Shows
The Tech TrekLowering the Cost of Curiosity in DataIn this episode of The Tech Trek, Amir Bormand is joined by Neil Bhandar, VP of IT Enterprise Data Analytics and Innovation at Generac Power Systems, to discuss the evolving role of data in business strategy and decision-making. Neil shares his insights on aligning technical capabilities with strategic goals, reducing the "cost of curiosity," and the transformative power of generative AI.
Key Discussion Points:
Aligning Business Strategy with Technical Capabilities:Neil emphasizes ensuring technical capabilities align with business goals, enabling organizations to create meaningful value.
The Role of Data in Decision-Making:Dat...2024-11-2736 min
The Talent TangoEmpowering Women in the Workplace: Navigating Health, Advocacy, and BalanceIn this powerful episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Dena Singleton, Chief HR Officer at Kajabi, about the challenges women face throughout their careers. They explore key issues like balancing personal and professional life, navigating health-related workplace returns, and addressing menopause—a topic often overlooked in organizational conversations. Dena shares personal stories and actionable advice on creating inclusive environments, advocating for oneself, and fostering open communication. This episode offers valuable insights for HR leaders, managers, and anyone looking to create more equitable and supportive workplaces. Key Takeaways: Recognize and Address Unique Challenges: Understand how career in...2024-11-2027 min
The Tech TrekEngineers as Innovators: Beyond Just Writing CodeIn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand talks with Ken Kao, VP of Engineering at Rad AI, about the evolving role of engineers in driving business innovation. They explore how tech differentiation can give companies a competitive edge and how engineers can act as problem solvers and creative artists beyond just writing code.
Key Takeaways:
Tech Differentiation for Competitive Edge: Learn how technology-driven innovation can set companies apart.
Engineers as Artists and Problem Solvers: Engineers can move beyond code by creatively solving business problems.
Shifting Engineers Left: Involve...2024-11-1922 min
The Talent TangoBuilding Inclusive Talent StrategiesIn this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Hilliary Turnipseed, Senior Director of Talent at Kapor Capital, to explore the essential practices behind consciously inclusive hiring. They dive into how organizations can diversify their talent pools, avoid hiring biases, and create equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. Hilliary shares how Kapor Capital’s investment philosophy centers on closing access gaps for low-income communities and communities of color. She also discusses how talent leaders can adopt inclusive strategies, de-risk hiring decisions, and expand their reach beyond traditional recruitment methods. Key Takeaways: Adopt an Inclusive Hiring Mindset: Bu...2024-11-0624 min
The Talent TangoAI's Impact on Talent ManagementIn this episode, Erin Peterson, Head of Talent at Great Hill Partners, joins Amir Bormand to explore the evolving role of AI in talent management. They discuss how generative AI can streamline recruiting processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve candidate experience while maintaining a human touch. Erin shares insights on balancing automation with personal engagement and how technology can enhance decision-making in hiring. The conversation also touches on change management, bias reduction, and preparing teams for AI-driven processes. Key Takeaways: Automation in Recruiting: AI-driven tools can automate administrative tasks like scheduling, sourcing, and interview follow-ups, freeing...2024-10-0936 min
The Tech TrekFrom Prototype to Production: Building Gen AI SolutionsIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Michelle Avery, Group VP of AI at WillowTree, a TELUS International Company. They discuss the process of prototyping Generative AI (Gen AI) solutions and transitioning from prototypes to production-ready applications. Key points include identifying business problems, the importance of intentional prototyping, overcoming data access challenges, and ensuring user acceptance and ROI. Michelle shares insights from her work at WillowTree, emphasizing the role of strategic planning and cross-disciplinary collaboration in successful AI implementation.
Highlights
01:34 Prototyping Gen AI Solutions
03:25 Identifying Business Problems for AI Solutions
06:40 Challenges...2024-09-0420 min
The Tech TrekReimagining Education: Redefining Teaching and LearningIn this podcast episode, Amir Nathoo, Co-Founder and Head of Outschool, discusses the innovative online marketplace for live classes aimed at kids globally. He explains how Outschool empowers unconventional educators to offer diverse and creative subjects, providing alternatives to traditional learning systems. The conversation covers the impact of the pandemic on remote learning, the challenges of integrating such platforms within traditional school systems, and the role of AI in personalized education. Emphasis is placed on fostering a love of learning and shifting societal attitudes toward education.
Highlights:
02:40 The Genesis of Outschool
06:25 Impact of...2024-08-2928 min
The Talent TangoMastering Leadership HiringIn this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Jennifer “JR” Rettig, Chief People Officer at Pendo.io, to explore the complexities of leadership hiring. They cover key aspects such as managing stakeholder expectations, ensuring C-suite succession planning, and reducing bias through structured evaluation methods. Jennifer highlights how leadership hiring differs based on a company’s size and stage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open candidate pipeline. She also discusses balancing subjective and objective assessments using scoring rubrics and evaluation frameworks, helping hiring teams make informed decisions while managing expectations throughout the process. Key Takeaways: De...2024-08-2722 min
The Tech TrekData Governance and Quality within GenAIIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Amie Bright, VP of Enterprise Data and Analytics at GitLab, about the importance of data governance, especially in the context of generative AI. Amie explains GitLab's role as an AI-powered DevSecOps platform and discusses strategies to ensure data quality and governance in modern data volumes. The conversation covers the traditional challenges data teams face and the transformative impact of generative AI on those practices. Amie also shares insights from her career and current work at GitLab, emphasizing the need for proper metadata management, certified data sources, and the shifting perception of data governance...2024-07-0222 min
The Tech TrekThinking Differently to InnovateIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Peter Maynard, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Guardian Life, discussing innovative thinking in the age of AI. Peter shares insights into how Guardian Life, a 160-year-old insurance company, leverages AI and data products to improve consumer and group business services. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of integrating new technologies into established processes, the importance of lifelong learning, and the balance between technical understanding and business value. Peter also emphasizes the role of trust, leadership, and creating space for innovation within teams to drive organizational transformation.
