Developing Platforms, Defining Purpose

Developing Platforms, Defining Purpose

From The Road to Why with Ed Christmas by RNCN

February 27, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 14

About this episode

Ed Christmas interviews Dr. Michael Thompson about his journey in technology and software development, focusing on entrepreneurship and social media for African Americans.

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.

People in this episode

Host: Ed Christmas

Guest: Dr. Michael Thompson

Topics covered

  • technology
  • software development
  • entrepreneurship
  • digital apps
  • social media
  • African American culture

Keywords

  • technology
  • software development
  • entrepreneurship
  • digital apps
  • social media
  • African Americans
  • telecom leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sikhona, Inc.

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