A video podcast designed to enlighten and empower technology leaders across industries. With every episode, we delve into the complexities of tech trends, software development, and digital strategy, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
In this episode of the Open Source CXO podcast, we sit down with Adam Caylor, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ottawa University. Adam shares insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in leading IT for a nonprofit educational institution. With over eight years at Ottawa University, Adam has overseen significant projects like the establishment of multiple campuses and the deployment of innovative tech strategies. Throughout the conversation, Adam explains the importance of tech governance committees in fostering collaboration and making strategic decisions that impact multiple campuses. We also discuss Ottawa's approach to integrating students into their IT workforce through graduate assistant roles, how they are leveraging technology for operational efficiency, and how their team is adapting to post-pandemic education trends.
In this episode of Open Source CXO, Alex Savenok, CEO and CTO of Rig, joins the conversation to discuss his evolution from an intern at HSBC to leading innovative tech startups. Alex dives deep into his journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building and scaling a tech company. He shares his experiences with Vertigo, a social music platform, where he navigated the complex world of music licensing and technology, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Alex emphasizes the critical role of fast iteration and the dangers of being too comfortable in one's tech stack. He also discusses the value of hiring individuals who are eager to learn and the pitfalls of rewriting existing software, drawing from his experience with Vertigo’s unique tech challenges. Additionally, Alex reflects on the importance of controlling product scope and the impact of leadership dynamics on a company's success. Tune in to gain insights on managing the delicate balance between innovation and practicality, the necessity of continuous learning, and the lessons Alex learned from both his successes and setbacks in the fast-paced world of tech startups! ————— Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/ Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast Follow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Join Alex Savenok, CEO and CTO of Rig, on this week’s episode of Open Source CXO. Dive into the world of SaaS innovation as Alex shares his journey from being a tech leader to spearheading a startup focused on solving inefficiencies in the trucking industry. Rig offers a unique marketplace solution for emergency breakdowns in the trucking space, connecting truck drivers with skilled mechanics in real-time. In this episode, Alex discusses the challenges of transitioning from a tech-focused role to leading a company, the hurdles of marketing to a non-tech-savvy audience, and the strategies that have helped Rig grow amidst a tough economic climate. He also breaks down the potential and limitations of AI in the trucking industry, exploring how the technology can be leveraged for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, while cautioning against the overhype and challenges that come with integrating AI into real-world applications. Tune in to explore the intersection of technology, marketing and artificial intelligence as Alex reveals the secrets to building a successful marketplace in a highly specialized industry. Gain insights into the importance of adaptability, continuous iteration, and understanding the unique needs of your user base in creating a product that not only meets but anticipates market demands. ————— Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/ Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast Follow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Ad Astra’s very own Geoff Vandegrift is back for our 20th episode of Open Source CXO. Geoff shares his journey from being a developer to leading Ad Astra’s technology initiatives and then shifts gears to stir the “WFH” pot. He dives into the evolving dynamics of work environments, emphasizing the data-backed benefits and challenges of working from home versus in-office collaboration. Geoff highlights the importance of a flat organizational structure, small cross-functional teams, and the need for high-bandwidth communication facilitated by in-office collaboration. He also discusses the challenges and benefits of maintaining a Kansas City-based development team, emphasizing the value of social cohesion and spontaneous communication in producing better software. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the complexities of integrating innovative management practices, fostering a collaborative engineering culture, and maintaining a mission-driven approach in the fast-paced tech industry! ————— Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/ Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast Follow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en
Episode Summary: Join Geoff Vandegrift, Chief Technology Officer at Ad Astra, on this week's episode of Open Source CXO. We’re examining the evolving landscape of technology leadership as Geoff shares his journey and experiences from different companies, culminating in his current role at Ad Astra. With Ad Astra's mission being ‘to graduate more students faster,’ Geoff and his team provide higher education institutions with solutions to offer the right courses in the right format at the right place. Highlighting the transition to a cloud-native, serverless architecture, Geoff acknowledges the benefits and challenges of holacracy. He emphasizes how it allows for greater flexibility and empowerment among team members, fostering a self-managed and collaborative work environment. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing a self-managed organization, integrating innovative practices like holacracy, and maintaining a mission-driven approach in the fast-paced tech industry. Geoff's story offers a unique perspective on fostering an agile, customer-focused engineering culture while navigating the complexities of the higher education sector. ————— Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/ Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/ Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast Follow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en