Highlights:
2024-06-2727 min
The Talent TangoMaximizing Value in Talent AcquisitionIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Carla Foster, the VP of Global Talent Acquisition at DataStax, to explore how talent acquisition leaders can add more value and better align with the needs of their organizations. Carla shares her insights on moving beyond mere process management to truly understanding the business functions they support, ensuring candidate quality, and building trusted relationships with hiring managers. She emphasizes the importance of communication, adapting to the team's cadence, and the strategic use of 'uncomfortable nos' in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the challenges of aligning talent acquisition practices with engineering and...2024-06-2627 min
The Tech TrekNavigating the Engineering Hiring ProcessIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews David Ayers, SVP of Engineering at Invitation Homes. They delve into the intricacies of hiring in the engineering space, emphasizing the importance of assessing skills, consistency, continuous improvement, and potential over perfect technical ability. Ayers discusses Invitation Homes' approach to interviewing, the importance of understanding technical and soft skills, and the benefits of behavioral-based questions. They also explore the evolving role of co-pilot tools in engineering and how engineers can focus more on problem-solving and understanding business needs. The discussion includes strategies for making hiring decisions, handling mismatches, and learning from hiring experiences.2024-06-1123 min
The Talent TangoTalent Development and Proactive Succession PlanningIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Blake Williams, the Head of Talent at Nuro, a startup focused on enhancing daily life through robotics, notably with their self-driving delivery vehicles. They delve into the challenges and strategies of managing talent transition, particularly in a high-skill environment like Nuro, which specializes in computer vision technologies and robotics. Williams emphasizes the importance of preparing for inevitable departures by ensuring individuals leave as better ambassadors and how Nuro engages in proactive succession planning, involving internships and new graduate programs to maintain a pipeline of talent. Additionally, the conversation touches on Williams' transition...2024-06-0523 min
The Tech TrekAI and Data StrategyIn this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Willem Koenders, the Global Leader in Data Strategy at ZS, to discuss the intricacies of AI and Generative AI (Gen AI) data strategies. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and considerations that companies face when implementing AI strategies, emphasizing the importance of data quality, governance, and realistic expectations. Willem shares insights on the evolution of data trends and how businesses can leverage past learnings to enhance their current AI initiatives. They also explore industry-specific impacts, decision-making for adopting AI, and the vital role of foundational data management in ensuring successful...2024-06-0431 min
The Talent TangoDefining Success in Talent and People ManagementIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Kristen Duckett, the SVP of People and Talent at Cavnue, to discuss the intricacies of defining success in talent and people management. Kristen shares insights into the importance of clarity, persistence, and a consultative approach in HR. The episode delves into Cavnue's mission to innovate roadways for safer, more efficient transportation, underscoring the challenges and strategies in talent acquisition and management. Kristen emphasizes understanding business needs, setting realistic expectations, and the critical role of metrics in evaluating success and guiding HR practices. She also discusses the importance of listening, communication...2024-05-1525 min
The Tech TrekHarnessing AI for Business GrowthIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Nir Kaldero, Chief Data and AI Officer at NEORIS, about AI adoption from a leadership viewpoint. They delve into prioritizing business drivers, evaluating pilot programs, and ensuring investments lead to desired outcomes. NEORIS's role as a digital accelerator in assisting enterprises with their AI journeys is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of blending AI for cost savings and growth. Nir introduces a 'speed to value' methodology focusing on sponsorship, ROI, business readiness, and technical feasibility to prioritize AI projects effectively. Common mistakes enterprises make in AI adoption are discussed, alongside the potential...2024-05-0732 min
The Tech TrekEvolving Data Design StrategiesIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand and guest Santona Tuli, the Head of Data at Upsolver, discuss the complexities of modern data projects and the evolving strategies for data design focused on data lake houses. They explore Upsolver's role in simplifying data ingestion and transformation, the challenges of adapting to advanced data projects without the right infrastructure, and the shift towards more accessible and abstracted data tools. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of aligning tool adoption with business needs, the potential pitfalls of rushing into trendy technologies without clear objectives, and the future of data deployment solutions.
2024-04-2530 min
The Talent TangoExploring Servant Leadership in Talent TeamIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Joe Ortiz, the Global Talent Acquisition Manager at Datadog. They discuss the talent team's growth, promotion criteria, and keeping teams motivated during tough economic times. Joe shares insights on servant leadership within talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of empathy, providing team members with stretch opportunities, and shielding them from unnecessary tasks to foster their best work. He also delves into managing workloads effectively when resources are limited and the importance of maintaining job security and psychological safety during economic uncertainty. The dialogue further explores the significance of upward feedback, trust, and assuming...2024-04-1720 min
The Talent TangoNavigating Scope Creep and Hiring ExpectationsIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Chris Ahsing, a Talent Partner at Dragonfly, a crypto web three investment firm focusing on early-stage investments. They delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition metrics, discussing the challenges of over-engineered metrics, optimizing metrics for different marketing channels, and the distraction caused by unnecessary metrics. Ahsing shares his insights on the common pitfalls in talent process management, including the 'and then' evaluation process and optimizing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for user flow rather than reporting. The conversation also covers tactical advice on managing unreasonable hiring expectations, the importance of empathy...2024-04-1032 min
The Talent TangoEstablishing and Building Out Your People MetricsIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand hosts Gabrielle Garon, the VP of Talent, DEIB, and People Insights at 1Password. They delve into the intricate world of people metrics and how 1Password is navigating the challenges and opportunities within people analytics. Gabrielle shares her journey, from starting with minimal data collection, due to the company's focus on security and privacy, to implementing a comprehensive data metrics system using tools like Looker and maintaining a balance between qualitative expertise and quantitative data. They discuss the importance of opting in for data sharing, the process of deciding which metrics to measure, and...2024-04-0224 min
The Talent TangoJob Descriptions: The Good, the Bad, and the LegacyIn this podcast episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Wendy Sellers, 'The HR Lady.' They delve deeply into the importance of carefully crafted job descriptions, underscoring that many companies struggle due to several legacy elements and complexities. Wendy stresses that a well-written job description is crucial for the hiring process, employee reviews, and managing expectations within the role. They discuss the difference between job descriptions and job ads and emphasize that both must align with an organization's culture and values. Wendy also advocates for using job descriptions as a basis for employee reviews, a practice not often seen...2024-03-2830 min
The Tech TrekThe Three Ways to Monetize DataIn 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...2024-03-1935 min
The Tech TrekLeveraging AI in the Insurance IndustryIn 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...2024-03-0525 min
The Tech TrekHiring Your First Head of PeopleOn 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] L...2024-02-2029 min
The Tech TrekSoftware is Eating the World and AI is Accelerating ItIn 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.2024-02-1530 min
The Talent TangoThe Role of Education in Retention and AttractionOn this episode, Amir Bormand 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 provide a win-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 r...2024-02-1422 min
The Tech TrekExploring R&D in Data ScienceIn 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.
