Episodios

  • Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik

    Curiosity Always Beats Passion: The Real Secret Behind 100 Patents with Ajay Malik
    Oct 8 2025
    Guest:
    Ajay Malik

    Host:
    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:
    Everyone says “follow your passion.” Ajay Malik says follow your curiosity instead. The prolific inventor behind more than 100 patents explains why passion fades but curiosity compounds — fueling innovation, leadership, and lifelong creativity.

    In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug dives deep into how Ajay turns curiosity into invention and reinvention. From building teams that thrive on freedom to leading turnarounds across industries, Ajay reveals how asking “why” and “what if” can change your life, your career, and your company.

    You’ll hear how curiosity drives breakthrough thinking, why randomness is often your best teacher, and what daily habits keep Ajay inspired to create.

    If you’ve ever wondered what separates innovators who sustain success from those who burn out — this conversation gives you the blueprint.

    What You’ll Learn:
    • Why curiosity outlasts passion in innovation and leadership

    • The mindset that helped Ajay earn 100+ patents

    • How to build high-performing teams through freedom and trust

    • Lessons from company turnarounds and reinvention

    • Why great leaders act as “reverse bosses” who empower others

    • Daily habits for staying creative, focused, and inspired


    Chapters:
    00:00 | The Power of Curiosity and Creation
    03:00 | How AI and Personalization Are Changing Innovation
    07:00 | Embracing Randomness and Opportunity
    09:00 | Lessons from Turnarounds and Reinvention
    12:00 | Building and Leading High-Caliber Teams
    17:00 | Leadership Lessons from Great Bosses
    22:00 | Gratitude, Growth, and Perspective
    27:00 | Ajay’s Creative Process and Daily Habits
    30:00 | Reflections and Advice to His Younger Self

    Connect With Ajay:
    LinkedIn → Ajay Malik

    Subscribe to Executive Connect:
    Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
    Spotify → Listen on Spotify

    Connect With Us:
    Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
    LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook → Executive Connect
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    33 m
  • Lead AI, Don’t Let It Lead You with Shashank Kapadia

    Lead AI, Don’t Let It Lead You with Shashank Kapadia
    Oct 6 2025
    Guest:

    Shashank Kapadia

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    AI is everywhere, but leadership is what makes it valuable. In this conversation, AI innovator Shashank Kapadia lays out a practical playbook for responsible AI: start with values, measure real outcomes, and ask better questions. He introduces his three Cs framework for responsible AI clarity, context, and consequence and explains how to lead high performing ML teams with direction, autonomy, and integrity. We cut through hype to focus on models that quietly improve decisions, discuss when not to automate, and share failure patterns and guardrails leaders can use right now.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Why leading AI matters more than building it
    00:21 | Meet Shashank Kapadia AI innovator and ethics advocate
    01:20 | From model accuracy to real world impact a personal shift
    02:30 | Beyond optimization building wise systems grounded in values
    03:37 | Responsible AI defined the three Cs clarity context consequence
    04:47 | Ethics is not a checklist how executives operationalize responsibility
    05:36 | Leading ML teams the trio of direction autonomy integrity
    06:58 | Psychological safety and nonlinear progress loops not sprints
    08:05 | Sponsor Money Ripples Cashflow Secrets offer
    08:41 | Cutting hype with first principles three questions every project must answer
    10:14 | Invisible AI wins utility over model complexity
    11:27 | Competitor FOMO vs solving real problems choosing focus
    11:54 | Hybrid intelligence the future blend of technical EQ and ethics
    12:57 | Translators of trust why cross functional leadership wins
    13:42 | Non technical makers and baby boomers using AI real examples
    15:01 | Failure patterns misaligned objectives hidden bias and shaky rollouts
    17:15 | Ship small monitor hard KPIs and safeguard equity
    18:23 | Sponsor Texas Freedom Fund information
    19:10 | A value driven mindset and the power of asking how
    21:19 | Where to follow Shashank LinkedIn and Substack Pragmatic MLR

    Guest Bio (short):

    Shashank Kapadia is a machine learning leader and responsible AI advocate who has built large scale recommender systems and decision engines for global platforms. He speaks and writes on the practical intersection of innovation and ethics, helping organizations ship models that earn trust and deliver business value.

