In this episode of Open Source CXO, host Don Blackburn & Robert Kehoe sits down with Rob McElroy and Andie Ewing of Unbound, an international nonprofit working in 17 countries and serving more than 280,000 families. The conversation begins with an overview of Unbound’s mission to eliminate poverty through direct sponsorship, empowering families with resources and accountability to create lasting change in their communities. Andie breaks down the organization’s five core pillars, including education, community building, and their unique elderly sponsorship program, offering listeners a powerful look at how grassroots action can scale globally.The discussion then shifts toward digital transformation and operational strategy. Rob shares how Unbound evolved from mailing printed photos to using AI-driven systems that process images and protect privacy, ultimately cutting turnaround times from 90 days to just three. The team also highlights how integrating SMS communication and custom-built CRM technology allows them to operate like a modern, efficient business while staying true to their nonprofit mission.Finally, the episode explores the human side of technology and impact. Andie and Rob reflect on hiring from sponsored communities, building trust with donors, and fostering sustainable growth through individual sponsorship rather than relying on government aid. Their story is a testament to how thoughtful innovation and community-driven solutions can drive meaningful, global change.
In this episode of Open Source CXO, we sit down with Arturo Pino, CTO of HIX Corporation, for a deep dive into the evolving role of technology in American manufacturing. Arturo brings a unique perspective, combining mechanical engineering expertise with advanced computer science training, to shed light on the critical tech challenges that small to midsize manufacturers are facing today.From workforce shortages to legacy systems, Arturo unpacks the growing gap between U.S.-based manufacturing and global competitors when it comes to innovation and digital transformation. He highlights the urgent need for scalable solutions, smarter infrastructure, and modernized processes—especially as a significant portion of the industry's leadership nears retirement. Whether you're a technologist, executive, or just curious about the state of American industry, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what’s holding us back—and where the biggest opportunities lie. Tune in to hear how manufacturing can reclaim its competitive edge with the right blend of strategy, software, and execution.
In this episode of Open Source CXO: The Tech Leader's Podcast, we sit down with Arturo Pino, Chief Technology Officer at HIX Corporation, to explore the transformative role of open-source technology in the manufacturing sector. Arturo shares his journey from mechanical engineering to leading technological innovation, highlighting how open-source solutions are driving efficiency and adaptability in industrial operations.Arturo delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating open-source tools within traditional manufacturing frameworks, offering insights into fostering a culture of innovation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a manufacturing professional, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on leveraging open-source technology for industrial advancement.
In this episode of the Open Source CXO podcast, we sit down with Adam Caylor, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ottawa University. Adam shares insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in leading IT for a nonprofit educational institution. With over eight years at Ottawa University, Adam has overseen significant projects like the establishment of multiple campuses and the deployment of innovative tech strategies. Throughout the conversation, Adam explains the importance of tech governance committees in fostering collaboration and making strategic decisions that impact multiple campuses. We also discuss Ottawa's approach to integrating students into their IT workforce through graduate assistant roles, how they are leveraging technology for operational efficiency, and how their team is adapting to post-pandemic education trends.
In this episode of Open Source CXO, Alex Savenok, CEO and CTO of Rig, joins the conversation to discuss his evolution from an intern at HSBC to leading innovative tech startups. Alex dives deep into his journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building and scaling a tech company. He shares his experiences with Vertigo, a social music platform, where he navigated the complex world of music licensing and technology, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.Alex emphasizes the critical role of fast iteration and the dangers of being too comfortable in one's tech stack. He also discusses the value of hiring individuals who are eager to learn and the pitfalls of rewriting existing software, drawing from his experience with Vertigo’s unique tech challenges. Additionally, Alex reflects on the importance of controlling product scope and the impact of leadership dynamics on a company's success.Tune in to gain insights on managing the delicate balance between innovation and practicality, the necessity of continuous learning, and the lessons Alex learned from both his successes and setbacks in the fast-paced world of tech startups!—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Join Alex Savenok, CEO and CTO of Rig, on this week’s episode of Open Source CXO. Dive into the world of SaaS innovation as Alex shares his journey from being a tech leader to spearheading a startup focused on solving inefficiencies in the trucking industry. Rig offers a unique marketplace solution for emergency breakdowns in the trucking space, connecting truck drivers with skilled mechanics in real-time.In this episode, Alex discusses the challenges of transitioning from a tech-focused role to leading a company, the hurdles of marketing to a non-tech-savvy audience, and the strategies that have helped Rig grow amidst a tough economic climate. He also breaks down the potential and limitations of AI in the trucking industry, exploring how the technology can be leveraged for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, while cautioning against the overhype and challenges that come with integrating AI into real-world applications.Tune in to explore the intersection of technology, marketing and artificial intelligence as Alex reveals the secrets to building a successful marketplace in a highly specialized industry. Gain insights into the importance of adaptability, continuous iteration, and understanding the unique needs of your user base in creating a product that not only meets but anticipates market demands.