Tales From The PROS

Tales from the PROS is hosted by Michael Georgiou, Co-Founder, and Eric Lawrence, Director of Growth at Imaginovation, an award-winning app and software development company. Each episode dives into honest, unscripted conversations, hard-earned lessons, and educational insight into how to help bridge the gap between technology and people. If you’re a founder, exec, or innovator trying to navigate the tech world without getting burned, this podcast is your no-BS roadmap. Through real talk, personal stories, and insights from the front lines, you’ll pick up smarter ways to build software, steer clear of common mistakes, and choose the right partners in a crowded, often confusing space. Whether you’re scaling a startup, driving digital change at a larger company, or just love keeping up with tech innovation, Tales from the PROS brings you straight-shooting advice and inspiration without the fluff.

Tales From The PROS is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 89 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 82. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Tales From The PROS, a business show with 89 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #88

  Where the Smart Money in Tech is Going (feat. Jim Ferry)

  Aug 12, 202642 minS3

  In this episode of Tales from the Pros, hosts Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence sit down with Jim Ferry, a partner at Volition Capital, to explore what investors are really looking for in AI and technology businesses in 2026. With experience evaluating thousands of companies and investing in high-growth, founder-owned businesses, Jim shares how investors assess startups, founders, technology, and market opportunities in a rapidly changing AI landscape. The conversation dives into what makes a technology business durable, why defensibility matters more than ever, and how AI and vibe coding are changing the way products are built and scaled. From technical debt and product validation to market fit, long-term vision, and the future of AI-powered automation, this episode offers practical insights for founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone building or investing in technology. Highlights You Won't Want to Miss What investors are really looking for in AI and tech businesses Why durability and defensibility are critical in the AI era How investors evaluate founders and management, teams The impact of vibe coding and AI tools on product development When should startups move from prototypes to scalable technology Why technical debt matters when a company begins to scale How convenience can create lasting value even when technology is easy to replicate Why niche markets and difficult-to-replicate products can become strong businesses What categories of technology are attracting investor attention in 2026 Why founders need to think beyond short-term revenue goals How AI agents could transform the way we work and live Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros Key Takeaways In the AI era, durability may matter more than simply having an AI-powered product. Businesses need defensibility through factors such as proprietary data, distribution, integrations, network effects, or other durable advantages. Investors evaluate people and execution just as closely as the product and market. Vibe coding can accelerate product validation, but commercially scalable products still require strong technology, security, compliance, and infrastructure. Not every company needs to build everything in-house; convenience, cost, and maintenance can make third-party software the better choice. A large TAM does not automatically mean a large opportunity. The actual serviceable market and ideal customer profile matter. Founders need to balance short-term execution with a three-to-five-year vision. AI is likely to create new types of work as it automates existing tasks and workflows. The companies that stand out may be those that can use AI while maintaining a durable competitive advantage. Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to experiment with AI can become an important advantage for individuals and businesses. Topics We Cover AI investing and technology trends in 2026 Startup investment criteria and growth equity Business durability and competitive defensibility AI-native businesses and the AI transformation Vibe coding, no-code tools, and product validation Technical debt and scalable product development Founder evaluation and management teams Product-market fit and ideal customer profiles TAM, SAM, and market opportunity Long-term business strategy and growth AI agents and the future of work Building technology businesses that are difficult to replicate ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Investment Trends in Tech 02:59 — Jim Ferry's Journey and Volition Capital's Strategy 05:48 — Understanding the Importance of People in Investment 08:26 — Evaluating Products in the Age of AI 11:09 — The Durability Question in Tech Investments 13:57 — Navigating Technical Debt and Product Development 16:35 — The Role of No-Code Tools in Product Validation 19:26 — Convenience vs. Custom Solutions in Software Development 21:11 — The Niche of Pet Screening in Property Management 23:37 — Investment Trends in AI and Technology 27:03 — Navigating the Evolving Landscape of AI Solutions 29:54 — Understanding Market Dynamics and Product Fit 32:45 — Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Gains in Business 35:46 — The Future of AI and Its Impact on Work

