Keep Moving Forward

For most tech leaders, a bad call means a missed milestone. For Kevin Andrews, it means someone doesn't get paid. Kevin is President of PrismHR and CTO of Vensure Employer Solutions, two companies handling payroll and HR for more than 160,000 small businesses and processing nearly $160 billion in payroll annually. In this episode, host Gemma Versace talks with Kevin about what responsible AI adoption looks like when the stakes are this concrete. They get into the governance-first framework Kevin applies across his 400-person AI-enabled developer team, why no one actually has 20 years of AI experience and what to look for instead, the real gap in vibe coding at enterprise scale, and the leadership mistake he keeps watching tech leaders make heading into integration work. Kevin also shares what he's learned from Vensure's 100-plus acquisitions, why he's currently pursuing a doctorate focused on AI and machine learning, and why the leaders who come through the current AI transition well won't be the fastest — they'll be the ones who know exactly what can't break.

Your team completed the workshop. They did the role play. They said it was amazing. Then they went back to their desks and kept doing exactly what they were doing before. Esha Joshi, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Yoodli, has spent years watching this pattern repeat inside some of the world's largest companies. She says the problem with most communication skills training isn't the content. It's that behavior change never gets built into the workflow — and when it doesn't, nothing sticks. In this episode, Esha explains what actually drives adoption of AI-powered communication tools, why being available isn't the same as being effective, and how she learned that being a bottleneck is a systems failure, not a leadership trait. If you lead a customer-facing team and wonder why training never seems to transfer to real work, this episode is for you.

Your transformation roadmap is set. The strategy looks solid. Leadership is aligned. So why does nothing seem to actually change? Victoria Pelletier, global vice president at Kyndryl and keynote speaker, has led change through more than 40 mergers and acquisitions in some of the world's most complex technology environments. She argues that the biggest blocker to transformation is not technology. The obstacle is whether people believe in the change and whether the right leaders are in the right roles to carry it out. In this episode, Victoria explains how organizations mistake busy delivery for real progress, why adoption fails when human-centered design is skipped, and how a 10-20-70 framework reframes where AI's value actually comes from. If you are leading a technology transformation while still expected to deliver every day, this conversation will change how you think about momentum and belief-building.

Your enterprise AI agents are up and running. The outputs look polished. The answers sound confident. So why do decisions still feel risky? Richard Sonnenblick, Chief Data Scientist at Planview, has built decision systems in high risk industries where bad data leads to real consequences. He argues the biggest challenge with enterprise AI is not autonomy. It is data quality and human ownership. In this episode, Rich explains how outdated systems of record quietly train AI on optimistic fiction, why garbage in still means garbage out, and what practical agent driven workflows can prove ROI in the first 60 to 90 days. If you are scaling enterprise AI across your teams, this conversation will change how you think about accountability and execution.

Most AI adoption conversations focus on speed and capability. Raj Natarajan focuses on what those conversations skip: trust as a design requirement. In this episode, the global CTO of Gorilla Technology Group breaks down the five decisions that determine whether an AI system will be trusted long-term, and why sovereign AI is reshaping where data centers are built, how models are trained, and how systems are secured.

Great leaders aren’t just experts in their field—they’re mentors, problem-solvers, and collaborators who empower others to succeed. In this episode, we talk to Vishnu V. Ram, Vice President of Engineering at Credit Karma, about his career journey, leadership philosophy, and the innovations driving Credit Karma’s success. Vishnu reflects on his early experiences during the dot-com boom, shares insights into navigating challenges in data science, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. Vishnu offers actionable advice for tech leaders looking to build resilient systems, foster team growth, and balance technical excellence with a people-first approach.

Your AI rollout looked fine on paper. The launch happened. The training got done. The metrics held. So why is your team still running everything on spreadsheets? Paul Gentile, former senior director of pre-sales engineering and architecture at Broadcom, has spent years inside some of the largest enterprise tech environments in the world, and he says most AI adoption failures aren't technology problems. They're trust problems. And by the time leaders notice, it's already too late. In this episode, Paul breaks down the quiet signals that adoption is failing, why your highest performers are often the last ones to tell you they're drowning, and the single most common way leaders destroy trust without realizing it. If your team isn't using the tools you rolled out, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Will Jung, CTO of nCino, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the banking sector. Will shares his journey from engineering roles in finance to leading nCino's global engineering team, offering insights into the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer experiences. We discuss the importance of designing AI solutions that prioritize trust, explainability, and speed while addressing regulatory challenges. Will emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on solving real customer problems with AI, advocating for a balance between top-down urgency and bottom-up curiosity in AI adoption. Join us for a deep dive into the future of banking, where technology and human expertise converge to create value.

