The Talent Pieces

In this episode of The Talent Pieces Podcast, Carlos sits down with Stephanie Brubaker, CTO of Stay AI, to talk about how her perspective on engineering teams evolved from an in office first mindset to building high performing distributed teams with nearshore talent.Stephanie shares lessons from her time founding and scaling engineering at FullStory, where culture, clarity, empathy, and collaboration shaped the company’s early success. She also breaks down what changed after COVID, why remote work became more viable, and how strong engineering culture can survive and thrive outside the office.The conversation gets tactical around what makes distributed teams work: clear engineering levels, strong documentation, communication standards, intentional onboarding, and treating nearshore engineers as true teammates instead of outside resources.A key takeaway from the episode: great engineering teams are not defined by location. They are defined by clarity, ownership, communication, and the ability to match the right talent to the right role.

Is AI Replacing Engineers or Making Them Better? A Real Talk with Nandu ShahIn this session of The Talent Pieces Podcast, Carlos Delcid sits down with Nandu Shah, a seasoned technology leader and community builder behind the Atlanta CTO Club, to explore the reality of AI in software engineering and what it actually means for today’s tech teams. Nandu shares his journey from starting to code at just 8 years old to leading a powerful network of CTOs, highlighting the importance of community, trust, and shared experiences in leadership roles that can often feel isolating.They dive deep into the difference between coding and true software engineering, unpacking why building a product goes far beyond writing code—touching on scalability, security, architecture, and user trust. Nandu also breaks down how AI is accelerating development like never before, while emphasizing that product-market fit, creativity, and problem-solving remain the real differentiators.The conversation explores what’s overhyped and underhyped in AI today, including why AI won’t replace engineers anytime soon but will make great engineers even more powerful. They also discuss the rise of “vibe coding,” the importance of documentation and context in AI-driven teams, and why adaptability is the most valuable skill in today’s tech talent.Beyond technology, Nandu shares insights on building high-performing teams, aligning incentives in distributed and nearshore environments, and how CTOs should rethink hiring strategies in the AI era. This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders navigating rapid innovation, engineers looking to stay relevant, and founders building scalable, future-ready teams in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of The Talent Pieces, Carlos Delcid sits down with Grace Maher, COO of OTR Solutions, to explore how a fintech leader in the freight industry is scaling operations without sacrificing culture, service, or trust.Grace unpacks the evolution of the trucking industry—from paperwork in envelopes to AI-powered fraud detection—and shares how OTR is using technology not to replace people, but to empower them. She explains how their team built one of the highest-retention nearshore programs in their vendor’s portfolio, why culture still wins in a high-AI world, and how servicing—not just selling—drives lasting growth.

In this dynamic session of The Talent Pieces, host Carlos A. Delcid welcomes Walter Ward III, CEO of Tiicker, to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and human talent. Walter shares the origin and mission behind Tiicker—bringing perks and visibility to retail investors—and how the platform is revolutionizing shareholder engagement.But the heart of the episode is a candid, insightful conversation on AI’s real-world impact in startups: how it enhances great teams rather than replaces them, and why judgment, creativity, and experience still matter. Walter introduces his personal AI tools (like “Coach”) and breaks down his philosophy on solving problems—from simple to “blue ocean.” Together, he and Carlos reflect on building high-performing teams in the age of AI and why startup leaders must stay curious, stay hands-on, and use AI to multiply—not substitute—human potential.

In this session of The Talent Pieces Podcast, Carlos Delcid sits down with Robert Daniel, a fintech catalyst at ATDC, to explore Atlanta’s booming fintech ecosystem and its role as a major global payments hub. Robert shares insights on how Atlanta became a leader in financial technology, the key players shaping the industry, and how initiatives like ATDC and fintech accelerators are nurturing the next wave of innovation.They also dive into the importance of mentorship, fostering a strong startup culture, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in the fintech space. Robert highlights the increasing role of AI in finance, the regulatory challenges that come with financial innovation, and the critical need for cybersecurity in an AI-driven world.Beyond fintech, Robert discusses his passion for comedy and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for founders to take breaks, prioritize mental health, and build strong, mission-driven teams. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the fintech landscape, startup founders seeking funding and mentorship, and business leaders curious about Atlanta’s fintech dominance.

