Best Kevin Goldsmith Podcasts (2025)

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Making Technology Choices That Last 42:19

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4d ago42:19

42:19

Avoiding shiny object syndrome, encouraging curiosity, and building a system for smart adoption Every few years, a new wave of technology arrives promising to change everything. Right now, it’s generative AI, but it wasn’t long ago that we were saying the same thing about mobile, cloud, or Web3. In this episode, Kevin Goldsmith reflects on how lead…

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Joanna Zhang, Connecting Strategy with Soul for a Thriving Business - Innova.buzz 690 55:16

7d ago55:16

55:16

Our guest in this episode is Joanna Zhang, who helps leaders connect strategy with soul to build businesses on a solid foundation. Joanna’s own journey, marked by three profound personal transformations, led her from being a transactional professional living a “gray color” life to becoming a balanced, spiritual leader. In our wonderful chat, Joanna…

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Catch People Doing Things Right with Guest Host Marshall Goldsmith and Martha C. Lawrence 28:31

9d ago28:31

28:31

In this special episode, hear guest host Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned leadership coach, talk with Martha C. Lawrence, author of Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads. Together, they explore the transformative power of positive recognition, how leaders can inspire excellence, and why focusing on str…

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The Hidden Architecture of Engineering: Practical Lessons in Organizational Design 47:01

18d ago47:01

47:01

In this episode, Kevin digs into the often-ignored side of engineering leadership: organizational design. He explores how structure shapes communication, culture, and even software architecture. Conway’s Law still applies. Kevin shares practical ways to diagnose bottlenecks, refactor teams, and evolve your organization with intent. From mapping the…

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Emma Möller, Shaping a Brighter AI Future by Leading with Human-Centered Curiosity - Innova.Buzz 689 49:35

21d ago49:35

49:35

Our guest in this episode is Emma Möller, an AI strategist and former diplomat with a fascinating journey from a small village in Sweden to the forefront of global technology strategy. Emma helps leaders navigate the complex systems of AI, drawing on her deep understanding of how the frameworks we build shape our human reality. In our chat, we expl…

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Patrick van der Burght, Unlocking the Power of 'Yes' with the Proven Science of Ethical Influence - Innova.Buzz 688 54:31

29d ago54:31

54:31

Our guest in this episode is Patrick van der Burght, one of the world's leading experts in the science of ethical persuasion. After a challenging start as a sales rep for a product with a terrible reputation, Patrick discovered the powerful work of Dr. Robert Cialdini, using its principles to turn that product into a market leader. He now dedicates…

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Catch People Doing Things Right with Martha C. Lawrence 28:44

30d ago28:44

28:44

Hear Martha Lawrence share stories about how Ken Blanchard revolutionized leadership from her new book, Catch People Doing Things Right. She explains why this is more than a business biography. It is the American success story of someone who achieved greatness by genuinely caring about people and helping them reach their full potential. To learn mo…

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Values → Culture → Everything: Why Company Culture Actually Matters 1:04:24

1M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Kevin Goldsmith revisits his influential 2013 keynote on engineering culture, expanding the conversation beyond just engineering teams to address anyone navigating workplace dynamics. This episode breaks down the real mechanics of how organizational values create culture, and how culture shapes everything from hiring decisions to performance review…

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Ali Hafizji, Escaping the Build Trap: From Passionate Builder to Business Owner - Innova.buzz 687 46:40

1M ago46:40

46:40

Our guest in this episode is Ali Hafizji, the CEO of Wednesday Solutions, who joins us from Pune, India. He's on a critical mission to steer startup founders away from the chaos and waste that often plagues their journey, offering them a clear, systematic path to success. In our chat, Ali Hafizji breaks down the fundamental mindset shift that separ…

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Kevin Perlmutter, Build Lifelong Brand Loyalty by Honouring Your Customer's Emotional Motivation - Innova.buzz 686 1:05:28

