Azizi Podcast

#114 - James Castle: Drones, Cyberattacks & Ransomware: The Dark Future of Warfare

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/czc4gCk2VtU

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi interviews James Castle, a multi-talented entrepreneur and thought leader in the fields of cybersecurity, defense technology, and drone innovation. James is the CEO and Founder of Cyber Security Global Alliance (CSGA), President and Co-Founder of CSR5 Global Incorporated, and CEO of Terranova Defense Solutions.

The discussion dives deep into the evolution of drone technology and its critical role in public safety, especially in collaboration with organizations like NATO and Transport Canada. James explains the growing risks in the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in how drones can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and the need for stronger defense measures. He also highlights his company's breakthrough efforts in fighting ransomware and securing critical data for governments, militaries, and industries around the globe.

The episode also uncovers insights on Canada's role in global drone innovation, the work being done in cybersecurity education, and a glimpse into a new anti-ransomware technology set to revolutionize the industry in 2025. James shares the importance of collaboration across sectors and how CSGA’s non-profit approach is driving impactful changes in cyber defense and technology solutions.

Don't miss this fascinating episode where James gives a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity and defense while addressing the pressing challenges we face today.

Cyber Security Global Alliance https://www.csga-global.org
CSR5 Global https://csr5-global.com/
Terranova Defense Solutions https://www.terranovadefense.com/
Connect with James Castle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescastleca/

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#113 - Julien Brault: How Hardbacon's Collapse Taught Me the Toughest Lessons in Fintech

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lQPHSJrvGCA

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi sits down with Julien Brault, founder of Hardbacon, to discuss the turbulent journey of launching a fintech startup and the challenges that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy. Julien shares his candid reflections on the rise and fall of Hardbacon, a financial app that once served 400,000 Canadians, helping them make smarter financial decisions. He opens up about the emotional toll of losing his business, the impact of a devastating Google algorithm update, and the tough lessons learned from navigating the Canadian fintech market.

Despite the setback, Julien's optimism remains intact, as he explores new ventures and reflects on the future of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode provides a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of running a startup—from rapid growth to the challenges of pivoting and the lessons of failure. Tune in to gain insights on the startup ecosystem, mental resilience, and the evolving fintech landscape.

Subscribe to hear Julien’s take on the future of fintech at Global Fintech Insider: https://www.globalfintechinsider.com/
Connect with Julien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienbrault/

Topics Covered:

The rise and fall of Hardbacon
How Google updates can make or break startups
Mental health challenges after business failure
Key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in fintech
The future of fintech and entrepreneurship
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful interviews with industry leaders!

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#112 - Noak Lindqvist: Will Universal Basic Income Save Us or Destroy Capitalism?

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/qZBr4UNjA74

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi sits down with Noak Lindqvist, a tech strategist and the architect behind T-Coin, a community cryptocurrency initiative in Toronto. Noak shares his journey from being a non-technical consultant to diving into coding and AI, including his thoughts on leveraging tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance development processes. They discuss his transition into the tech space, his passion for Universal Basic Income (UBI), and the technical challenges associated with making UBI a reality.

Noak elaborates on his involvement in various projects aimed at creating societal impact, including I Am Human, a solution for combating Sybil attacks in UBI systems, and the role AI might play in accelerating these efforts. The conversation also delves into the parallels between Canadian and Swedish societies, and the importance of global versus local solutions to poverty and wealth distribution.

Later, the duo discusses the vision and impact of T-Coin, Toronto’s first community-based currency designed to promote local pride and charitable giving. Noak outlines how T-Coin is pegged to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) token, providing a stable and practical local currency for Toronto residents.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of currency, AI’s role in development, and how technology can address societal challenges like poverty and wealth inequality.

Connect with Noak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noak-lindqvist/
Check out T-Coin White Paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eHSfW12Cw7HGznSpMBFJf7TGMOx6uFSatYO2t-ezYtU/edit?usp=sharing

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#111 - Andrey Chabanov: Revolutionizing Crypto Infrastructure with Trustek | Blockchain Startups

In this episode of the Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi welcomes Andrey Chabanov, the co-founder of Trustek, a pioneering company offering crypto infrastructure as a service. Join Samir and Andrey as they explore Andrey’s remarkable journey to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the tech and crypto industry. They delve into Andrey's early ventures, his pivotal role at iTrustCapital, and his insights on the importance of reconciliation in the crypto space. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, fintech, blockchain technology, and the future of crypto infrastructure.

