Podcast
Talking Innovation
Hosted by talkingcloud · EN
Talking Innovation is a conversation about what comes next, hosted by Grant Asplund, a four-decade technology veteran who has spent his career arriving in categories before they had names. Each episode brings together the builders, founders, and operators shaping where technology is headed, with candid conversations about the ideas, bets, and hard-won lessons behind real innovation.
This isn't a show about hype cycles. It's about the people doing the work: how they see around corners, how they turn conviction into product, and what it actually takes to be early and right. From cybersecurity to AI to whatever category is forming next, Talking Innovation goes past the headlines to the thinking underneath.
New conversations on a regular cadence. Pull up a chair.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
108-Talking Innovation with John Graham, Author, Executive Director, The Giraffe Heroes Project
2w ago01:15:42Tap to summarizeMost conversations about AI focus on doom and gloom, but what if the real risks come from ignoring its enormous potential for good? In this episode, John Graham, a seasoned diplomat and author, challenges us to rethink how we view technological innovation and global risks. Graham shares gripping stories from his adventurous life, from near-death mountain climbs to intense diplomatic battles, illustrating how a life of pushing boundaries can lead to a deeper understanding of purpose and responsibility. You'll discover how Graham’s journey underscores a vital truth: true meaning often comes through service and solving public problems. This episode reveals the profound connection between courage, compassion, and leadership in navigating our most pressing challenges. I hope you enjoy it!
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107-Talking Innovation with Christian Torres, Founder of Stark Analytics
4w ago00:47:55Tap to summarizeMost entrepreneurs and business leaders are missing the huge potential of AI because they’re stuck in deterministic thinking—or risking catastrophic mistakes by ignoring probabilistic tools. Christian Torres, founder of Stark Analytics, shares his extraordinary journey from solitary confinement to pioneering decision models that leverage AI’s full power. He reveals how small businesses can build their own AI "advisory boards"—inspired by the masters like Edison and Carnegie—to pressure-test ideas, surface unseen opportunities, and make smarter decisions in real time.In this episode, you’ll discover: How a decade in prison became Christian’s forge for mastering analytics and AI-driven decision-making. Why today’s shift from deterministic spreadsheets to probabilistic AI tools is a game-changer for leaders. The emerging roles of AI orchestrators and human collaborators—and why emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes more critical than ever. Practical frameworks for building AI-powered decision systems that cut costs, increase agility, and avoid costly errors. How to leverage multiple AI tools to create a “shadow cabinet” of expert personas that challenges your assumptions—just like Napoleon Hill’s invisible counselors. You'll learn why ignoring these changes risks falling behind in a fast-evolving landscape. Those who embrace the new AI paradigm can pressure-test ideas, innovate faster, and set the stage for a future where human intuition and AI’s probabilistic insights work hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a startup founder, executive, or curious thinker, this episode is essential listening to understand how AI can elevate your decision-making—not replace it.Christian Torres is the founder of Stark Analytics and a pioneer in decision intelligence systems. His insights come from a mix of real-world experience and cutting-edge AI strategy, helping him craft scalable, actionable frameworks for businesses at all levels.If you’re ready to ditch outdated models, harness the true potential of AI, and prepare for the disruptive wave shaping industries—this conversation is your roadmap. Don’t get left behind—listen now and start building your AI-powered future today.
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106-Talking Innovation with Venu Rao Koyyada, Co-founder & CEO @ Strobes Security
May 2400:56:43Tap to summarizeUnlock how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity...and what you must do now to stay protected. If you're a security professional, CTO, or business leader navigating a world where vulnerabilities evolve in seconds and AI accelerates both innovation and threat, this episode is your essential playbook. Venu Koyyada, CEO of Strobes Security, shares deep insights from his decade of experience in exposure management and offensive security. He reveals how the latest AI advancements...like scalable agents that automate vulnerability prioritization and validation...are transforming the security landscape. From the dramatic shifts in attack surfaces to the skyrocketing costs of AI-powered cyber threats, this conversation uncovers the urgent challenges...and opportunities...that define our digital future.You'll discover: The real impact of continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) and how it’s changing the way companies defend themselves How AI agents are automating vulnerability detection, prioritization, and even patching—cutting down weeks to hours The hidden risks of AI-driven tools being exploited by bad actors with minimal skills Why traditional security approaches are no longer enough in a hyperconnected, AI-enabled world The economic and environmental implications of AI-powered computing demand...and innovative solutions like ocean-based data centers This episode is perfect for cybersecurity leaders, DevSecOps teams, and anyone serious about understanding the next frontier of digital defense. Fail to adapt, and you risk being overwhelmed by the increasing sophistication and speed of cyberattacks. Embrace these insights, and position your organization at the forefront of proactive security innovation.Venu Rao is CEO and co-founder of Strobes Security, a pioneer in AI-driven continuous exposure management. With over a decade in cybersecurity, he helps organizations stay ahead of evolving threats by harnessing AI to build smarter, more dynamic defense strategies.If you're ready to turn security from a ticking clock into a strategic advantage, this episode will boost your knowledge and ignite your action plan. Stay prepared—because in cybersecurity, the next breach may already be in progress.
