The Dev is in the Details

► How do legal and technical due diligence impact business, investment, and deal success?

In the next episode of The Dev is in the Details, our guest, Simon Weinberg from Asserson, shares his take on legal and technical due diligence, what’s actually important to investors, and what they look for in the process.

In this conversation, we focus on three things: legal, financial, and technical aspects of due diligence, and why business owners and founders shouldn’t treat them separately. Besides, we’re discussing the importance of IP ownership, data mapping, and licenses and how they can impact the deal, the due diligence “hygiene”, and the AI role in today’s investment landscape.

Simon highlights not only these three aspects of the due diligence process but also the value of the approach, what’s actually fixable, and best practices for making the most of it.

► Our guest

Simon Weinberg is a commercial and technology lawyer, Partner and Head of Technology at Asserson, helping companies in the retail, healthcare, and technology sectors from start-up through investment to eventual exit. Simon specialises in commercial contracts, IT, intellectual property, and data protection.

► In today’s episode:

• Simon’s take on the due diligence problem and connecting different angles
• What can potentially stall the funding and what investors pay attention to
• IP ownership, data mapping, and the importance of contracts in collaboration with third-party vendors
• How lack of AI understanding can actually impact the business

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Risks of treating legal and technical due diligence as two separate things

00:05:52 - Connecting technical, legal, financial, and business expertise during due diligence

00:07:49 - The most frequent issues that occurred while performing due diligence

00:12:09 - When should founders and the leadership team start preparing for the due diligence process

00:15:05 - Is everything fixable?

00:18:51 - AI and the new kind of issues

00:24:12 - Using AI as a method to attract investors

00:26:46 - The nature of the founder - being business and reality aware

00:33:18 - Ability to pivot, flexibility in running a business, and being comfortable making mistakes

00:37:04 - The investor-founder fit

00:41:25 - The structure and language of the due diligence report

00:46:55 - Three things to prepare before due diligence starts

► Resources mentioned in the episode:

• https://asserson.co.uk/

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How to successfully expand your business to the U.S.?

In the new episode of The Dev is in the Details, our guests, Khensani Mathebula from Laura Devine Immigration and Floor Bergshoeff from TABS Inc., share their expertise on the U.S. expansion process and highlight what leaders often underestimate.

Although expanding into the U.S. may seem easy and fast, it gets more complex if not done right from the start. We discuss the differences between the European and American markets: business models, taxes, and hiring, and explain the immigration process and the complexities of the visa system.

Khensani shares her in-depth knowledge of the U.S. immigration system and pinpoints what founders need to understand before starting a business. Floor explains the operational aspects of setting up an entity in the U.S. market or expanding from Europe.

► Our guests:

Khensani Mathebula: a U.S. Immigration Attorney at Laura Devine Immigration, helping companies and individuals navigate complex visa and immigration processes. Khensani brings a highly specialised expertise to the table with a deep understanding of the legal entanglements, risks, and effective visa strategies for specific cases.

Floor Bergshoeff: Head of Business Development and Relations at TABS Inc., supporting Europe-based businesses in entering the U.S. market with confidence and providing support across HR, tax compliance, hiring, and more. Floor showcases a broad understanding of both markets and the business side of running a company.

► In today’s episode:

• Insights on the U.S. market and what non-U.S. founders usually underestimate
• Explaining different visa approaches and the operational side of setting up a business entity
• Cooperation models, employee benefits, health insurance, taxation, and costs
• Examples describing how these models and approaches work in real-world cases

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Complexities and what founders usually underestimate about U.S. expansion

00:03:40 - The risks of treating immigration and visas as a secondary step

00:06:13 - The most common visa routes when expanding to the U.S.

00:12:18 - What to consider before hiring or relocating someone to the U.S.

00:13:15 - Support from immigration firms vs. internal coordination with operations

00:14:27 - Is setting up a company in the U.S. fast and the immigration impact

00:17:43 - Employee vs. independent contractor model in Europe vs. the U.S.

00:18:54 - The lasting impact of operational decisions on financial exposure and navigating these complexities

00:20:36 - Benefits, employer costs, and health insurance

00:26:33 - The right structure setup, legislation, and what else founders should be aware of in the compliance area

00:29:52 - Misalignment between immigration, HR, and business timelines

00:38:40 - The real-world, recurring mistakes and how to mitigate them

00:49:15 - Who can mostly benefit from this conversation?

► Resources:

• TABS Inc.
• Laura Devine Immigration

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How leaders should navigate digital transformation to succeed at the local and global level?

In the next episode of The Dev is in the Details, Kamil Chudziński – a seasoned expert who has led many complex digital transformations throughout his career and across corporations – underlines the real challenges of navigating a company through digital changes, the impact of technology, and the critical role of leadership in driving transformation.

We discuss the steps leaders should take to turn strategy into real results, how to approach different markets, and the role of global and local in the corporate transformation. Especially since most transformation projects fail, the ability to adapt to specific markets and understand their environments, challenges, and cultures is key to success.

Kamil shares his experience from almost 20 years of leading transformation initiatives, along with best practices for planning, implementing, and navigating them effectively. 

► Our guest

Kamil Chudziński is a business leader and change management expert who has led many global digital transformation initiatives at a strategic level, connecting business and technology. Kamil leads digital transformation initiatives at PepsiCo Poland, a multinational food and beverage corporation.

► In today’s episode:

• Kamil’s insights on navigating digital transformation in the FMCG sector
• The role of technology in today’s transformation initiatives and change management processes
• How to approach different markets, cultures, and individuals for buy-in
• The role of leadership in navigating a successful digital transformation

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Kamil’s background in digital transformation across multiple companies

00:02:52 - Processes, technology, and people in change management

00:05:01 - Cultural differences, incentives, and how to make the transformation work

00:07:35 - The two types of change in global corporations and how to manage them

00:16:42 - Impact of local culture and consumer purchasing habits on KPI setting

00:22:45 - How can organisations simulate specific scenarios in each local market before starting a digital transformation?

00:28:09 - How to merge various inputs at the global level and decide which strategy to implement in different markets?

00:38:07 - C-level and investors' impact on digital transformation and shifting your EBIDA

00:44:04 - Technology impact on digital transformation and change management

00:45:44 - Timeframe and team-building in the digital transformation process

00:55:05 - The role of the IT team in creating a strategy for the digital transformation

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How can digital twins, AI-powered behavioral modeling, and simulations help in forecasting real behaviors in healthcare?

In the latest episode of The Dev is in the Details, Jeff Gombala – a product leader with expertise in digital health innovation and health tech – explains what behavioral models are, their impact in reshaping customer and patient understanding, and how simulations become the next generation of research.

We talk about the healthcare industry, the level and pace of AI adoption, and the operational and clinician-related barriers and risks it entails. Jeff shares his views on regulatory aspects, managing patient data, and leveraging AI as an augmentation.

In a highly regulated industry such as healthcare, with patients’ journeys complex and deeply personal, the role of AI is not to replace, but to empower clinicians and healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care faster, yet safely.

► Our guest

Jeff Gombala is a technology expert working at the intersection of digital health, behavioral science, and patient experience. Jeff is a co-founder and CEO at Helios Innovation Labs, helping healthtech innovators move faster from concept to real outcomes, and a co-founder of Evidexa, the first simulation platform improving healthtech adoption.

► In today’s episode:

• Jeff’s story on founding Helios and Evidexa and the mission behind them
• The concept of digital twins and how they help simulate patients’ behaviors
• Regulatory, data licensing, and duplication challenges in healthcare
• Take on AI’s role in healthcare, and what are the barriers to adopting AI

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Jeff’s story on how he cofounded Helios and Evidexa

00:04:11 - Staging and testing environments in healthcare

00:06:47 - What are digital twins, how to design them, and how to build attributes on the population

00:13:54 - Take on the strongest demand currently in AI and behavior insights in healthcare

00:17:13 - Data licensing, the reusability of data samples, anonymity, and regulatory aspects

00:24:12 - Pathways as the B2C experience

00:29:02 - The common barriers businesses face when trying to adopt AI in their research or products

00:32:50 - Validation and evidence paradox in healthcare

00:35:51 - Avoiding biases in AI healthcare systems

00:46:15 - Treating AI as the augmentation, not the replacement

00:52:05 - Data duplication and simplifying the patient journey

► Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Evidexa
• Survey Jeff mentions: https://insights.getevidexa.com/healthtech-decision-insights 

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► What does it take to build a successful early-stage startup across two different EdTech markets?

In the first episode of season two of The Dev is in the Details, Ben Ward – a young business leader and startup founder – shares his story on how building something that was meant to solve your problem can turn into a successful business idea.

We discuss the key differences between the US and UK higher education markets, the impact on navigating your business, and how to adapt to various perspectives effectively. Ben shares his learnings and experiences on building and scaling StudyStash, and why a strong relationship with your co-founder is key to success.

