Episódios
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Join us for this exciting episode, in which we explore how companies are harnessing the power of hackathons, artificial intelligence, and data science to drive innovation and business growth.
Discover the strategic approaches behind organizing hackathons, encouraging employee creativity, and turning innovative ideas into impactful products.
Learn from John Coles of ACV Auctions about how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the car sales industry, optimizing inventory, and enhancing personalized recommendations.
Gain insights into the importance of upskilling teams and the role of analytics in making data-driven decisions, and hear success stories of projects born from hackathons that have significantly contributed to business growth and customer satisfaction.
Highlights:
05:26 Data-First Approach and Hackathon Culture
07:20 Empowering Innovation through Hackathons
09:28 Connecting Hackathon Ideas to Business Goals
11:58 Frequency and Impact of Hackathons
13:01 Platform Capability and Product Delivery
13:18 Cadence and Team Culture
14:16 Hackathons and Innovation
17:00 Upskilling and Implementation
18:44 Hackathon Project Examples
20:53 Data Science and Business Impact
Guest:
John Coles, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at ACV, where he leads data infrastructure, machine learning and data analytics strategy. Prior to joining ACV, Dr. Coles held many leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer of Bronze Trident Inc., a startup in Buffalo, New York, where he designed the business model and product plan for an automated tax challenge software.Dr. Coles was recently recognized as an Auto Remarketing ‘40 Under 40’ Honoree (2021) and was awarded the Koopman Prize from the Military Appreciations Society of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)—among other accolades. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University at Buffalo, a Master of Engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from the University at Buffalo.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coles-28311015/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
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Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this insightful episode, tech and business leaders come together to discuss the pivotal role of technology in driving business engagement and success. Anil Choudary, CTO at Alliant Credit Union, shares his expertise on managing tech debt and evolving legacy systems. At the same time, other discussions focus on integrating Gen AI, organizational culture, and empowering engineers through hackathons. Learn how companies adapt product team strategies, simplify big ideas, and leverage public cloud services to foster innovation and co-innovation between business and engineering teams. Tune in to discover actionable strategies and challenges in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Highlight:
00:38 Understanding Tech Debt and Business Engagement
03:13 Balancing Business Priorities with Technology
04:07 Communicating Tech Debt to Business Leaders
04:58 Addressing Legacy Systems and Technical Debt
08:13 Emerging Technologies and Gen AI
10:50 The Role of Culture in Technology Adoption
12:51 Empowering Engineers Through Hackathons
13:44 The Role of Hackathons in Innovation
14:28 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Technology
15:15 The Debate: More Hackathons, More Innovation?
16:17 Adopting a Product Mindset
18:48 Learning from Leading Tech Companies
22:16 The Shift Towards Generative AI
Anu Choudary is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in driving digital transformation and strategic business initiatives. With a background in both technical and managerial roles, she excels at bridging the gap between business objectives and technological innovation. Anu has led high-impact projects in areas such as cloud computing, enterprise architecture, and software development, demonstrating a keen ability to align IT solutions with organizational goals. Known for her collaborative approach, she fosters cross-functional solid relationships and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and team development. Her expertise positions her as a valuable asset in leading technology-driven growth and change within organizations.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achoudary/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, Amir Bormand engages with Dana Lawson, the CTO at Netlify, to discuss the multifaceted journey from a VP position to becoming a CTO. The conversation delves into the essential skills required, the significance of mentorship, and the societal pressures of career progression. Dana addresses the evolving job market and organizational demands due to the pandemic while emphasizing that the role of a CTO is not the sole benchmark of success. She highlights the crucial balance between technical expertise and strategic decision-making, the importance of empathy in leadership, and fostering collaboration across departments. The discussion also covers continuous learning, the value of networking and mentorship, and maintaining vulnerability in leadership. Dana concludes by offering advice to aspiring leaders and sharing how to connect with her for further career guidance.
