he believes in treating people with respect. We talked about how this human-first approach shapes the culture at Sheets & Giggles and leads to better business outcomes.Final ThoughtsThis episode is packed with insights on how to run a company that’s fun, sustainable, and unapologetically different. Colin’s journey reminds us that you can be mission-driven and profitable, strategic and silly, serious about success without taking yourself too seriously.You can learn more about Sheets & Giggles at sheetsgiggles.com and follow Colin on LinkedIn and Twitter for more wisdom (and plenty of laughs).Thanks for tuning in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 42 of The Hockey Stick Show! I'm Miko Pawlikowski, and today, I'm excited to share my conversation with Jodi Barrett of KB Stronger. We talked about fitness, the myths surrounding it, and how to make exercise a consistent part of our lives without feeling overwhelmed.Debunking Fitness MythsI started our chat by asking Jodi about the common misconception that weightlifting makes women too muscular. Jodi, who is quite the expert in myth-busting, assured us that women fear gaining muscle too easily, but in reality, it takes significant time and effort to bulk up. So, ladies, if you lift weights, you're not going to turn into Arnold Schwarzenegger overnight!The Importance of MindsetJodi emphasized that mindset is key to fitness success. She shared how launching KB Stronger in 2023 was a turning point for her. The pandemic pushed her to move online, which she initially saw as a challenge but later realized was an opportunity to reach more people. Jodi's key takeaway: Look for the positive in every situation.Actionable Advice for Different Fitness LevelsWe discussed how to motivate different people based on their fitness levels:For Beginners: If you're unmotivated, start small. Place a kettlebell or a small weight near your desk. This keeps fitness on your mind. Try basic movements like a squat or swing just to get moving.For Intermediate Folk: If you're somewhat active but need more structure, consider joining a program. Stacking habits is essential. Start by moving a bit more and build your schedule from there.For the Fitness Enthusiasts: If you're already into fitness, continue challenging yourself. Yet, remember to not overcomplicate things. Simplicity can lead to sustained success.Staying CommittedOne of the toughest challenges is sticking with a routine. Jodi suggests creating habits and setting obtainable goals. Consistency is key, even if it means starting with just walking. Yes, simple walking. People often underestimate the benefits of a regular walk outdoors but it can significantly improve your health.Jodi's Advice for New ParentsNew parents might struggle with time and energy for fitness. Jodi's advice is to try smaller exercises and embrace the phases of life. A 10-minute workout can be just as valuable as an hour if that's what fits your lifestyle right now.The Power of Being Your Own CheerleaderJodi believes in being your own biggest cheerleader. Set small goals and celebrate your victories. It's all about learning to rely on yourself and maintaining the integrity of your word. You're responsible for showing up for you.Final ThoughtsFitness is more than just physical. It’s about mindset, consistency, and finding what works for you. Jodi's approach of keeping things simple and attainable is a testament to achieving sustainable fitness.If you're motivated to start or continue your fitness journey, remember to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. You can find Jodi at kbstronger.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Thanks for tuning in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

In Episode 41 of the Hockeystick Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anthony Eden, a seasoned veteran in the domain and DNS space, who shared his journey and provided invaluable insights into the industry. From his tales of moving his family to Hawaii to the intricate workings of the internet's backbone—the DNS system—Anthony offered both a deep dive into his personal story and practical knowledge for tech enthusiasts.From Surfboards to DNS—Anthony's Unique JourneyAnthony's story begins quite uniquely; he received an intriguing email on New Year's Eve from a software developer in Hawaii who needed his help. What followed was an adventurous move for his entire family, including his three-year-old triplets, to the islands. Anthony combined his passions for surfing and software as they tried to make things work in the Aloha State. This bold move is a testament to taking calculated risks in pursuit of fulfilling both personal and professional ambitions.Diving Into DNSMany might ask, with hundreds of top-level domain extensions available, why does .com still hold the crown? Anthony explains that the operational side of DNS is layered and complex, starting from the root servers to the top-level domain registries and then to the registrars. Knowing who pays the bills behind these critical infrastructures was another revelation; it's a multi-stakeholder effort involving companies, nonprofits, and governments globally, ensuring the resilience and stability of the internet.One actionable lesson here is understanding the significance of DNS. It's crucial for web operations, and there’s room for expertise in managing both operational and intellectual property aspects of domains.Bootstrapping Success—The DNSimple StoryListen to Anthony's experience of building DNsimple with his brother, starting from their operational focus, rather than just being a domain registrar. His commitment to keeping things simple has proven successful, illustrating a valuable lesson in niching down and mastering a specific area, rather than expanding too broadly without deep knowledge.For entrepreneurs, his story encourages creating a company that aligns with your values and lifestyle. Anthony valued time over money, and his business model reflects that, focusing on steady, organic growth without outside investment pressures.The Unseen Backbone - DNS’s Role in the InternetDNS, as Anthony discussed, is the cornerstone of the internet. He breaks down the roles of operational DNS and intellectual property, highlighting its misunderstood yet crucial place in the digital world. For technologists, understanding DNS's function as a protocol for converting domain names to IP addresses opens up opportunities to innovate and optimize web performance.Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs* Know Your Domain: Anthony's career began by immersing himself in the domain industry. Understanding your niche deeply allows you to carve out unique opportunities, just as DNsimple has done by focusing on both DNS operations and domain registrations.* Keep It Simple: By stripping away complexities and focusing on what truly matters, like DNsimple does with its DNS services, you can create a product that serves its core users well.* Seize Opportunities: Anthony didn’t plan on moving to Hawaii based on an email, but sometimes the riskier path can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Be open to opportunities that align with your skills and passions.* Build for Sustainability: Anthony’s emphasis on maintaining a sustainable and profitable company over hyper-growth is a key takeaway. It allows for a business model that supports both personal freedom and professional success.My conversation with Anthony Eden was eye-opening. It served as a reminder of the fundamental protocols that keep the internet running seamlessly and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to navigate and capitalize on opportunities within the tech space. Whether you're managing your own digital product or simply a tech enthusiast wanting to learn more about the internet’s infrastructure, the world of DNS is one worth exploring. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 40 of The Hockeystick Show! I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Hannes Lenke, CEO and co-founder of Checkly—a forward-thinking company bridging the gap in DevOps with innovative monitoring solutions. Hannes shared his journey from the spark of a side project to a full-fledged startup success. Here are some key takeaways from our insightful conversation.The Journey from Idea to Startup"If you're considering starting a venture, remember this: a startup is a long-term commitment," Hannes emphasizes. He began Checkly as a side project, which evolved into a thriving business when he noticed a market shift towards solutions for cross-functional DevOps teams. This significant transition wasn’t just a leap of faith; it was guided by observing early signals and a changing landscape in software development.Actionable Lesson 1: Test Before You LeapBefore diving headfirst into the whirlwind of a startup, Hannes advises, "Test the waters—verify your idea." He speaks to those budding entrepreneurs who hesitate, inspired by big success stories but unsure of their grounded potential. For Hannes, an early signal was witnessing users excited to pay even a small fee for his service. This is your cue that the market is interested, making it wise to invest your time and resources.Actionable Lesson 2: Patience and CommitmentSuccess does not happen overnight. "It's a marathon, not a sprint," Hannes shares. While tales of overnight success can be enticing, the reality is that most startups take years to mature and develop. It’s crucial to prepare for the long haul and maintain your enthusiasm and tenacity throughout the years of building and growing.Remote Culture: Challenges and AdvantagesWith a fully remote team, Hannes has navigated the pros and cons of this modern work setup. Being remote offers the advantage of tapping into a global talent pool without geographical constraints. However, effective communication becomes paramount.Actionable Lesson 3: Foster Transparency and CommunicationTransparency is key in managing a remote team. Hannes discusses using weekly stand-ups and leveraging tools like Slack and Notion for open channels of communication. He insists that essential decisions be well-documented and accessible to ensure alignment within the team. It might be digital, but ensuring your team feels connected and well-informed is invaluable.The Funding Landscape: A European PerspectiveHaving built and sold a startup prior, Hannes was mindful of the need for international-minded investors when establishing Checkly. This alignment aids in scaling businesses globally, opening doors to new markets, like the U.S., which offered a larger playground for growth despite its challenges.Actionable Lesson 4: Choose Investors WiselyHannes highlights the importance of selecting investors who embrace a global perspective. They should not only offer financial backing but also guide you toward expansion and sustainability internationally.Embrace and Enjoy the ChallengeAbove all, Hannes’s message is clear—enjoy what you do. As entrepreneurs, aligning your profession with your passion transforms challenges into thrilling opportunities. Startups demand dedication, yet they yield unparalleled satisfaction when you witness your vision helping the industry evolve.As I glean from my own experiences in tech, the journey of entrepreneurship is peppered with ‘wantrepreneurs’—those hovering on the brink of pursuing their ideas. The takeaway is simple: validate your idea, take the leap, and be prepared to weather the storm with a clear view of where you want to be.Thank you to Hannes Lenke for sharing his valuable insights on startup life, remote culture, and the intricacies of growth in the evolving tech landscape. Join us for more episodes on The Hockeystick Show as we continue to explore these critical conversations with industry leaders and innovators. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Hi everyone, welcome to Episode 39 of the Hockeystick Show. Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Will Kurt, a talented writer and AI expert. This conversation was a deep dive into the world of AI, writing, and creative expression. Let me share some key points and lessons from the episode.