Follow Andrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achabanov/
Follow Andrey on X: https://x.com/andrey_chabanov
Follow Andrey on Medium: https://medium.com/@achabanov

 

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TC3zjsJADpo

#110 - Joelle Alexandria: Navigating Journalism, Podcasting, and Environmental Activism

In this episode, host Samir Azizi sits down with the incredibly talented Joelle Alexandria, a passionate journalist and podcaster, to discuss her journey and insights. Joelle delves into her podcast "A Future for Us," where she combines audio journalism and storytelling with a focus on environmental and social issues.

Joelle opens up about her transition from traditional journalism to independent podcasting, the challenges and rewards of environmental journalism, and the importance of creating impactful content. She also provides valuable tips on reaching out to potential guests and the logistics of podcast production.

Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the intersection of journalism, environmental activism, and the power of independent media. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and practical advice for aspiring journalists and podcasters alike.

01:01 - Guest Introduction: Joelle Alexandria

05:28 - Launching The Future for Us Podcast

10:32 - Podcast Production and Studio Logistics

25:16 - Joelle’s Focus on Environmental Journalism

Follow Joelle's podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/a_future_for_us/

Email Joelle at afutureforus99@gmail.com

Listen to Joelle's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ioi8c9PPkRWd0F2QlaHeT?si=5O2pquyzTqq0GLmbG4FHBA&nd=1&dlsi=44ec346785d04318

 

Subscribe to Joelle’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@afutureforuspodcast4894?si=R_hXK4gu1NvMFRp5 
 
Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cZcLGA-7ieU?si=bzXJFuhMNl64XnuE

#109 - Dr. Jennifer Brawn, Co-Founder of SmartCloser AI

In this episode of the Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi welcomes Dr. Jennifer Brawn, co-founder of SmartCloser AI, for an engaging conversation on the latest developments in AI, specifically focusing on the recent Chat GPT-4o release. Dr. Brawn shares her unique journey from studying evolutionary biology to pioneering innovations in neuroscience and AI. Together, they explore how AI can revolutionize small businesses, address the common fears professionals have about adopting new technologies, and enhance productivity and sales in fields like real estate. The discussion also delves into Dr. Brawn's personal background as a former collegiate hockey player at Harvard and how her experiences in sports have shaped her approach to science and technology.

Tune in to learn about:

- The significant updates in Chat GPT-4o and their practical implications.
- Strategies for leveraging AI to improve business efficiency and lead generation.
- Dr. Brawn's insights on balancing high-level sports with academic excellence.
- The potential for AI in professional training and client interactions.
- The importance of automation in maximizing AI's impact.

Don't miss this episode if you are interested in the future of AI, its real-world applications, and how to harness its power to boost your business and personal productivity.

Ready to transform your real estate career with AI? Enroll in our comprehensive Udemy course at www.udemy.com/course/realestateai/?referralCode=F57D47FFB7A71146520B and start leveraging AI tools to boost your productivity and stay ahead of the competition!

Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with valuable information for anyone in the real estate industry looking to harness the power of AI!

Connect with Dr. Brawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-brawn-dphil

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI

 

#108 - Revolutionizing Real Estate: AI Innovations with SmartCloser AI

In this special episode of the Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi welcomes his AI co-educators, Dr. Jennifer Brawn and Alex Liang from SmartCloser AI, to discuss their groundbreaking course on integrating AI into real estate. Discover how AI is transforming the industry, making workflows more efficient, and enhancing productivity for real estate agents. Learn about their backgrounds, insights on AI's future, and the incredible benefits their Udemy course offers.

Ready to transform your real estate career with AI? Enroll in our comprehensive Udemy course at www.udemy.com/course/realestateai/?referralCode=F57D47FFB7A71146520B and start leveraging AI tools to boost your productivity and stay ahead of the competition!

Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with valuable information for anyone in the real estate industry looking to harness the power of AI!

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI

#107 - Unveiling the Journey of Toronto DAO: Innovations, Challenges, and Future

Brought to you by Parkdalle Intelligence https://parkdalle.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2SjVRJ5
Follow Toronto DAO on X: https://x.com/dao_toronto

Welcome to a special episode of the Azizi Podcast, where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Toronto DAO. Host Samir Azizi is joined by key members Matthew Glezos and Antoine De Vuyst for an insightful conversation about this groundbreaking initiative.

