Month: October 2023

In the ever-evolving world of technology and media, the future of interactive video and AI is a topic of great interest. In our latest episode of The Cred Podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Gary Mittman, the CEO of KERV Interactive. We spoke to Gary about his unique career path, insights into decision-making, and the exciting developments in the AI and interactive video landscape.

Gary Mittman: A Visionary Leader

Gary Mittman’s journey is far from typical; he shares the highlights of his unconventional career path. From promoting concerts in high school to working in the music industry, television production, and eventually venturing into the digital world, Gary’s career has been an exhilarating ride.

His journey took him from the mailroom of a record company to running a renowned nightclub in Manhattan, where he even pioneered the first live concert series on MTV. Later, he ventured into television production and found his calling in the digital landscape during the internet’s early days.

KERV Interactive: A Technological Breakthrough

As we shift the conversation to Gary’s current venture, KERV, he provides insights into the company’s core technology. KERVs cutting-edge patents revolve around identifying objects by their pixel edges or unique shapes, making it possible to interact with objects seen in various media, from mobile and desktop to connected TVs.

Another pivotal patent is centered around leveraging metadata collected through video analysis, enabling the identification of objects, logos, sentiment, and more within content. This technology allows for a deeper understanding of the context within videos, facilitating the creation of interactive and shoppable content.

Navigating Pivotal Decisions

As a successful leader, Gary Mittman shares his approach to making pivotal decisions. He emphasizes the importance of combining both intuition and data to make informed choices. He discusses the need to consider factors like emotional intelligence, experience, and adaptability. His insights shed light on the art and science of decision-making, emphasizing the significance of a well-rounded approach.

Facing the Outcome

No journey is without its challenges, and Gary Mittman shares a key decision that didn’t have the expected outcome. He reflects on a time when he brought in someone with the right pedigree but the wrong understanding of the business, leading to a less-than-desirable outcome. However, he highlights the importance of learning from such experiences and adapting for future decisions.

Looking to the Future: Shoppable Content

When asked about KERVs future, Gary Mittman talks about the company’s focus on “shoppable content.” This exciting development in interactive TV allows viewers to seamlessly purchase products they see on-screen. Through a user-friendly experience, viewers can pause a scene, select an object, and make a purchase, making the content they consume a direct pathway to commerce.

Rapid-Fire Round

In a fun and insightful rapid-fire round, we learn more about Gary Mittman’s personal preferences and leadership style. From his vacation spot of choice (the beach) to the executive he admires most (Steve Jobs), these quick-fire questions provide a glimpse into his personality.

The interview with Gary Mittman, CEO of KERV Interactive, offers a unique perspective on his career journey and the groundbreaking developments in interactive video and AI. Gary’s insights into decision-making, adapting to outcomes, and the future of shoppable content make this podcast episode a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of technology and media. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and innovations from KERV as they continue to shape the future of interactive video.

On Episode 2 of the Cred Podcast, we had the pleasure of talking to Bharani Rajakumar, the founder and CEO of Transfr. During the interview, Bharani shared his journey; from his youth into his post-college world in banking to founding an online tutoring company (exit) to ultimately founding mission-based Transfr. Transfr leverages virtual reality to help job seekers acquire skills and training for jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. He discussed the pivotal decisions he’s made in his career and the mission-driven approach that guides his work.

Let’s dive into the story of a leader who is passionate about making a difference and helping people achieve their career dreams.

A Visionary’s Origin 

Bharani’s story begins at Wendy’s, where he earned his first paycheck. Knowing his father raised a family of four on $35,000 a year, to Bharani, every paycheck was a treasure; a stepping stone towards something bigger. This humble start ignited his curiosity about jobs, finance, and the American dream.

As a first-generation immigrant, he felt the weight of his parents’ hopes for a better future. He wanted to find a way to pay it forward, to ensure that others had the same opportunities he had. This determination led him to the field of education technology.

The Road to Innovation

After working in finance, Bharani ventured into the world of startups and founded his first education technology company. This company was eventually acquired, a success that further fueled his belief in the American dream. 

Inspired by his own journey to his first job, he embarked on a new mission: helping people find their first job.

