What happens when a technologist learns to slow down?
In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike speaks with Brad Messer about his journey from applied mathematics and data science into enterprise AI work—and eventually into entrepreneurship. Brad shares how his early exposure to big data and AI at Clarkson University led him to nearly a decade working in analytics and AI strategy, before stepping into executive and startup leadership roles.
Brad reflects on the emotional side of entrepreneurship, including the fear that delayed his transition and the mindset shift required to move from coding into strategy, operations, and portfolio thinking. One of the central themes of the conversation is pace—learning when to move fast, when to slow down, and how presence matters both professionally and personally.
The discussion also explores leadership and retention, with Brad emphasizing that what keeps people engaged varies by individual. Rather than forcing uniform paths, he advocates for open conversations about goals, growth, and autonomy. On the technology front, Brad shares his view of AI as a powerful but neutral tool, highlighting emerging trends like multi-agent systems, hyper-automation, and personalized learning.
This episode is especially relevant for developers considering entrepreneurship, leaders navigating AI-driven change, and anyone thinking about how to grow without burning out.
