E65 Inventing the Future: What It Takes to Lead, Build, and Inspire in Tech

Описание: Pete Bernard’s journey spans from launching firmware startups in high school to leading major innovations at Microsoft and now reshaping the global conversation around Edge AI. In this conversation, Pete breaks down the mindset behind product innovation, why timing and customer clarity matter more than features, and how conviction, collaboration, and education play critical roles in staying ahead in fast-evolving tech landscapes.

From financial planning in billion-dollar product teams to bootstrapping startups, Pete offers a transparent, practical look at decision-making across business models. And at the heart of it all? A commitment to empowering people—with knowledge, with access, and with the courage to lead.

🧠 Show Notes / Talking Points
🔹 The Journey
Started building software in high school in New Jersey
Moved from Boston to Silicon Valley for early tech roles and startups
Joined Microsoft, where he spent nearly 20 years building products like Zune, Windows Phone, and Azure IoT
Now leads the EDGE AI Foundation, formerly tinyML, based in Seattle, WA
🔹 Innovation & Product Building
Great products aren’t just cool—they solve real, specific problems for real people.
Timing in the market is often more critical than the tech itself.
Microsoft taught him to think at scale: “If it’s not a billion-dollar business, it’s not worth doing here.”
🔹 Leadership & Conviction
Conviction in the vision is essential: “That conviction permeates the whole organization.”
Leadership means making the hard financial and strategic decisions early—and not waiting for someone else to do it.
🔹 Education & Access in AI
Pete’s vision for the EDGE AI Foundation: “Not just about accelerating business, but empowering people through knowledge.”
The Foundation supports scholarships, education programs, and global tech community-building.
🔹 Financial Planning Lessons
Startup mode: Focused on smart capital allocation, high growth expectations.
Corporate innovation: Every project had to justify billion-dollar ROI and high margins.
Nonprofit mode: Still solving problems and creating value, just for a different kind of “customer.”
💬 Memorable Quotes
“You kind of know where things are heading—you just don’t know when. That’s the hardest part.”
“Don’t fall in love with your product. Fall in love with the problem you’re solving.”
“The timing is now. There’s never been a better time to come up with a great idea.”
“If you’re not getting started now, you’re going to have to replan in 6 months anyway.”
“You’ve got to make the hard decisions early. Better you make them than your boss.”
“Even in a nonprofit, we think about value propositions. Are we exceeding what our community needs?”
“Conviction in your vision—that’s what it takes to sit in the decision-maker’s seat.”