Navigating your business can be challenging, especially when scaling across two completely different markets. And in the startup world, it can be even more difficult. But when there’s a real value behind your product or service – it’s definitely worth the work.

► Our guest

Ben Ward is a co-founder and CEO of StudyStash, an EdTech company operating across the UK and the US, providing an AI-powered learning platform to help international students learn effectively through assets that boost confidence and reduce stress. The platform also supports faculty and universities in minimizing workload and boosting students’ retention – all through their LMSs. Ben emphasizes the importance of founders' cooperation and bold decision-making in the complex, differentiated EdTech market.

► In today’s episode:

• Ben’s story on building a non-commercial product that turned into a business
• How different the EdTech market is in the US, the UK, and the rest of Europe
• The differences in fundraising between the US and the UK
• Challenges in each market and best practices to leverage
• Practical advice from a founder to other founders

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - The story of StudyStash - creating a software that turned into a business

00:03:45 - Expanding into a transatlantic business, finding the right market, and the lifecycle of selling to universities

00:06:48 - The reality of the EdTech market in the US vs. the UK vs. Europe

00:09:20 - The biggest assumptions, expectations, and surprises on the US market

00:11:40 - The importance of a strong relationship with your co-founder

00:17:15 - The fundraising reality in the US and flipping the company

00:19:53 - How timing impacts business and making decisions at the last minute

00:21:15 - Complexities of juggling multiple markets vs. laser focusing on one market at once

00:31:43 - Cultural differences and their impact on StudyStash’s strategy and product direction

00:34:35 - Engaging learning assets, LLMs, perks for faculty, and the DFWs

00:39:10 - Financial reality for international and local students and  impact on universities

00:44:05 - Adjustments to the platform, pitching to different markets, and the fastest closure

00:47:49 - Advice for other young founders for building a transatlantic startup

00:50:15 - How to filter out the next shiny thing?

► Resources:

• Ben Ward’s article for Business Influencer
• An EAB profile on one of the StudyStash’s pilots with the University of Birmingham

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How to learn to celebrate entrepreneurship, build meaningful business relations, and not be afraid of failure? 

In the latest episode of The Dev is in the Details, Ninder Johal – an entrepreneur with a music industry background who’s now focusing on supporting entrepreneurs internationally – explains why it’s important to recognize business leaders and their impact on communities, companies, and countries. 

We discuss how to emphasize the role of entrepreneurs both locally and globally, the impact of education, and why we shouldn’t be afraid to fail. Ninder shares the importance of communities, learning from others, and social impact on building successful businesses. We explore the future of young entrepreneurs and how to support them in their growth and achievements. 

In the business world, where competition, growth, and KPIs receive the most attention, we should remember that, beyond these, there’s a human element that needs to be recognized.  

► Our guest 

Ninder Johal is a business passionate, an entrepreneur, and a seasoned leader. As a founder of Nachural, a company that runs prestigious awards and publishes The Business Influencer magazine, he highlights the power of recognition and its impact on leaders and their mindset.

► In today’s episode:

• Ninder’s take on the value the recognition gives to leaders and businesses
• How to learn from others and for self-employment
• What’s the role of society, community, and support in business
• The impact of AI on today’s business landscape
• Advice and best practices for young entrepreneurs 

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - The power of recognition and its impact on individuals, organizations, and regions 

00:06:48 - Cultural difference in celebrating success and entrepreneurship 

00:08:37 - The education factor: learning for employment, not self-employment 

00:11:54 - Awards as another marketing channel, not the “vanity exercise”

00:13:41 - Branding, quality, and being the very best you can, and how to measure the awards' impact

00:21:10 - The social aspect and community building 

00:23:47 - Diversity as the key in learning from others and belonging to different organizations

00:28:14 - The future of recognition and community building in the AI world

00:35:45 - The opportunities and challenges for young entrepreneurs 

00:42:34 - How to prevent the brain drain in local communities

00:50:04 - Choosing the role models and seeking inspiration in Europe as a young entrepreneur 

00:57:33 - A look at the future of business communities and youth entrepreneurship

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How to lead teams in times of complexity and rapid AI transformation?

In the latest episode of The Dev is in the Details, Cassandra Vranjkovic – a technology and digital transformation leader who helps organisations navigate AI with clarity and purpose  – shares her thoughts on leadership in the AI era.  

We talk about how curiosity, continuous learning, and the ability to ask questions – not just answer them – can help leaders navigate the AI revolution. Cassandra shares proven strategies and tools that support her work on a daily basis, and explains how to tell if your ideas are truly feasible. Besides, we explore the future of robotics and the innovations in manufacturing. 

It’s not about incorporating AI into every aspect of our lives, but rather about doing so with clarity and preserving the human touch in a world dominated by AI hype.  

► Our guest 

Cassandra Vranjkovic is a technology leader, strategic AI advisor, and mentor for tech startups. As a founder of AIQ Nexus, a company focusing on guiding businesses through AI adoption, and a lead consultant at NetMonkeys, a managed service and software provider, she bridges the gap between executive strategy and practical innovation.  

► In today’s episode:

• Cassandra’s take on learning to say “I don’t know” as a leader
• Why passive learning is not enough in the case of AI 
• How to assess what’s really valuable for your business and what’s just buzz  
• The difference between human-to-human and AI interactions
• Practical advice for leaders on learning and applying AI to your organization

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Embracing vulnerability in the leadership roles

00:05:07 - Cultural impact on learning by failing  

00:06:54 - How different industries approach feedback, conversation, and innovation

00:10:18 - The difference between being curious and completely overwhelmed

00:13:28 - How to filter out the noise

00:17:28 - The importance of collaborative learning and interacting with a prompt

00:20:34 - Human-to-human interaction vs AI interaction

00:24:32 - Self-diagnosing where AI brings real value, not just hype 

00:29:20 - The common reasons for pushing back the projects  

00:32:15 - The importance of understanding the basics

00:40:39 - The role of collaboration in successful AI integration

00:46:01 - Examples of AI implementations that support people on a daily basis

00:51:38 - A look at robotics as a dark horse in AI implementations

00:56:36 - Impact on workforce transformation and the role of business in setting an educational path

01:01:58 - The practical ideas on where to start learning about AI as a leader

► Resources mentioned in the episode:

• NotebookLM from Google
• Gamma - AI design application
• Cassandra Vranjkovic on Admitting the Unknown: How Vulnerability Can Enhance Your Leadership in the AI Era

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► What does it really mean to lead without losing yourself? 

In this episode, Kevin Pannell – Navy veteran, emergency responder, and healthcare IT leader – takes us from the intensive care units of a hospital ship to high-pressure project rooms in healthcare. Drawing on his military training and years in emergency management, we discuss how triage principles, clear objectives, and decisive communication can transform both crisis response and project delivery.

We explore his Stability Equation framework built on 7 life pillars: ownership,  mindfulness, movement, boundaries, connection, sleep, and faith; and how they anchor leaders facing chaos, burnout, or overwhelming responsibility. Kevin shares personal stories of setbacks, resilience, and practical tools like breathing techniques, jiu-jitsu, and redefining what “done” really means.

This conversation is about more than leadership: it’s about finding clarity, balance, and strength when everything around you is uncertain. 

► Our guest

Kevin Pannell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pannellkg/  

Healthcare IT Leader, Navy Veteran, and the author of The Stability Equation: 7 Pillars for a More Balanced Life, and host of the People, Process, and Progress podcast. 

👉 https://linktr.ee/peopleprocessprogress 

► In today’s episode:

• How Kevin’s previous experience in the U.S. Navy helps him navigate complex IT and healthcare projects 
• How to find the right balance in leadership and life
• The 7 pillars for successful projects and life, and how to incorporate them 
• Approaching challenges and project roadblocks
• Practical advice on moving forward when you feel stuck or overwhelmed

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - Leveraging Lessons in Leadership from The U.S. Navy to Project Management

00:04:20 - The Ladder to Building Experience and Expertise  

00:07:03 - The Comparison Between IT Projects and Military Structures

00:10:01 - Finding Stability Through Hard Times and an Approach to Find Balance in Life

00:13:04 - The 7 Pillars for Successful Projects

00:19:48 - Communication Challenges in Projects and Standardization Tips

00:28:49 - Incorporating The 7 Pillars for Balanced Life in Practice

00:32:15 - Owning Mind, Body, and Spirit Philosophy in Leadership 

00:35:52 - Picking Your Own Tool Set for Handling Stress 

00:40:40 - The Impact of The Movement and Exercises on Your Mind  

00:42:57 - How to Apply The Life Pillars Principles for High-Stress Roles

00:48:30 - The Direct Link Between The Pillars for Life and Projects

00:51:16 - How to Balance Projects, Deliverables, and Team Wellbeing Without Cutting Corners

00:53:50 - The First Steps to Start Moving Forward

► Materials and information mentioned in the episode: 

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Guided Wim Hof Method Breathing
• Why Simon Sinek (still) wants you to find your why | Masters of Scale 
• Loren Reunion’s Yoga Nidra routines | Spotify

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How to leverage technology to solve real-world problems?

