The Tech Trek

In this episode, Chris Morgan, VP of Data Science at Lincoln Financial Group, dives into the evolving landscape of data culture. He discusses the impact of generative AI (Gen AI) on data practices, managing tech debt, and aligning stakeholder expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of data governance, quality, literacy, and sharing strategies and analogies for fostering a robust data culture. He also addresses balancing immediate delivery with long-term vision in data management within a large, traditional organization.

Highlights:

Guest:

Chris Morgan has always been passionate about numbers and data, finding Statistics as the ideal application of math. He excels at the intersection of data and strategy, leading teams to provide clear, actionable insights. Chris combines technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication skills to align data science capabilities with organizational goals. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing Euchre, outdoor activities, and addressing the issue of texting and driving.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganchristopher/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir chats with Brajesh Jha, SVP and Global Business Leader of Data Tech and AI at Genpact, about scaling Generative AI (Gen AI). They explore what 'Gen AI at scale' means, drawing parallels with past technological waves like computerization and robotic process automation. Topics include the importance of data quality, strategic and technological considerations, and reimagining business models to leverage AI effectively. Brajesh shares Genpact's transformation journey and practical advice for harnessing Gen AI's power, emphasizing a strategic, data-driven, AI-first mindset.

Highlights:

- 01:21 Understanding Gen AI at Scale

- 02:14 Historical Context of Technological Evolution

- 05:09 Challenges and Opportunities with Gen AI

- 05:48 Apple Intelligence and Data Utilization

- 12:10 Strategic Considerations for Gen AI

- 15:23 Importance of Data Quality

- 18:31 Steps for Successful Gen AI Implementation

- 23:38 Future of Gen AI in Business

Guest:

Brajesh Jha is a Senior Executive with over two decades of experience in professional services at multi-billion-dollar technology companies. Currently, he leads Genpact's Technology, Media, and Entertainment vertical, managing global business operations that deploy Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Intelligent Automation capabilities. He also drives co-innovation with various micro-segments, including studios, cable providers, publishers, entertainment companies, and advertising agencies, to build new operating models and enhance customer experiences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brajeshjha

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir talks with JD Hannick, an Executive Advisor to Fortune 500 and private equity firms with a deep background in consumer data from Foot Locker, Adobe, and Booz Allen Hamilton. JD discusses the transformation of consumer data, the role of AI and machine learning, and the importance of first-party data. They also explore how private equity firms use data for efficiency and growth in changing economic conditions and the future role of generative AI in enhancing customer experiences.

Highlights:

Guest:

JD Hannick is a senior executive known for building high-performing, engaged teams in next-generation data analytics, AI, machine learning, generative AI, personalization, and enhanced customer experience. With experience across various global Fortune 100 organizations, JD helps these companies, as well as private equity firms and their portfolio companies, transform into data-driven businesses. He is sought after for forming strategic initiatives, building investment cases, and realizing value creation through innovative data use.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannick/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir welcomes Arjun Bansal, CEO of Log10, to discuss the ongoing challenges and solutions surrounding Large Language Model (LLM) accuracy. Arjun recounts his unique journey from computational neuroscience to founding AI-focused companies. They delve into the concept of 'hallucinations' in AI, the black box nature of LLMs, and the critical need for accurate AI systems in various domains. Arjun explains how Log10 provides a platform to measure and improve LLM accuracy and shares insights on the future of AI applications, including the transition from narrow to general AI and the importance of balancing proprietary and open-source models. The discussion also touches on strategies enterprises can adopt to mitigate hallucination risks and enhance accuracy in AI deployments.

Highlights

00:47 Arjun Bansal's Background and Log10 Overview

04:45 Understanding LLM Hallucinations

09:58 Challenges and Solutions in LLM Accuracy

16:02 Future of AI and Practical Implementations

Arjun Bansal is an entrepreneur and AI expert focused on understanding and building intelligent systems. He is currently CEO & co-founder of Log10.io, a platform for measuring and improving the accuracy of LLM applications and agents. Arjun previously co-founded Nervana Systems (acq. Intel) and XOKind (AI agents for travel). Arjun's career spans research in brain-machine interfaces, building AI processors, and AI sidekicks.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunbansal/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode of The Tech Trek, I sit down with Atli Thorkelsson, VP of Talent Network at Redpoint Ventures, to unpack one of the most pivotal and complex hires a founder will make: their first go-to-market leader. From timing the hire to evaluating charisma vs. substance, Atli walks us through practical frameworks and cautionary tales to help founders avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you're a technical founder unsure how to vet sales talent or you're scaling fast and need to define a hybrid role, this conversation will help you set up for long-term success in hiring.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Hire for the now, not the future. A candidate who can grow is great, but they must be effective today.

Educate yourself before starting the search. Talk to past founders, board members, and exec recruiters to know what great looks like.

Don’t over-shop. The first batch of candidates is often the strongest—waiting doesn’t always mean better.

Curiosity and recruiting prowess are key. Top GTM leaders deeply understand the product and know how to hire A+ talent.

Always be networking. Track and nurture impressive people—even if there’s no immediate role. They may become future hires, advisors, or customers.

🧠 Memorable Quote:

“You never really know when someone’s going to be valuable to you. If they impress you, find a way to stay in touch.” – Atli Thorkelsson

⏱ Timestamped Highlights:

00:50 – The tricky timing of hiring go-to-market leaders

02:30 – Why you must hire for today, not tomorrow

04:00 – Educating founders on roles they’ve never hired for

05:30 – Why delaying decisions can backfire in hiring

06:35 – The value of having go-to-market experts "on your bench"

08:50 – Red flags and false positives in sales hiring

10:38 – Evaluating impact quickly: what success should look like

13:23 – Defining the role clearly—even if you’ve been doing it

15:22 – Hybrid roles: when it works, and when it doesn’t

17:25 – The power of long-term relationships in recruiting

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Tech Trek for more insights from leaders shaping the future of tech.

