Episode Overview

In today’s episode of the Growth Gurus Podcast, host Barnes Lam sits down with Conor McGowan, a growth-focused telecom leader who’s transforming how connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity work in the world’s most underserved regions. From the Caribbean to Alaska, Conor is on a mission to simplify enterprise tech for non-technical buyers, while staying technically excellent under the hood.

We explore how Brava Solutions is scaling across complex regulatory environments, why AI isn’t optional for modern business, and what it takes to align big innovation with local relevance. Plus, Conor shares why asking “What’s the truth?” is the question every executive should lead with.

What You’ll Learn

• Leadership Across Borders: How Conor’s early experiences at Vodafone shaped his global outlook and grounded leadership style.

• Brava’s Bold Vision: The strategy behind merging five companies into one premium ICT provider—and what it took to scale.

• Localized Innovation: Why product-market fit in emerging markets requires empathy, local talent, and custom engineering.

• AI in Action: How Conor is implementing AI to automate internal processes and unlock public sector transformation.

• Cybersecurity as an Anchor: Why security isn’t just a checkbox, but a core pillar of Brava’s value proposition.

• Vendor Selection Real Talk: What makes or breaks a tech partnership—beyond the glossy brochures.

• Talent & Legacy: Conor’s approach to growing cybersecurity talent from the ground up and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Guest Bio: Conor McGowan

Conor McGowan is the CEO of Brava Solutions, a next-generation ICT and telecom provider serving underserved regions such as Bermuda, Latin America, Alaska, and the Caribbean. With a career spanning Vodafone, Digicel, and ATN, Conor has built a reputation for turning complex infrastructure plays into customer-centric growth engines.

Outside of Brava, he’s also the founder of Galoras, an AI-powered coaching platform on a mission to democratize mentorship and personal growth. A firm believer in local talent, strategic clarity, and meaningful innovation, Conor brings a grounded and global perspective to leading in the AI era.

Connect with Conor McGowan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makesthingshappen/

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