In this episode, Scott Smith hosts Akhil Agrawal, who brings over 20 years of experience in data analytics, business transformation, and customer success. Currently leading North American Business and Customer Success at Infocepts, Akhil has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executives and business leaders across the globe. In their conversation, Akhil reflects on his career journey, shares insights into his unique leadership style, and discusses the evolving role of AI and data in solving real-world business problems.

Akhil’s path to data and analytics started earlier than most, growing up in a business family where he was introduced to the world of numbers and manual ledgers. He shares how those early experiences laid the groundwork for his career, and how his interest evolved through college and his first professional projects. The episode dives deep into the lessons he has learned from navigating different roles, including the challenges of transitioning from a technical background to leading customer success initiatives.

Tune in as Akhil reveals his approach to leadership, emphasizing the "player-coach" model where he stays hands-on with his teams while setting the direction. He explains how adapting his leadership style to different situations has helped him drive growth and innovation. The conversation also explores the importance of consistency in customer relationships, fostering a culture of trust, and the value of listening over telling.

Scott and Akhil further discuss the rapid advancements in AI and data technology over the past two decades. Akhil provides his perspective on the industry's evolution, from the days of data warehousing to the present, where real-time intelligence and AI-driven solutions are becoming the norm. He emphasizes the need for ethical AI practices, explainability, and responsible adoption to ensure these technologies bring real business value.

For young professionals entering the fields of data or customer success, Akhil offers actionable advice on building expertise, focusing on customer outcomes, and developing a growth mindset. He also reflects on the concept of compounding, encouraging listeners to invest early in their health, habits, and professional networks to maximize long-term benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• The Journey to Data: Akhil shares how his early exposure to business tasks at home sparked his interest in data analytics and shaped his career path.
• Adapting Leadership Styles: Discover the benefits of a "player-coach" model and how Akhil adjusts his leadership style to meet various team and business needs.
• The Transition to Customer Success: Akhil discusses the challenges of moving from technical roles to customer-facing positions and the importance of delivering consistent value.
• The Evolution of Data and AI: Insights into the significant changes in data technology over the past two decades, including real-time intelligence, AI advancements, and the rise of ethical AI practices.
• Strategies for Customer Relationships: Learn why consistency builds credibility, and how listening and understanding customer needs are crucial for long-term success.
• Internal Innovation and Change Management: Akhil recounts a major internal project that drove organizational change, illustrating the power of cross-functional collaboration.
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Tips on investing in personal growth, the value of compounding in life and career, and how young professionals can navigate the evolving landscape of data and customer success.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Consistency brings credibility, and credibility brings trust." – On building strong customer relationships.
• "Take pride in your ignorance, not your knowledge. When you do that, you will start asking rather than telling." – On the importance of listening in customer success.
• "Diversity is the

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pell, the visionary inventor behind PDF and Acrobat at Adobe, who has over 20 patents to his name. Currently leading Microsoft’s Global Innovation Program in New York City, Mike shares his journey of transforming design and technology with cutting-edge projects. He’s also the author of “Visualizing Business”, “The Age of Smart Information”, and “Envisioning Holograms”, and has spoken at TEDx events about innovation and clarity.

We dive into:

• The untold story of how PDF and Acrobat were born, challenging all traditional business wisdom.
• Mike’s creative process, including how he taps into innovation under tight deadlines.
• His thoughts on failure, mentoring, and staying agile in a world where technology and design intersect.
• The power of cross-disciplinary collaboration and how it drives breakthroughs at Microsoft.
• Insights from The Microsoft Global Hackathon, the world’s largest hackathon that sparks creativity across teams.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, innovator, or just curious about how groundbreaking tools are built, this episode is packed with incredible insights and stories from one of the most creative minds in the industry.

🕒 Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:10 - How PDF and Acrobat Were Invented
• 07:20 - Mike’s Approach to Creativity and Innovation
• 14:30 - The Role of Failure and Mentorship in Mike’s Journey
• 20:45 - The Microsoft Global Hackathon and Collaborative Creativity
• 28:50 - Balancing Creativity and Technology in Business
• 35:40 - Writing and the Future of Communication
• 45:00 - Mike’s TEDx Talk on the Moment of Clarity

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews with top innovators!

#MikePell #Microsoft #PDFInventor #Innovation #TechPodcast #MicrosoftGarage #GlobalHackathon #Design #Creativity #FutureOfTech

Get ready for an engaging episode featuring Sachin Lad, the dynamic Chief Technology Officer at Zight. Sachin’s career spans over 15 years, with leadership roles at renowned companies like Citrix, Bank of America, and Sonos. Now, as CTO at Zight, Sachin is driving innovation in AI and remote work technology, while also balancing his passions for beach volleyball, cricket, and family life in Santa Barbara.

In this episode, Sachin reveals his unique approach to leadership, focusing on team empowerment, open communication, and agility in a fast-paced environment. He also dives deep into the future of AI, the challenges of building scalable tech, and the impact of emerging trends in the industry. Sachin shares personal anecdotes, including how his passion for technology began as a child in India and how he keeps a balance between work and his active personal life.

What You’ll Learn:

•Sachin’s leadership style: How empowering teams and fostering communication drive innovation 💼🗣️

•Agile product development: Balancing long-term vision with short-term needs in tech projects ⚙️📊

•AI’s transformative power: How AI is reshaping the future of technology and business 🤖📈

•Challenges in tech leadership: Key lessons from scaling products and managing large teams under pressure 🔧💡

•Work-life balance: Sachin’s approach to balancing a high-profile career with family and hobbies 🌊🏐

•The future of AI and tech: Predictions on how AI will continue to evolve and disrupt industries 📉✨

Don’t miss this insightful conversation where Sachin shares his thoughts on leadership, innovation, and the future of AI. Tune in, subscribe, and learn how technology and thoughtful leadership can shape the future.

#AI #Leadership #SachinLad #Zight #TechFuture #Innovation #Agility #WorkLifeBalance #Scalability #Technology