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That Tech Pod

Laura Milstein, Gabriela Schulte and Kevin Albert

Welcome to That Tech Pod, a podcast co-hosted by Laura Milstein, Gabi Schulte and Kevin Albert. Each Tuesday, That Tech Pod will feature in depth discussions about data privacy, cybersecurity, eDiscovery, and tech innovations with heavy hitters in the industry. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Visit thattechpod.com for more information.

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Tuesday · 31 min
Can the Little Guys Beat Big Tech at AI? with Harry Godfrey
This week on the pod, we’re talking about whether the little guys can actually compete with Big Tech in the AI race. Harry Godfrey, Executive Director of the Little Tech Association, joins us to talk about the advantages smaller AI companies have, whether smaller language models can level the playing field, and whether AI is really lowering the barriers to entry or just shifting where the barriers exist. We also get into a bigger question: if the platforms hosting these startups can see what’s succeeding, should they be allowed to build competing products? Plus, we talk AI startup acquisitions, Chinese open-weight models, national security, and what Harry would do with $10 million to build an AI company from scratch. Harry Godfrey, Executive Director of the Little Tech Association. He is a Washington veteran who previously served in the office of the Majority Whip, James Clyburn, and the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during the Obama Administration. He spent over a decade working on state and federal policy with disruptive clean tech firms, most recently as Managing Director for Federal Affairs at the trade association Advanced Energy United. He is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and Princeton University.
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October 13 · 31 min
Scarcity Drives the Markets. So Which Becomes More Scarce: Gold or Bitcoin? with Frank Holmes
This week on the pod, we talk with investor, entrepreneur and longtime market strategist Frank Holmes about gold, Bitcoin, geopolitics and one of the oldest forces in economics: scarcity. After more than four decades investing in gold and commodities, Frank was an early investor in Bitcoin and saw it as a digital store of value with some of the same characteristics that made gold valuable for centuries. We dig into what traditional investors missed about Bitcoin, whether gold and Bitcoin are really competitors, and what geopolitical conflict, sanctions, inflation and currency uncertainty can tell us about both assets. We also get into Frank’s bigger thesis: in an increasingly digital economy, the things that become scarce, whether they are gold, Bitcoin, energy or computing power, can become increasingly valuable. Frank Holmes is an investor, entrepreneur and longtime market strategist with more than four decades of experience in gold, commodities and global markets. He is CEO and Chief Investment Officer of U.S. Global Investors, which he has led since acquiring a controlling interest in 1989. Frank was also an early investor in Bitcoin, recognizing its potential as a digital store of value alongside gold. His involvement later expanded into Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure. Today, as Executive Chairman of HIVE Digital Technologies, he focuses on the intersection of Bitcoin, high-performance computing and AI, and the growing demand for the power and compute behind them. His career gives him a unique perspective on the evolution from traditional hard assets like gold to digital assets like Bitcoin, and what may become scarce in an increasingly digital economy.
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October 6 · 25 min
AI Knows Everything. But Does It Know Who Can Get You in the Door? with The Swarm's Olivier Roth
This week on the pod, we talk with Olivier Roth, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of The Swarm, about what happens when AI starts mapping the human relationships behind business. Companies have mountains of relationship data sitting inside their employees, customers, investors, partners, advisors, CRMs, and inboxes. But knowing that two people have exchanged emails or worked at the same company doesn't necessarily mean one of them would actually pick up the phone. So how do you teach AI the difference between a connection and a real relationship? Olivier explains how The Swarm uses AI and relationship intelligence to help companies find the people who can actually open doors, rather than relying on LinkedIn searches, cold emails, and endless asking around. We also get into the uncomfortable questions: When does relationship intelligence become creepy? Who actually owns the relationships inside a company? And can AI really understand trust, credibility, and willingness to make an introduction? If AI can eventually understand not just what we know, but who we know and how those relationships actually work, cold outreach may start to look very different. Olivier Roth is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of The Swarm, a technology company helping businesses find smarter ways to grow through the people and connections they already have. Olivier works at the intersection of AI, relationship intelligence, and business development, helping companies uncover warm introductions, move away from cold outreach, and get more value from tools they already use, including CRMs and Clay.