* 45% off A Damn Fine Stable Diffusion Book: HSSkurt2* Affiliate link: https://mng.bz/zZdXWriting to Learn and ShareWill started our chat by explaining why he writes books. For him, writing is a way to learn something really well and share it with others. He talked about how much energy and time go into writing a book, and how it helps him understand complex things. If you want to master a topic, try writing about it. It can really open up new ways of thinking.Discovering AI and ArtWe also talked about Will’s new book on stable diffusion, a tool used in generating art through AI. Will is very excited about how open-source AI allows anyone to create amazing things, not just tech experts. If you're curious about AI, don’t hesitate to jump in and explore. Experimenting can lead to wonderful and sometimes unexpected creations.The Power of CommunityA big part of our conversation was about community and how important it is in driving new ideas. Will believes the more diverse the community, the more creative the outcomes. He suggests not to overlook unconventional ideas, as they often lead to unique breakthroughs. Surround yourself with different thinkers and doers—it can be a big source of inspiration and development.Understanding AI ToolsWill broke down different AI tools like Stable Diffusion and Flux. He shared how open-source tools provide more flexibility and control over projects. It’s crucial to understand the tech you're using, he says. If you’re interested in AI, stay updated and keep learning about the latest tools and models available.Balancing AI in ArtLastly, we talked about AI in the art world. Will reminded us that while AI can boost creativity, it’s important to think about how it affects originality. Use AI to enhance your work, but always be mindful of how it shapes your art and creativity.Wrapping UpThis episode was filled with great insights from Will Kurt. Whether you’re someone who loves writing, tech, or art, there’s something here for you. Use writing as a way to really learn and share knowledge, join and learn from creative communities, and keep up with new tech advances. These steps can help you grow your understanding and make unique contributions in your field.Thanks for joining us on this journey. Keep exploring the exciting connections between creativity and technology. Stay curious and keep experimenting with new ideas and tools!00:00 Introduction: Why Write the Book?00:21 Exploring Stable Diffusion and Creative Uses01:02 Meet the Author: Will Kurt01:31 Sneak Peek: Upcoming Projects and Collaborations02:23 The Journey of Writing a Book04:22 Target Audience and Community Impact06:33 Challenges and Rewards of Being an Author14:24 The Role of AI in Content Creation19:39 The Future of AI and Creative Expression37:27 The Genius of GANs38:08 Evolution of Stable Diffusion40:49 Open Source vs Proprietary Models41:55 The Future of AI and Local Models43:18 Challenges in AI Research and Development46:19 The Role of LLMs in Software Engineering58:21 Vibes-Driven Development01:06:10 The Philosophical Implications of AI01:10:28 Conclusion and Contact Information This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

This time I had the pleasure of welcoming Eric Collett, CEO of A Mind for All Seasons. Our conversation shifted my perspective on brain health, making me rethink how we should approach productivity and overall mental wellness.Use promo code HOCKEY to try A Mind for All Seasons for 30 days free.Understanding the Brain as HardwareEric’s analogy of viewing the brain as hardware stuck with me and catalyzed an intense curiosity during our discussion. It was a reminder that no matter how much "software" or skills we try to load onto ourselves, if our "hardware" isn't functioning optimally, we’ll always hit a performance ceiling. Just like we upgrade our devices, it’s crucial to optimize our brain's functioning for better results in life and work.The Role of Inflammation and MitochondriaEric talked about the importance of calming inflammation and boosting energy production in our brains. He made an intriguing comparison to fire; just as fire can be beneficial or destructive, inflammation in the body can play a crucial role in health or hinder it, depending on its presence or absence of control.Eric highlighted the imbalance between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids in our diets, emphasizing how a significant portion of the Western world consumes far more omega 6, which can exacerbate inflammation. This imbalance parallels being better at starting fires rather than extinguishing them.Lessons LearnedOne of the key takeaways from this episode was understanding how modern life's lack of natural stressors can negatively impact our mitochondria and brain performance. Engaging in hormetic stressors, such as varying our environment through sunlight, temperature changes, or intermittent fasting, can stimulate mitochondria to improve our health.Another crucial insight was the emphasis on starting small and acknowledging that long-term habit formation is more effective when we focus on one change at a time. Implementing exercise "snacks" or small physical activities throughout the day can significantly boost cognitive performance.A Mind for All Seasons: Coaching for Better Brain HealthTowards the end of our conversation, Eric described the personalized, data-driven approach his company employs to enhance brain health. Whether through membership in their extensive educational platform or personalized coaching and assessments, A Mind for All Seasons supports individuals in achieving optimal brain function.Closing ThoughtsThis episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights for anyone looking to optimize their brain health, break through performance plateaus, and uncover a clearer path towards longevity and productivity. I invite you to listen to the episode and consider integrating some of these lessons into your own life for a better brain and brighter future. Remember, the journey to optimal health is just one small action taken consistently over time.Thank you for joining me in this exploration. If you want to dive deeper into these topics, check out A Mind for All Seasons for more resources. Let’s all strive to live better, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. Stay tuned for the next episode!00:00 Understanding Brain Hardware and Productivity00:33 The Importance of Omega 3s and