The Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast

In this episode, Matt Kunkel and Diego Panama from LogicGate discuss how their governance, risk, and compliance software leverages AI to manage enterprise risks, the challenges of scaling in the GRC industry, and their strategic approach to innovation and leadership.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Art Gilliland, CEO of Delinea, about the evolving landscape of identity security, the impact of AI on cybersecurity, and the challenges of scaling a security company in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, Michael Kopko, CEO and founder of Pearl Health, discusses innovative approaches in health tech, focusing on managing Medicare patients, technology challenges, and the future of healthcare.Learn how their unique model improves outcomes and reduces costs in a highly regulated industry.

In this episode, Daniel Harrington, Chief AI Officer at The Zebra, shares insights on the evolving role of AI in insurance, building AI frameworks, and managing token costs in AI models. Discover how AI leaders navigate regulation, innovation, and organizational challenges in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews John Glasgow, CEO of Campfire, about their innovative AI-native ERP system designed for the AI era. They discuss the challenges of replacing traditional ERP systems, hiring in a competitive market, and managing AI costs and risks.

In this episode, Dan Beck, CEO of 401GO, shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a modern fintech platform in the regulated 401k space, and insights on scaling, technology, and leadership.

In this episode, Sunita Verma, CTO at Ironclad, shares insights on transforming engineering organizations into AI-native teams, the challenges of deploying AI in legal tech, and strategies for product and engineering collaboration in the age of generative AI.

In this episode, Mike Gibson, CTO at Planet DDS, shares insights with host Steve Taplin on managing engineering teams, handling acquisitions, and leveraging AI to accelerate software development in the dental industry. Discover how they navigate technical debt, team organization, and compliance challenges.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Ev Kontsevoy, CEO and co-founder of Teleport, about infrastructure security, identity management, and the future of AI agents. They explore how companies can protect their digital assets in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Scott Swann, CEO of ROC, about building a US-based biometric and AI company, navigating the IPO process, and the challenges of deploying AI across government and commercial markets.

In this episode, Winston Astrachan, CTO of Phobio, shares insights on managing a lean engineering team, navigating industry changes, and leveraging AI responsibly in software development. Discover how a small team can outperform larger competitors and stay agile in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Aaron Mitchell, CEO of HeroDevs, about the challenges and opportunities in the open source industry, the impact of AI, managing remote teams, and maintaining compliance and security in software development.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Matt Moore, CTO and Founder of Chainguard, about building secure open source environments, scaling challenges, and the future of software supply chain security. They explore patterns in software security, remote team management, and product roadmap strategies.

In this episode, Derek Perry, CTO of Sparq, discusses the challenges of engineering, the impact of AI, and strategies for effective backlog management in remote teams. Gain insights into digital transformation, AI adoption, and client problem-solving from a seasoned CTO.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Robert Stewart, CTO of Arbital Health, about the complexities of value-based care in healthcare technology. They explore how AI, data challenges, and industry regulations shape the future of healthcare software development.

In this episode, Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of Gemelli Biotech, shares insights on integrating technology into biotech, overcoming industry challenges, and rapidly scaling a health tech company. Learn how AI, logistics, and domain knowledge drive innovation in healthcare.

In this episode, Trevor Calhoun, CEO of TPN Health, shares insights into building a scalable digital infrastructure for behavioral health, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging AI to improve provider networks and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Bobby Tahir, a four-time CTO and current CTO Advisor of Aldrich Capital Partners, to explore patterns in engineering leadership, AI adoption, organizational change, and technical debt management. They discuss how AI is transforming product and engineering teams, the challenges of scaling organizations, and strategies for CTOs navigating the evolving tech landscape.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Shimon Ben-David, CTO of WEKA, about their innovative high-performance storage solutions for AI and HPC workloads. They discuss the company's growth, technical challenges, industry impact, and leadership insights.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Cary Gahm, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, and Ed Thomas, Co-Founder of GoTu, who share their journey in building an innovative dental staffing platform. They discuss the challenges of scaling, regulatory compliance across states, and leveraging AI and technology to solve industry-specific problems.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Stephen Chen, CTO at NuCompass Mobility, about AI adoption, security challenges, and managing a hybrid engineering team. They explore how technology impacts relocation services, the importance of human elements, and strategies for effective leadership in tech.

In this episode, host Steve Taplin interviews Nathan Strum, CEO of Abby Connect, about the evolving role of AI in customer service. They discuss hybrid models, technical challenges, industry-specific regulations, leadership lessons, and future trends in AI-driven customer support.

In this episode, John Grunas, Director of Technology at Hema-Tec Inc., shares insights on managing technology in healthcare, navigating regulatory challenges, and leveraging AI for healthcare solutions. Discover practical strategies for tech leadership in regulated environments and the future of healthcare technology.

