Disruption Now

Most people run from government bureaucracy. Pavan Parikh ran toward it—and decided to rewrite the system from the inside.He believes public service should move like a startup: fast, transparent, and built around people, not process.But when tradition, power, and red tape pushed back, he didn’t fold—he went to the statehouse to fight for reform.So how do you disrupt a 200-year-old system that was never built for speed or equity?In Episode 188 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Pavan breaks down how he’s modernizing Hamilton County’s court systems, digitizing paper-heavy workflows, and using AI and automation to reduce barriers to justice rather than create new ones. Whether you work in government, policy, law, or tech, you’ll see how startup tools and mindsets can create real impact, not just buzzwords.Pavan Parikh is the elected Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in Ohio, focused on increasing access to justice, improving customer service, and modernizing one of the county’s most important institutions. In this epi

In this episode 187 of the Disruption Now Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Ko, the CEO of Kaleidoscope Innovation, a firm leading the way in human-centered design and engineering — especially in healthcare. From developing wearable technologies for spinal cord injury patients to crafting surgical tools built around human ergonomics, Ben and his team are proving that empathy is a competitive advantage in the age of AI.We dive into the central question: If AI can optimize everything, where do we still matter? Ben argues that empathy isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a design superpower. He discusses how Kaleidoscope’s cross-functional teams of designers, engineers, and researchers bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds, why 95% of AI projects fail due to lack of human context, and how clarity of thought and ethical design can shape a better, more responsible tech future.If you’re a founder, product designer, healthcare innovator, engineer, or policymaker interested in building smarter systems with de

What does it take to lead digital transformation when fear, culture, and AI disruption collide?

Most artists get left behind in tech—but not Kaila Love.Once a homeless teen sleeping in her car, Kaila became a UC Berkeley grad, hip-hop artist, and founder of KailaLove.ai—a pioneering AI education company blending music, automation, and empowerment. Known as The AI Homegirl, she teaches creatives how to protect their IP, grow fanbases with AI, and own their digital destiny.Timestamps:00:00 – From Homeless to Berkeley05:00 – Sync Deals & Music Wins10:00 – Building with AI17:00 – Bootleg Brain & IP25:00 – Responsible Tech32:00 – Future Vision35:45 – Final Message

She’s not waiting for permission.Flavilla Fongang went from the ghettos of Paris to building Black Rise—one of the UK’s boldest tech tribes. She’s mixing identity, data, and storytelling to scale Black power through business.In this episode:-Why storytelling beats pitching in tech-How she turned oil & gas into a launchpad-Her strategy for building community-first platforms-Why AI is non-negotiable for Black excellence-The real ROI of diverse ecosystemsTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Paris to Power01:42 Childhood in the Paris ghettos03:55 Moving to London & early struggles06:18 From oil & gas to fashion to tech09:44 Founding 3 Colours Rule12:30 How storytelling became her weapon15:02 Why she built GTA Black Women in Tech17:50 Launching Black Rise — the AI-powered tribe21:33 Scaling community and credibility25:01 Diversity with data, not feelings28:40 What leadership looks like in 202531:09 Her advice to future founders34:00 Closing thoughts + how to connectAbout Flavilla Fongang:Multi-award-winning entrep

She was told she wasn't tall enough, thin enough, pretty enough.Now she’s rewriting the rules of beauty for everyone else.In this episode 183 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Sian Bitner-Kearney, founder of Rock Your Beauty, reveals how perfectionism, filters, and social media lies damage self-worth—and what it takes to break free. Her nonprofit is helping women embrace their authentic selves, one fashion show and workshop at a time.

Laid off or lost in the noise? You’re not alone.Episode 182: Nicole Dunbar—Cornell-trained strategist and viral LinkedIn voice—joins Disruption Now to dissect the “white collar recession.” From AI displacement to hiring freezes, she breaks down how even top-tier pros are invisible in today’s job market. Learn:6 proven job search strategies (only 1 involves job boards)-Why resumes alone fail—and what recruiters actually trust-The mindset shift every mid-career pro must make now-How to “network” without small talk or selling out-The emotional trap that sabotages high performers-The hiring game changed. Here’s how to stay in it.

In this episode of the Disruption Now Podcast, host Rob Richardson sits down with Jacob D. Frankel (Kobi), the visionary Founder and CEO of Beyond Alpha Ventures. Jacob shares his journey from managing over $355 million in assets on Wall Street to leading a multi-strategy family office and hedge fund that invests in transformative technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. He discusses the importance of investing with purpose, the future of venture capital, and how Beyond Alpha Ventures is shaping the infrastructure of an AI-driven future. Tune in for an insightful conversation on strategic investing, innovation, and building a legacy.Top 3 Things You’ll Learn from This Episode:Investing with Purpose – Jacob emphasizes the significance of deploying capital in ways that make a tangible difference, focusing on ventures that combine financial opportunity with real-world impact.Navigating Market Volatility – Learn how Beyond Alpha Ventures capitalizes on market dislocations and geopolitical shift

