Developing Platforms, Defining Purpose

Developing Platforms, Defining Purpose

Author: RNCN February 28, 2026 Duration: 29:40

On this episode of The Road Why, Ed Christmas sits down with Dr. Michael Thompson, Chairman and President of Sikhona, Inc., to discuss his path in technology and software development. They talk about his journey from hands-on systems work to telecom leadership, and his experience building a growing suite of digital apps and platforms in a competitive market. Dr. Thompson also shares his perspective on creating social media spaces intended to give African Americans room to “speak truth,” a theme reflected in Sikhona’s “We Are Here” manifesto. A practical conversation about entrepreneurship, scaling software products, and lessons learned along the way.


Ed Christmas, founder and president of a tech firm, found a pivotal question echoing through the strange quiet of the 2020 pandemic: “What’s Your Why?”. For him, it crystallized around two persistent issues-the digital divide and the under-representation of Black professionals in technology and entrepreneurship. The Road to Why with Ed Christmas grew from that moment of reflection. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of genuine, meandering conversations with experts and insiders from across the tech landscape. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair to a dialogue that’s already in progress, where the destination is less important than the journey of the discussion itself. You’ll hear stories about the real hurdles faced in building inclusive companies, the personal motivations that drive innovators, and the practical, often unglamorous work being done to bridge gaps in access and opportunity. The podcast moves beyond simple diagnosis, delving into the nuanced “how” and, more importantly, the deeper “why” behind these systemic challenges. It’s for anyone curious about the human stories powering the business of technology, offering perspective from voices that are crucial yet often overlooked in mainstream tech narratives. Tune in for thoughtful exchanges that challenge assumptions and explore the foundational purposes guiding people’s work in this field.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 14

The Road to Why with Ed Christmas
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