A Mission Mindset

Transfr is the realization of this mission. The company has created a training-based platform that uses virtual reality to help people find a career path to upward mobility. Bharani’s focus is on jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, a segment he believes is underserved. These jobs, primarily in manufacturing, automotive, construction, electrical, hospitality and healthcare; are the foundation of Transfr’s training programs.

Transfr Inc. allows people to step into the shoes of these careers through virtual reality where users can experience the job before actually starting it. This hands-on approach has successfully attracted women into traditionally male-dominated fields like manufacturing; it has also been a lifeline to adults re-entering the workforce after incarceration. 

The Power of Collaboration

In the interview, Bharani emphasized that the people you surround yourself with significantly influence your decisions and, consequently, your life’s trajectory. He also discussed the significance of making pivotal decisions and that he triangulates his process by utilizing inputs, research and data, and his own intuition.

He also shared a Mahatma Gandhi life-changing quote that guides him, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of other people.” It’s a philosophy that underscores his mission and shapes his approach to decision-making and leadership.

Bharani doesn’t only speak of leadership and making decisions but actively practices it. He champions a learning culture and encourages the curiosity of his team members. As the CEO, he takes an inquisitive stance, often learning from others rather than prescribing solutions. This approach to leadership fosters an environment of creativity and innovation.

What’s Next for Transfr Inc.

As for the future, Bharani Rajakumar is focused on expanding the impact of Transfr. He envisions a world where millions, if not billions, of people acquire the skills and training they need to pursue their dreams. 

The company is currently working on expanding within the United States, but the global market is within their sights. Bharani’s vision is to reach even more people worldwide and help them find their way to meaningful employment and a brighter future. 

Bharani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His commitment to helping others achieve their dreams and his dedication to creating pathways for success exemplify the true spirit of innovation and social impact. 

As Transfr continues to pave the way for a more accessible and inclusive workforce, Bharani’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the world of education, workforce development and technology.

In this episode of the Cred Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Erica Irvin, Group Vice President and Chief Counsel of Digital Technology and Innovation at Albertsons Companies. With a career spanning over 25 years, Erica shared insights into her journey, decision-making processes, and what’s next for her. Join us as we delve into her fascinating career and gain valuable perspectives on making pivotal decisions.

The Beginnings

Erica Irvin’s career journey is a testament to the power of relationships and seizing opportunities when they arise. While many in the legal profession start in law firms, court or government roles; Erica was in-house from the beginning, focusing on technology, contracts, intellectual property, and privacy. She recalled a pivotal moment when she decided to take a job working with a remarkable individual named Gena Ashe. Despite facing a significant pay cut, Erica was drawn to Gena’s leadership and took the leap, which turned out to be a defining move in her career.

She has remained industry-agnostic, leading legal teams and functions across companies in telecom, payments and now at Albertsons, a Fortune 60 company.

At Albertsons Companies, Erica’s legal team is responsible for digital transformation, privacy, intellectual property, marketing, contracts, retail media, and more. She highlighted the challenges of starting with a small team and growing it to over 25 members. Her team’s role is not limited to the core legal function but extends to facilitating business growth, which requires quick, confident decision-making.

Navigating Career Decisions

Erica emphasized the importance of understanding the “why” behind decisions, whether in her career or personal life. She stressed the need to align decisions with the organization’s goals and to determine the most efficient path to achieve them. In her role, speed and efficiency are essential due to the rapidly changing landscape of technology and privacy.

Decision-Making and Leadership

As a leader, Erica actively coaches her team members in their decision-making processes. She believes that her role is not only to make decisions but also to equip her team to make better decisions. Transparency, empathy, and quick, confident decisions are key factors in her leadership style.

Learning from Outcomes

Erica candidly discussed how some decisions she made, particularly regarding people-related matters, didn’t have the outcomes she had hoped for. She shared that hesitating to address people’s issues promptly can lead to secondary outcomes that impact relationships within the team. However, she also noted that she has become more confident in making decisions faster and with empathy, transparency, and kindness.

