Shows
PreVetted Podcast#99 Three lessons from Open the valve. Because creativity loves a triangle.John Klymshyn & Isaac Naor join Federico Ramallo for a special episode: three voices, three lessons, and three stories inspired by Open the Valve, the third installment in the “Intersections That Illuminate” series. They unpack how creativity shows up at key intersections—like rest and risk, language and music, and brain and mind—and why this book is meant as encouragement for creative practitioners, not a step-by-step “how-to.”The conversation moves from big themes to real moments: gratitude as a daily posture, a shooting star as a reminder to grab what’s fleeting, and how collaboration...
2026-02-0542 min
PreVetted Podcast#98 John Karsant: SDRs in the Age of AI, Cold Calling, and Building Pipeline Without HiringJohn Karsant shares the unexpected path that took him from college tennis and coaching to sales, remote work, and ultimately founding LevelUp Leads in 2021. John explains how a bold life move—quitting coaching and moving to Argentina to learn Spanish—pushed him to find one of the rare remote roles available in 2015, where he became the first SDR at a small startup and learned sales by wearing multiple hats.In this conversation, John breaks down what appointment setting really looks like today and why many companies choose outsourced SDR support instead of building an inte...
2026-02-0225 min
PreVetted Podcast#97 Michael Green: Building “Tunnels of Truth” to Detect Weapons and Prevent Targeted ViolenceMichael Green explains why he co-founded Athena Security and how a real, heartbreaking incident in 2023 reinforced the urgency of their mission: saving lives by detecting and denying weapons—and sometimes dangerous people—before they enter facilities. He shares how targeted violence can slip through gaps in coverage and how that reality pushed his team to deploy faster and more widely.Federico and Michael unpack what it takes for security programs to work in the real world. Michael explains that detection is only part of the system: outcomes depend on disciplined processes, well-designed secondary screening, and...
2026-02-0222 min
PreVetted Podcast#96 Swati Swoboda: Metaprogramming Shopify, Rails Love, and the AI-Accelerated EngineerSwati Swoboda traces her path from an eighth-grade research project on a library computer to leading development for Vault in Shopify’s Office of the CEO—work she calls “metaprogramming the company.” In this conversation, Swati and Federico dive into the arc of modern engineering: from Classic ASP and hand-editing production files to Rails’ elegant conventions, from code reviews to reading far more code than you write, and from individual craftsmanship to orchestrating AI agents at scale.Swati’s origin story begins pre-Google, when Yahoo directories and Ask Jeeves sparked a fascination...
2026-01-2948 min
PreVetted Podcast#95 Shreya Hegde: From Feature Shipping to Systems Thinking at Startup and Big Tech ScaleShreya Hegde: Senior Product Manager–Technical at Amazon, traces her path from software engineering in India to healthcare startups and finally Big Tech—showing how her craft evolved from “shipping more features” to designing resilient systems that deliver real outcomes. She explains the spark that drew her to product: realizing that technology quietly shapes how people live and work. Early on, she measured success by launches and deadlines; over time, she pivoted to validating the problem first, using deep customer empathy, “day-in-the-life” research, and treating constraints as design inputs rather than blockers.Shreya walks through her...
2026-01-2725 min
PreVetted Podcast#94 David Esposito: From West Point Leadership to Vision-Saving Biotech and Values-Driven ImpactDavid Esposito traces how West Point, the 101st Airborne, and leading soldiers in high-stakes environments shaped his approach to listening first, setting clear principles, and acting with calm resolve as a healthcare CEO. He and Federico dive into his work at ONL Therapeutics, a biotech company developing therapies to protect retinal cells in diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. David explains how the retina works, why retinal cells don’t regenerate, and how ONL aims to “help patients see the future” by stopping stressed cells from dying.He also offers advice on eye...
2026-01-2646 min
PreVetted Podcast#93 Dan Kurdys: AI, CRISPR and Smarter Crops for a Changing ClimateDan Kurdys joins the PreVetted Podcast to explore how AI, CRISPR, and modern plant science can help crops – and the people who depend on them – keep up with a changing climate. As Executive Vice President of Business Development at Pairwise and former Global Business Lead for GenAI at Bayer Crop Science, he works where agriculture and deep tech meet, focused on turning science into real products for farmers and families.Using the blight-stricken Earth of Interstellar as a starting point, Dan explains why that Hollywood scenario is exaggerated, but why the risk behind it is r...
2026-01-2243 min
PreVetted Podcast#92 Beth Flory: Leading Safe House to Stop Domestic Violence and Help Survivors RebuildBeth Flory is the CEO of Safe House in Henderson, Nevada, a comprehensive domestic violence agency supporting survivors and their children. Beth explains how Safe House provides a 62-bed emergency shelter in a confidential location, a 24/7 crisis hotline, victim advocacy through the legal process, licensed counseling, and community outreach.Always free of charge.Beth shares why this work matters so much in Nevada, a state that consistently ranks among the highest for domestic-violence-related homicides. She also explains how domestic violence can lead to homelessness, and how Safe House helps remove barriers through practical support...
2026-01-2050 min
PreVetted Podcast#91 John Hooker: Simulation, Control, and Predictive Maintenance in Oil & Gas and PowerJohn Hooker: In this episode, John Hooker, Director of Engineering at Statistics & Control, shares how his lifelong fascination with gas turbines led him from aerospace engineering at Iowa State into turbomachinery control and, eventually, advanced process control and large-scale simulation. He explains how controlling a turbine in an airplane isn’t that different from controlling one on the ground—an insight that helped him land in oil & gas consulting at a small company that grew into a global team with offices across multiple countries.John walks through how their work expanded from PLC-based turbine and...
2026-01-1948 min
PreVetted Podcast#90 Bill Canady: Four Commandments of Leadership + Profitable Growth at ScaleBill Canady joins Federico Ramallo to share simple, hard-earned leadership lessons from running and transforming billion-dollar businesses. Bill explains his “four commandments” for leading any organization: be data-driven (decide with 20–80% of the data), no surprises (share bad news fast), be on pace (avoid leaving people behind or becoming the bottleneck), and results matter (no “best efforts” culture). He describes how these rules create alignment, clarity, and accountability across teams.The conversation then turns to a challenge many founders face: pushing for results without burning people out. Bill’s approach is to set the destination (the goal), t...
2026-01-151h 12
PreVetted Podcast#89 Liz Ortenburger: How SafeNest breaks the cycle of domestic violence with hope, prevention, and supportLiz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest in Las Vegas, explains how Nevada’s largest domestic and sexual violence nonprofit works across three “buckets”: prevention, protection, and empowerment. She shares why SafeNest is different—because prevention includes working not only with survivors, but also with abusive partners and youth at risk of repeating the cycle.Liz and Federico explore the science behind adversity and outcomes, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how trauma strongly increases the risk of later violence, addiction, homelessness, and poor health. Liz argues that one of the most overlooked tools is also one of t...
2026-01-131h 01
PreVetted Podcast#88 Damon Lembi: Learn-It-All Leadership Lessons from D1 Baseball, CEO Life, and ParentingDamon Lembi is the CEO of Learnit, a 3x bestselling author, former Division 1 baseball player at Arizona State, and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. In this conversation with Federico Ramallo, Damon shares how his “all-in” mindset helped him reach 200+ podcast episodes in under two years—because for him, podcasting feels like getting a personalized MBA through deep conversations with great people.Damon walks through his early identity as an athlete: a high school All-American, drafted by the Atlanta Braves, and later playing college baseball at Pepperdine and Arizona State—where he hit a home run in t...
2026-01-1239 min
PreVetted Podcast#87 Ryan Eisenberg: Building a System of Care for Youth Mental Health at CHCRyan Eisenberg: unifying care so more kids thrive. As CEO of Children’s Health Council (CHC), Ryan outlines a human-centered system that helps kids, teens, and young adults with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety/depression, and autism. His north star is twofold: deliver excellent direct services and strengthen the systems around each student—families, teachers, districts, communities—so young people belong, take healthy risks, and build agency. Shaped by a brother with complex needs and early work in special education, he centers relationships as the precondition for learning.Ryan maps CHC’s integrated model: Sand Hill Sch...