Joel Hron, chief technology officer at Thomson Reuters, shares the AI adoption strategy that his team used to achieve 80% uptake across a 5,000-person engineering organization. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Joel explains how innovation becomes everyone’s job, how he pushed through early failures, and how grounding AI work in deep subject matter expertise creates lasting competitive advantage.

Andy Sen, chief technology officer and co-founder of AppDirect, shares how bottom-up experimentation accelerates AI adoption, strengthens ownership, and unlocks unexpected innovation across teams. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Andy breaks down why fear fades when people start to use AI, how celebration drives more progress than mandates, and what leaders should focus on when beginning their AI journey.

Mike Gibson, chief technology officer at Planet DDS, shares how empathy drives performance, why clarity builds trust, and how communication holds distributed teams together. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Mike explains how to lead through change with transparency, build autonomy through trust, and create the space teams need to innovate—even in fast-moving, high-stakes tech environments.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Justin Kerestes, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Fanatics Betting and Gaming. We delve into Justin's unconventional journey from economics to leading a thriving engineering organization in the fast-paced world of sports betting. Justin shares valuable insights on remote leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust built through everyday interactions. He discusses the challenges of scaling teams while maintaining culture and operational excellence, and the critical role of communication in a remote-first environment. You'll also hear about the impact of emerging technologies like AI in the gaming space and how understanding the 'why' behind tasks can empower engineers. Join us for an enlightening conversation that inspires growth, leadership, and innovation.

Ancestry’s Suresh Teckchandani, VP of Product and Engineering, has led teams through transformation by defining non-negotiables, treating innovation as an everyday discipline, and preparing for AI’s impact on engineering. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, he explains why principles create alignment, how small innovations add up to big outcomes, and how AI can free teams to focus on what matters most.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Tim Zallmann, VP of Engineering at GitLab, to explore the intricacies of building fast-moving, distributed teams. Tim shares how he leads globally-distributed engineering teams while fostering a culture of trust and autonomy. We discuss the critical balance between innovation and operational stability, emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication. Tim also highlights his journey from programming as a teenager to shaping engineering practices at a leading tech company. If you're navigating the challenges of remote leadership or looking to build a scalable culture, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of engineering management in a remote world.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Ayesha Mahmood, Vice President of Software Engineering at Zscaler. Ayesha shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Pakistan to leading engineering teams in Silicon Valley. We delve into her leadership philosophy, emphasizing adaptability and empathy, and discuss how her father's encouragement shaped her perspective on independence and challenging cultural norms. Ayesha also reflects on her time at Apple, the importance of situational leadership, and how to balance immediate product needs with long-term engineering goals. As we explore the impact of AI on user experience and cybersecurity, Ayesha provides valuable insights for technical leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern engineering. Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable wisdom and forward-thinking perspectives.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Bala Muthiah, Director of Engineering at Lyft, to explore the transformative power of leadership through systems thinking. Bala shares his journey from individual contributor to leader and emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong team culture centered around purpose. We discuss how to navigate uncertainty, maintain engineering excellence, and embrace the evolving tech landscape, especially in the context of remote work. Bala's insights reveal that effective leadership is about empowering others, promoting trust, and focusing on the 'why' behind our work. This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive impactful results in their careers. Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how to build resilient, innovative teams.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Brandon Lonac, Vice President of Software Engineering at Disney Streaming. With over 20 years of experience in shaping media consumption, Brandon shares insights on scaling engineering teams with a focus on respect and clear communication. He discusses the importance of treating every team member with dignity, fostering a culture that empowers individuals to voice their ideas. We delve into the challenges of integrating Hulu into Disney+ and the technical hurdles of supporting millions of users. Brandon emphasizes the need for autonomy balanced with standardization, and his belief that effective leadership hinges on humility and collaboration. This conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership in tech. Join us for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, media, and human connection.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Abhishek Kumar, Vice President of Engineering at Trellix, to explore the vital role of mindset in engineering leadership. With over two decades of experience, Abhishek emphasizes the importance of soft skills, particularly attitude, over technical expertise in hiring and team dynamics. He shares insights from his journey, from developing compliance software in India to innovating cybersecurity solutions at Trellix. We discuss how mentorship shaped his leadership philosophy and the transformative impact of AI in the cybersecurity landscape. If you're looking to navigate your career towards high-impact work and understand what truly drives effective engineering leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that encourages growth and proactive leadership in the ever-evolving tech industry.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I dive into a fascinating conversation with Ivy Chiu, Senior Manager of AI Research Partnerships at TELUS. We explore Ivy's unconventional journey from building circuits with her dad to leading ethical AI initiatives and fostering inclusive engineering cultures. Ivy shares insights on formalizing AI for good programs and designing effective hybrid work environments. We discuss the importance of soft skills like communication in engineering and how these skills can give teams a critical edge. Ivy also reflects on her leadership approach, emphasizing flexibility and the power of community. Whether you're interested in AI, team building, or leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Join me as we uncover how Ivy is shaping the future of AI and team dynamics at TELUS.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, join me as I sit down with Anand Thaker, Managing Vice President of Engineering at Gartner's Peer Programs. Anand shares his remarkable journey from founding a VC-backed startup to navigating the challenges of Y Combinator and ultimately leading his company through acquisition. We explore the art of effective cold emailing, the critical importance of building genuine connections, and the lessons learned from fundraising and early-stage leadership. Anand also delves into the evolving landscapes of tech transformation and community building among executives. Whether you're a founder or simply curious about the tech industry's inner workings, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to inspire your journey. Tune in for an enlightening discussion!