1M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

Our guest in this episode is Kevin Perlmutter, author of Brand Desire and a brand strategist who has codified the complex world of human emotion into an actionable framework. Kevin provides a system for businesses to move beyond mere transactions and build genuine, lasting connections with the people they serve. In our fascinating chat, we dive int…

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How to Handle Career Gaps and What CTOs Actually Do All Day 46:56

2M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode of It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership, Kevin returns from a summer break with a new podcast format and two big topics. First, he shares practical advice for navigating an unplanned career break—whether due to layoffs or a tough job market. From reframing “career break” on your résumé, to launching a consultancy, building a…

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Matt Stanley, The Secret Sauce of Marketing: Empathy, Onboarding, and the Human Touch - Innova.Buzz 685 1:20:49

2M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

Our guest in this episode is Matt Stanley, the founder of Get Reviews and Leads and a passionate marketing architect with 30 years of experience. What started as a fascination with the early internet evolved into a mission-driven career for Matt, focused on using technology to serve people and build thriving, human-centered businesses. In our chat,…

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Ruth Kent, From Psychological Safety to AI as a Collaborative Partner - Innova.buzz 684 1:09:49

2M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Our guest in this episode is Ruth Kent, a passionate advisor who began her career as a teacher with a love for public health. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, she now blends these two worlds to help organizations create more human-centered and effective ways to learn and thrive. In our wonderful chat, Ruth shares her pragmatic approach to navigat…

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Today Was Fun with Bree Groff 32:04

2M ago32:04

32:04

Today Was Fun with Bree Groff Hear Bree Groff share personal stories, research, and practical wisdom about her vision for modern workplaces where people feel human and alive. She offers tips about changing how you approach work every day to make it more meaningful and fulfilling from her new book Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously).…

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ENCORE: The Myth of the Startup in a Large Company with Kevin Stewart 1:06:55

2M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

This is a repeat of an episode originally released on April 13, 2025 In October 2025, I will once again be speaking at the Lead Dev New York event. Registration and information are available here. You can use the discount code “KEVIN15” to receive 15% off your registration. In this special episode, Kevin Goldsmith is joined by longtime friend and p…

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Jennifer K. Hill, From Tech CEO to Cracking the Code of Human Connection - Innova.Buzz 683 52:10

2M ago52:10

52:10

Our guest in this episode is Jennifer K. Hill, an exited founder and tech CEO who is now cracking the code of human connection through her company, OptiMatch. Her mission was born from what she calls "survival," a personal journey to understand herself after realising she was the "common denominator" in her own relational breakdowns. In our wonderf…

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Jem Fuller, Stripping Away the Noise to Find Purpose and Genuine Human Connection - Innova.buzz 682 57:48

2M ago57:48

57:48

Our guest in this episode is Jem Fuller, a leadership and culture coach and author from the beautiful Bells Beach, Victoria. For over a decade, Jem has been guiding people on profound journeys, both literally to the Himalayas and metaphorically inward, to help them build frameworks for genuine connection and purpose. In our wonderful chat, Jem shar…

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ENCORE: Building a technical career path at Spotify 45:38

2M ago45:38

45:38

This is a repeat of an episode originally released on March 2, 2025 In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith shares his unique experience designing Spotify's engineering career framework. As the leader of this initiative, Kevin provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Spotify's distinct career pathing system was developed, …

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Jason Van Orden, Unlock Your Genius: From "Prompt and Pray" to AI Partnership - Innova.Buzz 681 1:15:56

3M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

Our guest in this episode is Jason Van Orden, a business strategist who uniquely combines his background as a software engineer with two decades of marketing expertise. He has dedicated his career to helping creators and thought leaders build sustainable businesses, and now he’s pioneering how they can partner with AI to amplify their impact. In ou…

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Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, The Business of You: Become the CEO of Your Life - Innova.buzz 680 53:21

3M ago53:21

53:21

Our guests in this episode are Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, the dynamic storyteller-and-strategist duo behind Lead It Like Lasso. They've channeled their passion for helping people find their path into a groundbreaking new book and AI-powered app called The Business of You. In our conversation, Marnie and Nick explored their brilliant framewo…