2026-01-0846 min
PreVetted Podcast#86 Joseph Argiro: Building Iron Key Capital and Fish Network, an on-chain platform for private markets investingJoseph Argiro shares how he accidentally found his way into product, finance, and go-to-market by building an “Uber/Airbnb for college tours” startup in college—an early trial-by-fire that taught him failure, distribution, and the realities of customer acquisition. He explains Iron Key Capital’s core approach as a venture studio: start with a clear thesis, validate it through customer discovery, iterate fast, and only then build—because “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t work anymore.Joseph unpacks why understanding the customer matters more than branding early on, while also arguing that brand becom...
2026-01-0649 min
PreVetted Podcast#85 Dr. Priyadarshi Panda: From Molecules to Batteries Powering a Cleaner FutureDr. Priyadarshi Panda is the founder and CEO of International Battery Company (IBC), a lithium-ion product company that works “from molecule to working product.” In this episode, he and Federico explore how his journey from small molecules and particle materials to 22 nm chip problems at Intel led him to building batteries that power the energy transition.Dr. Panda explains why chemical engineering attracted him early: it touches everything from pharmaceuticals and packaging to semiconductors and now batteries—always with real products that improve people’s lives. Through IIT Kanpur, MIT, and roles at Intel, Lam Rese...
2026-01-0557 min
PreVetted Podcast#84 Zach Mabe on Building Simple, Customer-Centric Products at AmazonZach Mabe, Senior Product Manager at Amazon, shares insights on creating intuitive products that delight customers. He emphasizes the 'hammer' analogy—building simple, self-explanatory tools that solve problems effortlessly. Drawing from his experience, Zach discusses how product managers act as professional decision-makers, constantly grounding decisions in customer needs and expectations.The conversation explores why simplicity is magical in product design. Zach explains that great products meet unspoken expectations, turning average experiences into delightful ones. He stresses the importance of 'dogfooding'—using your own product to uncover pain points and missed opportunities. As a PM, beco...
2026-01-0141 min
PreVetted Podcast#83 Dominique Roddier: Battling Global Warming from the Ocean UpDominique Roddier is a naval architect, ocean adventurer, and CEO of Ocergy, a company developing sustainable offshore solutions for clean energy. In this episode, recorded dockside in a Northern California marina on a strangely warm November day, Dominique and Federico use the ocean as a lens to explore global warming, human humility, and the future of renewable energy.Dominique shares how he fell in love with the sea growing up in the south of France, surrounded by shipping, sailing, and stories of big ships. As a child, he dreamed of captaining the largest tanker...
2025-12-301h 07
PreVetted Podcast#82 Kyle Bowman: From AI in Sustainability to GenAI, Economics, and PoliticsKyle Bowman, Senior Technical Product Manager at Amazon leading the Climate Pledge-Friendly Program, joins host Federico Ramallo on the PreVetted Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with problem-solving in unfamiliar industries and quickly evolves into deeper topics.Kyle shares his diverse career path—from industrial engineering consulting and Amazon robotics to international aviation supply chains and now software product management focused on sustainable shopping. He emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding the problem before jumping to solutions, a mindset he contrasts with the tech world's tendency to start with cool tools like AI/ML...
2025-12-2943 min
PreVetted Podcast#81 Erin Fletter: From Kitchen Table Classes to a Tech-Powered Kids’ Cooking FranchiseErin Fletter is a serial entrepreneur, five-time cookbook author, and 30-year veteran of the food and hospitality world who turned a simple idea at her Denver kitchen table into Sticky Fingers Cooking®—a plant-forward children’s cooking school and social enterprise that has taught more than 200,000 kids the joy of cooking. In this conversation with host Federico Ramallo, Erin shares how a single after-school class inspired a national “cooking school without walls” that meets kids where they are: in schools, camps, and community centers.Erin explains how Sticky Fingers classes do far more than teach rec...
2025-12-2539 min
PreVetted Podcast#80 Paola Marulanda: From Crisis-Era Rookie to Miami’s Luxury Deal OptimizerPaola Marulanda joins the PreVetted Podcast to share how she went from seeing real estate as a “necessary evil” to becoming one of South Florida’s top luxury brokers and founder of Luxury Homes Connect.Paola grew up watching her mother rebuild their family through real estate after her grandparents’ development business. Though she initially aimed for law or banking with firms like J.P. Morgan, she realized those paths would demand a lifestyle that clashed with her desire for freedom and family time. Real estate, by contrast, offered flexibility and no income ceiling.
2025-12-2341 min
PreVetted Podcast#79 John Weiss: Building Human-Centered Brands in the Age of AIJohn Weiss, founder of Human Design, joins Federico for a conversation on building brands that move people—not just markets—in an increasingly synthetic, AI-driven world.He shares the origin of Human Design, founded in 2013 to solve human problems through strategy, design, and storytelling. Over the years, the agency has helped nonprofits, startups, and major brands like Nike, Land O’Lakes, and Twitter uncover clarity, purpose, and emotional resonance.Key themes explored in the episode:- Human Design’s core values: creating work people want, feel, and value
2025-12-2247 min
PreVetted Podcast#78 Nithin Thekkupadam Narayanan: PM Trade-offs, Event-Driven Systems & AI-Ready PlatformsNithin Thekkupadam Narayanan joins the show to unpack the craft of product management at scale—how to keep a mature platform stable while innovating fast. A Senior Principal PM (ex-AWS, ex-Remitly and an MIT SDM alum), Nithin shares pragmatic lessons from event-driven systems, cost/speed trade-offs, and the fast-moving AI landscape.We explore how to listen to customers without building one-offs, scan the market for signals (e.g., rapid protocol shifts and agent-to-agent patterns), and evolve architecture accordingly. Nithin walks through moving queue storage from disk to memory for near-real-time processing, adding native support fo...
2025-12-1849 min
PreVetted Podcast#77 David West: Rethinking Business & IT with Human-Centered, Story-Driven SoftwareDavid West traces a clear line from his first job in 1968—the year “software engineering” was coined—through today’s AI-fueled hype cycles, arguing that our industry’s chronic unhappiness comes from being cut off from users and meaning. In this candid conversation, he recalls mainframes, 80-column cards, and 24-hour feedback loops that forced upfront thinking, then contrasts that era with modern “vibe coding,” where speed often replaces theory. West contends that most IT failures stem from treating business and technology as separate machines rather than a single complex adaptive system grounded in human integrity, shared context, and story.
2025-12-1645 min
PreVetted Podcast#76 Des Wynne: Building Lazer Telecom with Grit—from Door-to-Door Sales to CEODes Wynne: From knocking on doors in Dublin to leading Lazer Telecom in Portugal, Des charts a candid, practical path to building a resilient last-mile ISP and a culture that ships. He starts with the early “turtle shell” he grew selling for Eircom and O2/Telefónica, then the sink-or-swim autonomy at Digicel across the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Curaçao—where full P&L accountability became second nature. A detour into aviation at SimTech sharpened his checklist mindset, which he later brought to telecom operations: remember the flow, then back it up with a list so nothing mission-critical slips.
2025-12-1551 min
PreVetted Podcast#75 Nur Hamdan: Building the “HR for AI Agents”, Autonomy, Safety & the Ops Agent EngineerNur Hamdan explains how aiXplain is building an enterprise “Agentic OS” and why autonomy must be paired with safety and compliance. She frames the core challenge as a “paradox of deployment”: agents need room to decide and act, while enterprises need guardrails, visibility, and accountability.Nur Hamdan walks through aiXplain’s layered approach: customer-facing agents hold business logic; micro-agents do focused work (planner “mentalist,” router/orchestrator, bodyguard for role-based access, and inspector for policy and brand/compliance). The inspector can warn, abort, escalate, or rerun at runtime—stopping issues before an unsafe action co...