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September 29 · 29 min
Your Kids Are on Roblox. Here’s What You Need to Know with Roblox’s VP of Safety Product Policy, Eliza Jacobs
On this episode we talk with Eliza Jacobs, VP of Safety Product Policy at Roblox, about what it actually takes to keep one of the world’s biggest online platforms safe for kids. Eliza takes us behind the scenes of Roblox’s approach to safety, from building safety into the product from the start to moderating millions of user-created experiences, handling reports, and dealing with the unique challenges of real-time voice chat. We also dig into the growing debate around age verification, privacy, and how platforms can protect younger users without creating an entirely new set of problems. And because Roblox is a huge part of how millions of kids spend their time online, we ask the questions parents actually want answered: What happens when a child reports someone? How does Roblox detect inappropriate interactions? What can parents realistically expect from the platform? And, most importantly, is there any secret way to get your kid some free Robux? Your kids are on Roblox so this is a conversation worth hearing. Eliza Jacobs is the VP of Safety Product Policy at Roblox, where she is responsible for our external Community Standards and the internal interpretation and enforcement of those policies. Prior to joining Roblox, she was the Head of Product Policy at Airbnb, joining in 2016 as the third member of the broader Community Policy team and helping it grow to 18 people in five offices across the globe. Eliza started her tech journey at Etsy, where she worked in a wide variety of Trust and Safety roles and learned the ropes of product, policy, and operations. She began her career as a lawyer, practicing as a securities litigator in New York before making the switch to Trust and Safety.
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September 22 · 45 min
When AI Can Become an Actor, What Happens to Hollywood? with Writer, Actor & Producer Collin Pelton
On this episode, Laura and Kevin are joined by filmmaker, actor, technologist and entrepreneur Collin Pelton, whose unconventional career has taken him from theater and acting to the U.S. Air Force, IT, Hollywood and post-production at Marvel Studios. After earning more than 33 credits across Marvel and Disney productions, Collin went on to co-found Collaborative Entity, a multimedia production company focused on film, digital content and helping creators build their businesses. We talk about AI’s growing impact on film and television and whether generative AI is really just the next step in a long line of filmmaking technologies, or something fundamentally different. We get into the questions around digital likenesses, who owns an actor’s face, voice or performance, and what happens when a digital version of an actor can be reused across movies, games and advertising. We also look at what AI could mean for Hollywood’s economics, from digital background actors and de-aging to potentially generating entire performances. And ultimately, will audiences care how much of what they’re watching was created by a human? Collin also tells us about his directorial debut, Recession of a Hollywood Princess, a long-lost 2009 film he recovered and released in an experimental format, played entirely in reverse. It’s a pretty great example of how technology can give creators new ways to bring old ideas back to life. Collin Pelton is a filmmaker, actor, technologist and entrepreneur whose unconventional career has taken him from theater and acting to the U.S. Air Force, IT, Hollywood and post-production at Marvel Studios. During his time at Marvel, he earned more than 33 credits across films and streaming productions under the Disney umbrella, while bringing together his technical and production experience. He has also worked with actors, celebrities and showrunners on social media and fandom engagement. In 2023, Collin co-founded Collaborative Entity, a multimedia production company focused on film, digital content and helping creators build their businesses. He recently made his directorial debut with Recession of a Hollywood Princess, a long-lost film from 2009 that he recovered and released in an experimental format, played entirely in reverse. Check out CollinPelton.com.
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September 15 · 33 min
AI vs. Education: Who’s Actually Learning? with Yvette Renteria
On this episode of That Tech Pod, Kevin Albert talks with Yvette Renteria, Chief Program Officer at Common Sense Media, about how AI is changing the classroom and forcing parents, teachers and students to rethink what it actually means to learn. As kids head back to school, the question is no longer whether technology belongs in education. It’s what education should look like when AI can explain concepts, quiz students, provide feedback and even help write the answers. Kevin and Yvette dig into the growing AI arms race between students and teachers, including whether tactics designed to catch AI-assisted cheating are actually solving the problem or just creating a technological cat-and-mouse game. They also tackle a bigger question: What should students actually be required to do themselves? The conversation goes beyond the classroom, exploring what happens when algorithms compete for kids’ attention, influence what they see and believe, and collect enormous amounts of personal data. Yvette also offers practical advice for parents trying to navigate phones, social media and AI with their kids as the new school year begins. It’s a conversation about AI, education, attention, privacy and raising kids in a world where technology is no longer something they simply “go online” to use. Yvette Renteria is the Chief Program Officer for Common Sense Media. She leads the education, research, family and community engagement teams that help our kids thrive in a digital world. Yvette brings 20 years of experience working in schools and non-profit organizations. Within her years in education, she served as Deputy Chief of Innovation on the district level, school principal and elementary school teacher. Yvette has also worked in nonprofits as a Program Director for a workforce development organization and Chief Strategy Officer for an early childhood development organization. The focus of her career has always been about access, opportunity and growth for people.
