Inside The Silicon Mind
Success isn’t handed to you on a silver platter – it’s clawed out of chaos with grit, relentless obsession to succeed, and a refusal to quit. Inside the Silicon Mind dives deep into the raw, unfiltered reality of what it takes to dominate at the top.
Hosted by Firas Sozan, every episode throws the spotlight on the trailblazers rewriting the rules of business and innovation. We dig into the make-or-break moments, genius ideas, and battle-tested tactics from visionary founders, powerhouse CEOs, and fearless disruptors.
Inside the Silicon Mind pulls back the curtain on what makes extraordinary people tick – how they forge unstoppable teams, conquer their mental game, and transform wild dreams into billion-dollar wins. From personal breakthroughs to company-defining victories, this is your all-access pass to the ultimate success roadmap.
Stay curious. Stay consistent. Stay Inside the Silicon Mind.
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Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
Joseph Doyle breaks down how AI is changing recruiting and tech hiring, and what to optimize for when resumes and applications are getting noisier. You will learn how to improve candidate experience, screen for growth mindset, and design a hiring process that actually predicts performance.
Episode DescriptionAI recruiting is moving fast, but most interview processes have not caught up. In this episode, Joseph Doyle shares what he is seeing in the market and how hiring teams can adapt without lowering the bar or burning candidates out.
We talk about building a sharper value proposition for engineers, why candidates are now asking deeper questions about your AI strategy, and how to hire for first principles and growth mindset instead of a narrow checklist. We also get into candidate experience as a competitive advantage, including how to use exercises responsibly, how to timebox take home work, and why emotional intelligence matters even more as AI increases volume.
If you are a founder, operator, or investor hiring technical talent, this is a practical look at what works now, and what is quietly costing teams great hires.
We cover:• How to use AI for efficiency without losing the human edge• What a credible value proposition looks like for engineers today• How to screen for growth mindset and first principles• How to tighten your interview process while improving candidate experience• When take home assignments help, and how to timebox them• Why EQ is a real hiring filter in high pressure environments
Who this is for:Founders, operators, and hiring leaders who want a higher signal hiring process in an AI driven talent market.
Book Recommendations:Raving Fans, by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
Follow Joseph on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdoyleta/
Links and ResourcesSpotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsmApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsmAmazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsmWebsite: https://insidethesiliconmind.com/Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmindX: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Mentioned in This Episode• Raving Fans• Lou Adler• Coding assistants in the IDE• AppDynamics
About the ShowInside the Silicon Mind is your masterclass in high stakes innovation, business strategy, and the Silicon Valley mindset. Hosted by Firas Sozan, we interview Founders, CEOs, and Venture Capitalists shaping the future of technology.
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Arvind Sodhani, former President of Intel Capital, shares insights from decades at the center of Silicon Valley venture capital and global technology innovation. Arvind discusses how Intel Capital helped fuel entrepreneurship, how investors assess risk, and what it takes to build companies that last.
He explores the mindset of successful founders, the importance of strong startup teams, and the lessons learned from some of the world’s most impactful entrepreneurs. Arvind also dives into how AI is reshaping future business models and what that means for founders building in today’s market.
Throughout the conversation, Arvind offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating Silicon Valley, emphasizing long-term thinking, leadership, and innovation in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Embracing Fearless Entrepreneurship
04:49 Understanding Risk in Innovation
09:52 The Founder's Mindset and Team Dynamics
15:06 The Birth of Intel Capital
19:48 Navigating Market Changes and Cloud Investments
25:01 The AI Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges
29:58 The Future of Inference Models
34:45 Lessons from Successful Founders
39:53 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
44:46 The Impact of Silicon Valley on Innovation
Book Recommendations:
Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, by Joseph A. Schumpeter
Follow Arvind on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arvind-sodhani-4774b011b/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Justin Fitzhugh, former VP of Engineering at Snowflake, shares an inside look at what it takes to lead engineering teams through hypergrowth at one of the most successful data companies of the decade. Justin reflects on Snowflake’s explosive rise, the hard lessons from Instart Logic, and why great companies win by staying relentlessly focused on customer needs, product excellence, and scalable engineering.