In this episode of The Talent Pieces Podcast, host Carlos DelCid welcomes Anastasia Simon, Managing Director at Techstars, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, and the startup ecosystem. Anastasia shares her unconventional career journey, from fashion and publishing to working with startups in tech and venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, hustle, and leveraging side hustles to navigate career transitions.The conversation dives into Techstars’ global impact, their accelerator programs, and their commitment to supporting founders beyond just funding. Anastasia explains her work with Techstars Water Tech in Alabama, focusing on sustainability and infrastructure challenges. She highlights the significance of resilience for entrepreneurs, the value of finding the right investors, and why pivoting is a key survival skill LinkedIn the startup world.Carlos and Anastasia also discuss team-building, the challenges of early-stage hiring, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Anastasia offers advice to founders on preparing for 2025’s entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the need for scalability, profitability, and bold thinking

Building Strong Relationships & Business Success with Juli St George this engaging session of The Talent Pieces podcast, host Carlos Delcid sits down with Juli St George, founder of The Perfect Property Real Estate Team, to explore the power of relationships, trust, and customer experience in business. Juli shares her fascinating journey from living across the world in France, India, and Japan to building a thriving real estate business in Atlanta.The conversation highlights how long-term relationships—not just transactions—drive success in real estate and beyond. Juli emphasizes education, trust, and delighting customers as key business principles, explaining how her team creates an unforgettable experience for clients, even those who never buy or sell a home with them. She also discusses the importance of hiring the right talent, nurturing connections, and being adaptable as an entrepreneur. This session is packed with valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to build authentic relationships, create a strong brand presence, and scale their business through trust and consistency.

In this session of The Talent Pieces Podcast, Carlos Delcid sits down with Robert Daniel, a fintech catalyst at ATDC, to explore Atlanta’s booming fintech ecosystem and its role as a major global payments hub. Robert shares insights on how Atlanta became a leader in financial technology, the key players shaping the industry, and how initiatives like ATDC and fintech accelerators are nurturing the next wave of innovation.They also dive into the importance of mentorship, fostering a strong startup culture, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in the fintech space. Robert highlights the increasing role of AI in finance, the regulatory challenges that come with financial innovation, and the critical need for cybersecurity in an AI-driven world.Beyond fintech, Robert discusses his passion for comedy and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for founders to take breaks, prioritize mental health, and build strong, mission-driven teams.This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the fintech landscape, startup founders seeking funding and mentorship, and business leaders curious about Atlanta’s fintech dominance.

In this session of The Talent Pieces Podcast, host Carlos Delcid sits down with Charles Robinson, founder of 1888 Ventures, to discuss the reality of raising capital as an entrepreneur. They dive deep into when and why a startup should raise funding, the common misconceptions about venture capital, and how entrepreneurs can determine if fundraising is the right move for their business. Charles shares his 3Ts framework—Timing, Talent, and TAM (Total Addressable Market)—for evaluating a business’s investment potential and offers insights on how founders should build relationships with investors before they need them. The conversation also highlights the importance of assembling the right team and how entrepreneurs can avoid the trap of raising capital too soon.

In this session of The Talent Pieces Podcast, Carlos Delcid is joined by Maija Ehlinger, Editor-in-Chief of Hypepotamus, to discuss her journey from Los Angeles to Atlanta and her role in amplifying the Southeast’s startup ecosystem. Maija shares her passion for storytelling, cultivated through her early entrepreneurial ventures in journalism, and reflects on how Atlanta’s unique culture of collaboration and support helped shape her career. Maija provides insights into navigating the startup community during the challenges of the pandemic, her strategies for uncovering impactful stories, and the importance of clear messaging for startups to effectively communicate their value. She highlights the role of intentionality in fostering strong company cultures, whether remote, hybrid, or in-office, and the critical importance of understanding customers to drive startup success. Lastly, Maija offers a glimpse into Hypepotamus’ mission to spotlight the Southeast’s burgeoning tech and entrepreneurial scene while connecting innovators and fostering growth in the region.

