Dare to Disrupt
Dare to Disrupt Episode 34: Delivering Empathy at Scale Using AI and Data with Mario Ciabarra
Mario Ciabarra is the CEO and founder of Quantum Metric, a customer-centered digital analytics platform for today’s leading enterprise organizations. Since its founding in 2015, Quantum Metric’s approach to in-depth customer understanding has seen rapid adoption from Fortune 500 companies. The world’s largest airline, telco, retailer, healthcare, bank, and more have adopted the Quantum Metric platform.
In this episode, Mario shares valuable lessons on integrity and communication learned during his college years. He discusses launching and exiting his first startup in just 11 months, a success that allowed him to briefly retire and travel the world. Mario also explains how Quantum Metric enhances visibility into customer friction points for major industry leaders and how the company integrates generative AI into its solutions. Finally, he reflects on how he approaches building his legacy.
At the end of the episode, current Penn State student Nathan Leo joins the conversation. Nathan is a PhD student studying engineering science and mechanics. He is the co-founder of Project Green Thumb, an AI-powered application to help homeowners and landscapers restore biodiversity to their landscapes by increasing the use of native plant species and decreasing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Nathan and Mario discuss Mario’s process for quickly developing early applications, as well as how to manage bad habits when trying to launch a startup.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – 3:14
Family Roots and Immigrant Influence
3:14 – 7:14
Switching to Science and Founding YourNotes at Penn State
7:14 – 12:23
Lessons in Integrity, Coding, and Startup Life
12:23 – 14:46
Selling a Startup and Searching for Purpose
14:46 – 19:16
Finding Meaning: From Photography to App Innovation
19:16 – 21:25
Enterprise vs. Consumer Companies
21:25 – 26:28
Quantum Metric: Improving Digital Experiences
26:28 – 29:40
Funding Growth and Capital Decisions
29:40 – 32:48
Generative AI Driving Business Success
32:48 – 36:29
Legacy, Focus, and Advice for Students