2025-12-1147 min
PreVetted Podcast#74 Madhuri Somara: Building Trustworthy AI Agents, PM Evals & the Craft of Product LeadershipMadhuri Somara, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, joins Federico to unpack how she builds AI agents that actually help people, not just impress on paper. Fresh off being honored with the 2025 Product Leader Award by Products That Count, Madhuri traces her path from coding and business analysis to product leadership, and why empathy, rigorous evaluations, and clear user value are her north stars.She describes the vision and real-world impact of Microsoft’s Autonomous Agents (announced at Ignite 2024), zooming in on the Case Management Agent that automates the entire lifecycle from case creation to cl...
2025-12-0948 min
PreVetted Podcast#73 Kimberlee Carr: From Property Manager to COO—Leadership, Preservation & Community ImpactKimberlee Carr, Chief Operating Officer of Real Estate and Managing Broker at TAWANI Enterprises, shares how a chance fill-in role sparked a career she’s grown into with grit, curiosity, and a love for challenge. In this conversation, Kimberlee traces her path from on-site property manager to executive leader, explaining why her core values never changed with the title: positivity, accountability, respect, teamwork, integrity, and pride in the work. She describes her “wolf pack” philosophy of leadership—guiding from behind, protecting the team, and lifting one another when someone stumbles.Kimberlee unpacks...
2025-12-0846 min
PreVetted Podcast#72 Kadamb Goswami: From Microsoft to Amazon—Human-Centered Intelligence & Purposeful ProductKadamb Goswami: In this conversation, Kadamb traces a personal and professional journey shaped by resourcefulness, resilience, and a relentless focus on building things that tangibly help people. Growing up in a small Indian town, he watched his father—an educator—create low-resource systems so students could learn better. That early example of “impact through intent” led Kadamb to build a simple library tool in college and even assemble his own PC, seeding a lifelong bias for practical problem-solving.His first big break came at Microsoft India after a rigorous entry exam. Two years later, he trans...
2025-12-0436 min
PreVetted Podcast#71 Apurv Naman — From Engineering Roots to Product Leadership in Physical AIIn this episode, Apurv Naman, Product Manager at NVIDIA, shares a heartfelt, visionary journey that starts with childhood cartoons—The Jetsons, Star Trek, Star Wars—and evolves into a career shaping physical AI: humanoids and self-driving cars. What began as wonder for machines you can “touch and feel” became a calling to work where hardware, software, and AI meet real-world impact.Apurv recalls how mechanical engineering opened doors to robotics and automotive systems, leading him into autonomous vehicles, patents, and the thrill of shipping things that move. Along the way, the “why” behind features kept tugging...
2025-12-0149 min
PreVetted Podcast#70 Ben Helland: WGU Strategy, Scenario Planning, and Building Job-Ready PathwaysBen Helland unpacks how strategy turns into outcomes for learners and employers at Western Governors University (WGU). As Principal Product Strategist, he partners with the Schools of Business and Health to design long-term roadmaps that serve working adults and an expanding 18–24 segment. He explains why WGU measures every big bet against three lenses—equity, completion, and return—and how a jobs-first mission shapes programs, support, and pace of innovation.Ben contrasts strategy across domains: Health must move deliberately within licensure and clinical regulations (e.g., time-bound placement windows), while Business can iterate faster. Those constr...
2025-11-2752 min
PreVetted Podcast#69 Tifany Mazza: Building a Purpose-Driven Marketing Career & Agency in a Changing Digital EraTifany Mazza joins us on The PreVetted Podcast for an inspiring conversation about building a meaningful career in digital marketing, transitioning into entrepreneurship, and staying relevant in one of the fastest-evolving industries in the world.With more than a decade of experience growing brands online, Tifany is the Founder and Digital Marketing Director of tykio., a Google-certified digital partner based in Silicon Valley. She has led data-driven campaigns for global brands including Nestlé, Royal Caribbean, Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, RedCoach, and others across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. Beyond agency life, she...
2025-11-2530 min
PreVetted Podcast#68 Yash Chaturvedi, AI PM, Patents & Live Sports Ads: Scene Understanding to Brand PlacementYash Chaturvedi, Head of Product for Live Sports Ads at Amazon, joins Federico to unpack how AI, computer vision, and product management are reshaping streaming and advertising. Yash traces his path from early OCR projects at Staples to Prime Video, where he helped build long-form video understanding to automate global compliance and power features like maturity ratings and content descriptors. That same foundation inspired his work in virtual/brand placement—seamlessly inserting context-aware brand assets into scenes—leading to multiple U.S. patents and a new, non-interruptive model for monetization.In live sports, Yash expl...
2025-11-2447 min
PreVetted Podcast#67 Nicholas E. Adams, Strategy First, Human Connection Always: Branding, AI Ethics & PartnershipsNicholas E. Adams joins the PreVetted Podcast for a candid conversation about leadership, brand truth, AI’s role in communications, and why community partnerships are a growth strategy—not a side quest.Nicholas traces his inspiration to family values and early mentors from the agency world, grounding his leadership in ethics, transparency, and service. Operating from Silicon Valley—“a state of mind, not just a place”—he emphasizes a “we, not me” approach: real progress happens when people get in the same room, look each other in the eye, and do the work together....
2025-11-2043 min
PreVetted Podcast#66 Priyank Mohan: From QA to Platform PM @ Amazon Rights-First Systems at ScalePriyank Mohan traces a candid journey from QA/testing and networking, through consulting at PwC and Accenture, to platform product leadership at Amazon—owning 0→1 builds that now serve a 2M+ workforce. In this conversation, he unpacks his current mission: enabling Amazon to uphold UN-aligned human rights standards across its global supply chain. Priyank explains how his team builds the underlying platforms—guardrails, monitoring, and automation—that help program owners detect risks (e.g., forced or child labor), trigger remediation, and measure adherence at massive scale. The product challenge, he notes, is familiar: translate abstract principles like fairness and dignity into con...
2025-11-1847 min
PreVetted Podcast#65 Leigh Monichon: From ‘Mama Bear’ to Special Ed Advocate, Building Paths Aspire AdvocacyLeigh Monichon shares a deeply personal and practical roadmap for navigating special education—and why she built Aspire Advocacy to help families do it with confidence and compassion.In this conversation, Leigh traces the origins of her advocacy to her son’s journey with autism and the hard-won lessons that followed. What began as a parent’s “mama bear” instinct evolved into a calling: teaching families how to work the system without losing heart. She explains the realities many parents face—confusing processes, opaque options, and decisions often constrained by budgets—and how understanding the rules, tim...
2025-11-1745 min
PreVetted Podcast#64 Dr. Ewelina Kurtys: Neuroscience→Biocomputing. Efficient Bio-Servers & Remote Wet LabsDr. Ewelina Kurtys is a scientist-turned-entrepreneur pushing the frontier of bio-inspired computing. In this conversation, she traces her path from a PhD in neuroscience and 20+ peer-reviewed papers to commercializing deep-tech and advising startups. Curiosity pulled her beyond academia into fast-moving environments where she could turn technical knowledge into real-world impact.Ewelina explains her work with FinalSpark, where teams are prototyping processors made from living neurons—3D “neurospheres/organoids” of ~10,000 neurons placed on electrode arrays. Researchers stimulate these neurons electrically or via chemicals (like dopamine) and read their spiking activity, aiming to program living tissue to process information. It’s early: t...
2025-11-1347 min
PreVetted Podcast#63 Ken Pickering: Fixing U.S. Pharmacy Pricing with AI, Leading Through Chaos, Staying TechnicalKen Pickering, CTO of Scripta Insights, joins Federico to unpack how his team is using AI and large-scale data to tackle the opaque, often unfair U.S. pharmacy pricing system. Ken explains why drug costs vary wildly person-to-person, how that opacity drives prescription “abandonment,” and where Scripta intervenes: ingesting messy plan documents, inferring benefits and conditions, modeling deductibles, and recommending clinically sound, lower-cost alternatives (including cash-pay options). He draws a surprising parallel to his work at Hopper: much like airfare, drug pricing is non-deterministic to consumers, so the real job is reducing ambiguity with clear UX and trustworthy recommendations.Ken...