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105-Talking Innovation with David Cross, CISO at Atlassian
May 1000:46:34Tap to summarizeBuilding the Future of AI and Security with David Cross Join me in this illuminating conversation with David Cross, Chief Information Security Officer at Atlassian, as we explore the rapid evolution of AI, its implications for cybersecurity, and leadership lessons for navigating technological change. In this episode: David Cross shares his journey from Navy electronic warfare to leading security for major tech platforms like Azure and Atlassian Insights into how AI is transforming both security and enterprise operations The importance of foundational knowledge versus superficial understanding of AI models Challenges and opportunities posed by autonomous agents and ephemeral AI transactions Strategies for staying ahead of technological waves and fostering continuous learning The role of identity, access management, and observability in the age of autonomous AI agents Practical advice for CISOs and tech leaders to equip their teams for AI-driven change I hope you enjoy it!!!
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104-Talking Innovation with Chuck Brooks, Named a “Top Person to Follow on Tech” on LinkedIn. Voted “Cybersecurity Person of the Year” Presidential Appointee, FORBES Writer, Author
Apr 2600:39:27Tap to summarizeMost of us are watching AI evolve at a staggering pace, but few grasp how deeply it's reshaping everything—security, education, industry, and even our social fabric. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the real threat and immense opportunity of AI, this episode will change your perspective. Join me as I dive into an electrifying conversation with cybersecurity expert Chuck Brooks, one of the top minds in national security and technology innovation. Together, we reveal how AI advancements like agentic models and deepfakes are both transforming industries and empowering cybercriminals—often far ahead of defenders. You'll discover why most organizations jump into AI without strategy and how malicious actors are sharing tools and profits in a new digital underground economy. This episode explores the startling reality of AI's dark side—cybercrime, disinformation, and manipulation—and why understanding these threats is crucial now. We break down emerging tactics like AI-driven phishing, deepfake scams, and AI’s potential to influence geopolitics and social stability. More than just tech chatter, this is a call for strategic awareness, ethical frameworks, and proactive defense in an era of unprecedented technological power. Whether you're in cybersecurity, leadership, or simply curious about the future, you'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to adapt, defend, and leverage AI for good without letting the bad guys catch you off guard. Chuck Brooks is a seasoned cybersecurity strategist, former government advisor, and renowned thought leader in AI and national security. With over 130K followers on LinkedIn, he's at the forefront of shaping how we respond to these radical technological shifts.Prepare for an episode that challenges your assumptions, heightens your awareness, and empowers you to think strategically about AI’s boundless potential and peril. This is essential listening for anyone who refuses to be passive in today's fast-changing digital battleground. I hope you enjoy it!
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103-Talking Innovation with Carter Huffman, Co-Founder and CTO at Modulate.ai
Apr 1200:30:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Talking Innovation, I interview Carter Huffman, CTO and co-founder of Modulate, about cutting-edge voice AI technology. We explore how voice understanding can combat fraud, harassment, and manipulation, and discuss the broader implications for cybersecurity and customer experience. I hope you enjoy it!
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102-Talking Innovation with Jean F. (Jeff) Côté, Managing Director, Lunik Canada
Mar 2900:51:56Tap to summarizeJoin me as I chat with Jeff Cote from Montreal about the latest in data security, AI advancements, and societal impacts of technology. This episode explores how AI is transforming industries, security challenges, and the societal shifts driven by digital innovation. I hope you enjoy it!
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101-Talking Innovation with Timothy Reed, CPP, Director, Workplace Security at Aurora
Mar 1501:05:38Tap to summarizeJoin us for an insightful conversation with cybersecurity expert Tim Reed as we explore the complexities of AI, data signals, governance, and the future of technology. Discover how to discern true signals from noise in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and the societal implications of AI advancements. I hope you enjoy it! Be sure and check out Tim's book: Signals in the Noise: Security, Technology, and the Hidden Patterns of Modern Risk 📚 All formats: https://lnkd.in/eUe4A6GD ✍️ Signed copies: https://lnkd.in/ejB6XAz9
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100-Talking Innovation with Amy Chaney SVP Technology, COO | Global Technology - CITI
Mar 201:13:17Tap to summarizeThe Future of Technology and Innovation with Amy Cheney Explore the transformative trends shaping technology, from quantum computing cooling methods to the societal impacts of AI and social media. Join Grant Asplund and Amy Cheney as they dissect the wild west of innovation, security complexities, and the importance of purpose-driven tech evolution. Join us next time on Talking Innovation as we continue to explore the cutting edge—and sometimes chaotic—world of tech evolution.
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99-Talking Innovation with Michael Compton Jr., Founder and CEO, Salute Surgical
Feb 1700:41:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Talking Innovation, I interview Michael Compton Jr. about the critical yet often overlooked field of sterile processing in healthcare. We discuss the revolutionary impact of AI on the industry, the importance of the decontamination process, and the challenges faced by sterile processing departments, including workforce shortages and communication failures. The conversation also touches on the potential for outsourcing sterile processing, the significance of water quality standards, and how data analysis can improve surgical outcomes. Michael emphasizes the need for greater recognition and support for sterile processing professionals, highlighting their role in infection prevention and patient safety. I hope you enjoy it!
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