2024-02-1323 min
The Tech TrekProductizing LLMs and Labeled Training DataIn 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...2024-02-0832 min
The Tech TrekIdentifying Lasting Trends in AI and the Changing Enterprise Software ModelIn 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:2024-02-0636 min
The Talent TangoBeing hired as the first people leaderOn this episode of the podcast, the 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 fo...2024-01-3129 min
The Talent TangoLeveling Up and Embracing Uncomfortable ChallengesIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Alicia Kortmeyer, the head of people at Denim, a freight payment platform. Alicia shares her journey of transitioning into the head of people role and her unique challenges in managing a fully remote team across the country. The discussion also discusses the definition and responsibilities of a head of people role in different companies. Tune in to gain insights on leveling up in HR and developing a holistic viewpoint in people management. Highlights: [00:01:18] Moving into a head of people role. [00:03:26] Retaining top performers. [00:07:05] Transitioning to h...2024-01-1724 min
The Tech TrekStrategic Insights: From Al-Qaim Battles to Agile Practices in TechnologyIn 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 L...2024-01-171h 07
The Talent TangoCreating a Positive Candidate ExperienceIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Kelly Kinnard, the Operating Partner and Head of Talent at Khosla Ventures. They discuss the importance of improving the candidate experience and avoiding pitfalls in the hiring process. Kelly shares insights and strategies for creating a positive candidate experience and highlights the mission of Khosla Ventures to invest in companies that positively impact society. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their hiring practices and create a better experience for job candidates. Highlights: 00:07:49 Candidate experience is crucial. 00:11:26 Long hiring processes hinder success. 00:16:03...2024-01-0330 min
The Tech TrekThe Customer Journey and Achieving Product Market FitIn 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.
2024-01-0228 min
The Tech TrekThe Intersection of Hardware and Software: Solving Mission Critical ProblemsIn 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.2023-12-1434 min
The Talent TangoGetting back to Talent Acquisition FundamentalsIn this episode, Adriana Roche, Head of Talent at Uncork Capital, joins Amir Bormand to discuss the importance of getting back to basics as people leaders. She shares insights on the fundamentals companies should focus on during lean times and highlights healthy people practices for early-stage startups. Uncork Capital, a seed investor, has been supporting startups for almost 20 years and invests in a range of technology companies, including consumer, marketplace, frontier, and B2B SaaS. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on building successful teams and nurturing early-stage companies. Highlights: [00:02:32] Getting back to basics. 2023-12-0628 min
The Tech TrekData Strategy Driving Business OutcomesIn 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 mana...2023-11-2839 min
The Tech TrekExploring Purpose-Built AIIn 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...2023-11-2132 min
The Tech TrekLeveraging AI and Data QualityIn 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 t...2023-11-1626 min
The Tech TrekBeing hands-on without being a bottleneckIn 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...2023-11-0932 min
The Tech TrekThe top 3 things that could impact the success of your AI projectIn 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] In...2023-10-2634 min
The Talent TangoThe Craft of RecruitingIn this episode, host Amir Bormand interviews Rich Adao, the Head of Talent at Anyscale. They discuss various aspects of recruiting, including the market, hiring managers' perception of the market, and the state of recruitment and recruiters. Rich shares his responsibilities as the head of talent and how his team recruits top talent for engineers, product managers, marketers, and salespeople. Tune in to gain insights into the world of recruiting and the challenges faced in finding the right talent. Highlights [00:01:03] Responsibilities of a head of talent. [00:05:31] Retaining top talent during COVID. [00:09:31] Ed...2023-10-1230 min
The Tech TrekChallenges and Skills Required in Developing Autonomous VehiclesIn 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.
2023-10-1027 min
The Tech TrekUnderstanding Impacts on Organizational DesignIn 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 o...2023-09-1932 min
The Tech TrekThe Importance of Feedback Loops in Customer Success and EngineeringIn 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...2023-09-1225 min
The Tech TrekEmpowering Engineering Managers for SuccessIn 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.
2023-09-0537 min
The Tech TrekDelivering Value through Technology TransformationIn 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, V...2023-09-0127 min
The Tech TrekDriving Business Value through Continuous DeploymentIn 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...2023-08-2234 min
The Tech TrekData Transformation as a Growth DriverIn this episode, Carlos Peralta, the Director of Data Engineering and Cloud Platform at Moderna Therapeutics, joins Amir Bormand to discuss data transformation and its role as a growth driver. He also highlights his responsibilities as the Director of Cloud Data Platform, which include data strategy, acquisition, and organization. Tune in to learn more about aligning company needs, ROI and overcoming challenges in delivering short-term and long-term data solutions.
Highlights:
[00:02:34] Data transformation and growth.
[00:03:40] Cloud infrastructure and services.
[00:09:09] Offensive capabilities of data.