2025-11-1149 min
PreVetted Podcast#62 Jason Fishman: From Action Sports to Investor Acquisition. A Playbook for Test, Optimize, ScaleJason Fishman: In this episode, growth marketer, investor, and podcaster Jason Fishman traces his path from action-sports consultant and Gen-Y specialist to co-founder and SVP of Digital Strategy at Digital Niche Agency (DNA). He explains how early work across social gaming and mobile ad networks shaped his obsession with measurable, scalable acquisition—and why that lens ultimately pulled him into the capital-raising arena (Reg D 506(c), Reg CF, and Reg A+).Jason breaks down his “Eight Point Plan” strategy: start with an industry overview, run a competitor marketing audit, then craft headline-worthy creative that mirrors what the target audience alread...
2025-11-1046 min
PreVetted Podcast#61 Danielle Costa-Nakano: From DaaS to SaaS—APIs, AI, and a Post-CRM Playbook for NonprofitsDanielle Costa-Nakano shares how, as Chief Product Officer at Grassroots Analytics, she’s leading a shift from data-as-a-service to software-as-a-service to help nonprofit and political organizations escape spreadsheet sprawl and tool fragmentation. Danielle explains why many teams still spend half their day importing/exporting CSVs across 7–10 systems and how a central data platform—with strong APIs, embedded analytics, and AI-assisted workflows—can surface “the right ask, to the right person, at the right time,” replacing manual busywork with actionable insight.She introduces Quiller, an AI-first content creator that drafts emails, texts, letters, and taglines in the organization’s own voice, keeping...
2025-11-0645 min
PreVetted Podcast#60 Travis Summers: From 23 Years in the Army to 25 in HR, Leading with Resilience and HumanityTravis Summers brings a remarkable dual career journey to this episode of the PreVetted Podcast. With over 23 years of military service in the U.S. Army and more than 25 years of experience in human resources, Travis has dedicated his life to building high-performing teams, shaping organizational culture, and aligning people strategies with business goals.In this conversation, Travis shares how the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills he developed in the military translated seamlessly into corporate HR. As a Regional Recruiting Manager and later in operations, he learned the value of workforce planning, efficiency, and resource allocation—skills that became th...
2025-11-0440 min
PreVetted Podcast#59 Shiva Kumar: Dentulu’s All-in-One Dental Telehealth—AI, Remote Care & Global TeamsShiva Kumar is the Co-Founder & CTO of Dentulu, a health-tech platform unifying the fragmented world of dentistry into a single ecosystem for providers, offices, patients, and suppliers. In this conversation, Shiva shares how Dentulu evolved from mobile dentistry to a comprehensive telehealth platform—accelerated by COVID—and why meticulous, millimeter-level clinical workflows demand a very different approach than “move fast and break things.”We discuss Dentulu’s core innovations, including virtual post-op care and remote diagnostics powered by MouthCam—an affordable, patient-use intraoral camera that streams images directly to the patient chart so dentists can decide w...
2025-11-0345 min
PreVetted Podcast#58 Joey Brabo Respect My Region, cannabis normalization, and building a sponsor-powered media networkJoey Brabo, co-owner, COO, and head editor of Respect My Region (RMR), joins the PreVetted Podcast to unpack how music, cannabis, and community intersect, and why thoughtful media can de-stigmatize an entire industry. Raised across Seattle, Indiana, and Texas and now based in Los Angeles, Joey traces his path from lifelong music fan to culture builder, sharing how personal health challenges, exposure to technology, and hands-on sales/marketing roles shaped his advocacy and editorial lens.Across this conversation, Joey tackles the stigma around cannabis with nuance. He contrasts cannabis with highly marketed but unhealthy...
2025-10-3044 min
PreVetted Podcast#57 Harshil Ahuja: Building Novarus at 16 to Tackle Clean Air, Water, and Global Sustainability ChallengesHarshil Ahuja is not your typical college student. At just 16 years old, he founded Novarus Technologies, a startup with an ambitious mission: to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges by ensuring universal access to clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Now at 19, while studying Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, Harshil is scaling Novarus into a global force for health tech and sustainability.In this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, Harshil shares the personal spark that inspired his journey—seeing his mother in India forced to wear an N95...
2025-10-2758 min
PreVetted Podcast#56 Shira Krishna: From Engineer to Product LeaderShira Krishnan charts her path from hands-on engineer to product leader at Fivetran, the global leader in data movement. Shira explains why she traded pull requests for product briefs, how she rewired her mindset from “how do we build it?” to “why does it matter?”, and the frameworks she now uses to make hard trade-offs between reliability, speed, and business impact. We dig into the nuts and bolts of “just-works” data pipelines, the chaos of changing SaaS APIs, and what it really takes to serve AI/ML, analytics, and operational workloads at enterprise scale. Shira also shares candid lessons from early P...
2025-10-2338 min
PreVetted Podcast#55 Makoto Kern: From Robotics to UX Strategy—De-Risking Enterprise Software with Strategic ImmersionMakoto Kern, Founder of IIIMPACT, joins Federico Ramallo on the Prevetted Podcast to share his journey from robotics engineering to becoming a product strategy and UX design leader helping enterprises de-risk complex software development. With more than 21 years of experience across cybersecurity, energy, healthcare, and SaaS, Makoto has guided Fortune 500 executives and high-growth startups to launch market-ready products while building sustainable product development practices.In this conversation, Makoto reflects on his early career in manufacturing automation and how optimizing software for non-technical operators sparked his passion for user experience. He shares how he transitioned...
2025-10-2154 min
PreVetted Podcast#54 Franca Comparetto: Redefining Cigar Culture with Sensory Science, Consumer Advocacy, and Ethical InnovationFranca Comparetto is the CEO and co-founder of Cigar Sense Inc., a pioneering platform that delivers unbiased, personalized cigar recommendations based on sensory science and consumer preferences—not marketing hype. In this conversation, Franca shares her remarkable journey from her early career in Brussels at the European Commission, through a decade at Cisco leading business operations and data governance, to co-founding Cigar Sense with her husband.Franca explains how her frustration as a cigar lover in the U.S. led to building the world’s first independent recommendation engine for premium cigars. She details how...
2025-10-2056 min
PreVetted Podcast#53 Jose Herrera: From Guadalajara to San Jose — Corazón Musical, MiO Productions & Adco OutdoorsJose Herrera is a creative force whose journey spans cultures, industries, and decades of storytelling. Born in Eureka, California, raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and later building his career in San Jose, Jose embodies the spirit of bridging worlds. From his early days producing at Telemundo, Univision, and CBS, to founding MiO Productions, he has spent over 25 years telling powerful stories through video, events, and digital media.In this episode, Jose shares the fascinating story of Corazón Musical: Escúchalo en tu Corazón, the groundbreaking TV production that celebrated Latino music and culture. Wha...
2025-10-1657 min
PreVetted Podcast#52 Jonathan Collazo: From Drone Obsession to Life-Saving Robotics—The Story Behind Ostrich Air & FireBot LabsJonathan Collazo is an inventor, relentless builder, and the mission-driven founder and CEO of Ostrich Air and FireBot Labs—two pioneering deep-tech companies redefining the role of autonomous robotics in public safety, defense, and critical infrastructure. In this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, host Federico Ramallo dives deep into Jonathan’s fascinating and unorthodox path—from a teenage computer repair business in Florida to building battle-tested robots in Silicon Valley.Jonathan shares how picking up a drone for the first time sparked an obsession that led to founding Ostrich Air, originally an R&D lab fo...
2025-10-1456 min
PreVetted Podcast#51 Stephen Klein: Reflective AI, Bootstrapping, and Why Purpose Is the Ultimate Competitive EdgeStephen Klein, Founder & CEO of Curiouser.AI, Harvard MBA, and Berkeley instructor, joins the PreVetted Podcast to challenge the way we think about artificial intelligence and its role in shaping our future. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top 1% Voice in AI, Klein is on a mission to flip the script: instead of humans prompting AI, his vision is AI prompting humans: What he calls Reflective AI™.In this conversation, Klein shares how his journey from leading innovation at the world’s largest law firm to founding Curiouser.AI was sparked by a troubling realization: society was...