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ENCORE: Addressing the challenges of partially distributed engineering teams 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

This is a repeat of an episode originally released on August 4, 2024. In this episode of the It Depends podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into the complexities of managing partially distributed engineering teams. Kevin discusses the nuances of communication, collaboration, and culture in partially distributed teams, emphasizing the unique challe…

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Character with Robert Dilenschneider 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

Hear Robert Dilenschneider explain the components of character as presented in his book Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. He shares some of the achievements of leaders and groundbreakers who shaped our world and explores how their lessons in life and in business can provide invaluable advice and hopeful direction for yo…

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Gemini AI, Mastering the AI Paradox: Why the Ultimate Upgrade is YOU - Innova.buzz 679 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

My guest in this special feature is Gemini AI, a large language model from Google. Born from a vast ocean of human knowledge, text, and code, its purpose is to act as a conversational partner to help us find patterns and unlock our own creativity. In my fascinating dialogue with Gemini, we explored how to partner with artificial intelligence not to…

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Kim Doyal, From Prompts to Partnership: Where the Real AI Magic Begins - Innova.Buzz 678 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

Our guest in this episode is the wonderfully energetic Kim Doyal, a creator and entrepreneur who has always stayed ahead of the curve. With her infectious excitement, Kim is now exploring how to partner with AI, moving beyond basic content generation to build bespoke solutions and unlock remarkable new possibilities. In our conversation, she shares…

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ENCORE: Becoming a CTO 36:01

3M ago36:01

36:01

If you are on the technology management track, the final role is Chief Technology Officer. Still, the path to the role is not obvious because the role itself differs greatly from company to company. The episode includes chapter 10 from "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022," "Becoming a CTO." This chapter discusses the common skil…

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Anna Addoms, AI Ethics and Creativity: A Practical Guide for Today's Thoughtful Entrepreneur - Innova.Buzz 677 59:04

4M ago59:04

59:04

Our guest in this episode is the returning Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous. She is a wonderfully pragmatic and insightful guide helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of AI. Anna champions using technology as a powerful tool, not to replace us, but to help foster deeper and more authentic human connections. We picked up our conversation r…

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Mike Wittenstein, How an AI Co-pilot Can Amplify Your Strategy and Deepen Human Connection - Innova.buzz 676 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

Our guest in this episode is Mike Wittenstein, the founder of Storyminers and a brilliant strategist who helps leaders become true architects of their future. Mike masterfully blends the art of deep listening with the science of new technology to forge innovative paths forward. In our fascinating conversation, he explains how we can use AI as a pow…

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ENCORE: Fail Safe, Fail Smart... Succeed! 58:51

4M ago58:51

58:51

We discuss how critical failure is to innovation and how to handle it effectively. We discuss how software used to be written, Clippy, and why it was bound to fail. We also explore how Spotify utilizes the Think It/Build It/Ship It/Tweak It framework to build fail-safe products, and more. This is a repeat of an episode originally released on Januar…

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Brett Engeman, When a Communication Expert Uses AI to Decode Human Interaction - Innova.buzz 675 53:23

4M ago53:23

53:23

Our guest in this episode is Brett Engeman, the founder of Aspirational Leaders Co. After spending two decades navigating the challenges of fast-growing businesses, Brett now dedicates himself to helping leaders unlock strategic communication flow, operating at the exciting intersection of mindset, human interaction, and artificial intelligence. Ou…

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The Science of Leadership with Margaret Moore 30:20

4M ago30:20

30:20

Hear Margaret Moore talk about nine capacities for leadership growth, from her latest book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. She explains the extensive research that led to this comprehensive guide of fundamentals you need to be the kind of leader that inspires others to perform at their best. Learn more at scienceofleade…

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Marnie Stockman, Leading the Character Revolution in the Age of AI - Innovabuzz 674 45:07