[00:12:30] Enabling business stakeholders with data.
[00:16:28...2023-08-1627 min
The Tech TrekImportance of managing migrationsIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Emilio Schapira, VP of Engineering at Clear Street. They discuss the importance of innovation and migrating applications and processes with care. Emilio shares insights on the challenges and impact of migrations, especially in the complex world of finance. With his expertise in modern technology and infrastructure, Emilio sheds light on how Clear Street is revolutionizing the industry by rebuilding traditional banking practices using cloud-based solutions. Tune in to learn more about the role of engineering in the prime broker space and the careful approach required for successful migrations.
Highlights:
00:02:07...2023-08-0819 min
The Tech TrekProductizing data to drive business valueIn this episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Vikas Kumar, the Head of Data, AI, and ML at CNA Insurance. Vikas discusses the importance of a holistic approach to data transformation in moving from legacy to cloud systems. He emphasizes the need to tie this journey to business value, starting with small KPIs, metrics, and OKRs, and involving the business from the beginning to get the best value from the journey.
00:00:12 Productize data with business value.
00:07:44 Data product needs stakeholder trust.
00:13:31 Build based on customer needs.
00:19:34 Crawl, walk, run philosophy.
00:21:34 Leadership style adapts to situations.
00:27:30...2023-07-3128 min
The Tech TrekMeasuring Customer Behavior in Growth EngineeringIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Utkarsh Sengar, the Director of Engineering at Webflow, about growth engineering and measuring customer behavior. They discuss Webflow's mission to make website building accessible to everyone, regardless of their coding skills, through their no-code platform. Utkarsh explains his role in managing the growth team and building the third-party ecosystem. This episode provides valuable insights into growth engineering and its importance in driving business success.
Highlights
00:03:13 Growth engineering bridges product and business needs.
00:09:21 Partnership with data drives growth.
00:12:03 Impact measurement challenges for growth teams.
00:20:14...2023-07-2524 min
The Tech TrekAdapting Your Leadership StyleIn this episode, Nav's VP of Engineering, Gian Perrone, joins Amir Bormand to discuss organizational design and leadership styles. The discussion focuses on how leaders can adapt to the company's culture or change the organization to fit their leadership style. They discuss the importance of assessing the organization before making any changes and the potential pitfalls of imposing a leadership style that doesn't fit the company culture.
Highlights
[00:01:29] Adapting leadership style to organization.
[00:05:21] New leaders and reorgs.
[00:07:04] Change management in organizations.
[00:10:23] Comms plan and collaboration.
[00:14:43] Dealing with o...2023-07-1821 min
The Tech TrekSecurity, Privacy and AIIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Prabhath Karanth (PK), the Global Head of Security & Trust at Navan, an all-in-one travel and expense management SaaS platform. They discuss the growth and evolution of the security function and how it interacts with engineering and technology. PK shares insights into how security is scaling and taking on more functions, with everything becoming "as a code." The conversation also covers the role of PK's team in relation to their other peers.
Highlights:
[00:02:02] Security in hypergrowth companies.
[00:03:56] Emerging Technologies and Security.
[00:08:31] Embracing AI technology.
[00:11:11...2023-07-1418 min
The Tech TrekAdapting Management Styles to a New EnvironmentIn this episode of Tech Trek, Amir Bormand interviews Andy Foglia, the Director of Engineering at JupiterOne, to discuss adjusting management styles after joining a new company. Andy talks about his experience of transitioning from a big company to a startup and gives insights on how to adapt to new management styles. He also sheds light on the Jupiter One product that helps security practitioners understand what assets they have within their enterprise and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Highlights:
[00:01:15] Adjusting your management style.
[00:03:05] Transitioning to a new challenge.
[00:06:36] Taking risks in management.2023-07-1218 min
The Tech TrekBuilding AI Native ProductsIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Karan Uppal, EVP of Engineering at Evolution IQ, about building AI native products. They discuss the difference between building AI native products and what goes into it. Karan's responsibilities include hiring and growing the engineering team, ensuring technology strategy aligns with business goals, and ensuring the organization can execute and deliver on product commitments.
Highlights
[00:02:23] AI native products.
[00:07:16] Thinking about higher dimensions.
[00:10:48] Variability in AI outcomes.
[00:14:16] Ramp up time for AI.
[00:18:07] Building Confidence in Software.
[00:22:19] Hiring in the market...2023-06-2725 min
The Tech TrekInheriting an organization and it’s transformationIn this episode, Amir Bormand talks with Ashu Agte, the CTO at Artera, about dealing with an exit and its impact on organizational transformation and design. Artera is a messaging platform for health systems that aims to improve patient experience and satisfaction. Ashu shares his experience and insights on the responsibilities of an engineering leader, organizational restructuring, and the challenges of managing a team during an exit. He also highlights the importance of communication and transparency in the process.
Highlights:
[00:01:06] Improving patient experience.
[00:04:19] Startup leadership and acquisition.
[00:08:34] Post-acquisition challenges.
[00:14:21...2023-06-2037 min
The Tech TrekThe Future of Attack Surface ManagementIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Aruneesh Salhotra, Nomura's global head of application security. They discuss the future of attack surface management (ASM) and the additional risks posed by shadow IT. Aruneesh explains the differences between ASM and other components of security and shares his experience as a fractional CISO for his own consulting company, S&M Consulting, where he advises organizations on setting up security programs. They also touch on Aruneesh's experience helping numerous organizations with their cloud assessments, including AWS and Azure.
Highlights:
[00:02:26] Attack Surface Management and Risks.
[00:06:33] Cloud security and...2023-06-0719 min
The Tech TrekScaling Best Practices for Early Stage StartupsIn this episode, Amir Bormand interviews James Turnbull, SVP of Engineering at Sotheby's, about organizational design. James shares his experience working with early-stage startups and emphasizes the importance of scaling best practices. He also talks about dealing with cultural changes and logistics while working with legacy companies. James explains his role as the owner of all engineering functions, including mobile and data engineering, at Sotheby's. They touch upon Sotheby's diverse business ventures, including an e-commerce luxury goods marketplace and a financial services business, SFS, that lends money against art.
