The Disciplined Troublemakers
The Disciplined Troublemakers Podcast is a weekly show exploring how technology CEOs and their teams are scaling, expand profitability, and exiting their companies – on their terms. Hosted by Scott Shagory, Disciplined Troublemakers is designed to provide technology CEOs and leaders with insights they can use immediately in their companies and organizations.
Unifying Proactive Cybersecurity with Ketan Nilangekar

Ketan Nilangekar is the founder and CEO of ThreatWorx, which delivers a unified solution for proactive cybersecurity, combining application and container security, vulnerability and third-party risk management, and threat intelligence into one seamless platform – called ThreatWatch. Prior to founding ThreatWorx in 2018, Ketan was a technical director at Veritas and prior to this worked for Symantec, Juniper Networks and Cisco. Ketan has a BS and MCS in computer science and patents focused on vulnerability detection and creating snapshots and backups
Quotes
"Think of proactive cybersecurity measures as vaccines, inoculating your enterprise against digital threats." - Keta...
Go-To-Market Strategies That Scale with Chris Kirsch

Welcome back to The Disciplined Troublemakers. In this episode, we discuss successful tech company strategies with Chris Kirsch, Founder and CEO of the Cyber Marketing Clinic and former CEO of RunZero. Chris brings extensive expertise in product marketing and growth from startups to Series A companies. We'll explore establishing a clear Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), the importance of adaptable messaging, transitioning from founder-led sales to scalable models, and developing effective sales strategies. We'll also touch on pricing, product-led growth (PLG), and achieving product-market fit. Chris will share tips on distinguishing between users and economic buyers, building business cases for new...
Managing IT Services and Cybersecurity with Earl Foote

Welcome back to The Disciplined Troublemakers. In this episode, we explore IT services and cybersecurity with Earl Foote, the founder and CEO of Nexus IT Consultants, a MSSP based in Utah and a 3x founder on the INC 5000 list. Nexus IT Consultants provides white-glove IT support and services specializing in outsourced IT support, cybersecurity, compliance, and cloud solutions. Nexus offers managed services to organizations of all sizes and sectors. The company was recently ranked #41 out of 154 Utah businesses as a top place to work in 2024 by the Salt Lake Tribune. In his personal time, Earl is a huge music enthusiast with...
Buying Profitable Businesses with Managing Partner Daniel Sweet

Welcome back to The Disciplined Troublemakers. In this episode, we explore forecasting and financial systems for risk mitigation and business performance. Daniel shares a story of a startup with cash flow problems despite a successful product, emphasizing the need for financial management. We discuss strategies for tech CEOs to increase company value through profit generation, recurring revenue, and task delegation. We also address the aspects of preparing a business for sale, including planning, externalizing finances, and using technology for growth.
Join us to enhance your business skills and position your company for success. Let's dive in!
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Owning Your Tech Company's Financial Truth with Anthony Nitsos

In Episode 4 of The Disciplined Troublemakers, our exceptional guest Anthony Nitsos delves into the SaaS industry's evolution towards a targeted go-to-market approach. Explore product pricing strategies and negotiation dynamics, influenced by business expert Frederick Pohl. Uncover Anthony's expert guidance on navigating SaaS finance and overcoming market disruptions. Gain valuable insights into the CFO's pivotal role in managing cash flow and key metrics like ARR and NRR. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the SaaS landscape, filled with practical advice for CEOs and founders tackling today's obstacles.
Quotes
"Businesses empower individuals to fulfill responsibilities and...
Addressing Hallucinations - LLMs You Can Trust with Scott Cohen

Welcome back to Disciplined Trouble Makers! In this episode, we'll dive into the AI world with Scott Cohen from Jackson AI, known for groundbreaking work with the Department of Defense. Scott explores AI's ROI, scalability, and the buzz around AI hallucination. Uncover Jackson AI's unique strategies and the importance of human creativity in the age of advanced AI. Discover their commercial shift and funding goals, bringing AI capabilities to the forefront. Tune in to learn how Jackson AI combines innovation with confidence for the future of AI.
Quotes
"If we solely relied on AI, the...
Negotiating with a Psychological Edge with Al McBride

In this episode of "Disciplined Trouble Makers," negotiation and communication coach Al Mcbride shares valuable insights on the complexities of negotiation. Discover the impact of emotions and mindset, the value of trust and rapport, and effective strategies for creating deals. Join host Scott Shagory and Al Mcbride to gain a fresh perspective and practical advice for navigating negotiation in today's business environment.
Quotes
"Exercising bravery involves taking a step outside the familiar confines and expressing your needs with assertiveness."–Al Mcbride
"Negotiation is all about adopting better rituals, letting go of what doesn't serve yo...
Defining Cybersecurity in Economic Terms with CEO Joe Saunders

In this episode of "Disciplined Trouble Makers," host Scott Shagory engages in a captivating conversation with Joe Saunders, the CEO and founder of RunSafe Security. Together, they delve into the dynamic world of cybersecurity and tech entrepreneurship. From addressing the pressing need for memory safety in the government sector to navigating the intricacies of building a resilient tech company, Scott and Joe share insights and valuable lessons learned from their experiences in the industry. Join them as they explore the significance of memory safety, discuss the nuances of tech company growth, and highlight the power of improv in fostering effective...
Pilot Episode

Get ready to embark on a journey into the world of tech innovation and entrepreneurship with the debut episode of the Disciplined Troublemakers Podcast!
Join me, your host, Scott Shagory, as we dive headfirst into the dynamic universe of technology CEOs and their incredible stories of scaling, profitability, and successful exits.
In this weekly show, we'll unravel the secrets of visionary leaders who dared to challenge the status quo, disrupt industries, and build extraordinary companies – all on their own terms.
Tune in to gain exclusive insights that will empower tech CEOs and leaders to el...