    Connect With Shashank:

    LinkedIn: Shashank Kapadia
    Substack: Pragmatic MLR

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    22 m
  • From T+1 to T0: Blockchain’s Real Value in Capital Markets with Renee Berman

    From T+1 to T0: Blockchain’s Real Value in Capital Markets with Renee Berman
    Oct 1 2025
    Guest:

    Renee Berman

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Atomic settlement sounds flashy, but most market participants actually want T0. In this episode, capital markets leader Renee Berman breaks down where blockchain is delivering real value today and what still needs to happen before it scales. From DTCC to Broadridge, Renee has led digital asset initiatives across core market plumbing. She explains tokenization, stablecoins, smart contracts, and why single source of truth plus 24 by 7 rails can cut risk and cost. We cover regulation, interoperability, buy side adoption, and a practical path from pilot to production.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Atomic settlement vs T0 why near real time beats instant for markets
    00:41 | Meet Renee Berman strategist operator and blockchain leader
    01:11 | A nonlinear career with a through line of impact
    02:01 | Inside DTCC volumes custody and the digital asset mandate
    03:00 | At Broadridge exploring how on chain rails change trade processing
    04:12 | From nonprofit strategy to Goldman and Credit Suisse foundations
    05:20 | Moving into the COO seat for equity derivatives learning on the fly
    07:25 | Where blockchain delivers value today tokenization and market plumbing
    08:02 | Tokenizing real world assets bonds equities private markets explained
    09:15 | Market size today and 2030 projections for tokenized RWAs and stablecoins
    10:00 | Early traction tokenized money market funds from major managers
    10:52 | Repo and collateral use cases trillion dollar monthly volumes on DLT
    11:28 | Why single source of truth and 24 by 7 availability matter
    12:20 | T1 to T0 settlement netting tradeoffs and risk reduction
    13:16 | Smart contracts automate asset servicing coupons dividends and more
    13:54 | Democratization lowering minimums expanding investor access
    14:49 | Adoption headwinds regulation interoperability identity and UX
    15:23 | US momentum stablecoin rules Genius Act and the Clarity Act
    16:39 | Buy side needs invisible blockchain no wallets same workflow better rails
    18:21 | Making regulators comfortable DTCC Euroclear Clearstream BCG risk work
    20:20 | New public chain risk framework focus on non financial risks
    23:04 | Stablecoins what they are and why cross border payments lead
    24:34 | Use case dollar access in high inflation economies
    25:10 | One to one backing consumer protections and what is still missing
    26:00 | Market structure who oversees what SEC and CFTC delineation
    27:54 | Women in finance and crypto mentorship programs and progress
    31:03 | The fourth industrial revolution AI blockchain robotics and finance
    33:22 | The future 24 by 7 global markets programmable money and wallets
    34:24 | How to get Renee’s white papers and continue the conversation

    Connect With Renee:

    LinkedIn: Renee Berman

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    35 m
  • How to Turn Connections into Opportunities with George Dubec

    How to Turn Connections into Opportunities with George Dubec
    Sep 29 2025
    Guest:

    George Dubec

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug


    Episode Overview:

    Networking is not about luck, it is about building a system. In this episode of Executive Connect, master connector George Dubec shares his step-by-step approach to turning relationships into real opportunities. From his early career at General Motors to building one of Florida’s largest networking groups, George has proven that consistent, persistent, and relentless follow-up beats small talk every time.

    You will learn:
    - How to build and segment a database of valuable contacts.
    - Use events and promoters to create warm introductions.
    - Balance online networking with in-person strategy.

    George also reveals why fortunes are in the follow-up, how to find someone’s preferred communication channel, and why referrals multiply your influence faster than anything else. Whether you want more clients, funding, or influence, this conversation gives you the playbook.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 | Be consistent persistent and relentless
    00:26 | Why networking beats solo grind and self help mantras
    01:22 | From GM engineer to community builder and teacher of networking
    02:04 | It is who you know and who knows you
    03:34 | Step one build a database and capture contact info early
    04:49 | Segmenting contacts investors founders service pros podcasters
    05:55 | The ask muscle and The Aladdin Factor
    06:37 | Daily list building email opt ins and the spam bot tactic
    06:54 | The conversation piece box and how to start talks at events
    07:54 | The clipboard move visible notes and promised follow up
    08:06 | Take a selfie send it that night fortunes in the follow up
    08:41 | When people ghost you numbers game and staying persistent
    09:12 | Grant Cardone story persistence and timing
    11:25 | Choose the right rooms and contact the host for intros
    12:31 | Exit strategies do not eat or drink work the room in one hour
    13:42 | Follow up and follow through drip until timing is right
    14:51 | Match their channel text WhatsApp Messenger email
    16:41 | Timing story why a warm referral beats a cold approach
    17:59 | You can network your way into anything example list to friends
    19:27 | Lead with value how can I help you and who do you need to meet
    20:24 | Tools for non founders Constant Contact AWeber GetResponse Talk Fusion
    21:14 | Build reach with podcasting Podbean studios books manuals blogs Substack
    24:21 | Inside Ultimate Networking performance test and five easy steps
    25:47 | Improve your own score stay on your game
    27:28 | Teaching kids and family to network
    29:05 | Family networking monthly Zooms and a family site
    30:28 | Where to get the book and George’s free PDF offer

