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 conversation dives into the evolution of data management, the rise of agentic AI, and why collaboration between business and data teams is essential. Olof also explores the contrast between startups and enterprises in leveraging AI and offers insights on staying adaptable amid rapid AI innovation.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to AI Strategy and Consulting

(05:56) Standout Moments in AI Adoption

(12:05) The Impact of Big Data Hype

(18:03) Enterprise vs. Personal AI Adoption

(24:02) Data Readiness for AI Implementation

(30:03) Data Mentor Consulting's Mission

(35:19) The Rise of Agentic AI: Predictions for 2025

(40:52) Integrating Machine Learning in Data Preparation

(49:39) Building Effective Data Teams: Skills and Roles

(57:50) Startups vs. Enterprises: Different Approaches to AI

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 financial literacy, success metrics from real-world implementations, and Paynest’s vision for expansion across Europe. Nuno also reflects on navigating the fast-paced world of fintech startups, balancing growth with ethical responsibility, and building a company culture rooted in purpose. Whether you’re a founder, fintech enthusiast, or advocate for employee wellbeing, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Paynest and Nuno Pereira’s Journey
(02:59) The Founding Story of Paynest
(05:57) Understanding Paynest’s Mission and Challenges
(08:52) Balancing Technical and Human Aspects in FinTech Leadership
(11:51) Navigating Early Challenges and Funding Success
(15:09) Expanding Paynest’s Reach and Financial Literacy
(17:58) The Importance of Financial Wellbeing for Employees
(20:55) Differentiating Paynest in the FinTech Landscape
(23:39) Integrating Financial Wellness into Daily Work Life
(24:20) Success Stories: Measuring Financial Health Improvements
(27:10) Leveraging AI for Expense Management Efficiency
(30:06) Building a Holistic Employee Finance Platform
(32:49) Vision for Paynest: Expanding Across Europe
(34:23) Challenges and Opportunities in the FinTech Landscape
(36:49) The Role of AI in Reshaping Financial Services
(38:59) Data Privacy and Security in FinTech
(43:32) Balancing Fast Growth with Ethical Responsibility
(45:31) Emerging Trends in FinTech
(48:08) Advice for New FinTech Founders

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-driven personalization, ethical AI, data privacy, and the evolving landscape of autonomous driving. Jesper also offers career advice for aspiring AI engineers and emphasizes the importance of curiosity and adaptability in a fast-changing tech world.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to AI in Automotive

(01:09) Jesper's Journey: From Brain Research to AI

(03:40) Transitioning from Startups to Volvo Cars

(06:30) The Role of AI in Enhancing Digital Experience

(10:25) Building and Leading AI Teams

(13:00) Challenges in Team Building and Agility

(18:29) Generative AI Applications at Volvo Cars

(23:18) AI-Driven Personalization in User Experience

(25:25) Navigating User Experience and Data Privacy

(27:29) AI in Startups vs. Enterprises

(29:58) Risk Tolerance in Innovation

(31:02) Ethical Challenges in AI

(33:25) The Future of Autonomous Driving

(39:31) Advice for Aspiring AI Engineers

(46:35) Preparing for Rapid Changes in AI

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 insights on data privacy in health apps, building collaborative teams, and making bold long-term tech decisions. Plus, learn what’s next for Natural Cycles as they expand products and integrate AI. A must-listen for developers, tech leaders, and health tech enthusiasts.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Kirill Groshkov and Natural Cycles
(02:58) Kirill’s Early Journey in Tech
(05:47) Transitioning to Professional Software Development
(09:03) First Experiences with International Clients
(12:08) Understanding Natural Cycles’ Unique Approach
(15:10) The Role of a CTO in a Growing Company
(17:59) Building and Leading Engineering Teams
(20:52) Hiring Practices and Company Culture
(24:07) The Future of Development in the Age of AI
(27:28) Navigating AI Challenges in Code Review
(28:56) Hiring in a Niche Industry
(30:57) Understanding Job Titles and Market Needs
(31:46) Fostering Team Collaboration and Purpose
(35:11) Data Privacy in Health Apps
(39:00) The Rewards of Long-Term Technical Bets
(41:21) Future Plans and Product Expansion
(44:06) AI’s Role in Business Evolution
(47:11) Advice for Aspiring Developers and Tech Leaders

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes talks with Lele Cao, Senior Principal AI/ML Researcher at Activision Blizzard King (King at Microsoft), about the evolving role of AI and machine learning in game development. They explore applied AI research, hiring for AI roles, ethical considerations, and the importance of curiosity and persistence in tech careers. Whether you're into software development, gaming, or the future of AI, this episode offers expert advice and fresh perspectives on building with intelligence.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to AI in Gaming

