The Pair Program

How I Got Hired in Product with Alex GunterJoin us as our hosts, Tim and Mike, talk to .......

Ever wondered how to step into the world of Product Management? Curious about what it takes to succeed and move up the ladder?

Today’s guest host, Becca Moran, speaks with Alex Gunter about how he stepped into a new role as a Product Manager.

They discuss:

• Why Alex chose to step into a Product Management career
• Advice for professionals who are interested in exploring a product career
• Tips on how to rock the interview process
• How his role has evolved over time and how he stepped into leadership
• And much more!

About today’s host: With 5+ years of experience leading startup product teams and almost 10 years in the DC tech scene, Becca offers a wealth of valuable insights. She is currently the Vice President, Product & Engagement at Procurated, where she leads the product, design, and engineering functions for the company.

About today’s guest: Alex Gunter (Staff Product Manager) manages the post-order product experience of customers, partners, and staff in the Xometry Marketplace. Alex joined Xometry in 2017 to manage the homegrown ERP, and has since launched products across the Supplier Job Board, Shop Finances, Supplies, Instant Quoting Engine, and Growth areas of the Xometry platform. In addition, Alex created and tends to Xompedia, the internal wiki knowledge base, does product demos, and runs monthly Investment Day hackathons. Prior to Xometry Alex worked in spot cable media, worked as a field organizer on the 2008 Obama for America presidential campaign, studied Economics and Public Policy at The University of Texas at Austin, and spent a summer studying Industrial Design at RISD.

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How We Hatched: Lisa Rich, Founder & COO of Xplore

Welcome to “How We Hatched". In this episode, you’ll hear from Lisa Rich, Founder and COO of space startup Xplore. Get ready to learn all about what it takes for a startup to make it in the industry… and how you could join!

Lisa shares about:

• The story behind Xplore’s founding.
• Navigating funding (including government contracts and pitching to VCs)
• The challenges of starting a new business and ways to overcome
• Industry trends (diversity, the demand for talent, and more!)

About today’s guest: Lisa Rich is a successful serial entrepreneur, investor, strategist and communicator and thought-leader who entered the space industry in 2014 to accelerate sustainable, strategy-driven businesses that positively impact the environment, STEM education, national security, and advance the $1T space economy. She is Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Xplore, a commercial space services company using its high-capability multi-sensor platform to store and transmit data, achieve data fusion, on orbit processing and edge compute and is also a top venture-backed dual use company on Silicon Valley Defense Group’s NatSec100 list. Ms. Rich is also Founder of Hemisphere Ventures, a top early stage space sector VC that has invested in 37 outstanding commercial space companies including Axiom Space, Umbra and Lynk. She frequently presents at space and technology conferences, engages Fortune 500 companies in think tank conversations on space strategy and the landscape for space investment with institutional investors and wealth management firms. In 2022, Ms. Rich was nominated to the National Space Council User Advisory Group led by Vice President Kamala Harris, and was listed as the Top 12 Connectivity Execs To Watch. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Redmond Space District in Washington State, recently submitted to the Congressional Record (H. Res. 646) by Rep Suzan DelBene. Her media appearances include Bloomberg and CNBC. Dedication to the space industry is evidenced by relationships she has built with members of the House and Senate, U.S. Commerce Department, U.S. State Department, AFWERX, OMB, National Space Council and customers at the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, DIU, NRO, NSIC, NGA and NASA.

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CTO Wisdom with Cat Miller | Beyond the Program

Welcome to CTO Wisdom. In this series, we interview technical leaders who have stepped into executive positions.

Today’s guest host, Eric Brooke, speaks with Cat Miller, CTO of healthtech startup, Flatiron Health.

In today’s episode, they discuss:

• How Cat got into a technical career and her journey from junior software developer to CTO.
• The difference between a Director position and an Executive role (including the misconceptions around these positions)
• The importance of establishing success criteria as a CTO and how that has impacted her team.
• Her approach to problem solving and the resources that have helped her grow.

About today’s guest: As CTO of Flatiron Health, Cat Miller leads an organization of over 400 technologists, working to reimagine the infrastructure of cancer care. A software and data engineer by training, Cat has over a decade of experience in data-focused startups and nine years growing an engineering team at Flatiron, through acquisition and beyond.

