Innovantage Podcast

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.

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max and guest Dr. Linas Petkevičius dive deep into the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Dr. Petkevičius, the Head of the Department at the Artificial Intelligence Association of Lithuania and an associate professor at Vilnius University, shares his extensive knowledge and experience in AI. They discuss how AI is being leveraged to drive innovation across various sectors in Lithuania, including education, healthcare, and technology. The conversation covers advanced applications of deep learning, quantum computing integration, and AI's pivotal role in academic settings.

Key AI Tools Mentioned:

1. Deep Learning: Used for solving complex problems in computer vision, language processing, and more.
2. Quantum Computing: Explored for its potential to revolutionize AI capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI's Role in Innovation: AI is a key driver in transforming traditional industries and fostering new advancements.
2. Educational Impact: AI technologies are being integrated into curricula to prepare students for future challenges.
3. Future Prospects: The synergy between AI and quantum computing promises exciting advancements.

Specific Industries Discussed:

• Education: Implementation of AI in teaching and research, focusing on deep learning and quantum computing.
• Healthcare: Applications of AI in medical image processing and diagnostics.
• Technology: Innovations driven by AI across various tech sectors in Lithuania.

This episode is particularly valuable for educators, researchers, AI enthusiasts, and technology professionals interested in the latest developments in AI and its practical applications in different sectors.

Why Dr. Linas Petkevičius is a Great Guest:

Dr. Linas Petkevičius is a distinguished figure in the AI community, serving as the Head of the Department and General Manager at the Artificial Intelligence Association of Lithuania. With over eight years of experience in deep learning and neural networks, Dr. Petkevičius has applied his expertise to solve complex problems in computer vision, language processing, and medical image processing. As an associate professor at Vilnius University, he actively teaches and supervises research projects in AI and quantum computing, making significant contributions to the academic and technological advancements in Lithuania.

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max and guest Leesa Soulodre delve into the transformative role of AI in the investment sector. They discuss how AI tools are revolutionizing investment strategies, enhancing market analysis, and improving decision-making processes. Leesa shares valuable insights into the integration of AI in venture capital, particularly its impact on startup evaluations and funding decisions.

Key AI Tools Mentioned:

1. Predictive Analytics: Used to forecast market trends and investment outcomes.
2. AI-driven Portfolio Management: Tools that automate and optimize investment portfolios.

Key Takeaways:

1. Revolutionizing Investment: AI's role in transforming traditional investment strategies and operations.
2. Enhancing Decision Making: How AI tools provide deeper insights and analytics to drive better investment decisions.
3. Future of Investing: Discussion on the potential future impact of AI in reshaping the investment landscape.

Specific Industries Discussed:

• Venture Capital: Use of AI to enhance due diligence and investment decision-making.
• Stock Market: Applications of AI in real-time market analysis and trend prediction.

Why it’s Beneficial: Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how AI technologies are being implemented in the investment sector, offering new opportunities for innovation and efficiency in financial strategies.

Why Leesa is an Incredible Guest: Leesa is not only a pioneer in AI investments but also an applied AI investor who champions responsible AI, climate change adaptation, and value-based healthcare. She has successfully steered deep-tech companies to significant valuations and supported substantial investments from early-stage to Series C.