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

What if the biggest breakthrough in robotics is not the robot itself, but the time you save building it? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we sit down with Bob Raida and Dave Rollinson of HEBI Robotics and they explain how modular design can help engineers move faster, cut development friction, and avoid reinventing the wheel, while also showing how that same approach is opening doors for applications in industry and even space. This is a great lesson for entrepreneurs: the value of your product is not always just what it does, but how much friction it removes for the people using it. Hebi's approach is a reminder that saving time, reducing complexity, and building with confidence can be a real competitive edge. Watch the entire interview with HEBI right here. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What happens when a company starts with one cool idea, then realizes the real business is hiding in the pieces they built along the way? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, Bob Raida and Dabe Rollinson of HEBI Robotics share how it evolved from snake robots to a modular robotics platform designed to help people build faster, test sooner, and get real tools into the real world. Their idea is simple: build, test, learn, repeat. HEBI found value not by clinging to the original idea, but by recognizing what customers could actually use and moving toward it. This is a smart reminder for any entrepreneur: sometimes the first idea is not the business, but the capabilities you build along the way might be. HEBI's story is a great lesson in product-market fit, staying adaptable, and testing early before you burn years on the wrong problem. Watch the entire interview with HEBI right here. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

How do you build a business that can stand the test of time and keep your soul intact? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, Lou Camerlengo of fivestar* shares the kind of hard-earned insight entrepreneurs rarely get from a playbook. Rather than chasing growth for growth's sake, Lou explains how fivestar* has stayed relevant by building deep client relationships, staying adaptable, and creating a company that is truly "built to evolve." You'll hear why long-term partnerships matter more than quick wins, how staying close to customers can shape smarter strategy, and why culture and flexibility are essential for lasting success. For entrepreneurs trying to grow without losing their edge, this conversation delivers practical lessons you can put to work right away. 3 key takeaways Long-term client relationships beat short-term wins Sustainable growth often comes from trust, service, and becoming a real partner. The best companies stay built to evolve Markets shift, customer needs change, and durable businesses adapt without losing their identity. Staying close to the customer is a competitive advantage Small, smart, responsive teams can punch far above their weight when they listen well and move with purpose. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious. Keywords

AI is transforming everything — but some of the most powerful applications are happening in places most people never see. In our Techvibe interview with Woolpert CEO Neil Churman, he explains how AI, lidar, and geospatial data are turning maps into machines that can detect landslides, monitor infrastructure, and help prevent disasters before they happen. It's a fascinating look at how real-world AI is changing industries that have existed for more than a century. Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial technology firm that uses advanced tools like AI, lidar, and digital twins to design infrastructure, map the world, and help organizations build and manage everything from airports and pipelines to data centers and smart cities. Make sure you check out the full TechVibe conversation with Woolpert CEO Neil Churman. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Pittsburgh is often called a comeback city. But Woolpert CEO Neil Churman sees something deeper. As discovered in his Techvibe interview, Neil believes the same industrial DNA that built America's steel industry is now powering the region's rise in AI, robotics, and infrastructure technology. In this short conversation, Neil shares a personal story about his great-grandfather working in the steel mills — and why that legacy still shapes the future of innovation." Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial technology firm that uses advanced tools like AI, lidar, and digital twins to design infrastructure, map the world, and help organizations build and manage everything from airports and pipelines to data centers and smart cities. Be sure to listen to the full TechVibe interview where we dive deeper into AI, infrastructure, and the companies helping build the next generation of technology. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

