Episodios

  • Code, Community, and Cowboy Boots

    Code, Community, and Cowboy Boots
    Jun 27 2025

    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.


    CONNECT WITH MIKE 👨🏼‍🌾

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

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


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

    Email: mailto:tonya@reset-podcast.com


    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" 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
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    1 h y 1 m
  • What 25 Years with Cisco Taught Vladimirs About Building Trust & Long-Term Vision

    What 25 Years with Cisco Taught Vladimirs About Building Trust & Long-Term Vision
    Jun 16 2025

    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.


    CONNECT WITH VLADIMIRS 🎙️

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

    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.com
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonya
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203
    • Email: mailto:tonya@reset-podcast.com

    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 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
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    54 m
  • From Rotary Dials to GPT Files: A Life Wired for Wonder

    From Rotary Dials to GPT Files: A Life Wired for Wonder
    Jun 5 2025

    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.


    CONNECT WITH JOHN 🚊

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


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya

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

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203#

    • 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
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Growth Pathways: Small Business, Technology, & Community

    Growth Pathways: Small Business, Technology, & Community
    Jun 2 2025

    What happens when a brilliant mind trained in electrical engineering turns her talents toward community service and humanitarian aid? In this thought-provoking conversation, Harbir Bhatia reveals the surprising connections between corporate experience and community impact.


    Growing up in a Sikh tradition, Harbir was taught from age five that active participation in community service wasn't optional — it was a way of life. This foundation, combined with her father's feminist perspectives and her mother's strength, created a powerful template for leadership that would serve her throughout her career journey from Lockheed Martin to humanitarian aid for Ukraine and leadership at the Central Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.


    The most illuminating aspect of Harbir's story is how skills developed in corporate environments become invaluable tools for community service. As she explains, "These are not two separate worlds; it's a continuum." The analytical thinking, crisis resolution, and negotiation tactics she honed in technology companies enabled her to mobilize resources quickly when Ukraine needed generators during wartime. Her ability to frame humanitarian needs in business terms created win-win scenarios that delivered real-world results.


    Harbir and Tonya explore the changing landscape for small businesses in the AI era, suggesting we're at a pivotal moment where entrepreneurial ventures will accomplish more with fewer resources. They challenge the notion that enterprise is king, instead proposing that the pendulum is swinging back toward smaller, nimbler organizations that can leverage technology while maintaining the personal touch that creates community.


    As Harbir powerfully states, "Small businesses are the heart of any community."For those seeking to make meaningful change, whether in business or humanitarian efforts, this conversation offers a masterclass in applying professional skills to community challenges. Harbir's journey demonstrates that purpose and possibility merge when we bring our whole selves—with all our skills and passions—to every endeavor we undertake.


    CONNECT WITH HARBIR 🇺🇦

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

    • Web: https://www.SVCentralChamber.com/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya

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

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203#

    • 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
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    58 m
  • Airstreams, Shoes, & Startups: A Silicon Valley Story of Success through Service

    Airstreams, Shoes, & Startups: A Silicon Valley Story of Success through Service
    May 27 2025

    What happens when your career path zigzags across continents, disciplines, and roles? In this enlightening conversation, Keshia Theobald-van Gent reveals how her unconventional journey from Middle America to Laos, the Netherlands, and ultimately Silicon Valley shaped her distinct approach to venture capital.


    Named a 2025 Woman of Influence, Keshia shares how studying conflict, religion, and globalization — plus a chance meeting with her future husband — led her through roles in international development, AmeriCorps service, educational entrepreneurship, and eventually to her current position as Vice President at BDev Ventures. "The through line is probably a combination of service and learning," she explains, illuminating how these core values drive her work investing in B2B software companies at the late Series B to Series C stages.


    The conversation explores how Keshia's founder experience provides her with deeper empathy for entrepreneurs, allowing her to ask different questions than colleagues with traditional finance backgrounds. "I've cried those tears," she admits, describing her approach to giving honest, constructive feedback to founders, even when the answer is no. Her insights on navigating different company cultures reveal how her global experiences trained her to quickly adapt to varied systems and organizational dynamics.


    Beyond professional insights, Keshia and host Tonya Long discover delightful personal connections through their shared love of Airstreams, CrossFit, and comfortable yet uniquely stylish shoes. Their candid discussion about women's evolving roles in tech and venture capital highlights how Silicon Valley's culture has matured over the past decade, creating more opportunities for diverse leadership styles.


    Connect with Keshia on LinkedIn to learn more about her investment approach and how BDev Ventures provides systematic value to portfolio companies through their unique lead generation tools and operational expertise.


