Tech Talks Daily

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we work, lead, and interact, the need for emotionally intelligent and human-centered leadership has never been more urgent. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Jen Croneberger, the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer at The Human Leadership Institute, to explore how relational leadership guides organizations through the noise and complexity of rapid AI adoption.

With a background in sports and performance psychology and a career that spans working with elite athletes, government agencies, and global brands like Nike and Samsung, Jen brings a rare perspective to the conversation around AI. She argues that amidst all the automation and data, our ability to build trust, communicate transparently, and stay grounded in shared values will define success moving forward.

Throughout the conversation, Jen makes the case that leaders today cannot rely on technical skills alone. They must create cultures of psychological safety, model adaptability, and foster a clear understanding of how AI can enhance rather than replace human capabilities.

We also dive into some of the more challenging topics, including the ethical implications of AI, resistance to change, and why some employees struggle to see a future where they coexist with intelligent machines.

What I found particularly insightful was Jen's ability to draw parallels between leading teams in high-stakes athletic environments and leading through tech transformation. Whether it's building resilience after a setback or navigating uncertain outcomes with confidence, the same foundational principles apply.

As we look to a future where AI is embedded in every business layer, Jen's message is timely and practical. If you are a leader wondering how to support your teams through disruption without losing the soul of your culture, this episode will give you plenty to reflect on.

How will you lead in a world where machines are intelligent, but people still need to feel seen?

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I enjoy a conversation with Bartosz Skwarczek, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind G2A.COM, a behemoth in the world of digital marketplaces. With a customer base spanning over 25 million users across 180 countries, G2A.COM stands as a testament to Bartosz's vision and relentless pursuit of innovation.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a global digital empire from the ground up? Bartosz, a renowned entrepreneur and public speaker, offers a glimpse into his journey of transforming a modest online store in Poland into an international powerhouse. His story combines ambition, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Cybersecurity, a critical aspect of any digital venture, takes center stage in our discussion. Bartosz delves into the intricacies of protecting a vast digital marketplace in an era where cyber threats are escalating. The conversation is intriguing as we explore how G2A has fortified its platform, achieving a ten times more robust security standard than the industry average.

But what does the future hold for digital marketplaces? Bartosz shares his insights on the transformative impact of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and blockchain. He paints a picture of a future where these technologies are not just buzzwords but integral components reshaping the digital landscape.

Beyond the technological marvels, Bartosz's journey is also a lesson in entrepreneurship. His mantra, "Every day is a school day," reflects a perpetual learning and growth philosophy. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his experiences underscore the importance of resilience, hard work, and maintaining a clear vision amidst the challenges and triumphs of building a business.

Listeners, what are your thoughts on the convergence of technology and entrepreneurship? How do you see digital marketplaces evolving in the face of new technological advancements? Share your views and join the conversation!

QualiTest is the world’s largest pure-play software testing and quality assurance specialist. They design and deliver solutions that leverage deep industry-specific understanding with cutting-edge testing technology.

The company has expanded rapidly over the past year, moving its headquarters to London, opening additional offices in India, Portugal, Mexico, and the US, and completing acquisitions such as their recent acquisition of Algotrace.

The company also has ambitious plans to reach $1B revenue goal in 5 years. Norm Merritt is the global CEO of Qualitest. He has a proven track record of running highly-responsive and successful technology-enabled service businesses. Norm has run large business services firms such as iQor, where he led a turnaround of the $600 million business outsourcing firm. He has run various other companies like ShopKeep, a SaaS business and MortgageIT, an online mortgage origination business.

He also led an advisory practice helping mid-size CEOs drive success through the use of technology. Norm graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University and from the Harvard Business School with an MBA.

We discuss the importance of software testing before implementation and how businesses can make it easier to integrate software testing across multiple industries.

With experience growing businesses through organic growth and through acquisitions, running large BPO companies like iQor with a revenue of $700M, as well as later-stage start-ups like ShopKeep, he also shares the biggest lessons he has learned along the way.

Exploring the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) With Vanessa Wu, Rippling's General Counsel

The Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) caused significant confusion and forced companies to clean up their act online when it was introduced in Europe last year. Now, a new set of regulations, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), is about to go live in 2020 and is giving businesses something else to worry about.

As we continue to redefine the entire landscape of how online user data is to be handled, I explore the impacts of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) With Vanessa Wu, Rippling's General Counsel.

I also learn how Rippling is the first way for businesses to manage their HR & IT — from payroll and benefits to employee computers and apps — all in one, modern system.

In 90-seconds, a company can onboard a new employee and set up their payroll, health insurance, work computer, and third-party apps like Gmail, Microsoft Office, and Slack. It's the only platform that unifies every employee system and automates the administrative work behind each.

Vanessa Wu currently serves as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Rippling, the first employee data system of record across all of a company's HR and IT systems. In this role, she oversees all legal and compliance issues, including corporate governance, product counseling, and regulatory compliance, and influences emerging privacy legal frameworks and data protection strategy. Prior to Rippling, Vanessa was the General Counsel at LiveRamp, Inc. (NYSE:RAMP), a global leader in identity resolution and data marketplace services for the advertising and marketing ecosystem. Vanessa also previously worked in private practice at the international law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, where she advised technology companies on high-stakes litigation, merger control, and regulatory proceeds involving the intersection of antitrust, data protection, and privacy. Vanessa graduated, cum laude, from Princeton University, and from the UCLA School of Law, where she was order of the Coif. Vanessa is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and serves on the advisory board of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

With over 100 million packages recycled since its launch in 2019, Bower has proven that incentivizing people with real-world rewards can significantly increase recycling rates without building new infrastructure.

From barcode scanning to AI-powered image recognition, the Bower app empowers users to recycle all types of packaging and earn rewards simply by dropping items into ordinary recycling bins. It’s simple, scalable, and working across more than 170 countries.

Berfin Mert, co-founder and COO of Bower, explains how their latest innovations now detect items without barcodes, such as coffee cups, cigarette butts, and batteries. She shares how AI-driven guidance has led to a 32% improvement in sorting rates, and why location-based data is key to building smarter, more responsive recycling systems.

We also discuss the realities of building a circular economy, the growing role of brands like Nestlé and Varta, and why a purely sustainable pitch isn’t always enough to bring companies on board.

Berfin’s perspective on bridging environmental goals with business realities makes this conversation stand out. She talks openly about expanding their value proposition to include marketing insights and loyalty tools, making the platform attractive to both eco-conscious users and revenue-driven brands.

Toward the end of our chat, Berfin opens up about her own journey, crediting her brother and co-founder as the person who inspired her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. It’s a grounded, honest look at innovation, impact, and the people who help bring both to life.

This episode offers a fresh, practical perspective if you’ve ever wondered how small tech-driven actions can influence global sustainability. Could your packaging be worth something more? Let’s find out together.