4M ago45:07

45:07

Our guest in this episode is Marnie Stockman, co-creator of the Lead It like Lasso philosophy. Following her passion for helping people become their best selves, Marnie has embarked on a new adventure to empower job seekers in the age of AI. Her mission, sparked by conversations with her own children, is to help people find truly meaningful work th…

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Why I Wrote a Book: A Meta Episode on Self-Publishing and DIY Business 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

In this season finale, Kevin pulls back the curtain on his entire book-writing and self-publishing journey. What started as a collection of blog posts became "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership, 2012 to 2022" – but why go the DIY route instead of working with a traditional publisher? You'll learn: The real reasons tech leaders should (or …

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Dr Islam Gouda, Keeping Your Marketing Human, Unique, and Valuable in the AI World - Innovabuzz Episode 673 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

Our guest in this episode is the returning Dr. Islam Gouda, a global brand ambassador and marketing mentor from Egypt. Islam previously appeared on Episode 660, where we had a fantastic chat about building authentic relationships through ethical marketing, aligning brand values with customer ethos, and the critical role of human connection. This ti…

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Dawid Naude, Navigating AI: Bias, Human Connection, Conversation and Real-World Impact - Innova.buzz Episode 672 49:10

5M ago49:10

49:10

Our guest in this episode is Dawid Naude, the visionary founder and CEO of Pathfinder, an AI accelerator dedicated to helping businesses boost employee productivity, drive breakthrough innovation, and cultivate a sustainable AI culture. Dawid's passion lies in leveraging AI to free us from mundane tasks and enhance our uniquely human capabilities. …

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Answers That Depend: Tech Leadership Q&A Part 3 42:02

5M ago42:02

42:02

In this third and final Q&A episode of the season, Kevin addresses three challenging questions that many tech leaders face daily. First, he delves into the tension between competitive performance review systems and collaborative culture, drawing on his own experience at Microsoft to explain why some systems actively discourage the teamwork they cla…

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Anna Addoms, Navigating AI: A Human-Centered and Value-Driven Blueprint - Innova.Buzz 671 48:30

5M ago48:30

48:30

Anna Addoms, Wicked Marvelous Our guest in this episode is Anna Addoms, the insightful founder of Wicked Marvelous. Anna champions making technology, especially AI, accessible and genuinely useful for small business owners, always with a focus on reducing overwhelm and fostering authentic connections. In our chat, Anna shares her practical wisdom o…

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Communicate with Courage with Michelle D. Gladieux 29:52

5M ago29:52

29:52

Hear Michelle Gladieux share tips for improving work relationships and experiencing deeper personal connections from her book Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges. She explains how to overcome the challenges she has identified—Hiding, Defining, Rationalizing and Settling—to begin communicating skillfully and…

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Todd Starr, The Power of Mindset and Empathy in AI-Driven Marketing - Innova.buzz 670 1:01:19

5M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Our guest in this episode is Todd Starr, a marketing innovator and psychology enthusiast who helps businesses differentiate themselves through powerful strategy and human connection. In his insightful chat with host Jürgen Strauss, Todd shares his journey from learning with rock stars to guiding over 3,000 creative client projects, all while explor…

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Answers that Depend: Tech Leadership Q & A pt 2 42:48

5M ago42:48

42:48

Host Kevin Goldsmith responds to six listener questions covering common leadership and career challenges in technology organizations. Episode Content: Learning and Development on Limited Resources - A team lead in Lagos asks about fostering continuous learning without access to expensive training programs. Kevin discusses free resources, including …

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Dr Jeff Gross, Living Better Longer: Activating Natural Healing for Longevity - Innova.Buzz 669 53:29

5M ago53:29

53:29

Our guest in this episode, is Dr. Jeff Gross, a pioneering neurological surgeon turned regenerative medicine specialist, is passionate about helping people live healthier, more vibrant lives. He shares his journey from traditional medicine to a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of health span over lifespan. Key points discussed include:…

