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In the latest episode of Code Bytes, Vikas Prasanna, Co-Founder & CPO at Smile Genius Dental, joins Stephen to share how an unexpected career in product changed everything.

From navigating a new country with no safety net to mentoring over 200 aspiring PMs, Vikas’ journey is anything but ordinary.

Expect honest insights on:
- Product sense vs. textbook answers
- Hiring with limited budgets (and high standards)
- Scaling in a non-digital-first industry
- Turning mentorship into impact

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

In the latest episode of Code Bytes, Stephen chats with Sergey Volkodav, CTO at Getvisibility, about his incredible journey from semi-professional athlete to leading a tech startup, and how mentorship, curiosity, and innovation have shaped his career.

Key Highlights:

• The crossroads between sports and tech: how Sergey made the leap from athlete to tech leader.
• The power of curiosity and how it fuels growth in both personal and professional life.
• Insights on building high-performance teams and thriving in the startup ecosystem.
• The impact of AI and data security in shaping the future of technology.

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

In the latest episode of Code Bytes Stephen welcomes Jerry Staple, Founder at IntrinsicAI, for a fascinating conversation about transformation, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of learning. From starting his journey in the military to founding successful tech companies, Jerry’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying curious in a world that never stops evolving.

In this episode, we cover:

- The transition from military leadership to the tech industry

- Building businesses through innovation and a deep love of learning

- How AI is reshaping industries — and why now is the time to embrace it

- The importance of simplicity, core values, and mentorship in scaling success

- Advice for entrepreneurs, technologists, and anyone navigating a changing job market

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

In Thursday’s episode of Code Bytes, our next guest is Hayley Scott, Software Development Manager at Pytilia, joining Orla Fitzsimons for an inspiring episode that dives into resilience, mentorship, and building real culture in tech.

From navigating redundancy early in her career to shaping a supportive, inclusive environment for engineers at all levels, Hayley brings a powerful perspective on leadership and growth.

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

On this episode of Code Bytes Stephen is joined by Sean Harrison, Director of Engineering at Brightflag, for a truly inspiring deep dive into what it really means to grow a tech career with intention. From being a 12-year-old building networks at home to nearly a decade at one of Ireland’s fastest-growing tech companies, Sean shares the pivotal decisions, defining moments, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

- Why Sean left the comfort of a large consultancy to join a 5-person startup
- The difference between writing code and building real impact
- How to spot high-potential hires (even when they don’t tick every box)
- Navigating the shift from individual contributor to people leader
- Why culture and curiosity trump flashy tech stacks every time
- And the book that completely changed how Sean approaches leadership

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

In this episode of Code Bytes, Stephen sits down with George Sheppard, VP of Engineering at Treecard, to explore the realities of startup engineering, product leadership, and building high-performing tech teams.

- How do you balance speed with scalability in a fast-growing startup?
- What makes a great product engineer in today’s evolving tech landscape?
- Why should engineers think beyond the code and focus on business impact?

From navigating early-stage chaos to structuring teams for success, this is a must-listen for engineers, founders, and tech leaders alike.

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

How Can We Break Barriers and Build Stronger Careers in Tech? 

Join Carol Donnelly as she sits down with Katie Willoughby, Head of Data Analytics at Frontline Ins Co UK, to explore:
- Breaking into tech through a non-traditional career path
- The challenges and triumphs of women in leadership
- Balancing technical expertise with leadership skills
- The power of critical thinking and storytelling in data analytics
- Navigating career transitions, mentorship, and returning to work after maternity leave

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

The Evolution of a Technologist

In the latest episode of Code Bytes, host Stephen sits down with Martin Corbett, Engineering & Delivery Leader, to explore his incredible journey in technology—from writing assembler code to leading high-performing teams.
Martin shares invaluable insights on:

- The power of mentorship and giving back to the tech community
- Navigating career transitions from software engineering to leadership
- Why saying yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone is crucial
- The impact of AI on technology careers in 2025 and beyond

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

Empowering Engineers to Lead

Coming soon in the next episode of Code Bytes, Stephen Turkington sits down with Aoife Hannigan, Director of Engineering at Phorest Salon Software, for a conversation packed with inspiration, insights, and actionable advice.

Aoife shares her journey from software engineer to engineering leader, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build thriving teams, foster mentorship, and drive innovation in a fast-paced industry. 

Key topics include:

• The power of mentorship in unlocking potential.
• Balancing technical expertise with people management.
• Insights into Phorest Salon Software’s engineering culture.

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.

Can Passion and Innovation Redefine the Future of Music Tech?

Join guest host Carol as she sits down with Loraa White, Founder and CEO of Music Video Marketplace, on Code Bytes! Discover the journey of a serial entrepreneur who’s transforming music tech and redefining creativity in the digital age. 

Key talking points:

• From humble beginnings to a thriving music tech platform: Loraa’s journey from running dance agencies and internet cafés to founding Music Video Marketplace.
• Scaling through innovation: How Loraa transitioned from a service-based business to a scalable SaaS platform leveraging AI.
• Overcoming challenges as a female founder: Loraa shares her candid experiences in navigating investment hurdles and defying stereotypes.
• The value of mentorship: Insights on the pivotal role mentorship and accelerator programs played in her success.
• Building a Ferrari platform: A sneak peek into the future of Music Video Marketplace and the exciting next steps.

Code Bytes is powered by Search 5.0, experts in Technology Recruitment in the UK and Ireland. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.search5point0.com.