In this episode, Amir interviews Siddharth Ram, the CTO of Velocity Global, about the impact of hackathons on innovation. They discuss the benefits and challenges of hackathons, as well as the importance of compliance in today's borderless work environment. Siddharth explains that Velocity Global helps companies navigate hiring and compliance regulations worldwide. The hackathons at Velocity Global provide engineers with four days of uninterrupted work, fostering creativity and collaboration. Tune in to learn more about the power of hackathons in driving innovation. Highlights: [00:02:45] Impactful hackathon projects. [00:05:58] Happiness and productivity in hackathons. [00:08:37] Surprising customer impact. [00:14:21] AI and generative AI. [00:15:10] Celebrating customer feedback. [00:19:07] The genesis of giving everyone three uninterrupted days. [00:23:07] R&D/hackathon budget. Guest: Siddharth Ram is the CTO of Velocity Global, which helps businesses hire and manage employees in 185 countries worldwide. Before Velocity Global, he was the CTO of Inflection.com/GoodHire.com, which was acquired by Checkr.com in 2022. He held leadership positions at Intuit before this. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthram/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, host Amir speaks with Keenan Wyrobek, Co-founder and CTO of Zipline. They discuss the challenges and design choices involved in managing the intersection of hardware and software for Zipline's mission-critical product. They also dive into the unique product that Zipline offers and the mission driving their work. Tune in to gain insights into the world of hardware and software integration and the importance of building a strong team. Highlights: [00:01:27] Zipline's unique product and mission. [00:06:18] Expired medicine in warehouses. [00:07:38] The journey of starting. [00:10:14] Bumps in the road. [00:13:05] Hiring for principles. [00:16:18] Evaluating team fit and performance. [00:20:35] New product exploration and iteration. [00:23:31] Flying in stormy weather. [00:28:19] Simplifying architectural design. [00:29:04] A holy grail. [00:32:17] What matters to the customer? Guest: Keenan Wyrobek is co-founder and head of product and engineering at Zipline, the world’s first drone delivery service whose focus is delivering life-saving medicine to the most difficult-to-reach places on earth. Prior to Zipline, Keenan was a co-founder and director of the Personal Robotics Program at Willow Garage. He was involved in launching and growing the Robot Operating System (ROS) and shipping PR2, the first personal robot for software R&D. Keenan has spent years delivering high-tech products to market across a range of fields, including consumer electronics, sportswear, and medical robotics. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenanwyrobek/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, the host interviews Hoang Bao, the Director of Privacy and Data Privacy Officer at Axon, about privacy engineering. They discuss the emerging field of privacy engineering, its definition, and the career opportunities it offers. Wang explains that there is no common definition for privacy engineering and highlights the work of the IAPP Privacy Engineering Advisory Board in shaping the field. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of privacy and technology. Highlights: [00:01:06] Definition of privacy engineering. [00:04:39] Data governance and privacy. [00:11:42] More diversity in the privacy profession. [00:14:21] Getting into the privacy profession. [00:17:07] Privacy champions in organizations. [00:22:15] The role of the data protection officer. [00:26:45] Career opportunities in privacy engineering. Hoang Bao has over 15 years of experience building and leading privacy and data governance programs. He is currently serving as Director of Privacy and Data Privacy Officer for Axon, where he helps ensure Axon is always at the forefront in fulfilling its commitment to protecting privacy for all global Axon Customers and the communities they serve.  He is also a member of the IAPP Privacy Engineering Advisory Board. Additionally, he is a Principal at Virtual Privacy, focusing on empowering the privacy and data protection ecosystem through pro bono services and research about businesses, consumers, and trust in the digital space. Previously, he also served in senior leadership roles at Google, Twitch, Netflix, Walmart Global eCommerce, and Yahoo!. He was also a Senior Consultant at KPMG LLP. Hoang received his Master of Science in Computer Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has the following privacy designations: CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPT, and CIPM. He also has the ECPC-B Professional DPO Certification from the European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity, Maastricht University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoangbao/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Adam Jacob, CEO and co-founder of System Initiative, joins the podcast to discuss the reasons behind less than ideal results in DevOps. He explains the failure rates and highlights important insights to look for in reports. Adam also discusses the second wave of DevOps tools and their impact. The conversation delves into the work of System Initiative. This company has reimagined the workflow for DevOps work by creating a collaborative power tool that removes the challenges faced in current DevOps practices. The goal is to enhance collaboration, shorten feedback loops, and create high-fidelity models while allowing for higher-level abstractions. Highlights [00:00:23] Rethinking DevOps workflow. [00:03:46] Ideal implementation of DevOps. [00:08:35] Collaboration in remote culture. [00:10:19] Collaboration in remote work. [00:14:35] What's wrong with our DevOps outcomes? [00:17:46] Lead time for cloud infrastructure. [00:21:19] Transparency and collaboration. [00:24:08] Collaboration and complexity in deployments. [00:27:14] Second wave of DevOps. [00:31:18] Second wave DevOps and change. [00:36:02] Building something better than mediocrity. [00:38:03] Building new deployment automation scripting language. [00:41:15] Fixing Bad Outcomes. Guest: Adam Jacob is an engineering and product innovator with decades of experience designing, building, and managing large production systems. He is the CEO, Chairman, and Co-founder of System Initiative. Adam previously co-founded Chef Software was the original author of Chef, served as CTO, and was on the board of directors. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjacob/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Gary Cao, an Analytics leader, joins the podcast to discuss proactive and reactive states of data, defensive and offensive strategies, and the value of data in both contexts. Gary shares his extensive experience as an analytics officer leader and offers insights into how companies often misunderstand the true value of their data. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage data for revenue generation and strategic decision-making. Highlights: 00:01:36 Unlocking data value: Offensive vs Defensive 00:09:01 Data is essential for decision-making. 00:12:02 Data analytics drives revenue growth. 00:22:01 Benchmarking competitors is essential. 00:25:11 Data analytics is a strategic resource. 00:31:21 Properly serve data and analytics. Guest: Gary Cao, known as 'Mr. Ge,' provides expert guidance to CEOs and boards on analytics and AI strategy, taking on roles such as a fractional Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) or Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Boasting a 20-year tenure as a CDAO and a seasoned founder of internal analytics startups, Cao has demonstrated a robust track record across eight companies, with revenues ranging from $40 million to $120 billion. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garycao/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir interviews Aaron Wilkerson, Carhartt's Senior Manager of Data Strategy and Governance. They discuss improving business outcomes and the importance of data in achieving that goal. Aaron shares insights on the strategy and accountability required for data-driven decision-making. They also touch on the role of technology in driving business success. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights for those responsible for data and technology in any industry. Highlights [00:04:26] Tying data strategy to brand.  [00:07:12] Data as the centerpiece.  [00:13:39] Elevated strategic vision  [00:15:54] Data governance and challenges.  [00:19:35] Change management and education.  [00:22:10] Finding the champion.  [00:26:23] Tying data to business outcomes.  [00:28:14] The evolving role of CDOs.  [00:32:39] Attributing work to forecast.  [00:34:35] Attaching work to business outcomes.  [00:37:56] Revenue growth through digital channels. --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir interviews Kunal Agarwal, the co-founder and CEO of Unravel Data. They discuss purpose-built AI and how Unravel Data leverages AI in their platform. They also explore the symbiotic relationship between AI-driven products and engineering teams. Kunal explains that Unravel Data is a data observability and FinOps platform data engineering teams use to ensure data applications run smoothly and efficiently. They also discuss the importance of scaling data operations and managing costs in a rapidly growing data landscape. This episode highlights AI's role in improving engineers' lives and optimizing data operations. Highlights: [00:01:25] Purpose-built AI for data.  [00:05:39] Shift to narrow AI solutions.  [00:09:54] Automating repetitive tasks.  [00:12:09] Data engineers' time-consuming tasks.  [00:17:33] Automated testing and checks.  [00:19:43] Why is this thing so expensive?  [00:24:44] Understanding unit cost and optimization.  [00:27:57] Optimization opportunities with AI. Guest Kunal Agarwal is CEO and Co-founder of Unravel Data, a data observability and FinOps platform that utilizes purpose-built AI to enable large enterprises to deliver on the promise of data-driven products and insights with speed, scale, and cost efficiency. Kunal started his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Yuuze.com, a pioneer in e-commerce personalization. He has held sales and implementation leadership roles for Oracle products at several Fortune 100 organizations and helped Sun Microsystems run its Grid Computing Engine. In addition to building and steering the Unravel Data team, Kunal is passionate about drifting cars sideways around the track at 100 mph+. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalkunal/ --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, host Amir welcomes Sue Nallapeta, the CTO of Trusted Health, to discuss the implementation of AI in products and the importance of data quality. They emphasize the need for a solid framework and data structure before integrating AI solutions. Sue shares examples of how AI can bring value to customers and improve business outcomes. They also explore how Trusted Health, a marketplace connecting nurses with jobs, incorporates AI into their operations. Tune in to gain insights into leveraging AI effectively in your product. Highlights [00:02:27] Leveraging AI in healthcare.  [00:03:51] Nurses uploading their resumes.  [00:08:12] Data governance and AI.  [00:12:35] Complexity of nursing recruitment.  [00:16:46] AI's presence in every workflow.  [00:19:30] Technology trends and industry evolution.  [00:24:43] Understanding nursing complexities.  [00:26:10] Nursing complexities. Sushma (Sue) Nallapeta is the Chief Technology Officer at Trusted Health, where she leads a team of more than 100 engineers who are building the leading career marketplace for healthcare professionals. Sue has more than 15 years of experience leading engineering teams across various consumer-facing businesses and marketplaces, including Apartment List, Zoosk (acquired by Spark Networks), and Kodak Gallery (acquired by Shutterfly). She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives and for creating products that help people solve everyday problems through the power of technology. Sue serves as a mentor and a resource for other aspiring female engineers and engineering leaders through her work as an ambassador for SheTO and as a mentor with Plato. Sue holds a master's degree in Computer Science and is a mother to an 8-year-old daughter. linkedin.com/in/sushmanallapeta twitter.com/sushmars --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Hari Kodakalla, the Head of Data Analytics at Frost Bank, joins the podcast to discuss responsible AI and the challenges of last-mile adoption. They explore topics such as regulatory protection from a customer perspective, the composition of an effective AI team, and the ongoing importance of human involvement in AI processes. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and machine learning in various areas, including deepfake videos and content issues. The concept of responsible AI is explored, highlighting the need for ethical and accountable use of AI technology. Highlights [00:00:56] Responsible AI explained.  [00:04:20] The governance aspect of AI implementation.  [00:11:56] Trust and transparency in AI.  [00:14:48] Responsible AI implementation.  [00:19:51] Responsible AI in corporate environments.  [00:22:39] The impact of the cloud on cybersecurity.  [00:26:45] Responsible AI in an AI-driven world. Hari Kodakalla is the Head of Data and Analytics at Frost Bank, with over 27 years of experience in various industries. Hari is a visionary leader in the field of data-driven transformation. He has a track record of leveraging technology to drive impactful change and has held executive positions in innovative technology companies specializing in big data and analytics. Hari is known for turning data into actionable insights using AI and ML and has championed a data-centric culture at Frost Bank. Under his leadership, Frost Bank has seen transformative outcomes, including optimized propensity models, streamlined operations, and personalized customer interactions. Hari advocates for embracing cutting-edge technologies like Gen-Ai and is recognized as a leading authority for adopting AI in his bank. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas @ Dallas and is dedicated to steering Frost Bank toward a data-driven future. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harikodakalla--- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir interviews Fady Matar, the VP of Engineering at Spotter, about his approach to being a super hands-on engineering leader. Fadi shares his views on how he relates to his team, avoids being a bottleneck, and understands the work at a deep level. They discuss the pros and cons of different engineering management styles and how being hands-on can benefit a team. Fadi also provides insight into the size and organization of his team at Spotter, highlighting their exciting product and the need for scalability. Tune in to learn more about Fadi's super-involved approach to engineering leadership. Highlights: [00:00:19] Being a super involved engineering leader.  [00:06:52] Choosing the right vertical.  [00:09:38] Sustainability in team growth.  [00:12:40] Avoiding being a bottleneck. [00:16:17] Managers understanding code and standards.  [00:20:25] Engineering culture and data.  [00:27:29] Startups as jazz bands.  [00:31:52] Defining product specifications. [00:32:10] Product specifications and frameworks. As Spotter's VP of Software Engineering, Fady Matar is spearheading the development of AI-focused tools for creators. Known for his curiosity and enthusiasm, he has a rich background in Open Source Frameworks like vertx.io, quarkus.io, and hibernate.org. Fady is committed to pushing the boundaries of AI and software engineering. With the goal of becoming a transformative figure in the AI field, Fady is dedicated to integrating AI advancements with software engineering best practices. Outside of tech, he is a professional musician, proficient in classical, flamenco, and jazz guitar. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmatar --- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek, and we would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)