TFTSL Ep30 – Bob Brogan
Bob Brogan joins us in the Sky Lounge to share his journey as Managing Partner at TechCXO for the Great Lakes Region. He pulls back the curtain on four decades in operations, IT, consulting, and strategy—including the story behind an incredible $100 million exit. From his family’s surprising connection to the Chicago Bears to what really makes a business investable, this conversation delivers wisdom that’s been battle-tested through multiple economic cycles.
TFTSL Ep21 — James Rozich
In this episode of Tales from the Sky Lounge, Todd Merrill speaks with Adam Lehde, co-founder of Happen Technologies, about his journey in building a hybrid software development team that leverages talent from Ukraine. They discuss the cultural differences encountered while working with Ukrainian developers, the impact of remote work dynamics post-COVID, and the potential for a thriving startup culture in Ukraine as the country looks towards recovery from conflict. In this conversation, Adam Lehde shares his journey through mobile development, the challenges of cross-platform technology, and the importance of user engagement in apps. He discusses the balance between family and career, his transition to entrepreneurship, and how fitness plays a crucial role in managing stress. Adam also reflects on his travel experiences and the cultural insights gained along the way, emphasizing the value of community and personal growth.
TFTSL Ep20 — Adam Lehde
In this episode of Tales from the Sky Lounge, Todd Merrill speaks with Adam Lehde, co-founder of Happen Technologies, about his journey in building a hybrid software development team that leverages talent from Ukraine. They discuss the cultural differences encountered while working with Ukrainian developers, the impact of remote work dynamics post-COVID, and the potential for a thriving startup culture in Ukraine as the country looks towards recovery from conflict. In this conversation, Adam Lehde shares his journey through mobile development, the challenges of cross-platform technology, and the importance of user engagement in apps. He discusses the balance between family and career, his transition to entrepreneurship, and how fitness plays a crucial role in managing stress. Adam also reflects on his travel experiences and the cultural insights gained along the way, emphasizing the value of community and personal growth.
TFTSL Ep19 – Kathryn O’Day
Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Kathryn O’Day, entrepreneur and partner at Atlanta Ventures. Kathryn shares her journey of building multiple successful startups and being a major part of massive acquisitions. We dive deep into the parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship, uncovering how triathlon training taught her key lessons in consistency, grit, and pushing through difficult times.
Kathryn also reveals key insights into startup culture, highlights how Atlanta Ventures finds and molds startups to be their best selves and shares the value of being “positive, supportive, and self-starting”—qualities that shaped her experience at Pardot and beyond. We explore the importance of confidence, especially for women in tech, and discuss why being nice can be a superpower in business.