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  Episode #86

  Ep 86 - How to Scale Your Funded Startup App for Success

  Jul 8, 202650 minS3

  In this episode of Tales from the Pros, hosts Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence sit down with Jonathan Maxim, founder of Viral App Launch, to discuss what it really takes to turn an app idea into a successful business. Drawing from hundreds of app launches and years of experience helping startups grow, Jonathan shares why most founders struggle after building their product and why success depends far more on mindset, patience, and execution than simply having a great idea. The conversation explores everything from validating product-market fit and optimizing onboarding to scaling user acquisition, raising capital, and building sustainable growth. Jonathan also explains why founders should focus on solving one problem exceptionally well instead of trying to build the next billion-dollar platform. If you're building a startup, launching a SaaS product, or trying to grow your mobile app, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss • Why most startup apps fail after launch • The biggest marketing mistakes first-time founders make • How to validate product-market fit before scaling • Why onboarding can make or break your app • The framework Jonathan uses to grow apps from 1,000 to 10,000 users • How to think about customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) • Why niche products outperform broad "build everything" apps • The mindset every entrepreneur needs to overcome setbacks • How AI is changing app development—and what won't change • Why finding joy in the process is essential for long-term success 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 💡 Key Takeaways • Great products don't guarantee successful businesses—execution does. • Validate your product before investing heavily in growth. • Optimize your onboarding experience before increasing marketing spend. • Focus on solving one problem exceptionally well. • Patience, resilience, and persistence matter more than overnight success. • Founders should use customer feedback as data, not as personal criticism. • AI is a powerful tool, but vision and strategy still belong to entrepreneurs. • The businesses that endure are built by founders who enjoy the journey, not just the destination. 🗂 Topics We Cover • Startup app development and growth • Product-market fit validation • App marketing and user acquisition • Customer onboarding optimization • Customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) • Startup funding and scaling strategies • AI and the future of app development • Entrepreneurship, mindset, and resilience ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Why scaling an app is harder than building one 02:30 — Jonathan's startup journey and lessons from Viral App Launch 06:30 — Why startups succeed or fail 13:20 — Common app marketing mistakes founders make 18:20 — The framework for scaling from 1,000 to 10,000 users 25:30 — Startup funding, risk, and founder mindset 36:10 — Where AI is taking app development 45:40 — Why finding joy in your work matters 47:50 — Final advice for founders and entrepreneurs

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  Episode #85

  Ep 85 - Leading Change: Turning Disruption Into Results

  Jun 3, 202623 minS3

  In this episode of Tales from the Pros , hosts Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence sit down with change management and enablement leader Cesar Viana Teague to explore one of the biggest challenges organizations face today: leading people through change. From ERP rollouts and CRM adoption to AI-driven transformation, Cesar explains why successful change is about more than new systems or training. It’s about people. Drawing on decades of experience in sales, enablement, and organizational leadership, Cesar explains why resistance occurs, how leaders can build buy-in, and what it takes to guide teams through disruption. The conversation covers his APEEE framework for managing change, the importance of communication and stakeholder alignment, and how AI is reshaping the way organizations work. If you're implementing new technology, navigating organizational change, or preparing your team for an AI-powered future, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss Why most change initiatives struggle with adoption The difference between technical change and people-focused change management Why communication and alignment matter during transformation Cesar’s APEEE framework for leading successful change The biggest reasons employees resist change How leaders can build buy-in before implementation begins Why ERP and enterprise systems create complex organizational challenges How AI is driving both automation and augmentation in business 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 💡 Key Takeaways Change management starts with explaining the “why” behind the change Technology adoption depends on people—not just systems and training Clear communication helps reduce resistance and confusion Leaders must address how change impacts employees directly Innovation requires cultures that support experimentation and risk AI can free teams from low-value tasks and enable higher-value work Strong leadership depends on trust, transparency, and emotional intelligence Change is a continuous process, not a one-time initiative 🗂 Topics We Cover Change management and organizational transformation Leadership communication and stakeholder alignment ERP, CRM, and enterprise technology adoption Employee resistance and change readiness The APEEE change management framework AI, automation, and augmentation Organizational culture and innovation Leadership, trust, and employee buy-in ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Why leading change is harder than implementing technology 01:05 — Cesar’s background in enablement and change management 04:30 — Early lessons from solving people challenges 08:00 — ERP systems, disruption, and adoption challenges 11:00 — Scope explosion, communication, and alignment 13:00 — Understanding the APEEE framework 16:30 — Why people resist change and how leaders create buy-in 20:10 — AI, automation, and the future of organizational change

