The Innovators

Hosted by Tom Dioro

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Mar 2025

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From the campus of Stanford University this is The Innovators Radio Show + Podcast featuring in-depth, one-on-one interviews with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, renowned thought-leaders and game changers committed to ideas, innovation, and better lives. Our radio show and podcast will illuminate the struggle, breakthroughs and exceptional outcomes game-changers bring to industries, organizations and lives. Hosted by Tom Dioro, executive producer of Stanford Athletics and KZSU's, Beyond the Champions Show, and principal of Podfather Media.

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39 recent

March 21, 202528 min

Pierre Buljan | Buljan Groups' Inspiring Journey through Real Estate

Inspiring Dreams with Pierre Buljan: A Journey Through Bay Area Real Estate and InnovationIn this episode of the Innovators Radio Show and Podcast, host Tom interviews Pierre Buljan, owner of the Buljan Group, a renowned Bay Area family luxury real estate company affiliated with Compass. Pierre reflects on his journey growing up in San Mateo, his deep connections within the Silicon Valley community, and his interactions with notable figures in sports and business. He shares his gratitude for the diverse and innovative environment of the Bay Area and talks about how it has shaped his personal and professional life. The discussion also touches on the inspirational environment and culture of grit that characterizes San Mateo County.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:26 Welcome to the Innovators Radio Show01:01 Introducing Pierre Buljan02:10 Pierre's Personal and Professional Philosophy04:30 Reflections on Growing Up in San Mateo05:23 Inspiration from Silicon Valley06:29 The Global Appeal of Silicon Valley

January 24, 202529 min

How Dollar Loan Center Innovates Short-term Lending with Integrity and Fun | Chuck Brennan

Chuck Brennan: From Serial Entrepreneur to Dollar Loan Center FounderIn this episode of the Innovators Podcast at Stanford, Chuck Brennan, founder and president of Dollar Loan Center, shares his entrepreneurial journey. Brennan discusses his early experiences starting businesses from sixth grade, his venture into the entertainment industry, and his transition to short-term lending. He highlights the importance of company culture, promoting employee longevity, and providing a welcoming and professional environment for customers. Brennan elaborates on Dollar Loan Center's mission to fill the gap in short-term lending amidst bank limitations, emphasizing trust and transparency in client relationships. He also shares insights on the company's community involvement, employee engagement, and future aspirations for financial product expansion.For more information, visitwww.dontbebroke.com00:00 Introduction and Employee Experience00:47 Guest Introduction: Chuck Brennan01:19 Chuck Brennan's Entrepreneurial Journey03:06 Founding Dollar Loan Center03:45 Business Challenges and Successes05:16 The Payday Lending Industry09:36 Customer Trust and Business Ethics19:53 Company Culture and Employee Engagement25:30 Future Goals and Community Involvement28:18 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

January 16, 202529 min

Investing with Heart: A Conversation with Andrew McCormick of eToro

Investing with Passion and Purpose: A Conversation with eToro US Head Andrew McCormickIn this episode of the Innovators Podcast, host Tom DiOro is joined by Andrew McCormick, head of eToro US. Andrew discusses his passion for investing in companies he loves, particularly relating to brands like Chipotle that resonate with his family. Throughout the conversation, Andrew highlights the importance of making investing accessible and fun, emphasizing eToro's mission to educate and empower new investors. He shares personal stories about his journey from a large financial company to eToro, the impact of his family and faith, and his commitment to breaking down barriers to investing. Listen in to learn about Andrew's vision for expanding financial literacy and his dream of increasing stock market participation among all Americans.For more informationwww.etoro.com00:00 Introduction to Investing with Passion00:48 Meet Andrew McCormick: Family and Career03:37 The Journey to eToro04:53 Personal Challenges and Professional Growth08:03 Empowering New Investors16:17 Future Goals and Legacy27:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