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September 8 · 42 min
AI Has Changed Identity Theft. Are We Ready? with James Lee and Eva Velasquez of the Identity Theft Resource Center
Identity theft used to require a scammer to get your information. Today, they may only need a few pieces of it. On this episode of That Tech Pod, we sit down with James Lee, President of the Identity Theft Resource Center, and Eva Velasquez, CEO of the ITRC, to look at how identity theft, scams and fraud are evolving in the age of AI. We talk about why scams are getting harder to recognize, how AI is making fraud more convincing and scalable, and how seemingly harmless activities, from social media posts to online purchases, can give criminals pieces of the puzzle they need to impersonate you. We also dig into the enormous amount of personal information exposed through data breaches and ask a bigger question: How much responsibility should really fall on individuals when so much of our data is collected and stored by businesses? James and Eva also share what they think identity theft will look like five years from now, what businesses need to rethink about authentication and security, and what they personally do differently because they assume the threat is already here. If you've ever wondered what a scammer could actually do with the information you've casually shared online, this episode is worth a listen. Learn more about the Identity Theft Resource Center and get free resources for preventing and recovering from identity crime. And check out Frozen Pii, a free resource from the ITRC that helps consumers protect themselves with credit freezes and other identity-protection tools. James Lee is the President of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) , the nation’s premier non-profit dedicated to providing free support and education to victims of identity crimes. A nationally recognized expert on data breaches, cybercrime, and fraud, James is a sought-after speaker who translates complex security topics into actionable advice for consumers and businesses alike. He frequently provides expert commentary to top media outlets and contributes to public policy discussions on privacy and security before state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and the U.S Congress. Eva Velasquez is CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) and a nationally recognized expert on identity theft, cybercrime and fraud. She spent 21 years with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office before serving as VP of Operations for the San Diego Better Business Bureau. Eva is a frequent media commentator and speaker, appearing in outlets including CBS Mornings, NBC Nightly News, CNBC, The New York Times and NPR. She has briefed federal agencies and policymakers on identity crime and privacy and serves on industry advisory boards and working groups. Eva is also a recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victim Service Award and is committed to helping victims, educating the public and driving meaningful change around identity crime.
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September 1 · 26 min
Your Data Remembers Who You Actually Were with Clinton Hazel
What if you could search your own life the way you search the internet? On this episode, we explore what happens when AI turns years of your digital history into a searchable record of your life. From Spotify and Instagram to Google, Facebook and Uber, our data captures pieces of who we were, often in ways we don't remember and may never have seen. Clinton Hazel Jr. is building Ori, a personal AI memory app that helps users rediscover those forgotten moments and uncover patterns in their own history. But the technology raises a much bigger question: what happens when our digital footprints become a more complete record of who we were than our own memories? We talk about the future of personal memory, why owning and controlling your own data matters, where AI should draw the line when interpreting our past, and whether technology could eventually become an external memory that knows our lives better than we do. Because we forget. Our data doesn't. Clinton Hazel Jr. is a solo founder and software developer originally from New York City, now based in Melbourne, Australia. He's the creator of Ori, a personal AI memory app that turns your own data exports into a daily feed of rediscovered moments. Clinton has been building digital products for more than a decade, including an earlier social platform that taught him a hard lesson about owning your own data. Ori is the product that came from that lesson.
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August 25 · 35 min
America’s Housing Crisis Has a Data Problem. Trent Livingston Wants to Fix It.