In this episode, Aron England, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Accruent, shares insights on managing a global software organization, integrating AI into development, and leading innovation in the built environment industry.

In this episode, host Steve Taplin interviews Sylvain Kalache, head of AI labs at Rootly AI, and shares insights on how AI is transforming incident management, the role of AI in reliability engineering, and leadership lessons in the era of GenAI. Discover how companies are leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and the importance of human-centered leadership.

In this episode, host Steve Taplin interviews Joseph Solomon, Director of Engineering at MyOme, and shares insights on scaling engineering teams in the healthcare biotech sector, balancing product development with regulatory compliance, and leveraging AI to accelerate growth.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Abe Jarrett, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Origence, about engineering leadership in FinTech, managing technical debt, team collaboration, and the future of AI in financial services.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Nick Gattuso, Founding Team and Head of Engineering at Somethings, about building and scaling a mental health platform for teens, focusing on engineering strategies, leveraging AI, and maintaining quality at scale.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Wendy Dole, Director of Engineering at Direct Supply, about the intersection of AI, healthcare, and senior living. They explore how technology is transforming the industry, addressing workforce shortages, regulatory challenges, and the future of AI integration.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Bradley Friemel, Vertical CTO - Rentals at Fullsteam, and shares insights on managing multiple SaaS verticals, handling legacy code, leveraging AI for prototyping, and navigating private equity pressures in fintech. Learn practical strategies for technical leadership and innovation.

In this episode, Steve Taplin interviews Jonathan LaCour, CTO at Mission Cloud, about navigating acquisitions, building effective remote teams, and leveraging software-as-a-service in a service business. They explore leadership strategies, product development, and the future of AI in tech.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Martin Mrugal, CEO of Alchemer, about the evolution of customer feedback platforms, the integration of AI in software development, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in leadership. They discuss the challenges of innovation speed, the future of surveys, and how to build a customer-centric culture. Martin shares insights on making tough decisions as a CEO and offers practical advice for tech leaders navigating today's fast-paced environment.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Guyte McCord, CEO of Graphika, discussing his career journey from CRO to CEO, the challenges of remote work, the impact of AI on product development, and the importance of building trust within technical teams. They explore the complexities of scaling a tech company, addressing technical debt, and navigating the hype surrounding AI. Guyte shares insights on effective productivity systems and offers advice to tech leaders on deeply understanding problem spaces.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Todd Persen, CTO of Hydrolix, about his journey in the observability space, the growth of Hydrolix, and the challenges of managing a global engineering team. They discuss the importance of trust in leadership, the balance between product and engineering, and the role of AI in engineering workflows. Todd shares insights on learning from failures and the significance of shortening release cycles to enhance customer value.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Maha Virudhagiri, CTO of Coalition, about the intersection of cyber insurance and technology. They discuss Maha's journey to Coalition, the challenges faced by engineering teams, the adoption of AI tools for productivity, and the importance of a high agency culture in a remote work environment. Maha shares insights on managing tech debt, onboarding engineers, and the significance of tracking meaningful metrics while avoiding complexity in organizations. He concludes with valuable advice for tech leaders on building effective teams and fostering a productive work environment.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Michael Cieri, EVP of Software at BILL, about the company's mission to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through innovative financial management solutions. Michael shares insights from his extensive career in technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of integrating AI into workflows, and lessons from past product development and pricing experiences. He also discusses the significance of building trust with SMB clients and offers advice for tech leaders navigating the evolving landscape of technology and AI.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Eric Poff, CTO of Verve Labs, about his journey to becoming a technology leader, the innovative projects at Verve Labs, and the importance of human-centered AI. They discuss the engineering work model, the significance of communication within teams, and the balance between product and technology roles. Eric shares insights on experimentation, vibe coding, and the metrics that matter in engineering, as well as common mistakes organizations make. The conversation concludes with Eric's no-nonsense advice for tech leaders navigating today's challenges.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Brian Bauer, VP of AI Products at Rational Exponent. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on the banking sector, the development of their flagship product re:agent, and the importance of understanding the business needs of banking to create effective AI solutions. Brian shares insights on team dynamics in a remote work environment, the significance of collaboration between product and engineering teams, and the innovative approach of vibe coding for rapid prototyping. He also highlights common mistakes in AI development and offers valuable advice for tech leaders navigating the evolving landscape of AI.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Jeff Prince, CTO of XOi, about the evolution of engineering leadership, challenges in field service management, and the integration of AI in software development. They discuss the importance of aligning product and engineering teams, effective onboarding of new engineers, and key metrics for engineering success. Jeff shares insights on dealing with non-technical stakeholders and the lessons learned from failures in his career. The conversation concludes with advice for tech leaders navigating the industry's complexities.

