Shows
Ascendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationTranslators, Not Promoters: The Real Role of Product MarketingSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Michael Cinquino, Mike Lemons, and Clint Edmonson delve into the often misunderstood role of product marketing within tech organizations. They discuss the critical differences between product marketing and product management, the importance of customer empathy, and the need for effective communication throughout the product development lifecycle. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding customer challenges, the translation of complex technical features into customer value, and the necessity of involving sales and marketing teams early in the go-to-market process. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining flexibility and a...
2025-08-0739 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationFrom Chuck D to ChatGPT: Lathan Hodge on the Evolution of MediaSummaryThis conversation explores the transformative impact of AI on content creation, ownership, and the evolving relationship between technology and creativity. Lathan Hodge and Jason Ling discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the importance of human involvement in the creative process, the need for fair compensation for creators, and the implications of rapid production in a saturated market. They also address the blurred lines of originality and ownership in the digital age, advocating for a thoughtful approach to leveraging technology in the creative industries.TakeawaysAI is reshaping...
2025-07-3145 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationTools, Not Crutches: Building Teams That Think, Not Just PromptSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Michael Cinquino, Jason Ling, and Christie Mealo discuss the evolving role of AI in product management. They explore the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining critical thinking and creativity in the workforce. The conversation highlights the importance of soft skills, the significance of data as a differentiator, and the need for organizations to strategically introduce friction to foster growth and innovation. As AI continues to shape the future of work, the panel emphasizes the necessity of preparing for a workforce that collaborates with AI agents while preserving...
2025-07-1740 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationTech Eating Tech: Why AI Agents Will Change EverythingSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, host Michael Cinquino talks with technical evangelist Jeff Blankenburg and Ascendle VP of Engineering Clint Edmonson about the transformative impact of AI agents on user interactions, business processes, and the future of the news industry. They explore the concept of 'tech eating tech,' the importance of attention in the digital economy, and how organizations can leverage AI to manage time more effectively. The conversation also delves into the evolving roles of engineers and the necessity for leaders to embrace AI technology to stay competitive.
2025-07-0342 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationAI-First Teams, Vibe Coding, and Agentic Workflows: How SaaS is Evolving in 2025SummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, hosts Michael Cinquino, Dave Todaro, and Jeremy Jackson discuss the transformative impact of AI on SaaS product development. They explore concepts like Vibe coding, rapid prototyping, and the shift from rules-based to goal-based automation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining product discipline, the dangers of over iteration, and the need for ruthless prioritization. They also address the balance between agility and customer needs, the role of AI in scaling teams, and the necessity of continuous learning in an evolving technological landscape.Key...
2025-06-1841 min
Pitch, Build, Scale - Startup Founder Stories in the Age of AI018 - Building Software That Actually Pays Off with Dave Todaro, Founder, AscendleMost dev teams can build software—but very few can guarantee it delivers business value.In this episode of Pitch, Build, Scale, we sit down with Dave Todaro, founder of Ascendle and author of The Epic Guide to Agile, to unpack what separates strategic software success from over-engineered failure.We cover how Dave’s early programming days shaped his obsession with real-world impact, why most product timelines still fail despite modern tools, and how to make AI a productive coding assistant—not a liability.You’ll hear hard-won lessons on agile delivery, client validati...
2025-06-1036 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationThe Business Case for Agentic AI: Faster, Smarter, AutonomousSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Michael Cinquino, Jason Ling, and Clint Edmonson delve into the emerging topic of Agentic AI. They explore its definition, implications for businesses, and how it differs from generative AI. The conversation covers the technical aspects of Agentic AI, its potential to revolutionize search engines, and the importance of understanding customer ownership in a digital landscape. The guests share real-world applications of Agentic AI in various industries and discuss how organizations can start implementing this technology to augment talent and improve...
2025-06-0538 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationEpisode 17 Bonus: Thought Leadership in Today's Crowded Marketing LandscapeSummaryIn this conversation, Jacki Brown and Susannah Parnin Mitchell discuss the significance of thought leadership in today's crowded marketing landscape. They emphasize the need for clear messaging and understanding the audience's challenges. The discussion also covers how to navigate the noise of traditional advertising by building authenticity and connection through thought leadership. They share practical tips for overcoming fears associated with stepping into thought leadership, including the importance of consistency and sharing personal insights. They conclude by highlighting the value of challenging the status quo to foster innovation and collaboration.Takeaways
2025-06-0210 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationDon’t Build It Until You Can Sell It: Go-to-Market from Day OneSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Michael Cinquino, Jacki Brown, and Susannah Parnin Mitchell discuss the critical role of effective questioning in marketing and product development. They explore the importance of understanding target audiences, the necessity of integrating marketing from the start of product development, and the challenges of positioning in a competitive landscape. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on marketing strategies, the significance of thought leadership in capturing attention, and actionable insights for product leaders to ensure successful go-to-market strategies.TakeawaysEffective questions are crucial at every stage...
2025-05-2241 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationAgile Is a Mindset, Not a MethodSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, host Michael Cinquino, CEO Dave Todaro, and guest Joel Parmar discuss the challenges and strategies of implementing an agile mindset in large, traditionally structured organizations. They explore the balance between control and innovation, the importance of asking the right questions, and how agile thinking can be applied to emerging technologies like AI and cloud strategy. The conversation emphasizes that agility is not just about speed but about learning and adapting to change, with a focus on leadership's role in fostering a culture of agility.Takeaways...
2025-05-0838 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationPreparing Your Healthtech Organization for AISummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Michael Cinquino engages with Susannah Parnin-Mitchell and Bridget Bell to explore the concept of organizational readiness, particularly in the context of AI integration within healthcare. They discuss the multifaceted nature of readiness, the importance of receptivity to change, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these transformations. The conversation highlights common pitfalls organizations face when adopting AI, the significance of aligning technology with strategic goals, and the potential of predictive medicine to enhance patient outcomes. The episode concludes with insights on the future of organizations that successfully adapt to technological...
2025-04-2430 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationThe Effortless Experience: Balancing AI Innovation with Customer-Centric DesignSummaryIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, host Michael Cinquino engages with Amy Heymans and Diana Bourns to explore the intersection of AI, customer experience, and business strategy. They discuss how service design and futures thinking can help companies navigate the AI revolution, the importance of balancing what we could do with what we should do, and the need for effortless customer experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of human-centered technology and the necessity for a long-term vision in business strategy.TakeawaysService design optimizes customer experiences across the...
2025-04-1032 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationAI and The Human ExperienceSummary: In this episode, host Michael Cinquino is joined by Susannah Parnin Mitchell, VP of Operations at Ascendle, and Jenn Wurth, Senior Product Design Manager, to explore the evolving role of AI in UX design. By focusing on customer needs, addressing misconceptions, and maintaining foundational skills, designers can leverage AI to enhance their work and deliver meaningful solutions.Key Highlights: • Understanding customer needs is crucial for effective UX design. • There is a tension between AI adoption and customer understanding. • Research is essential to identify practical use cases for AI. • Historical parallels can in...
2025-03-2831 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationNavigating the Future of AI: From Machine Learning to AGIIn this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, host Michael Cinquino engages with guests Clint Edmonson (Director of Software Engineering) and Ramsin Khoshabeh (Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego) to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and the future of work. The conversation delves into personal philosophies, the definition of intelligence, the importance of foundational skills, and the potential of AI to enhance human capabilities. Clint and Ramsin share insights on the role of education in nurturing creativity and craftsmanship, the implications of AI on job markets, and the quest for true artificial general intelligence...
2025-03-1352 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationWhy Every Digital Initiative Should be Product-Led, Not Technology-LedAre your product teams digging into the WHY? In this episode, Dave Todaro and Jason Ling discuss the critical importance of product-led innovation in today's digital landscape. Learn how aligning product and technology teams can drive successful innovation, maximize ROI, and create value for customers. Tune in to hear real-life examples, key questions to ask, and strategies to avoid common pitfalls in digital initiatives.
2025-02-2748 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationBeyond Cloud Strategy: Generative AI and the Future of Enterprise TechnologyGenerative AI is no longer just a trend— it's fundamentally changed how businesses operate. In this episode, Dario Rivera (Principal Partner Solution Architect at Amazon Web Services) and Clint Edmonson (Director of Software Engineering at Ascendle) explore the impact of AI on enterprise innovation, workforce development, and data utilization.
They discuss how AI is breathing new life into legacy data, why AI proficiency is becoming a critical workplace skill, and what businesses can do to stay ahead in an AI-driven world. Find out how to harness AI as a strategic advantage and drive meaningful innovation.
2025-02-1335 min
Ascendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationLessons Learned From App Modernization Projects and How to Adopt a Winning StrategyStaying competitive in today's fast-paced digital landscape means evolving—or getting left behind. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and lessons learned from real-world app modernization projects with Jeremy Jackson (Group CTO at ASG), and Dave Todaro (Founder & CEO of Ascendle).
From overcoming technical debt to choosing the right modernization strategy, our experts share insights to help you future-proof your software and keep your business ahead of the curve.
2025-01-3045 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationThe Hidden Costs of AI Implementation - What Product Leaders Need to KnowAI implementation promises game-changing innovation, but what about the costs you don't see? In this episode, Jason Ling (Director of Product Strategy) and Gina Angelone (Product Strategist) explore the hidden expenses of integrating AI into your software development products.
From unanticipated infrastructure demands to talent gaps and long-term maintenance, we dive into the challenges that often catch organizations off guard. Whether you're considering AI for your business or navigating its complexities, this conversation will help you prepare for what lies beneath the surface. Tune in to uncover strategies to mitigate risks and make smarter AI investments.
