In this episode, Jeff Smith discusses his extensive career journey, including his work with unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and his experiences starting his own business. Jeff shares his insights on building strong teams, the challenges and opportunities in undersea exploration, and the importance of mentors and trusted networks in achieving success. Additionally, Jeff delves into his personal passion for scuba diving and underwater treasure hunting.

Episode Highlights:

00:57 How Jeff Became a Subsea and Seabed Warfare Consultant

02:14 Jeff Smith's Career Journey

05:21 The Leap of Faith: Starting a Business

13:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Undersea Exploration

Jeff Smith is a Subsea and Seabed Warfare Consultant with Poroy Global Advisors. Prior to recently joining PGA, Jeff was the VP/GM for Autonomous and Undersea Systems at Saab, Inc. responsible for growing a new US division focused on UUVs, ROVs, USVs, and Autonomy. Jeff stood up the AUS Division securing over $300M in long term programs, building out multiple new facilities, and staffing an exceptional team in less than 3 years. Prior to joining Saab, Jeff was a Chief Scientist for UUV Systems for BAE Systems FAST Labs. Jeff was the president and founder of Riptide Autonomous Solutions, a major market disruptor in the unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) market and brought the company to acquisition by BAE Systems in 4 years. Jeff has spent 30 years supporting the US Navy through his industry roles at General Dynamics, Bluefin Robotics, Riptide, BAE Systems, and now Saab. Over the past several years, Jeff has been selected as a UUV subject matter expert to participate in numerous war games and study panels focused on the future of undersea warfare. Jeff also holds patents in robotics, electro-optical systems, rapid prototyping, subsea battery safety systems, biomedical devices, and in a counter- sniper system, with additional patents pending. Jeff was formerly an advisor for Open Water Power, prior to their acquisition by L-3 Technologies. Jeff is also a member of the Board of Directors for Aretê Associates and numerous non-profit boards for defense, innovation, and blue technology.

Connect with Jeff:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithgdais/

Company Website: https://poroyglobal.com/

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In this episode, James Bates discusses his journey from the technology sector to healthcare, and the development of AdviNow’s AI-driven platform designed to improve medical practice efficiency. James shares the challenges and benefits of implementing AI in healthcare, emphasizing how it reduces clerical burdens for doctors, enhances patient care, and boosts profitability through efficient processes. James also highlights the difficulties faced by large healthcare systems in adopting new technologies and relates personal experiences that inspired his work. The conversation touches on various professional achievements and innovations, presenting a forward-looking vision for AI in healthcare.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the Drop In CEO Podcast

03:12 Challenges in the Healthcare Industry

06:26 The Role of AI in Healthcare

31:31 Future of AI in Healthcare

James Bates is a visionary CEO, entrepreneur, and investor with a track record of leading high-growth technology companies. As CEO and Founder of AdviNow Medical, he pioneered the world’s first AI and AR-driven automated medical visit platform, securing $20M in funding and launching the company. He is also a general partner in a Fintech hedge fund and managing partner of A Big Capital, LLC, investing in technology startups, real estate, and FinTech. James has driven $1B in revenues at Freescale (NXP) and led Silicon Labs’ Asia Pacific growth to $500M. A board member and holder of nine patents, James holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from BYU and resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Connect with James:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessbates/

Company Website: www.advinow.com

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In this episode, Todd shares his unique career journey from sales in the funeral industry to leading a company specializing in cleaning and testing equipment for the electronics industry. They discuss the importance of customer service, continuous technology advancements, and Todd's strategic decisions during COVID-19 that have positioned the company for growth. The episode also covers the recent acquisition of a competitor, the challenges of merging companies, and Todd's advice for aspiring leaders.

Episode Highlights:

04:20 Lessons from the Funeral Industry

05:28 The Importance of Customer Service

07:28 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership

26:14 Acquisition and Future Plans

Todd is the President & CEO of Austin American Technology Corporation since 2016. Austin American Technology is a 38-year-old company specializing in cleaning and testing equipment development and manufacturing. Austin American Technology is headquartered in Burnet, Texas.