About today’s host: Eric Brooke has a rich and varied leadership career - leading up to 21,000 people and Billions in revenue, throughout 14 countries. In their career, they have been an Executive six times (e.g. President, CEO, CMO, and CTO) and a Board member of multiple organisations. Eric has been a CTO of scaling startups from 0 to 120 engineers. As an adviser and mentor, they have helped multiple other startups scale both in Canada and the US. As well as supporting multiple startup incubators such as 1871 in Chicago and TechStars.

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In this episode, we delve into the cutting-edge world of DefenseTech startups and their mission to combat drone threats. Hear from two visionary leaders shaping the future of defense technology: Matt McCrann, the US CEO of DroneShield, and Dan Kultran, the CTO at Epirus.

Join us as Matt and Dan share firsthand accounts of their companies' innovative technologies designed to counter drones, spanning applications in both military and public sector domains. Discover how these startups have joined forces to form a strategic partnership, unlocking synergies that drive innovation and growth.

If you're a technical professional seeking a deep dive into the DefenseTech sector or intrigued by the potential of strategic partnerships in startup growth, this episode is a must-listen.

About the Guests:

Matt McCrann is the US CEO of DroneShield, a defense tech company developing Counter-UAS solutions for military and public safety users worldwide. As an industry executive and US Navy veteran, Matt has built and led successful cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, and business development responsible for solving some of the toughest problems involving emerging technologies across the DoD, IC, and federal law enforcement community.

Dan Kultran is the CTO at Epirus, a startup on a mission to create innovative power solutions that solve complex national security problems. Prior to this role, he has worked at multiple defense and commercial companies, including Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

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Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data | The Peaks of Public Services | Beyond the Program

In this episode our guest host, Jazmin Furtado, speaks with Alexis Bonnell, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force.

They discuss:

• The surprising story of how Alexis got into the public service sector.
• The ways that data enthusiasts can be used in this field.
• What it means to be an evidence-driven leader and why that approach to leadership is so crucial in public service.
• And much more!

About today’s guest: Alexis Bonnell is the Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. She is responsible to develop and execute the AFRL Information Technology strategy, leading the strategic development of highly advanced next generation technologies and platforms for AFRL. Her focus includes catalyzing the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces via digital capabilities, IT infrastructure and technological innovation across the lab’s operations and culture.

About today’s host: Jazmin Furtado is currently a Technical Program Manager at Google where she leads a team of engineers and scientists to develop and deliver AI applications to federal agencies. Before Google, Jazmin was a part of the software innovation realm for the Department of Defense where she oversaw large-scale Data and Artificial Intelligence programs in the Air Force and Space Force. She has also held various leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as SpaceX, and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she designed and scaled AI, data, and education and training programs.

About the series: Our new series, “Frontiers: Exploring the World of Data”, dives into how people are using their data science minds to shape organizations and change the landscape outside of “Big Tech”. In each episode, we explore the far-reaching corners of the world of data. If you're curious about how data-minded individuals are making a difference in interesting, impactful and creative ways, then tune in!

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Gravity and Grit: How SpaceTech Startups are Pioneering & Prospering | The Pair Program Ep34

In this episode, we dive into the world of SpaceTech startups in a candid conversation with two of the sector's brightest minds: Ben Reed, CTO and co-founder of Quantum Space, and Derek Strobel, the Lead Software Engineer and first employee of Kayhan Space.

Here’s what they discuss:

• The unique challenges that startups face in the SpaceTech industry (and how they’re solving those problems).
• Recent trends and changes that they’ve witnessed while working in the sector.
• What gets them excited about where they’re heading.
• How techies can step into this world and find a career at a SpaceTech startup.
• And much more!

About the Guests:

Ben Reed is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Quantum Space LLC, a commercial space company dedicated to advancing humanity’s journey to the stars - focused on safe, reliable and efficient space travel further from earth. Prior to Quantum, Ben served as Vice President Engineering for IBX - an innovation and investment firm. In 2018 he served as Director Civil Space Policy for the National Space Council, Executive Office of the President. Ben worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for 22 years, his final role being Chief of Exploration and In-Space Services Division. He was lead materials engineer on the last three Hubble Servicing Missions.

Derek Strobel is a software engineer with over 5 years of experience in spaceflight safety systems. In 2019, Derek became the first employee of Kayhan Space, a commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) software startup founded by industry veteran Dr. Siamak Hesar and experienced tech founder Araz Feyzi. As Lead Software Engineer, Derek has helped build Kayhan into a team of over 20 employees, providing essential spaceflight safety services for hundreds of satellites.