—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Ad Astra’s very own Geoff Vandegrift is back for our 20th episode of Open Source CXO. Geoff shares his journey from being a developer to leading Ad Astra’s technology initiatives and then shifts gears to stir the “WFH” pot. He dives into the evolving dynamics of work environments, emphasizing the data-backed benefits and challenges of working from home versus in-office collaboration.Geoff highlights the importance of a flat organizational structure, small cross-functional teams, and the need for high-bandwidth communication facilitated by in-office collaboration. He also discusses the challenges and benefits of maintaining a Kansas City-based development team, emphasizing the value of social cohesion and spontaneous communication in producing better software.Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the complexities of integrating innovative management practices, fostering a collaborative engineering culture, and maintaining a mission-driven approach in the fast-paced tech industry!—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Episode Summary:Join Geoff Vandegrift, Chief Technology Officer at Ad Astra, on this week's episode of Open Source CXO. We’re examining the evolving landscape of technology leadership as Geoff shares his journey and experiences from different companies, culminating in his current role at Ad Astra. With Ad Astra's mission being ‘to graduate more students faster,’ Geoff and his team provide higher education institutions with solutions to offer the right courses in the right format at the right place.Highlighting the transition to a cloud-native, serverless architecture, Geoff acknowledges the benefits and challenges of holacracy. He emphasizes how it allows for greater flexibility and empowerment among team members, fostering a self-managed and collaborative work environment.Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing a self-managed organization, integrating innovative practices like holacracy, and maintaining a mission-driven approach in the fast-paced tech industry. Geoff's story offers a unique perspective on fostering an agile, customer-focused engineering culture while navigating the complexities of the higher education sector.—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Cbass is back for another episode of Open Source CXO, but this time we’re digging into data points and metrics that matter! Sebastian shares his experiences and strategies for effective team management as he follows a very objective, data-based approach. From his journey at Aware3 to his current role at Nelnet, Sebastian provides a deep dive into the metrics that matter, such as deployment frequency, code coverage, and customer-detected bugs.Sebastian elaborates on the evolution of his management style, emphasizing the importance of coaching and the role of metrics in driving performance. He discusses the challenges and rewards of integrating startups into larger corporate structures and maintaining a high-performance team. His insights into the importance of tenure, equitable compensation, and the retention of employees through engagement and purpose are invaluable for any engineering leader.Tune in to gain practical advice on managing technical teams, fostering a no-blame culture, and leveraging networks for personal and professional growth. This episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions on how to excel in engineering leadership.—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Join Sebastian Kline, Vice President of Engineering at Nelnet, on this week's episode of Open Source CXO, hosted by Robert Kehoe and Don Blackburn. Explore the dynamic landscape of engineering leadership as Sebastian shares insights from his journey from Aware3 to Nelnet, beginning from a small startup to integration with a larger corporation.Sebastian breaks down the evolution of his team from developing mobile apps for nonprofits to overseeing significant technical debts and scaling operations. He highlights the strategic acquisition by Nelnet and the subsequent challenges and opportunities in merging teams. More specifically the need for maintaining consistent quality communication across global and local developers all while being diligent in focusing on the “why” of the business.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of integrating startups into larger corporate structures, managing international teams, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a customer-focused, agile engineering culture. —————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
The AI conversations just weren’t ready to end! John Keddy from LazarusAI is back for another exciting episode of Open Source CXO. This week’s episode provides a deeper look at how foundational AI technologies are crafted and the pivotal role they play in shaping business practices.John dives into the operational aspects of Lazarus AI, discussing how they utilize advanced AI models to enhance data accuracy and decision-making within heavily regulated sectors. He explains the importance of prompt engineering and its impact on the reliability and efficiency of AI applications in business environments.Throughout the episode, John shares insights on the challenges of integrating AI into existing business infrastructures, the critical nature of data accuracy, and the ethical considerations of AI deployment. The conversation also covers the evolution of AI applications from simple task automation to complex problem-solving tools that are revolutionizing industry standards and practices.#AIInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #TechLeadership #EnterpriseAI
Join John Keddy from Lazarus AI on this week's episode of Open Source CXO. Dive into the innovative world of AI technologies as John discusses Lazarus AI's role in developing foundational AI systems, including large and small language models, and their applications in heavily regulated industries like insurance.John provides a detailed look into the everyday applications of AI at Lazarus AI, explaining how they utilize proprietary OCR products to enhance data ingestion and leverage AI for precise document handling and decision-making. He also elaborates on the company's strategic focus on business-oriented AI solutions that reduce error rates and enhance operational efficiency.Discover Lazarus AI's journey from its inception, focusing on the insurance sector to its expansion into other domains requiring meticulous data analysis and compliance adherence. John highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating AI in such regulated environments and the importance of 'human in the loop' to maintain quality control.Tune into this insightful episode to understand how AI is transforming business practices and offering competitive advantages in complex industries.#AIInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #TechLeadership #BusinessAI—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Join Welsh Harris, Co-Founder and CTO of Ascendco Health, on this week’s episode of Open Source CXO with hosts Rob and Don to get an insider's view of the software and technological frameworks revolutionizing the healthcare and surgery sectors across the nation. Discover how Ascendco uses cutting-edge tools like Domo for business intelligence and integrates strategically with major electronic medical record systems to manage inventory accurately. Welsh also highlights the significance of continuous improvement and the potential of AI to boost operational forecasts and decision-making.Welsh shares Ascendco’s origin story, from the initial idea of creating an "Amazon for surgical instruments" to developing a tailored platform that meets the unique demands of hospital operations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining precise data, the complexities of managing reusable surgical instruments, and the vital importance of compliance in the medical field.Tune into this episode to learn how digital transformation is being implemented in healthcare, propelled by innovative leadership and technological progress.#TechHealth #InnovationLeadership #DigitalTransformation—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Nick Ide from Ascend Learning is back for another episode of Open Source CXO! This week, we're pivoting to discuss a variety of topics, including the challenges and strategies of leading a global team, authentic methods of measuring success beyond typical KPIs, fostering effective communication, and prioritizing quality over quantity in hiring.Drawing once again from his diverse experiences, Nick offers valuable insights from his early days as a hiring manager and shares how these experiences have shaped him as a leader. Tune in to the full episode to hear all that Nick has to share in his encore appearance on OSCXO!#LetsTalkTech #OSCXO #TechLeadership—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast
Don and Rob sit down with Nick Ide, VP of Software Engineering at Ascend Learning, to explore crucial aspects of workplace culture and team productivity in the tech industry. This technical trio breaks down the common misconceptions about workplace culture, strategies for cultivating positive environments, considerations for scaling teams while preserving culture, and more.Drawing from his dual perspective as a technology leader and software engineer, Nick offers valuable insights into the importance of maintaining a healthy culture within development teams. Tune into the full episode for Nick’s comprehensive advice, and stay tuned for part 2 next week, where we’ll tackle the challenges of avoiding shortcut hiring practices and collaborating with international teams.#LetsTalkTech #OSCXO #TechLeadership—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow up on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
The conversations from our previous episode kept on rolling, so Jim Poteet is back on Open Source CXO. In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for navigating organizational change and securing stakeholder buy-in, exploring everything from 6 AM company tailgates to blogging throughout the COVID lockdowns. Jim also emphasizes the significance of hiring for passion and dedication, as well as the methods he uses to cultivate a culture of perfection and accountability in highly regulated industries. Join us as we unpack these insights and more, offering valuable lessons on leadership and team dynamics in the tech world.#LetsTalkTech #OSCXO #TechLeadership #TechManagement #LeadershipStyles—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow up on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
We kick off our first double-digit episode by sitting down with Jim Poteet, a senior leader at Oracle Health, to discuss the intricacies of overseeing international development teams and overcoming some of the cultural barriers that inevitably arise. With an extensive, 13-year history at Cerner before its acquisition by Oracle, Poteet shares his journey through the evolving tech landscape, highlighting the transition from Cerner’s product-driven approach to Oracle’s engineering-led culture. Poteet also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on remote management and team cohesion, sharing his unique methods he employed to keep teams engaged and connected. From blogs that bridge the cultural divide to fostering open dialogue during 1-on-1s, his approach spans from “traditional” to creative with a quickness.Be sure to give us a listen and follow us on our socials below! #LetsTalkTech #OSCXOpodcast—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow up on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Being an introvert is NOT a barrier to being in leadership - and we’re sitting down with Shahzad Zafar, CTO of Trualta, to discuss why. Shahzad discusses his journey over the years to become a leading figure in the tech industry, highlighting the transitions, challenges, and lessons learned along the wayHe shares his insights on navigating the complexities of remote work, the intricacies of leading teams in varying company sizes, and the unique challenges of integrating introversion into effective leadership. His expertise is especially valuable for those grappling with the nuances of building and managing tech teams in today's fast-paced environment.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of modern leadership strategies, team building in remote settings, and the evolving role of a tech leader in today's corporate landscape.#LetsTalkTech #OSCXO #TechLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #TechInnovation—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow up on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
We’re breaking down some of the major differences & similarities of startup and enterprise environments when in the technology industry. Shahzad Zafar joins Don and Rob as he recounts his role in growing the development teams at Cerner, Rx Savings Solutions, and now Trualta. This episode explores the nuances of building and scaling teams in a rapidly evolving industry, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, and the challenges of maintaining productivity and cohesion in remote work environments. Join us for insightful discussions on leadership, team dynamics, and the future of healthcare technology.#LetsTalkTech #OSCXO #TechLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #TechInnovation—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
We’re exploring the journey of Ben Kittrell and the acquisition of his company, Homebase.ai, a smart building technology firm. Ben offers an insider's perspective on the complexities and strategies involved in tech mergers and acquisitions. The discussion covers the challenges of integrating different technology stacks, managing team dynamics during and after the transition, and the critical role of emotional intelligence and transparent communication. This episode provides valuable insights into the nuanced process of merging companies in the fast-paced tech industry.—————Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcastFollow up on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en