In this episode, we explore the latest strides made by Toronto DAO, shedding light on the recent distribution of memberships to early adopters and the launch of our first proposal - significant milestones that mark the evolution of this decentralized autonomous organization.

As we navigate through the complexities and challenges of engaging a community in a DAO, our guests share their perspectives on the importance of member participation and the intricacies of blockchain voting mechanisms. Antoine provides a detailed explanation of the technical backbone of Toronto DAO, focusing on NFTs and the transition towards on-chain voting.

We also delve into the broader implications of DAOs, discussing how Toronto DAO transcends technology and becomes a tool for social and community-driven initiatives. The conversation highlights the necessity of a seamless user experience and the strategies to make blockchain technology more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.

As we wrap up, we discuss the future of Toronto DAO, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping its direction and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. We conclude with practical guidance on how listeners can join and actively participate in the Toronto DAO community.

Join us in this engaging discussion as we unravel the potentials of decentralized community governance and the future of Toronto DAO.

#106 - Calvin Cooper: Navigating Tech and Real Estate Innovations

Brought to you by Parkdalle Intelligence https://parkdalle.com/
Watch on YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/kB8It-3aUTA
Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Follow Samir Azizi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoublezi/

Join us on this enlightening episode of the Azizi Podcast as we welcome Calvin Cooper back for an engaging discussion. Dive into the world of technology, real estate, and startup culture with Cooper's unique insights.

Highlights:

Rapid Changes in Tech & Real Estate: Explore how the industry has transformed since our last talk, especially in the realms of crypto and startups.

Calvin Cooper's Journey: From founding Rhove, a real estate fintech startup, to facing market challenges, Cooper shares his entrepreneurial path and the transitions he faced during the market downturn post-June 2022.

The Importance of Mental and Spiritual Health: Hear Cooper's personal story of navigating identity, career, and health during challenging times.

Current Endeavors: Learn about Cooper's current projects, including his advisory role in the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship and his involvement with Groundfloor, a real estate fintech company.

World Travels and Personal Growth: Discover the insights Cooper gained from his travels and his approach to life and business post-sabbatical.

Future of Real Estate & Tech: Delve into the future possibilities in real estate and technology, and how Cooper is contributing to these fields.

Connect with Calvin Cooper:
Find Cooper on LinkedIn to learn more about his projects and follow his journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinncooper/

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a visionary in the tech and real estate spheres. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the future of these industries, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge.

About IIE.VC https://www.iie.vc/
In an alliance with the U.S. Treasury Department and numerous private-sector foundations, JumpStart leads the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship's (IIE) efforts to accelerate equity and inclusion across the U.S. venture capital industry. IIE's commitment includes helping diverse emerging fund managers raise $6B+ in AUM (Assets Under Management) by 2025. Catalyzed by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative's (SSBCI) $10B program, IIE's vision is to reshape the venture capital industry by dramatically increasing assets under management led by venture capital managers of color.

About Groundfloor https://groundfloor.com/

Groundfloor is the first and only private real estate lending marketplace open to non-accredited investors. Before Groundfloor, only accredited investors had access to the diversification, risk-adjusted returns & control available via private market investments. Groundfloor opens the door to short-term, high-yield returns backed by real estate. We bring together individual investors looking for short-term lending investments and borrowers looking for short-term financing for their specific real estate projects. Borrowers get access to more flexible, faster and cheaper capital than a traditional bank or a hard-money lender. Investors get access to short-term, high-yield investments offering returns that average over 10%.

 

#105 - Timothy Burgess from WealthAgile: Crypto Portfolio Management with AI Tech

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Timothy Burgess, the seasoned financial strategist and CEO of WealthAgile, as he unveils insights into the future of cryptocurrency investment. With over two decades of experience in institutional sales and portfolio management, Timothy brings his expertise to the world of crypto, making sophisticated investing accessible to everyone. WealthAgile, his innovative startup, is pioneering 'smart crypto made easy' through an intuitive app soon launching globally in partnership with Crypto.com. Discover how WealthAgile's AI-driven portfolio protection system can revolutionize your crypto experience. Dive deep into the mind of a fintech innovator and learn how WealthAgile is simplifying crypto investment while minimizing risk.

Check out WealthAgile: https://www.wealthagile.com/

Video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/_K6xgWla3z4

Connect with Timothy Burgess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-j-burgess-cfa-0a630025/

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/

Follow Samir Azizi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI