Shows
Innovantage PodcastUnlock Agile Tech Teams with Team Topologies | Innovantage Podcast #24In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov interviews Thiago de Faria, Senior Solutions Architect at AWS and a recognized Team Topologies expert, to discuss how organizations can modernize their architecture, scale engineering teams effectively, and implement AI strategies that actually work. Whether you're a CTO, software architect, DevOps lead, or tech-savvy founder, this episode offers actionable advice on how to transform your tech teams, workflows, and organizational design using proven frameworks like Team Topologies, cloud-native architecture, and grounded AI implementation.
Key Topics Covered
➡️ What is Team Topologies and why it's a gam...2025-05-221h 08Innovantage PodcastThe Science and Art of Winning Investors | Innovantage Podcast #23In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov explores the science and art of pitching with Robin De Cock — Professor of Entrepreneurship at Antwerp Management School and author of Mastering the Pitch. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or just want to level up your storytelling, this episode delivers powerful, research-backed advice to help you win hearts and minds in milliseconds.
Discover how to:
➡️ Make a lasting impression in just 150 milliseconds using proven persuasion techniques.
➡️ Use humor strategically (without crashing your credibility).
➡️ Build long-term relationships with investors across cultures and geographie...2025-05-081h 07Innovantage PodcastThe Rise of AI Agents in Business | Innovantage Podcast #22In this episode of the Innovantage podcast, we explore how AI agents are reshaping sales and business strategy with Frank Sondors, founder of Salesforge. Frank is leading the charge in building AI-powered sales engines that don’t just automate — they outperform.
Why Listen?
In this episode, we unpack what AI agents actually are, how they differ from basic automation, and how companies can use them to create smarter, faster, and more personalized sales processes.
Key Insights from the Episode:
🔹 What AI agents are — and why they’re not just fanc...2025-04-241h 12Innovantage PodcastThe Future of Digital Customer Experience | Innovantage Podcast #21In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max dives into the future of digital customer experience with a special guest — Tomer Azenkot, CEO of Vee24. Drawing from his deep expertise in blending AI-driven automation with human-led interactions, Tomer explains why a balanced approach is key to truly delighting customers and forging lasting relationships online.
Why Listen?
Tomer reveals real-world success stories, common mistakes companies make, and why “customer-first” often fails in practice without the right execution strategy.
Key Insights?
➡️ Transform your digital customer journey with the right mix of AI and human en...2025-04-101h 07Innovantage PodcastAI in Business — Beyond the Hype with Maxime Vermeir | Innovantage Podcast #20On this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we dive into the real-world impact of AI in business with Maxime Vermeir, Senior Director of AI Strategy at ABBYY. Maxime has been in the AI space long before it became a buzzword.
Why Listen?
In this conversation, we cut through the noise to discuss what’s actually working in AI adoption, where companies are wasting time and money, and how businesses can navigate the next evolution of AI.
Key Insights from the Episode:
🔹 The truth about AI in business — when it a...2025-03-271h 12Innovantage PodcastThe Hidden AI & Data Flaws That Could Cost Millions | The Innovantage Podcast #19In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max dives deep into the evolving landscape of data, analytics, and AI with a special guest — Dr. Carsten Bange, Founder & CEO of BARC and host of The Data Culture Podcast.
Why Listen?
With over 25 years of experience in data strategy, governance, and AI, Carsten shares his expert insights on how businesses can truly embrace a data-driven culture and navigate the AI revolution in analytics. Introduction
Key Insights?
Build a strong data-driven culture in your organization.
Overcome cultural and organizational blockers to data adoption.
Differentiate between AI-driven innovation and AI...2025-03-131h 07Innovantage PodcastBeyond the Hype: AI & Tech Due Diligence | Innovantage Podcast #18What does it take to separate AI hype from real innovation? How do investors assess risk when betting on AI startups? And why are cybersecurity and scalability the hidden deal-breakers in tech M&A?
In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Agu Aarna, Co-Founder & Partner at Intium Tech. With deep expertise in M&A, AI strategy, and investment due diligence, Agu has helped investors navigate high-stakes acquisitions and uncover the real risks and opportunities in tech-driven businesses.
Agu shares how tech due diligence has evolved, the biggest blind spots investors often...2025-02-2731 minInnovantage PodcastInnovantage Podcast: Mike Sigal on Fintech, VC Trends & Building UnicornsWhat separates a good founder from a unicorn founder? How do venture capitalists identify the next billion-dollar company before the world catches on? And what does it take to build a genuinely resilient startup in today’s rapidly changing fintech landscape?
In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Mike Sigal, a Venture Partner at GPO Fund and MiddleGame Ventures. He has spent over two decades on both sides of the startup ecosystem—as a founder and an investor. He’s seen it all: the ambitious pitches, the near-misses, and the rare game-changing companies that re...2025-02-191h 19Innovantage PodcastAI, Startup Growth & The Game-Changing Role of Fractional CTOs | Innovantage Podcast #16In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov speaks with Laimonas Sutkus, a Fractional CTO and Tech Advisor with over a decade of experience in AI startups, fintech, and health tech. Laimonas brings a unique perspective on the role of fractional CTOs and their game-changing impact on early-stage startups.