Todd has co-authored papers and articles in the areas of cleaning and microelectronic assembly processes. Todd has a BS in Business Administration from the College of Central Florida. Todd is a member of IPC, SMTA, and the Central Texas Electronics Association. Previous to joining at Austin American Technology, Todd worked in sales and distribution management.

Connect with Todd:

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/todd-rountree,

Company LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/austinamericantechnology

Company Website: www.aat-corp.com

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In this episode, Dr. John Serri shares his unique background from humble beginnings, his academic journey, and how he overcame societal labels to excel in science and business. He discusses the innovations at EyeQue Corporation, the importance of flexibility and resilience in entrepreneurship, and the potential for telemedicine to revolutionize vision care. Dr. Serri also delves into broader topics such as human evolution, earth’s resources, and the importance of optimism and gratitude in life and business. The conversation provides profound insights for current and aspiring leaders on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

Episode Highlights:

06:45 Career Highlights: From Bell Labs to Silicon Valley

09:20 The Entrepreneurial Path: Challenges and Insights

22:36 The Visionary Mission of EyeQue Corporation

32:59 Optimism and the Future of Humanity

Dr. John Serri is the CEO and co-founder of EyeQue Corporation, a telemedicine pioneer making vision care accessible through innovative at-home and clinical technologies. Since 2015, John has driven EyeQue’s mission to help the world "see more clearly," leveraging his expertise in physics, mathematics, and system design. With a PhD in Physics from MIT, he has led advancements in global networks, satellite communications, and vision testing, holding over 20 patents and publishing extensively in science and technology. Beyond his work, John is a keyboard artist, composer, and gardener, passionate about shaping the future of humanity through innovation and creativity.

Connect with Dr.Serri:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnaserri/

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In this episode, Jill Hoffman, Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality at B&G Foods, and Jacqueline Southee, North American representative for the FSSC 22000 Foundation, discuss their respective career journeys, challenges women face in the food safety industry, and the critical importance of networking and mentorship. Jill and Jacqueline emphasize the need for proper education in food safety, the development of cultural impact at all organizational levels, and the advocacy for a better understanding of ISO management systems in the U.S. This episode delves into the empowering community of Women in Food Safety, exploring opportunities for future initiatives and the importance of engaging young professionals in the field.

Episode Highlights:

02:49 Jill Hoffman's Career Journey in Food Safety

05:10 Jacqueline Southee's Diverse Background and Career Shift

08:31 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

20:53 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Food Safety

28:01 Expanding the Women in Food Safety Community

Jill is currently the Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality at B&G Foods. Before moving over to B&G, Jill was previously the Director of Global Food Safety and Quality Systems at McCormick & Co., Inc. Over her career she has worked across numerous product categories in various functions to include Food Safety and Quality, Operations, and Continuous Improvement. Jill has had the opportunity to engage and speak in various forums across the globe on topics such as supply chain integrity and food fraud and has contributed to various publications on these topics. Jill has a passion for transforming the quality and food safety functions through continuous improvement, digital enablement, and data analytics. She sees an abundance of opportunities to create efficiency and insights by greater adoption within food companies. Jill holds a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Food Safety from Michigan State.

Connect with Jill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-hoffman-853a9a12/

Jacqueline Southee is the North American Representative for Foundation FSSC 22000, the owner of the globally recognized GFSI benchmarked food safety certification system, FSSC 22000, and the new FSSC 24000 certification for Social Management Systems. Based in Washington DC, Jacqueline works with the public and private sector to build a broader understanding of how accredited FSSC 22000 certification and the ISO management system approach can contribute to global harmonization, forge international compliance and help industry achieve the UN sustainability goals.

A native of the UK Jacqueline is a “seasoned” player with a PhD in Animal Science from he University of Nottingham and a background in international business development.

Jsouthee@fssc.com

Connect with Jacqueline:

Company Website: www.fssc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesoutheebruner/

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Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs

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In this episode, Melody Ge shares her career journey from R&D director to advocating for food safety and the founding of Women in Food Safety, a community aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry while supporting female leadership. Highlighting the soft skills necessary for higher positions in food safety, Melody emphasizes confidence, adaptability, and continuous learning. The episode explores the challenges and opportunities within the food safety sector, the impact of the Women in Food Safety community, and the importance of curiosity and staying updated with evolving industry standards.