In this episode of Software Leaders UNCENSORED, host Steve Taplin speaks with Ben Ede, an engineering director at Envoy, about his career transition, leadership philosophy, and the evolving role of AI in software engineering. They discuss the importance of CI/CD processes, breaking down work into manageable tasks, and effectively tracking engineering metrics. Ben shares insights on managing tech debt, the Run, Grow, Transform framework, and the significance of quality meetings for team alignment. He concludes with advice for tech leaders on the value of asking questions to foster understanding and collaboration.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Ajay Chankramath, a seasoned engineering leader and CEO of Platformetrics. They discuss AJ's unique approach to consulting, focusing on proven solutions rather than bespoke ones, and the importance of enhancing developer experience in tech companies. AJ shares insights on building the ideal developer experience, overcoming executive pushback, and his journey as an author and entrepreneur. He concludes with valuable advice for tech leaders on providing value with existing tools rather than chasing new ones.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Michael Terry, a seasoned software engineer and co-founder of Sanctuary Software Studio. They discuss Michael's extensive journey in software development, the evolution of his company, and the challenges faced in the current tech landscape, including talent management, onboarding, and the impact of AI on business models. Michael shares insights on maintaining a hybrid work model, the importance of continuous learning, and strategies for integrating new tools and workflows into their processes. The conversation concludes with Michael's advice for tech leaders navigating these changing times.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with William Steenbergen, co-founder and CTO of Federato, about the transformative role of AI in the insurance industry. They discuss the challenges of underwriting, the importance of addressing the coverage gap, and how Federato's platform is revolutionizing the insurance lifecycle. William shares insights on team dynamics, the impact of rapid growth, and the significance of fostering a collaborative culture through initiatives like demo days. He concludes with valuable advice for tech leaders navigating the complexities of scaling their businesses.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Matt Ryan, founder and CTO of Kythera Labs, about his journey from the corporate world to the startup landscape. They discuss the evolution of Kythera Labs, innovations in healthcare data solutions, the challenges of managing remote engineering teams, and the importance of clarity in technical communication. Matt shares insights on leveraging AI in healthcare, lessons learned from AI implementation, and the future goals for Kythera Labs as they aim to scale their offerings in 2026.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin interviews Nathan Miller, CEO of Rentec Direct, discussing the evolution of property management software, the integration of AI, challenges in the rental industry, and the impact of changing algorithms on customer acquisition. Nathan shares insights on fraud prevention, the importance of market testing ideas, and the dynamics of building a cohesive software engineering team. He emphasizes the need for tech leaders to adapt to new challenges and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Matt DeBergalis, CEO and co-founder of Apollo GraphQL. They discuss the evolution of Apollo, the impact of AI on software development, the importance of APIs, and the challenges of hiring in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Matt shares insights on building a culture of accountability, navigating the hype around AI, and the future of AI in enterprises. He emphasizes the need for continuous shipping and adapting to change as key strategies for tech leaders.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Herb Hogue, CTO of Myriad360, about the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure, the challenges of talent acquisition in tech, and the rapid changes in technology. Herb shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the importance of adaptability, the complexities of data center planning, and the future implications of quantum computing. The conversation emphasizes the need for tech leaders to remain grounded amidst the hype surrounding AI and to focus on building effective teams and infrastructures.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Michael Campbell, CEO of Fusion Risk Management, about the importance of operational resilience in today's unpredictable business environment. They discuss Michael's journey to his current role, the innovative projects at Fusion, and the impact of AI on software development. Michael emphasizes the need for ruthless prioritization in tech leadership and shares valuable advice for navigating the rapidly changing landscape of technology.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, host Steve Taplin speaks with Ken Johnson, CTO and co-founder of Dry Run Security. They discuss Ken's journey into the tech world, the innovations in software security that Dry Run is implementing, and the challenges faced by engineering teams in a rapidly evolving landscape. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on software development, the importance of communication within teams, and strategies for engaging non-technical stakeholders. Ken shares valuable insights and advice for tech leaders navigating the complexities of modern software development.

In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, Steve Taplin sits down with Edward Calvesbert, VP of Product Management for IBM WatsonX, to discuss what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s breaking inside enterprise AI today. Edward explains how Watson evolved into WatsonX, why 95% of enterprise AI projects are failing, and why strong data foundations and semantic layers matter more than the model itself. He breaks down the difference between demos and production AI, the emerging reality of agentic voice systems, and how text-to-SQL and conversational BI are the current innovation frontier. Edward also shares candid insights on governance, legacy data, vendor lock-in, productivity with GenAI coding tools, and what it really takes to go from prototype to enterprise-ready at global scale.