Highlights:
00:09 Understanding the CTO Role
00:35 Netlify's Mission and Dana's Journey
01:08 The Value of Different Leadership Levels
03:27 Challenges and Perceptions in Career Progression
08:18 Skills Crucial for a CTO
11:56 Transitioning from Technologist to CTO
12:57 Balancing Act: Staying Informed Without Micromanaging
14:39 The Weight of Decision-Making at the CTO Level
15:50 Seeking Support: Mentors and Networks
18:55 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership
19:52 Advice for Aspiring CTOs
Guest:
Dana Lawson is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Netlify, where she leads the company’s technical strategy and innovation efforts. With over two decades of experience in engineering and leadership roles, Dana has a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams across various industries. She is passionate about fostering collaborative, inclusive work environments and driving impactful technological solutions. Throughout her career, Dana has been a strong advocate for mentorship, continuous learning, and diversity in tech. Her expertise spans both technical and strategic decision-making, making her a respected leader in the tech community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dglawson
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
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Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Utkarsh Sangi, Head of Engineering at EarnUp, to explore the pivotal transitions in an engineering career. They discuss the skills necessary to surpass the senior engineer level and why some opt to stay. Furthermore, the episode delves into managers' roles in mentoring and guiding engineers, emphasizing the need for trust and relevant experience from managers. Key topics include the subjective nature of skill assessments, the transition from senior to staff engineer, the importance of leadership development, and the dynamics between personal satisfaction and career growth. Utkarsh shares practical advice on career progression, problem-solving, and further mentorship opportunities, rounding out an episode filled with actionable insights for engineers and managers alike.
Highlights:
01:06 The Senior Engineer Role: Definition and Expectations
02:41 Why Senior Engineer is a Terminal Position
06:50 The Role of the Manager in Career Progression
09:03 Mentorship and Choosing the Right Career Path
10:41 Subjectivity in Skill Assessment and Promotions
14:16 The Skill of Skill Acquisition
14:45 Impact and Role Change
16:48 Delegation and Managerial Skills
17:55 Leadership Development
20:18 Mentorship and Personal Development
22:34 Managing Senior Engineers
Guest:
Utkarsh Sangi is the Head of Engineering at EarnUp, a company focused on transforming mortgage servicing through technology. With a strong background in software engineering and technical leadership, Utkarsh has held key roles in scaling teams, driving product innovation, and managing complex engineering projects. His expertise spans various industries, including financial services and tech startups. Utkarsh is passionate about mentoring engineers, developing team leadership, and fostering a collaborative work environment that balances technical excellence with business outcomes. His experience and insights have positioned him as a leader in navigating the evolving demands of modern engineering organizations.
----Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, the host interviews Brian Young, Director of Engineering at Grindr, about the concepts of scale and tech debt in the tech industry. Brian shares insights from his career at major companies like Wayfair and Amazon, highlighting the unique challenges each faced with scaling their systems. He explains the CAP theorem and its implications on consistency, availability, and partition tolerance within large-scale applications. The conversation also delves into the balance of art and science required in scaling, the significance of 'YAGNI' in software design, and the necessity of revisiting technical debt. Brian discusses how contextual understanding is vital for addressing tech debt and explores new technologies like AI-assisted coding tools, which may aid in managing tech debt in the future.
Highlights:
00:47 Understanding Scale in Tech
02:48 Designing for Scale at Amazon
05:20 Scaling Strategies at Grindr
06:31 The Art and Science of Scaling
09:59 Technical Debt: A Necessary Evil?
17:53 The Role of Context in Software Engineering
20:50 Future of Tech Debt and AI Solutions
Guest:
Brian Young (he/him) is Director of Engineering at Grindr, the number 1 social network for the LGBTQ+ community. With more than 13 million monthly active users in virtually every country, Grindr has become a fundamental part of the LGBTQ+ community since its launch in 2009. The company continues to expand its ecosystem to enable gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect, express themselves, and discover the world around them.Brian has spent 25 years in the software industry as an engineer and leader and has worked at large companies, including Amazon and Wayfair, and start-ups. Brian has built high-scale / low-latency distributed systems, microservices, backend solutions, web apps, and mobile apps and worked in almost every tech stack from dcom and dll hell to modern cloud-based microservices.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankyoung/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, the host, Amir, speaks with Naama Stauber Breckler, Co-Founder and CEO of Better Health, and Adam Breckler, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Better Health. They discuss the company's unique approach to improving patient care for those with chronic conditions through easy access to medical supplies and a robust peer support network. The conversation covers the challenges in patient care, the complexities of the healthcare system, and how Better Health leverages data and AI to enhance patient outcomes. The emphasis is on meeting patients' needs emotionally and practically, providing them with options and support through technology and human interaction.