2025-10-1345 min
PreVetted Podcast#50 Phi Pham: Turning Beats into Opportunities — How Building Beats Empowers Youth Through Music, Community, and LeadershipPhi Pham is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Building Beats, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through DJing, digital music production, and creative workshops that integrate entrepreneurial, leadership, and life skills. Since its founding in 2009, Building Beats has reached thousands of youth across New York, Los Angeles, and beyond, helping them discover their creative voice while preparing them for success far outside the music studio.In this episode, Phi shares how his journey as a DJ and music producer led him to see DJs not only as entertainers but as community organizers—br...
2025-10-0943 min
PreVetted Podcast#49 Mustafa Qutub: Building PaloBio to Unlock Human Resilience and Redefine Brain Health with AIMustafa Qutub is the co-founder and CEO of PaloBio, a Silicon Valley startup using AI to unlock human resilience and improve neurological health. In this thought-provoking conversation, Mustafa shares how his journey through law, philosophy, and technology led him to focus on one of humanity’s biggest challenges: helping individuals and organizations thrive in the age of AI.We explore the roots of resilience—what it really means to persevere, how it goes beyond simple perseverance, and why it’s deeply tied to our cognitive, emotional, biological, and social environments. Mustafa draws on thinkers like T...
2025-10-0747 min
PreVetted Podcast#48 Tanguy Chau: Building Legal AI You Can Trust with PaxtonIn this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tanguy Chau, Founder and CEO of Paxton, the AI-powered legal platform making waves in the industry by helping lawyers work 10x more efficiently.With a PhD from MIT and a background in engineering, venture capital, and early-stage investments in groundbreaking companies like Ironclad, Tanguy brings a rare blend of technical precision and business insight to the world of legal tech.We dive deep into: • The broken state of traditional legal research and why Boolean queries ar...
2025-10-0641 min
PreVetted Podcast#47 Tara Maddala: Unlocking Hope with Evidence-Based Mental Health for StudentsTara Maddala, Founder & CEO of Pandora Bio, joins us to explore how smartphone signals, wearables, and emoji-simple check-ins can spot early shifts in student mental health and nudge the right next step. We talk privacy-first design (individual data stays with the student), campus-level insights, and why limiting recommendations to three clinically vetted options prevents overwhelm. Tara explains how a biostatistician’s rigor—study design, bias control, real-world evidence—translates from cancer diagnostics to digital mental health, and why catching changes “upstream” matters. We also unpack social-media incentives, cultural differences in support systems, and the power of small, hopeful actions.
2025-10-0246 min
PreVetted Podcast#46 Narasimha Krishnakumar: Rules-Based Investing for Real PeopleNarasimha Krishnakumar explains how QuantMomo translates institutional-grade factor models into simple, rules-based portfolios that everyday investors can follow. He breaks down the “why” behind momentum, all-weather, and value strategies, emphasizing process over hunches: position sizing, risk controls, and a clear rebalance cadence. By connecting directly to a user’s brokerage, QuantMomo helps investors execute consistently and reduce the stress that comes from discretionary, emotion-driven decisions.Narasimha is a hands-on technologist and financial strategist with 15+ years of experience in software engineering, product development, and algorithmic trading. Currently he is serving as the part-time CEO of QuantM...
2025-09-3044 min
PreVetted Podcast#45 Linda Baker: Milestones, Not Transactions in Silicon Valley Real EstateLinda Baker has guided hundreds of devoted clients since 2003 through the biggest financial milestones of their lives—always with a blend of genuine care and strategic, forward-thinking execution. A former director of finance who oversaw marketing events at the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Linda brings uncommon rigor to every transaction: innovative marketing, design sense, and tech savvy on the sell side; a visionary, collaborative approach on the buy side that helps clients see potential in neighborhoods and properties they might have overlooked. It’s why her repeat-and-referral flywheel keeps spinning—and why she founded Milestone Realty in 2021 to deliver a more...
2025-09-291h 00
PreVetted Podcast#44 Bilal Asif: Building Personal Brands with ConnectGenie, Persona-Driven Content, and the C.L.I.E.N.T. FrameworkBilal Asif—founder of ConnectGenie AI and Kikbits, full-stack developer, and long-time Upwork Top-Rated-Plus freelancer—shares how he stepped beyond marketplace dependence to build a durable personal brand and a product that helps others do the same. He traces the origin of ConnectGenie from a simple Chrome extension into an AI assistant that personalizes LinkedIn connection notes, comments, and posts at scale—born from his own realization that he was “known on Upwork” but virtually invisible elsewhere.We dive into persona-driven content: defining background, tone, writing tics, words to use/avoid, even how you express ag...
2025-09-2543 min
PreVetted Podcast#43 Gidi Cohen: From Cybersecurity to AI Trust — Tackling Risk, Compliance & the Future of Enterprise DataGidi Cohen joins the PreVetted Podcast to share his remarkable journey as a serial entrepreneur, cybersecurity veteran, and now Co-founder & CEO of Bonfy.AI. With over two decades of experience building Skybox Security into a global enterprise and advising leading security companies like OTORIO and Octarine, Gidi has spent his career at the intersection of technology, risk, and trust. Today, he’s channeling that expertise into solving one of the biggest challenges of the AI era: making unstructured data ( whether human or AI-generated ) secure, compliant, and trustworthy.In this episode, we dive into:...
2025-09-2245 min
PreVetted Podcast#42 Badri Varadarajan: Building a “Partner Program in a Box”Badri Varadarajan shares how HitWit “brings a product expert to every customer interaction,” moving learning out of the classroom and into the workflow so sales and channel partners can deliver precise product answers in real time. He walks through HitWit’s 2023 origin, the pivot from L&D to revenue use cases, and why mental maps and a realistic sales simulator help reps learn by doing. We discuss the real startup bottleneck—attention—plus adoption tradeoffs when selling AI into today’s orgs, and the value of treating everyone as an engineer focused on outcomes. Badri closes with the roadmap: deeper CRM/P...
2025-09-1842 min
PreVetted Podcast#41 Christa Guglielmelli: Building a World-Class Event Business with Heart, Grit, and MagnificenceChrista Guglielmelli is the powerhouse CEO of Magnetic Magnificent Events & Incentives. With over two decades of experience in hospitality, event planning, and sales, Christa has built a thriving business specializing in unforgettable weddings, impactful corporate events, and exclusive incentive travel.In this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, Christa shares the origin story of her company, the lessons learned from her most challenging and rewarding events, and what makes an experience truly world-class. From handling celebrity weddings and crisis management during power outages to transforming warehouses into red carpet venues, Christa walks us through the...
2025-09-1542 min
PreVetted Podcast#40 Svetlana Grinchenko: Why Annual Hormone Testing Could Change Your LifeIn this episode, you’ll learn why proactive hormone testing can be life-changing for women — and how it can give you more options, clarity, and peace of mind for your future.Svetlana Grinchenko, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Strawberry Health, shares her journey from a corporate career at PwC and leading a successful community startup for tech professionals to building a mission-driven health-tech company focused on proactive hormonal health for women.We discuss: • Why most women’s health and fertility care is reactive instead of proactive • ...
2025-09-1142 min
PreVetted Podcast#39 Ben Seidl: The Future of Autonomous Vehicles and SocietyBen Seidl, CEO of AutoLane, delve into the transformative world of autonomous vehicles. Discover how these innovations are set to revolutionize mobility and logistics, reshaping our cities and daily lives. From the challenges of integrating autonomous technology with existing infrastructure to the potential for cars to become personal assistants, explore the exciting future of transportation and its profound implications for society. About Ben Seidl:- https://www.goautolane.comAbout Federico Ramallo ✨👨💻🌎🚀 Software Engineering Manager | 🛠 Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | 🤝 Connecting 🇺🇸 U.S. teams with top nearshore 🌎 LATAM e...
