The Tech Trek

In this episode, Amir sits down with Spencer Lourens, Chief Data Officer at CLA, to discuss the intersection of business strategy and data strategy. Spencer shares his insights on aligning organizational goals with data initiatives, understanding stakeholder priorities, and balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex rel...

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Jason Luce, CTO of Paperless Parts, to discuss the evolution from DevOps to platform engineering. They dive deep into the reasons behind this shift, the cultural and technical changes required, and how organizations can implement platform engineering to enhance developer experience and business outcomes. Jason shares insights into the challenges...

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Kevin Trilli, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Amount Financial, about balancing product and technology leadership. They explore the challenges and benefits of merging product and tech roles, managing technical debt, and aligning product vision with business goals. Kevin shares personal experiences, insights on engineering leadership, and the evolvin...

In this engaging episode, Amir Bormand interviews Marko Vasiljevic, CTO at Ghost, about the evolving nature of data teams and how businesses can better structure them in a rapidly changing tech landscape. The discussion covers the shift toward more engineering-driven data teams, the influence of AI on team composition, and how businesses can adapt to remain competitive. Marko also highlights the f...

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Urvish Parikh, Co-Founder and CTO of Nirvana, to explore how machine learning is transforming the healthcare insurance landscape. Urvish discusses the challenges of working with legacy standards from the 1980s, how Nirvana addresses cost transparency issues, and the social responsibility of improving healthcare systems. Listeners will gain insights into int...

In this episode, Michael Hudes discusses the evolving landscape of advertising and media, focusing on how connected screens are reshaping consumer engagement. He explores how LG Ad Solutions leverages data, personalization, and advanced technologies to redefine advertising on connected TVs and other screens. The conversation covers key innovations in the connected TV ecosystem, privacy considerati...

Guest: Andrew Bihl, Co-Founder & CTO at Numeric Overview: In this episode, Andrew Bihl discusses how engineering teams can better integrate customer feedback into their development processes. He explores the concept of product engineering, the challenges of context switching, and how engineers can stay close to the customer while maintaining productivity. This episode is essential for tech lea...

In this insightful episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Peter Swartz, Altana's Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder, about using data science and machine learning to revolutionize global supply chain management. Peter discusses his journey from quantitative political science and civil engineering to becoming a leader in AI-driven supply chain solutions. He highlights the importance of domain expertis...

In this episode, Greg Hahn, a data strategy and governance leader, shares deep insights on building a robust data strategy, navigating AI readiness, and the growing impact of privacy laws. The discussion covers essential pillars of data management, aligning business objectives with data strategy, and how organizations can future-proof themselves through proactive governance. Key Takeaways: Data St...

,In this episode, Amir hosts Steve Van Lare, VP of Engineering at Anjuna Security, for an insightful discussion on hiring external technology leaders. They explore when and why companies might look outside their organization for tech leadership, how to manage internal dynamics and strategies for smooth transitions. Steve shares real-world experiences and actionable advice on assessing leadership f...

In this episode, host Amir sits down with Amit Sahani, Global Head of Data at StoneX, to delve into data leadership's practical and strategic aspects. Amit shares invaluable insights on building robust data solutions, tackling data quality challenges, and fostering alignment between data engineering and business objectives. Listeners will gain practical advice on the importance of data governance,...

In this episode of The Tech Trek , host Amir sits down with Shawn Stewart, VP of Engineering at Apartment List, to unpack the complex dynamics between individual contributors (ICs) and managers. Shawn offers a deep dive into career progression, fostering growth, and building aligned high-performing teams. This episode is packed with actionable insights for ICs and managers striving to improve thei...

In 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. Ke...

In this episode, Amir sits down with Jim Olsen , CTO of ModelOp, to explore the essential role of AI governance in today's organizations. Jim shares practical insights into managing foundational models, emphasizing their impact on regulatory compliance, business performance, and innovation. The conversation delves into the distinct challenges of implementing AI solutions, how governance aligns AI...

In 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 : Le...

Guest: Jordan Kaye, Head of Technology at Belvedere Trading Episode Summary: In this episode, Jordan Kaye redefines technical debt through a practical lens, emphasizing the importance of conscious decision-making and its impact on engineering velocity, quality, and business outcomes. He explains how technical debt should be approached like financial debt—intentionally incurred with clear trade-off...

Episode Overview: In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Amnon Mishor, CTO of Gynger, to discuss startup resilience, founder mindset, and navigating tough economic times. Drawing from his experience building multiple startups during challenging market conditions, Amnon shares actionable insights on responsible growth, managing existential risks, and staying focused on core business goals. Ke...

Join us for a deep dive into career progression in tech with Anant Gupta , SVP of Engineering and Data Science at Included Health. This episode explores the skills, decisions, and reflections that shape a fulfilling career in technology. Anant shares lessons from his journey through senior engineering roles and leadership positions at companies like LinkedIn and Uber, offering practical advice on...

In this episode of The Tech Trek , host Amir Bormand sits down with Ron Williams, founder and CEO of Kindle, to explore the evolving world of AI models and their business implications. The conversation dives into how companies can securely leverage AI, the emerging risks tied to AI adoption, and the shift from cloud-centric models to AI-driven infrastructures. Ron shares valuable insights on manag...

In this episode, Amir Bormand speaks with John Coles , VP of Data Science and Analytics at ACV Auctions. They dive into what it means to lead with a data-first mindset, empower engineering teams, and foster a culture of innovation through hackathons. John shares insights on balancing profitability, ROI, and innovation while addressing the critical role of context and flexibility for team success....

In this insightful episode, Amir Bormand interviews Anil Choudary, CTO at Alliant Credit Union, about bridging the gap between technology and business priorities. The conversation covers managing tech debt effectively, engaging with business leaders, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Anil shares strategies for empowering engineers, using hackathons to foster innovation, and building a shar...

In this episode of The Tech Trek , host Amir Bormand chats with Dana Lawson, CTO at Netlify, about the complexities and nuances of stepping into a CTO role. They dive deep into the challenges of leadership, career progression, and aligning technical and business objectives. Dana shares her journey from a director role to CTO, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and building...

In this engaging episode, Amir sits down with Utkarsh Sangi , Head of Engineering at EarnUp, to explore the intricacies of the senior engineering role and the factors that influence career growth beyond it. They dive into the personal and professional considerations of staying at a senior level, the challenges of progressing to staff or management positions, and the critical role of leadership and...

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Brian Young, Director of Engineering at Grindr, about navigating the complexities of scale and managing technical debt in engineering organizations. Brian shares his experiences from working at companies like Amazon, Wayfair, and Grindr, providing valuable insights into designing scalable systems, managing tech debt, and balancing technical and business nee...

In this insightful episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Naama Stauber Breckler, Co-Founder and CEO of Better Health, and Adam Breckler, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Better Health. Together, they explore the transformative power of personalized patient care and the integration of medical supplies with empathetic peer support. From leveraging data to reduce healthcare costs to navigating the co...