Highlights:
02:41 Challenges in Patient Care and Outcomes
04:43 Navigating the Healthcare System
06:25 Data Collection and Standardization Issues
08:01 Adapting to Manual Processes in Healthcare
11:56 Building Relationships with Payers
13:35 Focusing on Patient Experience
19:35 The Importance of Peer Support
29:39 Leveraging AI and Technology
Guest:
Naama Stauber Breckler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naamastauber/
Naama is a software engineer and a product manager turned healthcare entrepreneur. She has founded three healthcare companies in the medical device and diagnostics space.
Better Health was born from her experiences identifying gaps in quality of care for individuals with chronic conditions living at home. Naama holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an undergrad in Computer Science.
Adam Breckler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambreckler/
Adam is an experienced product builder, growth marketer and serial entrepreneur. Previously he was founder of Prism Labs (YC S17), Co-Founder and VP of Product at Visual.ly (acquired by ScribbleLive), and founder of Savebrite.com, a leading Internet coupon-search portal. Adam started his career as a web developer for various Internet startups including Mint.com, he holds a BA in economics and philosophy from UCSD.
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, Amir hosts Dave McGann, the CTO of Self Financial, to discuss scaling strategies in technology companies. Dave shares his experiences working with venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE)-backed companies, detailing different growth strategies and company cultures. He highlights the importance of a cohesive early team, understanding financials, and the role of leadership in scaling businesses. The conversation delves into the differences between VC and PE environments, focusing on people, product market fit, and financial management. Dave offers insights into successful exit strategies and the skills necessary for technologists to adapt to various business structures. The episode wraps up with practical advice for tech professionals aiming for success in scaling and exiting companies, offering listeners a chance to connect with Dave for further mentorship.
Highlights:
02:04 Differences Between VC and PE Backed Companies
02:42 Scaling Strategies in VC Backed Companies
04:44 Scaling Strategies in PE Backed Companies
08:17 Cultural Influence and Leadership in Different Company Sizes
12:22 Transitioning from VC to PE: Challenges and Learnings
18:55 Evaluating Job Opportunities and Company Potential
23:38 Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Final Thoughts
Guest:
David McCann is a seasoned technology and product executive with over 20+ years of experience in the software industry. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Self Financial, Inc., David is passionate about helping people build credit through innovative, scalable, and secure fintech solutions. He has a proven track record of driving significant business outcomes, having been involved in over $5 billion in transactions, including a notable $1+ billion transaction with Carlyle during his tenure as CTO at Abrigo and the successful exit of Accurent to Fortive for approximately 2.1 billion USD in 2019.David’s career is marked by his leadership in scaling cross-platform technology organizations, his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, and his deep knowledge of software development and cloud computing. He has held prominent roles such as CTO at Accruent and CLEAResult, where he led technology-driven solutions to meet the needs of businesses and consumers alike.Beyond his role at Self Financial, David serves as a Chief Technical Advisor at Cove Strategy Partners, advising private equity-backed growth firms in the enterprise SaaS market. His extensive experience includes supporting over 50 acquisitions and contributing to product and architecture design.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damccann/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, host Amir sits down with Nadav Eiron, SVP of Cloud Engineering at Crusoe, to explore the complexities of leading organizations. They delve into what it takes to align teams toward a common mission, the art of translating engineering skills to scale and overcoming the slow-moving stigma of big companies. Nadav shares his perspective on managing remote teams, maintaining team identities, and leveraging communication channels. The episode also discusses the importance of hiring ahead, fostering diverse thought, and effectively utilizing transferable skills in leadership roles. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights for leaders navigating small and large company dynamics.
