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The Tech Trek

The Tech Trek

By Elevano

Join The Tech Trek, where we explore the journeys of leaders from cutting-edge tech companies. Each episode offers a deep dive into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, providing unique insights into the world of technology leadership. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an aspiring executive, our conversations illuminate the paths shaping our digital future. Tune in to be inspired by the stories driving technological innovation.
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Solving congestion problems

The Tech TrekDec 05, 2022

00:00
37:53
Aligning Personal, Team, and Company Goals

Aligning Personal, Team, and Company Goals

This podcast episode features Gregg Altschul, the Vice President of Technology at FanDuel. The discussion focuses on aligning personal, team, and company goals to reduce conflicts, enhance goal setting, and improve transparency across the board. Altschul shares insights on FanDuel's business operations, including its role as a leading online sportsbook and its iGaming division. He explains the top-down process of setting goals at FanDuel, highlighting the importance of ensuring that individual and team objectives support overarching company goals. Altschul discusses how he manages goal alignment within his organization, emphasizing the significance of transparency, understanding employees' personal growth goals, and the role of succession planning. He also touches on fostering a culture that supports employees' long-term career aspirations, even if those plans include leaving the company. The conversation delves into the importance of having a 'North Star'—a long-term goal or vision—to guide one's career development and the necessity of open communication between managers and their teams to achieve effective goal alignment.

Highlights

01:12 The Importance of Goal Alignment

02:18 The Process of Setting Goals

03:38 Translating Goals to Different Levels

04:55 Maintaining Transparency in Goal Setting

06:50 Balancing Personal and Company Goals

09:11 Creating a Safe Space for Open Discussions

09:27 The Role of Trust in Goal Setting

11:14 The Shift in Employee Retention Perspective

17:37 The Importance of Long-Term Growth Goals

20:23 The Role of North Star Goals in Career Development



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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)

Mar 26, 202426:42
Gaining Competitive Advantage with Machine Learning and GenAI

Gaining Competitive Advantage with Machine Learning and GenAI

In this podcast episode, Otkrist Gupta, VP of Research and Development at LendBuzz, talks about the process he utilizes to evaluate machine learning (ML) models and handle the ever-changing landscape of ML with his team. He also highlights the core role of ML in the creation of LendBuzz’s proprietary financial scoring model to assist individuals often underserved in the lending market and explains how continued innovation via in-house development of models has maintained the company's competitive advantage. Gupta provides insights into various projects his R&D team has worked on, from financial to computer vision models, and discusses the balance of research, development, and product delivery. He underscores the importance of having well-defined metrics, continuous model improvement, and keeping current with technology trends. Although not directly involved in measuring particular models' profit and loss impacts, Gupta notes that all team members indirectly contribute to the company’s overall performance.

Highlights:

01:50 Understanding the Lendbuzz Business Model

03:37 Exploring the Role of Research and Development in Fintech

07:35 The Intersection of Machine Learning and Product Development

13:35 The Process of Building and Evaluating ML Models

19:49 The Impact of Machine Learning on Competitive Advantage

23:20 The Relationship Between Machine Learning and Profit & Loss

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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)

Mar 21, 202425:46
The Three Ways to Monetize Data

The Three Ways to Monetize Data

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Barb Wixom, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan's Center for IS Research. They discuss the concept of data monetization, touching on its various aspects, such as the three ways to monetize data, the capabilities needed, governance, and potential challenges with advanced technologies. Wixom emphasizes the importance of understanding an organization's data assets, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and the journey toward improving, wrapping, and selling data. She also talks about her recent book, which packages everything essential to know to succeed with data monetization.

Highlights

00:13 Understanding Data Monetization

01:05 The Role of Research in Data Monetization

01:55 The Evolution of Data Monetization

03:23 The Importance of Language in Data Monetization

05:49 The Three Ways to Monetize Data

06:23 The Challenges of Data Monetization

12:32 The Role of Data Assets in Monetization

16:51 The Journey of Data Monetization

31:57 The Future of Data Monetization

Guest:

Since 1994, Barbara Wixom’s research has explored how organizations generate business value from data assets. Her methods include large-scale surveys, meta-analyses, lab experiments and in-depth case studies; five of her cases have placed in the Society for Information Management Paper Awards competition. Wixom is a leading academic scholar, who regularly presents her work to academic and business audiences around the world.

Wixom joined MIT Sloan in June 2013 to serve as a Principal Research Scientist at the Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). She leads the MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board, comprised of one hundred data and analytics executives from CISR organizations. Wixom authored her new book Data is Everybody’s Business (MIT Press, September 2023) to inspire workers across organizations to monetize data. She actively works to encourage women, young people, and underrepresented populations to learn about data and pursue data-related careers.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-wixom-0976983/

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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)

Mar 19, 202435:16
Exploring the Impact of Domain Expertise in Data Science

Exploring the Impact of Domain Expertise in Data Science

In this podcast episode, Naomi Yudanin, the Director of Medical Data at Munich Re, discusses the relevance of domain-specific data science expertise. She shares her journey, starting in biochemistry and molecular biology, transitioning into systems immunology, and eventually ending up in medical data and EHR product management. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the objective of generating insights from data and how clear business objectives and proper questions drive successful data analysis in healthcare. Beyond the typical technical questions, Naomi encourages stakeholders to think about the stories they want to tell with their data. She links them to the business value to derive actionable insights. She also touches on the perception of data quality in the healthcare industry and how the interpretation of analytics can result in different business outcomes.

Highlights

01:42 Understanding the Role of Domain-Specific Knowledge in Data Science

03:33 The Value of Domain Expertise in Data Science

04:24 Challenges and Advantages of Having a Non-Technical Background

07:30 The Importance of Understanding the Data and its Relevance

10:14 The Gap between Business Outcomes and Technical Delivery

16:27 The Role of Data in Achieving Business Outcomes

19:29 The Importance of Telling the Right Story with Data


Dr. Naomi Yudanin is currently the Director of Medical Data at Munich Re, a leading global provider of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk solutions. Throughout her career, Naomi has integrated healthcare domain expertise with machine learning approaches to derive clinically relevant insights and provide actionable guidance for health product development and care delivery. Prior to joining Munich Re, Dr. Yudanin led enterprise-wide AI/ML development in several health tech startups, most recently as the Chief Data Scientist at Nanowear. Naomi obtained a PhD in Systems Immunology at Columbia University, where she received the Parker Graduate Award for innovative research, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in computational genomics at Weill Cornell. The results of her research comprise multiple publications in high-impact journals, including Cell, Science, and Nature. Since transitioning to industry, Naomi has been awarded over $2 million in grants and co-authored two patents for AI/ML applications in healthcare. She continues to serve on the NIH study section for translational AI and as an advisor on several SBIR awards and regulatory committees focused on digital health.

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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)

Mar 14, 202425:07
New capabilities and extending your technical impact

New capabilities and extending your technical impact

The podcast features Suresh Martha, Head of Data-Driven Innovation and Analytics at EMD Serono, discussing extending technical impact, particularly in AI and Machine Learning. He gives insights into managing technological advances within a team, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently, and delivering capabilities to stakeholders. Martha also elaborates on the challenges of upskilling oneself to understand better and manage new technologies. Further, he explains strategies to evaluate new tools and technologies and ways to upscale resources and highlights the careful balance between exploration and delivery. Strategies to build roadmaps and adapt to emerging technologies and trends, such as generative AI, are also discussed alongside data security and privacy considerations.

Highlights

01:03 Challenges of Leadership in Tech

01:54 Suresh's Role and Responsibilities at EMD Serono

03:25 Approach to New Technologies and Upskilling

05:37 Hiring for New Skills and Roles

11:04 Balancing Technical Skills and Leadership

17:22 Building a Roadmap for Data-Driven Innovation

17:45 Exploring Generative AI and Future Plans

Guest: Suresh Martha is the Head of Data Driven Innovations & Analytics at EMD Serono (US), the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, in Darmstadt, Germany. He is a renowned information technology professional with over 18 years of experience in data warehousing and business intelligence (BI). He is a highly skilled, passionate professional with a proven track record of delivering sophisticated reporting and analytical solutions to stakeholders. He is a senior Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) member. He has participated as a judge for the Stevie Awards, the Globee Awards, the Smart India Hackathon 2022, and the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards. He is a co-mentor for small business owners at SCORE, acts as a Journal Peer Reviewer, and is a renowned speaker. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-martha-85209629/

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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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)


Mar 12, 202424:09
Using Data to Improve the Patient Journey

Using Data to Improve the Patient Journey

In this podcast episode, Amir interviews John O'Toole, the Senior Director of Data Analytics at Tendo, a software-first company specializing in improving patient care journey. They discuss how Tendo uses data and analytics to improve patient care, help hospitals improve their rankings, and decrease the burden on healthcare providers. Integrating AI as a tool of assistance rather than a replacement in the healthcare industry is emphasized. John also highlights how Tendo creates a centralized, standardized patient data system to ease patient and provider processes. He sees future developments where patient-centric services become increasingly integrated and efficient.