Trent Livingston is back on That Tech Pod. When Trent first joined the pod for Episode 3 in 2021, he was leading ESI Analyst, a pioneering SaaS company focused on data discovery for the legal industry. Today, after selling ESI Analyst, he’s tackling a very different problem: America’s housing crisis. As co-founder and CEO of ZoneLex, Trent is focused on one of the least visible but most consequential pieces of the housing puzzle: zoning law. Fragmented, constantly changing local regulations can determine what gets built, where it gets built, and whether the housing Americans need can actually get approved. We talk about Trent’s journey from legal tech to housing, why zoning is such a massive technology problem, and how his experience working with complex legal and data systems led him to this new challenge. We also dig into his philosophy around Applied AI and Small Language Models, and why bigger models aren't necessarily better for enterprise applications. From the limits of today's AI systems to the possibility that technology is beginning to outpace the laws governing it, Trent makes the case for a different approach to AI: know the land. Know the laws. And, naturally, we end with the question: after taking on zoning, housing, and some of America's most complicated regulatory data, what's the next impossible problem Trent might decide to tackle? Trent Livingston is a two-time founder who specializes in bringing macro-level technology visions to life. After founding and selling ESI Analyst, a pioneering SaaS data discovery solution in the legal tech space, Trent turned his attention to a massive new challenge: U.S. zoning law and the nation's housing crisis. His motivation to tackle this space is directly tied to his deep foundation in legal technology and his work as a testifying expert in complex data analytics. Recognizing that the "missing middle" housing shortage ultimately starts and stops with fragmented, ever-changing laws, he co-founded ZoneLex. As CEO, Trent drives the strategic vision for an enterprise platform powered by Applied AI and Small Language Models designed to decode and structure this complex legal landscape. With over two decades of experience, Trent excels at identifying massive, unaddressed bottlenecks and building market-defining B2B businesses that drive real-world impact.
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August 18 · 37 min
Will AI Agents Replace the Work or Just Change Who Does It? with Consilio’s Raj Chandrasekar
AI agents are moving from experimentation to execution, but what does that actually mean for the future of work? In this episode of That Tech Pod, Laura and Kevin sit down with Raj Chandrasekar, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Consilio, returning to the show after more than two years to discuss how the AI conversation has evolved from "Can we trust AI?" to "Can AI actually do the work?" Raj shares his perspective on the current state of AI agents, what separates true agentic systems from advanced chatbots, and why successful AI adoption depends as much on people and processes as it does on technology. The conversation explores the challenges organizations face as AI becomes more autonomous, including human oversight, hallucinations, AI governance, and the emerging question of whether AI agents will eventually need other AI agents to validate their work. They also revisit predictions from their previous conversation, discuss how AI is changing software development, and explore how leaders can determine when an AI agent is the right solution versus when traditional automation is the better answer. You can listen to Raj's previous episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-valentines-day-fall-in-love-with-consilio-and-ai/id1559586772?i=1000645127580 Raj Chandrasekar is Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Consilio where he oversees Consilio’s technology and innovation functions – merging Development and Engineering, Infrastructure, Security, Product Management, Business Intelligence, and Corporate Services functions. In his role, Raj frequently interfaces with clients to understand and accommodate processing, security and uptime needs and is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of their industry-leading eDiscovery and legal industry software solutions. Raj has over 25 years of experience in the field of Software Development and Infrastructure Management and has held technology leadership positions in various large corporations.
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August 11 · 24 min
Everything You Know About Productivity Is About to Change with Dr. Mik Kersten
Artificial intelligence is making people faster, but is it actually making organizations better? On this episode of That Tech Pod, we sit down with Dr. Mik Kersten, one of the world's leading thinkers on technology transformation and organizational change. From groundbreaking computer science research at PARC to founding Tasktop and helping some of the world's largest enterprises modernize software delivery, Mik has spent his career studying how technology reshapes the way we work. We dive into the ideas behind his new book, Output to Outcome, and explore why AI is much more than another productivity tool. Mik explains why many organizations are approaching AI the wrong way, why simply producing more work doesn't necessarily create more value, and why the operating models that defined the last century may no longer be fit for the AI era. We also discuss how leaders can measure the real return on AI investments, avoid chasing productivity for its own sake, and build organizations that combine human judgment with increasingly capable AI systems. Whether you're a technology leader, executive, founder, or simply trying to understand where work is headed next, this conversation offers a thoughtful roadmap for navigating one of the biggest shifts in modern business. Dr. Mik Kersten is a computer scientist, technology strategist, and one of the leading voices on how organizations adapt to technological change. Mik is the founder and former CEO of Tasktop, and currently serves as Executive in Residence at Planview following Tasktop's acquisition in 2022. His career has spanned pioneering software research at PARC, leadership roles in the open-source community through the Eclipse Foundation, and helping enterprises modernize the way they deliver technology. Mik is also the bestselling author of Project to Product, and his new book, Output to Outcome, explores why AI isn't just changing how work gets done, but fundamentally reshaping the operating models organizations were built upon.
