229. The $50,000 Mistakes These Founders Almost Made (And How They Avoided Them) Tech For Non-Techies podcast

35:20

Is today's AI hype cycle just dot-com boom 2.0? In this episode, host Sophia Matveeva talks with David G. Ewing, who lived through the original tech bubble (literally in a closet in Palo Alto!) about the striking parallels between then and now. Listen to learn lessons from dot-com history to navigate today's AI boom. Listen to learn: Why the "more things change, the more they stay the same" when it comes to tech hype cycles The surprising success factor that determined which dot-com companies survived (and what it means for AI) A powerful career strategy that helps you thrive amid tech disruption Why measuring AI's impact requires looking beyond traditional ROI metrics For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/251-lessons-from-the-dot-com-era-for-today-s-ai-hype Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Wild West of Tech: Lessons from the Dot-Com Era 10:02 Navigating the AI Hype 19:53 Building Infrastructure for Success in AI 29:45 The Hydra vs. Phoenix Analogy About Our Guest David G. Ewing is the founder of Content Lion, a next-generation AI centralisation and enterprise content management system. He brings decades of technology experience and a pragmatic approach to digital transformation. Resources Mentioned David's blog: davidgewing.com David's podcast: Content Kingdom David's company: contentlion.com Book recommendation: " What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars " For thinking about risk and Black Swan events: Nassim Taleb's " The Black Swan " Connect with Tech for Non-Techies Visit techfornontechies.co to learn more about our courses, community, and resources designed specifically for non-technical founders, corporate innovators, and professionals navigating the digital world. For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
250. Less Tech, More Value: Why Simpler Digital Products Win 18:23

for 12 dage siden18:23

18:23

The more technology you put into your product, the worse it can get. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva talks with Zahra Almahoozi, founder of DARB and recent graduate of the Tech for Non-Technical Founders program in Bahrain. Discover how Zahra's "less is more" approach helped her build a startup that addresses real user needs without overwhelming them with features. This episode is for you if you: Are building a digital product and wondering what to include Want to create something users will actually adopt (instead of ignore) Are looking to validate your concept with minimal investment You will learn: Why starting with WhatsApp groups or Google Forms can be more effective than complex technology The three things every non-technical innovator must know to communicate effectively with developers How documenting requirements can save you thousands in development costs You can connect with Zahra Almahoozi on LinkedIn or follow Darb on Instagram Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:10 The Journey of a Non-Technical Founder 06:01 Lessons from the Tech for Non-Technical Founders Program 08:54 Understanding User Behavior 11:48 The Value of Networking in Tech 15:09 Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs 17:04 Future Plans For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/250-less-tech-more-value-why-simpler-digital-products-win For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
249. AI ROI: 7 Insights from the Economist Business Innovation Summit 16:45

for 19 dage siden16:45

16:45

Some companies waste millions on AI initiatives while others use it to gain serious market advantage. In this episode, you'll learn the seven insights Sophia Matveeva, our CEO, got from The Economist's Business Innovation Summit and what they mean for your AI strategy. This episode is for you if you: Are a leader considering AI investments but want to avoid chasing vanity metrics Need to justify AI projects to your CFO or board with realistic ROI expectations (!!!) Want to address "shadow IT" - when employees use unauthorised AI tools with company data Are responsible for upskilling your team in the age of AI For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/249-ai-hype-vs-reality-what-smart-business-leaders-are-actually-doing Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to AI and Market Dynamics 03:11 Key Insights from the Economist Business Innovation Summit 05:58 The Importance of Speed in AI Implementation 08:51 Understanding Shadow IT and Its Implications 12:12 The Role of Boards in AI Adoption 14:58 Training and Upskilling for the AI Age 16:24 The Impact of DeepSeek on Global Innovation For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
248. Q&A Episode: How to Keep Tech Teams On Track Without Micromanaging 15:28