Highlights:

02:01 The Impact of Data on Patient Care

03:26 Innovative Approaches to Patient Care

04:26 The Challenges and Opportunities of Data in Healthcare

05:15 The Process of Evaluating and Utilizing Data

06:56 The Importance of Partnership in Data Analysis

16:28 The Future of AI in Healthcare

22:20 The Role of Tendo in Streamlining Patient Information

Guest:

John O'Toole is a healthcare industry expert with over 15 years of experience. Throughout his career, John has worked in various clinical areas, with the last eight years focused on Analytics. His data analysis, management skills, and expertise have led him to successfully manage enterprise analytics teams in the healthcare provider space. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts degree in Health Systems Management from Rush University. In July 2023, John accepted a position as Senior Director of Analytics at Tendo, a health tech startup.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotoole1/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?
Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)



Mar 07, 202425:01
Leveraging AI in the Insurance Industry

Leveraging AI in the Insurance Industry

In this episode, Amir Bormand talks to Will Ross, the CEO and co-founder of Federato, about how insurance companies are adopting AI. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on the insurance industry, particularly in underwriting. Ross underscores the significant role of underwriters in influencing both the top and bottom lines of growth in insurance companies. He then explains how Federato leverages AI technologies to help underwriters optimize their process. The conversation also delves into the future of AI, the evolving definition of AI, and the importance of understanding its potential applications beyond popular mainstream concepts like ChatGPT. Ross shares real-life examples of how AI can substantially enhance efficiency in the insurance industry, such as 'win ability' modeling. Ultimately, he envisions AI as bolstering human capabilities in the insurance sector rather than replacing jobs.

Highlights:

00:30 Understanding Federato and its Role in the Insurance Industry

02:41 The Evolution and Impact of AI in Various Industries

03:38 The AI Paradox and its Implications

05:19 The Role of AI in Insurance

06:20 Understanding the Perception and Application of AI in Different Industries

10:48 The Role of AI in Optimizing Business Processes

18:49 The Future of AI in Job Roles and Industries



Co-Founder & CEO at Federato

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Mar 05, 202425:46
The Impact of Data on the Insurance Industry

The Impact of Data on the Insurance Industry

In this episode, Jason Ash, Chief of Data at Symetra, joins the podcast to discuss the transformation happening within the insurance industry. He highlights the dynamic relationship between business and technology and the importance of stakeholders in rolling out solutions. Jason also delves into the non-technical side of the insurance business and how it contributes to overall success. This conversation transcends the industry and offers insights that can be applied to other sectors. 

Highlights:

[00:02:20] Technology adoption in business.

[00:04:56] Bridging business and technology.

[00:08:08] Importance of diverse perspectives.

[00:10:49] Rolling out insurance products.

[00:13:41] Thinking about data early.

[00:19:29] Broader participation in data.

[00:19:56] Collaborative approach to problem-solving.

[00:22:20] Onboarding new team members.

[00:24:31] Stakeholder expectations and data delivery.

[00:26:22] Building foundational infrastructure.

[00:31:02] Insurance and healthcare battle.

[00:34:29] Advancing career paths for team.

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Feb 29, 202438:15
Building a Vision for Data and Delivering Value

Building a Vision for Data and Delivering Value

In this episode, Vineeth Loganathan, the Director of Machine Learning at ViralGains, discusses building a successful data program. He explores the importance of a clear vision and steps in delivering value through data. Vineeth also explains the concept of zero-party data and how it can be used for targeted marketing. Tune in to gain insights on balancing short-term and long-term data needs and delivering value to customers.

Highlights:

[00:00:57] Zero-party data for ads.

[00:06:00] Closing the loop on data.

[00:07:20] Understanding stakeholder needs.

[00:11:51-00:12:01] Defining metrics and understanding churn.

[00:16:10] Delivering value with machine learning.

[00:20:46] Research in machine learning.

[00:22:03] NLP advancements and their impact.

[00:26:10] Analyst in a box.

[00:30:22] Prompt engineering and ML ops.

[00:34:49] Formulating strategies in ML.


Vineeth Loganathan leads Machine Learning and Data Science at ViralGains, an ad-tech company based in Boston. His team's charter is to leverage the power of machine learning to deliver an audience-driven marketing strategy for brands that optimize outcomes across the customer decision journey. He has 15+ years of experience leading data science teams across Disney, Amazon, Microsoft, and Airbnb.

Connect:

https://twitter.com/VineethLogan https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineeth-loganathan/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Feb 27, 202435:19
Modernizing Data-Driven Decision Making

Modernizing Data-Driven Decision Making

In this podcast episode, Clay Callaway shares his journey of bringing about digital transformation in Delta Dental of California. He talks about their challenges due to siloed data within the organization and how the approach pivoted towards enterprise-wide data management. They began resolving these issues by implementing data governance and building a solid data foundation. Clay emphasizes how combining this data with the right technologies has allowed Delta Dental to think about its business in new ways and improve customer service.

Highlights:

01:26 Start of the Digital Transformation Journey

01:44 The Problem of Data Silos

03:15 Shift to an Enterprise Approach to Data

03:46 Role of Data Governance and Strategy

04:57 Importance of Understanding Business Use Cases

06:01 Evolution of Data Strategy and Roadmap

07:46 Impact of Data on Business Outcomes

10:44 Role of Technology in Data Transformation

14:13 Future of Data-Driven Decision Making

18:14 Impact of Data on Customer Experience


Clay Callaway is the Director of Ops Data Insights and Analytics at Delta Dental of California. He works with business leaders to make data-driven Insights a critical step in decision making. Clay has been with Delta Dental for more than 15 years of his 25+ year career; previously, he was in DDC’s Technology Organization as the Director of Applications Development for Data and Analytics. In this role, he directed data strategy, data architecture, and data management to build and deliver technologies, tools, and solutions, including the implementation of a data governance office and a modern cloud data platform. He was previously an Architect and Manager, where he developed analytics, business intelligence solutions, and tools to help customers, providers, and employees navigate business challenges.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claycallaway/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)


Feb 22, 202425:13
Hiring Your First Head of People

Hiring Your First Head of People

On this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Madeline Minshew, the Vice President of Culture at True Ventures. They discuss the importance of hiring your first head of people and what to look for when taking a job as the first people leader hire. True Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in extraordinary founders and their innovative ideas. They are sector-agnostic and focus on backing exceptional individuals in various markets. This episode explores the characteristics of successful founders and the significance of building a strong team.

Highlights: 

[00:02:26] Characteristics of extraordinary founders.

[00:07:11] Letting go of control.

[00:09:25] Preserving culture while scaling.

[00:13:40] Building the right company.

[00:18:58] Questions for job seekers.

[00:24:14] HR's evolving role in organizations.

[00:27:21] Asking questions and viewing problems.

Guest:

As True’s VP of Culture, Madeline guides True Founders as they evolve as leaders, grow their teams, and intentionally build organizational cultures. She believes authentic, honest relationships that value trust, diversity of perspectives, and open feedback are the quintessential cornerstone of healthy, high-performing teams.

Above all, Madeline is a super-connector across the True Portfolio; she brings together founders, executives, and portfolio team members to create deeper synergy, build collective wisdom, and encourage a sense of belonging.

Prior to joining True, Madeline was the VP of people and talent at Handshake, a True Portfolio company that’s since grown into the leading career development network for college students and recent graduates. Before Handshake, Madeline focused on hiring high-performing talent and building strong, inclusive cultures at Cadre, Tumblr, and Google.

A San Francisco native, Madeline also speaks French and German fluently. Madeline graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a major in political science and a minor in French literature.

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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.comHave questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Feb 20, 202429:13
Software is Eating the World and AI is Accelerating It

Software is Eating the World and AI is Accelerating It

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Tariq Shaukat, co-CEO at Sonar, about the impact of software and AI on companies. They discuss how every company wants to be a software company and how AI is accelerating this trend. They delve into the challenges companies face in pivoting to deliver software and the importance of clean code. The conversation also touches on the role of the board in driving digital transformation. Tune in to gain insights into the evolving landscape of enterprise software and AI.

Highlights:

[00:00:04] Software is eating the world.

[00:03:02] Companies becoming software-enabled.

[00:05:36] Importance of software in industries.

[00:09:11] Cultural and educational aspects.

[00:11:58] Education and deployment of AI.

[00:14:21] Trust but verify AI governance.

[00:17:18] AI and cybersecurity governance.

[00:21:39] AI impact on software development.

[00:24:13] Software pricing models in AI.

[00:28:06] Per seat pricing vs. value delivery.

Guest:

Tariq Shaukat is co-CEO of Sonar, the world's leading Clean Code solution, and is a member of Sonar's Board of Directors. Tariq has extensive experience in growing and scaling private and public companies across many domains, including cloud computing, social media, travel, and entertainment.
Before joining Sonar, Tariq was the President of Bumble Inc., the parent company that operates the Bumble, Badoo, Fruitz and Official mobile apps. He joined Bumble as the company’s first ever President, and partnered with the Founder and CEO to successfully IPO and scale the company to over $900M in revenue in 2022. Prior to that, Tariq was President of Google Cloud. There, he played a key role in establishing its go-to-market operations as well as its industry and AI solutions, and scaling the company to over $12B in revenue. He has also held senior roles at Caesars Entertainment, McKinsey & Company, and Trilogy Software.
Tariq serves on the Board of Trustees of Public Storage, a leading self-storage REIT, and on the Board of Directors of Gap Inc, the iconic fashion and apparel retailer. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Feb 15, 202430:15
Exploring R&D in Data Science

Exploring R&D in Data Science

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Marissa Saunders, Senior Director of Data Science at Recursion. They discuss the importance of research and development (R&D) in data science and its various implications for different companies. They emphasize the need to balance accuracy and completion with understanding business value and return on investment (ROI). Marissa explains how Recursion is focused on revolutionizing drug discovery by industrializing the process and incorporating more hypotheses to accelerate results and reduce costs. The goal is to move from traditional biotech to tech bio.

Highlights:

[00:01:50] Failing fast in drug discovery.

[00:03:14] Drug discovery and AI capabilities.

[00:08:25] Cooperating to gather clean data.

[00:10:02] Industrializing the drug discovery process.

[00:13:52] Ideation and problem-solving process.

[00:17:08] Refining pipeline for drug development.

[00:21:07] R&D and team setup.

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Feb 13, 202423:41
Productizing LLMs and Labeled Training Data

Productizing LLMs and Labeled Training Data

In this episode, Ivan Lee, the CEO of Datasaur.ai, joins Amir Bormand to discuss productizing LLMs and dealing with labeling issues. Ivan shares his insights on the productization of LLMs and provides his thoughts on the future of this technology. Tune in to learn more about the work of Datasaur.ai and the exciting developments in the AI industry.

Highlights:

[00:02:44] The importance of data labeling.

[00:03:34] The challenge of harnessing AI.

[00:06:04] Disconnect in AI capabilities.

[00:09:04] The future of AI models.

[00:14:41] Productization of LLMs.

[00:15:36] LLMs in product innovation.

[00:18:52] LLMs and evolving business models.

[00:22:25] ROI in AI implementation.

[00:27:10] Exploring the potential of AI.

[00:29:13] NLP's transformative power.


Ivan Lee graduated with a Computer Science B.S. from Stanford University and dropped out of his master’s degree to found his first company, Loki Studios. After raising institutional funding and building a profitable game, Yahoo acquired Loki. Lee spent the next 10 years building AI products at several companies and discovered a gap in serving the rapid evolution of Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies. He built Datasaur to focus on democratizing access to NLP - Datasaur now serves companies such as Google, Netflix, Qualtrics, Spotify, and more.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iylee/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Feb 08, 202432:22
Identifying Lasting Trends in AI and the Changing Enterprise Software Model

Identifying Lasting Trends in AI and the Changing Enterprise Software Model

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Ross Fubini, the managing partner at XYZ Venture Capital, to discuss the growing AI opportunity and how to identify lasting trends in the field. They delve into the impact of AI on enterprise software models and its potential for cost savings. Ross shares insights on XYZ's investment focus on enterprise and fintech companies, including those in the public sector. With a portfolio of 107 businesses, XYZ aims to support and build these companies actively. Please tune in to gain valuable insights into the AI landscape and its potential for transformative growth.

Highlights:

[00:00:04] Growing AI opportunity.

[00:02:43] AI and market shifts.

[00:05:45] The Internet's transformative potential.

[00:09:18] AI opportunity and emerging technologies.

[00:10:20] AI-powered consulting and new enterprise systems.

[00:15:38] Narrow AI application opportunities.

[00:19:27] Pricing and market disruption.

[00:23:12] AI growth in technology.

[00:24:29] AI Opportunities and Adoption.

[00:28:42] Leveraging AI for legacy brands.

[00:30:04] Generative AI and business opportunities.

[00:35:10] Looking back on emerging technologies.

Guest:

Ross Fubini is the founder and Managing Partner of XYZ Venture Capital. He’s made a career as a successful early-stage technology investor and is passionate about connecting people to build insightful products. Ross is from Virginia and is now based in San Francisco, where he married a local with whom he has two children and goes over the top on holidays. He is an avid triathlete, marathon runner, and previous Ironman competitor. Ross likes to go faster in all things - from races to building companies.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fubini/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Feb 06, 202436:33
Improving Talent Strategy: The Role of Education in Retention and Attraction

Improving Talent Strategy: The Role of Education in Retention and Attraction

In this episode, Amir interviews Stephen Chu, the Chief Legal and People Officer at InStride, about the impact of education on talent retention, attraction, and tenure. InStride partners with academic institutions to offer education programs for large enterprise companies, including high school degrees, college degrees, non-degree certificates, and coding courses. The goal is to create a win-win situation for employees, employers, and academic institutions. As employees gain new skills, employers benefit from upskilled talent, and academic institutions gain more learners.

Highlights 

[00:00:04] Impact of education on talent.

[00:02:26] Importance of combined legal and HR role.

[00:05:30] Retention and Mobility.

[00:09:30] Facilitating professional growth opportunities.

[00:10:23] CEO buy-in and program success.

[00:13:44] Advanced professionals are improving their skills.

[00:15:03] The importance of continuous learning.

[00:18:28] Education improves retention.

[00:21:42] Educational benefits and improvement.


Stephen Chu is the Chief Legal and People Officer at InStride, the partner of choice for businesses creating sustainable advantage and social impact through strategic workforce education programs that enable continuous growth for their people. As Chief Legal and People Officer, Stephen oversees legal and human resources.

Prior to InStride, Stephen was the General Counsel at Zwift, a global fitness platform for cyclists and runners, where he led all legal and compliance matters.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-chu-2189042a/

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Feb 01, 202422:27
Exploring the Role of Chief Technology and Product Officer

Exploring the Role of Chief Technology and Product Officer

In this episode, Ofer Shterling, CTO of Amberflo.io, joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of the CTPO role (Chief Technology and Product Officer). They dive into why this role is becoming a trend and why companies are adopting it. Ofer also explains the main problem his company solves - the pricing problem for businesses. They believe that measuring usage and understanding customer behavior can help companies achieve their pricing objectives. The conversation also touches on Ofer's decision to join a startup and the importance of product and ideation in his role. Please tune in to learn more about the CTPO role and its impact on companies.

Highlights:

[00:01:02] Solving the pricing problem.

[00:05:11] The CTO as CPO.

[00:10:11] Not scalable as CTO.

[00:14:23] Balancing passion, compassion, and inner peace.


Ofer Shterling is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Amberflo.io. He joined the company nearly three years ago, shortly after it secured seed funding, as one of the first two founding engineers. Ofer played a pivotal role in developing many of Amberflo's core pipelines and now serves as the CTO, guiding the company's technological direction.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ofer-shterling-32739b31
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Jan 30, 202418:15
Building Software Cheaper and Faster

Building Software Cheaper and Faster

In this episode, host Amir interviews Ramiro Berrelleza, the founder and CEO of Okteto. They discuss the concept of building software cheaper and faster, exploring the changing landscape of development costs and productivity. They also delve into the impact of tools like GitHub Copilot on team efficiency and delivery. Ramiro highlights how Okteto's platform automates development workflows in Kubernetes, allowing developers to focus on coding and creating value rather than setting up environments manually. The conversation explores the challenge of balancing cost, speed, and quality in software development. Tune in to gain insights into optimizing development processes and achieving cost-effective results.

Highlights:

[00:02:30] Producing software cheaper and faster.

[00:05:57] Cost savings through automation.

[00:09:14] Sizing environments correctly.

[00:12:04] Agile tools.

[00:17:07] Feedback loop in development.

[00:20:23] Customer feedback.

[00:23:45] Bridging the gap as companies grow.

[00:27:39] Innovating the web experience.