Key Topics Covered:
➡️ Laimonas’ Journey: From launching AI and SaaS startups to becoming a fractional CTO.
➡️ AI Startups: Are we in another bubble, or is AI here to stay?
➡️ The Fractional CTO Advantage: How startups can benefit from flexible, cost-effective leadership.
➡️ Startup Strategy: Practica...2025-01-301h 00Innovantage PodcastThe Serverless Revolution: Why You Might Never Need a Server Again | Innovantage Podcast #15In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov is joined by Michael Dowden, a seasoned technology leader, international speaker, and serverless expert with over 30 years of experience in software development and consulting. Michael breaks down the serverless revolution, explaining how it’s transforming infrastructure, driving innovation, and helping businesses scale efficiently.
Key Takeaways:
➡️ What the serverless revolution means and why it’s reshaping traditional infrastructure.
➡️ Myths vs. realities of serverless technology.
➡️ Adopting a “Serverless First” mindset to accelerate product launches and reduce costs.
➡️ Surprising use cases of serverless in industries like gaming, AI, and finance...2025-01-161h 08Innovantage PodcastAI and Inclusive Education: Transforming Learning for All | Innovantage Podcast #14In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov is joined by Kimberly Mouvet, Educational Software Specialist and Product Owner at Sensotec, to explore the transformative role of AI in inclusive education. With her background in linguistics and education, Kimberly shares how AI is reshaping learning environments, making education more accessible and personalized for students of all abilities.
Key Takeaways:
➡️ How to meaningfully integrate AI across different education levels.
➡️ Encouraging critical thinking and responsible AI use among students.
➡️ Bridging real-world classroom needs with tech development.
➡️ Overcoming misconceptions and challenges surrounding AI in education.
➡...2025-01-021h 15Innovantage PodcastAI and Digital Transformation: Building an Adaptive Enterprise | Innovantage Podcast #13In 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 share...2024-12-191h 10Innovantage PodcastAI vs. Reality: How to Implement AI Without the Hype | Innovantage Podcast #12In 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 in...2024-12-161h 13Innovantage PodcastPeople and Culture: A Product Management Approach to Business Success | Innovantage Podcast #11In 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 ap...2024-11-211h 12Innovantage PodcastAI for Smarter Government: The Flemish Digital Transformation | Innovantage Podcast #10In 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 tr...2024-11-071h 02Innovantage PodcastEmerging Tech Trends Every Business Needs to Know for 2025 | Innovantage Podcast #10In 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 bus...2024-10-241h 12Innovantage PodcastDid AI Just Change Retail Forever? | Innovantage Podcast #9In 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, ke...2024-10-0354 minInnovantage PodcastThe Future of Dual-Use Technology and AI Innovation | Innovantage Podcast #7In 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...2024-09-3058 minInnovantage PodcastHow Estonia is Leading the AI Revolution in Governance!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...2024-09-0558 minInnovantage PodcastExploring Artificial Intelligence Innovations in Lithuania with Linas Petkevičius | Innovantage PodcastIn 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 Men...2024-07-251h 01Innovantage PodcastHow AI Is Reshaping Investment Strategies: Insights from Leesa Soulodre | Innovantage PodcastIn 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:
Predictive Analytics: Used to forecast market trends and investment outcomes.
AI-driven Portfolio Management: Tools that automate and optimize investment portfolios.
Key Takeaways:
Revolutionizing I...2024-07-111h 10Innovantage PodcastThe AI Impact: Revolutionizing Engagement in Key SectorsIn this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max and guest Robin Pauwels explore the impact of AI across various sectors, with a special focus on community management, education, and healthcare. They discuss how AI technologies enhance community engagement, improve personalized learning experiences in education, and increase efficiency in healthcare diagnostics and patient management.
Key AI Tools Mentioned:
Generative AI: Utilized for generating personalized content in education and marketing.
Analytics AI: Employed for data analysis in community management and healthcare to better understand user engagement and patient data.
...2024-06-271h 01Innovantage PodcastHas AI Evolved to Become Mainstream? Exploring the Rise and Impact of Artificial IntelligenceIn this episode, I'll be hosting Vasil, the Chief Delivery Officer at Sigli.
Our conversation will dive deep into the intriguing realm of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on how it's being integrated and its impact across various industries. We will examine the substantial disparities between traditional coding and advanced AI systems, to demystify this frequently misunderstood technology.
Additionally, we will explore AI's progression from a specialized field to widespread adoption, addressing the hype, real-world implications, and future potential of AI.
Vasil will offer insights drawn from his extensive experience in the AI industry...2024-06-1350 minInnovantage PodcastWill AI Change Education? Insights and Predictions with Dominik Lukes from Oxford University
In this episode, I am joined by Dominik Lukes, a specialist in educational technologies. We dive into the intriguing realm of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly emphasizing its integration and influence within the education sector. Our conversation covers the pivotal roles of generative AI, including various tools and systems, as we aim to clarify this transformative technology.
We also trace AI’s evolution from a niche concept to its widespread adoption in education, examining the hype, the realities, and the future potential of AI. Dominik provides insights from his extensive experience in AI, sharing practical applications in educational se...2024-05-301h 11