August 22, 202430 min

Trading Discipline & Emotional Control | Juan Carlos Riano - Smart Capital Club

Mastering Discipline and Emotional Resilience in Trading: Insights from Juan Carlos RianoIn this episode of the Innovator's Podcast, host Tom interviews Juan Carlos Riano, CEO and education consultant at Smart Capital Club. They discuss the psychological aspects of trading, emphasizing the importance of discipline, emotional control, and resilience. Juan Carlos shares his journey from a high-stress encounter with financial scams to establishing Smart Capital Club, a platform offering comprehensive financial education and trading services. He highlights the significance of a solid educational foundation, the role of physical fitness in managing stress, and the process of developing a disciplined trading strategy. The episode also delves into the importance of trust in financial services and offers advice for aspiring traders and entrepreneurs.For more information visit:smartcapitalbroker.com00:00 Introduction to Trading Emotions00:29 Welcome to The Innovator's Show01:01 Meet Juan Carlos Riano02:21 The Importance of Discipline in Trading03:15 The Story Behind Smart Capital05:17 Managing Emotions in Trading07:55 The Role of Fear in Trading Decisions09:42 Building Trust with Clients13:58 The Discipline of a Trader24:46 Advice for Aspiring Traders27:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

July 19, 202428 min

How OpenPath.io Revolutionizes Instant Direct Payments | Franklin Levy

Revolutionizing Payments with Franklin Levy: Instant Direct Payments at OpenPathIn this episode of The Innovators Radio Show and Podcast, hosted by KZSU Stanford University's FM radio station, Franklin Levy, a partner at OpenPath, discusses the transformative technology of instant direct payments. The conversation delves into the changes in online payment methods, benefits to both merchants and consumers, and the future of financial transactions. Levy shares insights on the innovative capabilities of OpenPath's payment system, highlighting its advantages over traditional credit and debit card transactions. The episode also explores his personal and professional motivations and the importance of trust and dedication in driving technological advancements.For more information visit:openpath.io00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:51 Overview of Instant Direct Payments03:09 History and Evolution of Payment Systems07:57 Benefits of Instant Direct Payments for Consumers and Merchants12:15 Fraud Prevention and Security Measures16:30 Personal Insights and Experiences19:11 The Importance of Trust and Vision in FinTech26:40 Future of OpenPath and Closing Remarks

July 17, 202429 min

Franklin Levy | GS Mining Company LLC Co-Founder

Reviving Gold Mining in Colorado: An Interview with Franklin LevyIn this episode of the Innovators Radio Show and Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Franklin Levy, co-founder and managing director of GS Mining Holdings. Franklin shares the history and operations of GS Mining in Gilpin County, Colorado, known as the richest square mile on Earth due to its abundant gold deposits discovered in 1859. The conversation covers the historical context and challenges of mining in the area, Levy's personal journey from iron ore mining in China to Colorado, and modern advancements in gold extraction technologies and sustainable practices. Levi also discusses the potential of new financial innovations, such as gold-backed tokens through a partnership with Dignity Gold. The episode highlights the revival of a historic industry with contemporary technologies and methods, aiming for a sustainable and profitable future.For more information, visithttps://www.gsminingholdings.com/00:00 Introduction to the Innovators Radio Show00:49 Meet Franklin Levy: Passion for Gold Mining01:10 The Rich History of Gilpin County Gold04:03 Franklin's Journey from Iron Ore to Gold05:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Gold Mining11:02 Modern Gold Mining Techniques and Sustainability21:43 Innovations in Gold Extraction24:14 Future Prospects and Collaborations26:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

June 5, 202426 min

Jorge & Ethan Muniz | Founders of Ascender Systems

Innovators Podcast: From Holiday Lights to Emergency Services – The Journey of Ascender SystemsIn this episode of the Innovators Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Jorge and Ethan Muniz, the dynamic father-son duo behind Ascender Systems. Beginning with the inventive solution to putting up Christmas lights, their journey led to the creation of a prototype robotic climber. The discussion covers overcoming the challenges of customer pushback, the evolution of their prototype, and their aspirations to aid emergency services with cutting-edge technology. Jorge and Ethan share insights into their product's journey, its potential impact, and the personal growth they experienced through pitching their innovation at competitions worldwide.Ascender Systems has designed a patented lightweight robotic solution for climbing up various vertical structures (e.g. poles, pipes, columns). Each "climber" robot can carry and install a "leave-behind" with a personalized customer-selected payload that best meets their needs. Our "climber" can optionally return to the ground to be reused. Customizable "leave-behind" systems can include communications relay, lighting, thermal detections, cameras, and/or satellite uplink.For more information about Ascender Systems, visit the website https://ascendersystems.com/00:00 Introduction to Ascender Systems00:59 Meet the Founders: Jorge and Ethan Muniz02:08 The Mantra: There Has to Be a Better Way03:14 From Christmas Lights to Emergency Services04:21 Challenges and Customer Discovery08:08 Prototyping and Iterations12:02 Competitions and Funding13:31 Future Prospects and Personal Growth21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