In this episode, we explore the intersection of tech, process improvement, and social influence. What’s the impact of technology and innovation on mental health? How to scale without losing the human spirit? 

Janessa Prawer, a seasoned expert in mental health, analytics, process improvement, and owner at Tiny Art With Heart, shared her insights on how technology shapes our well-being and the role of innovation in mental healthcare. We discuss the role of authenticity in a tech-driven world, why balance is key while integrating emerging technologies, and the role of leadership in navigating technology trends. 

► Our guest 

Janessa Prawer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janessa-prawer-mba-1a5a4050/ 

Artist, Owner at Tiny Art With Heart, and Advocate for Mental Health. 

► In today’s episode:

• How technology and AI support healthcare, increase staff efficiency, and streamline patients’ experience.
• The paradox of adopting technology and AI without losing human spirit.
• Leadership qualities and the role of the network in success. 
• Humanity's role in shaping company culture and maintaining authenticity in the tech era. 
• Potential risks of technology and impact on interpersonal relationships.
• Insights on technology trends focused on solving real human problems.

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - How Does Technology Shape The Problem-Solving Approach? 

00:04:52 - The Turning Point in Janessa Prawer’s Career & Embracing Tech 

00:08:28 - Evaluating Leadership Profile & Impact on Success

00:10:59 - Entrepreneurship Isolation & Leveraging The Power of Network

00:16:55 - The “Woo” vs. Authenticity on Driving Impact

00:19:35 - The Role of Authenticity & Company Culture

00:24:45 - Maintaining Balance Between AI & Human Touch

00:31:40 - The Technology Risks & Impact on Future Generations 

00:37:40 - The Paradox of Leveraging AI in Healthcare

00:40:11 - Impact of Technology on Human Relations & Problem Solving Potential

00:47:18 - Embracing Challenges & Value of Resiliency

00:49:23 - The Future Trends in Technology and Key Takeaways

► Materials and information mentioned in the episode: 

• https://www.16personalities.com/ 
• https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx 

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected]. 

► How do self-managed teams fuel innovation?

This episode explores how empowering autonomous teams can drive rapid growth and innovation in tech-driven organizations. Maintaining agility and accountability becomes crucial as companies scale–but what’s the secret to making it work?

Matthias Laug, seasoned tech leader and CPTO at Enter, shares his firsthand experience scaling high-growth companies like Lieferando.de, Takeaway.com, and TIER. We discuss how self-managed teams influence scalability, leadership, and the evolving role of technology in fostering independent, high-performing teams.

► Our guest

Matthias Laug: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-laug-202279226/ 

Co-founder of TIER, former CTO of Lieferando.de & Takeaway.com, and an expert in scaling tech organizations through self-management.

► In today’s episode:

• The origins of Matthias’s belief in self-managed teams and how he first implemented them.
• Striking the right balance between autonomy and accountability in fast-growing companies.
• Real-life examples of how self-managed teams drive breakthrough innovation.
• Leadership qualities and cultural shifts necessary for success.
• The role of technology (DevOps, automation) in enabling self-management.
• Common pitfalls and advice for companies transitioning to this model.
• The future of self-managed teams and their evolving impact on tech leadership.

Matthias’s newsletter: https://www.leancpto.org/

► Decoding the timeline:

00:00:00 - How Self-Managed Teams Can Transform Your Organization

00:03:35 - What Makes Self-Managed Teams So Effective?

00:07:18 - Real Lessons from Implementing Self-Management

00:12:24 - Scaling Without Losing Agility: What Works

00:17:57 - Building Trust & Leadership Without Traditional Managers

00:23:40 - How to Improve Decision-Making & Accountability

00:29:50 - Hiring & Onboarding: Setting Teams Up for Success

00:35:45 - The Best Tools & Metrics for High-Performing Teams

00:41:30 - Mastering Feedback & 360 Reviews for Growth

00:47:10 - Applying Self-Management Beyond Tech for Bigger Impact

00:52:40 - How to Convince Leadership & Make This Work

00:58:10 - The Future of Self-Managed Teams & Key Takeaways

***

The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us.

Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further?

Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn or write to us at [email protected].