    CONNECT WITH KESHIA 🥿 👢👡

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

    • BDev Ventures: https://www.bdevventures.com/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya

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

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203#

    • 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.
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    58 m
  • Dollhouses, Downshifts, and the Role of Resilience in Transformation

    Dollhouses, Downshifts, and the Role of Resilience in Transformation
    May 19 2025
    What does it take to go from hauling water buckets in Nigeria to structuring billion-dollar deals on Wall Street to launching a cutting-edge venture capital fund? Belinda Ephraim's journey embodies a masterclass in resilience, strategic reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom. Growing up in Nigeria as the eldest of six children, Belinda's childhood was defined by both privilege and profound challenge. Sent to boarding school at age 10, she learned self-sufficiency by farming her own plot of land and carrying ten-gallon water containers when supplies ran short. These early experiences forged a resilience that would become her superpower through life's unexpected twists. When political turmoil forced her family to flee Nigeria and seek asylum in America, Belinda's world changed overnight. From attending private school on her family's dime, she suddenly had to drop out of university and work three jobs at a Marriott hotel to support herself and help her parents. Rather than surrendering to circumstances, she strategically consolidated three positions within the same company and eventually pivoted to wealth management where CNBC sparked her fascination with investment banking. The most compelling segment of our conversation challenges popular startup mythology. Drawing from her experience structuring over $37 billion in M&A deals and now raising$50 million for her deep tech venture fund TENSEUR Capital, Belinda boldly asserts that "venture capital is wrong for 90% of startups." She brilliantly illuminates why through the Atlassian case study – explaining how the company operated for eight years, reaching $58 million in revenue before taking venture money, allowing the founding team to maintain 75% ownership at IPO. Whether you're building a business, navigating a career transition, or simply searching for inspiration, Belinda's story reminds us that our greatest strength often emerges from our deepest challenges. Subscribe, share, and join us next week for another transformative conversation on Reset with Tonya. CONNECT WITH BELINDA 🌍 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaephraim/• NEO Industrialist Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ta9xGMeApvsnHshcdag44?si=97673b6fdf7247a0 CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️ • Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithtonya• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203#• 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.longCheck 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
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    59 m
  • From Circuits to Self-Love: An Engineer's Journey Through Loss & Transformation

    From Circuits to Self-Love: An Engineer's Journey Through Loss & Transformation
    May 9 2025
    What if the path to genuine happiness doesn't require adding anything to your life, but instead releasing what no longer serves you?Justin Wenck, PhD — former Intel leader turned emotional wellness expert — reveals how his journey through crippling depression launched him into an unexpected career helping others navigate their emotional landscapes. With disarming candor and gentle humor, Justin shares how traditional success left him feeling empty until personal crisis forced him to explore meditation, yoga, and a completely different relationship with himself."In any loss, there's so much to be gained," Justin explains, offering a refreshing perspective on life's difficult transitions. Whether discussing job loss, relationship endings, or even the death of loved ones, he illuminates how these painful experiences create space for profound growth and new possibilities. His engineering background brings a unique analytical approach to emotional intelligence, making complex psychological concepts accessible even to the most logical minds.The conversation takes fascinating turns as Justin and host Tonya explore the liberation that comes from releasing rigid identities, finding your authentic tribe, and the surprising power of curiosity as a pathway to joy. For listeners feeling trapped by success or struggling with transitions, Justin offers a simple yet transformative three-part breathing practice that can create immediate shifts in emotional state.Perhaps most compelling is Justin's vision for technology as our servant rather than our master. "The role of technology should be to serve us however we desire, period," he states with refreshing clarity, challenging listeners to reclaim their agency in an increasingly digital world.Whether you're navigating loss, seeking greater emotional balance, or simply curious about different paths to fulfillment, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt inspiration. CONNECT WITH JUSTIN 🎤Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/787193LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/justinwenckphd/ "Engineered to Love" book: https://www.engineeredtolove.com/Website: https://www.emotionsengineering.com/CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️ Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESETLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithtonyaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203# 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.longCheck 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
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    56 m
  • Code, Connect, Conquer: One Immigrant's Entrepreneurial Journey

    Code, Connect, Conquer: One Immigrant's Entrepreneurial Journey
    May 5 2025

    What happens when a Russian teenager relocates to America and discovers the power of trial and error in both cultural adaptation and technological innovation? In this captivating episode, Igor Krasnych takes us on his remarkable journey from a small Russian town to Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, revealing how life's pivotal moments shaped his approach to business, technology, and personal growth.


    Igor shares the fascinating story of arriving in California at 17 and experiencing culture shock—not from language barriers alone, but from the overwhelming abundance of consumer choices that Americans take for granted. This experience taught him patience and deep listening skills that later became invaluable in his business pursuits. His early introduction to computers, sparked by his nuclear scientist father, ignited a passion for technology that evolved from playing rudimentary games to building websites through sheer determination and experimentation.


    The conversation takes a profound turn when Igor discusses his entrepreneurial philosophy. Having learned from multiple "failed" startups, he advocates for testing ideas in the market before investing significant resources. "Don't build it and hope they'll come," he advises. "Have conversations first, secure pre-commitments, even if small, to validate demand." This practical wisdom applies universally, whether launching a product or service.


    As our discussion explores networking, Igor challenges conventional thinking about connections. Quality trumps quantity, he argues, and effective introductions require understanding mutual value exchange between parties. His guiding principle — "be a giver, not a taker" — resonates throughout his approach to business relationships and content creation.


    Looking toward the future, Igor offers a bold prediction: AI will fundamentally change how businesses scale, allowing entrepreneurs to reach seven to nine figures with fewer employees than ever before. This isn't just theoretical—he's seeing it happen already.


    Whether you're navigating significant life transitions, starting a business, or simply trying to understand how technology is reshaping work, Igor's journey offers valuable insights on resilience, strategic thinking, and embracing possibility.


    Subscribe now to hear more transformative stories that reveal what happens when purpose meets possibility.


    CONNECT WITH IGOR 🎤

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

    • Website: https://technweb.com/


    CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️

    • Podcast: https://reset-podcast.com

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESET

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonya

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

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203#

    • 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/!
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    57 m