Quickfire Round

In a rapid-fire round, Erica shared her preferences and perspectives on various topics. She emphasized that personal and professional decisions differ, with personal choices often prioritizing family’s well-being. Her hobbies include reading, and she reads trade magazines and legal updates to stay informed. Erica also highlighted the importance of fairness in decision-making.

What’s Next

As Erica’s children grow and become more independent, she looks forward to continuing her role in digital technology and innovation. She expressed a desire to become more active in diversity and inclusion efforts and to potentially serve on boards. Erica’s commitment to organizations that align with her values, such as diversity and corporate responsibility, is a driving force in her career choices.

Erica Irvin’s career journey and insights into decision-making provide valuable lessons for professionals in various fields. Her emphasis on understanding the “why,” making quick yet informed decisions, and prioritizing empathy and transparency in leadership are principles that can guide anyone in their career and life. We look forward to hearing more from Erica as she continues to make an impact in the legal and business world.

Listen to Erica’s full episode here.

SEASON 2
On every episode, our Season 2 Host, Mack McKelvey, Founder/CEO, The Credentialed,  will interview authorities across different industries who have deep industry knowledge and vast experience in their field.  On this season of The Cred podcast, we will seek to understand the art and science of decision making.  

Why?

All the research, inputs, gut-feel, and opinions of others doesn’t matter, because when you are a leader, the decision is up to you and you have to deal with the outcome

And every decision has an outcome. Becoming a confident decision-maker is one of the most challenging, risk-taking, and industry-transforming skills a leader can develop. The Cred Podcast seeks to unearth best practices for executives who are continuously confronted with a wide range of decisions, from seemingly small to massively pivotal. These industry catalysts share their practical experience in their approaches and how they navigate the outcomes. They’ll also share some of the pivotal decisions that made them who they are and how they lead.

Audience
Listeners are founders, VCs and senior executives  decision makers: industry agnostic.

When
A new episode will drop every Wednesday at noon ET, starting on October 11th, 2023 (the trailer drops on October 4th).

Where
You can find us on nearly every major podcast streaming platform: Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. Here’s a link to Libsyn if you want to listen on your desktop.

SEASON 1
We also recommend listening to Season 1, Catalysts and Allies.

Launched in October 2017 and hosted by veteran digital media and technology journalist Kate Kaye, Catalysts and Allies introduced listeners to the people who were leading the transformation of tech culture toward becoming one of inclusion and relevance for all. Interviews were approached from a journalist’s lens for an audience of people interested in technology and business as it affects society, culture and the people working in it.

Unlike diversity or inclusion-themed media, Catalysts and Allies aimed to advance beyond discussions focused on gender, race or persuasion to highlight the work, backgrounds and issues that drive the show’s wide spectrum of guests in the tech industry. And unlike other tech podcasts, conversations dove into the broader context of the technology subject matter and its relationship with the world, rather than narrow business media-centric angles such as tech products, competitive landscapes, financials or the next IPO.

Catalysts and Allies put a spotlight on innovators and their ideas, their backgrounds and the issues that drive them. Interviewees represented a variety of technology fields such as blockchain, IoT and facial recognition, as well as overarching fields including data, digital and social media and privacy.

I am always inspired by our clients–not just the work they do, but who they are as people. That kind of affinity has become a hallmark of modern brands, so I think it’s important that founders and executives are seen as individuals and not enigmas running a faceless organization.

Anyone who knows me knows I am a champion for raising the profile of professionals who continue to be underrepresented. It’s the focus of both our Executive Thought Leadership Program and our Executive Visibility work for clients. And it’s inspired by what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced.

As a young professional looking for a job, I couldn’t gain traction as “Erin.” But when I became my nickname, “Mack,” it confirmed for me just how much names–and the assumptions about the possible gender, age, ethnicity or country of origin of the person behind that name–have the power to either propel us forward or hold us back.

The bias is real. The pay gap is real. The lag in leadership roles for women and people of color is real. Even when female, BIPOC, AAPI and/or LGBTQ+ professionals earn executive status, they sometimes still have to prove themselves “worthy” of the achievement and its accolades.