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August 4 · 35 min
What Happens If We Find Aliens Tomorrow? with SkyMapper CEO Dr. Franck Marchis
This week on That Tech Pod, we look up. We're joined by Dr. Franck Marchis, CEO and co-founder of SkyMapper, co-founder of Unistellar, Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute, and one of the world's leading planetary astronomers. From discovering triple-asteroid systems to helping build the next generation of citizen science, Franck has spent his career making space exploration more accessible to everyone. In this episode, we dive into the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, what astronomers actually do at SETI, and whether AI is changing the way we explore the universe. Franck shares his thoughts on whether intelligent alien life is likely to exist, what would happen if humanity received a credible signal from another civilization, and whether we're more likely to find microbes in our own solar system before discovering an advanced civilization light-years away. We also discuss how astronomy is no longer reserved for professional observatories. Thanks to advances in smart telescopes, AI, and global collaboration, everyday enthusiasts can now make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery. Franck explains how SkyMapper is building a worldwide network of connected telescopes and all-sky cameras designed to continuously monitor the skies and create trusted, verifiable observations for researchers and citizen scientists alike. Finally, we explore SkySphere, SkyMapper's new intelligent all-sky camera that captures a continuous 180-degree view of the sky using on-device AI to detect meteors, satellites, drones, aircraft, and other phenomena in real time. We talk about how the project could reshape both amateur astronomy and scientific research, and how listeners can get involved through its successful Kickstarter campaign. Learn more about SkyMapper and check out the SkySphere Kickstarter. You can also learn more about Franck’s work with the SETI Institute. Dr. Franck Marchis is the CEO and co-founder of SkyMapper, co-founder of Unistellar, and the Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute. A planetary astronomer by training, his research spans exoplanets, asteroid systems, and high-resolution imaging. He is widely known for co-discovering multiple triple-asteroid systems and for pioneering technologies and programs that bring astronomical discovery to the public. Through his efforts at SkyMapper and his work at SETI, Franck is helping build a global community of citizen scientists empowered to explore and understand the universe.
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July 28 · 45 min
The Skills AI Can't Replace: The Sales Docket-That Tech Pod crossover pod with Steve Rapp and Tim Garner
This week, That Tech Pod does something a little different, teaming up with Steve Rapp and Tim Garner from The Sales Docket Podcast for a crossover pod that bridges technology and modern sales leadership. What starts as a discussion about sales quickly evolves into a candid conversation about trust, technical expertise, AI, career growth, and why relationships still matter more than ever. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out The Sales Docket Podcast for more discussions on modern sales leadership, go-to-market strategy, and revenue growth. Kevin and Laura compare notes with Steve and Tim on what separates great sales professionals from everyone else, including the critical role sales engineers play as the technical “source of truth.” The group discusses why integrity is a competitive advantage, how long-term customer relationships are built through honesty rather than hype, and why the fundamentals of listening, follow-up, and curiosity haven’t changed, even as technology has. The conversation also tackles one of today’s biggest questions: what AI means for the future of technology careers. While opinions differ on how dramatically AI will reshape technical roles, everyone agrees that soft skills, communication, and the ability to translate complex technology into business value will remain indispensable. The episode closes with reflections on what hundreds of podcast interviews have taught the hosts about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the common traits shared by successful leaders across industries. Whether you work in sales, engineering, cybersecurity, legal tech, or simply want a thoughtful conversation about where technology and business are headed, this crossover episode delivers practical insights, plenty of laughs, and an honest look at what still matters in an AI-driven world. The Sales Docket Podcast, hosted by Steve Rapp and Tim Garner, is a show focused on modern sales leadership, go-to-market strategy, and the real-world challenges revenue teams face as markets and buyer behavior evolve. Steve and Tim bring hands-on experience from building and scaling sales organizations, and their conversations tend to center on practical execution rather than theory, covering what actually works in today’s competitive selling environment.