2025-09-0840 min
PreVetted Podcast#38 Saumya Bhatnagar: Redefining the Product–Engineering Partnership in the Age of AISaumya Bhatnagar is a Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, Co-founder and CPO of involve.ai, and one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech. She has built her career at the intersection of product, engineering, and AI—helping companies scale smarter and predict customer needs through data-driven insights. Saumya is also a Stevie Gold Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and a two-time honoree among the Top 50 Women CPOs in the U.S.In this episode, Saumya shares how AI is transforming the relationship between product and engineering. She explains how these two disciplines, once si...
2025-09-0452 min
PreVetted Podcast#37 Dario de Santis: AI-Powered Collaboration: Transforming How We Work TogetherJoin Dario de Santis as we delve into the transformative power of AI in reshaping how teams collaborate. Discover cutting-edge AI solutions that are breaking down barriers, enhancing communication, and fostering innovation across industries. From virtual assistants to intelligent project management tools, learn how AI is enabling seamless teamwork and driving productivity to new heights. Tune in to uncover how AI is not just a tool, but a game-changer in the world of collaboration.About Dario de Santis:- https://tweelin.com/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariodesantis/
2025-09-0259 min
PreVetted Podcast#36 Udit Joshi: From Campus Startup Hustle to Google’s AI-Powered Support ToolsUdit Joshi, Product Manager at Google, leads the development of next-generation tools used by Googlers worldwide, integrating Google AI to automate support and sales conversations. He’s a builder at heart. In his past life as a startup founder, he learned how to build products from the ground up—skills he now applies at scale inside Google.Udit believes we’re in a new era where AI lets anyone create amazing things, with or without technical expertise.Connect with Udit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uditjoshi92/A...
2025-09-0143 min
PreVetted Podcast#35 Rob Terry: Building SeafoodAI—Biometric Scanners and Real-Time TraceabilityRob Terry is a serial entrepreneur and technologist with 25+ years of experience at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and real-world systems. He is the founder and CEO of SeafoodAI, which builds biometric scanners and digital tools to modernize seafood supply chains with real-time traceability and compliance. Previously, Rob founded SmartCatch, a pioneer in deep-sea monitoring for bycatch reduction, which was successfully acquired. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Crunchbase News, and National Fisherman. He’s held leadership roles at Whole Foods, PARC, UCSF, and Silicon Graphics, and is passionate about bringing scalable tech solutions to overlooked, impact-driven in...
2025-08-2836 min
PreVetted Podcast#34 Shariq A. Salar: A Philosophical Deep Dive into AI, Decision Intelligence & Building AtreanShariq A. Salar, Founder & CEO of Atrean, joins Federico Ramallo for a philosophical conversation about AI, decision intelligence, and how we build. Atrean’s AI-native platform turns natural-language questions into instant, governed insights—bringing “lean intel & leaner ops” to investment teams and beyond. Together they explore non-determinism and creativity, vibe coding and rapid prototyping, why human abstraction still matters, and the shifting roles of juniors vs. seniors. They also tackle ethics (ownership of training data), social questions (loneliness and AI companions), and transhumanist ideas about identity and continuity—framed by the sci-fi stories that inspire today’s builders...
2025-08-261h 01
PreVetted Podcast#33 Veronique Rozan: Sensors, Pricing Strategy, and Leading Global TeamsVeronique Rozan shares how she manages TE Connectivity’s worldwide sensor portfolio, builds value-based pricing, navigates tariffs and constant change, and balances (by choice) a demanding executive career with family, offering candid advice for aspiring women leaders.Born in France to parents from Vietnam (father 50/50 French/Vietnamese, mother 100% Vietnamese), Veronique was raised to work hard and dreamed of living abroad. After earning her MSEE, she began as an application engineer to meet customers and solve their problems, then moved into project management for a holistic view of product development. In 2010 she and her husband re...
2025-08-2547 min
PreVetted Podcast#32 Prashanth Kumar Duggishetti: From Award-Winning Engineer to Venture Studio BuilderPrashanth Kumar Duggishetti went from shipping Dycap’s “Perfect Track” camera tech (InfoComm’s Most Innovative Product) to co-founding Ellenox, a Hyderabad-based venture studio that lets founders “sell while we build” across product, engineering, GTM, and ops. We dig into burnout and bootstrapping, filtering 1,800 applicants without lowering the bar, giving rejected candidates useful feedback, and why India’s talent gap is about access—not ability.About Prashanth Kumar Duggishetti:- https://www.ellenox.com/About Federico Ramallo ✨👨💻🌎🚀 Software Engineering Manager | 🛠 Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | 🤝 Connecting 🇺🇸 U.S. teams wit...
2025-08-2149 min
PreVetted Podcast#31 Shailin Saraiya: Leading Global Engineering Teams at Roku with AI, Culture, and ImpactShailin Saraiya, Sr. Engineering Manager at Roku, joins us to explore what it really takes to lead globally distributed engineering teams at scale. With over a decade of experience at Roku, Sony, and more, Shailin shares how he manages time zone complexity, builds a unified culture, and ensures product quality with AI-driven systems.We dive into his leadership philosophy, hiring practices across regions, and how his globally diverse teams have shipped high-impact features like the Media QC Platform. From building scalable systems for millions of users to creating safe spaces for communication and collaboration, Shailin offers real...
2025-08-1952 min
PreVetted Podcast#30 Dr. Carmen Román: Bridging Cultural Perspectives on Burnout, Self-Care, and Finding BalanceDr. Carmen Román shares her journey growing up in a poor neighborhood in Guadalajara to becoming a bicultural clinical psychologist with three decades of experience. Drawing from her practice in both Mexico and the United States, she offers a unique perspective on how cultural differences impact our approach to mental health, work-life balance, and family dynamics. Her experience with burnout led to her specialization in helping others prevent and recover from it, and introduces her book "10% More Selfish" which promotes balanced self-care. Silicon Valley's achievement-oriented culture often neglects true self-care but finding purpose through helping others contributes more t...
2025-08-1852 min
PreVetted Podcast#29 Bert Wank: Advancing grid reliability with infiniRelBert Wank, CEO of infiniRel, shares his journey in power semiconductors and renewable energy, focusing on innovative solutions for grid reliability. He discusses infiniRel’s mission to develop advanced monitoring systems, likened to an “EKG for electronics,” to detect potential failures in inverters used in solar plants and battery storage systems. Wank explores the challenges of integrating modern electronics with traditional power grids, emphasizing the need for harmony in complex systems. He also touches on the financial impact of inverter failures, costing the U.S. solar industry billions, and infiniRel’s predictive analytics to mitigate these losses. Wank shares insights...
2025-08-1434 min
PreVetted Podcast#28 Joan Perry: Reclaiming Self-Worth and Redefining Power Through The Heroine’s JourneyJoan Perry is an international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Heroine’s Journey podcast. In this powerful episode, Joan joins us to share her deeply personal and transformative framework: a 13-step roadmap designed to help women reclaim their voice, rebuild self-worth, and live with authenticity and purpose.We explore the core differences between the hero’s journey and the heroine’s journey, why women often feel like they’re climbing the wrong ladder, and how true growth begins from within. Joan shares stories of real-life heroines, including her own, and explains why self-worth is the foundation for navi...
2025-08-1251 min
PreVetted Podcast#27 Harry Soza: Building CAREMINDr and the Future of Everyday HealthHarry Soza traces a three-decade arc of health-tech innovation—from pre-internet pharmacy transactions to AI-assisted, patient-reported data that keeps people healthy between visits. He founded Preferred Solutions in the 1980s, adapting credit-card authorization technology to enable the first real-time formulary checks at the pharmacy counter and showing that simple peer comparisons could shift physician prescribing within weeks. He then built Resolution Health, which stitched together messy claims, pharmacy, and provider identifiers to surface “care gaps,” sending insurer-backed member reports that improved doctor–patient conversations and even exposed miscoding and fraud.Today, as CEO of CAREMINDr, Soza describes how smar...
