Builders by Proxify

What does it take to lead cloud transformation at one of the world’s biggest appliance companies? In this episode, Kaveh Djavaherian, Director of Global Cloud Office at Electrolux, joins host Lee Haynes to unpack his journey from hands-on engineer to strategic tech leader. They cover how Electrolux is modernizing global operations through cloud technology, what true digital leadership looks like,...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes sits down with Gilles Backhus, Co-founder and VP of Product at Tensordyne, to discuss the future of AI hardware, energy-efficient computation, and what it takes to scale a global deep-tech startup. Gilles shares how Tensordyne is rethinking chip design through logarithmic math to cut power consumption, why the next wave of AI innovation won’t come from...

In this episode, Marija Nakevska, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Worldline, shares her journey from engineering to executive leadership. She discusses the importance of a holistic product profile, the challenges of building scalable products for global markets, and the significance of leadership during rapid growth.(00:00) Marija Nakevska’s Journey: From Engineer to Executive(02:54) The I...

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes speaks with Bryan DeNosky, a Senior Software Engineer at Mojang Studios, about his journey in software engineering, leadership philosophy, the impact of AI on development, and the future of junior developers. Brian shares insights on hiring practices, team dynamics, and the importance of fostering a reliable engineering culture, especially in a global commun...

Discover insights from our talk with Carrie Carrasco, Director of Hybrid Cloud Platform at Red Hat, as she explores hybrid cloud evolution, platform engineering success, AI in operations, and leadership growth in tech. Chapters (00:00) Carrie Carrasco's Unique Tech Journey (11:29) The Evolution of Open Hybrid Cloud Platforms (21:47) Measuring Success in Platform Engineering (24:46) The Role of...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes speaks with Caner Kilinc, Data & AI Expert at Future Key, about turning AI from theory into real-world business impact. They discuss the challenges of implementing AI, building a data-informed culture, and navigating the ethical considerations of AI development. Caner also shares perspectives on hiring practices, the role of collaboration, and how A...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes speaks with Ali Farha, Senior Technical Producer at Star Stable, about his career journey and lessons from the gaming industry. Ali shares how he combines technical expertise, creativity, and leadership to build engaging player experiences while balancing production deadlines. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Ali Farha and Star Stable (01:21) Ali's...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes sits down with Anastasia Varava, Research Lead at SEB, to explore how technology and banking intersect. Anastasia shares her journey from academia to applied research, the pioneering role of SEBx in driving innovation within a highly regulated industry, and the challenges of implementing new technologies in banking. The conversation dives into the impor...

Join Builders as Jacopo Himberg, Director of Data at Wolt, shares his unique journey from in leading Wolt’s data operations. Discover how he built a strong data culture, scaled Wolt’s data infrastructure, and enabled self-service data access for teams. Packed with insights for data and tech leaders, this episode offers actionable advice on fostering innovation, embracing a startup mindset, and dri...

Kristina Prilepchanska, Head of Procurement Solutions, IT & Digital at Electrolux, shares her journey from engineering to leading digital transformation in procurement. She discusses system integration, stakeholder management, and hiring for potential, while exploring how AI, sustainability, and innovation are shaping the future of procurement technology. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Procu...

In this episode of Builders , Lee Haynes interviews Pooyan Seddighzadeh, Vice President of Engineering at NOVO Energy, to discuss the future of battery technology and sustainable energy. Pooyan shares his journey into the battery industry, offering insights into technological advancements, recycling, and the role of regulations in shaping innovation. He highlights the importance of aligning engine...

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes sits down with Gabor Harsanyi, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations Data Office at Ericsson, to explore his journey from marketing to data analytics leadership. Gabor shares insights on data quality, customer experience, and the role of data in modern marketing strategies. He also discusses the challenges of leading data teams, mentorship, and attractin...

In this episode of Builders , Lee Haynes speaks with Sara Asgari, Head of Digital & Analytics at Telia, about the future of telecom powered by data and AI. Sara shares her journey into digital transformation, the challenges of attracting and upskilling tech talent, and the importance of diverse teams. They also discuss smart cities, customer engagement, and why cybersecurity is critical in tod...