AI is everywhere right now, and there's a lot of fear about what it means for jobs. And Woolpert CEO Neil Churman sees it differently. He believes AI won't replace experts — it will make them better. Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial technology firm that uses advanced tools like AI, lidar, and digital twins to design infrastructure, map the world, and help organizations build and manage everything from airports and pipelines to data centers and smart cities. As part of the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe Radio deep dive conversation, Neil shares how curiosity, collaboration, and new technology are reshaping leadership and helping companies unlock the full potential of their teams. Be sure to check out the full TechVibe interview where we explore AI, infrastructure, and Pittsburgh's role in the global innovation economy. And don't forget to subscribe to 10 Minute Tech Talks for quick insights from the entrepreneurs and innovators building the future. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Are you building technology or are you building results? In this episode, you are going to hear why some leaders believe AI has been massively overhyped and massively undersold all at the same time. And why? The companies that win aren't just chasing trends. They are chasing outcomes. Pittsburgh Technology Council CEO Audrey Russo interviewed Jonathan Jungk of Palantir and Chris Johnson of TeleTracking Technologies at the Pittsburgh Tech Council's 2026 Think!AI Summit to get their insights. So if you care about growth, revenue, and real impact, this one is for you. Hit PLAY and listen right now. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Here's a quick question for you. If your software can make decisions for your customers, should it, or should it simply make them smarter? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, you will get a front-row seat at the Pittsburgh Technology Council's 2026 Think!AI Summit. You're going to hear why some of the most advanced AI leaders in healthcare believe technology should recommend not rule. And by getting this wrong, can cost you trust adoption, possibly even the entire market. The Tech Council's CEO, Audrey Russo interviewed Jonathan Jungk of Palantir and Chris Johnson of TeleTracking to get their insights. They reveal that the goal isn't to replace human judgment. It is to elevate it. If your product makes users feel smarter, safer, and more confident, you win. If it makes them feel replaced. You lose. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What does it really take to scale a startup when early traction turns into real momentum? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, Jonathan Kersting of the Pittsburgh Technology Council and TechVibe Radio breaks down a powerful segment from his TechVibe interview with Wendy McSparren and John Mihalik, co-founders of Admirra, a fast-growing mental health technology startup. You'll learn how they: Scaled from early customers to national growth Built a strong startup team without losing focus Kept their SaaS product simple and competitive Used customer feedback to guide development Prepared their company and infrastructure for long-term success This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business leaders who want to grow smarter, not just faster. After listening, check out the full TechVibe interview to hear Wendy and John's complete story, including their origin, partnership, and mission to expand access to mental health care through technology. If you're building, scaling, or planning your next move, this episode is for you. Subscribe, follow, and keep learning with 10 Minute Tech Talks.

Building a startup is hard. Building a startup with your spouse? That's a whole different level of difficulty. Today on 10 Minute Tech Talks, we're exploring how Wendy McSparren and John Mihalik built Admirra together, not just as co-founders, but as partners in life. Admirra provides software and service solutions for private mental health practices to help them onboard new clients and efficiently manage business workflows. This is a story about trust, boundaries, leadership, and learning how to win together. Wendy and John remind us that startups aren't just built on code and capital. They're built on trust, patience, and the willingness to grow together. Admirra works because its founders work, first as partners, then as entrepreneurs. Listen to their entire TechVibe interview here. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What you're about to hear isn't just a conversation about healthcare. It's a masterclass in how modern organizations use technology to scale expertise, reduce friction, and make better decisions at speed. In this episode, we excerpted a segment from the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Health Care Reinvented Podcast featuring Highmark leaders Maria Baker and Mari Vandenburg as they talk about how artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are transforming healthcare by synthesizing massive amounts of data and turning it into clear, actionable insights for clinicians. For entrepreneurs, the parallels are immediate. This is about using AI to give experts superpowers, eliminating low-value work, and designing systems that surface the next best action instead of overwhelming people with dashboards and noise. If you're building a company, leading a team, or thinking about how AI actually creates value beyond the buzzwords, this clip offers real-world lessons from one of the most complex industries on the planet. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

AI is everywhere right now. It can write code, generate content, fix bugs, and give you a starting point in seconds. But if you're an entrepreneur building a real product, you've probably already realized something important: AI alone isn't enough. In this 10 Minute Tech Talk, we are joined again by Greg Lutz from Mescius, a Pittsburgh-based software company that's spent decades building tools for developers who need to move fast and build things that actually work in the real world. In this clip, Greg shares a grounded, practical perspective on where AI truly adds value, where it can lead you astray, and why purpose-built development tools still matter more than ever. If you're using AI to accelerate your work but wondering how to turn those quick wins into sustainable software, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear. And check out Code Clinic at https://developer.mescius.com/codeclinic Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

