
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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