Highlights
01:45 Defining Leadership and Team Dynamics
06:36 Challenges of Remote Work and Team Communication
10:38 Big Companies vs. Small Companies
16:37 Hiring and Leadership Strategies
Guest:
Nadav Eiron is the SVP of Cloud Engineering at Crusoe, where he leverages his extensive experience in cloud technologies to drive innovation and operational efficiency. With a background that spans various leadership roles, Nadav has a proven track record of managing and scaling engineering teams, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and aligning technology initiatives with business goals. He is passionate about leveraging cloud engineering to solve complex problems and foster growth, both for his teams and the organizations he works with.
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amit welcomes Harshit Shah, CTO at Kyruus Health, to delve into the concept of high-performing cultures within engineering teams. They explore the core tenets of such cultures in the rapidly-evolving tech landscape, focusing on identifying and nurturing key attributes. The discussion covers empowerment, geo-strategy shifts post-pandemic, and the scalable principles of high performance. Harsha shares insights into Kairos Health's mission of facilitating cost-effective healthcare access through data-driven provider matching and how the company integrates technology into care experiences. Additionally, the episode touches on how collaboration, a growth mindset, and the emergence of Gen AI tools are shaping the future of engineering productivity and culture.
Highlights
03:13 Defining High-Performance Engineering Cultures
06:54 Attributes of High-Performing Teams
08:17 Balancing Skills and Team Needs
12:47 Remote Work and Hybrid Teams
22:54 Impact of Generative AI on Engineering
Guest:
Harshit Shah is the Chief Technology Officer at Kyruus Health, leading technology initiatives and shaping the roadmap. His oversight spans engineering, including software development, infrastructure, security, and data management. He collaborates with the product team to optimize technology for improved delivery and operational efficiency. With over 24 years of experience, his career trajectory includes roles at startups, Amazon, and Microsoft. Previously, as CTO at Spring Health, Harshit fueled exponential growth, achieving milestones in customers, revenue, and team expansion. His expertise extends to managing large-scale projects, leading global teams, and contributing notably to AWS IoT services and Microsoft's Bing Search. As an advisor and coach, he supports initiatives like WEST (Women Entering and Staying in Tech), Interview Kickstart, Asha for Education, and startup guilds.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshah/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, Mukta Nandwani, CTO of Findhelp, discusses technology's critical role in social care. The conversation covers the industry's current state, unique constraints, and challenges regarding technology adoption. Mukta emphasizes the importance of accessibility, privacy, and dignity in developing social care tech solutions and shares insights on how advancements like generative AI could further enhance social care services. The episode also explores the complexity of the social care domain and the need for engineers to understand it deeply to create effective solutions.
Highlights:
00:45 Understanding Social Care Technology
03:27 Unique Constraints in Social Care Tech
04:37 Accessibility and Privacy in Social Care
08:04 Adoption and Advanced Technologies
12:38 Challenges and Solutions in Social Care Tech
Guest:
Mukta Nandwani is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Findhelp, where she leads the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions to improve access to social care services. With a strong background in engineering and leadership, Mukta has extensive experience managing large technical teams and driving digital transformation in the tech space. Passionate about using technology for social good, she focuses on building accessible, privacy-conscious platforms prioritizing dignity and efficiency in delivering social care support.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukta-nandwani/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, the host is joined by Rebecca Price, a Partner at Primary Venture Partners, to discuss the transition of founders to becoming exceptional CEOs. They explore the skills and gaps in this transition, the importance of adaptability and leadership, and the role of venture capital firms in supporting founders. Rebecca shares insights on the five key attributes of successful founders: adaptability, leadership, discipline, personal grounding, and storytelling. The conversation also delves into three main pitfalls that can hinder a founder's journey to becoming a CEO: lack of personal grounding, lack of alignment, and undervaluing the importance of recruiting. The episode provides practical advice and real-world examples to help current and future founders navigate their path to effective leadership.