What better “proof” than to make a name for yourself? Top brands do it. For example, Nike doesn’t conjure up images of the Greek goddess for whom it was named; it’s grown beyond that, beyond even a product-specific focus to become a lifestyle brand. The larger-than-label approach is a proven win for companies, athletes, and entertainers that somehow hasn’t proved popular in the professional world.

The fact is, it’s not “selfish” or “showboating” to promote yourself as an individual. It’s just smart business. But in the Instagram-ideal-driven, us-versus-them, over-stimulated world in which we live, how do you become someone whose name stands for something?

• Be strategic. Ask yourself (and answer) honestly about your motivation and goals so you can plan accordingly.
• Grow your network. Everyone knows someone, and forging connections in safe spaces like professional groups for members of marginalized populations can help you gather tools to reach a wider audience.
• Invest in your success. Gather a team of experts to help you develop content and secure visibility opportunities. Freeing yourself from the tactical gives you more room to be creative.

Whatever your mission–elevating recognition in your current role or looking for something new–the power in shaping who you are and how you are known lies in your hands.

Read more about the importance of building your professional brand in my recent Fast Company article.

In a world where stereotypes often shape our perceptions, Kimberly Mock defied expectations and pursued a remarkable career in the tech industry. Her story, from receiving a clarinet scholarship to working as a senior software engineer at Microsoft Research, Next, is a testament to her determination and passion for technology. In this blog post, we’ll explore Kimberly’s journey, her experiences in the defense and tech sectors, and her thoughts on the evolving tech landscape in Seattle.

The Early Years: A Small Town with Big Ambitions

Kimberly grew up in a quaint, one-stoplight town in Washington State. Unlike conventional gender stereotypes, her early experiences in school were quite unusual. In her middle and high school years, Kimberly found herself in classrooms where girls excelled and outnumbered boys across all subjects. This unique environment instilled confidence in her, allowing her to explore diverse subjects, including math, science, and music.

From Clarinet Scholar to Physics Enthusiast

While Kimberly initially pursued music with a clarinet scholarship, her curiosity led her down a different path. Her fascination with astronomy ignited a passion for physics, ultimately shaping her academic journey. Kimberly’s transition from music to science reflects her willingness to explore new horizons and the pivotal role early education can play in breaking gender stereotypes.

Navigating the Defense Sector: Algorithms for Ballistic Missile Defense

After completing her education, Kimberly embarked on a career in the defense industry, where she worked on cutting-edge projects, including algorithms for ballistic missile defense. Her role involved developing and implementing algorithms for crewless vehicles, pushing the boundaries of technology in a highly regulated and complex sector.

Embracing the Tech Boom in Seattle

Seattle’s tech landscape has significantly transformed, thanks to the emergence of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Kimberly discusses how Seattle has evolved into a tech hub, attracting established companies, startups, and innovative projects. She highlights the increasing trend of collaboration between tech giants, emphasizing that competition must coexist with cooperation.

Microsoft Research: Where Innovation Thrives

Kimberly provides insights into her current role as a senior software engineer at Microsoft Research, Next. She describes her experiences working in an environment brimming with cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds. The blog post explores the unique aspects of Microsoft’s research division, where academic research evolves into real-world products.

Advocating for Women in Tech

Kimberly’s dedication to supporting women in tech shines through her involvement with organizations like “Women Who Code.” She shares her positive experience participating in a hackathon and its impact on her career. The blog post underscores the importance of these organizations in creating a supportive and inclusive tech community.

Ichiro’s Return: A Seattle Mariners Fan’s Perspective

Beyond her tech career, Kimberly reveals her passion for sports, particularly her excitement about Ichiro Suzuki’s return to the Seattle Mariners. As a devoted Mariners fan, she discusses the significance of Ichiro’s presence and the anticipation surrounding his comeback.

Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Change

Kimberly Mock’s journey from a small town to the tech epicenter of Seattle is a testament to her resilience and passion for innovation. Her story challenges stereotypes and serves as an inspiration to aspiring technologists, especially women in tech. By sharing her experiences, Kimberly encourages us to embrace change, explore diverse fields, and collaborate to shape the future of technology.