Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Episode #46

How Slowing Down Became Brad’s Superpower in the Fast-Paced Tech World

Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Brad Messer is an accomplished professional boasting a rich background in software development and a former stint in AI strategy and analytics with IBM. An alumnus of Clarkson University, his academic focus in applied mathematics paved the way to a deep engagement with data science, ultimately propelling him into the realm of entrepreneurship. As a present-day executive, Brad oversees a portfolio of startups and injects strategic acumen into emerging business endeavors, particularly within the space of technology and AI consultancy.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting edition of “Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge,” host Mike engages with Brad Messer, a software developer turned entrepreneur with an incisive grasp on data science, AI strategy, and technology leadership. Our guest shares his transformative journey from big tech to the exhilarating path of entrepreneurship, underscoring the pivotal experiences that shape today’s innovative front-runners.

Brad Messer dives into his personal evolution, revealing his foray into the realms of big data and AI at the storied halls of Clarkson University and his subsequent impactful tenure with IBM. As someone who has gracefully transitioned into entrepreneurship, he eloquently discusses the fine balance between strategic enterprise management and the importance of being present in the moment. Giving listeners a glimpse into the world of a technology innovator, Brad offers nuanced perspectives on building business operations, marketing, and product strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasis on the personal growth required to shift from a career in big tech to entrepreneurship, highlighting Brad’s focus on enjoying the moment.
  • Discussions around strategy and management in startups, the balancing act in business speeds, and the challenges faced when navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
  • Insights into the evolution of AI and its integration into various sectors, with an eye on emerging trends in personalized education and hyper-automation.
  • Perspectives on the significance of AI in future technology, including large language models and their applications in problem-solving and data analysis.
  • Tips on maintaining focus and productivity, the influence of modern tools like Chat GPT in drafting and ideation, and personal anecdotes on balancing work with personal life.

Notable Quotes:

  • “I think for me, it’s really been more about slowing down. Enjoying the moment has been the challenging thing for me.”
  • “So I really sit more as an executive now. So I try to do a lot of strategy and also handling my portfolio of startups.”
  • “I still see AI coming out on a good side. I think there will be things that we will definitely have to consider probably within, I would say probably five to seven, maybe more seven to ten years time frame.”
  • “How I like to act as a manager is that I like to give people a sense of where they are.”
  • “I usually find my head buried in research papers anymore. When I get anything like that, I’ll be poking around, like drug discovery.”

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Episode Details

Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced Tech World: Insights from Technology Leadership

In the ever-accelerating realm of technology, where AI meets entrepreneurship and innovation leads to transformation, staying grounded and present is a paradoxical challenge. The world of tech leadership is one of constant evolution, compelling those at the helm to keep pace with the latest trends while staying mindful of the human element within digital landscapes.

Key Takeaways

  • Slowing down and being present in the moment are crucial, even in the fast-paced world of technology and entrepreneurship.
  • AI is predicted to be embedded in everything, presenting both opportunities and challenges within the next five years.
  • Personalization is the future of education and AI, offering unique learning pathways and potential for individual growth.

Embracing the Moment in Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship can often feel synonymous with relentless pace and unyielding progress. Yet, Brad Messer, a software developer-turned-entrepreneur, shares how his journey has underscored the importance of slowing down to enjoy the moment. This counterintuitive approach to entrepreneurial success is crucial, as it allows leaders to appreciate achievements and learn from the journey.

“I think for me, it’s really been more about slowing down… Enjoying the moment has been the challenging thing for me, and ever since I’ve gotten involved in entrepreneurship, I’ve been able to do that more.”

By advocating a slower pace, Messer points towards a broader implication for tech leadership—mindfulness in management. When leaders prioritize being present, productivity paradoxically increases, propelled by a deeper understanding of their teams and projects.

The Promising, Yet Perilous, Future of AI

Looking towards the horizon, AI’s preeminence in the future of technology is unquestionable. However, Messer offers a balanced perspective on its rise, acknowledging both the revolutionary potential and ethical quandaries it could entail. The conversation shifts towards the applications that could reshape industries, from automated personal training to educational aids.

“Oh, my goodness. So I’m certainly seeing AI embedded in everything… I still see it coming out on a good side.”

Messer’s insights affirm that AI’s trajectory as a tool is dependent on our collective decisions on its deployment. It’s a reflection on the dual nature of technology: as a harbinger of progress and a potential catalyst for unintended consequences. Leaders within tech circles need to navigate these waters with foresight and a moral compass.

Personalization and AI in Future Education

Education significantly benefits from the infusion of AI through personalization. The shift from one-size-fits-all education models to ones that cater to individual pace and learning styles can revolutionize academic paths, as illustrated by Messer’s own experiences with online learning platforms.

“So I think one of the biggest things there is going to be more personalized, more personalized systems, right?”

This move away from traditional instructional methods opens a discussion on the receptiveness of such innovation amongst employers and institutions. Messer’s personal account of the value placed on in-person versus remote credentials highlights the ongoing evolution and acceptance of alternative learning paradigms.

In the sphere of education, AI-driven personalization serves as both a tool for democratizing knowledge and as a testament to tech leadership’s role in shaping learning ecosystems.

A reflective pause is fundamental to grasp the breadth and depth of the shifts technology leadership must contend with. We revisit the core themes of embracing mindfulness in a fast-paced world, the ingenuity and accountability surrounding AI expansion, and the bright yet complex future of education shaped by AI. These reflections aren’t mere conclusions; they’re the starting points for continuous conversations and actions poised to shape our collective experiences with technology.

Contact Information for Brad Messer

Timestamp Summary
0:00:00 Brad discusses the challenge of slowing down and enjoying the moment.
0:00:39 Mike introduces Brad as a software developer and asks about his journey in the field.
0:01:46 Brad explains his pivot into entrepreneurship due to his entrepreneurial tendencies.
0:03:08 Brad shares that his biggest challenge has been slowing down and enjoying the moment.
0:03:53 Mike relates to the challenge of being present in the moment as a software developer.
0:04:59 Brad emphasizes the importance of understanding individual career goals to retain staff.
0:06:44 Mike shares his experience with a company that encouraged an entrepreneurial mindset.
0:08:04 Brad discusses his management approach, giving individuals the opportunity to pursue their potential.
0:09:27 Mike talks about the issue of focus among tech executives and recommends Magic Mind as a solution.
0:10:41 Brad predicts that AI will be embedded in everything in the future.
0:12:32 Brad acknowledges that AI can be both good and bad depending on how it is used.
0:13:41 Brad expresses his interest in large language models like Chat GPT and Bard.
0:14:07 Using Chat GPT as a writing tool for speeches and presentations
0:15:15 Chat GPT’s potential in analyzing data and providing insights
0:16:19 Future applications of large language models in different domains
0:18:17 AI’s impact on game playing and personalized coaching
0:19:22 The future of AI in education and personalized learning
0:22:29 Challenges and opportunities in online education
0:24:24 The importance of creating interactive online learning environments
0:25:48 Exploring the attitudes of employers towards remote learning
0:26:23 Brad shares his contact information and plans for his AI consultancy firm
0:27:11 Brad encourages listeners to reach out for more information
0:27:25 Mike concludes the episode and thanks Brad for being a guest
0:27:23 Mike encourages listeners to tune in to new episodes every Wednesday