Beginner's Mind
Blueprints for Builders and Investors
Hosted by Christian Soschner
From pre-seed to post-IPO, every company—especially in deep tech, biotech, AI, and climate tech—lives or dies by the frameworks it follows.
On Beginner’s Mind, Christian Soschner uncovers the leadership principles behind the world’s most impactful companies—through deep-dive interviews, strategic book reviews, and patterns drawn from history’s greatest business, military, and political minds.
With over 200 interviews, panels, and livestreams, the show ranks in the Top 10% globally—and is recognized as the #1 deep tech podcast.
With 35+ years across M&A, company building, board roles, business schools, ultrarunning, and martial arts, Christian brings a rare lens:
What it really takes to turn breakthrough science into business—how to grow it, lead it, and shape the world around it.
🎙 Expect each episode to deliver:
- Founder & Investor Blueprints: How breakthrough technologies scale from lab to IPO
- Historical & Biographical Frameworks: Timeless playbooks from the world's great builders
- Leadership & Communication Mastery: Tools to inspire, persuade, and lead at scale
Whether you're building the next biotech success, investing in AI, or leading a climate tech company through hypergrowth—this podcast gives you the edge.
Listen in. Apply what matters. Build companies that last.
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Beginner's Mind
EP 141: Alessandro Morra - How AI-Powered Robotics Will Transform Security—Are You Prepared for the Future?
Many companies today face increasing security challenges, yet few are leveraging the power of AI and robotics to protect their most critical assets. But what if these groundbreaking technologies could not only reduce costs but also provide a more efficient and secure future? In this episode, Alessandro Morra, CEO of Ascento, shares how AI-powered robotics are reshaping industries and why embracing this transformation is essential for future success.
🎙️ What's in the Episode:
1️⃣ AI & Robotics in Security: Discover how AI-driven robots are revolutionizing the way companies safeguard their outdoor properties, from manufacturing plants to data centers.
2️⃣ Overcoming Challenges: Learn how Alessandro Morra navigated unexpected obstacles and breakthroughs, including viral moments that helped Ascento achieve product-market fit.
3️⃣ The Future of Automation: Explore the next frontier of robotics and AI, and how these innovations will enable the workforce to focus on higher-value tasks.
👤 About Alessandro Morra:
Alessandro Morra is the visionary CEO of Ascento, a company specializing in AI-powered robotic guards designed to patrol large outdoor properties. His mission is to transform the security industry by leveraging the latest advances in robotics and AI to offer smarter, more efficient solutions to companies across sectors like manufacturing, energy, and luxury goods.
💡 QUOTES:
(41:01) "With robotics, we're just starting to scratch the surface of what's possible. "
(50:46) "We found a great problem for our overly engineered solution, and that changed everything."
(01:15:48) "We see robotics as a pivotal moment in innovation, and we're just getting started."
(01:20:16) "Fundraising is like building a company - you need a plan to be profitable."
(01:47:10) "We want to help the workforce of the future focus on what people do best."
⏰ Timestamps:
(10:10) From Zurich to Startup Success: Alessandro's Journey
(11:40) How Ascento robots were created
(29:28) How Robots Are Transforming Security and Reducing Costs
(41:19) Unlocking the Future of Security with Robotics and Data
(50:44) Viral videos: the unexpected boost that propelled Ascento forward
(51:50) From Viral Videos to Focused Solutions: Ascento's Journey to Product-Market Fit
(01:09:49) Expanding Beyond Borders: The Inevitability of Global Expansion
(01:16:34) Ascento's Vision: From Security to Predictive Maintenance
(01:27:01) "Fundraising is like dating - do your due diligence!"
(01:44:40) Will robotics revolutionize human tasks in the next decade? Morra's vision for Ascento's future
Books mentioned:
The Power Law
The Hard Things About Hard Things
Influence Cialdini
Meditations
If you’re ready to explore how AI and robotics are transforming industries and ensuring a safer future, this episode is a must-watch. Subscribe, comment, and share to help us grow the show and bring you more groundbreaking insights from leaders like Alessandro Morra.
👀 Stay Tuned:
Watch the entire episode to discover how robotics can unlock new efficiencies and opportunities in security and beyond.
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