TechVibe Pittsburgh

What if Pittsburgh's next big connection to the world starts with a single flight to Dublin?

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Byrne, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Aer Lingus, to explore why the new direct Pittsburgh–Dublin route is more than just a convenient flight. It's a gateway connecting Pittsburgh's booming tech ecosystem with Ireland's innovation hubs and the broader European market.

Bill shares the decade-long story behind bringing this route to life and why the timing is finally perfect thanks to new aircraft technology, growing tech and biomedical ties between Pittsburgh and Ireland, and rising demand from both business and leisure travelers.

Hit play to discover:

• Why Pittsburgh's tech, healthcare, and research sectors helped make this route possible

• How Dublin becomes an easy gateway to major European cities like Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam

• The game-changing U.S. customs pre-clearance in Dublin that lets you land in Pittsburgh like a domestic flight

• How the new A321LR aircraft and Starlink Wi-Fi will transform the transatlantic travel experience

Whether you're an entrepreneur expanding into Europe, a tech leader building global partnerships, or just dreaming of your next adventure, this conversation reveals why this flight could reshape how Pittsburgh connects with the world.

What does it take to build a technology company that lasts nearly 30 years and still feels like day one?

On this episode of TechVibe Radio, Pittsburgh Technology Council's Jonathan Kersting and CEO Audrey Russo sit down with Lou Camerlengo, co-founder of fivestar*, to unpack a three-decade journey in custom software development, leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

From launching fivestar* in 1997 to joining the Revision Collective, Lou shares how building "custom homes" for enterprise clients turned into long-term partnerships spanning 5, 10, even 15+ years. He explains why being "built to evolve" has kept the company relevant through multiple waves of technology change, including today's AI revolution

You'll also hear how fivestar* blends profit with purpose, contributing over 500 hours of community service and donating 2% of profits to charitable causes.

If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or technology leader wondering how to scale without losing your culture, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and positive energy.

Listen in to learn:

• How to build software partnerships that last decades

• Why culture and autonomy drive innovation

• Where AI fits into custom enterprise solutions

• What "business for good" looks like in action

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore Pittsburgh's Technology and Innovation ecosystem.

What does designing airfields for the Wright Brothers have in common with AI-powered data centers and digital twins?

More than you think.

In this episode, Woolpert CEO Neil Churman shares how a 115-year-old engineering firm has evolved into a global leader in geospatial technology, AI, infrastructure design, and data center development — with its global AI innovation hub right here in Pittsburgh.

Neil walks through:

• How Woolpert uses lidar and AI to prevent landslides and protect critical infrastructure

• Why Pittsburgh is uniquely positioned to lead in the AI and data center economy

• What it takes to scale a 3,100-person global firm across six continents

• How culture, collaboration, and curiosity drive smart mergers and acquisitions

• Why AI won't replace engineers — but will make them better

You'll also hear how Neil's Western Pennsylvania roots — and a family legacy in the steel mills — shape his leadership philosophy today.

This conversation is about more than technology. It's about building responsibly, growing globally, and positioning Pittsburgh alongside Silicon Valley, Boston, and Austin in the innovation conversation.

If you're interested in AI, infrastructure, data centers, engineering leadership, or the future of tech in Pittsburgh, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Plus, discover the correct way to pronounce "Latrobe"...

Hit subscribe for more conversations with the innovators shaping our region's future.

What does it really take to turn artificial intelligence from hype into real-world impact for your business?

In this episode of TechVibe, Amanda Wodzenski, founder and CEO of HIKE2, shares how she built a fast-growing consulting firm that helps organizations navigate AI, compliance, and digital transformation without losing their human edge.

You'll hear how HIKE2 evolved from a small startup into a national player, why regulated industries need a different approach to innovation, and what leaders must do now to prepare their teams for the future of work.

If you're wondering how to make AI actionable, how to lead through rapid change, and how to build a company that blends strategy, culture, and technology, this conversation delivers practical insights and fresh perspective. Tune in for a smart, candid look at what it takes to innovate responsibly and grow with purpose.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

On a stage framed by ambition and algorithms at the 2026 Think!AI Summit, two unlikely allies laid out a vision for the future of healthcare. One came from the world of hospital logistics and workflow. The other from elite data science and large-scale analytics.

Together, leaders from TeleTracking Technologies and Palantir Technologies argued that the next great healthcare breakthrough would not be a miracle drug, but a smarter system.

Moderated by Audrey Russo, the keynote brought together TeleTracking Co-CEO Chris Johnson and Palantir's Lead Architect for U.S. Healthcare, Jonathan Jungck. Their mission: explain how their new partnership is transforming raw data into real-world decisions, and why that matters for patients, providers, and an industry under immense strain.

This episode brings you the core of an amazing discussion that anchored this year's Summit. If you want to hear the whole keynote, click here.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe as your front row seat to Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

In this episode of The Workforce Advantage, host Lelia Broughton sits down with Renata Silva, Vice President of Human Resources at Wolfe, LLC, the Pittsburgh-based gifting company behind brands like PerfectGift.com, Gift Card Granny, GiftYa, and Giving Kind.

Renata takes listeners inside Wolfe's mission to reinvent the gifting industry. She explains how the company's innovative Card-Linked Gifting technology connects gifts directly to a recipient's credit or debit card, helping eliminate unused balances while reducing fraud through greater traceability. She also shares the story of founder Jason Wolfe and his decades-long effort to "fix" a broken gift card system.