Justin breaks down the cultural principles that helped Snowflake grow fast without breaking, the crucial role of security in a rapidly expanding organization, and what engineering leaders must prioritize when building teams at scale. He also dives into the realities of remote work, the importance of direct communication, and the challenges of maintaining alignment as companies grow.
The conversation explores why Silicon Valley remains a uniquely powerful ecosystem for innovation, the rapid success of Wiz, and how AI is transforming the startup landscape and reshaping what technical leadership looks like today. Justin closes by sharing the book that has most influenced his leadership style, offering actionable advice for founders and engineering leaders navigating today’s fast-moving tech world.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Navigating Valuations and Investor Relationships
03:00 Lessons from IPOs and Market Dynamics
06:04 Understanding Customer Needs and Product Fit
09:12 The Importance of Leadership and Direct Communication
18:00 Building Trust and Cohesion in Leadership
20:33 Cultural Shifts and Team Dynamics
22:48 The Unique Advantage of Silicon Valley
23:25 The Importance of In-Person Collaboration
26:35 The Role of Social Interactions in Engineering
28:26 The Impact of AI on Startup Growth
30:50 Customer-Centric Approach to Product Development
32:41 Work-Life Balance and Personal Well-Being
36:28 Passions Outside of Work and Personal Growth
37:18 Key Takeaways from Leadership Literature
Book Recommendation:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni
Follow Justin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinfitzhugh/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Gidi Cohen, CEO of BonFy.ai and seasoned cybersecurity leader, unpacks how AI is reshaping trust, risk, and security in a world where threats are increasingly invisible.
Drawing from his deep military background, Gidi explains why mission-driven leadership, courage, and conviction are more critical than ever as founders face unprecedented complexity. He breaks down the emerging risks of AI - hallucinations, data leakage, compliance failures - and why security must be designed into every layer of technology from day one.
This conversation explores how to balance customer empathy with ambitious engineering, what credibility really looks like in the age of AI, and the rapidly expanding market for AI-native security solutions.
Gidi also dives into the psychology of modern leadership: why founders must think bigger, move faster, and build with trust at the center - or risk becoming irrelevant in an AI-driven world.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Gidi Cohen and BonFy.ai
03:04 The Mindset of Tackling Big Problems
05:47 The Role of Military Background in Entrepreneurship
09:11 Balancing Optimism and Paranoia in Startups
12:00 The Importance of Focus in Startup Growth
15:05 Challenges in the Cybersecurity Industry
18:13 Listening to Customers vs. Innovating Solutions
21:04 BonFy's Approach to Data Security
23:56 Use Cases and Real-World Applications of BonFy
27:05 Ensuring Customer Trust with BonFy
29:16 Security by Design: Building Trust in Technology
35:08 Navigating the AI Landscape: Emerging Risks and Solutions
41:07 The Future of Data Security: Trust and Adoption
46:28 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Threats
51:06 Leadership Lessons from History: Churchill's Influence
Book Recommendation:
Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, by Giles Milton
Follow Gidi on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gidicohen/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
In this episode, Varun Badhwar, a seasoned entrepreneur in cybersecurity, shares his insights on building successful companies, the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and the impact of AI on the industry. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on creating great products and companies rather than merely aiming for acquisition.
Varun discusses the lessons learned from his experiences in M&A, the misconceptions founders have about the process, and the significance of integrity in leadership. He also explores the evolving landscape of software development in the age of AI and the challenges founders face today.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 The Journey of a Cybersecurity Entrepreneur
04:55 Building for Greatness, Not Acquisition
09:58 Understanding M&A Dynamics
14:46 The Reality of Acquisitions
19:51 Navigating the Post-Acquisition Landscape
24:59 The Future of AI and Market Disruption
27:21 The Integration Ecosystem and Market Displacement
28:19 AI Opportunities in Software Development
32:00 Endor Labs: Revolutionizing Software Assembly
37:06 Building a Generational Company
38:58 Lessons for First-Time Founders
43:57 Challenges of Time Management for Founders
46:36 Navigating Market Challenges in AI
49:38 The Future of Security in Software Development
Book Recommendations: The Hard Thing About Hard Things, by Ben Horowitz
Follow Varun on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vbadhwar/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, David Hornik, Founder of Lobby Capital and long-time venture capitalist, pulls back the curtain on what truly drives great investing - relationships, empathy, and trust.