Highlights:
02:43 The Difference Between Founders and CEOs
05:50 Attributes of Successful Founders
08:31 Coachability and Adaptability in Founders
14:07 Common Failures in the Founder to CEO Transition
Guest:
Rebecca Levine Price is a Partner at Primary Venture Partners, where she focuses on helping early-stage founders scale their companies and transition into effective CEOs. With a strong leadership development and talent acquisition background, Rebecca specializes in identifying key leadership attributes, supporting founders through strategic growth phases, and ensuring alignment between leadership and company goals. She has extensive experience guiding startups through critical transitions and is passionate about helping founders build high-performing teams and sustainable businesses.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-levine-price
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this episode, Chris Fahey, SVP of Talent and HR at Volition Capital, discusses the often-overlooked value of org charts for growing companies. He discusses how they can pinpoint hiring gaps and the importance of focusing on roles, not just people. Chris also highlights the importance of aligning your company's strategy with its structure and regularly revisiting this alignment for smoother scaling. Great tips for founders and businesses aiming for efficient growth!
Highlights:
01:47 The Importance of Org Charts in Business02:59 Challenges and Benefits of Creating Org Charts04:56 Aligning Org Charts with Business Strategy10:09 Defining Success Criteria for Hiring13:24 Iterating and Reassessing Org Charts15:19 Advice for Founders on Organizational Alignment18:12 Frequency of Re-examining Org Charts
Guest:
Chris Fahey is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Human Resources at Volition Capital. With extensive experience in talent acquisition and HR leadership, Chris deeply understands organizational strategy and scaling businesses. He focuses on aligning a company's talent needs with its broader strategic goals, helping growing businesses optimize their organizational structure and enhance hiring processes. Chris is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering company cultures that drive success, especially in high-growth environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahey02
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amir interviews Christina Stejskalova, the Director of Data at Ontra. They discuss the optimal timing for startups to hire data professionals and the importance of data in shaping AI strategies. The conversation covers Christina’s experiences in big tech and startups, highlighting the commonly seen delays in hiring data experts in early-stage companies. Christina shares insights into the impact of early data integration on business strategies, particularly in AI-driven environments. The discussion emphasizes the critical role of a data-driven approach for optimizing product development and driving revenue growth.
Highlights:
01:17 The Importance of Early Data Hires in Startups
02:10 Challenges and Misconceptions in Data Hiring
04:07 The Role of Data in AI Strategy
05:22 Proving the Value of Data in Startups
10:50 Data Cleaning and Governance in AI
14:46 The Cost of Delaying Data Strategy
17:33 The Evolving Role of Data Professionals
Guest:
Christina Stejskalova is the Director of Data at Ontra, where she leads the development of data strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making through advanced analytics. With a strong background in data science, machine learning, and AI, Christina has worked in both startups and large tech companies, focusing on optimizing data platforms and managing technical debt. Her expertise lies in integrating data into business processes to shape AI strategies, improve data quality, and deliver impactful solutions. Christina holds a deep commitment to data-driven innovation and business transformation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinastejskalova/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amir interviews Addhyan Pandey, Zoro.com's Senior Director of AI and Data. They discuss the role of data platforms in serving businesses, mainly focusing on advanced technologies like machine learning and AI. Addhyan explains Zoro's current AI maturity, the challenges posed by data quality, and the concept of technical debt in data management. He also touches on the importance of self-service and human-in-the-loop systems for enhancing business processes. Addhyan shares his experience at Zoro and provides insights on strategic prioritization and stakeholder engagement in data projects.
Highlights:
01:13 AI and Machine Learning at Zoro
03:13 Challenges in Data Quality and Technical Debt
05:45 Balancing Business Needs and Data Feasibility
11:43 Self-Service and Human in the Loop
15:14 Addhyan's Onboarding Experience at Zoro
Guest:
Addhyan Pandey is the Head of AI and Data at Zoro.com, an e-commerce platform focused on supporting businesses. Before this role, he led Machine Learning and Platform teams at Cars.com and Groupon, addressing diverse marketplace and e-commerce challenges. He also spearheaded the re-platforming of the tech stack at Cars Commerce as part of the Product and Strategy teams. With several research papers and patents in machine learning, Addhyan holds a strong technical background and a degree in electronics and communication engineering.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addhyan-pandey
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In this episode, Amir welcomes Matt Birnbaum, Partner at Pear VC, to discuss the intricacies of structuring equity in early-stage startups. They delve into factors that go into managing an option pool, the importance of setting aside the right amount of equity, and the nuanced calculations behind compensation packages. Matt shares insights from a blog article he authored, which provides a practical calculator to help founders plan equity distribution. They also explore common pitfalls, discuss the balance between attracting crucial hires and maintaining flexibility, and offer advice for having transparent equity conversations with early-stage employees. The episode aims to equip founders and potential candidates with tools and frameworks to make informed decisions about startup equity.