Inflammation01:22 Introduction to Eric Collette01:56 Brain Health and Cognitive Optimization07:32 The Role of Mitochondria in Brain Function15:46 Inflammation and Brain Health27:57 Mitochondria and Energy Production Issues28:10 Fish Oil: Benefits and Potential Downsides29:47 Concerns About Fish Consumption30:49 Microplastics and Mercury in Fish34:19 The Importance of Energy Production in Cells40:59 Understanding Mitochondria and Cellular Health41:56 Hormesis: Stressors That Boost Mitochondria45:30 Exercise Snacking and Brain Training49:50 Implementing Healthy Habits53:31 A Mind For All Seasons: Membership and Coaching56:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Do you remember that amazing feeling of absolutely NAILING something REALLY hard?Overcoming some TREMENDOUS odds?Scientifically speaking, that’s dopamine, the “feel good chemical”.And this video is about a rather unusual way of getting HEAPS of it.And it’s 100% legal.参る SEKIRODon’t worry, today I won’t be sending you to jump into an ice cold bath.No, we'll be warm and cozy, and at the end of it you’ll have the perfect excuse for playing video games as a fully grown human.More specifically, one particular game called: Sekiro.But you can’t spell SEKIRO without DARK SOULS.So the whole story starts last year when my wife and I went to Japan for the first time.When we got back with more plushies than I’m ready to admit, some serious nostalgia kicked in.The next thing I know, I’m playing all my favourite childhood games on Switch.Life was good.But then this weird thing happened.I googled good games for Switch, and that one obscure title just kept coming up: Dark Souls.It’s hard to describe what playing Dark Souls is like.One one hand, the game clearly hates you. It doesn’t care if you die, and you will die a lot. There is no map, there are no reliable hints because the ones you find might be trolling you, and there is no “easy” difficulty setting for newcomers.Every inch of progress you make is through blood, sweat, trial and error. You’re literally always one false step away from death.Like seriously, one press of a button and YOU DIEOn the other hand, it also clearly wants you to keep trying, and it wants you to eventually overcome the difficulty and succeed. And when you do, you know you achieved something meaningful.The dopamine feels AMAZING. And you don’t need a medal, the achievement in itself is rewarding.That feeling is now synonymous with a small Japanese company called FROM SOFTWARE.FROM SOFTWAREDark Souls, and more broadly the Souls-like genre was created by a Japanese studio called From Software, under the lead of Hidetaka Miyazaki.The story starts in 2009 with the release of Demon’s Souls, a dark fantasy game trying to recreate a challenging gameplay that Miyazaki felt was dying out. Ironically, Miyazaki was only able to take this - let’s be honest - rather risk of trying something new, because the project he took over was already failing, and his career wouldn’t take a hit.When they released the demo, well… let’s just say it didn’t go so well. Some Japanese press called it “an unbelievably bad game”, mostly because of its unexpectedly challenging gameplay. Really, everyone expected it to flop, including Miyazaki himself.And that’s because the game wasn’t like the others.It wasn’t there to please you, or give you a nice time.It EXPECTED you to fail. Over and over again.And then it expected you to dust yourself off, learn a lesson, and try again, harder.When the actual game launched, the feedback was different.It turned out that gamers were a bunch of masochists and they FREAKING LOVED IT.It even got the 2009 Overall Game of the Year award, and its Metacritic score sits at 89/100 today.After Demon’s Souls, From Software released the Dark Souls trilogy (Dark Souls, BEEP & Dark Souls 3), Bloodborne, Sekiro and Elden Ring, all different takes on the same base recipe.As for myself, I love SEKIRO.SEKIROMy favourite of the genre, and probably my favourite game of all times is Sekiro.The game is set in the late Sengoku period of Japan, and you play as a shinobi (a japanese word for ninja).I don’t really want to spoil the plot, so I’m not gonna tell you anything about prosthetics, giant apes, even more giant snakes, lightning dragons, and a whole lot of katana fights.What I will tell you is why this game is a masterpiece: it’s perfectly balanced.Yes. It’s punishing. Gruelling sometimes. A split second delay usually costs you your life.You will throw the controller into the pillow pretty hard at times.And no, it doesn’t exactly give you a helping hand.But each time you die, you immediately learn what you did wrong. The game gives you just enough to have another thing to try at your next attempt.It demands that you learn its way, and unlike other games in the genre, there is no walkaround.If you want to finish the game, you have to become excellent at it.And you become excellent by practicing.You learn every opponent’s moves to anticipate and parry them just in time, within a few dozen milliseconds margin.Many fans describe that feeling when you finally start getting it right as “clicking”.The first few attempts, you are getting your ass handed to you.But then you finally “click”, and it’s the opponent who suddenly becomes prey.And the game wants you to play aggressively.There is this mechanic to break the enemies’ posture for an instant kill.Every time they attack, and you deliver a perfect parry, their posture bar takes a hit.And when it gets to zero, you can kill them regardless of how much health they have left.However, as soon as you stop attacking or parrying, their posture bar starts to recover.So perfect defence is also an offensive mechanism in Sekiro.And there is no time to waste.That’s why…HESITATION IS DEFEATGetting excellent at Sekiro takes anywhere between 20 and 100 hours of work for most people.The same as that last series you binge-watched 5 seasons of, except that your heart rate monitor will think you’re working out with this one.It’s a complete, miniature version of the mental training you need to achieve anything of value in life.Going to the gym. Building a business. Getting good at any sport. Losing weight.You can only really lose