10-Minute Tech Talks: How Tech Entrepreneurs Fail & How You Can Avoid It

So what happens when a whiskey making entrepreneur takes the reins of one of the world's top university startup programs? If you're curious about how Pittsburgh is transforming into one of the best places in the world to launch a tech company, this episode delivers a firsthand look at the bold leadership and innovative programming driving that growth at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Meredith G...

What do whiskey, robotics, and AI startups have in common? At Carnegie Mellon, they all thrive under the same roof—and Meredith Grelli is helping lead the charge. If you're a founder, innovator, or ecosystem builder looking to launch or grow a company, this episode reveals how one of the world's top universities is turning bold ideas into real businesses—and why Pittsburgh might just be the best p...

If you're building a team, growing a business, or simply trying to lead with more purpose, this episode will shift how you think about culture, leadership, and doing business "the right way"—even when it's harder. We welcome Alex Reneman, Founder of Mountain Leverage. If you don't know mountain leverage, it makes hands-free technology for warehouse workers, end customers, and leaders in the supply...

Trying to figure out how integrate the power of AI into your business, but don't know where to start? There's a lot of hype, confusion and fear out there often paralyzing entrepreneurs from taking their first steps. But, in this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks  we have insights from Anna Maria Berta and Joseph Giampapa of LindenAI to help you navigate the complexities of leveraging AI in your busi...

Hiring can be any company's greatest challenge. We often look everywhere, but right under our own noses to find the right people. One person who knows this well is serial entrepreneur Rob Brown. He's in the process of scaling his third startup DataStrike. If you don't know DataStrike, it is North America's leading provider of 100% onshore data infrastructure managed services. Rob knows the power o...

We all try to be prepared for setbacks, but are you prepared for success? Lifelong tech entrepreneur Mike Vertolli, Founder of ComTec Systems shares critical advice for aspiring business owners.  He recently appeared on TechVibe Radio to tell us how he founded his first company in high school and how ComTec helps businesses find savings in their energy and telecommunications spends. We pulled some...

 Undoubtedly, you've run up against a wall trying to harness your data. Maybe you're contemplating a project or a new business and it requires advanced data analytics, but you don't know where to start. Or maybe you're stuck somewhere in the middle. As luck would have it, we might be able to help you today as 10 Minute Tech Talks brings you an excerpt of the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Healthc...

Have you ever felt trapped in a business that no longer ignites your passion? In this candid episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, Chris Brisson, founder of SalesMSG , reveals how entrepreneurs can courageously pivot from a stagnant business to a thriving, purpose-driven venture. In this episode, Chris details how to: Recognize when your current business model isn't serving your vision Discover the pow...

Are you a product manager feeling burnt out, or an entrepreneur struggling to bring your innovative idea to market? In today's competitive business landscape, many professionals feel stuck, unsure how to navigate product development, manage team dynamics, and create value without exhausting themselves.  On this special edition of 10 Minute Tech Talks Over Time, we welcome Heather Miller, Founder o...

What's the one thing every successful team has in common? Hint: It's not just skill or talent—it's something far deeper that drives motivation and builds culture. As entrepreneurs navigate the post-pandemic world, the challenge of building and maintaining strong, purpose-driven teams has become more critical than ever. Whether you're managing a remote crew or an in-person office, finding a shared...

In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a crucial aspect for businesses across all industries. As cyber threats evolve, so must our strategies to combat them. In evaluating the entire business ecosystem, it's essential to identify your organization's critical functions and potential single points of failure. A comprehensive approach not only involves protecting against breaches but also e...

 A decade in business is no joke, especially in the world of tech, and it's a milestone that HumoTech founder Josh Caputo and his team are celebrating right now. Over the last 10 years, Pittsburgh-based HumoTech has evolved from making exoskeletons to launching its CapEx system that accelerates the discovery of real world solutions to enhance and augment human mobility. As HumoTech stands on the b...