Highlights:
[00:02:30] Scaling a growing company.
2023-06-0127 min
The Tech TrekObservability Best PracticesIn this episode of the podcast, Amir interviews Matt Drozdz, the Engineering Manager of Observability at Okta. They discuss best practices for observability, differentiation with SRE teams, and hiring challenges. Matt explains Okta's role in simplifying security for developers and shares his journey as a new observability manager at the company.
Highlights:
[00:01:43] Observability and its importance.
[00:03:07] Observability in SRE teams.
[00:08:56] Cost reduction in observability.
[00:09:36] Observability and OpenTelemetry.
[00:14:36] Finding purpose in observability.
[00:18:35] Moving into the observability role.
[00:19:56] Skills gap in tracing.
[00:23:28] Impact...2023-05-2525 min
The Tech TrekExploring Leadership GrowthIn this episode of the podcast, Amir talks to Vlad Eidelman. Vlad is the CTO of Fiscal Note and joins this podcast to discuss his journey toward becoming CTO. Fiscal Note is a software-as-a-service company that collects, analyzes, and refines policy and regulation data from local to global levels to help its customers understand how laws and regulations can impact their businesses and nonprofits. Vlad has been working in the industry for 15 years, focusing on building machine learning systems, becoming the first data science hire, and ultimately managing the R&D side of the business.
[00:05:48] Perseverance in...2023-05-2330 min
The Tech TrekBalancing Quality and Speed in Delivery ValueOn this episode of Tech Trek, Amir asks Suresh Teckchandani, the VP of Product and Engineering at Ancestry, how to balance the need for speed with quality when delivering value at scale. As companies grow and expectations increase, quality becomes crucial to making or breaking a product. Suresh explains that the key is to focus on automation and establishing good communication channels between teams to ensure that quality is not sacrificed for speed.
Highlights
[00:01:15] Balancing quality and velocity.
[00:03:44] Experimenting with ideas.
[00:07:15] Managing tech debt properly.
[00:10:51] Team-specific metrics.
[00:14:26...2023-05-2021 min
The Tech TrekHow Do You Know When You're Ready to Start a Company?How do you know when you’re ready to start a company, especially with few resources or capital? Ken Babcock, Co-Founder and CEO of Tango, offers his insights on this episode of The Tech Trek. Ken also discusses several key moments in his career with host Amir Bormand.
Show Notes
03:23 - Ken discusses his past experiences with Uber and Atomic.
08:05 - How do you know when you’re ready to start a company?
11:43 - Going back to school vs. searching for more opportunities.
20:26 - How can you resolve your weak...2023-04-2532 min
The Tech TrekWhy is Data-Driven Leadership Important?Allan Cutler, Director of Engineering at Endpoint, discusses why data-driven leadership is important on this episode of The Tech Trek. Allan also shares several standout moments from his 15 years as a technology leader with host Amir Bormand.
Highlights
00:47 - Allan explains what data-driven leadership means to him.
06:03 - Finding the right software for the right job.
11:17 - Using data to overcome tech debt.
16:35 - The impact of high-level metrics on data.
21:12 - Allan’s best practices for continued education concerning data.
About:
Allan Cu...2023-04-2025 min
The Tech TrekSimplifying Shared ServicesThis episode of The Tech Trek features Harish Parwani, the VP of Platform Engineering at CarGurus. Host Amir Bormand and Harish discuss the intricacies of shared services and how teams can maximize their productivity.
Highlights
00:56 - Harish offers his perspective and experience with shared services.
03:12 - Why do we need shared services?
06:37 - How do shared services impact team structure?
13:02 - Demonstrating the value of shared services to leadership teams.
16:45 - Prepping shared service teams for mergers and acquisitions.
21:04 - What’s the “wrong way” of organ...2023-04-1332 min
The Tech TrekGet Your Head Into Cloud TransformationPartha Chakraborty, security executive at Humana, joins host Amir Bormand in episode #230 of The Tech Trek. He and Amir explore the critical factors contributing to successful - and unsuccessful - cloud security projects.
Highlights
00:51 - Partha shares his perspective on what contributes to the successful adoption of Cloud security services.
09:20 - What is the “Fail-Fast” approach, and how does it apply to Cloud Security?
15:46 - How to keep matrix teams aligned on Cloud transformation projects.
22:48 - Partha offers advice for dealing with common (cloud security) challenges when adopting the Cloud...2023-04-0629 min
The Tech TrekPromoting Internally Versus Hiring ExternallyIn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand interviews Roman Kleiner, the VP of Engineering at Egnyte. How and when do you decide to hire external talent when working on a task? When should you promote internally over hiring externally? These are just some of today’s topics.
Show Notes
00:50 - What factors cause companies to look for external help?
06:27 - Is it possible to seamlessly integrate external talent with your team?
11:03 - The pros and cons of letting internal talent handle a challenging task.
13:21 - How fa...2023-04-0423 min
The Tech TrekBuilding A Cloud Security TeamJonathan Villa, Practice Director of Cloud Security at GuidePoint, meets with host Amir Bormand in this episode of The Tech Trek. Jonathan shares his insights on how organizations can build effective Cloud security teams and adapt to a changing environment.
Highlights
2:29 - How to upskill your Security team for the Cloud.
7:46 - Best practices for integrating Cloud security.
11:21 - Which skills best equip you for Cloud Security?
14:02 - Working with Cloud Security for the first time.
19:21 - How do you start learning and training...2023-03-3025 min
The Tech TrekFear of Failure Leads to FailureHost Amir Bormand speaks with Leadership Coach Taha Hussain in Episode 226 of The Tech Trek. Taha started his career as a software engineer who made his way into management. Now, he helps teams and individuals improve their leadership skills.
Highlights:
2:05 - How can you motivate someone to try something they’re initially uncomfortable with?
5:34 - Can a blameless culture help or hinder growth?
9:11 - Making time to learn new skills.
14:04 - How can leaders overcome their own fears?
22:36 - Best practices for motivating people via 1 on 1’s.
...2023-03-2330 min
The Tech TrekTransitioning From Large Companies to StartupsHost Amir Bormand speaks with Indy Khare, the Head of Engineering at Convex. Indy previously worked with Google to reach 1 billion users for Google Photos. Transitioning back to a startup has a host of challenges and opportunities that Indy is happy to discuss.
Highlights:
2:25 - Indy shares how he landed his position with Google.
8:26 - How to know if you should leave a large company for a startup.
11:04 - Learning which organization is right for you.
14:39 - Readjusting to a work environment with fewer resources.
17:03 - Why...2023-03-2125 min
The Tech TrekHow to Build A Culture of AccountabilityHost Amir Bormand sits down with Paul Kocan in this episode of The Tech Trek. Paul is the Senior Director of Infrastructure Services at CCC Intelligent Solutions. Today, he shares his experience with promoting a culture of accountability on a company-wide scale.
Highlights
04:29 - Paul explains how “the power of focus” can strengthen infrastructure.
10:34 - Transparency makes all the difference regarding accountability.
18:00 - Here’s how leaders can support their teams when tackling new challenges.
20:43 - Can leaders increase their tolerance for mistakes and failures?
25:32 - How to eff...2023-03-1731 min
The Tech TrekFast and Functional TeamsIs it possible for a team to think and act quickly without sacrificing quality? This episode of The Tech Trek delves into this ever-divisive topic. Host Amir Bormand asks Ross Desmond, Head of Software at Butlr, to share his insights and experience on building fast and functional teams.
Highlights:
03:57 - Here’s how to start building fast teams the right way.
06:55 - Ross recommends asking yourself this question before broadening your scope.
12:54 - How can you keep your teams focused as they separate and expand?
17:59 - Building confidence and tr...2023-03-1629 min
The Talent TangoWhy Finding A Mentor MattersHost Amir Bormand meets with Trish Pandya, the Senior TA Manager at Alluxio. She and Amir discuss the significance of mentors - and how forming a meaningful connection with the right mentor can help you grow professionally and personally. Highlights 3:12 - Trish shares why she began to search for a mentor. 8:29 - What qualifies someone as a mentor? 14:13 - How to know if mentorship is or isn’t working for you. 18:48 - Trish offers her insights on becoming a better mentor to her team. Guest: Tr...2023-03-1511 min
The Tech TrekOpen Standards Meet Industry-Wide NeedsIn today’s episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand talks with Atul Tulshibagwale, the Chief Technology Officer at SGNL. Amir and Atul discuss Open Standards and the various factors that contribute to the creation of new standards.
Highlights
03:39 - Atul explains what Open Standards are.
06:56 - How to determine if a phenomenon could be an Open Standard
11:35 - How can you encourage more people to support your ideas?
15:49 - What are some of the best ways to join in on a project, even if you have little ex...2023-03-0823 min
The Tech TrekImproving D&I in Virtual WorkplacesHost Amir Bormand interviews Dr. Lauran Star on this episode of The Tech Trek. Dr. Star is a Workplace Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Psychologist. She and Amir explore virtual diversity and inclusion.
Highlights:
03:08 - Dr. Star explains why your organization needs both diversity and inclusion.
08:50 - Here’s how D&I can improve your workspace both culturally and productively.
17:59 - What are some of the limits of inclusion in the workplace?
24:09 - How can you practice D&I at every level of your organization?
28:09 - Is it possible to...2023-03-0742 min
The Tech TrekWhere Have All The Cyber Security Pros Gone?Ben Rothke, Senior Information Security Manager at Tapad, is the featured guest on this episode of The Tech Trek. Host Amir Bormand asks Ben to share his insights about Cyber Security and employee burnout.
Highlights:
2:09 - Ben gives us an overview of burnout in the Cyber Security industry.
6:43 - Which signs should managers look for that indicate burnout?
10:32 - How can people get into the Cyber Security industry?
16:55 - The relationship between security and information technology.
19:18 - Ben offers his perspective on the near future of Cyber S...2023-03-0222 min
The Talent TangoCreating Better Recruiting StrategiesOn this episode of The Talent Tango, host Amir Bormand talks with TA Leader Elena Stefanopol about recruiting strategies. The two explore subjects like velocity and data-driven hiring as well as working on a remote/international team. Highlights: 05:09 - Elena shares how she’s used metrics to remain efficient during a mass hiring phase. 07:52 - Know when it’s time to hire externally. 12:07 - Here’s how a structured interview process can benefit hiring managers. 18:04 - Maintaining morale when there’s a reduction of your workforce. 22:58 - Talent D...2023-02-2827 min
The Tech TrekConnecting Cloud Security and Developer ExperienceIn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand speaks with Asish Soudhamma. Asish is the Vice President of Platform Engineering at PIMCO. He and Amir delve into the topics of Cloud Security and Developer Experience.
Show Notes
05:08 - Asish shares his outlook on developer experience.
07:53 - Here’s how leaders can effectively improve the developer experience.
10:50 - Can products clash with customer experience?
15:00 - Asish discusses how he effectively gathers customer feedback.
18:53 - How can you serve every developer in your team equally?
Gu...2023-02-2828 min
The Tech TrekMake Progress With Your Software Development ProcessHost Amir Bormand speaks with Jack Kora in this episode of The Tech Trek. Jack is the Vice President of Engineering at dscout. He and Amir talk about the various ways organizations can drastically improve their software development process.
Highlights
3:00 - Jack recounts his early experience with dscout.
6:41 - How do you decide on a process when two or more different teams are working together?
9:14 - Look out for factors when deciding when it’s time to change a process.
13:45 - Best practices for implementing process changes.
