The Consulting Technology Podcast

The Gymnast Who Became a Tech CEO - The CognaCast

In this episode of The CognaCast, host John Kerr sits down with Tomas David Ye, Founder and CEO of Perseuss, to explore a remarkable journey from junior Olympic gymnast to Amazon engineer and now tech entrepreneur. Tomas shares how he’s using AI and cutting-edge logistics software to bring Amazon-grade technology to companies of all sizes, why timing matters more than ambition in entrepreneurship, and how gamification can transform repetitive work into something motivating and fun. We also dive into the mindset needed to navigate uncertainty, the lessons learned building a SaaS company, and the surprising ways storytelling, mathematics, and discipline all intersect in his career. Learn more about Tomas and Perseuss: Perseuss: https://www.getperseuss.com [https://www.getperseuss.com] Connect with Tomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-ye/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-ye/] Learn more about CognaCore To discover more episodes and resources, visit: https://www.cognacore.com/podcast [https://www.cognacore.com/podcast]

They Quit Their Jobs to Cycle the World - The CognaCast

What happens when two successful professionals leave everything behind to cycle the world? Meet Justin and Sharon Scholz, Ultra Athletes who traded business suits for bike shorts and set off on a multi-year journey around the globe. In this episode, host John Kerr sits down with Justin and Sharon to explore the moment they decided to step away from their careers and embrace a life of adventure. From their early professional lives to the decision to become endurance athletes, we unpack the mindset, challenges, and joys of traveling the world together on two wheels. Whether you've dreamed of escaping the rat race or just want a refreshing reminder that life can be lived differently, this conversation is honest, funny, and full of hard-earned wisdom from the road. Highlights include: * The shift from structured careers to open-ended adventure * Adapting as a couple through unfamiliar terrain and tight spaces * Stories from the road: planning, breakdowns, and beautiful surprises Follow Justin and Sharon's journey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinS007 [https://www.facebook.com/JustinS007] Listen now and subscribe for more stories at www.cognacore.com/podcast [https://www.cognacore.com/podcast]

Episode 9: Aaron Berkovich on Establishing a Creative Studio in China, Trust in Client Relations, and the Power of Storytelling

How do you build a successful creative studio in one of the world’s most competitive markets, especially when starting with no local network and limited language skills? In this episode, John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z sit down with Aaron Berkovich, founder of Peking Productions, a China-based creative agency that works with multinational corporations, global brands, and international governments. Aaron shares his journey of navigating cultural barriers, earning trust, and creating impactful storytelling that helps organizations align their branding and communication strategies. Key topics include: * Aaron’s path from arriving in China in 2011 to establishing a thriving studio. * The importance of guanxi (relationship networks) in building trust with clients and stakeholders. * The evolving role of storytelling in branding and marketing, and how businesses can harness it effectively. * The geopolitical complexities of working in China, including regulation, risk assessment, and data concerns. * How AI and emerging technologies are reshaping media production and creative industries. * Aaron’s latest project - Codename:Three Culture Kitchen, a show exploring global cuisines and cultural identity. 🔗 Follow Aaron Berkovich: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronberkovich/] * Peking Productions [https://www.pekingproductions.com] * Three Culture Kitchen (Instagram & YouTube) [https://www.instagram.com/threeculturekitchen] 🎙 Hosts: * John Kerr – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkerr/] * Dr. Samuel Z – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelz/] Schedule your free consultation with TNT Growth https://tntgrowth.com/cognacore [https://tntgrowth.com/cognacore]

Episode 8: Root Cause Analysis, Custom GPTs, and Human-Centered Tech with Melissa Davis

Join host John Kerr and co-host Dr. Samuel Z as they sit down with Melissa Davis, a Senior Technical Program Manager and Mindset Architect, for an enlightening conversation about the human side of technology. In this episode, Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the tech world, transitioning from roles in veterinary medicine and construction to leading technical teams in engineering and root cause analysis. She highlights critical, often-overlooked skills in tech, such as storytelling, community-building, and active listening, and explains how these skills drive innovation and solve systemic issues. Melissa also delves into her pioneering work with AI, including creating custom GPT models for unique applications like training horses and her transformative Positive Inner Voice app. This app helps users convert negative thoughts into words of encouragement, fostering psychological safety and personal growth. Whether you’re an aspiring technologist, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and personal development, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and inspiration. 🔗 Links from this episode: * Melissa Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadavis98110/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadavis98110/] * Positive Inner Voice app: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-PB2boVK9C-positive-inner-voice [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-PB2boVK9C-positive-inner-voice] * PositiveInnerVoice.com (Launching Soon): http://positiveinnervoice.com [http://positiveinnervoice.com] * John Kerr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kerr-90618652/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kerr-90618652/] * Dr. Samuel Z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelzarubaphd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelzarubaphd/]

Episode 7: Reimagining Innovation, VR, AI, and Startup Lessons with Trond Nilsen

In this episode of The Consulting Technology Podcast, hosts John Kerr and Dr. Samuel Z are joined by special guest Trond Nilsen, a multi-disciplinary technologist whose career spans AI, VR, AR, gaming, healthcare, and education. Together, they discuss how emerging technologies are transforming industries and provide actionable insights for consultants, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Key topics include: * Using VR and AR to improve healthcare and education * Lessons from failures and pivots in the startup ecosystem * How to tackle regional challenges in emerging economies with AI and analytics * Practical advice for navigating ethical considerations in AI development 🔗 Discover more about The Consulting Technology Podcast at www.cognacore.com/podcast [http://www.cognacore.com/podcast] 🔗 Connect with John Kerr on LinkedIn: John Kerr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kerr-90618652/] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Samuel Z on LinkedIn: Dr. Samuel Z, PhD [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelzarubaphd/] 🔗 Connect with Trond Nilsen on LinkedIn: Trond Nilsen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trondnz/] 🔗 Explore Trond’s blog: Meme Hazard [https://www.meme-hazard.org/blog/] Follow, like, and subscribe for more expert insights into consulting, technology, and the future of emerging technologies.