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    31 m
  • The #1 Reason Your Team Training Isn’t Working

    The #1 Reason Your Team Training Isn’t Working
    Sep 24 2025
    Guest:

    Dr. Christie McMullen

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Most team trainings fail because they are not designed to stick. In this episode of Executive Connect, best-selling author and adult learning expert Dr. Christie McMullen explains why flooding people with information leads to wasted time and how leaders can instead make every message safe, logical, fun, and memorable.

    Christie introduces her AIM model (Analyze, Improve, Move) and the sprinkle splash flood drip follow up method that keeps information top of mind long after the meeting ends. You will learn how to boost retention, build psychological safety, and design interactions that people actually remember. If your team struggles to translate training into action, this conversation gives you the playbook.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Why great coaching often bounces off and nothing sticks
    01:01 | Meet Dr. Christie McMullen adult learning expert and podcaster
    01:29 | Why everyone at work is a teacher and few are taught how
    02:44 | Why most training fails people retain only 10 percent
    02:54 | Sprinkle splash flood drip drip drip explained
    04:08 | The three drip follow ups that cement accountability
    04:55 | The AIM model Analyze Improve Move
    05:29 | Define the target for every meeting who does what by when
    05:44 | Safe Logical Fun Memorable the delivery framework
    06:49 | How leaders create psychological safety by modeling vulnerability
    07:45 | Logical equals share the plan scripts one pagers and timeboxes
    09:20 | Why fun drives memory and prevents quiet quitting
    10:33 | Making learning memorable with spaced repetition
    13:41 | Clear is kind how vague leadership kills productivity
    16:21 | Fixing death by slides simplify to five points and visuals
    18:33 | Fun without forced happy hours value voice and talents
    21:25 | Paperclip teddy bear magnifying glass slinky the four team types
    24:25 | Productive Joy where fun meets action and flow
    28:09 | Why leading yourself first makes you a better educator
    31:40 | Final challenge make work fun or expect turnover
    32:10 | How to connect with Dr. Christie and Intentionality Group

    Guest Links:

    Book: Learning Can Stick → https://a.co/d/3kbGfuQ
    Course: Women Who Lead
    Website: www.aimwithus.com

    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Christie McMullen is a best selling author, podcaster, and educator turned entrepreneur who helps people create and harness productive joy. She builds opportunities for people to improve human interactions and knows how to cultivate fun in every environment.

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    35 m
  • How To Go From Chaos To Calm with Dr. Janet Polach

    How To Go From Chaos To Calm with Dr. Janet Polach
    Sep 22 2025
    Guest:

    Dr. Janet Polach

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Leadership resilience and executive coaching are more critical than ever. In this episode of Executive Connect, retired Marine and executive coach Dr. Janet Polach shares the neuroscience of resilience and the practical tools leaders need to go from chaos to calm. From brain health and tiny habits to negotiating deadlines and building stronger teams, Janet reveals how to stay sharp, grounded, and effective in a world of constant fire drills and uncertainty.

    You will learn:

    - Why sleep, nutrition, and movement are the foundation of executive clarity.
    - How to rewire your brain to embrace change instead of resist it.
    - Why coaching provides the accountability most leaders need to thrive.

    If you are feeling reactive, burned out, or stuck, this episode shows you how to reset and lead with calm confidence.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Do something not everything start small
    00:29 | The no manual feeling at the top and why resilience matters
    01:14 | Marine Corps roots and developing leaders by design
    02:30 | Eleven leadership principles and promotion by leadership
    04:10 | What got you here will not keep you here
    05:07 | Executive shift from solving tasks to assigning and thinking long term
    05:46 | The fatigue problem tabs open uncertainty and burnout
    07:28 | Sleep movement nutrition the base of brain health
    09:18 | Brain energy and resistance to change even good change
    12:21 | Building team resilience negotiate deadlines and clarify urgency
    13:33 | Take real vacations and ask how are you really in one on ones
    15:55 | Daily brain hygiene walking meditation and sensory awareness
    18:47 | Desk reset breathing with longer exhale and quick tension breaks
    22:13 | Why behavior change fails start tiny and stack habits
    23:04 | Coaching for reflection feedback and accountability
    27:39 | Final advice do one small thing and make it consistent
    28:06 | Free resiliency assessment invitation and how to connect