May 29, 202430 min

Jeff Gaus | CEO Provenance Chain Network

Supply Chain Transparency and Innovations with Jeff GausIn this episode, host Tom Dioro interviews Jeff Gaus, founder and CEO of the Provenance Chain Network (PCN). They discuss key issues in the supply chain, including eliminating shrink and addressing Uyghur cotton issues, as well as the broader implications of supply chain transparency. Jeff explains the origins and mission of PCN, and how they use blockchain technology for supply chain transparency. He also shares his personal philosophies, the company's values, and their strategic focus areas, including space asset resilience with the U.S. Space Force and non-citizen guest worker credentials. The conversation touches on Jeff's background, the organizational culture at PCN, and his broader impact on youth business education and housing solutions.For more info visithttps://www.theprovenancechain.com/00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Challenges00:40 Meet Jeff Gaus: Founder and CEO of Provenance Chain Network01:16 Jeff's Guiding Principles and Motivations03:53 The Origin and Mission of Provenance Chain Network06:00 Innovative Solutions for Supply Chain Transparency09:42 Collaborations and Achievements18:03 Corporate Culture and Values at Provenance Chain Network27:04 Jeff's Personal Mission and Community Service28:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

May 20, 202428 min

Herbert Dwyer | EMPEQ CEO on Leveraging Technology for Good

This episode features Herbert Dwyer, CEO of EMPEQ, discussing the challenges and solutions in the energy sector post-pandemic, focusing on workforce dynamics and technological advancements. Dwyer shares insights from his varied background in sectors such as software, real estate, and energy efficiency, leading to the creation of EMPEQ and the innovative Fast Site Survey app which significantly reduces energy audit times. He highlights the importance of adopting new technologies, like artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency in building audits and the impact of such technologies on creating employment opportunities. The conversation also touches on Dwyer's personal and professional mantras, the role of grit and determination drawn from his Marine Corps experience, and the broader implications of energy efficiency for environmental sustainability and business profitability. The episode encapsulates EMPEQ's mission to leverage high-tech solutions for 'good,' enhancing operational efficiencies and fostering a culture of excellence and growth.For more information on EMPEQ, visit empeq.co00:00 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Workforce00:27 Introduction to KZSU Stanford University's FM Radio Show00:36 Spotlight on Herbert Dwyer: From Energy Audits to EMPEQ01:50 Herbert Dwyer's Personal and Professional Mantras02:37 The Philosophy of Risk and Innovation in Engineering03:40 The Role of Grit and Determination in Success06:48 Leveraging AI for Workforce Efficiency and Innovation10:39 Addressing the Labor Shortage with Technology11:30 AI for Good: Creating Opportunities in the Workforce11:53 Leonid Capital Partners: Supporting Small and Medium Businesses12:43 FastSight Survey: Revolutionizing Field Engineering Work25:46 The Importance of Energy Efficiency and Entrepreneurial Spirit

May 1, 202425 min

Design Culture & Team Work | Brandon Dekker, M.S DBIA Cannon Design

Empowering Innovation and Team Culture with Brandon Dekker of Cannon DesignThis episode of the Innovators Radio Show and Podcast on KZSU Stanford features an interview with Brandon Dekker, a principal and office practice leader at Cannon Design, a living-centered global design firm. The discussion explores Dekker's leadership philosophy, emphasizing team culture and the quote 'pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.' The conversation delves into Cannon Design's client relationship strategy, focusing on shared values and trust, and the importance of integrity, intent, capabilities, and results in building trustful relationships. Dekker highlights how technology advancements and project delivery methods have evolved in the design and building industry. The episode also touches on Cannon Design's commitment to sustainability, team culture's significance, and the impact of sports on Dekker's leadership approach. Public service announcements for CHOC Children's Hospital and Habitat for Humanity are included. The interview concludes with Dekker sharing his vision for elevating others through courageous design and actions.For more information, visit cannondesign.com00:00 Welcome to the Innovators Radio Show and Podcast00:35 Spotlight on Brandon Dekker and Cannon Design01:30 The Philosophy of Team Culture and Trust03:57 Client Relationships and Project Success Stories09:57 The Evolution of Design and Building Industry12:05 Sustainability and Innovation at Cannon Design14:38 Personal Insights and Leadership Philosophy17:24 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts