Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership

Mark Johnson, co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, talks about sparking innovation in leaders, emerging AI tools reshaping business, and how automation and custom software are transforming industries. From his TED Talk to spotting game-changing startups at South by Southwest, Mark shares insights on trust, technology adoption, and why relationships still matter in a digital-first world.

Chapters:
(00:00) South by Southwest Stories and Kidney Stones
(05:20) TED Talk on Innovation and Leadership
(10:30) AI Tools Shaping the Future of Software Development
(17:45) Trust, Agents, and Human Connection
(23:50) Trends from South by Southwest and Automate
(31:10) The Role of Tech Week Grand Rapids in Inspiring Future Innovators

Creators and Guests

Host
Josh Barker
Josh Barker is the CEO of City Innovations, specializing in turning ideas into market traction.

What is Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership?

Behind every brand is a person.
We share their unheard stories as their journeys unfold.

Brand in the Making is a raw, unscripted podcast featuring founders, creators, and thought leaders who are building something meaningful. These are the voices you haven’t heard yet—captured in real time, before the headlines.

Each episode takes you inside the process: the sparks, the setbacks, and the strategies that shape personal brands and breakout businesses.

If you're curious about what it takes to build a brand that matters, this is your front-row seat.

Presented by ThinkTank Thought Leadership — the content engine for ambitious leaders.