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    30 m
  • Generative AI: A Bigger Shift Than the Internet? with Collin Graves

    Generative AI: A Bigger Shift Than the Internet? with Collin Graves
    Sep 17 2025
    Guest:

    Collin Graves

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Episode Overview:

    Generative AI is not just another tech wave. According to Collin Graves, founder of North Labs and former U.S. Air Force air crew member, it is a shift bigger than the internet itself. In this episode of Executive Connect, Collin shares why winners in the AI era will not be the companies chasing every new tool but those who anchor technology strategy in human connection, disciplined leadership, and a strong data foundation. From NATO Special Operations missions to building one of the top fractional data and cloud advisory firms, Collin reveals why mid market companies cannot afford to spray and pray with AI. Instead, they must consolidate tools, create accountability loops, and align culture with execution to scale with clarity and confidence.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 | Why human connection matters in the AI era
    00:41 | Military precision meets cloud data strategy
    02:00 | From Air Force missions to early cloud obsession
    04:28 | First startup and the Dropbox before Dropbox
    06:05 | Launching North Labs and advisory first model
    08:44 | Fractional data teams explained
    09:36 | Why spray and pray AI investments fail
    11:41 | AI engineers vs data engineers two disciplines
    14:31 | Building a data culture that drives real decisions
    16:29 | From rear view reports to windshield visibility
    21:47 | Consolidating tools and using AI for automation
    25:58 | Mid markets acting like startups with AI agility
    28:03 | Leadership lessons from high stakes missions
    30:02 | In brief and out brief building accountability
    34:16 | Delegation and empowerment as growth drivers
    39:39 | Why cross training builds resilience and profit
    41:35 | Removing fear of training your replacement
    44:34 | Where to start with AI and data modernization
    46:43 | How to connect with Collin

    Connect With Us:

    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:

    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    47 m
  • The #1 Mistake Owners Make When Selling Their Business with John Martinka

    The #1 Mistake Owners Make When Selling Their Business with John Martinka
    Sep 15 2025
    Guest:
    John Martinka
    Host:
    Bryan Hancock

    Episode Overview:
    Thinking about buying a company, selling your own, or breaking through a growth plateau in the lower middle market This conversation with John Martinka, known as The Escape Artist, gives you a practical blueprint. John shares timeless deal wisdom from 31 years in the trenches: why relationships drive outcomes, how to de risk owner dependency, what great buyers actually pay for, and the simple systems that boost valuation. You will learn what to prepare years before a sale, how to avoid concentration risk, when earn outs and rollover equity show up, and the mindset that gets stalled deals across the finish line.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 | The three most important parts of a deal are not price or terms
    00:27 | Meet The Escape Artist and the mission behind buying, selling, and growth by acquisition
    01:12 | Why John trademarked the brand and what it really means for owners
    02:13 | Five books, conversational lessons, and learning from mistakes
    03:22 | Timeless advice for buyers and sellers do the right things and good outcomes follow
    04:01 | What buyers really want a well run machine with strong financial systems
    05:08 | Do not make accounting Cinderella how clean books raise confidence and price
    06:01 | Readiness checklist highlights owner dependency as a major red flag
    07:01 | A 70 million example even big companies can depend too much on the owners
    07:48 | Earn outs and rollover equity when and why they appear
    09:19 | Sponsor David and Alexis Kiwi support for power couples
    09:30 | Succession planning and digital transformation start six years out not five
    11:45 | Reduce single points of failure customer concentration and key supplier risk
    12:53 | A stalled deal saved by focusing on people and fit relationships rule
    14:14 | You are buying people not just assets why culture and team matter
    15:23 | Action steps grow delegate protect IT and IP to increase value
    16:25 | Perspective taking evaluate a target as if you were on the other side
    19:56 | The big three for any deal relationship motivation education about the process
    22:16 | How to find the right advisor referrals strategic partnerships and writing beat cold searches
    24:28 | Coaching a founder to hire and systemize the path to tripled income
    26:02 | Where to reach John and get the book offer

    Connect With Us:
    Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

    Social:
    LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
    Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
    TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
    Facebook: Executive Connect
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    27 m