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July 21 · 32 min
Your Face Is Your Key. But Is It Secure? with DESLOC's Zoe Zou and Vicky Zhang
This week on That Tech Pod, we sit down with Vicky Zhang, Chief Product Director at DESLOC, and Zoe Zou, Channel Director at DESLOC, to talk about the future of smart home security and whether smart locks are finally ready for the mainstream. Our conversation explores DESLOC's latest innovation, the V150 Plus, which the company says is the world's first low-light self-charging smart lock. Vicky explains how the technology captures ambient light instead of relying on direct sunlight, making continuous charging practical even for shaded front doors. We also tackle the questions every homeowner has: What happens if the power goes out? What if your Wi-Fi is down? Can someone fool facial recognition with a photo, video, or even a realistic mask? The team breaks down how modern authentication systems use liveness detection and multiple layers of security to defend against spoofing attempts while keeping everyday access simple. Beyond the technology, we challenge the team on the broader question of trust. Are smart locks actually safer than a traditional deadbolt? What have Kickstarter backers taught DESLOC about what consumers really want? And as AI and automation become more common in our homes, where should we draw the line between convenience and control? Whether you're a smart home enthusiast or a healthy skeptic, this episode offers a practical look at where connected home security is headed and the engineering decisions that make it work. Interested in the DESLOC V150 Plus? Check out the Kickstarter campaign here: DESLOC V150 Plus on Kickstarter. DESLOC is a smart home technology company focused on rethinking home access through innovative security solutions. The company develops connected smart locks that combine fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, keypad entry, and mobile access with an emphasis on reliability, ease of use, and security. Its latest product, the DESLOC V150 Plus, uses low-light solar technology to continuously recharge in a wide range of lighting conditions, including shaded entryways and cloudy weather. Vicky Zhang is Chief Product Director at DESLOC, where she leads product strategy and innovation for next-generation smart home security solutions. With extensive experience in smart lock development, user experience design, and authentication technologies, she helps bring innovative products from concept to market. Zoe Zou is Channel Director at DESLOC, working closely with global distribution partners and technology communities to expand the company's international presence while helping shape future product development through market insights.
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July 14 · 35 min
Innovation or Innovation Theater in the Age of AI with Liminal's Steven Walchek
Artificial intelligence is moving at a pace few organizations have ever experienced, but how much of today's AI adoption is driven by real business value versus fear of being left behind? This week on That Tech Pod, we sit down with Steven Walchek, Founder and CEO of Liminal, for a conversation about what separates companies that are genuinely transforming with AI from those simply putting on a show. Steven shares how growing up around entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley shaped his approach to building companies, his experiences helping scale innovation at Amazon Web Services and FIS, and the lessons learned from launching multiple startups and achieving three successful exits. Along the way, he explains why every major technology wave creates both incredible opportunities and very expensive mistakes. We also dig into why so many organizations fall into "innovation theater," whether executives are adopting AI because of business strategy or fear of missing the next big thing, and which technologies from the past two decades proved to be underrated or wildly overhyped. Steven offers an honest perspective on where enterprise AI is heading, what regulated industries need to get right, and the AI investments companies may look back on with regret just a few years from now. If you're trying to separate AI hype from lasting business value, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Steven Walchek is the Founder and CEO of Liminal, where he helps large regulated enterprises securely scale generative AI with the right balance of governance, visibility, and multi-model access. He’s spent more than 15 years building and scaling companies across fintech, cloud, and enterprise software, focused on turning emerging technologies into real operational advantage. Before Liminal, Steven was EVP and Chief Innovation Officer at FIS, where he led corporate venture initiatives, launched new business lines, and built multiple subsidiary companies. Earlier in his career at Amazon Web Services, he worked on early machine learning and cloud infrastructure initiatives while helping expand the partner ecosystem and drive new revenue growth. He’s also been involved in three successful exits, including DebtMarket, the fintech company he co-founded and later sold to Intercontinental Exchange. Today, he focuses on helping regulated industries adopt AI at scale without losing control, security, or trust.
