This week's RESET with Tonya shares a story about a lifelong technologist building a sanctuary for Silicon Valley's brightest minds to escape the digital world. Mike Prince, serial entrepreneur and AI pioneer, takes us on a fascinating journey from his early programming days to his vision of our AI-powered future.

Originally broadcast on Pirate Cat Radio 92.9FM, the episode reveals how Mike began programming an Atari 2600 at age 10 and recognized something profound that would shape his career: "I could teach one person to do a job, or I could write a program that does the work of a thousand people." This insight led him through decades of innovation, from automating restaurant systems to developing cryptography for the armed forces.

Today, Mike is focused on what he calls "the end of the digital dark ages" - building AI agents that genuinely represent human interests instead of corporate goals. He explains how in the near future, each of us will have dozens or hundreds of digital agents working on our behalf, negotiating with other agents, filtering information, and arranging meaningful human connections. But this future depends on something critical that few are discussing: trust protocols that allow agents to securely identify and authenticate each other.

Mike is also building "The Decelerator" - a regular gathering at a coastal 1838 ranch where technologists reconnect with analog skills like milling lumber, cooking over open fires, and engaging in deep fireside conversations. This beautiful counterbalance to our digital lives reminds us that true innovation will serve human connection, not replace it.

Mike's philosophy is captured in his guiding principle: "Live long and prosper" (yes, straight from Star Trek). He believes technology should extend our lives and enhance our well-being while giving us more time for authentic human experiences and nature. As he puts it, "If we embrace technology in the correct way, with it being benevolent to us, it'll give us more time to be human and to talk to each other in real life."

Ready to explore how technology can enhance rather than diminish our humanity? Connect with Mike Prince on LinkedIn to follow his work on AI agents, trust protocols, and creating spaces where technology serves our deepest human needs.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-prince-7713/

"Agentic Profile" Blog: https://www.agenticprofile.ai/

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Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more!

#thejourneyisthejob

Technology partnerships don't just happen — they're carefully cultivated through trust, long-term thinking, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes. Vladimirs Sazonovs brings 25 years of Cisco wisdom to this fascinating conversation about what makes transformational partnerships work in an era of unprecedented technological change.

From opening the Baltics for Cisco in the early 2000s to now leading their Global Infrastructure Funds, Vladimirs has mastered the art of bringing together diverse ecosystem players to solve complex problems. His simple yet profound insight? "Do they do what they say they will do?" This foundational question guides his approach to building partnerships that withstand the test of time and deliver meaningful results.

The parallels between the networking revolution of the early 2000s and today's AI transformation are striking. Both represent moments when technology enables previously unthinkable possibilities. Vladimirs shares how companies can navigate these shifts by distinguishing between their core competencies (what truly differentiates them) and context (what can be handled through partnerships). This strategic clarity becomes especially crucial as AI, high-performance computing, and NeoCloud providers reshape the technology landscape.

Perhaps most compelling is Vladimirs' perspective on technology's ultimate purpose — human flourishing. Whether enabling healthcare breakthroughs or improving productivity across sectors, technology serves as a sophisticated tool that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. This human-centered viewpoint provides a refreshing counterbalance to dystopian AI narratives.

For leaders navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers a masterclass in partnership thinking. You'll gain insights on evaluating potential partners, structuring win-win relationships, and maintaining focus amid rapid technological change. As Vladimirs notes, sometimes the most important strategic decisions aren't about what you do — they're about what you choose not to do.

Ready to transform how you approach partnerships? Listen now and discover why purpose-driven collaboration might be your most powerful competitive advantage.

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsazonov/

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• Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/
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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/

Check out my bestselling book, "AI and theNew Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more! #thejourneyisthejob

What does it mean to reinvent yourself after decades in the corporate world? John McGowan, a Silicon Valley veteran who helped build Hewlett Packard during its formative years, shares his journey through multiple careers, four retirements, and the pursuit of passions that keep life meaningful at every stage.

Our conversation begins with John's unconventional path from "really bad engineer" to corporate executive. Despite his father's insistence on an engineering degree, John found his true talents in sales, negotiation, and contract law — ultimately becoming a vice president at Agilent Technologies. Throughout his corporate ascent, he balanced his demanding career with law school, raising children, and cultivating serious hobbies that demanded complete presence.

These pursuits — flying planes for animal rescue missions, traveling across North America in Airstreams, and mentoring younger enthusiasts — weren't just pastimes. They were deliberate counterbalances to corporate demands, providing what John calls "a way to separate myself from the work world." His perspective on technological evolution is equally fascinating, having witnessed the transformation from "typewriters and mimeograph machines" to today's always-connected reality where work boundaries have virtually disappeared.

Most compelling is John's approach to retirement and aging. Rather than seeing his seventh decade as a time of decline, he views it as an opportunity to pursue bucket list adventures and contribute meaningfully through volunteer work. His 50-year marriage to Diane, built on complementary strengths and mutual respect, demonstrates how partnership evolves through life's transitions. For those intimidated by AI and emerging technologies, his advice is refreshingly simple: "Just try it. You can't hurt it. Play with it.

"Whether you're contemplating your own career transition or seeking inspiration for life's third act, John's story reminds us that purpose and possibility extend far beyond the corner office. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with thought leaders reshaping how we think about work, technology, longevity, and purpose.

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcgowan-539211/

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• Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com

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• Email: tonya@reset-podcast.com

• Text us: https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2446338/open_sms

CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlong

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long

Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" [https://a.co/d/10u3wGf] available on Amazon. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website to learn more at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/!

#thejourneyisthejob