Open Source CXO: The Tech Leader's Podcast

por Open Source CXO

Temporada 1

Digital Transformation with Purpose: How Unbound Scales Global Impact

In this episode of Open Source CXO, host Don Blackburn & Robert Kehoe sits down with Rob McElroy and Andie Ewing of Unbound, an international nonprofit working in 17 countries and serving more than 280,000 families. The conversation begins with an overview of Unbound’s mission to eliminate poverty through direct sponsorship, empowering families with resources and accountability to create lasting change in their communities. Andie breaks down the organization’s five core pillars, including education, community building, and their unique elderly sponsorship program, offering listeners a powerful look at how grassroots action can scale globally. The discussion then shifts toward digital transformation and operational strategy. Rob shares how Unbound evolved from mailing printed photos to using AI-driven systems that process images and protect privacy, ultimately cutting turnaround times from 90 days to just three. The team also highlights how integrating SMS communication and custom-built CRM technology allows them to operate like a modern, efficient business while staying true to their nonprofit mission. Finally, the episode explores the human side of technology and impact. Andie and Rob reflect on hiring from sponsored communities, building trust with donors, and fostering sustainable growth through individual sponsorship rather than relying on government aid. Their story is a testament to how thoughtful innovation and community-driven solutions can drive meaningful, global change.

T1 · E26

23 oct 2025

34:22

Ep. 025: The Innovation Gap in American Manufacturing | w/ Special Guest Arturo Pino

In this episode of Open Source CXO, we sit down with Arturo Pino, CTO of HIX Corporation, for a deep dive into the evolving role of technology in American manufacturing. Arturo brings a unique perspective, combining mechanical engineering expertise with advanced computer science training, to shed light on the critical tech challenges that small to midsize manufacturers are facing today. From workforce shortages to legacy systems, Arturo unpacks the growing gap between U.S.-based manufacturing and global competitors when it comes to innovation and digital transformation. He highlights the urgent need for scalable solutions, smarter infrastructure, and modernized processes—especially as a significant portion of the industry's leadership nears retirement. Whether you're a technologist, executive, or just curious about the state of American industry, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what’s holding us back—and where the biggest opportunities lie. Tune in to hear how manufacturing can reclaim its competitive edge with the right blend of strategy, software, and execution.

T1 · E25

21 may 2025

49:56

Ep. 024: The Blueprint for Industrial Innovation: A CTO’s P.O.V | w/ Special Guest Arturo Pino of HIX Corporation

In this episode of Open Source CXO: The Tech Leader's Podcast, we sit down with Arturo Pino, Chief Technology Officer at HIX Corporation, to explore the transformative role of open-source technology in the manufacturing sector. Arturo shares his journey from mechanical engineering to leading technological innovation, highlighting how open-source solutions are driving efficiency and adaptability in industrial operations. Arturo delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating open-source tools within traditional manufacturing frameworks, offering insights into fostering a culture of innovation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a manufacturing professional, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on leveraging open-source technology for industrial advancement.

T1 · E24

30 abr 2025

28:33

Ep. 023: From Data Centers to Decision-Making — Tech Governance in Higher Education | w/ Special Guest Adam Caylor of Ottawa University

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.

T1 · E23

25 sept 2024

24:46

Ep. 022: The School of Hard Knocks — From Cubicle to Code Master | w/ Special Guest Alexander Savenok of Rig Technologies

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

T1 · E22

21 ago 2024

26:41

Ep. 021: The Serious Side of SaaS Start Ups | w/ Special Guest Alex Savenok of Rig Technologies

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

T1 · E21

14 ago 2024

38:15

Ep. 020: The Data-Backed Benefits of In-Person Development Teams | w/ Special Guest Geoff Vandegrift of Ad Astra

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

T1 · E20

17 jul 2024

20:17

Ep. 019: What the Holacracy? The Basics & Benefits of Flat Organizations in Development | w/ Special Guest Geoff Vandegrift of Ad Astra

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

T1 · E19

10 jul 2024

28:31

Ep. 018: Metrics That Matter - Data Points for Technology Leaders | w/ Special Guest Sebastian Kline of Nelnet Community Engagement

Cbass is back for another episode of Open Source CXO, but this time we’re digging into data points and metrics that matter! Sebastian shares his experiences and strategies for effective team management as he follows a very objective, data-based approach. From his journey at Aware3 to his current role at Nelnet, Sebastian provides a deep dive into the metrics that matter, such as deployment frequency, code coverage, and customer-detected bugs. Sebastian elaborates on the evolution of his management style, emphasizing the importance of coaching and the role of metrics in driving performance. He discusses the challenges and rewards of integrating startups into larger corporate structures and maintaining a high-performance team. His insights into the importance of tenure, equitable compensation, and the retention of employees through engagement and purpose are invaluable for any engineering leader. Tune in to gain practical advice on managing technical teams, fostering a no-blame culture, and leveraging networks for personal and professional growth. This episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions on how to excel in engineering leadership. ————— 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

T1 · E18

5 jun 2024

34:14

Ep. 017: Bringing It Back to the ‘Why’ of Your Business | w/ Special Guest Sebastian Kline of Nelnet Community Engagement

Join Sebastian Kline, Vice President of Engineering at Nelnet, on this week's episode of Open Source CXO, hosted by Robert Kehoe and Don Blackburn. Explore the dynamic landscape of engineering leadership as Sebastian shares insights from his journey from Aware3 to Nelnet, beginning from a small startup to integration with a larger corporation. Sebastian breaks down the evolution of his team from developing mobile apps for nonprofits to overseeing significant technical debts and scaling operations. He highlights the strategic acquisition by Nelnet and the subsequent challenges and opportunities in merging teams. More specifically the need for maintaining consistent quality communication across global and local developers all while being diligent in focusing on the “why” of the business. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of integrating startups into larger corporate structures, managing international teams, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a customer-focused, agile engineering culture. ————— 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

T1 · E17

29 may 2024

36:40

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