Innovantage Podcast

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov sits down with Stijn Viaene, Full Professor and Head of Technology & Operations Management at Vlerick Business School and KU Leuven, to explore how AI is driving digital transformation and empowering enterprises to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

Key Insights You’ll Learn:
➡️ How to define and implement digital transformation for long-term success.
➡️ Building adaptive enterprises that embrace innovation and agility.
➡️ Using AI to enhance decision-making processes.
➡️ Navigating challenges in strategy, governance, and cultural readiness.
➡️ Addressing ethical considerations when implementing AI.

Stijn shares real-world case studies, highlights from his research, and lessons from working with multinational corporations. From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to fostering a culture of innovation, this episode delivers practical advice for leaders and organizations looking to embrace digital transformation effectively.

Whether you’re a business leader, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the transformative power of AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎙 Connect with Our Guest:
🔗 Stijn Viaene: LinkedIn

🎙 Connect with Max (Host):
🔗 Maxim Golikov: LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more expert insights on technology, AI, and digital transformation!

#DigitalTransformation #AI #Innovation #Leadership #InnovantagePodcast

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov dives into the transformative power of AI with two expert guests—William De Prêtre, Head of AI at AllKind Group, and Artem Pochechuev, Head of Data and AI at Sigli. Together, they dispel myths, address common challenges, and share actionable insights about implementing AI in organizations.

Discover how to:
➡️ Prepare your organization for successful AI adoption.
➡️ Leverage a data-centric approach for impactful AI outcomes.
➡️ Balance innovation with practical, real-world applications.
➡️ Avoid pitfalls like organizational resistance and AI hype.

William and Artem also share inspiring success stories and explore the future of AI, emerging trends, and the critical role of privacy and data security. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or simply curious about AI, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

💡 Special Announcement:
Join William and Artem on December 12th in Bruges for AI in Action: Practical Insights for Digital Transformation in EdTech, an exciting event hosted by Sigli and AllKind Group (Sensotec nv, Lexima, Uitgeverij Schoolsupport). Learn more and register: events.sigli.com/ai-readiness

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Connect with Our Guests:

• William De Prêtre: LinkedIn
• Artem Pochechuev: LinkedIn

Follow Max (Host):

• LinkedIn
• ‪@InnovantagePodcast‬

In this episode of the Innovantage podcast, host Max Golikov speaks with Nina Pivavarchyk, Head of People and Culture at Sigli, about the essential role of people and culture in business success. Nina shares how a people-centric approach goes beyond traditional HR, aligning company goals with employee well-being to foster a positive work environment. Through real-world examples and insights on leadership’s role in shaping culture, Nina highlights the importance of open communication, alignment of values, and the human element in building successful, thriving workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

• People-Centric Culture: Shifting from traditional HR to a people-centric approach emphasizes employees as unique individuals, aligning business success with their well-being and experiences.
• The Importance of Corporate Culture: A strong, authentic company culture attracts, retains, and motivates employees, driving alignment between organizational goals and employee needs.
• Communication and Feedback: Open, honest communication, driven from both top-down and bottom-up, builds stronger relationships and enhances a supportive, productive work environment.
• Navigating Cultural Complexities: Recognizing that culture isn’t one-size-fits-all helps individuals align personal values with the company’s, fostering authentic engagement and job satisfaction.

As the Head of People and Culture at Sigli, she brings a wealth of experience in human resources and organizational development. Her expertise in fostering people-centric cultures aligns seamlessly with Innovantage's focus on the intersection of technology, business, and innovation. Nina's insights into modern HR practices and her strategic approach to integrating people and culture into business success provide valuable perspectives for Innovantage's audience, making her an excellent fit for the podcast. Subscribe to the Innovantage Podcast for more expert insights and discussions on cutting-edge technology.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Innovantage Podcast for more expert insights on technology and data-driven strategies that shape the business landscape.

Connect with Nina Pivavarchyk:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-pivavarchyk-a8490b115/ 

Connect with Max (Host):
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov

Follow Sigli:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial
• Innovantage TikTok: @innovantage

In this Innovantage episode, host Max Golikov sits down with Hans Arents, Senior Advisor for Digital Government at Digitaal Vlaanderen, to explore the Flemish Government’s journey towards an AI-powered, data-driven future. With over two decades in digital transformation, Hans shares insights on his career path, the AI initiatives in place to improve public service efficiency, and the challenges of implementing AI in the public sector. They discuss ethics, trends, and the potential of AI to tackle societal challenges like climate change and healthcare. Hans also provides advice for aspiring public sector innovators and emphasizes the importance of public trust and transparency in AI adoption.

Key Highlights:

• Four Core Objectives: The AI Expertise Center is tasked with achieving four main objectives that revolve around AI integration, strategy, and readiness within the government.
• Civil Servant Preparedness: One of the primary goals is to prepare Flemish civil servants for the effective use of AI, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and understanding.
• Generative AI for Public Sector Efficiency: Generative AI is being leveraged to streamline and improve various government processes, contributing to a more data-driven approach in public administration.

Hans’s unique perspective on AI’s role in public service and his practical experience in overcoming regulatory and infrastructural hurdles make him a compelling voice for anyone interested in the future of AI in the public sector. Hans Arents has an extensive experience in government digital transformation and his key role is in shaping the Flemish Government’s AI strategy. As Senior Advisor for Digital Government at Digitaal Vlaanderen, Hans brings over two decades of expertise in integrating technology into public services, making him well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that AI and digital tools present for modern governance. 

Subscribe to the Innovantage podcast for more expert insights and discussions on cutting-edge technology.