Ramiro Berrelleza is the CEO and Co-founder of Okteto, the leading platform for Development Experience Automation. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, Ramiro is a seasoned professional with a passion for building developer tooling. A visionary, Ramiro is always looking for ways to improve the software development process. He firmly believes that building modern applications is a team sport and understands the importance of removing friction from the development process. He is also a passionate advocate for building a more inclusive tech industry. With Ramiro at the helm, Okteto is well-positioned to continue to grow and shape the way companies architect development experience for their teams.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiroberrelleza/

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Jan 25, 202428:07
AI workloads impacting cloud storage and data infrastructures

AI workloads impacting cloud storage and data infrastructures

In this episode, Amir interviews Ugur Tigli, the CTO of MinIO, a high-performance object storage company. They discuss the infrastructure components of cloud storage, data protection, operating models, and costs and how they tie into AI workloads. Ugur explains that MinIO is an open-source, S3-compatible distributed object storage solution popular for its simplicity and ease of deployment. They also delve into why MinIO chose the open-source path and its benefits. Listen to the episode to learn more about cloud and AI workloads and the impact on cloud costs. 

Highlights

[00:02:40] Dual licensing model.

[00:04:15] Open source and security.

[00:07:36] AI and data growth.

[00:14:15] Complex data infrastructure evolution.

[00:16:39] Object storage simplification.

[00:20:19] AI and storage cost.

[00:24:07] Integrating with external systems.


Ugur Tigli is CTO at MinIO. In this current role, he oversees enterprise strategy and interfaces with MinIO’s enterprise client base. He helps clients architect and deploy API-driven, cloud-native, and scalable enterprise-grade data infrastructure using MinIO. Ugur has almost two decades of experience building high-performance data infrastructure for global financial institutions. Before MinIO, he was a technology leader at Bank of America, serving as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hardware Engineering. He joined Bank of America through the acquisition of Merrill Lynch, where he was the Vice President for Storage Engineering. Ugur has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugur-tigli-9a9323/


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Jan 23, 202426:27
A non-traditional path to becoming a founder
Jan 18, 202424:31
Strategic Insights: From Al-Qaim Battles to Agile Practices in Technology

Strategic Insights: From Al-Qaim Battles to Agile Practices in Technology

In this episode, Amir Bormand introduces two guests, Ajax Trueblood and Chris Ieva, who discuss the book "Bastards and Brothers" written by Ajax. The book focuses on the Marines and their fight for al-Qaim in Iraq. Ajax, a retired Air Force intel officer, shares his motivations for writing the book, while Chris, a Marine who served in Iraq, provides his unique perspective. The conversation delves into the book's significance and connections to everyday experiences, including agile practices. 

Highlights

[00:03:53] Dark times in Iraq.

[00:07:36] Marine battalion's fascinating story.

[00:14:48] John Boyd and the OODA Loop

[00:16:27] The OODA Loop concept.

[00:20:23] Thinking in cycles

[00:25:51] Rules for winning firefights.

[00:29:19] The courage it takes.

[00:34:26] Coordinated strike on enemy.

[00:36:14] Marines rushing headlong into combat.

[00:39:10] Tying explosives on a rope.

[00:47:20] Communication techniques and gratitude.

[00:50:27] Building trust through honest communication.

[00:54:18] Risk and decision-making.

[00:59:02] Fighting with a small footprint.

[01:02:32] Outreach to local tribes.

[01:07:46] The ripple of wartime experience.





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Jan 17, 202401:07:27
Driving Change in Healthcare

Driving Change in Healthcare

In this episode, Prashanth Sarpamale, CEO of Althea.ai, discusses the company's focus on integrating health equity with patient engagement and closing care gaps. He explains how they use healthcare analytics and AI methodology to identify social determinants of health and their impact on patient health. Prashanth also shares insights on his journey from chief data analytics officer to CEO and the importance of leveraging data and analytics to drive clinical outcomes. This episode provides valuable information on the intersection of technology and healthcare.

Highlights:

[00:01:03] Closing care gaps in healthcare.

[00:04:06] Ensuring care teams have the necessary data.

[00:09:08] Non-traditional sources of data.

[00:14:29] Interoperability and healthcare systems.

[00:16:53] Medicare spending stabilization.

[00:23:12] Building analytics skills for transition.

[00:26:04] Progressions into high levels of management.

Guest:

Prashanth is the CEO of Althea.ai, which is focused on using analytics to integrate Health Equity with Whole Person Care. Before joining Althea.ai, he was Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Oak Street Health. In this leading Value-Based Care company, he leveraged data to drive innovation and enhance patient care. Before his tenure at Oak Street Health, Prashanth served as Senior Vice President for Operations Analytics at United Health Care, where he led all Data Engineering, Business Insights, and Advanced Analytics and Research for all lines of business – Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial. Before this, he set up and led global analytics practices at UnitedHealth and Hewlett-Packard.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashanth-sarpamale-99ba7b/

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Jan 16, 202427:12
Investing in Disruptive Ideas and Technologies

Investing in Disruptive Ideas and Technologies

In this episode, Katelyn Donnelly, the founder and general partner at Avalanche VC, joins the podcast to discuss the concept of an avalanche in the startup and venture capital world. She explains that Avalanche VC invests in companies that transform how people learn, earn, and own, focusing on disruptive ideas and technologies that have the potential to create sweeping societal change. Katelyn also distinguishes between the terms "unicorn" and "avalanche," highlighting that a unicorn refers to a company with a billion-dollar valuation. In contrast, an avalanche represents a massive trend that can lead to significant market disruption. Please tune in to learn more about how founders and entrepreneurs can take advantage of these trends and position themselves for success.

Highlights

[00:01:58] What is an avalanche?

[00:06:11] The impacts of the avalanche.

[00:09:04] Founders and founding teams.

[00:12:57] Pivoting vs changing ideas.

[00:16:39] Learnable skills of successful founders.

[00:19:18] Exceptional judgment.

[00:24:01] Risk of backing first-time founders.


Katelyn is the Managing Director of Avalanche VC, an early-stage venture firm investing in massive sector trends starting with how people learn, earn, and own. She is active in web3 as the genesis member of VC3DAO, a Kernel Fellow, and a crypto investor. She is co-founder and board director of Delivery Associates, the leading public sector advisory and technology firm focused on government operations and achieving results. She has worked with governments and invested in companies in over 20 countries globally. Previously, she co-founded and served as the Managing Director of Pearson Ventures (prior PALF), a $65M venture fund that invests in edtech companies in emerging markets. Katelyn also led the strategy and implementation of Pearson’s global efficacy strategy. Katelyn started her career as a consultant at McKinsey in San Francisco. Katelyn is a Kauffman Fellow - Class 21. She was named to the Corporate Venturing Power List and recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2014. Venture Capital Journal named her to 40 under 40 Rising Stars in 2022. Katelyn currently serves on Duke University's Learning Innovation Advisory Council, helping Duke imagine the future of on-campus and online learning. Katelyn is a published author on innovation, education, and market disruption. She writes a newsletter called Obviously The Future. www.katelyndonnelly.com

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Jan 11, 202426:06
How Hackathons and LLMs Accelerate Product Development

How Hackathons and LLMs Accelerate Product Development

In this episode, Shadi Rostami, the Senior Executive VP of Engineering at Amplitude, joins the podcast to discuss the role of prompt engineering in fueling innovation and speeding up hackathons. She emphasizes that prompt engineering is a team sport and explores how experimentation and data analytics can impact business outcomes. Amplitude aims to help companies build better products by leveraging data and user behavior insights. Shadi also shares her responsibilities overseeing engineering, security, and support at Amplitude. Tune in for an insightful conversation on driving innovation through prompt engineering.

Highlights:

[00:00:22] Hackathons and LLMs speeding up innovation.

[00:06:27] Features originated in hackathon.

[00:11:13] Prompt engineering and model changes.

[00:17:23] Hackathon ideas and roadmap.

[00:19:58] Relying on user behavior.

[00:22:00] Balancing hackathon experience for developers.

[00:26:06] AI as a tool for innovation.

[00:29:06] Hackathons impact business outcomes.


Shadi Rostami is SVP of engineering at leading digital analytics platform Amplitude. She is a passionate, seasoned technology leader and architect experienced in building and managing highly proficient engineering teams. Before Amplitude, she was VP of Engineering at Palo Alto Networks. She has innovated and delivered several product lines and services specializing in distributed systems, cloud computing, big data, machine learning, and security. She has a Ph.D. in computer engineering from the University of British Columbia and a B.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadi-rostami-b6a636/

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Jan 09, 202429:38
The Customer Journey and Achieving Product Market Fit

The Customer Journey and Achieving Product Market Fit

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Ryan Glasgow, the CEO of Sprig. They discuss Ryan's journey from pre-Sprig to launching the company, focusing on building products centered around experience data. Ryan explains how Sprig is a product experience insights platform that helps companies understand what their customers think of their products. They delve into the different products offered by Sprig, including in-product surveys, session replay, prototype testing, and AI. Tune in and learn more about how Sprig revolutionizes customer feedback and product development.