Episode Highlights:

04:42 Founding Women in Food Safety

08:15 Empowering Women in Food Safety

11:24 The Importance of Soft Skills in Leadership

22:57 Adapting to Change in the Food Safety Industry

Melody Ge is the Sr. Director of Operations Quality at TreeHouse Foods Inc., driving a culture of safety and quality across manufacturing facilities. With 15+ years of expertise in food safety, quality, and social responsibility, she has held key roles with GFSI CPOs, retailers, manufacturers, and testing labs. A Six-Sigma Black Belt, PCQI Lead Instructor, and SQF Trainer, Melody’s leadership spans StarKist, Neogen Analytics, Lidl US, SQFI, and Beyond Meat. She holds an M.S. and B.S. in Food Science and Engineering and certification in Data Science, blending technical expertise with innovative solutions to champion smarter food safety practices.

Connect with Melody:

Company Website: www.womeninfoods.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-ge-54116717/

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In this episode, Tony Ulwick shares his career journey from IBM engineer to innovation expert, discussing his groundbreaking methodologies that focus on understanding customer needs to drive successful innovations. Tony shares practical examples and insights on how companies can avoid innovation pitfalls, leverage AI effectively, and achieve significant market success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being outcome-driven and offers guidance for product leaders and innovators.

Episode Highlights:

02:33 Tony's Journey: From IBM to Innovation Expert

04:47 Understanding Customer Needs and Innovation

07:38 The Importance of Job Maps in Innovation

34:33 The Role of AI in Innovation

Tony is the pioneer of Jobs-to-be-Done Theory, the inventor of the Outcome-Driven Innovation® (ODI) process, and the founder of strategy and innovation consulting firm Strategyn. Tony has applied his ODI process at some of the world’s leading companies and across nearly all industries to inform breakthrough innovations—achieving a success rate that is 5 times better than the industry average. Philip Kotler calls Tony “the Deming of innovation” and credits him with bringing predictability to innovation. Published in Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, Tony is also the author of best sellers What Customers Want and JOBS TO BE DONE: Theory to Practice.

Connect with Tony:

Company Website: Strategyn.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyulwick/

For more insights:

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In this episode, Dima Ghawi discusses her inspiring journey from a suppressed Middle Eastern upbringing to becoming a global influencer, coach, and leadership consultant. Dima shares her early life lessons about perfection from her grandmother, her escape from an abusive marriage, and her ascent in the corporate world spurred by supportive leaders. They delve into themes like overcoming life's limitations, enhancing workplace cultures, DEI initiatives, and the crucial role of authentic leadership. The discussion covers practical strategies for leaders to foster environments where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated to break their own barriers.

Episode Highlights:

04:46 Breaking Free: Dima's Escape and New Beginnings

06:06 The Role of Leadership in Personal Growth

13:22 Dima's Professional Journey and DEI Initiatives

20:46 Creating Healthy Work Cultures

Dima Ghawi is a globally recognized leadership expert and award-winning author dedicated to empowering individuals to break barriers and become courageous, purpose-driven leaders. With Middle Eastern roots, an American heart, and a global perspective, her journey spans continents and cultures, inspiring personal and professional transformation.

Drawing on two decades of corporate leadership with Fortune 100 companies like IBM, Merrill Lynch, and Intuit, Dima specializes in cultivating inclusive corporate cultures and developing leaders for the global workforce. Her memoir, Breaking Vases, has earned multiple accolades, including the Writer’s Digest Grand Prize.

Dima’s impactful work has been honored with prestigious awards such as the IWEC Award, Mosaic Champion Award, and President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award. Through keynotes, workshops, and executive coaching, she ignites potential, advocates for inclusivity, and empowers diverse voices in corporate and community spaces.

Connect with Dima:

Company Websites: https://www.dimaghawi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dima.ghawi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi/

For more insights:

Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs

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