Highlights:
02:15 Importance of Structuring Startup Equity
05:51 Equity Spend and Flexibility for Founders
09:45 Balancing Equity for Early Hires
14:19 Presenting Equity Offers to Candidates
20:43 Nuances in Equity Allocation
Guest:
Matt Birnbaum is Partner at Pear VC, where he focuses on investing in and guiding early-stage startups. With extensive experience in talent acquisition and leadership, Matt has previously led talent functions at companies like Instacart and Optimizely. He specializes in scaling teams and building effective hiring strategies for high-growth companies. At Pear VC, Matt leverages his background to support founders in assembling world-class teams that drive innovation and success. He is passionate about helping startups navigate the complexities of growth and talent development.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/birnbing
Blog article: https://pear.vc/how-to-structure-startup-equity-for-early-hires/
In this episode, Amir welcomes Matt Birnbaum, Partner at Pear VC, to discuss the intricacies of structuring equity in early-stage startups. They delve into factors that go into managing an option pool, the importance of setting aside the right amount of equity, and the nuanced calculations behind compensation packages. Matt shares insights from a blog article he authored, which provides a practical calculator to help founders plan equity distribution. They also explore common pitfalls, discuss the balance between attracting crucial hires and maintaining flexibility, and offer advice for having transparent equity conversations with early-stage employees. The episode aims to equip founders and potential candidates with tools and frameworks to make informed decisions about startup equity.
Highlights:
02:15 Importance of Structuring Startup Equity
05:51 Equity Spend and Flexibility for Founders
09:45 Balancing Equity for Early Hires
14:19 Presenting Equity Offers to Candidates
20:43 Nuances in Equity Allocation
Guest:
Matt Birnbaum is Partner at Pear VC, where he focuses on investing in and guiding early-stage startups. With extensive experience in talent acquisition and leadership, Matt has previously led talent functions at companies like Instacart and Optimizely. He specializes in scaling teams and building effective hiring strategies for high-growth companies. At Pear VC, Matt leverages his background to support founders in assembling world-class teams that drive innovation and success. He is passionate about helping startups navigate the complexities of growth and talent development.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/birnbing
Blog article: https://pear.vc/how-to-structure-startup-equity-for-early-hires/
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In this episode, Amir welcomes Sandeep Bhadra, General Partner at Vertex US, to discuss early-stage founders' challenges and the critical support they need. The conversation covers the loneliness of the founder's journey, the importance of coaching and mentoring, and the dynamics of candid discussions between investors and founders. Sandeep emphasizes the significance of understanding distribution and managing teams with different expertise. The episode also delves into the art of pivoting, testing ideas, and the necessity of being patient while finding the right market fit.
Highlights:
01:44 Challenges and Psychology of Founders
04:35 Importance of Coaching and Mentorship
06:28 Balancing Vision and Reality
12:24 Skills and Gaps in First-Time Founders
16:18 The Art of Pivoting and Lean Experimentation
Guest:
Sandeep Bhadra is a General Partner at Vertex Ventures US, where he focuses on early-stage investments in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. With a strong background in venture capital and a PhD in electrical engineering from Stanford, Sandeep brings deep technical expertise and business acumen to his role. Before Vertex, he held roles at Menlo Ventures and helped lead investments in several successful tech startups. Sandeep is passionate about partnering with visionary founders to help them scale and grow their companies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeepbhadra/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews John Cottongim, Co-Founder and CTO at Roots Automation, discussing the impact of process automation and generative AI in the insurance industry. John shares his extensive industry background and insights into how advanced technologies, mainly digital co-workers powered by generative AI, transform legacy systems and optimize processes in insurance companies. The conversation touches on data quality issues, simplifying complex business processes, and the future potential of narrow AI models tailored specifically for insurance. John emphasizes practical strategies for successful automation while maintaining data integrity and enhancing efficiency. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of insurance and the promising role of technology.
