Builders by Proxify

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes sits down with Mina Boström Nakicenovic, CTO of Flightradar24, to explore her transition from developer to tech leader in one of the world’s most data-rich aviation platforms. Mina shares her insights on self-leadership, building high-performance engineering teams, and aligning technology with business strategy. She also discusses the critical role of data quality, sustainable growth, and collaboration in innovation. Learn how Flightradar24 uses flight data to shape the future of aviation and what emerging technologies are set to transform the industry. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Mina Boström Nakicenovic (01:09) Mina's Career Journey and Transition to Leadership (03:07) Influence of Diverse Experiences on Leadership (04:26) The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership (07:11) Cultivating Self-Leadership in Teams (09:43) Integrating Business Strategy with Technology Leadership (12:56) Hiring for Technical Roles: Key Qualities (14:35) Building High-Performance Teams vs. Local Champions (18:10) Models of Optimal Company Growth (24:43) Achieving Sustainable Growth Without Sacrificing Culture (26:34) The Helicopter Pilot Metaphor for Leadership (27:38) Managing Expectations in a Growing Company (30:35) Data as a Product Strategy (33:24) Diverse Customer Segments and Their Needs (37:36) Technical Challenges in Data Infrastructure (41:43) Collaboration Between Technical and Non-Technical Teams (43:43) Balancing Data Quality with Innovation (45:11) Emerging Technologies and Future Trends (48:15) Advice for Aspiring Technical Leaders

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes chats with Aron Tanos, backend developer and robotics expert from the Proxify network. They explore Aron’s journey from a childhood fascination with tech to his work across startups and major corporations. Aron shares unique insights into the rise of humanoid robots, cultural resistance to robotics, and the real impact of AI on jobs. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Aron's Background (03:01) Balancing Leadership and Hands-On Work (05:39) Experience Leading Teams and Working in Different Sectors (07:38) Preference for Startup Environment (10:32) Applying High Performance Mindset to Technology Solutions (14:06) Exciting Developments in AI and Robotics (16:08) Limitations of Humanoid Robots (18:45) Psychological and Cultural Barriers to Acceptance of Robots (22:44) The Future of AI and Robotics (24:29) The Decline of Junior IT Positions (26:47) The Potential of Robots in Healthcare and Elderly Care (28:34) Addressing the Emotional Needs of Individuals (31:09) Advice for Aspiring Developers (35:22) The Unique Perspective of Being a Developer and Customer

Senior Data Manager at Booking.com, Mahmoud Yassin, shares how to build a data-driven culture, improve data quality, and balance AI with human judgment. Learn about data governance, hiring for data roles, and driving change in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Data Leadership (00:56) Mahmoud's Journey in Data Management (05:05) Current Role at Booking.com (05:40) A Day in the Life of a Data Manager (08:14) Data-Driven Customer Experience (12:12) Ensuring Actionable Insights (15:52) Avoiding Data Paralysis (18:33) Balancing AI and Human Judgment (21:14) Guardrails for Machine Learning Models (23:43) Adapting to Regulatory Changes (25:26) Navigating Data Management and Regulation (27:20) Fostering a Data-Centric Culture (30:42) Overcoming Resistance to Data-Driven Change (32:41) Hiring for Data Roles in a Competitive Landscape (36:06) Balancing Soft Skills with Technical Expertise (38:45) Emerging Trends in Data and AI (41:29) Skills for Aspiring Data Leaders (44:35) Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Innovations

In this episode of Builders, host Lee Haynes speaks with Annie von Heijne, Manager of Data & Analytics Transformation at EcoGroup. Annie shares her journey in business transformation and how data plays a pivotal role in driving strategic decisions. They dive into the importance of collaboration between tech and business teams, overcoming misalignment, and the value of data quality in uncovering operational truths. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Annie von Heijne and EcoGroup (01:28) Annie's Career Journey and Passion for Analytics (03:47) The Role of Data and Analytics Transformation (06:40) Understanding EcoGroup's Business Model (08:02) Technological Transformations in Customer Experience (10:30) Analytics as a Strategic Asset (12:44) Fostering Collaboration Between Tech and Business (16:29) Challenges of Misalignment in Teams (20:03) Team Structure and Ownership in Transformation (23:11) Approaching Business Transformation with Analytics (25:56) Data Quality and Business Process Transformation (27:55) Insights from Analytics: Aha Moments (31:24) Strategic Initiatives in AI and Data (34:41) Leadership's Role in Data-Driven Culture (38:39) Future Trends in Retail Analytics (44:58) Practical Advice for Early Analytics Journeys

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes talks with Olof Granberg—AI strategist and founder of DataMentor Consulting—about the realities of adopting AI in enterprise settings. With a rich background in data and AI leadership, Olof shares lessons from working with large organizations and the critical role of data readiness, metadata, and culture in enabling successful AI initiatives. The conversation dives into the evolution of data management, the rise of agentic AI, and why collaboration between business and data teams is essential. Olof also explores the contrast between startups and enterprises in leveraging AI and offers insights on staying adaptable amid rapid AI innovation. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to AI Strategy and Consulting (05:56) Standout Moments in AI Adoption (12:05) The Impact of Big Data Hype (18:03) Enterprise vs. Personal AI Adoption (24:02) Data Readiness for AI Implementation (30:03) Data Mentor Consulting's Mission (35:19) The Rise of Agentic AI: Predictions for 2025 (40:52) Integrating Machine Learning in Data Preparation (49:39) Building Effective Data Teams: Skills and Roles (57:50) Startups vs. Enterprises: Different Approaches to AI