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July 7 · 28 min
AI, Product Leadership, and Growth with Mitratech's Justin Silverman
Laura has been looking forward to this one for a while. On this episode of That Tech Pod, we sit down with Justin Silverman, the Chief Operating Officer of Legal Solutions at Mitratech, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale enterprise software in the age of AI. Justin has led product organizations across legal technology, insurance technology, and enterprise SaaS, giving him a unique perspective on how different industries adopt technology, where product strategy succeeds or fails, and why organizational leadership becomes just as important as product innovation as companies grow. We discuss the surprising similarities and differences between building software for lawyers versus insurance professionals, the balance between product decisions and people decisions, and what changes when you're responsible for one of the largest legal software portfolios in the industry. The conversation also takes a practical look at AI beyond the marketing headlines. Justin shares how Mitratech is approaching AI both inside the business and for customers, where employees are still hesitant to embrace AI in their daily work, and whether AI has actually made product management easier or simply raised expectations for everyone involved. We also explore why legal spending continues to rise despite decades of technology-driven efficiency gains and the costly mistakes software companies make when chasing growth instead of solving real customer problems. If you're interested in product leadership, AI adoption, legal technology, or simply how large software organizations make strategic decisions, this episode offers an inside look from someone helping shape the future of enterprise legal software. Justin Silverman is Chief Operating Officer of Legal Solutions at Mitratech, leading Product Management, Engineering, and Operations across the Legal Solutions division, with responsibility for bringing AI-powered solutions to customers and driving AI adoption across Mitratech's own operations. In March 2021, he joined Mitratech from Vertafore, a software provider in the insurance industry, where he led product management for their insurance agency management system business. Prior to Vertafore, he was VP of Product Management and General Manager of LexisNexis CounselLink, an e-billing and matter management solution. Justin's experience spans growing B2B software businesses, solving complex customer problems, and driving performance across large, cross-functional teams.
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June 30 · 27 min
The Future of eDiscovery: AI, Digital Evidence, and What's Next with Level Legal's Matt Mahon
This week on That Tech Pod, we sit down with Matt Mahon, Vice President of Client Solutions at Level Legal, to talk about what's really happening across the legal technology landscape in 2026. Matt shares what attorneys are asking for today, why AI hasn't driven costs down as quickly as many predicted, and how legal teams should be preparing for emerging evidence sources like AI assistants, chatbots, and ephemeral communications. We also discuss whether traditional eDiscovery pricing models still make sense, the assumptions the industry will soon leave behind, and what it takes to build defensible, evidence-first workflows in an AI-powered world. Matt explains why AI is transforming legal work without eliminating the complexity that drives litigation, and why organizations that focus on governance and strategy will ultimately see the biggest gains. We also explore the biggest trends shaping the industry this year, what excites him most about where legal technology is headed, and where he believes the market is still falling short. Finally, Matt celebrates Level Legal's new Band 3 ranking in the 2026 Chambers Litigation Support Guide for USA Nationwide eDiscovery providers and previews his upcoming Electronic Discovery Reference Model webinar on digital evidence and recent case law. Learn more about Level Legal's Chambers ranking: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/level-legal-earns-ranking-in-chambers-and-partner-2026-litigation-support-guide-for-ediscovery-302809787.html Register for the EDRM webinar, "Digital Evidence: Mapping the Landscape with Case Insights": https://levellegal.com/resources/ Matt Mahon is the Vice President of Client Solutions at Level Legal. Matt draws on decades of experience in eDiscovery to help clients develop bespoke solutions to their problems. Matt regularly shares his expertise and thought leadership, speaking at industry conferences, CLE events, law firm trainings, and more. He holds several industry certifications, including CEDS from ACEDs, IGP from ARMA International, and is a RelativityOne Certified Pro and Relativity Certified Sales Pro. Matt also serves as the President of the ACEDS Jacksonville chapter.