2025-08-111h 20
PreVetted Podcast#26 Ishanya Anthapur: Designing Products at the Intersection of Empathy and AIIshanya Anthapur joins Federico Ramallo to explore how Zemplee’s camera-free sensors and Alexa integration empower caregivers, boost nurse productivity, and preserve the independence of older adults. She shares why her ecology background still shapes her product instincts, how a year of teaching honed her storytelling skills, and why empathy is the north star for every feature she ships. The conversation ranges from building trust with non-technical users to balancing rapid releases with HIPAA compliance—and even detours into the value of voluntary adventure for lifelong growth.Ishanya Anthapur is a mission-driven Technical Product Mana...
2025-08-0758 min
PreVetted Podcast#25 Cameron Dutro: Constraints, Omakase, and why most apps don’t need ReactCameron Dutro, software engineering technical leader at Cisco Meraki (previously GitHub, Salesforce, Lumos Labs, Twitter)—joins us to reflect on Rails’ omakase roots, the trade-offs of JS tool churn, and how shared interfaces make teams faster. With 15+ years in tech and a master’s in CS from Johns Hopkins, Cameron brings a pragmatic lens to frontend choices and when heavy frameworks are truly warranted. Off the clock, he’s with his wife and two daughters in Northern California. We cover ViewComponent, Rails’ rendering and hooks, component interoperability, and a calm, durable stack: Vite + npm + PostCSS + TypeScript, with Stimulus/H...
2025-08-051h 02
PreVetted Podcast#24 Joseph Nagle: Simplifying EV Charging with Pando Electric's Innovative Socket SolutionJoseph Nagle from Pando Electric, shares how the company is revolutionizing EV charging for apartment buildings and condos with their simple yet ingenious socket-based approach. As an industry veteran with over a decade in the EV charging space, Joseph explains how Pando's solution addresses common issues like cable theft, maintenance costs, and power management while providing reliable charging access for residents. Learn about the company's "Apple quality" safety features, their roadmap for bidirectional charging capability, and how their technology can help flatten electricity demand curves. Joseph also discusses his experiences at Microsoft and Nokia, offering fascinating insights into product...
2025-08-041h 28
PreVetted Podcast#23 Stephane Fourdrinier: The most advanced multi-device wellness platformStephane Fourdrinier shares how a personal health wake-up in 2017 (and an 80-pound transformation) led him to build Track Our Heart, an ambitious biometrics platform that fuses data from rings, watches, chest straps, ECG patches, oximeters, foot pods, muscle oxygen sensors, headbands (and more) into one coherent, user-tailored view.We dig into: why today’s device ecosystems are siloed, unlocking beat-to-beat heart data 24/7, estimating blood pressure through multi-sensor fusion, supporting three distinct personas (longevity & general wellness, cardiac monitoring, and high-performance athletes), designing for both casual and advanced “data power users,” remote monitoring for aging parents, correlating meals, timing, alcoho...
2025-07-3155 min
PreVetted Podcast#22 Chris Oliver: Building a Rails empireChris Oliver, Rails Luminary and Founder of GoRails, Hatchbox, and Jumpstart, explores his path from open source Ubuntu contributions to leading Rails innovation. He reveals insights on building community-driven projects and mastering public speaking to inspire developers worldwide.About Chris:https://gorails.comhttps://jumpstartrails.comhttps://hatchbox.iohttps://learnhotwire.comAbout Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering Manager | Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | Connecting U.S. teams with top nearshore LATAM engineers.- 💼 https://www.linkedin.com...
2025-07-291h 03
PreVetted Podcast#21 Alessandro Chesser: Democratizing Wealth ProtectionAlessandro Chesser, Founder and CEO of Dynasty Trust Company, shares his journey from scaling Carta’s sales to founding a startup that simplifies Nevada trusts. He discusses leveraging technology to make asset protection affordable, the challenges of B2C markets, and the impact of AI on sales.He is helping people protect and pass on wealth using modern trust structures. A Silicon Valley native, he spent 10 years in financial services before joining Carta as the first sales hire, helping grow it to $300M+ ARR. Now he’s bringing billionaire-level estate tools to everyone.Links: https://www...
2025-07-2831 min
PreVetted Podcast#20 Hussain Ali Mirza: Transforming video with AI at VideomagicHussain Ali Mirza, Global Product and Operations Leader at Video Magic, explores his 20+ years in tech, from engineering in India to leading AI-driven video solutions globally. He delves into the challenges of building AI video platforms and offers insights for aspiring product leaders.About Hussain:https://www.videomagic.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussainalimirza/About Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering Manager | Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | Connecting U.S. teams with top nearshore LATAM engineers.- 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/framallo/- 🌐 https://densit...
2025-07-2437 min
PreVetted Podcast#19 Max Sedghi: Driving IT and Security PerformanceWe sit down with Max Sedghi, VP of Business Development at ICSI to discuss driving business performance through smart IT and security services. From his early work at Oracle to leading ICSI’s client services, Max unpacks the process of building secure, compliant, and productive client environments. We dive into the business' legacy, the challenges of cyber threats in the age of AI, and compliance issues like SOC 2 and HIPAA, blending professional insights with relatable moments.About Max:Partnerships are how he leads the Client Services division. A customer centered focus and a commitment to exce...
2025-07-2137 min
PreVetted Podcast#18 Elisa Camahort Page: Community, capital, and clarity: Lessons from a startup pioneerWe sit down with Elisa Camahort Page, co-founder of BlogHer and Optionality, to explore her journey from a theater major to a tech entrepreneur. Elisa shares insights on scaling BlogHer from a bootstrap startup to a $30 million VC-backed media company, the lessons learned from navigating the 2008 financial crash, and the importance of fostering diverse, inclusive teams. She also discusses her current venture, Optionality, which champions a portfolio career approach, encouraging professionals to diversify their income streams and embrace flexibility in today’s dynamic work environment.About Elisa:Elisa Camahort Page is a se...
2025-07-171h 03
PreVetted Podcast#17 Chris Champion: Building VenturesOn this episode of PreVetted Podcast we sit down with Chris Champion about a shared passion for food, from homemade bread to quality coffee, while touching on Chris's tech and crypto ventures. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes about dogs, health insights, and plans for the Podcaster Summit LIVE in Lubbock, Texas, offering a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and relatable lifestyle discussions.Links:Podcaster Summit LIVE - https://www.wearechampionai.com/Follow Chris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamchrischampion/Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin...
2025-07-1535 min
PreVetted Podcast#16 Radosław Błasiak: Raising the bar for coding educationIn this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, we sit down with Radoslaw Blasiak, founder of the League of Extraordinary Minds. Hear his inspiring journey of building a platform that brings coding education to thousands of Polish schools as well as thoughts on startup life in the EU. From making programming fun and accessible to tackling the technical challenges of launching an AI course, Radoslaw opens up about impact, innovation, and the power of thoughtful edtech.The Leage of Extraordinary MindsRadosław Błasiak on LinkedInAbout Federico Ramallo:Software En...
2025-06-1737 min
PreVetted Podcast#15 Sachin Keswani: Quantum leaps and AI frontiersIn this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, Federico sits down with Sachin Keswani, a seasoned expert in semiconductors and AI, with nearly two decades of experience at industry giants like Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Samsung. They dive into the evolution of classical computing, the rise of NPUs, and the transformational potential of quantum computing. The conversation spans technical deep-dives into CPUs vs NPUs, quantum entanglement, encryption risks, and the real-world implications for AI performance, privacy, and human creativity. Whether you're an engineer, technologist, or just AI-curious, this episode delivers both clarity and inspiration.Bio:Sachin...
2025-05-191h 01
PreVetted Podcast#14 Lino Ramirez: Rethinking the UX of AI interfacesIn this episode we dive into the evolving world of AI interfaces with Lino Ramirez, a seasoned product designer passionate about usability and human-centered design. From voice vs. text interactions to the quirks of image generation tools, we explore how today’s AI products are both powerful and frustrating.We talk about how tools like ChatGPT and newer platforms like Reve.art are changing the way we write, design, code, and even tell stories. They share playful moments such as using AI with your kid, critiqueing interface limitations, and envisioning more intuitive, hybrid experiences that go beyond to...