if you stop trying.But it goes deeper.If you want the game to respect you, you have to best it.You have to be able to handle everything it throws at you.You have to become the final boss.And when you do, your only reward will be satisfaction.SEKIRO IS ARTSekiro reminded me why games can be a form of art.Every CEO, CTO, startup founder, business owner, athlete, high level professional. Everyone should try Sekiro.It’s that perfect little sandbox for what struggling through a difficulty and eventually succeeding feels like.And it’s balanced perfectly.Everyone with a free weekend can start feeling the IMMENSE satisfaction from getting good at it.But it’s hard enough to make you sweat for it.Does it feel as good as learning a ridiculously hard musical piece on a violin?A violin made from a rare wood you had to cut down yourself in the heart of Siberai?A violin that you built yourself under the only remaining grand master of that obscure school no one knows about?Well, actually, I have no idea. Leave a comment if you know.Does it feel like microdosing dopamine to help you get better at other hard things in life?Hell yeah. And that’s why it’s a masterpiece. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

🚀 TL;DRSome Chinese nerd just beat OpenAI using old hardware and less than 0.1% of their yearly training budget, then proceeded to rub it in their face by releasing it free & open source (MIT), along with the paper explaining how they did it.Imagine the atmosphere at OpenAI right now, especially after they announced that $0.5 trillion funding round 📜 Long(er) versionLast week, an AI lab you’ve never heard of, called Deepseek, released a reasoning model that’s equal or better at various benchmarks when compared to the latest models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, or anybody else.“So what” right? “Aren’t there new models coming out every other week”?Yes, but this one is special for 6 reasons:1/ It’s open source, and comes with a paper that explains how it works, in English. You can download it and use it under MIT license, so we know it’s 100% legit.2/ It was trained on a shoestring budget compared to what OpenAI is splurging on their models. 3/ It’s much smaller than the competitors, so it can be run more cheaply. It comes in a variety of sizes and can run on a phone locally!4/ Comes out of China, despite the US preventing them from using the latest chips. They basically trained this on previous gen hardware.5/ It’s using Reinforcement Learning (RL) & a technique called distillation, when they use a bigger model to train the smaller model.6/ They already have an app, which within a week has officially topped App Store ranking, dethorning ChatGPT.Is this the end of closed AI companies like OpenAI?Will billions in valuation suddenly vanish?We’ll find out soon!What we know for sure is that it’s unlocked a new era.And being open source, is so far the biggest gift to the world in the domain of AI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to episode 35 of the HockeyStick podcast. I'm Miko Pawlikowski, and today we have the pleasure of speaking with JJ Tang, the co-founder of Rootly. This episode jumps into JJ's personal journey, from his humble beginnings in Mongolia to the helm of a thriving B2B SaaS company, offering insights and reflections along the way.A Remarkable UpbringingJJ’s story began far away from the tech industry, in the villages of Inner Mongolia. Raised by his grandparents while his parents pursued their PhDs in Canada, JJ’s early years were marked by a life without modern conveniences like electricity and plumbing. JJ shared colorful tales of resilient childhood experiences, such as keeping warm on mud beds by carving tunnels to channel furnace heat. This upbringing instilled a certain steeliness and gratitude in JJ—qualities that he attributes to his success today.Building RootlyAs a founder, JJ embodies the essence of perseverance and laser-focused vision. His journey from Canada to Y Combinator (YC) during the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by the unique opportunity to solve a problem not addressed effectively by the market. Rootly, an on-call and incident management platform, emerged from a clear need identified from JJ’s work experience at Instacart and his relentless pursuit of customer understanding.JJ’s approach included endless days of cold calling and personalized customer interactions, efforts that laid down the foundation for Rootly’s growth. His commitment to understanding customer needs firsthand has been a key driver for product refinement and market success.Strategic Growth and Customer TrustOne of the core strategies that set Rootly apart was its dedication to customer empathy and support. JJ adopted unorthodox methods to ensure worldwide support, answering customer inquiries around the clock. This hard-earned trust and credibility with early adopters propelled Rootly to become a leader in its field, providing essential services to large organizations like NVIDIA, LinkedIn, and even national emergency call centers.Lessons LearnedThroughout our conversation, JJ shared several lessons that resonate deeply with entrepreneurs:* Empathy Drives Innovation: By being in the trenches with customers, JJ fosters a culture of empathy, allowing his team to respond accurately to client needs and enhancing the product in meaningful ways.* Stay Focused: JJ's focus on Rootly’s core competency—incident management—has been instrumental in navigating tough economic seasons and staying ahead of competitors.* Support as a Superpower: For startups, offering epic support can be a differentiator. Rootly leveraged its size to offer personalized, impactful customer service, often outperforming larger competitors.* Adapting Messaging: By adjusting how they communicated Rootly’s value proposition to align with customer understanding, JJ increased engagement and trial initiation dramatically.