In this session, Carlos Delcid hosts Pramod Sajja, President and CEO of Paramount Software Solutions, and a finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award. Pramod shares his inspiring 26-year journey as an immigrant entrepreneur in the U.S., starting with a vision to realize the American Dream. He discusses how Paramount Software Solutions has thrived through challenges like the dot-com bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, and COVID-19, thanks to a strategy of reinvention every four years and a strong customer-centric culture. Pramod emphasizes the importance of building contingency plans, fostering client relationships during tough times, and creating a culture that supports employees. He also highlights his passion for empowering others, from supporting immigrant employees to launching Farm to Plate, a blockchain-based supply chain solution that helps small businesses and farmers go global by meeting compliance standards. Through a blend of innovation, culture, and leadership, Pramod has not only realized his dream but also impacted thousands of lives by enabling others to achieve their own dreams.

In this episode, host Carlos Delcid welcomes Deron Quon, a 4x founder and entrepreneur, to discuss his journey in building businesses, the importance of culture, and his latest venture, Hoopla. Deron shares his early entrepreneurial experiences, including his first company, Menus.com, and how a pivot led to the success of Datassential. They discuss the challenges and lessons learned from running multiple companies, emphasizing the significance of strong partnerships and a clear organizational culture. Deron also introduces his community-focused initiatives, like Breakfast of Champions and his role with YPO, and stresses the value of authentic connections in both business and personal life.

In this session of The Talent Pieces podcast, Carlos Delcid hosts Marcia Torres, founder and CEO of Imagen Talent Solutions, for a discussion about effective talent acquisition and company culture. Marcia shares her journey from a brewing manager at Anheuser-Busch to becoming a talent acquisition expert. She emphasizes the importance of understanding business operations to recruit effectively and discusses the significance of employer branding and candidate experience. Marcia also explains how companies can optimize their internal talent acquisition processes to become valued business partners rather than just filling roles. She highlights the value of international talent beyond cost savings, citing resilience and commitment. Additionally, Marcia discusses the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to be integrated into recruiting strategies rather than treated as separate initiatives. The session provides insights for startup founders on building a recruitment strategy that aligns with company culture and drives growth.

In this session of The Talent Pieces, Carlos Delcid sits down with Allyson Eman, CEO of Venture Atlanta, to discuss how the conference has grown into the largest venture capital event in the Southeast over its 17-year history. Allyson shares insights on how Venture Atlanta started to address the lack of capital for startups in the region and has since expanded to support companies across 15 states. The session highlights the importance of finding the right venture capital partners and emphasizes that the conference is more than just about raising capital—it’s about building connections, partnerships, and a supportive ecosystem for scaling businesses. Allyson also touches on the long-term value Venture Atlanta offers and gives tips for entrepreneurs to make the most out of the event.

In this engaging session of The Talent Pieces, host Carlos Delcid sits down with Jeff Johnson, COO of Dr. Noze Best, to discuss his career journey and the crucial role of talent in scaling businesses. Jeff shares lessons from his experience in startups and Fortune 500 companies, introducing the "Netflix Approach to Hiring," which emphasizes preserving company culture while growing and ensuring A-players are in every role. The conversation covers how hiring for culture fit is key from day one, not just when a company reaches maturity. Jeff also touches on the benefits of integrating nearshore talent, showing how the right cultural and skills alignment can help businesses scale effectively.

In this session of "Putting the Talent Pieces Together," Carlos chats with Aly, Managing Director of Atlanta Tech Village. Aly shares her journey from journalism to leading one of the biggest startup hubs in the U.S. They discuss how having the right company culture is key to successfully scaling teams, even when working with nearshore talent. By fostering a strong, unified culture, startups can overcome challenges and build cohesive teams, no matter where they are located.

In the first session of "Putting the Talent Pieces Together," Carlos Delcid talks with AJ, co-founder of ProLine, shares how ProLine was born to solve CRM gaps in the roofing industry, and how automation doubled their close rate. They discuss the importance of the right talent and how his nearshore team seamlessly integrated into ProLine, helping them scale. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.