In this episode of Builders , host Lee Haynes speaks with Stefan Wendin , Head of Intelligent Systems at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden , previously Principal AI Engineer at AI Sweden , about his journey from architecture to AI and the rapid adoption of AI in Sweden. Stefan shares insights into the challenges organizations face in realizing AI’s full value, the role of public-private partnersh...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes sits down with Ludvig Strand, Emerging Tech & AI Future Analyst at Axel Johnson, to explore the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on businesses. Ludvig shares his journey into tech, the role of an AI analyst, and how to identify and evaluate emerging trends in AI and technology. The conversation dives into generative AI, reinforcement...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes sits down with Martina Johannesson, Senior Technical Product Manager at Unity, to explore the intersection of AI and creativity. Martina shares her journey into tech and product management, and unpacks the exciting innovations—and complex challenges—behind developing AI tools for creators. From democratizing creative expression to navigating the ethical...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes talks with Sepehr Mohammadi, AI and Machine Learning Tech Lead at Apotea, Sweden’s first full-scale online pharmacy. Sepi shares his journey from hands-on engineering to technical leadership, offering a candid look at the challenges of hiring in AI, building high-performing teams, and designing real-world machine learning solutions.  Chapters (00:00) In...

In this episode of Builders , host Lee Haynes sits down with Mina Boström Nakicenovic, CTO of Flightradar24, to explore her transition from developer to tech leader in one of the world’s most data-rich aviation platforms. Mina shares her insights on self-leadership, building high-performance engineering teams, and aligning technology with business strategy. She also discusses the critical role of...

In this episode of Builders , host Lee Haynes chats with Aron Tanos, backend developer and robotics expert from the Proxify network. They explore Aron’s journey from a childhood fascination with tech to his work across startups and major corporations. Aron shares unique insights into the rise of humanoid robots, cultural resistance to robotics, and the real impact of AI on jobs. Chapters (00:00) I...

Senior Data Manager at Booking.com, Mahmoud Yassin, shares how to build a data-driven culture, improve data quality, and balance AI with human judgment. Learn about data governance, hiring for data roles, and driving change in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Data Leadership (00:56) Mahmoud's Journey in Data Management (05:05) Current Role at Booking.com (0...

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes speaks with Annie von Heijne, Manager of Data & Analytics Transformation at EcoGroup. Annie shares her journey in business transformation and how data plays a pivotal role in driving strategic decisions. They dive into the importance of collaboration between tech and business teams, overcoming misalignment, and the value of data quality in uncoverin...

In this episode of Builders , Lee Haynes talks with Olof Granberg—AI strategist and founder of DataMentor Consulting—about the realities of adopting AI in enterprise settings. With a rich background in data and AI leadership, Olof shares lessons from working with large organizations and the critical role of data readiness, metadata, and culture in enabling successful AI initiatives. The conversati...

In this episode of  Builders , Lee Haynes sits down with Nuno Pereira, Co-founder and CEO of Paynest, to explore his journey from aerospace engineering to FinTech entrepreneurship. Nuno shares how Paynest is transforming employee financial wellbeing through AI-powered solutions and a holistic platform that integrates seamlessly into daily work life. The conversation covers the importance of financ...

In this episode of Builders by Proxify, Lee Haynes talks with Jesper Fredriksson, lead AI engineer at Volvo Cars, about his path from neuroscience research to shaping the future of AI in the automotive industry. Jesper shares what it’s like to move from startups to a global enterprise, lead AI innovation at scale, and harness generative AI to transform user experience. The discussion covers AI-dri...

In this episode, Lee Haynes sits down with Kirill Groshkov, CTO of Natural Cycles—the first FDA-cleared birth control app—to explore his journey from coding in the USSR to leading innovation in women’s health tech. Kirill dives into the role of AI in product development and code reviews, the art of hiring for niche tech roles, and why soft skills matter as much as technical ones. He shares insight...