Tech Leader Talk

This is another solo episode of the Tech Leader Talk podcast.  I'm continuing my discussion of the 7-Step system I created that's helped many tech companies build robust patent strategies.  I will be discussing the sixth step in that system, which helps you discover every invention so you can build a valuable patent portfolio.
As I've discussed on previous episodes, you can't take steps to protect your most valuable inventions if you don't identify them in the first place.  A worst case scenario is when your team members create fantastic inventions, but they don't get discovered or protected.
You can avoid that situation by scheduling regular Invention Mining Sessions.
An invention mining session brings together team members who are working on a project or recently completed a project.  During this meeting, team members identify innovative ideas that were developed during the project.  For example, team members identify key obstacles that came up during product development.  Then, they discuss how the obstacle was solved or overcome.  In many cases, these solutions to key obstacles are inventions. 
For example, when the obstacle was encountered, there may not have been a known solution.  In this case, the team had to create a solution that did not previously exist.  This solution may be an invention.  If an experienced team spends significant time solving a problem with no previous solution, that's likely to be an invention.
During invention mining sessions, it's also important to discuss the most difficult or time-consuming part of the project.  These areas may identify inventions because there was no straight forward solution to the issues faced.
It's important to perform invention mining as a project is being completed and before public disclosure of the project.  This gives you time to protect any inventions before disclosing them to the public.
Also, for longer projects, I recommend scheduling invention mining sessions at several points during the project to identify the inventions as soon as possible.  Identifying and evaluating inventions early allows the company to take steps to protect critical inventions with a patent application before any type of public disclosure that might eliminate patent rights.
Be sure to add invention mining sessions to your project schedules so the team doesn't forget to perform this important task.
Questions?
If you have any questions about building a robust patent strategy for your company, contact me to schedule a complimentary call.
Contact me via email: Steve@SteveSponseller.com
Message me on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesponseller
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of my latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover my proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Would you like to learn how to validate your business startup idea or business expansion plans?  That's the topic of this episode.
Today I'm talking with Parth Trivedi, who is the CEO of Skylo Technologies which provides a non-terrestrial network (NTN) that connects devices around the world.  In his role as CEO, Parth is responsible for leading business operations including long-term goals, growth, profitability, and overall vision.
During our discussion, Parth shares information about how his team validated their startup idea when creating Skylo Technologies.  This included seeking critical feedback from independent advisors and potential customers.
Parth also talks about how he and his team approach innovation in an ever-changing market.  They focus on developing new systems that change their industry.
Parth shares information about the challenges of designing new products that must operate within existing constraints, such as existing hardware systems and user behavior.
I'm sure you will enjoy this discussion and pick up some valuable tips to use in your own business.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Innovation techniques
- Validating new ideas
- Creating new standards
- Dealing with confirmation bias
- Launching a company with significant innovation constraints
Resource:
Chip War by Chris Miller - https://www.amazon.com/Chip-War-Dominate-Critical-Technology/dp/B09TX24J5Y
Connect with Parth Trivedi:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/parthtrivedi/
Website:  https://www.skylo.tech
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Have you ever thought about how to build a tech ecosystem for your community?  Today I'm talking with two people who are doing that right now.
My guests today are Paul Zelizer and Vicki Apodaca. They are the organizers of the first Tech Week in New Mexico. 
Paul is a business coach for social entrepreneurs and has helped over 30,000 leaders grow their impact-driven companies and organizations. Vicki has been a founding member of several tech startups and is currently building a document intelligence platform with AI analytics.
Paul and Vicki discuss New Mexico's emerging tech momentum, the role of national labs, startup funding, and the goal of bringing more investment and high-wage jobs to New Mexico. Vicki shares why inclusivity and "educating by doing" are central to the event, while Paul explains how the team has focused on New Mexico's distinct ecosystem.
Paul and Vicki emphasize that New Mexico Tech Week is operated with the structure and discipline of a startup rather than as an informal community organization.
Paul and Vicki also share the business lessons they have learned during the process of creating and implementing the Tech Week.
I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some ideas for creating or supporting a tech ecosystem in your area.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Creating a startup ecosystem
- Educate by doing
- Being brave enough to try something new
- Strong ecosystems need a flywheel
Resources:
New Mexico Tech Week: https://newmexicotechweek.com/
Connect with Vicki and Paul:
Vicki – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaapodaca/
Paul – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzelizer/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Do you need help delivering compelling technical presentations?
Today I'm talking with Don Colliver, who is a facilitator and communication consultant with over 20 years of experience.  He has worked as a consultant for tech companies like Google, Cisco, Adobe, and IBM.  Don is also a former theatrical clown for a circus and has performed with the Blue Man Group.
He is the author of the book Wink: Transforming Public Speaking with Clown Presence.
Don talks about how his experience as a clown helps him when training tech companies how to give good presentations.
He also discusses how to present technical information without putting your audience to sleep.
Don also shares the 3 questions you must ask about your audience before planning any presentation.
I'm sure you will enjoy Don's tips and insights for building audience awareness, increasing rapport, and clearly communicating technical information.
"Sometimes all you need is to hear positive feedback for a few presentations." – Don Colliver
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Important factors when presenting technical information
- Why engagement is so important
- 3 questions to ask about your audience when planning a presentation (Who – What – Why)
- How to improve your tech team's presentations
- A change in mindset regarding public speaking
Resources:
Don's book – Wink – https://www.amazon.com/Wink-Transforming-Public-Speaking-Presence/dp/B0B45CHMZK
Free Audience Engagement Exercise – https://www.doncolliver.com/techengage
Book:
Crucial Conversations – https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186
Connect with Don Colliver:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/doncolliver/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's latest book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.

Do you want to learn about a Space Tech Ignitor program that helps space tech startups get tailored guidance, expert connections, and access to investors and customers? That's what I'm discussing today with my guests, Casey DeRaad and Arial DeHerrera.   
As they discuss during this episode, Casey brings the vision, industry experience, and funding knowledge to NewSpace Nexus. Arial turns that vision into action by managing the details and helping companies tell their stories.
Casey and Arial talk about the NewSpace Ignitor program and the secret behind the Ignitor's great results. In the last four years, NewSpace Ignitor has supported 63 startups that have raised over $350 million in total funding and contracts.
Specifically, Casey brings decades of experience from AFRL, NASA, and industry partnerships, while Arial explains how an unexpected call pulled her from a potential career in medicine into space tech.
Casey and Arial share their beliefs that space tech startups don't fail only because of their technology. Often, the harder problem is reaching the right customer, telling a clear story, and surviving uncertain funding cycles.
Casey describes the NewSpace Ignitor as "a startup helping startups." Through the program, companies receive tailored support based on their specific needs, from customer connections and demonstration equipment to workforce resources and space qualification.
Arial explains the three strengths of the program:
1.    Connecting suppliers to buyers
2.    Providing access to a broad expert network
3.    Offering tailored navigation based on each company's actual challenges
I'm sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some insights on what it takes to grow a successful space tech startup.
Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:
- Growing a space tech startup
- Success is not just based on the technology
- A customized approach to growing tech startups
- Concept to Product to Sales
- The story behind the NewSpace Ignitor program
Resources:
NewSpace Nexus website: https://www.newspacenexus.org/
Learn more about NewSpace Nexus activities: https://www.newspacenexus.org/join-us/
Connect with Casey, Arial, and NewSpace Nexus:
Casey – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-anglada-deraad-3201a715/
Arial – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arial-deherrera-3597b819a/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to get your free copy of Steve's book, Cracking the Patent Code, and discover his proven system for identifying and protecting your most valuable inventions. Get the book at https://stevesponseller.com/book.