2025-01-1640 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationSoftware Professionals' New Year's ResolutionsAs the new year begins, how can software professionals set goals that truly make a difference? Join Susannah Mitchell (VP of Operations) and Lynzi Cashman (Director of Delivery) as they explore effective strategies for goal-setting in the tech industry.
They discuss the importance of SMART goals and introduce the concept of "broadly specific" objectives that provide direction while allowing for flexibility. Discover how to set meaningful resolutions that foster personal and professional growth throughout the year.
2025-01-0230 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationProcess Standardization: How much is too much?Striking the right balance in process standardization is crucial for organizational success. In this episode, Susannah Mitchell (VP of Operations) and Sally Punch (Senior Product Operations Manager) explore how consistent workflows can drive efficiency and scalability, while cautioning against rigid systems that hinder creativity and adaptability.
Learn how to craft processes that empower your team, foster innovation, and keep your organization agile in a fast-changing world.
2024-12-1237 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationTaming Timelines – Navigating the Question of “When Will It Be Done?"Few questions are more critical in software development than "When will it be done?" In this episode, VP of Operations Susannah Mitchell and PCMI's Chief Product Officer Dan O'Keefe share practical strategies for managing timelines with confidence.
They explore how to define project scope, align teams, and foster collaboration to deliver predictable results. Learn how to turn this question into an opportunity to improve clarity, communication, and trust across your organization.
2024-11-2834 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationAgile is Dead—Long Live Agile!Agile has transformed how organizations approach software development, but many teams struggle to keep its practices meaningful. In this episode, Dave Todaro (Founder & CEO) and Lynzi Cashman (Director of Delivery) explore why some organizations feel disillusioned with agile and how to rediscover its true value.
They break down common pitfalls, offer practical ways to adapt agile to your team's needs, and discuss how agile can evolve to stay relevant in today's fast-paced environment.
2024-11-1438 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationThe AI Impact: A Revolution Worth Your Attention?Artificial Intelligence is making waves across industries, but does your organization truly need it? In this episode, Ben Friedberg (Senior Software Architect ) and Jason Ling (Director of Product Strategy) delve into the realities of AI adoption in business.
They discuss the hype versus the practical applications, key questions to consider before investing, and the importance of ethical oversight. Learn how AI can enhance, not replace, human capabilities, and discover strategies to implement AI thoughtfully and responsibly within your organization.
2024-10-3127 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationWhy Your Software Development Organization Can't Get Sh*t Done, and What to do About ItEver wondered why your software projects miss deadlines or go over budget? In this episode, discover the common pitfalls that hinder productivity and learn actionable strategies to overcome them.
From building the right product to ensuring quality and predictability, Founder & CEO Dave Todaro offers practical advice to help your organization deliver successful projects on time and within budget.
2024-10-1727 minAscendle Unscripted: Accelerating Digital InnovationBridging the Product and Tech Divide: How Healthy Software Organizations Make it WorkWhat's the secret to getting product and tech teams to work in harmony? In this episode of Ascendle Unscripted, Clint Edmonson (Director of Software Engineering) and Jason Ling (Director of Product Strategy) tackle one of the most common challenges in software development: bridging the divide between vision and execution. Hear real-world tips on breaking down communication barriers, aligning goals, and fostering collaboration to create game-changing results. If you've ever struggled with team silos or misaligned priorities, this conversation is a must-listen.
2024-10-0330 min
Drowning In The Talent PoolMastering Contemporary Software Development with Dave TodaroOn this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool' Dave Todaro, CEO and founder of Ascendle, takes us on a thrilling journey through the tech industry. From his early fascination with technology to his groundbreaking work in software development for the construction industry, Dave shares his challenges and triumphs. He also delves into the world of artificial intelligence, discussing its applications and value, while emphasizing the importance of clear problem definition. Join us as we explore the future of AI and its potential impact on different job roles.Timestamps:[00:00:01] Importance of...
2024-02-2035 min
Women in AgileCreate a Thriving Agile Organization through Discipline & Empowerment - Diana Bourns | 2110President of Ascendle, Diana Bourns, joins our host Leslie Morse for a conversation on how Ascendle has leveraged discipline & empowerment as the underpinnings for creating a thriving agile organization. During this discussion Diana reveals that supporting organizational memory through co-created documentation as well as halving a relentless strive to improve are other keys for their success. One of the most interesting concepts in their goal to get everyone into their “genius zone.”
About the Featured Guest
Diana Bourns has more than 30 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, in both startup and non-profit organizations. A skilled agil...
2021-03-1738 min
Deliver It CastDefining Done with Tom Schwendler When Product Owners hear or when we tell anyone "It's done". What does that mean? Do we mean it's mostly done, or done except for a few things we haven't finished yet. Is that really done? Unlikely. It helps to define in simple terms what a team, product, and group means when they say something is done. That's where the useful "Definition of Done" comes into use. Teams help create and understand what done looks like for them. PO's then make sure when we do use those famous little words, we actually mean it. Fe...
2019-08-2151 min