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Amanda Stapleton, a trailblazer in engineering leadership. From her early inspiration at a STEM camp to her current role as Systems Engineering Director at Northrop Grumman, Amanda shares her journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to drive innovation. We delve into her experiences leading global teams, managing cultural shifts in digital transformation, and maintaining safety standards in aerospace. Amanda also offers insights on transitioning from individual contributor to leader and the importance of mentorship. Join us for a conversation full of wisdom on navigating complexity and fostering growth in engineering.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Subbu Allamaraju, Vice President of Engineering at Bill.com, to explore the intricacies of shaping a distributed engineering team culture. Subbu shares his journey from academic researcher to influential tech leader, highlighting the importance of understanding human dynamics alongside technical expertise. We delve into his philosophy of "manufacturing willingness" and how it plays a crucial role in building strong, collaborative teams. Subbu also offers insights into mentoring in a remote world and the strategic competencies that tech leaders need to thrive. Whether you're an engineering leader or an aspiring one, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you grow your influence and impact. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to leave you with valuable takeaways.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, I sit down with Nir Orman, Director of E-Commerce Engineering at Wix, to explore the essence of leadership. Nir shares her journey from military instructor to tech leader, offering insights into building high-performing teams in distributed environments. We discuss the importance of embodying leadership qualities before officially stepping into a leadership role and how to cultivate a strong engineering culture. Nir emphasizes the value of continuous learning and the impact of diverse experiences across different company sizes. Whether you're navigating technical challenges or aspiring to lead, this episode provides valuable lessons on thinking and acting like a leader. Join us for an engaging conversation on leadership, resilience, and innovation.

How do you lead with empathy while building systems designed for the cutting edge of the internet? In this episode, we sit down with Miros Milenkovic, Project Manager at Privado ID, to explore how his journey through front-end development, remote team leadership, and decentralized identity has shaped a uniquely human approach to engineering culture. Miros shares hard-earned lessons from aligning values-driven teams, navigating cultural differences, and designing collaborative processes during moments of massive change. He reflects on the importance of listening to both what is said and what is left unsaid, and why understanding bias, behavior, and happiness is essential for leaders shaping the future of Web3.

How do you effectively scale global tech teams while navigating cross-cultural complexities and fast-moving AI innovations? In this episode, we talk to Marin Sarbulescu, Senior Vice President of Technology at CJ, about his journey from building websites in Romania to leading high-impact, international engineering organizations. Marin shares why relationship-building matters more than talent alone, how transparency helps developers become strategic architects, and what generative AI means for the future of software engineering.

What does it take to lead innovative engineering teams in a rapidly evolving AI landscape? In this episode, we talk to Shobana Radhakrishnan, Senior Director of Engineering at Google TV, about her journey across startups and tech giants, her people-first leadership philosophy and how her team is using AI to transform the television experience. Shobana shares how hiring for passion and purpose, empowering teams through autonomy and staying close to the user can lead to more impactful, scalable products. She also discusses the role of continuous learning, the future of AI in entertainment and why democratizing access to knowledge is key to long-term innovation.

