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PODCAST

The Tech Trek

The Tech Trek is a podcast for the people building the next generation of technology companies. Host Amir Bormand talks with founders, CTOs, and engineering leaders about the real decisions behind scaling teams, shipping product, and growing a technical organization from the ground up.

technology

All Episodes

00:19:08

Data, AI, and Tackling Technical Debt

The Tech Trek ·

2024/09/17

In this podcast episode, Amir interviews Addhyan Pandey, Zoro.com's Senior Director of AI and Data. They discuss the role of data platforms in serving businesses, mainly focusing on advanced technologies like machine learning and AI. Addhyan explains Zoro's current AI maturity, the challenges posed by data quality, and the concept of technical debt in data management. He also touches on the importance of self-service and human-in-the-loop systems for enhancing business processes. Addhyan

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00:28:00

Startup Equity: Balance and Flexibility

The Tech Trek ·

2024/09/13

In this episode, Amir welcomes Matt Birnbaum, Partner at Pear VC, to discuss the intricacies of structuring equity in early-stage startups. They delve into factors that go into managing an option pool, the importance of setting aside the right amount of equity, and the nuanced calculations behind compensation packages. Matt shares insights from a blog article he authored, which provides a practical calculator to help founders plan equity distribution. They also explore common pitfalls, discuss the

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00:22:29

Navigating Founder Challenges

The Tech Trek ·

2024/09/10

In this episode, Amir welcomes Sandeep Bhadra, General Partner at Vertex US, to discuss early-stage founders' challenges and the critical support they need. The conversation covers the loneliness of the founder's journey, the importance of coaching and mentoring, and the dynamics of candid discussions between investors and founders. Sandeep emphasizes the significance of understanding distribution and managing teams with different expertise. The episode also delves into the art of pivoting,

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00:28:31

Transforming Insurance with AI

The Tech Trek ·

2024/09/05

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews John Cottongim, Co-Founder and CTO at Roots Automation, discussing the impact of process automation and generative AI in the insurance industry. John shares his extensive industry background and insights into how advanced technologies, mainly digital co-workers powered by generative AI, transform legacy systems and optimize processes in insurance companies. The conversation touches on data quality issues, simplifying complex business processes, and

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00:20:35

From Prototype to Production: Building Gen AI Solutions

The Tech Trek ·

2024/09/04

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Michelle Avery, Group VP of AI at WillowTree, a TELUS International Company. They discuss the process of prototyping Generative AI (Gen AI) solutions and transitioning from prototypes to production-ready applications. Key points include identifying business problems, the importance of intentional prototyping, overcoming data access challenges, and ensuring user acceptance and ROI. Michelle shares insights from her work at WillowTree, emphasizing the

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00:28:23

Reimagining Education: Redefining Teaching and Learning

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/29

In this podcast episode, Amir Nathoo, Co-Founder and Head of Outschool, discusses the innovative online marketplace for live classes aimed at kids globally. He explains how Outschool empowers unconventional educators to offer diverse and creative subjects, providing alternatives to traditional learning systems. The conversation covers the impact of the pandemic on remote learning, the challenges of integrating such platforms within traditional school systems, and the role of AI in personalized

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00:25:54

Balancing Technical Decisions and Tech Debt

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/27

In this podcast episode, we explore critical technical decisions and the concept of technical debt with Brian Moseley, Co-Founder and CTO of Sixfold. Brian discusses his views on balancing short-term goals with long-term ramifications, including real-life examples from his work. The conversation delves into the use of generative AI in insurance underwriting, the importance of context in decision-making, and the challenge of remote work collaboration. Brian stresses the need for documenting reasoning

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00:22:00

Leadership Hiring in Early Stage Startups

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/22

In this episode, Amir interviews Jen Kodner, a Talent Partner at Threshold Ventures and DFJ Growth, to discuss best practices and challenges in leadership hiring for startups. They explore the importance of finding the right leadership fit for different growth phases, professionalizing key functions, and balancing the hands-on approach required at early stages. Jen shares insights on the dynamics of player-coach roles, setting appropriate expectations for new hires, and the intricacies of delegating

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00:28:40

Software Development: Cheaper, Faster, Better

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/20

In this episode, Joe Emison, CTO and Co-Founder of Branch Insurance, discusses achieving cheaper, faster, and better software development. Joe shares insights from his book, 'Serverless is a Game Changer,' and explains how embracing managed services can lead to substantial gains. He delves into the importance of continual education, managing technical debt, and focusing on undifferentiated value streams. Joe also talks about how Branch has worked to develop extensive applications with a

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00:23:18

From Nonprofit to AI Startup Founder

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/15

In this episode, Amir interviews Rehgan Bleile, Co-Founder and CEO of AlignAI, about her transition from founding a nonprofit organization to leading a for-profit AI company. Rehgan shares insights into the differences between nonprofit and for-profit ventures, the skills required, and the lessons learned. She discusses the origins and mission of Women In Analytics (WIA), a nonprofit aimed at increasing visibility for women and diverse voices in AI and analytics. She details the challenges and

