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.

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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.

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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.

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Behind the Power: Jens Groot, Chief Engineer Battery System at Polestar

In this electrifying episode of The Tech Connect, Jens Groot, Chief Engineer for Battery Systems at Polestar, takes us on a journey from academia to the cutting edge of clean tech. With a rich background in electrical engineering and a passion for hands-on innovation, Jens shares insights into the interdisciplinary nature of battery technology and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.

Listeners will discover:

🔋 How battery systems blend chemistry, mechanics, and electrical engineering

🎓 The value of academic research and pursuing a PhD

🔧 Why hands-on experience is essential for engineers

🌱 Polestar’s commitment to sustainability and performance

🧠 The importance of asking the right questions in complex fields

📈 Career advice for aspiring clean tech professionals

🔄 Flexibility vs. specialization in engineering careers

🚗 Innovations shaping the future of EVs and battery systems

Whether you're a student, engineer, or clean tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in 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.

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Behind the Robot: Salimzhan Gafurov, Director of Advanced Research & Technology at Verne

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Salimzhan Gafurov shares his inspiring journey from aviation to robotics and autonomous driving. With two PhDs and a passion for innovation, Salimzhan reflects on the importance of education, networking, and embracing competition to drive personal and industry-wide growth. He offers practical advice for aspiring professionals and explores how software is reshaping the future of mobility.

Listeners will gain insight into:

✈️ Transitioning from aviation to robotics and autonomous vehicles

🎓 The value of education and lifelong learning

🤝 Why networking and team building matter in tech careers

⚙️ The evolution of software in the automotive industry

🚗 How autonomous driving is shaping the future of mobility

💡 The “fail fast” mindset and competing with yourself

📈 Career advice for engineers and innovators

👨‍👧 Balancing professional ambition with family life

Whether you're an engineer, student, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of robotics, software, and career development.

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.

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Behind the Robot: Brennand Pierce, Founder & CEO of Kinisi Robotics

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Brennand Pierce, CEO of Kinisi Robotics, shares his lifelong passion for robotics and his journey from tinkering as a kid to leading a cutting-edge robotics startup. With candid reflections on education, leadership, and the future of AI, Bren offers a compelling look into the realities of building robots, and building a career in tech.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🤖 The satisfaction of creating physical robots

🧠 Balancing engineering with executive leadership

⚖️ Navigating work-life balance as a startup CEO

🎓 The importance of education and hands-on experience

📈 Career advice for aspiring engineers and tech professionals

🔍 Why specialization and persistence matter

🤝 The power of networking and personal branding

🔮 Future trends in robotics, AI, and machine learning

🌍 How robotics can solve real-world societal challenges

Whether you're a robotics enthusiast, future founder, or curious about the intersection of AI and engineering, this episode delivers inspiration and practical wisdom from a leader in the field.

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.

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Behind the Robot: Dr. Robert Mackenzie, Deep Tech Executive

In this episode of The Tech Connect, host Adam Ewing speaks with Robert McKenzie, CTO and robotics visionary, about his journey through the robotics industry and the values that drive his work. From balancing family life with leadership responsibilities to championing technology for good, Robert offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the world of robotics.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🤖 A day in the life of a robotics CTO

💡 Groundbreaking innovations and complex challenges in robotics

❤️ The importance of personal values and work-life balance

🚀 Lessons learned from navigating product development

👥 Why building leaders, not just followers, is essential

🔮 Future trends in robotics and the human-machine relationship

🎓 Advice for aspiring engineers entering the robotics field

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, engineer, or future robotics leader, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a clear call to action: robotics needs you.

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: Sean Ackley, VP of Energy & Infrastructure at Einride

In this episode of The Tech Connect, Sean Ackley, VP of Energy and Infrastructure at Einride, shares his journey from mechanical engineer to a key leader in the electric freight and e-mobility sector. With a passion for building and a mindset rooted in curiosity, Sean offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading in a rapidly evolving industry.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🔋 The transition from engineering to leadership

⚖️ Work-life balance and personal growth

🚚 The rise of electric freight and sustainable mobility

💡 Einride’s innovative approach to energy infrastructure

🧠 Why continuous learning and curiosity fuel career development

🤖 The role of AI and autonomy in the future of transportation

♻️ Battery recycling and sustainability strategies

📈 Career advice for those entering the e-mobility space

Whether you're an engineer, aspiring leader, or sustainability advocate, this episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of energy, mobility, and 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.