Highlights:
01:50 Challenges of Legacy Systems in Insurance
03:03 John's Background and Insights from AIG
05:29 Data Quality and Process Automation
09:51 Identifying and Automating Key Processes
13:03 Simplifying Complex Processes and User Adoption
22:16 The Future of Gen AI in Insurance
Guest:
John Cottongim is the Co-Founder and CTO of Roots Automation Inc., an Insurtech startup focused on delivering Digital Coworkers to the insurance industry, leveraging Roots’ industry-leading insurGPT AI capabilities.Previously, John headed the Enterprise Automation Hub at Mars Incorporated and AIG’s Automation program for Life, Retirement, and Global Business Services. Before his work in automation, John led Lean Transformation initiatives, working with teams across the globe to deliver customer value through process excellence and cultural change.John is a CFA® charter holder, Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and holds a Lean Competency System - Level 2a certificate from Cardiff University. He also holds an MBA from New York University and BS degrees in Finance and Accounting from Villanova University.
https://linkedin.com/in/john-cottongim----
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Michelle Avery, Group VP of AI at WillowTree, a TELUS International Company. They discuss the process of prototyping Generative AI (Gen AI) solutions and transitioning from prototypes to production-ready applications. Key points include identifying business problems, the importance of intentional prototyping, overcoming data access challenges, and ensuring user acceptance and ROI. Michelle shares insights from her work at WillowTree, emphasizing the role of strategic planning and cross-disciplinary collaboration in successful AI implementation.
Highlights
01:34 Prototyping Gen AI Solutions
03:25 Identifying Business Problems for AI Solutions
06:40 Challenges in Prototyping and Data Access
07:55 From Prototype to Production
09:57 Ensuring User Acceptance and Feedback
16:01 Moving Beyond Chatbots
Guest:
With 17 years of experience across engineering, AI, FinTech, and Robotics, Michelle Avery is a technical leader in the Data and AI space. As the Group Vice President of AI at WillowTree, a Telus International Company, Michelle is passionate about building responsible, production-ready AI applications that address real-world business problems. She leads innovative initiatives in generative AI, oversees impactful research projects, and drives the development of data-intensive applications for Fortune 100 clients.
www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-avery-63729bb7----
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, Amir Nathoo, Co-Founder and Head of Outschool, discusses the innovative online marketplace for live classes aimed at kids globally. He explains how Outschool empowers unconventional educators to offer diverse and creative subjects, providing alternatives to traditional learning systems. The conversation covers the impact of the pandemic on remote learning, the challenges of integrating such platforms within traditional school systems, and the role of AI in personalized education. Emphasis is placed on fostering a love of learning and shifting societal attitudes toward education.
Highlights:
02:40 The Genesis of Outschool
06:25 Impact of the Pandemic on Outschool
10:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Education
21:06 The Role of AI in Education
25:41 Future of Education and Final Thoughts
Guest:
Amir Nathoo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Outschool, an innovative online platform that connects kids globally with live, interactive classes led by expert educators. With a background in engineering and technology, Amir is passionate about transforming education by offering diverse and creative learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom. Under his leadership, Outschool has grown rapidly, especially during the shift to remote learning, and continues to pioneer new educational approaches, empowering students and educators worldwide.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirnathoo/
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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In this podcast episode, we explore critical technical decisions and the concept of technical debt with Brian Moseley, Co-Founder and CTO of Sixfold. Brian discusses his views on balancing short-term goals with long-term ramifications, including real-life examples from his work. The conversation delves into the use of generative AI in insurance underwriting, the importance of context in decision-making, and the challenge of remote work collaboration. Brian stresses the need for documenting reasoning and decisions to avoid future misunderstandings and highlights the role of whiteboard sessions in accelerating productive outcomes. The episode comprehensively discusses making informed and contextually aware technical choices.
Highlights:
01:28 Understanding Technical Debt
02:38 Real-World Examples of Technical Debt
05:47 The Importance of Context in Decision Making
08:38 Asynchronous Communication and Documentation
16:30 Challenges of Remote Collaboration
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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.
Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com
Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)
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