The Synthesize Pod

"Innovation isn't just a process; it's a culture."  In our season finale, hosts Matt Greeley and Margaret Kelsey get to the heart of innovation by revisiting the standout moments from season one of "Just Say Hackathon."  They explored how companies like Amtrak, Rocket Mortgage, and Dell Technologies foster innovation in their organizations. You'll hear stories that go beyond traditional business s...

"Invest in new technology well before mass adoption—it's the key to staying ahead," - Kfir Godrich. Kfir Godrich is a pioneer in technological innovation and a leader at BlackRock , where he drives groundbreaking advancements in AI and containerization. With a background that spans C4ISR environments, data centers, and transformative roles at companies like HP, Kfir sits down with Margaret Kelsey...

"Perseverance in innovation is about embracing the process, not just the success." - Elizabeth Bright. Elizabeth Bright is a leader in sustainable materials and innovative adhesive technologies at 3M . With a portfolio that spans product development, ethnographic research, and front-end innovation, Elizabeth sits down with hosts Margaret Kelsey and Matt Greeley to share how 3M uses Hackathons to c...

"Creating a sense of purpose and commitment through events like Hackathons can transform the way we view our work and connections." - Veronika Vacek Veronika Vacek and Matt Arnold are leaders in the innovation space for Brightidea . Veronika, with her rich background at a Fortune 500 financial services firm, and Matt, an expert with a diverse career in broadcast, film, UX, and design, share the in...

"Innovation isn't just about having great ideas—it's about creating the right environment for those ideas to thrive." - Karina Kudinova   Karina Kudinova is a leading innovation strategist at Dell Technologies , where she plays a role in shaping and driving creative solutions across international teams. With a background in managing cross-functional projects, Karina shares her expertise in turning...

"How do you spark innovation in a disengaged workforce and navigate through economic turbulence? The answer lies in the unfiltered joy and exhilaration of Hackathons," - Katlin Arps.  Katlin Arps is the Vice President of Product for Brightidea , where she is known for her extensive experience in product management across various industries, from healthcare to retail.  In this episode, Katlin, alon...

"Innovation is not just about technology; it can involve changes in services, design, and foresight." - Giovanna Martosella Giovanna Martosella is a Senior Program Manager on the innovation team at Amtrak . She sits down with hosts Matt Greeley and Margaret Kelsey to share her experiences with technology and innovation across different countries and organizations. Giovanna shares Amtrak's future p...

"Understanding the goals of an initiative before diving into the process is crucial for true innovation,"-  Ben Wasson. Ben Wasson and Everett Hagan serve as innovation leaders at SS&C Advent, a global company in the wealth and asset management market. They sit down with hosts Matt Greeley and Margaret Kelsey to discuss the role of clearly defining objectives to align innovation strategies, as...

"Innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's a continual process that thrives in an environment of trust, inclusivity, and unstructured time," - Jordan LaFramboise. Jordan LaFramboise is the Director of Innovation Programs at RKT Holdings. He sits down with hosts Matt Greeley and Margaret Kelsey to share his insights into creating a culture that supports and enhances productivity through creative engag...

"Continuous innovation isn't a one-time event; it needs to be woven into the very fabric of your team,"-  Pritesh Kasliwal. Pritesh Kasliwal serves as the Director of Innovation and Patents at Lookout, a leading cloud security company, and feels that innovation can’t be a checkbox on a to-do list. He sits down with hosts Matt Greeley and Margaret Kelsey to discuss his impressive career path, which...

"At the end of the day, it's not about fearing failure; it's about fearing disruption and embracing innovation." Welcome to the first episode of The Synthesize Pod, where we introduce you to innovation junkies and hosts Matt Greeley, CEO of Brightidea, and Margaret Kelsey, Advisor to innovative startups. Together, they set up what you can expect this season as we tell you everything you’ll need to...

Your weekly hit of insights and actionable strategies for innovation-minded professionals... that just want to get shit done. Managing the backlog of ideas and challenges within the company can be daunting. Figuring out which issues to address first can be paralyzing. Brought to you by Brightidea and our premiere community for innovators, this is the Synthesize Pod. A podcast committed to helping...