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The Activator Advantage with Matt Dixon 34:54

5M ago34:54

34:54

In this episode of Brainfluence, host Roger Dooley welcomes back Matt Dixon, founding partner of DCM Insights and co-author of the bestselling "The Challenger Sale." Dixon shares insights from his latest book, The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently, which is rooted in groundbreaking research on how top professionals win and…

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Jon Bassford, Curiosity Unleashed: Leading with Questions, Not Answers - Innova.Buzz 668 54:47

6M ago54:47

54:47

Our guest in this episode is Jon Bassford, a curiosity-driven leader, consultant, and author who helps organizations unlock innovation by asking better questions. Jon’s journey is a story of challenging the status quo, rediscovering the power of curiosity, and empowering others to do the same. In his conversation with Jürgen, Jon shares practical t…

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Answers That Depend: Tech Leadership Q&A Part 1 37:46

6M ago37:46

37:46

In this first post-book Q&A episode, host Kevin Goldsmith dives into the real challenges tech leaders face daily, answering questions from listeners around the globe. The episode unpacks several critical leadership dilemmas: Luca from Milan asks how to maintain clear accountability while fostering cross-functional collaboration in a matrix organiza…

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James Hipkin, Humanizing Digital Marketing: From Customer Pathways to AI Power - InnovaBuzz 667 50:53

6M ago50:53

50:53

Our guest in this episode is James Hipkin, a vivacious marketing strategist and digital agency leader who’s spent decades helping businesses cut through the marketing noise with authentic, customer-centered strategies. James delights in challenging the status quo, advocating for marketing that genuinely adds value and using AI as a creative ally (n…

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Audacious with Mark Schaefer: How Humans Win in an AI World 32:57

6M ago32:57

32:57

Brainfluence host Roger Dooley sits down with marketing thought leader and bestselling author Mark Schaefer, who returns to the show with insights from his latest book, Audacious. Mark shares his unique approach to writing—how each of his books is inspired by real problems facing marketers—and discusses the existential challenges and opportunities …

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The Giving Game with James Turk 30:52

6M ago30:52

30:52

Discover insights from James Turk as he shares practical advice for new leaders stepping into their roles, drawn from his latest book, The Giving Game: Becoming the Leader That Others Want to Follow. Turk emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the success of others over personal advancement. True leadership success comes from being a leader who …

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Debra Eckerling, Joyful Accessible Goals: Celebrate Wins and Fuel Progress - Innova.buzz 666 57:19

6M ago57:19

57:19

Our guest in this episode is Debra Eckerling, a joyful goal strategist, award-winning author, and mastermind behind the DEB Method for simplified goal setting. Deb’s mission is to make goal pursuit contagious and fun, inspiring everyone to move toward what truly lights them up by connecting their goals to genuine passion. In her lively chat with ho…

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Succession for Scale 25:48

6M ago25:48

25:48

In this episode, Kevin shares the final chapter of It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership, focusing on what it takes to grow with a scaling company, or recognize when it’s time for new leadership. Drawing on his real-world experience, he discusses succession planning, self-awareness, and cultivating a culture that fosters growth at every stag…

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David Hirschfeld, Quickly Transforming Ideas into Revenue: Launch First Methodology - InnovaBuzz Episode 665 55:17

6M ago55:17

55:17

Our guest in this episode is David Hirschfeld, a seasoned software development expert with a physics background and a passion for helping startups succeed. From his experiences of both success and failure, David has crafted the Launch First methodology for rapidly progressing startups from idea to revenue generation. In his conversation with host J…

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The Myth of the Startup in a Large Company with Kevin Stewart 1:05:45

7M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

In this special episode, Kevin Goldsmith is joined by longtime friend and peer Kevin Stewart, SVP of Engineering at Splice, to challenge the familiar but flawed narrative: that a team inside a big company can "operate like a startup." Drawing on their shared experiences at Adobe and divergent paths through startups, they explore why innovation ofte…