From the creation of The Lobby gathering to building Lobby Capital, David shares how the most successful investors don’t just fund companies - they build enduring partnerships. He discusses how the AI boom is reshaping venture capital, why sustainable competitive advantage matters more than hype, and what red flags he watches for in early-stage founders.
This conversation goes beyond term sheets - exploring the human side of venture, the art of listening, and what it takes to build a career (and community) grounded in genuine curiosity and care.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 The Essence of Venture Capital
03:00 David Hornik's Journey to Venture Capital
05:52 The Lobby: Building Connections
08:40 The Role of a VC Beyond Funding
12:05 Legal Background: A Unique Advantage
14:44 Understanding Founder-VC Dynamics
18:03 The Shift in Market Dynamics
20:44 AI's Impact on Venture Capital
23:48 Challenges for New Founders in AI
27:30 The Evolution of a CEO
28:37 The Importance of Problem-Solving
30:29 Identifying the Right Founders
32:25 Red Flags in Funding
33:43 Convincing LPs to Invest
35:44 The Significance of Deal Flow
37:57 Navigating the Series A Challenge
40:03 Balancing Empathy in Decision-Making
43:05 Building Long-Term Relationships
47:27 The Love for the Venture Industry
48:40 Recommended Reads for Founders
Book Recommendations:
Give and Take, by Adam Grant
The Biggest Bluff, by Maria Konnikova
Follow David on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhornik/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Rob Bearden, Co-founder and CEO of Sema4.ai, shares how AI is transforming the very rhythm of company-building. He explains why speed, trust, and people remain the ultimate differentiators - even as AI agents begin automating knowledge work at scale.
Rob unpacks the evolution of enterprise AI adoption, the barriers that slow transformation, and why resilient teams and data-driven governance are critical to long-term success. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping global productivity, wealth creation, and the role of software engineers in this new era - along with the unique resilience that continues to define the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 The Importance of People in Business
01:11 Navigating the AI Shift
05:44 Speed and Competition in AI Development
10:36 Transformational Outcomes in Tech Delivery
14:14 Comparing Past and Present Company Building
18:10 Semaphore.ai: Building Purpose-Built Agents
22:57 The Role of Agents in Knowledge Work
25:12 The Future of Agents in Business
27:01 Trusting AI Agents
30:29 The Impact of Automation on Jobs
36:34 The Evolving Role of Software Engineers
41:01 Lessons from Past Ventures
49:19 Building Resilient Teams and Leadership
52:20 The Evolution of AI Adoption in Enterprises
56:23 Understanding the J-Curve of AI Investment Returns
01:01:22 The Pressure for AI Strategy in Enterprises
01:05:10 Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption
01:08:39 Data Security and Governance in AI
01:14:47 The Future of AI: From Intelligence to Superintelligence
01:16:06 The Impact of AI on Global GDP and Wealth Creation
01:22:10 Trust and Innovation in Startups
01:29:21 The Silicon Valley Ecosystem and Its Resilience
Book Recommendations:
The Rational Optimist, by Matt Ridley
Follow Rob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bearden-10049a369/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Ross Lazerowitz, Co-founder and CEO of Mirage Security, explores how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, identity, and trust. From deepfakes to social engineering, Ross reveals how attackers are weaponizing generative AI - and what it will take to defend against the next wave of deception.
He also opens up about the emotional realities of founder life: navigating fundraising pressure, managing uncertainty, and staying grounded in a saturated market. The conversation dives into founder-market fit, first-principles engineering, and how to build credibility and trust in a fast-moving tech landscape.