Connect with Hans Arents:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansarents/

Connect with Max (Host):

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

Follow Sigli:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial

• Innovantage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovantage 

In this episode of Innovantage, Max Golikov sits down with Maarten Verschuere, Founder of Cleverland.io, keynote speaker, and an expert in emerging technologies. With over 20 years of experience, Maarten shares his journey from data science consultancy to founding the AI-driven startup Clever, which was later acquired by Zoovu.

Key Highlights:

• The Interaction Economy and AI’s role in customer experience: Get explanation how conversational AI has redefined the way businesses interact with their customers, making interactions more personalized and efficient. 
• Practical steps for AI implementation in business: Understand the importance of aligning AI strategies with business goals, building a clear AI roadmap, and ensuring teams are empowered to work alongside AI tools. 
• Leadership advice for navigating rapid tech advancements: Discover the need for leaders to stay updated on emerging technologies, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure that technology is always aligned with broader business goals.

Maarten Verschuere is Founder of Cleverland.io, Keynote Speaker, and Emerging Tech Expert. Maarten has over 20 years of experience leveraging AI and emerging technologies to unlock business growth. As an innovator in AI-driven customer experience, he led his startup, Clever, to success before its acquisition by Zoovu. Make sure to tune into this episode if you're interested in how AI and emerging technologies can unlock business growth.

Subscribe to the Innovantage podcast for more expert insights and discussions on cutting-edge technology.

Connect with Maarten Verschuere:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinforsure/

Connect with Max (Host):

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/

Follow Sigli:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial

• Innovantage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovantage 

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max, Chief Business Development Officer at Sigli, is joined by Žygimantas Kocius, Chief Information Officer at Topo Centras, one of the largest retailers in the Baltics. They dive deep into how IT management and digital transformation reshape the retail industry. From optimizing business operations to enhancing customer experiences, discover how technology drives innovation in the retail sector. If you want to understand how IT can transform retail, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Highlights:

• IT Leadership in Retail: Learn how Žygimantas Kocius leads IT strategy and digital transformation for Topo Centras, keeping the company competitive in the evolving retail landscape. 
• Retail Technology Innovation: Discover how technology is leveraged to streamline operations and deliver improved customer experiences in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Future of IT in Retail: Gain insights into the future of retail IT and how digital transformation will continue to shape the industry.

As the CIO of Topo Centras, Žygimantas brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of leading IT for a major retailer. His expertise in digital transformation and IT management offers valuable insights for businesses looking to stay ahead in the digital age. Tune in to hear how Topo Centras stays at the forefront of retail innovation through cutting-edge technology.

Subscribe to the Innovantage Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders about the latest trends in technology and business.

Connect with Žygimantas Kocius:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zygimantaskocius

Connect with Max (Host):
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov

Follow Sigli:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sigli.gang
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sigliofficial
• Innovantage TikTok: @innovantage

In this episode, join Max and Brent Christiaens, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Seven Capital, as they dive into the transformative world of dual-use technology and artificial intelligence. Discover how innovations designed initially for defense reshape the commercial sector, driving cutting-edge advancements across industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Dual-Use Technology: From military innovations like drones and AI-driven cybersecurity to everyday applications, learn how these technologies reshape our lives and work.
• AI & Cybersecurity: Learn about AI's role in the defense and commercial sectors and how it's creating opportunities and challenges.
• Drone Technology: Explore how drones revolutionize military operations and commercial activities, from surveillance to infrastructure inspections.
• Innovation in Crisis: Understand how times of crisis accelerate technological progress, benefiting both defense and civilian sectors.
• Venture Capital's RoCapital provides insights into how venture capital is fueling the growth of dual-use technologies and Brent's apprBrent's Seven Capital's duCapital fund.

Guest Bio: Brent Christiaens is the Managing Partner at Seven Capital, a venture capital firm focused on dual-use technologies, blending defense and commercial applications. With a wealth of experience, Brent offers profound insights into the future of tech innovation and investment.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction
03:33 - Drone tech challenges & anti-drone solutions
05:08 - Biomedical tech: Exoskeletons & portable x-rays
09:03 - Drone & AI-focused projects
11:13 - Military & civilian drone uses
13:38 - Guiding startups & ethics in conflict zones
19:17 - Decision-making in a dual-use fund
26:07 - Startup challenges & experiences
31:20 - Funding advice for startups
38:06 - Investing in AI technologies
42:40 - User trust in AI
47:00 - Belgium as a tech hub
51:37 - Fostering a tech community in Belgium
54:06 - Future challenges & hopes for the next decade

Please tune in to explore how the future of AI and dual-use technology is shaping industries and our daily lives.

Follow & Subscribe:

Connect with Brent Christiaens:
• LinkedIn

Connect with Max (Host):
• LinkedIn

Listen on:
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Follow Sigli:
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Innovantage TikTok: @innovantage

#DualUseTechnology #AI #Drones #Cybersecurity #VentureCapital #Innovation #DefenseTech

What happens when a country integrates AI into its governance system? Estonia is showing us exactly how it's done! In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ott Velsberg, Estonia's Chief Data Officer, to discuss how AI is reshaping public services, enhancing citizen engagement, and setting new standards for digital governance.

Here's what we covered:

• How Estonia built an AI-powered government model and what other nations can learn from it
• Key sectors driving Estonia's AI economy and digital transformation
• The critical role of data literacy and why upskilling is a must in the age of AI
• Balancing innovation with ethical data management and regulation (hint: the EU's AI Act plays a significant role!)

💬 Why You Should Tune In: If you're passionate about the future of technology, governance, or how AI can transform industries—this episode is for you. Estonia's approach to AI in the public sector isn't just innovative; it's a model setting the stage for future governments worldwide.

⚖️ AI is more than just algorithms—it empowers citizens, enhances services, and creates a more transparent and efficient government. Dr. Velsberg dives deep into how Estonia is making this vision a reality and shares practical insights that countries and businesses can apply.