In today's competitive job market, finding authentic, skilled professionals is more challenging than ever, with rising concerns about deep fake resumes and uncertain hiring landscapes. Entrepreneurs and business leaders need strategic insights to navigate recruitment effectively. In this episode we bring you hightlights from the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe  interview Jen Frazier of Pr...

Are you struggling to keep your team aligned and motivated in today's rapidly changing business landscape? In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed and workplace dynamics are constantly shifting, leaders are desperate for strategies to build resilient, high-performing teams that can navigate uncertainty. Lisa Slayton of Tamim Partners and Dominick DeStasio of ForceBuilders stopped by...

Are trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada threatening your business's international success?  In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, host Jonathan Kersting from the Pittsburgh Technology Council excerpts key takeaways from his TechVibe interview with Tom Clark, the Consul General of Canada. They discussed the recent tariff disputes between the US and Canada, emphasizing the importance of ma...

Are you drowning in negative energy and feeling like work challenges are crushing your spirit?  In this episode, discover a powerful Native American wisdom that can transform how you handle professional setbacks and maintain your inner strength, no matter how tough things get. For this episode, we welcome Audrey Russo, President and CEO, of the Pittsburgh Technology Council to tell you one little...

Are you an entrepreneur watching your hard-earned business profits disappear to online copycats? In today's hyper-competitive digital marketplace, protecting your intellectual property isn't just a legal formality—it's the difference between scaling your business and watching it get stolen from under you.  On this episode we welcome back Stanley Ference of Ference and Associates to help you: Learn...

What if every person you meet today could be the key to your future success?  It is easy to get stuck in the blocking and tackling of growing your business.  Learn how genuine human connections and humble persistence can transform your professional journey and business. On this episode, the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Jonathan Kersting welcomes Kim Ford of Rise Pittsburgh , a commercial real e...

Are you ready to discover why your business might become obsolete if you're not embracing agile methodologies in the AI era? In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, companies are struggling to stay competitive, adapt quickly, and efficiently develop products that meet market demands.  We welcome Christopher Ruch of Agile Rising so you can: Learn how to restructure your organization fo...

Are you struggling to rebuild team connection in a post-pandemic workplace? As tech entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of returning to office (RTO), this episode reveals critical insights into transforming workplace culture beyond physical location, addressing the emotional and strategic challenges of modern team dynamics. Host Jonathan Kersting of the Pittsburgh Technology Council walks...

Are Chinese e-commerce sites about to lose their unfair pricing advantage in the U.S. market? If you're an entrepreneur struggling to compete with ultra-cheap imports from China, this episode reveals a game-changing policy shift that could level the playing field for American businesses. We welcome back our resident tariff and De Minimis Exception expert Stanley Ference of Ference and Associates t...

Are Trump's tariffs about to derail your tech startup's dreams before they even take flight? Tech entrepreneurs face unprecedented challenges with rising import costs, investor uncertainty, and global supply chain disruptions that could make or break your company's future. Host Jonathan Kersting of the Pittsburgh Technology Council tapped his network of industry experts for some key insights: Disc...

Are Chinese e-commerce sites about to lose their unfair pricing advantage in the U.S. market?  If you're an entrepreneur struggling to compete with ultra-cheap imports from China, this episode reveals a game-changing policy shift that could level the playing field for American businesses. This episode welcomes Stanley Ference of  Ference and Associates , a boutique IP law firm in Pittsburgh, to ta...

Have tariffs from the Trump administration put your business on the edge? In today's ever-changing market landscape, the introduction of new tariffs poses both a challenge and an opportunity for tech entrepreneurs. If you're feeling the pressure and uncertainty these changes bring, you're not alone. This episode zeroes in on how technology entrepreneurs can navigate these rough waters without caps...

Are you leaving your startup's digital fortress wide open to cyber threats?  In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, entrepreneurs are unknowingly exposing their businesses to devastating cyber risks that could destroy years of hard work with a single vulnerability. 10 Minute Tech Talks welcomes cybersecurity expert and Founder of Echelon Risk + Cyber in Pittsburgh Dan Desko to bring you some...