for 26 dage siden15:28

15:28

Here are the listener questions Sophia Matveeva answers in this episode: What should I be asking in product meetings if I don’t have a technical background? I’m leading a digital transformation initiative, but my tech team keeps telling me things take longer than expected. Should I push back? How? How do I know if I need a technical co-founder, or if I can build my product with an agency or no-code tools? Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE download: Anonymous Survey on the Tech–Business Divide YouTube: How to Work with Developers: A Guide for Non-Technical Leaders Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Navigating Product Meetings Without Technical Background 06:15 Managing Digital Transformation Timelines 10:56 Technical Co-Founder or Agency? For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/248-q-a-episode-how-to-keep-tech-teams-on-track-without-micromanaging For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
247. Million-Dollar Misunderstandings: How to Fix Tech-Business Disconnect 21:58

for 5 weeks siden21:58

21:58

Companies invest millions in tech projects every day. Some deliver remarkable returns while others crash and burn, wasting fortunes and careers. The deciding factor? Rarely the technology itself—it's the disconnect between technical implementation and business objectives. In this episode, you'll learn a proven system for bridging this expensive gap. You will see how to diagnose misalignment, quantify its impact, and implement frameworks that create genuine understanding between technical and business teams. You'll get lessons you can use at work today. This episode is for you if you: Want make sure you get the best ROI on your tech innovation projects Need to become the translator who can align technical realities with business goals Work in tech and are tired of business stakeholders changing requirements every week For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/247-million-dollar-misunderstandings-how-to-fix-tech-business-disconnect Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Digital Transformation Failures 02:50 Tech and Business Misalignment 06:09 Diagnosing the Disconnect 09:03 Importance of Communication 11:59 Creating a Collaborative Culture 15:11 Taking Action on Survey Results Resources mentioned in this episode: Harvard Business Review: Coding Isn’t a Necessary Leadership Skill — But Digital Literacy Is FREE download: Anonymous Survey on the Tech–Business Divide For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
246. 5 Types of Innovation Leaders: From Nonsense to C-Suite 22:26

for 6 weeks siden22:26

22:26

Some "Heads of Innovation" are glorified event planners while others transform entire businesses. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify which type of innovation leader you're dealing with and what that means for your career or business. This episode is for you if you: Want to pursue a career in corporate innovation Are a founder pitching to corporate innovation departments Are an executive designing innovation roles for your company Need to collaborate with innovation teams but aren't sure of their actual authority Are an investor evaluating a company's innovation claims You'll learn which innovation roles are career dead-ends, which ones lead to the C-suite, and how to quickly identify who has real decision-making power versus who's just organising hackathons with no implementation authority. Resources mentioned in this episode: Podcast: 96. How to innovate at a corporate: lessons from Apple and Intel FREE GUIDE: Innovate, but how? The Pragmatist's guide to growth For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/246-5-types-of-innovation-leaders-from-nonsense-to-c-suite Timestamps 00:50 Innovation Roles 02:58 Five Types of Innovation Leaders 05:45 Innovation Theater Director 09:05 Innovation Community Manager 11:57 Corporate Entrepreneur 14:52 R&D Leader 17:50 Transforming Businesses For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
245. What To Do If Your Start-up Fails 24:44

for 7 weeks siden24:44

24:44

Start-up failure is never pleasant, but did you know you can actually make more money and be more successful as a result? In this candid, no-nonsense episode, you'll learn exactly what to do when your venture doesn't make it. This episode is for you if you: Run a company Are thinking of starting one Are thinking of joining one Are in the midst of a startup struggle and considering options Are working at a startup and worried about its trajectory You'll learn why panic is unnecessary, how your startup experience makes you uniquely qualified for lucrative jobs, and why investors often prefer founders with failure experience. If you want your questions to be answered on this show, email info@techfornontechies.co Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:56: Embracing Startup Failure 03:00 Lessons from Startup Struggles 05:51 Experience in Failure 09:06 Leveraging Failure 12:13 Building a Network and Personal Brand 15:07 Navigating the Aftermath For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/what-to-do-if-your-start-up-fails For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
244. The Non-Techie's Path to VC 30:19