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June 23 · 27 min
Data Doesn't Drive Decisions. People Do with Sebastian Wernicke
This week on That Tech Pod, we sit down with Sebastian Wernicke, a globally recognized expert on data and AI strategy whose TED Talks have been viewed more than five million times. Sebastian argues that successful AI adoption has far less to do with choosing the right tools and far more to do with building the right culture. We explore why "data-driven" organizations often struggle to make better decisions, and why Sebastian prefers the idea of being "data-inspired" instead. He explains how leaders can create cultures built on evidence, curiosity, and better questions rather than dashboards and reports. The conversation also takes a fresh look at Shadow AI. Rather than treating employees' use of unauthorized AI tools as simply a security problem, Sebastian explains why it can be a signal that workers are frustrated by broken processes, inefficient workflows, and organizational bottlenecks. We also tackle the growing debate around whether AI is entering bubble territory, what executives misunderstand about AI demand, and how massive investments like Kirkland & Ellis's reported $500 million AI initiative could reshape competition across industries. Will AI become a game where only the largest organizations can afford to compete, or will smaller companies find new ways to stay ahead? Finally, Sebastian shares examples from his book Data Inspired that show how organizations can unlock the value of data not through technology purchases, but through culture, leadership, and better decision-making habits. If you're trying to separate AI hype from business reality, this episode offers a practical roadmap for what actually drives transformation. A leading expert in data and AI strategy, Sebastian Wernicke believes that the key to unlocking data’s power lies not in technology, but in leaders fostering a culture of evidence and inquiry. For over 20 years, Sebastian has guided organizations around the world to harness the power of data and AI to achieve breakthrough transformation. Sebastian's ability to make complex topics around data accessible, engaging, and actionable has made him a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. His three acclaimed TED Talks have reached over 5 million viewers.
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June 16 · 34 min
Beyond the Pilot: Making AI Work at Scale with Meredith Kildow
AI has moved far beyond experimentation, but many organizations are still figuring out what happens when it becomes part of everyday work. In this episode of That Tech Pod, we sit down with Meredith Kildow, President of Consilio, to explore what it really takes to operationalize AI at scale. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience spanning sales, consulting, operations, and executive leadership, Meredith shares a practical perspective on why successful AI adoption is less about technology and more about ownership, process design, culture, and execution. We discuss the difference between running AI pilots and embedding AI into mission-critical workflows, why many organizations struggle to translate productivity gains into measurable business outcomes, and how leadership teams should think about accountability when AI becomes part of the workforce. The conversation also examines AI's impact on consulting and professional services, where efficiency gains can fundamentally reshape how value is delivered to clients. Meredith offers insights into the common mistakes organizations make when they try to solve people and process challenges with technology alone, the growing complexity that can come with increased automation, and what today's leaders may be misunderstanding about AI's long-term role in business. This episode is a candid look at the operational realities of AI adoption and why the companies seeing the greatest results are focusing as much on people and culture as they are on the technology itself. Meredith Kildow is an accomplished operations and sales executive with more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries. Her areas of expertise include expanding go-to-market strategies and bringing high performing teams together through both organic and inorganic growth. Meredith is a champion of combining data-driven approaches with an emphasis on people, culture, and transformation to grow motivated, balanced teams. As President, Meredith is focused on driving excellence in Consilio’s combined commercial business lines, including revenue, account management, and operational delivery across their global client base.
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June 9 · 27 min
300 Episodes Later: The End of Tech Hype?
As we celebrate our 300th episode, we looked back at two very different conferences that revealed the same technology trend. First was the Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, where the conversation was no longer about whether Bitcoin would survive. Instead, attendees focused on institutional adoption, corporate treasury strategies, regulation, and how Bitcoin fits into the future of global finance. Laura also spent time meeting with industry leaders including BitFuFu, XCE, and Soapbox Technologies, gaining additional insight into where the industry is heading. The technology has matured beyond its early skepticism and is now being discussed as part of the mainstream financial system. A few weeks later at CLOC 2026 in Chicago, we saw a similar evolution in the legal technology world. AI dominated the agenda, but the discussion wasn’t about what AI might do someday. Legal operations leaders were focused on governance, implementation, ROI, risk management, and how to successfully deploy AI within their organizations. The excitement remains, but the conversations have become much more practical. What stood out was how closely these industries mirrored one another. At Bitcoin, the question was how to govern and integrate digital assets. At CLOC, the question was how to govern and operationalize AI. In both cases, the technology itself was no longer the story. Execution was. After 300 episodes covering everything from cybersecurity and privacy to AI, legal tech, crypto, space technology, and everything in between, one lesson continues to emerge: the future isn’t built on bold predictions. It’s built on organizations that can turn innovation into measurable business value. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has listened, subscribed, shared episodes, joined us as guests, and supported That Tech Pod over the last five years. What started as a simple idea has grown into 300 conversations with incredible leaders, innovators, and experts across countless industries. We appreciate every listener who has been part of this journey. Here’s to the first 300 episodes, and to the next 300!
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