(01:16) Lele Cao's Journey into AI

(03:31) Intersection of Research and Real-World Applications

(05:26) AI Transforming Game Development

(09:53) Retrieval Augmented Generation in Gaming

(21:03) Challenges of AI in Gaming

(24:59) Hiring Challenges in AI and Machine Learning

(29:18) Interactive Interview Techniques

(31:45) Common Misconceptions in AI Careers

(34:50) The Importance of Curiosity and Persistence

(38:00) The Evolving Role of AI in Software Development

(41:34) Ethical Considerations in AI Research

(47:50) Future Trends in AI and Machine Learning

(51:45) Advice for Aspiring AI Professionals

In this episode of the Builders Podcast, Lee Haynes sits down with Anita Owens, Analytics Engineer at Instabee, to explore her unique journey into data analytics—from a non-traditional background to leading data initiatives in logistics. Anita shares key lessons on career development, building high-performing analytics teams, and navigating industry-specific data challenges.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Data Analytics and Career Path

(02:15) Transitioning to Data Analytics: A Personal Journey

(06:23) The Importance of Transferable Skills in Data

(09:27) Challenges in Data Understanding Across Industries

(12:18) Career Milestones and Growth in Data Roles

(15:41) Understanding the Role of an Analytics Engineer

(17:12) Building an Effective Analytics Team

(20:53) Hiring for Analytics: Skills and Qualities

(25:06) Key Qualities of a Successful Analytics Engineer

(26:53) Data Analytics in Last Mile Delivery

(27:10) Understanding Data Complexity in Logistics

(31:25) Balancing Speed and Quality in Delivery

(35:32) Data Governance and Security in Analytics

(38:14) Defining Effective KPIs for Data Teams

(41:40) The Future of Analytics Engineering

(46:01) Advice for Aspiring Data Analysts

In this episode of Builders, Eva van der Brugge, CEO of Pandria, shares her journey from a background in psychology to leading a cutting-edge startup revolutionizing performance management with AI. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of HR, leadership, and workplace tech.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Pandrea and Eva’s Journey
(03:02) The Evolution of Performance Management
(06:06) The Role of AI in Feedback
(08:46) Real-Time Feedback vs. Traditional Reviews
(11:48) Creating Continuous Feedback Loops
(14:44) Balancing AI and Human Touch
(18:00) Challenges in Building AI for HR
(20:55) Future Trends in Performance Management
(24:07) Pandrea’s Differentiation in the Market
(27:00) Navigating Ethical Challenges in AI
(29:55) The Future of Work and Employee Wellbeing
(32:51) Advice for Entrepreneurs in HR Tech
(35:53) Plans for Pandrea’s Growth
(38:52) Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes sits down with Jonas Martinsson, CTO of Stravito, to explore how AI is transforming enterprise knowledge management. Jonas shares his unconventional career path, the mission behind Stravito, and how their platform helps global enterprises like Heineken turn research into actionable insights that inform business decisions.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Stravito and Jonas Martinsson

(06:25) Understanding Stravito's Mission and Impact

(09:45) The Importance of Knowledge Management

(12:00) The Cost of Poor Data Management

(13:40) Success Stories: Heineken's Transformation

(14:32) Generative AI: The Future of Stravito

(16:59) How AI Extracts Meaning from Data

(18:34) Upcoming Features and Enhancements

(20:59) Trends and Challenges in Enterprise Knowledge Management

(25:11) Navigating Challenges in Enterprise Sales

(29:02) The Role of Generative AI in Knowledge Management

(32:50) AI as a Tool for Empowerment

(35:59) Challenges in Developing AI Products

(39:43) Qualities of a Great Developer

(43:23) Fostering Collaboration in Teams

(46:32) Balancing Speed and Quality in Development

(48:45) The Future of AI in Business Software

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes talks with Joris van de Donk, Senior Solutions Architect at AWS, about the intersection of creativity and software development. Joris shares his journey into programming, the importance of documentation, and how developers can push the boundaries of programming languages.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Early Beginnings in Programming

(08:29) Key Development Practices

(12:00) Creative Side Projects

(14:52) Setting Personal Goals

(17:34) Pushing Programming Boundaries

(28:36) The Importance of Documentation

(30:03) Navigating Documentation and Problem-Solving

(30:55) The Role of a Senior Solutions Architect

(33:09) Bridging Customer Needs and Technical Solutions

(33:59) Aligning Technical Infrastructure with Business Goals

(36:05) Challenges in Data Management for Gaming Companies

(40:01) Trends in Software Development: Excitement and Concerns

(49:55) Essential Skills for Developers

(53:56) Time Management and Work-Life Balance

(56:51) Finding Joy in Software Development

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes speaks with Rebecka Storm, Co-founder and CPO at Twirl, about her journey from studying physics to leading data teams in iZettle and Tink, and building better tools for data professionals. She also discusses how AI is shaping creativity and productivity in tech, her initiatives to empower women in data science, and career advice for aspiring data professionals. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of data-driven products.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Rebecka Storm's Journey into Data Science

(03:14) Challenges in Leading Data Teams

(06:53) The Evolution of Product Development in Data

(09:21) Twirl's Mission and Impact on Data Teams

(12:38) Understanding Data Orchestration vs. Integration

(16:31) The Role of Twirl in Business Efficiency

(19:25) Empowering Women in Data Science

(25:16) Building a Supportive Community

(28:12) The Importance of Ethics in AI

(30:20) AI's Impact on Creativity and Productivity

(36:15) Career Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists

(39:05) Future Ambitions of Twirl