for 8 weeks siden30:19

30:19

If you're a non-technical founder or corporate innovator, you've likely heard the myth: venture capital is exclusively for bankers or coders. Promise Phelon shatters this misconception completely. In this episode, Promise shares how she used her experience as a non-technical founder to become a successful venture capitalist - without writing a single line of code or spending years in investment banking. Listen to learn: Why business acumen and customer understanding are more valuable than technical skills How "product CEOs" often have advantages over purely technical founders Practical paths into venture capital for non-technical professionals Why more founders are specifically seeking investors with operational experience How to use your industry expertise to find investment opportunities others miss If you're curious about a career in venture, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Harnessing Technology for Leadership 03:00 Journey from Operator to Investor 05:52 Debunking VC Myths 09:13 Technical vs. Product CEOs 11:59 The Path to Venture Capital 14:52 Relationships in VC 18:07 Building a Unique Investment Perspective 20:58 The Ethics of Startup Experience for VC 23:52 Empowering Non-Technical Founders 26:46 The Value of Operator VCs For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/244-the-non-techie-s-path-to-vc Learn more from Promise Phelon at the Growth Warrior YouTube channel . For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
243. How to Work with Developers: A Guide for Non-Technical Leaders 30:34

for 9 weeks siden30:34

30:34

If you're a non-technical founder or leader, you might find developers frustrating to work with. (They also think the same thing about you) Developers resist quick changes, seem annoyed by status meetings, and always want the most expensive equipment. That's not because they are prima donnas. This episode will explain why developers work so differently from other professionals, and show you how to create communication systems that work for both business and technical teams. Listen to learn: Why a "5-minute change" actually costs 2 hours of developer time The hidden costs of cheap equipment that hurt your bottom line How to structure meetings to maximise development speed Practical communication strategies that get results Resources mentioned in this episode: https://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 001:10 Developer Mindsets 02:55 The Importance of Sprints 06:10 Managing Developer Interruptions 09:04 The Maker vs. Manager Schedule 11:59 Hiring and Equipment Considerations 14:50 Effective Communication 18:05 Developer Productivity 21:00 Conclusion For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/243-how-to-work-with-developers-a-guide-for-non-technical-leaders For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
242. Big Tech vs Little Tech: What Non-Technical Leaders Need to Know 21:31

for 10 weeks siden21:31

21:31

What’s good for Big Tech isn’t always good for Little Tech, and vice versa. In this episode, we’re breaking down the key differences between these two worlds and what they mean for you. Listen to learn: Which Big Tech lessons don't apply in Little Tech and vice versa. The unique advantages (and pitfalls) of working in Big Tech vs Little Tech. How to position yourself (or your company) for success in either world. What the future holds for Big Tech, Little Tech, and the leaders who bridge the gap. Whether you're planning your next career move, building a business or investing in tech, this episode is for you. For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/big-tech-vs-little-tech Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Understanding Big Tech vs. Little Tech 06:12 Key Differences in Strategies and Mindsets 11:54 Navigating Career Choices in Tech 15:35 Platform Dependency Risks 20:05 Risks and Opportunities for Founders For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
241. The 8 Types Of People You Need In Your Network 34:29

for 11 weeks siden34:29

34:29

Have you noticed how some people seem to know exactly the right person to call when they need something? That's not luck - it's strategic networking. If you're an innovator with ambition, you need to build your network strategically. This episode will help you plan whom you need, why you need them and how to find them. Listen to learn: The 8 categories of professionals you need in your network if you want to build something new The types of developers to have in your network and how to connect with them Why you need both VCs and public market investors for different perspectives - even if you're not raising money How to surround yourself with highly successful people who expand your sense of what's possible Real examples of finding your tribe of ambitious innovators who are actually doing things, not just talking Whether you're starting a tech company, driving innovation in a corporate role, or exploring new opportunities, you'll learn how to build the right relationships that will nourish you for the long term. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Developers in Your Network 05:52 The Investor Perspective 09:13 Vision Expanders 12:00 Regulators in Innovation 14:48 Finding Your Tribe of Outliers 19:11 Leveraging Industry Veterans 23:04 Media Allies 25:58 Academic Connections 29:49 Conclusion For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/the-8-types-of-people-you-need-in-your-network For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
240. What Non-Technical Innovators Need To Do About DeepSeek 19:36

