The Techne Connect

Behind the Power: Tom Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery Intelligence

In this episode of Behind the Power, we sit down with Tom Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery Intelligence, whose unconventional career path has taken him from US courtrooms to UK racetracks, and everywhere in between.

Tom shares:

⚙️ How a career in litigation consulting shaped his systems-thinking mindset

🚗 His journey from restoring an '80s sports car to designing real-world EV battery algorithms

🔋 The impact of battery intelligence, and why it’s transforming both motorsport and heavy industry

🇺🇸➡️🇬🇧 What it’s like to pivot careers and continents in the pursuit of innovation

🌍 How he and Elysia are working to decarbonize Fortescue's mining fleet with the same emissions as France

Tom’s story is a powerful mix of curiosity, grit, and vision; perfect for engineers, innovators, and anyone looking to make their mark in battery tech or clean mobility.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Wheel: Dan Whittaker, Director of WBE Consulting Ltd.

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Dan Whittaker, a seasoned automotive engineer with over 30 years of experience across iconic brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Aston Martin.

Dan shares his journey from aspiring architect to leading electrical and software integration teams in luxury automotive. We explore his thoughts on vehicle ergonomics, the evolution of infotainment systems, the rise of software-defined vehicles, and the future of electrification. A must-listen for anyone passionate about engineering, innovation, and the future of mobility.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Wheel: Paolo Bargiacchi, Director of Electrification at Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied)

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Paolo Bargiacchi shares his journey through the automotive industry; from his early days at Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley to his current role at Motion (McLaren) Applied. With a passion for electrification and product management, Paolo offers insights into the evolving automotive landscape, the challenges of inverter optimization, and the future of charging infrastructure and micro mobility.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Career progression across leading automotive brands
• The shift toward electrification and sustainable mobility
• The evolving role of product managers in tech-driven industries
• Challenges in inverter cost optimization and charging infrastructure
• How Formula Student helped launch Paolo’s career
• Advice for aspiring professionals entering automotive and tech
• Skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing market
• Current projects at Motion (McLaren) Applied and future opportunities

Whether you're an engineer, product manager, or automotive enthusiast, this episode delivers practical wisdom and forward-looking insights from a leader shaping the future of mobility.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra, shares his inspiring journey from childhood curiosity to leading battery development for electric buses. With a deep passion for clean technology, mentorship, and cycling, Thomas offers a compelling look into the future of engineering and the collaborative culture driving innovation at Proterra.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How cycling and community shaped Thomas’s perspective
• The transition from traditional automotive to EV battery engineering
• Why clean tech is more than a buzzword, it’s the future
• The importance of mentorship and teaching in engineering
• Diversity as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving
• Developing long-range electric buses for a zero-emissions future
• Proterra’s inclusive and collaborative work culture
• Career advice for aspiring engineers entering the clean tech space

Whether you're an engineer, clean tech enthusiast, or future innovator, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration from a leader helping shape sustainable mobility.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra, shares his inspiring journey from childhood curiosity to leading battery development for electric buses. With a deep passion for clean technology, mentorship, and cycling, Thomas offers a compelling look into the future of engineering and the collaborative culture driving innovation at Proterra.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How cycling and community shaped Thomas’s perspective
• The transition from traditional automotive to EV battery engineering
• Why clean tech is more than a buzzword, it’s the future
• The importance of mentorship and teaching in engineering
• Diversity as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving
• Developing long-range electric buses for a zero-emissions future
• Proterra’s inclusive and collaborative work culture
• Career advice for aspiring engineers entering the clean tech space

Whether you're an engineer, clean tech enthusiast, or future innovator, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration from a leader helping shape sustainable mobility.

Thank you for listening to The Techne Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

But we don’t just share stories, we help build them. At Techne Talent, we connect ambitious people with opportunities across the very industries we feature. If you’re inspired by what you hear, speak to us today about where your skills could take you.

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📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Explore opportunities and connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Sebastian Moitzheim, CTO of Powall

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Sebastian Moitzheim, CTO of Powall, shares his journey from academic research to leading a cutting-edge battery technology startup. With a background in life sciences and nanotechnology, Sebastian reflects on the transition from theory to application, the role of AI in accelerating research, and the importance of blending technical expertise with commercial awareness.

Listeners will discover:

• How kitesurfing helped shape his mindset during COVID
• The shift from life sciences to nanotechnology and battery tech
• Powell’s mission to revolutionize energy storage with gas-phase coatings
• The growing influence of AI in battery R&D
• Startup culture and the value of wearing multiple hats
• Why understanding both science and business drives innovation
• Advice for aspiring engineers and researchers entering clean tech
• The skills needed to thrive in the fast-moving battery industry

Whether you're exploring a career in energy storage, fascinated by AI in research, or curious about startup life, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of battery innovation.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Prateek Mehta, Acceleration Lead at Mitra Chem

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Prateek shares his journey from studying chemical engineering in India to leading a cutting-edge team at MitraChem, a battery materials startup in California. We dive into his path from academia to industry, exploring the leadership challenges and opportunities that come with building in the fast-moving world of clean tech.

Prateek reflects on how blending diverse ideas and tools is essential to scientific breakthroughs, and how AI is accelerating the pace of discovery in battery research. He also addresses the broader geopolitical forces shaping the battery industry, from supply chain constraints to the race for innovation.

For those considering a career in battery technology, Prateek offers practical advice on adaptability, openness to new tools, and embracing an interdisciplinary mindset.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Richard LeCain, CTO at UKBIC

In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with Richard LeCain, CTO of the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), to explore the dynamic world of battery technology, industrialization, and team leadership. From his early days in chemical engineering to pioneering lithium iron phosphate commercialization at A123 Systems, Richard shares a candid and insightful journey through the evolving battery landscape.

Listeners will discover:

• The human side of engineering: music, rock climbing, and startup grit
• Lessons from scaling battery innovation
• Why UKBIC is a launchpad for battery startups and industrialization
• The importance of team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and adaptability
• Trends in recycling, AI, fast charging, and material scarcity
• Advice for future battery engineers and data scientists

Whether you're a battery enthusiast, startup founder, or curious about the future of electrification, this episode offers a rich blend of technical insight and personal wisdom from one of the industry's most experienced voices.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Andre Gronke, Head of Global Engineering at Farasis Energy

In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with André Gronke, Head of Engineering Project Management and Technical Acquisition at Farasis Energy Europe.

With over a decade of experience in battery technology, from his early days at Mercedes to leadership roles at A123 Systems and now Farasis, André shares his journey through technical disciplines, systems engineering, and building high-performing teams.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The evolution of battery systems and smart grid technologies
• The human side of engineering leadership and team building
• Systems engineering's role in shaping future mobility
• The challenges and opportunities in EV infrastructure and affordability
• Why relationships and interdisciplinary thinking are key to innovation

Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech leader, or simply curious about the future of energy storage, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the heart of battery innovation.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Yoke: Jason Coon, Founder & Principal Consultant and Former VP of Systems, Software and Intergration at Archer

In this episode of The Tech Connect, aerospace engineer Jason Coon takes us through his career journey; from early interests to leadership in the fast-evolving eVTOL sector.

Jason shares his perspective on how teamwork, diversity, and innovation fuel progress in aerospace, while addressing the challenges of certification and public acceptance. He also offers advice for aspiring engineers and a vision for the industry’s future.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.