In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Vladimir Baranov, an exited founder, CTO, and executive coach. With experience spanning fintech, wealth tech, aerospace, and AI-driven space technologies, he has co-founded and scaled multiple companies, including AdvisorEngine, later acquired by Franklin Templeton. Now, through Human Interfaces, he helps founders and executives improve leadership skills to run businesses effectively.

Vladimir shares why technologists struggle in leadership, the most common mistakes founders make, and how to develop leadership skills for long-term success.

Key Topics Covered

• How technologists can transition into leadership.
• How to identify high-potential leaders in technical teams.
• How leadership development is often overlooked.
• How communication affects leadership success.
• How perfectionism holds back technical founders.
• How personal branding impacts leadership and hiring.

Episode Highlights

• [00:57] Vladimir Baranov’s background and leadership expertise.
• [02:25] How technologists struggle when stepping into leadership.
• [06:13] How to identify and develop future leaders.
• [08:44] How temporary leadership roles test managerial fit.
• [14:30] How to demonstrate leadership skills early.
• [20:32] How Vladimir transitioned from technologist to coach.
• [24:26] How fintech vs. aerospace leadership styles differ.
• [26:58] How perfectionism slows down founders.
• [29:19] How communication strengthens leadership.
• [31:51] How personal branding helps attract top talent.
• [35:54] How technologists can take control of career growth.
• [38:15] How founders can align their leadership teams.
• [39:18] How to connect with Vladimir for coaching.

About Vladimir Baranov

Vladimir Baranov is an exited founder, CTO, and executive coach with two decades of experience in fintech, aerospace, and AI-driven space technologies. Through Human Interfaces, he helps founders and executives scale businesses and develop leadership skills.

📌 Connect with Vladimir:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Human Interfaces – Book a free discovery session

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.