for 12 weeks siden19:36

19:36

DeepSeek is a new AI that's 44 times cheaper than ChatGPT and completely open-source. While tech blogs obsess over the technical specs, there's a bigger story for non-technical innovators that no one else is talking about. In this episode, you'll discover the hidden opportunities DeepSeek creates for founders and innovators who don't code. Listen to learn: How to build genuine expertise around DeepSeek while others are still figuring it out (time sensitive) Smart ways to work with developers who are excited about DeepSeek Why DeepSeek's affordability means you can test your ideas without breaking the bank Practical steps to build custom AI solutions without needing a PhD Whether you're a founder tired of paying premium prices for AI, a corporate innovator looking to stand out, or an entrepreneur wanting to experiment with AI, this episode shows you exactly what to do with DeepSeek right now. Learn why the real DeepSeek opportunity isn't in the code - it's in how you use it to get ahead while everyone else is still talking tech specs. Resources mentioned in this episode: 227. How to Use AI in Product Development: A Non-Techies Guide 196. Why All Businesses Depend on Open-Source Software For the transccript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/240-what-non-technical-innovators-need-to-do-about-deepseek Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:59 DeepSeek vs. Other LLMs 06:14 Opportunities for Non-Technical Innovators 09:05 Open Source Advantages 11:56 Engaging with the Developer Community 15:14 Global Innovation with DeepSeek For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE COURSE: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
239. Do you really need a co-founder? 30:10

for 13 weeks siden30:10

30:10

Do you really need a co-founder? There's intense pressure in the startup world to find co-founders, but the data tells a surprising story. MIT research shows that solo founders are actually more than twice as likely to succeed compared to teams, while Harvard research reveals that 65% of high-potential startups fail due to co-founder conflict. In this episode, you'll learn how to make the right decision about co-founders for your business, based on data rather than pressure. Listen to learn: Why the "you must have a co-founder" narrative persists despite evidence showing solo founders often succeed What successful solo founders like Jeff Bezos, Sara Blakely, and Mailchimp founder Ben Chestnut did differently How to evaluate if you really need a co-founder for your specific business A practical framework for finding and testing potential co-founders if you decide you want one Whether you're a founder feeling pressured to find a co-founder, or an investor evaluating solo vs. co-founded companies, this episode will transform how you think about startup leadership and team building. Learn why it's better to be a successful single parent than stuck in a toxic marriage when it comes to your business. Resources mentioned in this episode: MIT Sloan: 2 founders are not always better than 1 The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup , by Harvard Business School professor Noam Wasserman For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/do-you-really-need-a-co-founder Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:06 The Co-Founder Relationship 06:00 Risks of Rushing into Co-Founding 08:52 Data-Driven Insights 12:12 Conflict and Co-Founders 15:08 When Co-Founders Make Sense 18:05 Evaluating Potential Co-Founders 20:58 Alternatives to Co-Founders 23:47 Testing Before Commitment 27:09 Focus on Success, Not Pressure For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
238. The Secret To User Growth: Turn Features Into Stories 20:20

for 14 weeks siden20:20

20:20

Want to know how Apple turns technical features into stories that make people line up around the block for new products? In this episode you will learn the 3 step product storytelling framework that transforms complex features into benefits users love. Every successful tech company has mastered the art of product storytelling, so if you want your innovations to succeed, you need this skill too. Listen to learn: The 3-part framework behind every great product story Why product storytelling is more important than investor pitching Why talking about amazing tech pushes users away Simple ways to practice better product storytelling today Whether you're a founder trying to get users to love your product or a corporate innovator, this episode will transform how you communicate your product's value to your most important audience: your customers. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Product Storytelling 04:32 Duolingo: A Case Study 06:54 Spotify's Storytelling Framework 09:16 Features vs. Benefits 12:43 Implementing Product Storytelling 17:02 Conclusion For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/the-secret-to-user-growth-turn-features-into-stories For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here . Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.…

Tech for Non-Techies

1
237. Introduction to crypto for smart beginners 36:49

for 15 weeks siden36:49