The conversation explores Wolfe's investment in automation, including a new robotics center designed to speed fulfillment and deliver orders within 24 hours. Renata discusses how robotics is reshaping jobs at the company, creating new opportunities for technicians and robotics managers rather than replacing workers.

Listeners also learn about Wolfe's fast-moving, innovation-driven culture and its growing use of artificial intelligence. Renata highlights the launch of a dedicated AI department, featuring apprentices, interns, and recent graduates, as well as upcoming products like personalized video and recorded-message greeting cards.

On the hiring front, Renata outlines Wolfe's current and seasonal workforce needs, from Q4 manufacturing roles to sales, client success, and in-house customer service positions. She also explains the company's commitment, since July 2024, to hiring and developing local Pittsburgh talent.

For job seekers, Renata offers practical advice on building careers around passion, continuous learning, and adaptability. For employers and HR professionals, she addresses the rise of AI-generated "fake candidates," Wolfe's use of AI-powered interviews, and the importance of in-person meetings and culture fit. She also walks through the company's multi-step hiring process, which includes culture interviews and meetings with senior leadership.

It's a wide-ranging conversation on technology, talent, and the future of work, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating today's rapidly changing workplace.

What does it take to prepare kids for lifelong learning and exciting careers in technology? Dive into this inspiring episode of TechVibe Radio where hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting sit down with Melissa Fuller and Jason Hivner of STEM Coding Lab—an organization transforming the future of education through STEM-focused learning.

There are so many great reasons to listen:

• Lifelong Learning: Discover how STEM Coding Lab encourages students to become creators and not just passive users of technology.
• Innovative Curriculum: Hear about their groundbreaking approach to designing engaging, impactful curriculum for young innovators.
• Transforming Perspectives: Learn practical tips on fostering creativity and purpose-driven digital engagement for kids today.

Don't miss this conversation packed with insights, passion, and ideas to shape a tech-ready generation. Tune in now!

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation edcosystem.

How can technology revolutionize mental health care, making it more accessible and seamless for both clients and providers?

In this episode of TechVibe, we dive deep with Wendy McSparren and John Mihalik, the brilliant co-founders of Admirra, a SaaS platform tailored for mental health practices. Wendy and John share their inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, balancing personal and professional lives, and the challenges of building a company that's solving real-world problems.

Why listen?

• Learn how Admirra simplifies and automates workflows for mental health practices, from onboarding clients to managing operational tasks.
• Hear how the duo bootstrapped their business and achieved impressive growth while staying laser-focused on their mission.
• Discover what makes Admirra's approach so unique in creating solutions that are both powerful and easy to use.

Key Takeaways:

• Technology can amplify care by freeing therapists to focus on their clients, not admin tasks.
• Collaboration, whether in business or relationships, thrives on communication and trust. Solving big problems requires innovation, empathy, and a relentless focus on simplicity.
• Hear how Wendy and John are shaping the future of mental health care and redefining what's possible with smart, human-centered technology.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

How can technology redefine the way we experience major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics?

In this episode of TechVibe, host Jonathan Kersting sits down with Vito Forlenza, VP of Sports and Entertainment at Comcast, to explore how Comcast and Xfinity are leveraging cutting-edge tech to enhance fan engagement during some of the biggest sporting moments. Discover how Comcast's innovation allows fans to "vote with their remotes," creating personalized and interactive experiences, and hear about what goes on behind the scenes during these epic events.

Hit Play to get:

• Exclusive insights from Comcast's innovations: Learn how Comcast collaborates with NBC to create next-level Olympics coverage and how its platform adapts to fan preferences.
• Fan-centric tech: Hear how Comcast gathers user feedback to continuously elevate the viewer experience.
• What's next on the horizon: Get a sneak peek at upcoming plans for major events like the FIFA World Cup.

Don't miss your front-row seat to the future of sports entertainment and tech!

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and Innovation ecosystem.

What if your next career move, business connection, or breakthrough skill came from a gaming competition?

In this episode of TechVibe, the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Jonathan Kersting sits down with Jacob Shodiya, the force behind EXP Pittsburgh, to explore how this one-of-a-kind event blends esports, cybersecurity, career development, and community into a single high-energy weekend. Jacob explains how EXP and the Cyber Combine are designed to let participants "be their own resume" by showcasing real-world tech skills in front of employers.

Here are three great reasons to listen:

First, you'll discover how the Cyber Combine works, from invitationals to live competitions, and how it's helping talented participants land six-figure jobs simply by demonstrating what they can do, not just what's on paper.

Second, Jacob shares why Pittsburgh was chosen as the flagship city, highlighting its 25,000+ tech jobs, university research strength, and growing innovation ecosystem, and why EXP sees the region as a launchpad for national growth.

Third, you'll get an inside look at the massive opportunity network surrounding the event, including a career fair with more than 50 companies, scholarships for students, networking mixers, and even a Valentine's weekend couples tournament with travel prizes.

Whether you're a student, job seeker, gamer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about where tech and talent are headed in Pittsburgh, this episode reveals how EXP is turning competition into opportunity and redefining what a career event can be.

Get more details on EXP-Pittsburgh here.

The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.