Highlights

[00:01:06] Sprig's core product: in-product surveys.

[00:04:02] Early-stage company experiences.

[00:07:36] The evolution of CDs.

[00:11:38] Customer journey and product fit.

[00:15:25] Outbound feedback is crucial.

[00:18:12] User experience management.

[00:23:48] Identifying core supporters of the product.

[00:26:06] Product market fit and learnings.

Guest:

Ryan Glasgow is the founder and CEO of Sprig. Sprig is the leading product experience insights platform and works with high-growth companies, including Figma, Notion, Loom, and Dropbox.

Before starting the company, Ryan was a Product Manager and early team member at five different companies that he helped scale from startup to successful exit, including Weebly, which was acquired by Square, and Vurb, which Snapchat acquired.


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Jan 02, 202428:31
Benefits and value of an open source business model

Benefits and value of an open source business model

In this episode, host Amir interviews Zach Wasserman, Co-founder and CTO of Fleet, an open-source device management platform. They discuss the features and functionalities of Fleet, including its use in mobile device management (MDM) and telemetry collection. Zach explains how Fleet is built on top of OSQuery and supports managing Mac workstations, with plans to expand to Windows, mobile devices, and Linux. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of Fleet and why they decided to open-source their product.

Highlights:

[00:01:23] Device Management Use Cases.

[00:05:55] Telemetry data.

[00:09:54] Vulnerability management platform.

[00:13:20] Bringing DevOps principles into IT and security.

[00:15:28] Business requirements and efficiency gains.

[00:19:27] Shifting left in endpoint management.

[00:24:23] Open source business model.


Zach Wasserman is a serial entrepreneur, engineer, co-founder, and CTO of Fleet, where he works to unlock the full potential of osquery for enterprise and open-source customers. He brings the vision and experience of co-creating and working with osquery since the earliest design documents at Facebook in 2014. He has been a member of the Linux Foundation osquery Technical Steering Committee since its inception in 2019. Before Fleet, Zach founded open-source security consultancy Dactiv,  and co-founded endpoint security company Kolide. Zach graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BSE in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted wireless security research and lectured on the Python programming language.

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Dec 21, 202332:30
How Hackathons Drive Innovation

How Hackathons Drive Innovation

In this episode, Amir interviews Siddharth Ram, the CTO of Velocity Global, about the impact of hackathons on innovation. They discuss the benefits and challenges of hackathons, as well as the importance of compliance in today's borderless work environment. Siddharth explains that Velocity Global helps companies navigate hiring and compliance regulations worldwide. The hackathons at Velocity Global provide engineers with four days of uninterrupted work, fostering creativity and collaboration. Tune in to learn more about the power of hackathons in driving innovation.

Highlights:

[00:02:45] Impactful hackathon projects.

[00:05:58] Happiness and productivity in hackathons.

[00:08:37] Surprising customer impact.

[00:14:21] AI and generative AI.

[00:15:10] Celebrating customer feedback.

[00:19:07] The genesis of giving everyone three uninterrupted days.

[00:23:07] R&D/hackathon budget.

Guest:

Siddharth Ram is the CTO of Velocity Global, which helps businesses hire and manage employees in 185 countries worldwide. Before Velocity Global, he was the CTO of Inflection.com/GoodHire.com, which was acquired by Checkr.com in 2022. He held leadership positions at Intuit before this.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthram/

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Dec 19, 202326:26
The Intersection of Hardware and Software: Solving Mission Critical Problems

The Intersection of Hardware and Software: Solving Mission Critical Problems

In this episode, host Amir speaks with Keenan Wyrobek, Co-founder and CTO of Zipline. They discuss the challenges and design choices involved in managing the intersection of hardware and software for Zipline's mission-critical product. They also dive into the unique product that Zipline offers and the mission driving their work. Tune in to gain insights into the world of hardware and software integration and the importance of building a strong team.

Highlights:

[00:01:27] Zipline's unique product and mission.

[00:06:18] Expired medicine in warehouses.

[00:07:38] The journey of starting.

[00:10:14] Bumps in the road.

[00:13:05] Hiring for principles.

[00:16:18] Evaluating team fit and performance.

[00:20:35] New product exploration and iteration.

[00:23:31] Flying in stormy weather.

[00:28:19] Simplifying architectural design.

[00:29:04] A holy grail.

[00:32:17] What matters to the customer?

Guest:

Keenan Wyrobek is co-founder and head of product and engineering at Zipline, the world’s first drone delivery service whose focus is delivering life-saving medicine to the most difficult-to-reach places on earth. Prior to Zipline, Keenan was a co-founder and director of the Personal Robotics Program at Willow Garage. He was involved in launching and growing the Robot Operating System (ROS) and shipping PR2, the first personal robot for software R&D. Keenan has spent years delivering high-tech products to market across a range of fields, including consumer electronics, sportswear, and medical robotics.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenanwyrobek/

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Dec 14, 202334:33
Growth in privacy engineering

Growth in privacy engineering

In this episode, the host interviews Hoang Bao, the Director of Privacy and Data Privacy Officer at Axon, about privacy engineering. They discuss the emerging field of privacy engineering, its definition, and the career opportunities it offers. Wang explains that there is no common definition for privacy engineering and highlights the work of the IAPP Privacy Engineering Advisory Board in shaping the field. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of privacy and technology.

Highlights:

[00:01:06] Definition of privacy engineering.

[00:04:39] Data governance and privacy.

[00:11:42] More diversity in the privacy profession.

[00:14:21] Getting into the privacy profession.

[00:17:07] Privacy champions in organizations.

[00:22:15] The role of the data protection officer.

[00:26:45] Career opportunities in privacy engineering.


Hoang Bao has over 15 years of experience building and leading privacy and data governance programs. He is currently serving as Director of Privacy and Data Privacy Officer for Axon, where he helps ensure Axon is always at the forefront in fulfilling its commitment to protecting privacy for all global Axon Customers and the communities they serve. 

He is also a member of the IAPP Privacy Engineering Advisory Board. Additionally, he is a Principal at Virtual Privacy, focusing on empowering the privacy and data protection ecosystem through pro bono services and research about businesses, consumers, and trust in the digital space. Previously, he also served in senior leadership roles at Google, Twitch, Netflix, Walmart Global eCommerce, and Yahoo!. He was also a Senior Consultant at KPMG LLP.

Hoang received his Master of Science in Computer Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has the following privacy designations: CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPT, and CIPM. He also has the ECPC-B Professional DPO Certification from the European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity, Maastricht University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoangbao/

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Dec 12, 202327:27
Improving DevOps outcomes

Improving DevOps outcomes

In this episode, Adam Jacob, CEO and co-founder of System Initiative, joins the podcast to discuss the reasons behind less than ideal results in DevOps. He explains the failure rates and highlights important insights to look for in reports. Adam also discusses the second wave of DevOps tools and their impact. The conversation delves into the work of System Initiative. This company has reimagined the workflow for DevOps work by creating a collaborative power tool that removes the challenges faced in current DevOps practices. The goal is to enhance collaboration, shorten feedback loops, and create high-fidelity models while allowing for higher-level abstractions.

Highlights

[00:00:23] Rethinking DevOps workflow.

[00:03:46] Ideal implementation of DevOps.

[00:08:35] Collaboration in remote culture.

[00:10:19] Collaboration in remote work.

[00:14:35] What's wrong with our DevOps outcomes?

[00:17:46] Lead time for cloud infrastructure.

[00:21:19] Transparency and collaboration.

[00:24:08] Collaboration and complexity in deployments.

[00:27:14] Second wave of DevOps.

[00:31:18] Second wave DevOps and change.

[00:36:02] Building something better than mediocrity.

[00:38:03] Building new deployment automation scripting language.

[00:41:15] Fixing Bad Outcomes.

Guest:


Adam Jacob is an engineering and product innovator with decades of experience designing, building, and managing large production systems. He is the CEO, Chairman, and Co-founder of System Initiative. Adam previously co-founded Chef Software was the original author of Chef, served as CTO, and was on the board of directors.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjacob/

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Dec 07, 202344:59
Data and analytics offensive strategies

Data and analytics offensive strategies

In this episode, Gary Cao, an Analytics leader, joins the podcast to discuss proactive and reactive states of data, defensive and offensive strategies, and the value of data in both contexts. Gary shares his extensive experience as an analytics officer leader and offers insights into how companies often misunderstand the true value of their data. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage data for revenue generation and strategic decision-making.

