20MinuteLeaders

A childhood love of tractors and a Navy career shaped Zac Staples’s path to founding Fathom5, the first company to deploy AI on a naval warship. In this episode, he shares how he's tackling the overlooked world of industrial machines—building platforms that bring AI to legacy systems powering national security and daily life. With a focus on trust, machine resilience, and sustainability, Zac offer...

By Michael Matias, CEO of Clarity and Forbes 30 Under 30 alum Cybersecurity is at a pivotal crossroads, transformed by AI and the realities of hybrid work. In my recent conversation with Ofer Ben-Noon—founder of Talon Cyber Security and former CEO of Argus Cyber Security—it became clear that traditional cybersecurity strategies must evolve, especially as the browser becomes the primary gateway to...

From overcoming startup challenges to driving regional innovation, Harel Ram shares his journey from entrepreneur to ecosystem leader. He unpacks the transformation of Beersheba into a global tech hub, the power of strategic partnerships, and the lessons learned in balancing vision, investment, and execution to create lasting value for startups, investors, and the wider tech industry.#TechInnovati...

From military service to deep tech startups, Itamar Friedman has always been drawn to solving complex problems. Now, as the founder of Codo, he sees AI-driven code integrity as his life’s mission. In this conversation, he unpacks the rapid evolution of AI in software development, the future of automated code testing and review, and the critical role AI will play in ensuring software aligns with et...

Trust is the new currency in cybersecurity. Former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill reveals how cybercriminals exploit AI, deep fakes, and social engineering to infiltrate even the most secure organizations. With insights from his career tracking spies and securing critical infrastructure, he unpacks the evolving threats businesses face and the urgent need to rethink digital security...

Inna Tokarev Sela has been at the forefront of data and AI, from her early days at SAP to leading innovation in enterprise analytics. She shares her journey of bridging the disconnect between technical and business teams, the challenges of AI adoption in enterprises, and how Elumex is transforming generative AI into a seamless tool for decision-making. With insights on AI governance, automation, a...

Michael Nov’s journey—from the Israeli military to enterprise software and entrepreneurship—shaped his approach to product security. He shares how AI can bridge the gap between engineering and security teams, ensuring security is embedded at the design stage rather than becoming a last-minute hurdle. Drawing from his experience at OwnBackup and now as co-founder of Prime Security, he discusses the...

In the chaos of Baghdad during her CIA tour, Michelle Rigby Assad discovered that working harder wasn't enough—working on the right things was crucial. Drawing from intelligence vetting techniques, she explains how questioning established processes and being intentionally curious can transform both personal growth and organizational success. Her book "Get Off the X" explores moving beyond comfort...

Yaniv Vardi is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience in Enterprise Solutions. As former Global Managing Director of Centrica Business Solutions International and CEO of Panoramic Power (acquired by Centrica in 2015), he has driven significant international growth across multiple markets. A Magna Cum Laude graduate from NJIT and Israeli Air Force veteran, Vardi leverages his...

From finance to AI-driven healthcare and accessibility, Yossi Synett’s journey is one of adaptability and impact. He shares lessons from optimizing financial data, shaping marketing algorithms, and using technology to improve lives. Exploring the intersection of data, real-world application, and human experience, this conversation uncovers the power of innovation in unexpected places.

Misinformation has never been more powerful—or more dangerous. Adam Hanft, a branding expert and communication strategist, explores how deep fakes, AI-generated content, and evolving digital landscapes are reshaping our ability to trust what we see and hear. Drawing on psychology, history, and marketing insights, he unpacks the challenge of distinguishing reality from manipulation—and why the futu...

Rosie Penhasi's unconventional journey into the world of scalable operations offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of RevOps. From navigating the lead-to-cash process to building a thriving consultancy, Rosie shares invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities of driving user adoption and establishing robust infrastructure. Prepare to be captivated by her genuine storyte...

Eyal Cohen is CEO and Co-founder of CogniFiber, pioneering photonic computing technology that combines optical communications with deep learning neural networks. With over 20 years of expertise in photonic computing, hardware design, and neuroscience, Cohen's journey spans from Naval officer to postdoctoral research at prestigious Israeli universities. Under his leadership, CogniFiber is developin...

Marc Gaffan's unconventional journey from Israeli soldier to cybersecurity entrepreneur offers a unique perspective on building products that delight security teams. Hear his candid insights on achieving product-market fit and making cybersecurity solutions accessible in an evolving threat landscape.

Mark Gazit shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Israeli Air Force to pioneering advancements in AI and cybersecurity. He discusses the evolution of the internet, the early days of AI, and the critical role data plays in shaping industries. With stories of turning ideas into reality, Gazit emphasizes the importance of leadership, trust, and collaboration in navigating disruptive techno...

In our first episode of the AI&I series, Paul Melcher takes us through his evolution from a renowned figure in photography to an innovator at the forefront of AI and technology. He discusses the profound impact of visual content on modern marketing, revealing how AI is transforming the creative landscape. Paul dives deep into the balance between human creativity and artificial intelligence, sh...

Asaf Yanai takes us through his evolution from a career in traditional marketing to co-founding Allison AI, a company that's transforming how brands approach video content. Drawing on his work with global giants like Unilever and Procter & Gamble, Asaf highlights the challenges of traditional A/B testing and how Allison AI uses advanced data and AI to create more effective and personalized...

Avichay Nissenbaum shares his journey from successful entrepreneur to guiding early-stage founders at Lul Ventures. He delves into the importance of mentorship, navigating the complexities of startup life, and the value of being both a challenger and a listener in building resilient, visionary companies.

John Rajchert, co-founder and CEO of Lit Thinking, delves into the innovative use of far ultraviolet light to combat aerosolized pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. With over 30 years of experience at Honeywell, John discusses the revolutionary potential of this technology in preventing illnesses like the common cold and COVID-19, highlighting the journey from discovery to application. Learn h...

Eddie Rubinov discusses the importance of upskilling in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. He highlights how his company empowers professionals by offering hands-on courses taught by industry leaders. Rubinov emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning to remain competitive and shares his journey from tech professional to founder, detailing the operational challenges of scaling a global edu...

Dive into Ori Barzilay’s transformative journey from IDF special forces to leading tech investments at Team8. Discover how his hands-on experience in cybersecurity and product management influences his investment strategies, driving innovation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in the cybersecurity sector, and how Ori’s broad perspective helps...

Chaim Shiff, CEO of The Elephant, dives into the evolving world of secondary markets. Discover how private companies are unlocking liquidity for shareholders while attracting new investors. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in this growing ecosystem and the innovative solutions shaping the future of private equity.

Meiran Galis shares his journey from tech risk management to founding Scytale, addressing the pain points of security compliance for startups. Discover how his innovative approach simplifies and automates compliance, making it accessible and efficient for growing companies navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Hadar Ashuach shares his journey from early tech ventures to leading AdFreeway Israel. Amidst the turmoil of war, he leverages innovative ad technology to combat antisemitism, creating impactful campaigns that amplify Israeli voices and counter misinformation on a global scale.

Eran Haggiag delves into the fusion of telecommunications and digital identity, explaining how leveraging telco data can revolutionize multifactor authentication. From his beginnings in enterprise software to pioneering blockchain innovations with ClearX, Eran's journey highlights the potential of aligning big companies for greater societal value. Discover how his insights on identity security...