16:50...2023-02-2327 min
The Tech TrekUnderstanding The Ins and Outs of Information SecurityThis episode of The Tech Trek explores the field of Information Security. Host Amir Bormand sits down with Rohit Parchuri, the Chief Information Security Officer of Yext, to discuss Rohit’s background, experiences, and insights concerning the world of Cyber Security.
Highlights
02:09 - Amir and Rohit briefly discuss the history of the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) role.
06:23 - Rohit explains his strategies for building out Security Information teams.
10:14 - How do Security Architects fit into the Cloud Security pipeline?
14:12 - Rohit shares his insights on dealing with human is...2023-02-2127 min
The Tech TrekIs Digital Health the Future of Healthcare?Host Amir Bormand meets with Sunil Mallya in this episode of The Tech Trek. Sunil is the Vice President of Engineering at OncoHealth and he has many years of experience in the digital healthcare space. He and Amir discuss the unique challenges that engineering teams often face in digital healthcare.
Highlights:
03:44 - Sunil discusses some of the common challenges in the healthcare industry.
07:12 - Strategies for properly staffing a team when off-shore assistance isn’t available.
10:38 - Distinguishing and connecting with HIPAA-compliant vendors.
13:10 - How does build vs. buy af...2023-02-1623 min
The Tech TrekImproving Cloud Efficiency With International TeamsHost Amir Bormand meets with Eric Labourdette, a seasoned Cloud Services Consultant in this episode of The Tech Trek. Amir and Eric dissect the Cloud Services industry and leverage Eric’s experience to paint a fuller picture of cloud computing trends.
Highlights:
01:15 - Eric shares his philosophy for improving Cloud efficiency.
03:23 - Which metrics can companies use to gauge how well they’re adopting Cloud strategy?
07:50 - How can you effectively transition from old processes to Cloud efficiency?
12:13 - How can Cloud technology help build and maintain 24/7 organizations?
17...2023-02-1423 min
The Tech TrekHere’s How DevOps Teams Can Refine SDLC ProcessesOn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand meets with Kelsey Steinbeck, the Director of Software Engineering DevOps at Indigo. Amir and Kelsey delve into the subject of DevOps best practices and break down various ways that teams can stay agile when working on large and small projects.
Key Takeaways
04:24 - Kelsey shares her strategies for determining when and how she makes adjustments to her team’s processes.
09:07 - What to do when a process doesn’t suit the capabilities of your team?
13:32 - Kelsey breaks down the real impac...2023-02-0927 min
The Tech TrekHere’s How Data Experts Can Impact CybersecurityHost Amir Bormand meets with Vivek Menon in this episode of The Tech Trek. Vivek is the Head of Cybersecurity & Compliance at Digital Turbine who also boasts a strong background in Data. He and Amir explore Vivek’s unique experiences and discuss how more Data experts can impact Cybersecurity.
Highlights:
04:12 - Why aren’t there more Data experts in Cybersecurity?
11:12 - Will the CISO role drastically change in the foreseeable future?
17:02 - Vivek discusses this unique background, experiences, and goals in Data and Cybersecurity.
21:43 - What are some of the...2023-02-0731 min
The Tech TrekHow To Think Like A Startup As Your Team GrowsOn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand speaks with Tony Dong, the Senior Director of Engineering at Rippling. Tony is a major advocate for maintaining a startup mindset regardless of your team’s size. He and Amir also discuss strategies for effectively scaling a team.
Notes
04:29 - Tony explains why he prefers to maintain a startup mindset even as his teams grow.
09:03 - How can engineering leaders stay connected with their teams as companies start to scale?
12:41 - Tony shares his experiences dealing with changing team structures.
...2023-02-0221 min
The Tech TrekEngineering Leadership Changes You - And Changes With YouIn this episode of The Tech Trek, host Amir Bormand speaks with Amit Gulati, the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Angi. Amit reflects on his 20 years of experience as an engineering leader - sharing the ups, downs, ins, and outs of the various roles he’s taken on.
Highlights
00:02:51 - Amit discusses some of the changes that he encountered while he progressed as an engineering leader.
00:05:33 - How do you develop and refine your leadership skills when you’re promoted to a new position?
00:08:05 - What’s the best way to est...2023-01-3127 min
The Tech TrekLeaders Need Two Things: Time to Learn and Time To FailIn this episode of The Tech Trek, our host Amir Bormand speaks with Lee Eason, the Director of Digital Branch Experience at Edward Jones. Amir and Lee share insights about working with distributed/remote teams, supporting new leaders, and prioritizing team health.
Highlights:
00:05:35 - Lee shares his experience with adapting to leading a distributed/mostly remote team.
00:12:55 - What’s the link between team health and team performance?
00:19:05 - Strategies to support new leaders taking on their roles for the first time.
00:21:39 - How can autonomy strengthen the confidence an...2023-01-2630 min
The Talent TangoTiming is The Secret to Talent AcquisitionIn this episode of The Talent Tango, our host Amir Bormand meets with Andrew Zuckerman, talent leader. Talent Acquisition strategy is the main topic; Amir and Andrew discuss the importance of properly timing talent acquisition initiatives and supporting them with a strong product roadmap. Highlights: 00:03:00 - Andrew Zuckerman discusses the steps his talent acquisition team takes when staffing fast-growing companies and startups. 00:05:48 - What qualities should you look for when hiring talent for entry-level/low-skill roles? 00:08:45 - Andrew shares his strategy for determining if a candidate can grow into a new...2023-01-2527 min
The Tech TrekPhases of Growth in Engineering ManagementIn this episode of The Tech Trek, Amir Bormand speaks with Shruthi Murthy, the Executive Vice President of Engineering at Modern Treasury. Amir and Shruthi discuss the various phases of growth that companies like Modern Treasury and WhatsApp experience. They also discuss how businesses and entrepreneurs can choose the right growth strategies for their needs.