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews Amie Bright, VP of Enterprise Data and Analytics at GitLab, about the importance of data governance, especially in the context of generative AI. Amie explains GitLab's role as an AI-powered DevSecOps platform and discusses strategies to ensure data quality and governance in modern data volumes. The conversation covers the traditional challenges data teams face and the transformative impact of generative AI on those practices. Amie also shares insights from her career and current work at GitLab, emphasizing the need for proper metadata management, certified data sources, and the shifting perception of data governance from a hindrance to an enabler of efficiency and innovation. 

Highlights

01:29 Data Governance and Its Importance

04:53 Challenges and Evolution with Generative AI

07:52 Changing Perceptions and Measuring Accuracy

13:23 Future of Data Governance with Gen AI

Guest:

Amie Bright is an accomplished data and analytics leader with expertise in data management, architecture, integration, warehousing, science, and business intelligence. She excels at creating data strategies that align with long-term organizational goals.

Amie is skilled in leading data teams to implement modern, cloud-based data solutions, including ingestion, pipeline orchestration, repositories, governance, security, advanced analytics, and business intelligence.

She effectively motivates diverse teams and builds strong relationships across organizational boundaries to achieve analytics objectives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amie-bright-03329820/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

What happens when a 160-year-old insurance company decides to embrace AI? Peter Maynard, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Guardian Life, joins Amir to break down how legacy organizations can rethink their playbook, shift mindsets, and move from awareness to execution. From the boardroom to the data science lab, Peter shares how leaders can challenge their own thinking—and create space for their teams to do the same.

Key Takeaways

• AI strategy starts with personal curiosity—leaders must be active learners, not passive observers

• Legacy companies need to understand their business deeply before applying AI solutions

• Trust, not speed, is the currency of transformation inside risk-averse environments

• The best model isn’t always the first one—it’s the space to iterate that drives innovation

• Technical fluency helps leadership translate AI capabilities into real business value

Timestamped Highlights

[03:15] From ChatGPT to Guardian: How Peter’s job changed overnight

[06:20] The 4 levels of leadership when adopting new technology

[08:10] How Peter learns: whitepapers, team discussions, and staying off the “superhighway”

[13:00] What predictive transformers taught Peter about staying sharp on math fundamentals

[17:50] Making the business case: how data teams pitch value, not tech

[23:15] Creating “offer makers”: why Peter requires every project to have a business stakeholder

[25:00] The second model is always better—why iteration needs breathing room

Quote of the Episode

“You always need to have a business customer for every work that you do. You’re not just tinkering—you’re building trust.”

Call to Action

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In this podcast episode, Bob Stefanski, Co-founder and Managing Director of eLab Ventures joins Amir to discuss the promising future and current landscape of AI startups. They explore the significant room for growth in AI, particularly in the context of valuations, and the importance of giving founders time to pivot. Stefanski emphasizes the focus on early-stage investments in AI, highlighting the continued relevance of deep learning and the promising potential of generative AI. The discussion covers AI founders' evolving characteristics, unique data sets' impact, and the shift towards more accessible AI application development tools. Additionally, Stefanski provides insights into the differentiation between 'true AI companies' and those merely using AI as a buzzword.

Highlights

01:38 The AI Landscape and Market Potential

04:11 Investing in AI Startups

06:41 Characteristics of Successful AI Founders

08:25 Functional vs. Generative AI

14:49 Valuations and Market Trends

18:01 Defining a True AI Company

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

This episode features a conversation with Maria Latushkin, Group VP of Technology and Engineering at Albertsons, discussing AI's role in supply chain management. The discussion encompasses assessing AI options, prioritizing initiatives, and pilot programs for implementing AI solutions efficiently and effectively. The episode covers the strategic approach to AI adoption, including mistake avoidance, decision-making processes from an executive perspective, and leveraging AI for operational improvements and customer value enhancement. It also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain perceptions and innovations, the significance of data management, and the balance between building bespoke solutions versus leveraging external partnerships.

Highlights

01:05 The Role of AI in Decision-Making and Supply Chain Optimization

03:14 Leveraging AI for Supply Chain Efficiency and Innovation

04:13 Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chain Dynamics

07:24 Adapting to Change: Speed, Technology, and Customer Experience

08:14 The Future of Engineering and AI in Business Strategy

17:12 Building vs. Buying in the Gen AI Era

21:30 Pilot Programs and Assessing ROI with Gen AI

Guest:

Maria Latushkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-latushkin-799700/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand interviews David Ayers, SVP of Engineering at Invitation Homes. They delve into the intricacies of hiring in the engineering space, emphasizing the importance of assessing skills, consistency, continuous improvement, and potential over perfect technical ability. Ayers discusses Invitation Homes' approach to interviewing, the importance of understanding technical and soft skills, and the benefits of behavioral-based questions. They also explore the evolving role of co-pilot tools in engineering and how engineers can focus more on problem-solving and understanding business needs. The discussion includes strategies for making hiring decisions, handling mismatches, and learning from hiring experiences.

Highlights

01:05 Hiring in Engineering: Key Attributes

03:22 Balancing Soft and Technical Skills

04:34 Behavioral-Based Interviewing

07:09 Technical Assessments and Programming Languages

10:45 The Future of Programming with AI

17:09 The Imperfection of Hiring

Guest:

David Ayers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaayers/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)