Eric Brown Jr. is the founder of ELVTE Coaching and Consulting and a Generative AI innovation lead at Microsoft. In this powerful conversation with Rob Richardson, he unpacks how early adversity became fuel for legacy. From mentoring underserved youth to helping enterprise teams align tech with purpose, Eric proves that impact isn’t just about innovation — it’s about elevation.Disruption Now Episode 180Inside This Episode:-Life Hacker Mindset: How reframing pain unlocks potential-AI with Empathy: Why tech that doesn’t center people fails-The Power of Context: Making technology relatable and actionable for allConnect with Eric Brown Jr.:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ericbrownjrForbes Council: councils.forbes.com/profile/Eric-Brown-Jr-Founder-%7C-Chief-Transformation-Officer-ELVTE-Coaching-and-Consulting/440ec31a-0e0d-4650-ae7c-a2b401148572Thought Leadership: linkedin.com/pulse/empowering-dreams-lessons-learned-from-any-fellow-eric-brown-jrDisruption Now Apply to be a guest: form.typeform.com/to/Ir6AgmzrWatch m

"I went from door-to-door sales to closing million-dollar tech deals — but the real secret? Asking boldly. Watch [12:33] to hear how Jarrett Albritton turned Clubhouse conversations into 80,000 followers and landed 40+ recruiters on stage. Spoiler: His AI platform is changing how careers are built!"-Why are tech sales misunderstood (and why are they not what you think)?-The biggest misconception about tech sales that’s costing you $$$.-3 secrets to breaking into tech sales and dominating AI-driven careers.⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – "Why Tech Sales Isn’t Just for Geeks (Misconceptions)" 12:33 – "How Jarrett Albritton Leveraged Clubhouse to Empower 80K People" 25:47 – "The AI Tool Helping You Land a Job Faster (Why Right C is Different)" 38:55 – "Mastering Interviews with AI: The Future of Job Search" 45:00 – "3 P’s to Succeed in Tech Sales (Persistence, Patience, Pivot)"✅ Try Job Search Genius FREE for 7 days: jobsearchgenius.ai

In this episode of the Disruption Now podcast, host Rob Richardson engages in a dynamic conversation with Seema Alexander, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist. They delve into Seema's rich background, from her upbringing in an entrepreneurial immigrant family to her current roles as co-founder of Virgent AI and DC Startup & Tech Week. The discussion traverses the evolution of entrepreneurship, the pivotal role of emerging technologies like AI, and the significance of community collaboration in fostering innovation.​Three Key Takeaways for Disruptors:Embrace Emerging Technologies: Seema emphasizes entrepreneurs' need to stay abreast of technological advancements, particularly AI. She notes that the rapid pace of AI development means businesses must adapt swiftly or risk obsolescence.​Focus on Strategic Positioning: Drawing from her experience with the UNIQUE Method™, Seema highlights the importance of businesses identifying their unique value propositions to stand out in competitive markets.​Fo

In this episode of the Disruption Now Podcast, host Rob Richardson sits down with Rachel Desrochers, the founder of Gratitude Collective and a passionate advocate for gratitude, entrepreneurship, and community building. Rachel shares her journey of turning a simple idea into a thriving business while fostering a culture of kindness and connection. She discusses the power of gratitude in both personal and professional life, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how she supports other business owners through her work with the Incubator Kitchen Collective. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven business, resilience, and the impact of gratitude on success.Top 3 Things You’ll Learn from This Episode:1. The Power of Gratitude in Business & Life – Practicing gratitude can fuel success, strengthen leadership, and build meaningful connections.2. Entrepreneurship with Purpose – Rachel Desrochers shares insights on growing a values-driven business while creating opportunities for others.3. Buildin

In this episode of Disruption Now, Tremain Davis shares forward-thinking insights on how innovation is upending traditional business models and reshaping entire industries. Here are three things you can learn from this episode:Adaptive Leadership: Davis disrupts conventional norms by staying agile, empowering his team, and constantly reevaluating strategies to drive transformation.Leveraging Disruptive Technologies: Learn how embracing new technologies can drive sustainable growth and create a competitive edge. Tremain's approach as a leader integrates cutting-edge digital solutions that challenge outdated business practices.Strategic Risk-Taking: Understand the value of taking calculated risks and maintaining a proactive mindset to turn challenges into opportunities. As a leader, Davis exemplifies disruption by challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of innovation that inspires others to break away from traditional molds.Davis’s journey to becoming a disruptive leader in his community is rooted in

Today's Disruption Now episode is with LaMar "The Coutureman "Wright. He is a trailblazer in curated lifestyle expertise and image consulting through his business, The Coutureman LLC. As a disruptor in his field, he challenges traditional notions of style and personal branding, helping individuals cultivate an elevated sense of confidence and self-expression through fashion, grooming, and lifestyle refinement. His approach goes beyond just aesthetics—it's about empowerment, self-identity, and making a statement in both personal and professional spaces.LaMar shared deep insights into his journey, highlighting pivotal life lessons that have shaped his career and mindset—how life's challenges and setbacks can serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. He also spoke about the importance of authenticity, emphasizing that success isn't about conforming to societal expectations but about embracing and elevating one's unique identity. His presence in the image consulting space is more than just about style; it