You're building something. You're moving fast. And at some point, the code starts slowing you down. Today's 10 Minute Tech Talks is for founders and entrepreneurs who are doing some of their own development and wondering if there's a smarter way to build without reinventing every wheel. Greg Lutz from Mescius, a Pittsburgh-based company that's been helping developers save time for more than two decades, joins Host Jonathan Kersting to detail Code Clinic. Greg breaks down Code Clinic, a free, approachable learning resource designed to help developers solve real problems, learn faster, and ship better software, without needing to be an expert on day one. If you've ever thought, "There has to be a better way to do this," this one's for you. And check out Code Clinic at https://developer.mescius.com/codeclinic In our next 10 Minute Tech Talks, we'll go deeper with Greg into how AI fits into this picture, where it helps, where it falls short, and why real development tools still matter more than ever. Stay tuned. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Why do so many promising business conversations quietly disappear after a handshake? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we explore a problem every tech entrepreneur knows too well. You meet the right people. You have great conversations. And somehow… nothing happens next. ConfirmedApp.com Founder David Radin breaks down why networking isn't broken because of people, but because of systems. And how recognizing that gap led to him building Confirmed Meet & Greet to solve it. If your business depends on relationships, sales, or partnerships, this insight could change how you think about in-person connections forever. Plus, provide a reminder that the most powerful startup ideas often come from everyday frustrations we've all learned to tolerate. Until someone decides not to. Just like David. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the thing you're most proud of building… is the thing holding your business back? Today on 10 Minute Tech Talks, we're digging into a moment every tech entrepreneur eventually faces. You've got momentum, a smart team, and something that looks polished and impressive, until you realize it doesn't actually solve the problem. Host Jonathan Kersting interviewed serial entrepreneur David Radin of ConfirmedApp.com on the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe Radio Show to pull back the curtain on why David's team walked away from months of work, scrapped a "good" idea, and made the hard call most founders avoid. If you've ever wondered whether you're building a real product or just a shiny feature, this episode is for you. Here's the takeaway. The hardest part of being a tech entrepreneur isn't building. It's knowing what not to build. In our next episode, David takes this lesson one step further and shows how a real-world frustration at networking events sparked an entirely new product idea. One rooted in human behavior, not hype. Because once you kill the wrong idea, you finally make room for the right one. Listen to the entire interview here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

If AI is everywhere, why are so many companies still struggling to make it work? In Part One "Why Tech Entrepreneurs Can't Treat AI as an Experiment Anymore", we talked about how AI crossed into the business mainstream. Now it's time for the harder question: why do so many implementations stall, underperform, or quietly fail? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we talk to Justine Kasznica and Chris Farmakis of Babst Calland to get into the real blockers, from data quality and security risks to leadership missteps and workforce anxiety — and what smart organizations are doing to overcome them. This is where AI strategy meets reality. AI doesn't fail because the technology isn't powerful enough. It fails when leadership treats it like a tool to buy instead of a capability to build. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