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  Episode #84

  Ep 84 - Discovery First: How Great Digital Products Get It Right Early

  May 20, 202624 minS3

  In this episode of Tales from the Pros, hosts Eric Lawrence and Zach Bruno dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical stages of product development—the discovery phase. While many founders rush straight into design and development, skipping discovery often leads to wasted budgets, overbuilt products, and solutions users never actually wanted. Zach shares insights from leading discovery for hundreds of digital products, from startups to enterprise applications, explaining why validation matters more than speed, how teams can avoid costly product mistakes, and why discovery should never be treated as “just paperwork.” The conversation explores how AI tools and rapid prototyping are changing the way teams validate ideas, why user feedback must be balanced with product vision, and how discovery creates alignment across stakeholders before a single line of code is written. If you're building a digital product, validating an MVP, or trying to avoid expensive development mistakes, this episode offers a practical breakdown of how successful teams approach product discovery in today’s AI-driven world. 🎯 Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss Why skipping discovery leads to wasted development budgets The biggest misconceptions founders have about product discovery Why validation matters more than building fast The balance between user feedback and product vision How AI is changing MVP development and rapid prototyping The difference between solving your own problem vs solving a market need Why overbuilding products hurts startups How discovery helps teams align before development starts 🎧 Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros 💡 Key Takeaways Discovery is about validating ideas before investing heavily in development Great products solve real user problems, not just “cool ideas” Rapid prototyping helps teams gather feedback earlier and reduce risk AI tools are making MVP creation faster and more accessible User feedback should guide product direction, but vision still matters Strong discovery creates alignment between stakeholders, designers, and developers Overbuilding products too early creates unnecessary complexity and cost Discovery is not a one-time step—it’s an ongoing product process 🗂 Topics We Cover Product discovery and validation MVP strategy and rapid prototyping User feedback and product-market fit AI tools and vibe coding Discovery workshops and stakeholder alignment Product planning and development strategy Scalable product development The future of AI-driven product discovery ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Why skipping discovery kills products 03:00 — The biggest mistakes founders make early 08:00 — Validation vs building fast 12:30 — User feedback and product vision 17:20 — Discovery deliverables that actually matter 22:00 — AI tools and rapid MVP creation 28:00 — When to move from prototype to scalable product 33:00 — Solving your own problem vs market needs 38:00 — The future of AI-driven product discovery

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  Episode #83

  Ep 83 - The Truth About Building Great Apps: Michael vs. Eric (Unfiltered)

  May 6, 202644 minS3

  In this episode of Tales from the Pros, hosts Michael Georgiou and Eric Lawrence have an unfiltered conversation about what actually makes great apps successful in today’s tech landscape. From overrated app features and startup mistakes to AI, user experience, and product strategy, the episode dives into the realities of building software that people genuinely want to use. Michael and Eric break down why many startups focus on the wrong things too early, including referral systems, rewards programs, and unnecessary features that don’t create real value for users. They also discuss the importance of user-centric product development, validating ideas through feedback, and understanding that successful apps are built around user behavior — not founder assumptions. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in software development and workplace communication. While AI is rapidly changing how products are built and how teams operate, both hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining empathy, emotional intelligence, and authentic human connection in an increasingly automated world. Along the way, the episode touches on innovative app ideas, the unpredictability of the tech industry, choosing the right startup partners, and why building software today requires both adaptability and strong human intuition. If you're building an app, launching a startup, or trying to navigate the fast-changing world of technology and AI, this episode delivers practical lessons, honest perspectives, and real-world insights from experienced founders. Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss Why rewards and referral systems may be overused in modern apps The importance of building products for users instead of catering to personal preferences Why offline functionality remains one of the most underrated app features How AI is reshaping software development and workplace expectations The importance of balancing AI with an authentic human connection Common startup mistakes founders make when choosing business partners Why user feedback should guide every stage of app development How emotional intelligence still matters in tech Creative app ideas that gamify everyday experiences Why the tech industry often feels unpredictable and constantly evolving Listen and Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QkUtrcNllUkqtq1fjlwnZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-pros/id1371067192 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imaginovation/podcasts SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/talesfromthepros Key Takeaways Great apps solve real user problems instead of chasing trends Referral and rewards systems are not always necessary for growth User-centric design remains one of the most important principles in software development AI can improve workflows, but human creativity and empathy still matter Founders should validate demand before expanding feature sets Strong business partnerships are critical for startup success Smart personalization can improve engagement without overwhelming users Technology should enhance human experiences, not replace them Topics We Cover App development and product strategy User experience and customer-centric design AI in software development Startup mistakes and founder lessons Mobile app innovation Referral systems and rewards programs Human-centered technology Product validation and user feedback The future of AI in the workplace The realities of the tech industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to App Development Insights 03:10 Overrated Features in App Development 06:17 Essential Features Apps Should Have 08:43 The Buzzwords of Tech 11:08 AI's Role in Software Development 13:44 The Human Element in Tech 22:31 The Rise of AI and Human Innovation 25:14 Navigating AI's Impact on Human Skills 26:01 Common Startup Mistakes: Choosing Partners Wisely 29:01 User-Centric Product Development 32:46 Fun App Ideas: Gamifying Everyday Tasks 39:26 The Tech Industry: A Roller Coaster Ride 43:52 Episode Wrap-Up

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