Highlights:

00:01:36 Unlocking data value: Offensive vs Defensive 00:09:01 Data is essential for decision-making. 00:12:02 Data analytics drives revenue growth. 00:22:01 Benchmarking competitors is essential. 00:25:11 Data analytics is a strategic resource. 00:31:21 Properly serve data and analytics.

Guest:

Gary Cao, known as 'Mr. Ge,' provides expert guidance to CEOs and boards on analytics and AI strategy, taking on roles such as a fractional Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) or Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Boasting a 20-year tenure as a CDAO and a seasoned founder of internal analytics startups, Cao has demonstrated a robust track record across eight companies, with revenues ranging from $40 million to $120 billion.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garycao/

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Dec 05, 202333:06
Data Strategy Driving Business Outcomes

Data Strategy Driving Business Outcomes

In this episode, Amir interviews Aaron Wilkerson, Carhartt's Senior Manager of Data Strategy and Governance. They discuss improving business outcomes and the importance of data in achieving that goal. Aaron shares insights on the strategy and accountability required for data-driven decision-making. They also touch on the role of technology in driving business success. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights for those responsible for data and technology in any industry.

Highlights

[00:04:26] Tying data strategy to brand. 

[00:07:12] Data as the centerpiece. 

[00:13:39] Elevated strategic vision 

[00:15:54] Data governance and challenges. 

[00:19:35] Change management and education. 

[00:22:10] Finding the champion. 

[00:26:23] Tying data to business outcomes. 

[00:28:14] The evolving role of CDOs. 

[00:32:39] Attributing work to forecast. 

[00:34:35] Attaching work to business outcomes. 

[00:37:56] Revenue growth through digital channels.



---

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Nov 28, 202339:19
Exploring Purpose-Built AI

Exploring Purpose-Built AI

In this episode, Amir interviews Kunal Agarwal, the co-founder and CEO of Unravel Data. They discuss purpose-built AI and how Unravel Data leverages AI in their platform. They also explore the symbiotic relationship between AI-driven products and engineering teams. Kunal explains that Unravel Data is a data observability and FinOps platform data engineering teams use to ensure data applications run smoothly and efficiently. They also discuss the importance of scaling data operations and managing costs in a rapidly growing data landscape. This episode highlights AI's role in improving engineers' lives and optimizing data operations.

Highlights:

[00:01:25] Purpose-built AI for data. 

[00:05:39] Shift to narrow AI solutions. 

[00:09:54] Automating repetitive tasks. 

[00:12:09] Data engineers' time-consuming tasks. 

[00:17:33] Automated testing and checks. 

[00:19:43] Why is this thing so expensive? 

[00:24:44] Understanding unit cost and optimization. 

[00:27:57] Optimization opportunities with AI.

Guest

Kunal Agarwal is CEO and Co-founder of Unravel Data, a data observability and FinOps platform that utilizes purpose-built AI to enable large enterprises to deliver on the promise of data-driven products and insights with speed, scale, and cost efficiency. Kunal started his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Yuuze.com, a pioneer in e-commerce personalization. He has held sales and implementation leadership roles for Oracle products at several Fortune 100 organizations and helped Sun Microsystems run its Grid Computing Engine. In addition to building and steering the Unravel Data team, Kunal is passionate about drifting cars sideways around the track at 100 mph+.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalkunal/

---

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Nov 21, 202332:30
Leveraging AI and Data Quality

Leveraging AI and Data Quality

In this episode, host Amir welcomes Sue Nallapeta, the CTO of Trusted Health, to discuss the implementation of AI in products and the importance of data quality. They emphasize the need for a solid framework and data structure before integrating AI solutions. Sue shares examples of how AI can bring value to customers and improve business outcomes. They also explore how Trusted Health, a marketplace connecting nurses with jobs, incorporates AI into their operations. Tune in to gain insights into leveraging AI effectively in your product.

Highlights

[00:02:27] Leveraging AI in healthcare. 

[00:03:51] Nurses uploading their resumes. 

[00:08:12] Data governance and AI. 

[00:12:35] Complexity of nursing recruitment. 

[00:16:46] AI's presence in every workflow. 

[00:19:30] Technology trends and industry evolution. 

[00:24:43] Understanding nursing complexities. 

[00:26:10] Nursing complexities.


Sushma (Sue) Nallapeta is the Chief Technology Officer at Trusted Health, where she leads a team of more than 100 engineers who are building the leading career marketplace for healthcare professionals. Sue has more than 15 years of experience leading engineering teams across various consumer-facing businesses and marketplaces, including Apartment List, Zoosk (acquired by Spark Networks), and Kodak Gallery (acquired by Shutterfly). She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives and for creating products that help people solve everyday problems through the power of technology. Sue serves as a mentor and a resource for other aspiring female engineers and engineering leaders through her work as an ambassador for SheTO and as a mentor with Plato. Sue holds a master's degree in Computer Science and is a mother to an 8-year-old daughter.


linkedin.com/in/sushmanallapeta

twitter.com/sushmars

---

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Nov 16, 202326:42
Thinking About Responsible AI

Thinking About Responsible AI

In this episode, Hari Kodakalla, the Head of Data Analytics at Frost Bank, joins the podcast to discuss responsible AI and the challenges of last-mile adoption. They explore topics such as regulatory protection from a customer perspective, the composition of an effective AI team, and the ongoing importance of human involvement in AI processes. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and machine learning in various areas, including deepfake videos and content issues. The concept of responsible AI is explored, highlighting the need for ethical and accountable use of AI technology.

Highlights

[00:00:56] Responsible AI explained. 

[00:04:20] The governance aspect of AI implementation. 

[00:11:56] Trust and transparency in AI. 

[00:14:48] Responsible AI implementation. 

[00:19:51] Responsible AI in corporate environments. 

[00:22:39] The impact of the cloud on cybersecurity. 

[00:26:45] Responsible AI in an AI-driven world.


Hari Kodakalla is the Head of Data and Analytics at Frost Bank, with over 27 years of experience in various industries. Hari is a visionary leader in the field of data-driven transformation. He has a track record of leveraging technology to drive impactful change and has held executive positions in innovative technology companies specializing in big data and analytics.

Hari is known for turning data into actionable insights using AI and ML and has championed a data-centric culture at Frost Bank. Under his leadership, Frost Bank has seen transformative outcomes, including optimized propensity models, streamlined operations, and personalized customer interactions. Hari advocates for embracing cutting-edge technologies like Gen-Ai and is recognized as a leading authority for adopting AI in his bank. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas @ Dallas and is dedicated to steering Frost Bank toward a data-driven future. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harikodakalla
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Nov 14, 202327:52
Being hands-on without being a bottleneck

Being hands-on without being a bottleneck

In this episode, Amir interviews Fady Matar, the VP of Engineering at Spotter, about his approach to being a super hands-on engineering leader. Fadi shares his views on how he relates to his team, avoids being a bottleneck, and understands the work at a deep level. They discuss the pros and cons of different engineering management styles and how being hands-on can benefit a team. Fadi also provides insight into the size and organization of his team at Spotter, highlighting their exciting product and the need for scalability. Tune in to learn more about Fadi's super-involved approach to engineering leadership.

Highlights:

[00:00:19] Being a super involved engineering leader. 

[00:06:52] Choosing the right vertical. 

[00:09:38] Sustainability in team growth. 

[00:12:40] Avoiding being a bottleneck.

[00:16:17] Managers understanding code and standards. 

[00:20:25] Engineering culture and data. 

[00:27:29] Startups as jazz bands. 

[00:31:52] Defining product specifications.

[00:32:10] Product specifications and frameworks.


As Spotter's VP of Software Engineering, Fady Matar is spearheading the development of AI-focused tools for creators. Known for his curiosity and enthusiasm, he has a rich background in Open Source Frameworks like vertx.io, quarkus.io, and hibernate.org. Fady is committed to pushing the boundaries of AI and software engineering. With the goal of becoming a transformative figure in the AI field, Fady is dedicated to integrating AI advancements with software engineering best practices. Outside of tech, he is a professional musician, proficient in classical, flamenco, and jazz guitar.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmatar

---

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Nov 09, 202332:56
The relationship between company values and tenure

The relationship between company values and tenure

In this episode, Phil Freo, the VP of Product and Engineering at Close, discusses his journey from being a founding engineer to the VP of Engineering. Phil has been with Close for almost 12 years and has witnessed the company's growth firsthand. We delve into topics like retention, what mattered in the early days, and what Phil is focused on now. Tune in to gain insights into the evolution of a startup and the importance of staying committed to a company's mission.