Startups don’t grow in a straight line. Travis Kupsche joined AssemblyAI when its teams were small and flexible. Now, he’s navigating the challenges of scaling while keeping knowledge flowing and silos from forming. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Travis breaks down the biggest challenges of rapid scaling, from maintaining alignment across teams to balancing autonomy and structure in decision-making. Listen in as Travis shares insights on how AssemblyAI approaches team collaboration, hiring, and engineering culture in an AI-driven world—and what tech leaders need to prioritize as AI reshapes the future of work.

What makes a great engineering leader? It’s not just technical skills—it’s accountability, adaptability, and the ability to connect with your team in a way that fosters ownership and long-term success. In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Gregg Altschul, VP of Engineering at FanDuel, explores what it takes to lead a high-performance engineering organization. With years of experience across startups, fintech, and gaming, Gregg has seen firsthand how rapid scaling can strain teams, how hiring ramps can backfire without the right structure, and why fostering ownership at scale requires more than just good intentions.

What does it take to build a culture of reliability at scale? In this episode of Keep Moving Forward, Netflix Staff Site Reliability Engineer Molly Struve joins host Caleb Brown to break down how psychological safety, collaboration, and trust fuel system resilience. Molly shares how embracing failure as a learning tool leads to stronger, more reliable systems, why data alone doesn’t drive change, and how democratizing incident management transformed Netflix’s engineering culture. If you're an engineer or tech leader looking to make reliability a core part of your team’s DNA, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

Join me, Kayla Brown, on Keep Moving Forward as we delve into the world of tech innovation with Bharti Patel, Senior Vice President, Head of Engineering at Hitachi. In this episode, Bharti shares her journey from a Java developer at IBM India to leading AI strategies at Hitachi. Discover her three guiding principles: creating exceptional customer experiences, driving innovation through quality, and unleashing team potential. Bharti reveals how she fosters a culture of innovation, balances technical skills with human connection, and approaches enterprise AI readiness. Whether you're passionate about tech leadership or AI innovation, this episode offers valuable insights. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion with one of the industry's visionary leaders.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward Test, I sit down with Shahin Mohammadkhani, VP of Engineering Strategy at United Talent Agency, to explore the transformative role of AI in the entertainment industry. Shahin shares his journey from a self-described surfer dude to a tech innovator, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and empathy in leadership. We discuss how AI can enhance development efficiency, streamline business operations, and uncover new revenue opportunities. Shahin also highlights the unique challenges of integrating AI in a relationship-driven industry like entertainment, focusing on privacy, speed, and cultural adaptation. Whether you're interested in AI's impact on entertainment or leadership insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives. Join us for an engaging discussion on innovation and growth.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward Test, we dive into the world of engineering leadership with Rajashree Pimpalkhare, Vice President of Engineering at Twilio. Join me as Rajashree shares her blueprint for building thriving engineering teams, emphasizing the importance of customer focus, engineering excellence, and transparency. Discover how she fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity, ensuring team members feel valued and connected, even in remote settings. Rajashree also discusses her approach to scaling teams, balancing standardized practices with autonomy, and optimizing for outcomes over output. Whether you're leading a small team or a large organization, her insights offer valuable guidance on creating environments where innovation flourishes. Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change in your engineering teams.

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward Test, I sit down with Martin Spier, VP of Foundational Engineering at PicPay, to explore the art of performance engineering. Martin shares his journey from Netflix, where he pioneered cloud infrastructure, to his current role at Latin America's largest digital wallet. We delve into his innovative approach to engineering culture, emphasizing the balance between freedom and accountability. Martin discusses the importance of authentic leadership, open dialogue, and finding rare talents who thrive in high-growth environments. We also cover his insights on performance reviews, hiring for leadership roles, and the creative process of engineering today. Whether you're leading a team or deep in the technical trenches, Martin's experiences offer valuable lessons on fostering a dynamic and motivated engineering culture. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to inspire and inform.

Welcome to Keep Moving Forward, a biweekly podcast from X-Team for tech professionals who are passionate about growth, leadership, and innovation. In this podcast, we'll talk to seasoned tech leaders, forward-thinking engineers, and visionary experts about the lessons they’ve learned on scaling high-performing teams, navigating complex challenges, and driving innovation. Subscribe now, share with your colleagues, and let’s keep moving forward together.