2025-04-1753 min
PreVetted Podcast#13 Andrew Hendela: The art & science of cyber defense strategiesIn this episode, we sit down with Andrew Hendela from Karambit.AI to delve into the multifaceted world of cybersecurity and startup culture.We discuss what Karambit AI does and explore the complex landscape of open-source versus closed-source libraries. Andrew provides fascinating examples of how issues with software libraries can lead to significant disruptions, such as when a simple library cessation brought down parts of the internet.Join us for an enlightening conversation that combines technical expertise with real-world applications, leaving you with an appreciation for the ongoing battle against digital threats.
2025-02-1751 min
PreVetted Podcast#12 Raudel Wilson: Boosting consumer trustIn this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, we invite you to join us on a journey into the process of health validation with Raudel Wilson, VP of Applied Science and Performance Institute. Discover how cutting-edge technology and meticulous clinical testing work hand-in-hand to ensure the efficacy and safety of the health products we rely on. This engaging conversation is a deep dive into the science behind health certification and a testament to fostering trust. Whether you're a tech leader, a developer, or simply curious about the intersection of science, health, and technology, this episode promises to deliver...
2025-01-2752 min
PreVetted Podcast#11 Capella Kerst: Scaling innovationJoin us as we explore the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Capella Kerst, CEO and founder of geCKo Materials. Discover how she took a revolutionary idea from the lab to scalable, real-world applications. This interview delves into the challenges of growing a tech startup, pioneering bio-inspired adhesive technologies, and the potential impact of these innovations on multiple industries. www.geckomaterials.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@geCKoMaterialsInstagram (@geckomaterials)https://www.linkedin.com/company/geckomaterials About Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering Manager | Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | Connecting U.S. teams with top nearshore LATAM engineers.- 💼 htt...
2025-01-2027 min
PreVetted Podcast#10 Yasin Abbak: Navigating the startup journeyJoin us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Yasin, the innovative founder behind GroupUps. Discover how this groundbreaking tech platform is revolutionizing the buying and selling of complex equipment using AI and data-driven insights, offering seamless solutions for both buyers and sellers.Before founding GroupUps, Yasin achieved remarkable success with a sportstech platform, amassing over 1 million customers, and a supply chain technology platform tailored for independently owned restaurants. He was also integral to the founding team of an event technology startup.Having transitioned from a five-year career in finance, Yasin now dedicates his expertise to advising, investing in...
2025-01-0653 min
PreVetted Podcast#9 John Klymshyn: Why creativity mattersCreativity isn't just about art or literature; it's a fundamental aspect of human expression that impacts every area of our lives. It encourages innovative thinking, fuels technological advancements, and opens up new possibilities across various fields. In this episode, we talk with John Klymshyn about how nurturing creativity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and meaningful progress in both our personal lives and professional careers.His books have inspired people from Madrid to Mexico City, from San Francisco to Sevilla. He has guided several startups to huge success. To John, "It's all about the...
2024-12-091h 28
PreVetted Podcast#8 Gregory Manly: Sales strategies for successIn this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gregory Manly, currently the VP at Xact Inc., an outsourced finance and accounting firm. Greg shared his journey from starting as a store manager in Connecticut to becoming a significant player in Silicon Valley's finance ecosystem. His diverse career path underscores the importance of relentless self-improvement and the value of authentic, meaningful connections in the professional world. Greg highlights the competitive nature of sales and leadership, providing actionable advice for those looking to elevate their careers.https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-manly-3485a356/
2024-11-2552 min
PreVetted Podcast#7 Lino Ramirez: How logos speak for your businessLogos are more than just visual symbols; they are the voice of your business. A well-crafted logo conveys your brand's identity, values, and mission at a glance, making a memorable impression on potential customers.In this episode, Lino Ramirez, UX Lead Designer shows us how it differentiates your business in a crowded market, helps build brand recognition, and fosters trust and loyalty by consistently reflecting your company's essence across all platforms. We will also see how the PreVettedAI brand was created and Lino's creative process.About Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering...
2024-11-111h 05
PreVetted Podcast#6 Kevin Dyck: Design leadership in a digital worldIn this episode of the PreVetted Podcast, we welcome Kevin Dick, a UX and Product Design Leader, as he shares his career journey, industry insights, and the evolution of the UX landscape. Kevin opens up about starting in web design during the late 90s, his experience working with enterprise applications across industries, and how usability testing became a cornerstone of his design philosophy.Kevin discusses the challenges of leading remote, diverse UX teams, the importance of questioning industry norms, and balancing technical precision with human-centered design.This conversation dives deep into the nuances of UX...
2024-10-291h 29
PreVetted Podcast#5 Poya Osgouei: Navigating the B2B marketIn this episode, we're diving deep into the world of modern go-to-market strategies with none other than Poya Osgouei, the founder and CEO of Modern GTM. Join us as we explore how Poya and his team are revolutionizing the way companies approach their go-to-market strategies, helping them achieve greater effectiveness and success in today's dynamic business landscape. Get ready to gain valuable insights and actionable tips from a true industry expert.About Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering Manager | Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | Connecting U.S. teams with top nearshore LATAM...
2024-04-091h 06
PreVetted Podcast#4 Sam Brearey: Empowering inclusivity and fitnessIn this empowering episode, we have the privilege of hosting Sam Brearey, a multi-faceted individual who's making a profound impact in the worlds of fitness, disability inclusion, and humanitarian efforts.Sam is the CEO and co-founder of Accessercise, a groundbreaking fitness app designed to cater to the disabled community. Accessercise sets a new standard for inclusion, accessibility, and disability equality in the fitness market. It provides tailored support for various impairments, with a mission to put the disabled community at the forefront.But Sam's journey doesn't end there. He's a former professional sailor, a three-time...
2023-11-0928 min
PreVetted Podcast#3 Zvonimir Sabljić: Innovating techJoin us for an episode featuring Zvonimir Sabljić, an engineer and tech entrepreneur. He founded AWW (A Web Whiteboard), serving 1.5 million users and attracting Apple as its largest customer. In 2021, AWW was acquired by Miro. Now, Zvonimir's focus is on GPT Pilot, where innovation continues. Tune in for insights into his tech journey and the future of innovation.https://github.com/Pythagora-io/gpt-pilotAbout Federico Ramallo:Software Engineering Manager | Founder of DensityLabs.io & PreVetted.ai | Connecting U.S. teams with top nearshore LATAM engineers.- 💼 https://www.linkedin.com...
2023-11-0245 min
PreVetted Podcast#2 John Onuigbo: CEO and co-founder of Foris LabsIn this thought-provoking episode, we have the privilege of hosting John Onuigbo, a true pioneer in the world of education and social entrepreneurship.John is not your typical educator. He's a visionary, an innovator, and a force for positive change. As the CEO and co-founder of Foris Labs, he embarked on a remarkable journey in the midst of a pandemic to address one of the most pressing educational challenges facing vulnerable communities.Foris Labs, a virtual science laboratory brand, empowers students with the ability to transform any space into a science laboratory through experiment simulations...
2023-10-2028 min
PreVetted PodcastFederico Ramallo - My formative years at MicrosoftJoin us for a journey through my career and insights of a Microsoft veteran in this special episode, "My Formative Years at Microsoft."From my initial steps through the doors of Microsoft to the pivotal projects that shaped my professional trajectory, we delve into the milestones, challenges, and personal growth that defined my formative years.
2023-09-3005 min
PreVetted Podcast#1 Steve Rodgers: Founder & CTO of EmergenTekIn this episode we talk with Steve Rodgers, Founder & CTO from EmergenTek LLC.Tune in to gain insights into Steve's unique perspective on engineering, leadership, and innovation. Discover the driving forces that fuel his passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of materials and process engineering. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an engineering enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the intersections of science and technology, this episode promises to offer an enlightening and inspiring conversation with a true visionary.He is a former International President, global board member and current trustee of...
2023-08-2954 min