Highlights

[00:00:52] Longevity at Close. 

[00:06:45] The job keeps changing. 

[00:08:03] Evolving skill sets. 

[00:13:38] Retention and opportunity for growth.

[00:15:02] Remote work and company culture. 

[00:20:42] Over-documentation in remote work. 

[00:23:00] VC-backed growth vs. steady growth. 

[00:27:10] Progress and happiness.

Guest:

Phil Freo is a founding team member and VP of Product and Engineering at Close.com, a profitable SaaS CRM for startups & SMBs. Phil helped build, launch, and grow Close from the beginning and now leads the 50-person Product, Design, and Engineering org there. Previously, Phil led Product/Engineering for two years at Quizlet, building study tools that help millions of students learn, and also interned at Google. Phil spent several years in Silicon Valley before returning to Florida and focusing on scaling remote teams.

Connect with Phil:

https://twitter.com/philfreo https://www.linkedin.com/in/philfreo/

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Nov 07, 202330:58
GenAI Driving Business Outcomes

GenAI Driving Business Outcomes

In this episode, Chintan Shah, VP of Engineering at Collective, discusses the application of AI in business outcomes and how it benefits consumers. The focus is on Collective's product, which caters to consultants and contractors who run their small businesses. Chintan explains the advantages of representing their work as a business and touches on tax laws and liability. Tune in to learn more about the role of generative AI in improving the consumer experience.

Highlights:

[00:00:38] Collective benefiting consumers using AI. 

[00:05:33] Subjective interpretation in accounting. 

[00:10:58] Co-pilot model and generative AI. 

[00:13:09] Bookkeeper's comprehensive view of books. 

[00:18:05] Quarterly tax estimates and cash flow. 

[00:24:04] Giving time back to businesses. 

[00:26:14] Applying assistance to end users.

Guest:

Chintan Shah, as Collective’s VP of Engineering, brings over 20 years of technology experience to build software products that maximize the value for customers. He has led globally distributed engineering teams at companies like Nextdoor, Uber, Netflix, and Apple and at startups like Zencoder and Justin.tv (Twitch) before his tenure at Collective. Chintan’s team at Netflix created Conductor workflow engine.

He has an MS in Cryptography and likes to learn new computer languages in his spare time.

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chintan

---

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Oct 31, 202328:06
The top 3 things that could impact the success of your AI project

The top 3 things that could impact the success of your AI project

In this episode, host Amir interviews Jeff DeVerter, Chief Technology Evangelist at Rackspace, about the key factors that can impact the success of an AI project. They discuss the importance of data quality, enterprise adoption, and organizational structure in driving successful AI implementation. Jeff provides valuable insights and feedback in these areas, highlighting the need for a new approach to AI in the enterprise. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the challenges and achieve success in AI projects.

Highlights:

[00:02:31] AI in personal lives. 

[00:03:33] Companies' real-time interaction needs. 

[00:07:05] Intelligent Co-Pilot for the Enterprise 

[00:11:10] AI's impact on IT. 

[00:15:10] First steps in AI adoption.

[00:18:02] LLMs as ongoing AI projects. 

[00:21:01] Identifying impactful opportunities. 

[00:25:45] Hallucination in AI models. 

[00:28:09] The importance of source data. 

[00:32:00] AI and cybersecurity misconceptions.


Jeff DeVerter is the chief technology evangelist at Rackspace Technology, an end-to-end, multi-cloud technology services provider.

He has 25 years of experience in IT and technology and has worked at Rackspace Technology for over 10 years. Jeff is a proven strategic leader who has helped insurers create and execute against multi-year digital transformation strategies. During his time at Rackspace Technology, Jeff has launched and managed many of the products and services that Rackspace Technology offers, as well as supporting merger and acquisition activities to enhance those offerings.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeverter/

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Oct 26, 202334:05
Enterprise Adoption of Generative AI

Enterprise Adoption of Generative AI

In this episode, Mir Ali, the Head of Digital Engineering at the Kraft Heinz Company, joins the show to discuss the enterprise-wide adoption of Gen AI (generative AI). They delve into topics such as platform evaluation, ROI, legal and regulatory considerations, and maturity planning. The conversation focuses on how enterprises can adopt Gen AI, including selecting the right platform, developing a strategy, and justifying its costs. This episode offers valuable insights into the practical application of Gen AI in the business world.

Highlights:

[00:02:40] Use cases in CPG. 

[00:05:43] AI strategy  

[00:08:19] AI strategy for Kraft Hines. 

[00:14:10] Building AI literacy. 

[00:16:27] Pilot success metrics. 

[00:19:05] Evaluating AI's revenue opportunities. 

[00:23:39] Co-pilot integration into daily life.

Guest:

Mir Ali is the Head of Digital Engineering at Kraft Heinz (KHC). He leads a team of product, data, and platform engineers who are responsible for developing and managing the company's digital products and platforms. He has more than 20 years of experience in technology, working in various roles and sectors, including aviation, consulting, automotive, and financial services.

His current role focuses on building a robust platform that supports KHC’s growth strategies, improves analytics-driven decision-making, and aligns the vision across stakeholders, including IT, business, and external partners.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miryali/

---

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Oct 24, 202326:28
How Angel Investing Can Benefit Founders and Executives

How Angel Investing Can Benefit Founders and Executives

In this episode, I speak with Jyri Engestrom, an investor and partner at YesVC, about angel vesting. Jyri shares his insights on how to get into angel investing and how it can benefit your career as a founder or executive. We discuss the popularity of angel investing and the platforms that allow investors to deploy small tickets into companies. Jyri emphasizes the importance of building a diversified portfolio, even if you're running your own company. Tune in to learn more about the world of angel investing.

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast should not be considered as legal, financial, or any other type of advice. We encourage you to seek guidance from qualified professionals and conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.


Highlights:

[00:00:40] Angel investing and career benefits. 

[00:04:00] Investing in startups for equity. 

[00:09:09] Investing too much in startups. 

[00:12:30] Skipping angel investing vintages. 

[00:17:10] Angel investing ticket size. 

[00:20:04] Legal protection when investing. 

[00:24:19] The value of angel investors. 

[00:28:05] Private investments and angel investors. 

[00:34:37] Cultivating relationships as an investor. 

[00:37:06] Investing in competitors for success.

Guest:

Jyri Engeström co-founded Jaiku, a mobile social network acquired by Google, and Ditto, a recommendations app acquired by Groupon. He is an early investor in Unity (NYSE:U), Oura, Iceye and many other companies. Before co-founding Yes VC with Caterina, he was on the investing team at True Ventures (early investors in Peloton, Ring, WordPress and others).

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyriengestrom/

---

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Oct 20, 202339:50
Open source data orchestration

Open source data orchestration

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Pete Hunt, the CEO of Dagster Labs. They discuss the open-source nature of Dagster, a product that helps businesses with data orchestration. They explore the product's benefits, the challenges in the data orchestration market, and why Dagster Labs decided to open-source their product. Pete shares his background in open source and the importance of data pipelines in making sense of messy data. Tune in to learn more about how Dagster is revolutionizing the data industry.

Highlights:

[00:01:02] Building with data in businesses. 

[00:04:08] Data hygiene in organizations. 

[00:08:09] Building multi-tenancy from day one. 

[00:14:14] Data pipeline unpredictability. 

[00:18:00] Open source mentality. 

[00:21:10] Open source led business models. 

[00:23:05] Open source pricing strategy.

Guest:

Pete joined Dagster Labs as Head of Engineering in early 2022 and took over the reins as CEO in November of that year. Pete was previously co-founder and CEO of Smyte, an anti-abuse provider that Twitter acquired. Before this, Pete led Instagram’s web team, built Instagram’s business analytics products, and helped to open-source Facebook’s React.js.

Connect with Pete:

https://twitter.com/floydophone 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwhunt/


Oct 17, 202323:26
Challenges and Skills Required in Developing Autonomous Vehicles

Challenges and Skills Required in Developing Autonomous Vehicles

In this episode, Engin Anil, the VP of Software Engineering at Gatik, joins the podcast to discuss the complexities and challenges in the autonomous vehicle space. Amir and Engin explore the sophistication of autonomous vehicle technology and the need to build confidence and trust in these vehicles. The episode sheds light on the intricate nature of coding for autonomous vehicles, comparing it to the coding required for Boeing or Airbus airplanes. Tune in to gain insights into the impacts and complexities of autonomous vehicles and the software behind them.

Highlights:

[00:01:05] Complexity of autonomous vehicles. 

[00:05:48] Differentiating between vehicles. 

[00:10:38] Transferable skills in computer vision. 