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00:24:02

Navigating the Long-Term Roadmap

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/13

In this podcast episode, Eli Wachs, Co-Founder and CEO of Footprint, delves into the intricacies of managing long-term roadmaps for startups. Eli discusses Footprint's automated onboarding system, which focuses on identity and security. He shares insights on identifying and solving critical problems with intentionality, the challenges faced in balancing immediate priorities versus long-term goals, and the importance of selecting the right design partners. Eli also reflects on the debates and

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00:21:47

XOps and Innovation in Manufacturing

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/08

In this episode, Amir chats with Jai Prakash, Head of Insights and Data Engineering at Pella Corporation, about the evolution of XOps. They dive into Pella's journey in building a center of excellence, upskilling staff, and implementing AI and advanced analytics to enhance manufacturing. Jai shares insights on Pella's strategic tech transformations, including moving to the cloud and how legacy companies can innovate. He highlights the critical role of DataOps and plans for MLOps and AIOps,

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00:25:49

Managing and Delivering Data Science Solutions

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/06

In this episode, Amir chats with Sarah Guidry, Head of Analytics and Data Science at LendingTree, about organizing data science projects. They discuss starting with the end goal in mind, managing stakeholders, and iterative delivery. Sarah shares tips on empowering business users, setting realistic expectations, and fostering a culture of partnership. They also dive into Focus Fridays and hackathons for continuous innovation. Join them for a practical guide on effectively managing and executing data

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00:31:06

Navigating Platform Shifts and AI Investments

The Tech Trek ·

2024/08/02

In this episode, Amir chats with Samir Kumar, Co-Founder and General Partner at Touring Capital, about platform shifts in technology and the role of AI in future advancements. Samir shares Touring Capital’s investment philosophy, focusing on series B investments in software-centric companies. He discusses the competitive dynamics between startups and tech giants in the AI space, challenges and opportunities in building AI-driven business models, and the future impact of technologies like the

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00:24:41

Revolutionizing Dentistry with AI

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/30

In this episode, Amir chats with Sergei Azernikov, VP of CAD/CAM Software Development at Glidewell Dental, about how generative AI (Gen AI) boosts productivity and consistency in dental lab products. Sergei shares how Glidewell Dental has used AI, machine learning, and advanced tech since 2015 to scale operations and enhance user experience, making big strides in digitizing the dental industry. The episode provides practical advice on using advanced technologies in unconventional

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00:24:33

Navigating Tech Innovations in Healthcare

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/26

In this episode, the host chats with Beth Falder, AVP of Data Management and Analytics at Nuvance Health, about handling the flood of new technologies in healthcare. They dive into the challenges of data governance, the excitement and chaos of Gen AI, and balancing legacy data with new innovations. The discussion includes collaboration within the healthcare community, managing clinical versus back office data, and leveraging big partners like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Beth also shares tips on

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00:23:39

Key Attributes of Great Leadership

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/24

In this episode, Amir talks with Nathan Fabian, Managing Director and Head of Talent at WestCap, about the essential qualities of great leaders. They explore the complexities of hiring leadership, assessing unique attributes, and balancing speed with thoroughness in the recruitment process. Nathan shares WestCap's approach, focusing on five key attributes—principles, curiosity, decisiveness, team management, and vision—that predict leadership success. They also discuss culture fit, leveraging

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00:28:00

The Evolving Landscape of Data Culture

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/18

In this episode, Chris Morgan, VP of Data Science at Lincoln Financial Group, dives into the evolving landscape of data culture. He discusses the impact of generative AI (Gen AI) on data practices, managing tech debt, and aligning stakeholder expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of data governance, quality, literacy, and sharing strategies and analogies for fostering a robust data culture. He also addresses balancing immediate delivery with long-term vision in data management within a

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00:27:54

GenAI Strategy and Scaling

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/16

In this episode, Amir chats with Brajesh Jha, SVP and Global Business Leader of Data Tech and AI at Genpact, about scaling Generative AI (Gen AI). They explore what 'Gen AI at scale' means, drawing parallels with past technological waves like computerization and robotic process automation. Topics include the importance of data quality, strategic and technological considerations, and reimagining business models to leverage AI effectively. Brajesh shares Genpact's transformation journey

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00:20:52

Navigating Data Transformation and AI in CPG

The Tech Trek ·

2024/07/11

In this episode, Amir talks with JD Hannick, an Executive Advisor to Fortune 500 and private equity firms with a deep background in consumer data from Foot Locker, Adobe, and Booz Allen Hamilton. JD discusses the transformation of consumer data, the role of AI and machine learning, and the importance of first-party data. They also explore how private equity firms use data for efficiency and growth in changing economic conditions and the future role of generative AI in enhancing customer

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656 results

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