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

In this episode of The Tech 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.

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: Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra

In this episode of The Tech 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 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 mission: Sebastian Clauss, VP Software at STARK

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Sebastian Clauss shares his journey from Air Force officer to leading software development for unmanned systems at Stark. With deep roots in aerospace and military technology, Sebastian reflects on the lessons learned from his service, the evolving defense market, and the importance of building purpose-driven teams in defense innovation.

Listeners will gain insight into:

✈️ Transitioning from military service to tech leadership

🧠 Decision-making under pressure and limited information

🤝 The power of teamwork and collaboration in defense

💻 Software development for unmanned systems

🚀 How innovation is reshaping the defense industry

🎯 Why purpose and ethics matter in defense technology

📈 Hiring principles and building resilient tech teams

🌍 The mission to strengthen European defense capabilities

Whether you're in tech, defense, or leadership, this episode offers a compelling look at how military experience translates into innovation—and why purpose must drive progress.

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.