[00:13:41] Ramp up on history 

[00:18:04] Cross-disciplinary work in perception. 

[00:19:13] Perception problem in AI algorithms. 

[00:23:01] The magnitude of ambition.

Guest:

Engin Anil is the VP of Software Engineering at Gatik. Engin focuses on operational excellence in autonomous technology and robotics by hyper-focusing organizations on what is important. He empowers engineering, product, and operations teams to take products to market quicker by rapid development and customer feedback iterations. He bridges his teams and executive leadership, ensuring open communications. Engin creates a safe environment where people can lean on both individual and team strengths while continuing to learn and grow. Engin earned a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebanil/

---

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Oct 10, 202327:10
Opportunities and Challenges in Productizing Your Data

Opportunities and Challenges in Productizing Your Data

In this episode, Phanii Pydimarri, Head of Strategic Planning and Partnerships at Healthcare Service Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss the topic of productizing data. They explore this process's opportunities, challenges, and common mistakes. Phanii shares insights on the mindset required to view data as a product effectively. Tune in to gain valuable insights into productizing data and its impact on healthcare analytics.

Highlights:

[00:02:33] Productizing data. 

[00:04:23] Transitioning to digital productization. 

[00:07:17] Siloed nature within an organization. 

[00:13:10] Data product manager roles. 

[00:15:28] Data products in organizations. 

[00:19:27] Internal vs. external data products. 

[00:23:32] Internal products and data leaders. 

[00:25:59] Lack of clear vision.

Guest:  

Phanii Pydimarri is an industry-agnostic Global Digital, Product, and Data Analytics Leader in driving Digital Transformation, Commercialization, and end-to-end Data Management with key focus areas such as Strategy, Data Analytics, Business Transformation, Product Management, and Customer Success. He has a Master of Science in Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

Phanii has extensive experience working for organizations across the US in different industries. He is a strong believer in economies of scale, is outcome-driven, and is passionate about solving key business challenges by using Digital and Data technologies. He has strong experience using Data Science to drive innovation and improve key operational metrics and has experience standing up Data Governance programs across various public and private sector organizations. Phanii has successful experience in Productizing Data, AI, and other Digital products with the right Go-To-Market strategies and achieving commercial value for Fortune 500 organizations. Over the years, Phanii has transformed cultures and delivered digital and data solutions that can be leveraged to deliver measurable outcomes to drive organizational goals.

Phanii sits on multiple Data & Analytics and Product advisory boards and is a regular public speaker. Some notable organizations include Chief Data Officer Magazine, Modal.ai, the International Society of CDOs (isCDO), and Evanta. He won CDO 40 under 40 and the Top 50 Data & Analytics Professional award for 2023.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phaniipydimarricdo/

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Oct 03, 202330:36
Understanding Impacts on Organizational Design

Understanding Impacts on Organizational Design

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Joel Dolisy, the CTO of WellSky. They discuss different aspects of organizational design regarding innovation versus transformation, PE versus VC, and different company sizes. Joel also explains how WellSky provides software solutions and analytics capabilities to help healthcare organizations optimize patient care and performance across the acute, post-acute, and community care continuum. 


00:03:30 Organizational design requires maximizing collaboration.

00:05:28 Anticipate changes and innovate.

00:10:49 Software as an enabler.

00:16:23 Balancing innovation and risk.

00:23:08 Context is vital for growth.

00:28:56 Design principles guide organizational growth.

Guest:

In his role as chief technology officer, Joel Dolisy manages both product development and information technology for WellSky. Before joining WellSky as CTO, Joel was CTO of Kinnser Software, leading the company’s engineering and product organizations. Before Kinnser, Joel was SVP, CTO, and CIO for SolarWinds, a leading provider of IT management software. With more than 20 years of experience in product strategy and software engineering, Joel is a leader in developing and delivering commercial software products to market.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdolisy/

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Sep 19, 202332:03
Scaling a Single Focused Engineering Team
Sep 14, 202326:60
The Importance of Feedback Loops in Customer Success and Engineering

The Importance of Feedback Loops in Customer Success and Engineering

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Cassie Brown, the VP of Engineering at Bitly. They discuss the importance of the relationship between customer success and engineering teams in improving customer experience. They delve into topics such as feedback loops, improving triage, and ultimately driving adoption and usage. Cassie shares her responsibilities as VP of Engineering at Bitly and the company's mission as a connections platform. Overall, this episode highlights the significance of collaboration between customer success and engineering in enhancing the customer experience.

Highlights:

[00:02:50] Bridging the gap between engineering and customer support.

[00:06:25] Michelin star restaurant analogy. 

[00:08:27] Investigating and resolving issues. 

[00:13:22] Building relationships for success. 

[00:18:22] Service stewardship and bug management.

Guest:

Cassandra Brown is Bitly’s VP of Engineering. She is a people-first leader who manages engineering efforts for Bitly's core product – she ensures that the functionality takes into account user experience and that Bitly can scale and provide a quality experience for all of our users. Before Bitly, Cassandra earned a Master’s in Computer Information Systems and held roles at Cloud Elements and Oracle.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandradbrown/

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Sep 12, 202325:12
Empowering Engineering Managers for Success

Empowering Engineering Managers for Success

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Salil Joshi, the VP of Engineering at Viant Technology. They discuss the topic of new managers and how to help them succeed. They also touch on the importance of building on their strengths and what they should do in anticipation of becoming a manager. They explore how to measure the effectiveness of a new manager. Salil explains the role of digital advertising and the demand side platform in connecting advertisers with consumers. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights for new and aspiring engineering managers.

Highlights:

[00:01:02] Advertising platform explained. 

[00:07:33] Essential and effective management. 

[00:11:02] Mentorship and career growth. 

[00:12:05] Closing the skills gap. 

[00:18:04] AMC Framework 

[00:21:31] Asking the right questions. 

[00:26:34] Hiring pressure for new managers. 

[00:30:09] Adjusting the hiring bar. 

[00:34:09] The definition of done. 

Guest:

Salil Joshi is a VP of Engineering at Viant Technology. He has 23 years of software industry experience, including 17 as a line manager, 5+ as a manager-of-managers leading multiple onsite and off-shore engineering teams, and 10 years of hands-on software development experience in scalable, distributed, cloud, storage, virtualization, and networking systems. He has experience in SDLC / waterfall, Agile development, and Scrum processes. Salil has worked in Startups and large organizations, service-based and product-based. He holds six patents granted by USPTO and has more than four patents pending.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salil-joshi-52a2334/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Sep 05, 202337:24
Delivering Value through Technology Transformation

Delivering Value through Technology Transformation

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Vinny Sharma, Managing Director at Ernst & Young, about delivery frameworks. They discuss the importance of being a good listener and understanding the root cause of a problem before implementing a solution. Vinny shares his expertise in cloud engineering, cloud-native development, IoT, and agile delivery.

Highlights:

 [00:01:33] Consulting and listening skills. 

 [00:03:52] Short-term wins and long-term vision

 [00:09:05] Transformation Approach in Business. 

 [00:13:32] Creating a value framework.

 [00:16:57] AI and its impact. 

 [00:19:33] Tech maturity and data reliance.

Guest:

As a Transformation Leader, Vinny Sharma leads Emerging technology practices, including Cloud transformation, Cloud native development, Industry 4.0, IOT, DevSecOps, and tech modernization globally. Playing a key technology leadership role around how the various Emerging Technologies, processes, and strategies tie into end-to-end Digital transformation roadmap to drive additional value and efficiencies for Fortune 500 organizations worldwide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnysh/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Sep 01, 202327:53
Driving Business Value through Continuous Deployment

Driving Business Value through Continuous Deployment

In this episode, Amir interviews Ryan Fox, VP of Engineering at Super, about their journey with developer internal tooling and CICD. Ryan talks about the growth of the engineering team and the current focus on internal tooling. He discusses how the team views these internal tools as a competitive advantage.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Super's journey and growth. 

[00:04:27] Mission-aligned teams. 

[00:08:33] Elastic Beanstalk's limitations. 

[00:13:26] Canarying support. 

[00:17:00] Deploy time and frequency. 

[00:19:27] Engineering team competitive advantage. 

[00:24:37] How to measure team productivity. 

[00:26:55] Continuous deployment and lessons learned. 

[00:31:09] Maintaining end-to-end testing.

Guest:

Ryan Fox is the VP of Engineering at Super.com, a mobile commerce and fintech platform focused on saving money for people who need to save, not just want to save. Super.com is one of the fastest-growing tech companies in North America and has raised more than USD 100 million to date. Previously, Ryan worked as both a SWE and SRE at Google, where he worked on systems handling millions of requests per second.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-m-fox/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and 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)

Aug 22, 202334:03