* Enduring the Struggle: Success stories often feature long, tireless stretches of hard work. JJ’s narrative includes 400 consecutive days of support and outreach, showcasing the grit required to thrive as a new entrant in the market.Looking AheadRootly’s future is as promising as its origin story is inspiring. JJ and his team remain resolutely focused on expanding their capabilities to enhance both reactive and proactive reliability solutions. Their unwavering dedication to their core mission, despite the allure of new trends and technologies, exemplifies leadership with purpose.As we wrapped up this episode of HockeyStick, I reflected on the unique and authentic tale JJ Tang shared—a story underscored by hard work, resilience, and gratitude. Rootly’s ongoing journey illustrates the power of an emotionally invested founder determined to create something remarkable from modest beginnings to commanding market position.00:00 Intro03:17 Growing Up in Mongolia08:12 Journey to Y Combinator11:22 Scaling Rootly with Focus and Empathy20:31 Challenges and Strategies in Early-Stage Sales22:07 The Importance of Customer Support31:52 Reflecting on Rootly's Success and Future37:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to Episode 34 of the HockeyStick podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Charlie Lass, a serial entrepreneur whose journey through the business world is as fascinating as it is instructive. Throughout our conversation, we explored not only the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial adventures but also his deep insights into what it truly takes to succeed. Charlie's story is a testament to the demands—and rewards—of entrepreneurship, and I’m excited to share some key takeaways with you all.Charting the Path from Film to StartupsIt was a revelation to learn that Charlie's venture into entrepreneurship began in the world of film production. As he recounts, his initial foray into producing films taught him invaluable lessons about idea execution and management, which later became assets in the startup world. The parallels he draws between creating films and building products highlight a universal truth in entrepreneurship: both industries require creativity, resilience, and an ability to bring ideas to life.The Art of Rapid Launch: Humble Inc. and Consultancy FrameworksWhen discussing his latest ventures, Charlie goes into the origins and philosophy of Humble Inc. He emphasizes the importance of launching ideas quickly and efficiently, often within just 30 days. This approach, he explains, hinges on cutting through unnecessary elements and focusing on the core value of a product or service. We discussed how it plays into the broader theme of requirements versus time constraints, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted, result-oriented processes.The Mental Health Imperative for EntrepreneursA significant portion of our conversation focused on the mental health challenges that entrepreneurs face. Charlie candidly talked about his own struggles, including a significant nervous breakdown, which led him to underscore the necessity of maintaining mental wellbeing in the entrepreneurial journey. He advocates for a balanced approach, advising fellow entrepreneurs to prioritize their health and sanity alongside their business goals.Unraveling Entrepreneurial MythsCharlie's insights included debunking several prevalent myths in the entrepreneurial domain:* Secrecy Kills Progress: Entrepreneurs often fear sharing their ideas, but according to Charlie, secrecy can hinder feedback and growth. By opening up and engaging with others, entrepreneurs can refine and enhance their ideas.* Founders versus Co-Founders: The myth that having a co-founder is essential was challenged. Charlie argues for a more flexible approach, suggesting a single founder leading initially until the opportunity and necessity to bring in additional partners arises.* The Reality of Exits: Charlie shared an eye-opening perspective on exits, describing them as milestones often laced with relief rather than the fairy-tale finale many envision. The journey to an exit is complex, and understanding this can align expectations with reality.Business Lessons LearnedReflecting on my talk with Charlie, several business lessons stood out:* Validate Early, Launch Fast: Before pouring resources into development, validate ideas with potential customers. Speed is crucial.* Prioritize Mental Health: No business success is worth the cost of mental wellbeing. As Charlie puts it, "If it costs your mental health, it’s too expensive."* Embrace Flexibility: Entrepreneurship requires adaptability. Plans may shift as market conditions and personal circumstances evolve.* Focus on the Problem, Not Just the Product: Understanding customer pain points and addressing them effectively is more valuable than delivering a technically perfect product.ConclusionEpisode 34 with Charlie Lass was an enlightening trip through the bustling, often unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. His journey, informed by real-life triumphs and setbacks, offers wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. As we look forward to future episodes, I encourage you to reflect on these insights and apply them to your own ventures. Until next time, thank you for tuning into the HockeyStick podcast.00:00 Introduction: Elon Musk and Hustle Culture00:12 The Reality of Entrepreneurship00:39 The Myth of Equal Co-Founding01:10 Journey into Film Production02:12 Transition to Startups03:07 Launching ViaPost03:26 Serial Entrepreneurship03:56 The Essence of Entrepreneurship05:55 Dallas Inc: Rapid Market Entry11:02 Mentoring and Mental Health15:04 Humble Inc: A Resource for Entrepreneurs29:28 Finding Your Unique Competitive Edge30:17 Debunking Startup Myths30:53 The Co-Founder Dilemma31:47 Equity and Valuation Realities41:54 The Truth About Startup Exits51:19 Mental Health and Productivity Tips55:13 Charlie's Book and Future Plans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to the 33rd episode of The HockeyStick Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of agentic AI with our special guest, Micheal Lanham. Micheal is an expert in the field, with years of experience building powerful agentic systems. Join me as we explore how these systems are transforming our world and discuss the future implications for businesses and individuals alike.Understanding Agentic AITo kick off our conversation, Micheal