LEARN about Erin Reddick's inspiring AI journey. She is the creator of ChatBlackGPT Beta, a platform advancing equity in AI. Erin shares how her unique upbringing as a Black woman adopted by a white father shaped her views on race, identity, and belonging. She discusses her transition from being laid off at Meta to becoming a trailblazer in ethical AI. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of promoting inclusivity in technology, the development of ChatBlackGPTBeta, and actionable advice for overcoming biases in AI and the workplace.Top Three Things You Will Learn:1. How Identity Shapes Innovation:Erin's personal experiences, from her upbringing to her career in tech, reveal how deeply identity and perspective influence the drive to create equitable solutions in AI.2. Practical Steps for Ethical AI:This article provides insights into the challenges of addressing biases in AI systems and how tools like ChatBlackGPTBeta aim to promote anti-racism and inclusivity in technology.3. Overcoming Bias in Prof

Disruption Now: Building a Fair Share for Culture and Media. Join us and disrupt! Today, we welcome the two most respected and innovative leaders to the Disruption Now Podcast. Joe and Dwain, despite their demanding schedules, have graciously made time to be DISRUPTIVE with us in this digital age. Joe and Dwain's impressive careers have led them to co-found Dream Exchange, a groundbreaking platform with a purpose and impact that cannot be overstated. Dream Exchange is the first minority-governed and Black-owned company to operate an exchange in U.S. history. It challenges traditional norms and opens doors for underrepresented groups to access capital markets, paving the way for a more inclusive financial landscape. Joe, notably, is the author of the Main Street Growth Act, a bill that has garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Dream Exchange's mission is to revolutionize access to capital for businesses led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Their vision is rooted in dismantling barriers and fostering an en

Cyrus Harbin is the founder and host of the popular podcast "Tech is the New Black." He is a prominent figure in the tech community, known for empowering, educating, and entertaining his audience on leveraging the tech industry to enhance their lives. Through his podcast, Cyrus interviews industry leaders, tech influencers, and successful entrepreneurs, offering insights and practical advice on how to break into and thrive in the tech industry.Cyrus is also actively involved in community-building efforts, including the TechPreneur Community, which provides internal job referrals, career coaching, courses, and networking opportunities. His podcast, lauded for its engaging and informative content, is a top-rated tech business and career podcast, mainly celebrated for its focus on diversity and representation in the tech world.In addition to his podcasting efforts, Cyrus collaborates with various tech boot camps to provide discounted courses and resources aimed at helping people, especially those from underrepre

John Hope Bryant is a prominent entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist known for his economic empowerment and financial literacy work. He founded Operation HOPE in 1992 following the Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles, with a mission to provide economic education and resources to underserved communities. Since its inception, Operation HOPE has served over 4 million individuals and directed nearly $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised areas. The organization focuses on improving credit scores, facilitating homeownership, and supporting Black entrepreneurs through various initiatives.Numerous U.S. presidents have recognized Bryant’s work. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Legacy Leadership Award from Hyatt Hotels and the Outstanding Voice Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Additionally, he is known for co-founding the Financial Literacy for All initiative and the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative, which has significantly impacted Black-owned businesses across A

Step into the digital arena with John Cavanaugh, a renowned digital privacy and safety expert, on this episode of "Encrypting Freedom." Uncover the hidden pitfalls in your digital practices and learn how to fortify your data against the encroaching eyes of AI technologies. John doesn't just outline the problems; he arms you with robust, actionable strategies to take control of your digital identity.This episode isn't just about listening—it's about engaging. Discover resources, communities, and tools that will empower you to join the vanguard of digital defenders. "Encrypting Freedom: AI & The Data Battle" isn't just a conversation—it's a call to action. Tune in to transform your understanding and approach to digital privacy in the age of AI.Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfApply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf

Join Rob Richardson on this episode of Disruption Now as he sits down with Adam Kahn, Chief Creative Director at Grey Midwest, for a riveting discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on the creative world. Together, they unpack whether AI is a looming threat or a transformative catalyst for creators.In this episode:Discover the Revolutionary Tools: Learn about the innovative AI technologies that are reshaping creativity, from automating mundane tasks to opening up new avenues for artistic expression.Explore the Ethical Frontier: Adam Kahn sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and challenges facing creators as AI becomes more pervasive in the arts. What are the implications for privacy, authenticity, and artistic integrity?Hear Real-World Insights: Gain insights from the front lines of a top creative agency. How is Grey Midwest navigating the integration of AI in their projects? What strategies are they implementing to ensure AI complements rather than replaces human creativity?Website https://bit.ly