Innovantage Podcast

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov sits down with Stijn Staes — Founder of Stappen met Stijn, trusted transformation counselor, and podcast host — for an eye-opening conversation on leadership, diversity, and the evolving partnership between humans and agentic AI. Whether you’re navigating your first leadership role or driving transformation at scale, this episode is packed with practical insights and tho...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov interviews Thiago de Faria, Senior Solutions Architect at AWS and a recognized Team Topologies expert, to discuss how organizations can modernize their architecture, scale engineering teams effectively, and implement AI strategies that actually work. Whether you're a CTO, software architect, DevOps lead, or tech-savvy founder, this episode offers actionable advice on how ...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov explores the science and art of pitching with Robin De Cock — Professor of Entrepreneurship at Antwerp Management School and author of Mastering the Pitch. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or just want to level up your storytelling, this episode delivers powerful, research-backed advice to help you win hearts and minds in milliseconds.

Discover how to:

➡️ Make ...

In this episode of the Innovantage podcast, we explore how AI agents are reshaping sales and business strategy with Frank Sondors, founder of Salesforge. Frank is leading the charge in building AI-powered sales engines that don’t just automate — they outperform.

Why Listen?

In this episode, we unpack what AI agents actually are, how they differ from basic automation, and how companies can use them to create smarter, faster, and m...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max dives into the future of digital customer experience with a special guest — Tomer Azenkot, CEO of Vee24. Drawing from his deep expertise in blending AI-driven automation with human-led interactions, Tomer explains why a balanced approach is key to truly delighting customers and forging lasting relationships online.

Tomer reveals real-world success stories, common mi...

On this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we dive into the real-world impact of AI in business with Maxime Vermeir, Senior Director of AI Strategy at ABBYY. Maxime has been in the AI space long before it became a buzzword.

Why Listen?

In this conversation, we cut through the noise to discuss what’s actually working in AI adoption, where companies are wasting time and money, and how businesses can navigate the next evolution of ...

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, host Max dives deep into the evolving landscape of data, analytics, and AI with a special guest — Dr. Carsten Bange, Founder & CEO of BARC and host of The Data Culture Podcast.

With over 25 years of experience in data strategy, governance, and AI, Carsten shares his expert insights on how businesses can truly embrace a data-driven culture and navigate the AI revolution in ...

What does it take to separate AI hype from real innovation? How do investors assess risk when betting on AI startups? And why are cybersecurity and scalability the hidden deal-breakers in tech M&A?

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Agu Aarna, Co-Founder & Partner at Intium Tech. With deep expertise in M&A, AI strategy, and investment due diligence, Agu has helped investors navigate high-stakes...

What separates a good founder from a unicorn founder? How do venture capitalists identify the next billion-dollar company before the world catches on? And what does it take to build a genuinely resilient startup in today’s rapidly changing fintech landscape?

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, we sit down with Mike Sigal, a Venture Partner at GPO Fund and MiddleGame Ventures. He has spent over two decades on both sides of t...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov speaks with Laimonas Sutkus, a Fractional CTO and Tech Advisor with over a decade of experience in AI startups, fintech, and health tech. Laimonas brings a unique perspective on the role of fractional CTOs and their game-changing impact on early-stage startups.

Key Topics Covered: ➡️ Laimonas’ Journey: From launching AI and SaaS startups to becoming a fractional CTO. ➡️...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov is joined by Michael Dowden, a seasoned technology leader, international speaker, and serverless expert with over 30 years of experience in software development and consulting. Michael breaks down the serverless revolution, explaining how it’s transforming infrastructure, driving innovation, and helping businesses scale efficiently.

Key Takeaways: ➡️ What the serverless...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov is joined by Kimberly Mouvet, Educational Software Specialist and Product Owner at Sensotec, to explore the transformative role of AI in inclusive education. With her background in linguistics and education, Kimberly shares how AI is reshaping learning environments, making education more accessible and personalized for students of all abilities.

Key Takeaways: ➡️ How to m...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Maxim Golikov sits down with Stijn Viaene, Full Professor and Head of Technology & Operations Management at Vlerick Business School and KU Leuven, to explore how AI is driving digital transformation and empowering enterprises to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

Key Insights You’ll Learn: ➡️ How to define and implement digital transformation for long-term succes...

In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max Golikov dives into the transformative power of AI with two expert guests—William De Prêtre, Head of AI at AllKind Group, and Artem Pochechuev, Head of Data and AI at Sigli. Together, they dispel myths, address common challenges, and share actionable insights about implementing AI in organizations.

Discover how to: ➡️ Prepare your organization for successful AI adoption. ➡️ Levera...

In this episode of the Innovantage podcast, host Max Golikov speaks with Nina Pivavarchyk, Head of People and Culture at Sigli, about the essential role of people and culture in business success. Nina shares how a people-centric approach goes beyond traditional HR, aligning company goals with employee well-being to foster a positive work environment. Through real-world examples and insights on leadership’s role in shaping culture, ...

In this Innovantage episode, host Max Golikov sits down with Hans Arents, Senior Advisor for Digital Government at Digitaal Vlaanderen, to explore the Flemish Government’s journey towards an AI-powered, data-driven future. With over two decades in digital transformation, Hans shares insights on his career path, the AI initiatives in place to improve public service efficiency, and the challenges of implementing AI in the public sect...

In this episode of Innovantage, Max Golikov sits down with Maarten Verschuere, Founder of Cleverland.io, keynote speaker, and an expert in emerging technologies. With over 20 years of experience, Maarten shares his journey from data science consultancy to founding the AI-driven startup Clever, which was later acquired by Zoovu.

Key Highlights:

• The Interaction Economy and AI’s role in customer experience: Get explanation how con...

In this episode of the Innovantage Podcast, Max, Chief Business Development Officer at Sigli, is joined by Žygimantas Kocius, Chief Information Officer at Topo Centras, one of the largest retailers in the Baltics. They dive deep into how IT management and digital transformation reshape the retail industry. From optimizing business operations to enhancing customer experiences, discover how technology drives innovation in the retail ...

In this episode, join Max and Brent Christiaens, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Seven Capital, as they dive into the transformative world of dual-use technology and artificial intelligence. Discover how innovations designed initially for defense reshape the commercial sector, driving cutting-edge advancements across industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Dual-Use Technology: From military innovations like drones and AI-driven cybersecu...