provided clarity on what agentic AI entails. As he explained, an "agent" is an entity with agency - the ability to make decisions and act independently using resources. This stands in contrast to typical assistant workflows, like those you might experience with chatGPT, which require ongoing interaction and approval. An agentic AI system operates autonomously, executing tasks like a digital executive assistant looking after various aspects of our lives such as fraud alerts, financial monitoring, or ensuring we maintain a healthy lifestyle.The Shift in Software ParadigmsOne of the major insights Michael shared was the paradigm shift in software development due to advancements in large language models (LLMs). These models now allow businesses to automate complex workflows without the need for specialized deep learning models. This not only reduces costs but also accelerates development cycles, transforming how companies approach problem-solving and innovation.Real-World Applications and ChallengesAgentic AI isn't just a theoretical concept; it's being actively integrated into various applications. One fascinating example Michael shared was an agentic workflow involving multiple interconnected agents. From summarizing YouTube transcripts to creating a polished Medium blog post, these systems are proving their capability to handle complex tasks autonomously.However, challenges remain. Acceptance by the public and legislative bodies is crucial. As Michael put it, governments worldwide need to legislate quickly to harness AI's potential while addressing concerns about safety, copyright, and trustworthiness.Business Lessons LearnedThrough our conversation, several key business lessons emerged:* Adopt Early, Adapt Quickly: The businesses that thrive will be those that not only adopt agentic AI technologies early but also adapt quickly to its evolving capabilities.* Streamline Operations: Investing in AI-driven tools can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency in unprecedented ways. It's vital to explore how these technologies can be leveraged within your organization.* Prepare for Change: As AI technology advances, it will likely change the landscape of various industries. Preparing for these changes now will position your business for future success.Micheal's Journey and the Future of AIMicheal's extensive background in AI and game development illuminated the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge. His journey from developing games to exploring deep learning and evolutionary computation was a testament to the unpredictable, yet rewarding, nature of technological innovation.Looking to the future, Micheal sees agentic AI systems becoming a mainstream part of our ecosystem. Like past technological revolutions, the AI revolution will shift how we work, think, and create, opening new avenues for innovation.In conclusion, our discussion with Micheal Lanham on agentic AI was insightful and thought-provoking. It's an exciting time in the world of artificial intelligence, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you. For those eager to explore these topics further, keep an eye out for Micheal's upcoming book on building agentic systems and potentially breaking new ground in AI.Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you'll join us for future episodes of The HockeyStick Podcast as we continue to explore the forefront of innovation and technology. Cheers to an exciting future powered by AI!00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI00:33 The Evolution of AI and Agentic Systems01:22 Writing a Book on Agentic AI03:47 The Paradigm Shift in Software Development07:08 Defining Agentic AI10:01 The Future of Agentic AI15:50 Practical Applications and Tools19:41 Challenges and Considerations33:00 Reflections on AI and Career40:36 Conclusion and Future Projects This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

In Episode 32, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mandy Morris LPC, a seasoned expert in psychology and therapy. Her journey from aspiring athletic trainer to innovative therapist, executive coach and co-creator of the Sofree app sheds light on crucial lessons for both personal and professional growth. We talked about vulnerability, stress, burnout, and how they impact leaders specifically and all individuals alike.Many is an amazing human being, and I hope you like our episode as much as I did. Enjoy!The Power of VulnerabilityOur conversation kicked off with an exploration of vulnerability's role in forging meaningful connections. Mandy emphasized that true connection requires vulnerability, and with it comes the inherent risk of being hurt. Yet, this risk is essential for growth in our personal lives and professional relationships. In a world where leaders are often expected to have all the answers, admitting one's struggles can feel daunting. However, embracing vulnerability is not a weakness—it's a strength that can drive leadership success and deeper connections with teams.Redefining Stress and BurnoutStress was another significant topic we unpacked. Mandy described stress as an imbalance where demands outweigh resources, leading to an activation of the nervous system. This differentiation from anxiety, which concerns future uncertainties, offers a clearer understanding of workplace dynamics. Our discussion revealed how misunderstandings about stress contribute to burnout, especially in cultures that idolize overwork. As business leaders, recognizing the signs of burnout and addressing them proactively can help maintain healthier work environments and improve productivity.Business Lessons LearnedFrom a business perspective, our conversation highlighted several valuable lessons:* Adopting Emotional Awareness: Emotional intelligence is not just a soft skill; it's a business imperative. Mandy stressed the importance of leaders understanding and managing emotions, both theirs and their teams'. This awareness fosters communication and problem-solving, leading to a more cohesive and effective work environment.* The Necessity of Asking for Help: Mandy pointed out that one of the biggest self-sabotaging behaviors in leadership is the reluctance to seek help. Good leaders leverage their teams, acknowledging that they cannot—and should not—bear every burden alone. Delegating and collaborating are key to sustainable success.* Balancing Productivity and Well-being: In a world where the hustle is glamorized, it's vital to distinguish between productive work and compulsive overworking. Recognizing when work is fulfilling versus when it serves as an escape can prevent burnout and promote long-term health and productivity.The Sofree App: A Game Changer for StressOne of the most exciting parts of our discussion was Mandy's introduction of the Sofree app. Designed to reset the nervous system within minutes using bilateral stimulation, Sofree aims to provide immediate stress relief, offering a practical tool for anyone overwhelmed by life's demands. This technology exemplifies how innovation can enhance mental well-being and supports the notion that immediate, accessible solutions are crucial in today's fast-paced world.Closing ThoughtsAs we wrapped up the episode, I was struck by the importance of fostering environments—whether in business or at home—that encourage open dialogue about emotions and challenges. Mandy’s insights reaffirmed that being vulnerable and asking for help are not just beneficial but necessary for growth and resilience.For those who are interested, the Sofree app is set to launch its beta version soon, promising an innovative approach to stress management. As always, I'm grateful for these conversations that inspire change and invite you to share your thoughts and experiences.Stay curious and keep striving for balance!Timestamps:00:00 The Importance of Vulnerability in Connections01:12 Personal Journey to Becoming a Therapist02:15 Discovering EMDR and Its Impact03:49 Executive Psychology Coaching and Writing04:21 Creating the Sofree App05:27 The Polarizing Nature of Therapy08:01 Challenges Faced by Executives and Leaders23:49 The Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health31:46 Understanding Stress and Anxiety37:04 Introducing the Sofree App and Its Benefits47:16 Final Thoughts and Future Plans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show

Welcome to the 31st episode of the HockeyStick Podcast! I'm your host, Miko Pawlikowski, and today we have a conversation filled with insights and anecdotes about entrepreneurship in the tech world. Our guest is none other than Robert Ross, the founder and CEO of FireHydrant, who shares his remarkable journey, experiences, and the business lessons he's learned along the way.Introduction to Robert RossRobert Ross, also known by his online moniker, Bobby Tables. Robert is a software engineer turned entrepreneur who has carved a niche for himself in the complex field of incident management. Through his company, FireHydrant, he has dedicated his work to making chaos management a little less chaotic for tech teams around the globe.Journey from Idea to ExecutionRobert's journey with FireHydrant began in 2017 when he first started coding the project, driven by his frustrations with the manual processes of incident management. It was his entrepreneurial spirit and hard work, coupled with a bit of luck, that led to FireHydrant's inception. He candidly shared his story of early mornings fueled by coffee in New York City cafes, coding before heading to his day job, and the unexpected turn of meeting an investor who believed in his vision.The Reality of Startup LifeStarting a company is not all smooth sailing, and Robert didn't shy away from discussing the highs and lows of his journey. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive and communicative relationship with investors, which can make all the difference during challenging times. He advised that while capital is crucial, the value of having investors who are aligned with your vision and are genuine partners cannot be overstated.Business Lessons LearnedOne of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of understanding your market timing and customer base. According to Robert, building a product for yourself, in hopes others share your problem, is not enough. You need to ask the right questions about your target audience and ensure your solution is addressing their needs. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of having a clear business plan and the ability to articulate how you plan to generate revenue.Here are some essential business lessons we discussed:* Set Deadlines: Give yourself a timeline to achieve certain milestones. If progress stalls, reassess and pivot if necessary.* Have a Clear Vision and Mission: Know what problem you're solving and ensure you can succinctly communicate this vision to others.* Identify Your Customer: Define your ideal customer profile. Understanding who would buy your product is crucial for your product's development and marketing strategy.* Revenue Model: Have a clear understanding of how your company will make money. A path to profitability is crucial, especially in today’s market where funding is more conservative.* Being Ready for Luck: Luck plays a significant role, but being ready to seize opportunities and make the most of them is even more important.Looking AheadRobert’s vision for FireHydrant is not focused on just an exit strategy, like an IPO or acquisition. Instead, he aims to continually grow the company by delivering a high-quality product that resonates with customers. As he eloquently put it, success will come from hitting roadmap goals and revenue targets, not by aiming explicitly for buyouts or public offerings.Closing ThoughtsSpeaking with Robert was a stark reminder of the myriad of challenges and joys that come with entrepreneurship. It also reaffirmed the importance of facing these challenges with a blend of optimism, preparedness, and the willingness to innovate. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a tech enthusiast, Robert's journey offers valuable insights that can guide you on your own path to success.Thank you for joining us for this captivating episode of the HockeyStick Podcast. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of technology and business. Until next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hockeystick.show