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Startup Spotlight: How Scale AI is Redefining Federal Defense with AI | The Pair Program Ep33

In this episode, we hear from Ben Youngs and Kathryn Harris, leaders at Scale AI. Get an inside look into this startup’s mission of accelerating the development of AI applications, from the world’s largest tech companies to the federal government.

They discuss:

• The key problem that they’re trying to solve: how to augment workflows so humans produce higher quality, more effective work.
• The work their team is doing at Scale AI and how they’re bringing AI into the defense and intelligence sectors.
• How they hack bureaucracy by really knowing the customer and their specific needs.
• What they love about being part of the team at Scale AI!

About the Guests:

Ben Youngs is the Head of Solutions Engineering - Public Sector at Scale AI. Prior to Scale, Ben worked at In-Q-Tel, the strategic investor for the Intelligence Community. At IQT, Ben led investments in enterprise software. Prior to IQT, Ben supported multiple IC and DoD customers as a contractor designing, building and maintaining large-scale data and analytics platforms.

Kathryn Harris is the Head of Growth (Defense) at Scale AI. Kathryn is a strategist and growth executive advancing national competitiveness through defense and commercial technologies.

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How I Got Hired in Product with Amy O'Callaghan

Ever wondered how to step into the world of Product Management? Curious about what it takes to succeed and move up the ladder?

In today’s episode our guest host, Becca Moran, speaks with Amy O’Callaghan about how she stepped into a career in Product.

They cover:

• How she transitioned from a marketing role into product management.
• Practical steps for others who want to navigate into the product space.
• Advice on how to use informational interviews to figure out whether a specific product role (or company) is the right fit.
• How she’s moved up in her career and succeeded in senior level roles (plus tips on how you can do the same!)
• And much more!

About today’s host: With 5+ years of experience leading startup product teams and almost 10 years in the DC tech scene, Becca offers a wealth of valuable insights. She is currently the Vice President, Product & Engagement at Procurated, where she leads the product, design, and engineering functions for the company.

About today’s guest: Amy O’Callaghan is a product veteran with over 10 years of experience. She started in product at snagajob. From there, she worked for Launch Media, CarMax, and was most recently the VP of Product at Vangst, a talent marketplace for the regulated Cannabis industry.

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How We Hatched: Bryan Enriquez, Founding Team Member of Hallow

Welcome to our most recent episode of “How We Hatched"! In this episode, you’ll hear from Bryan Enriquez, one of the founders of prayer & meditation app, Hallow.

During this episode, Bryan shares the story his founder’s journey that led him to be part of the team behind Hallow.

Here are just a few of the topics discussed:

• The story behind the app and the impact it's made in the lives of people from age 18 to 80.
• How his career working for the Department of Justice surprisingly led him to become an entrepreneur.
• How the founding team established relationships with a strong lineup of investors (including Joe Montana and Mark Wahlberg, just to name a few!).
• How they’re solving the problem of busyness and stress by helping users establish routines of prayer, mindfulness, and meditation.

About today’s guest: Bryan Enriquez is a founding team member and the Head of Customer Operations at Hallow. In that role, he leads the Community team, the Customer Insights team, and the Customer Support team as well as planning official events for Hallow. Bryan is a 2015 graduate of the University of Notre Dame (B.A.) and a 2021 graduate of the Yale School of Management (MBA).

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Ever wondered how to step into the world of Product Management? Curious about what it takes to land a role?

Today’s guest host, Becca Moran, speaks with Bryan Postelnek about how he stepped into a new role as a Product Manager.

They discuss:

• The interview process for product management roles.
• What companies look for in a PM (and how they structure the interview process to find the right person).
• The onboarding process that Bryan experienced and the responsibilities he was given.
• Tips for others looking to find a new role in product management.
• And much more!

About today’s host: With 5+ years of experience leading startup product teams and almost 10 years in the DC tech scene, Becca offers a wealth of valuable insights. She is currently the Vice President, Product & Engagement at Procurated, where she leads the product, design, and engineering functions for the company.

About today’s guest: Bryan Postelnek is a seasoned Product leader with over a decade of experience as a PM solving complex problems for companies and its users. On his off time, you may find him traveling, cooking, being an amateur ballroom dancer with his wife, learning to be a dad, asking his friends to play board games with him, or just trying to learn something new this week (currently it's juggling). You can find out about his latest professional ongoings on LinkedIn - feel free to reach out to him for help, advice, or a quick hello.

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