When did AI stop being a fun experiment… and start becoming table stakes for running a business? In just a year, AI has gone from "interesting" to essential. But while nearly every company is talking about it, only a fraction are actually seeing real returns. In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, you'll hear from Justine Kasznica and Chris Farmakis of Babst Calland on why AI adoption has exploded, what's driving CFOs a little crazy right now, and how the companies getting it right are separating themselves from the pack. This is the moment AI stopped being optional, and became core to how business gets done. So here's the takeaway: AI is officially mainstream, but success is far from guaranteed. Some companies are unlocking massive efficiency gains. Others are burning money and wondering what went wrong. In our next episode, we'll dig into why so many AI initiatives fail, and what leaders must do differently if they want real ROI instead of expensive experiments. If you're asking yourself, "Okay, so how do we actually do this right?" — you'll want to catch Part Two. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the next breakout startup isn't powered by better software… but by better connectivity? Today's 10 Minute Tech Talk is all about removing the invisible limits that hold entrepreneurs back. We are joined by Jay Noschese from T-Mobile for Business, and this conversation flips the script on how founders should think about 5G. We're not talking faster phones. We're talking about new business models, new customer experiences, and entire industries being reshaped because connectivity can now be customized, optimized, and trusted for mission-critical work. Hit PLAY, and you'll hear how technologies like 5G Advanced and network slicing are already powering live sports broadcasts, massive events, and healthcare systems where failure isn't an option. And more importantly, you'll start to see what this unlocks for entrepreneurs building what's next. If you're a founder, operator, or innovator asking, "What can I build now that wasn't possible before?" You're in the right place. Let's jump in. Listen to the entire TechVibe interview here. This Pittsburgh Technology Council podcast is for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the biggest threat to your startup isn't the competition, but the decisions you make in the first six months? In this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we dive into a powerful segment from our TechVibe Radio interview with Juliana Keeling and Joe Swider of Terravive, the fast-growing company reinventing single-use products with American-made compostable materials. Their journey hasn't been driven by hype or shortcuts — it's been shaped by sharp strategic thinking, disciplined growth, and a relentless commitment to building a real business from the ground up. In this clip, Juliana and Joe open up about the lessons most founders learn too late: • Why a great idea means nothing without true product-market fit • How accelerators can accelerate the right things — including funding that doesn't cost you equity • The danger of jumping at the first investor check, and how early dilution can quietly sink a company • What authentic partnership looks like when the stakes get high • Why staying scrappy and in control ended up being their greatest advantage This is a candid, practical look at entrepreneurship from two people who have fought through the messy middle and come out stronger. Whether you're building something new or trying to course-correct something established, their insights land with uncommon clarity. Give it a listen — your future self will thank you. Click here for their full TechVibe interview. This is a Pittsburgh Technology Council podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the key to better leadership, sharper decisions, and next-level strategy was sitting on a chessboard? Host Jonathan Kersting with the Pittsburgh Technology Council and TechVibe Radio dives into a conversation that every founder, innovator, and builder needs to hear. We're featuring a powerful slice of his TechVibe Radio interview with Ashley Lynn Priore, the force behind Queens Gambit and Queenside Ventures. She launched her first nonprofit at just 14 years old. Today she's empowering thousands of kids each year, guiding CEOs, and—yes—working with NFL players looking to think three moves ahead. Hit PLAY, you'll learn how Ashley turns chess into a real-world strategy framework, why inclusive leadership matters, and how bold thinking—like cold-emailing NFL teams—can unlock huge opportunities. Plus TechVibe Cohost and Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo joins the conversation. Have more than 10 minutes? Listen to the entire interview here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What does it take for a small, bootstrapped tech company to leap from building dashboards… to designing AI-powered drones for the U.S. Army? Today on 10 Minute Tech Talks, dive into one of the most unlikely — and inspiring — pivots in tech as we welcome James Julius, founder and CEO of Visimo. James reveals how his team evolved from early-stage ramen budgets to landing a $3 million defense contract, why staying close to customers drove every major turning point, and how rapid prototyping and AI are transforming what small teams can build. From bootstrapping to battlefield-ready AI drones, Visimo's journey shows that when you stay curious, stay agile, and stay close to your customers, big opportunities follow. If you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or anyone navigating fast-moving technology, this is a segment you do not want to miss. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if scaling your tech business was as simple—and as flexible—as snapping together a few Lego bricks? In this 10 Minute Tech Talks episode, we break down how modular, on-demand infrastructure is becoming a game-changing advantage for today's tech entrepreneurs. Dave Tomassoni of Megaport gives insights reveal why agility is no longer a luxury — it's a competitive necessity. Dave details: 1. How adopting a "Lego mindset" can reduce complexity and help you scale globally without slowing down. 2. The hidden ways your current network setup may be costing you money, time, and competitive advantage. 3. Why the most successful tech entrepreneurs build for flexibility first — and how you can, too. If you want the blueprint for faster scaling, leaner operations, and smarter tech decisions, press play and get the insight every modern entrepreneur needs. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if the secret to staying ahead in business isn't mastering every new technology — but learning how to adapt faster than it changes? In this episode, Jonathan Kersting's TechVibe Radio Cohost and Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo talk with Michelle O'Neill, Senior Director of Web Solutions and Delivery at Brunner — a marketing agency that's been fusing creativity and technology for decades. Michelle shares: How she carved her own path inside Brunner, What entrepreneurs can learn about agility and lifelong learning, and Why she believes AI should be seen as a tool — never a replacement for human creativity and connection. Dive into this conversation to find your entrepreneurial edge.. And if you have a few more minutes, be sure to listen to our entire Techvibe interview here. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What can earning a black belt in karate teach you about running a startup? CGI's Manoj Mishra shares how discipline, quiet confidence, and servant leadership form the backbone of strong leadership — in business and beyond. Manoj joined TechVibe Radio to dive deep on how his journey to a black belt informed his leadership and being a better human. If you have a few more minutes, click here for his full interview. Whether you're leading a global team or building your first startup, the message is the same — discipline keeps you consistent, quiet confidence earns trust, and servant leadership inspires others to follow. If you want to grow as a leader, start by mastering yourself. Remember, the best tech leaders are always learning, on and off the mat. Hit Play now for these amazing insights! The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.