Highlights:
00:01:47 - Shruthi breaks down her role and responsibilities as the Head of Engineering at Modern Treasury.
00:04:53 - What were the phases of growth for Modern Treasury? How can an organization determine the right approach for itself?
2023-01-2420 min
If You MarketYou're Not Special, You're a Commodity, with Amir BormandYou think you're special? ... Your not special, you're a commodity. We all start out as commodities, you have to work hard to become special. Amir Bormand talks about how to make a commodity special. Amir is the Co-Founder of California based recruiting firm Elevano. While Elevano may have their own techniques and niche, the recruiting industry behaves like a commodity, and I bet your industry does to. Amir Teaches us, the proper marketing can create separation and success in a commodity industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-07-3055 min
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent peopleAmir Bormand explains why What If doesn’t workAmir Bormand is the Co-founder of Elevano, a candidate-centric technical recruitment company. On this episode, Amir and I talk about how he quit his job to start Elevano right when he got married, and how his wife’s support and belief in his abilities were critical to the success of his business. Most of our conversation, however, focuses on the aftermath of a near death experience that Amir had at the age of 17. This experience had a lasting impact on Amir’s life, as he struggled for many years to deal with the trauma and the meaning of b...2019-06-2434 min
The Jason Cavness ExperiencecavnessHR Podcast - A talk with Amir Bormand of ElevanoAmir Bormand is the Co-founder of Elevano, a California- based recruitment company, who helps hundreds of people find more fulfilling jobs every year. Amir is unique to the recruiting industry because he is a former engineer himself— and could still jot out a few lines of code! He’s seen the technical recruiting game from both sides, and during his engineering career, he constantly saw agency recruiters take shortcuts and use deceptive practices all for their own benefit. That’s why, in his current position as Co-founder of Elevano, he encourages a candidate-centric approa...2019-06-1626 min
The cavnessHR podcastcavnessHR Podcast - A talk with Amir Bormand of ElevanoAmir Bormand is the Co-founder of Elevano, a California- based recruitment company, who helps hundreds of people find more fulfilling jobs every year.
Amir is unique to the recruiting industry because he is a former engineer himself— and could still jot out a few lines of code! He’s seen the technical recruiting game from both sides, and during his engineering career, he constantly saw agency recruiters take shortcuts and use deceptive practices all for their own benefit.
That’s why, in his current position as Co-founder of Elevano, he encourages a candidate-centric approach to every...2019-06-1626 min
The Talent TangoEp 1: Introduction to the Talent Tango - talking recruiting, marketing, and techEp 1: Introduction to the Talent Tango Calling all hiring managers, recruiters, and staffing superstars! Join us in the first episode of The Talent Tango, where host Amir Bormand dives into everything talent acquisition. Amir is the Co-Founder of Elevano, a California-based recruiting company. He helps hundreds of people find more fulfilling jobs every year. In this episode, Amir shares how he is unique to the recruiting industry. As a former engineer himself, he could still jot out a few lines of code! He’s seen tech recruiting from both sides: during his engineering ca...2019-06-0414 min
Lead Generation UnleashedBeyond Personalization: Amir Bormand on Lead GenerationHow can we move beyond personalization to make our lead generation and recruitment programs more effective? Join me for Episode 9 of Lead Generation Unleashed - How can looking at context boost engagement? - What’s working now in lead generation and recruitment? - Which strategies can help businesses create high quality engagement on social? Today’s guest, Amir Bormand, will tell us all about that. As a former engineer who can still jot out code, Amir has seen the technical recruiting game from both sides. During his engineering care...2019-05-0128 min
The Impactors PodcastRecruiting with a purpose, the story of the Amazon pick and packer & living with a social purpose (Amir Bormand)"Everyone's job is so important to them, it's where they spend most of their time and most of their days. if we don't do right, a lot of times they're going to get a job they're not happy in that carries over to their household life."
Episode #10 of Season 2 of The Social Impactors Podcast features #SocialImpactor Amir Bormand, CEO & Founder of Elevano, a boutique recruitment firm that works to pair top talent with clients from a wide range of industries.
Amir and I talk about the beginning of building up Elevano, how embedding social i...2019-04-2217 min
Ambitious Entrepreneur Show[Ep#276] Disrupting the Recruitment Industry with Honesty & TransparencyDisrupting the Recruitment Industry with Honesty & Transparency My guest today says, “This is not a sales job. We are dealing with one of the most important decisions in in a person’s life.” Joining me today is Amir Bormand. Amir is the Co-founder of Elevano, a California-based recruitment company, who help hundreds of people find [...]
The post [Ep#276] Disrupting the Recruitment Industry with Honesty & Transparency appeared first on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-03-2632 min
People, Stories, SuccessInterview with Amir Bormand: Co-founder at ElevanoAmir Bormand is a Co-founder at Elevano; personalized recruitment strategy; transparency; leveraging digital and social marketing. 2019-03-2532 min
Mastering Business AnalysisMBA182: BA in the Service Industry
In this episode, we discuss the realities of being a Business Analyst in a non-technical field and how to apply your existing skills and competencies to other contexts.
After listening to this episode, you'll understand:
How being a BA in the services industry differs from a technical role
What a non-technical Business Analyst does to create value
How to apply your existing skills to new roles
SHOW NOTES
Most Business Analysts deal with software development. Regardless of if they work in finance, government, medical, or another field, we comm...2019-03-0520 min
Car Thoughts with DavidChanging the recruiting game with Amir BormandOn today’s episode I interview Amir Bormand he is the Co-founder of Elevano, a California- based recruitment company, who helps hundreds of people find more fulfilling jobs every year. Amir is unique to the recruiting industry because he is a former engineer himself— and could still jot out a few lines of code! He’s seen the technical recruiting game from both sides, and during his engineering career, he constantly saw agency recruiters take shortcuts and use deceptive practices all for their own benefit. That’s why, in his current position as Co-founder of Elevano, he encourages a candidat...2019-02-0639 min