In the latest episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I engage in a compelling conversation with Mike Todasco, a distinguished figure in the tech world and former member of the original PayPal team. Mike brings a wealth of experience and insight into the discussion, shedding light on how innovation has shaped his career and continues to influence the tech landscape.
Their conversation traverses Mike’s transformative journey from PayPal to his current role as an AI expert, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation in both personal and professional contexts. Mike elaborates on the nuances of patents and the evolution of mobile technology, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in driving innovation.
One of the standout topics is the impact of artificial intelligence across various fields. Mike explores how AI is revolutionizing ideation, healthcare, and voting while stressing the need for organizations to learn from past failures and cultivate a culture of risk and creativity. He also discusses the concept of decoupling rewards from results, drawing on insights from the poker player mindset, and how this approach can reshape our understanding of success and failure in innovation.
Name: Mike Todascoi
Title: Visiting Fellow
Company: San Diego State University
Mike Todasco is a former Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and a current Visiting Fellow at San Diego State University. With a remarkable track record in the tech industry, Mike has a portfolio of over 100 patents at PayPal, fostering a culture of innovation among 20,000+ employees. He is an expert in AI and innovation, exploring how AI can drive creativity and transform both business processes and personal tasks. Mike believes in democratizing access to advanced technology, enabling anyone to innovate without deep technical expertise.