It’s a candid look at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship, and what it means to lead with conviction in an era where reality itself can be faked.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
05:34 AI and Social Engineering Threats
10:44 The Role of Identity Verification in Cybersecurity
17:43 The Emotional Toll of Fundraising
22:38 Timing and Market Saturation in Startups
24:40 Building Trust in Cybersecurity
27:06 Founder-Market Fit and Product Validation
30:32 Navigating Fundraising Challenges
32:16 AI's Impact on Hiring and Engineering
34:30 Understanding First Principles in Engineering
39:10 The Debate on Remote vs. In-Person Work
40:19 Addressing the Deepfake Challenge
43:12 The Future of AI and Its Societal Implications
45:20 Maintaining Wellbeing as a Founder
47:09 Recommended Reads for Founders
Book Recommendations:
Let's Get Real or Let's Not Play, by Mahan Khalsa
Follow Ross on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosslazer
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
In this episode, Jason Eubanks and Srinivas Bandi, co-founders of Aurasell, discuss their journey in building an AI-driven go-to-market platform. They share insights on the impact of AI on business, the importance of a first principles approach, and how they are transforming sales processes. The conversation also touches on the significance of coaching, company culture, and their vision for the future of Aurasell.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Founding Aurasell: The Journey Begins
02:55 AI Revolution: Transforming Go-to-Market Strategies
06:02 Disrupting Legacy Systems: A First Principles Approach
09:02 The Challenges of Tool Sprawl in Sales
11:58 Automating Sales Processes: Increasing Efficiency
14:53 Building an AI-Native Platform: The Technical Foundations
17:55 Understanding User Personas: The Key to Success
21:11 The Speed of Innovation: Building Agents in Minutes
24:06 Coaching Sales Teams: Enhancing Performance
27:03 The Importance of In-Person Collaboration
30:00 Navigating Challenges in Building a Startup
32:51 The Future of Sales: Embracing AI and Automation
Book Recommendations:
Radical Candor, by Kim Scott
Crucial Conversations, by Kerry Patterson
The Qualified Sales Leader, by John McMahon
Follow Jason and Srinivas on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-eubanks-a775ba/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinivas-bandi-2219423/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: / inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: / insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: / insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
In this episode of Inside the Silicon Mind, Zakir Durumeric, Co-founder and CEO of Censys, shares how he went from academic research at the University of Michigan to building one of the world’s leading internet security companies. He recounts the creation of ZMAP, a groundbreaking tool that made large-scale internet scanning possible, and how Censys now helps governments and enterprises uncover hidden risks in real time.
Zakir dives into the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity - automating detection, exposing new attack surfaces, and reshaping how engineers think about defense. The conversation explores first-principles thinking, the balance between customer needs and technical vision, and what it takes to turn deep research into a lasting company at the front lines of digital trust.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Zakir Durumeric and Censys
03:04 Navigating Customer Demands and Technical Vision
06:05 The Journey from Research to Product Development
09:02 Understanding Customer Needs and Market Dynamics
12:00 ZMAP: Revolutionizing Internet Scanning
14:58 Use Cases and Customer Applications of Censys
17:56 Balancing Technical and Market Needs
21:08 Achieving Product-Market Fit
23:58 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
26:51 VPN Threats and Censys's Protective Measures
28:22 The Potential and Limitations of AI in Cybersecurity
35:15 AI as a Target: Security Risks and Challenges
37:57 The Evolution of Engineering Talent in the Age of AI
44:01 First Principles Thinking in Computer Science
47:41 Integrating Data Sources for Enhanced Security
Book Recommendations:
Palo Alto, by Malcolm Harris
Follow Zakir on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakird/
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Inside The Silicon Mind
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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/spotify-itsm
Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/apple-itsm
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/amazon-itsm
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/inside-the-silicon-mind
Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidethesiliconmind
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@insidethesiliconmind
X: https://x.com/InSiliconMind
Website Links:
https://insidethesiliconmind.com/
https://www.harrisonclarke.com/
https://www.harrisonclarkeventures.com/
https://www.ceranalabs.com/
https://thepmfplaybook.com/