The Tech Trek

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...

In this episode of The Tech Trek , Amir Bormand sits down with Dave McCann, CTO at Self Financial, to dive deep into scaling strategies and the art of navigating exits in both VC-backed and private equity-backed companies. With multiple successful exits, Dave shares his insights on building cohesive teams, adapting leadership styles, and evaluating opportunities for success. Whether you're a buddi...

In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Nadav Eiron, SVP of Cloud Engineering at Crusoe, to discuss the nuances of leadership, team dynamics, and scaling engineering teams. The conversation dives into how small companies evolve into large organizations, the art of aligning teams with company missions and managing the complexities of remote work. Nadav also shares insights on balancing speed, qu...

In this episode of The Tech Trek , Amir Bormand sits down with Harshit Shah, CTO of Kyruus Health, to discuss cultivating high-performance engineering cultures, managing distributed teams, and navigating the evolving landscape of technology. Harshit shares insights on geostrategy, the role of Gen AI in software engineering, and the importance of attributes like growth mindset and collaboration in...

In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Mukta Nandwani, the CTO of Findhelp, to explore the critical role of technology in social care. Mukta shares insights into the industry's unique constraints, the importance of accessibility and privacy, and how technology meets users where they are—especially in underserved communities. They also discuss challenges in adoption, the potential of emerging t...

In this episode, Rebecca Price joins Amir to discuss the critical transition founders face when evolving into successful CEOs. Rebecca, leveraging her experience as a Partner at Primary Venture Partners, shares insights into the attributes that contribute to a founder's success, the common pitfalls that lead to failure, and actionable advice for navigating this complex journey. This conversati...