We Chat Tech

We Chat Tech

by Ben Whitmarsh & Vytas Jelinskas
Technology
Season 3
The Truth About The AI Takeover, with Lydia Ray
In this episode of the We Chat Tech podcast, host Vytas Jelinskas welcomes Lydia Ray, a Solution Architect formerly with AWS, and now at DataBricks, to discuss her journey in tech, the importance of AI, and her advocacy for women in technology. Lydia shares her unique path from disliking programming in high school to finding her passion in data and analytics. She emphasizes the significance of building a strong data foundation for AI and the evolving role of AI in the workplace, arguing that while AI will augment jobs, it will not replace humans entirely. Lydia also highlights the importance of responsible AI, urging organizations to focus on ethical practices and the human element in AI development.
S3 · E7
Feb 27, 2026
51:14
From Music to Head of DevOps: Brian's Unique Career Path
In this episode of the WeChat Tech podcast, host Ben Whitmarsh speaks with Brian Bensky, Head of DevOps at Move.ai. Brian shares his unique journey from a music career to the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. He discusses his experiences in sales, the significance of asking questions, and the role of AI in modern DevOps practices. Brian also delves into the shift left mentality, the challenges of being a solo DevOps engineer, and his preferences for cloud providers and CI/CD tools. The conversation highlights the value of community engagement and the importance of understanding business priorities in tech roles. Takeaways Brian Bensky is currently running DevOps for Move.ai, focusing on data for traffic and road conditions. He transitioned from a music career to tech, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. Sales experience taught him valuable lessons about communication and understanding customer needs. He believes in the importance of asking questions and being curious in tech roles. Infrastructure as code and GitOps are key practices he advocates for in DevOps. AI tools have become integral to his daily work, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Shift left mentality is crucial for ensuring quality and security in software development. Being a solo DevOps engineer can be challenging but also rewarding in terms of impact. He prefers using GCP for data analytics and Kubernetes, citing its strong product offerings. Conferences like KubeCon provide invaluable networking and learning opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business priorities in tech roles. Brian encourages juniors to confidently ask questions and not fear looking uninformed. He advises new DevOps engineers to understand existing systems before making changes.
S3 · E6
Feb 18, 2026
1:03:25
Leading With AI: How to Innovate Without Becoming a Slave to Process
In this episode of the WeChat Tech Podcast, Vytas Jelinskas interviews Bogdan Grigorescu, a seasoned technology expert with a diverse background in various industries. Bogdan spent more than a decade with Apple, had a stint with Ebay, and now works at Direct Line Group. They discuss Bogdan's journey into technology, the principles of DevOps, and the importance of automation. Bogdan shares insights on the risks of bad automation practices, the significance of understanding processes, and the mindset leaders should adopt in tech. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in DevOps and the future of technology, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation and practicality. Follow Bodgan: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat... / bogdan-g
S3 · E5
Feb 10, 2026
1:06:18
Level Up: AI and the Future of Gaming Recruitment
In this conversation, Lauren Sears, a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wushu Studios, shares her unique journey from HR to recruitment in the gaming industry. She discusses the challenges of breaking into gaming, the importance of soft skills, and the cultural differences between gaming and other sectors. Lauren also highlights the significance of a positive work culture, the implementation of a direct sourcing model, and the role of automation in recruitment processes. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of gaming and the evolving landscape of recruitment.
S3 · E3
Feb 2, 2026
48:51
From Chaos to Clarity: Jeff Foster's Unfiltered Tech Tales!
In this conversation, Jeff Foster discusses the challenges of Developer Experience (DevEx) and the limitations of AI tools in software development. He emphasizes that simply providing developers with tools does not solve the underlying systems problems. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the entire development process, including the CI/CD loop, and how AI tools can sometimes complicate rather than simplify workflows. Takeaways: DevEx is a complex systems problem. AI tools do not magically improve productivity. The CI/CD loop remains a significant bottleneck. Speed in coding does not equate to speed in feedback. Understanding the entire development process is crucial. Tools must integrate well with existing workflows. Feedback loops are essential for effective development. AI can assist but cannot replace fundamental processes. Developers need more than just tools to succeed. The focus should be on holistic improvements in DevEx.
S3 · E1
Jan 19, 2026
1:03:45
Season 2
Empathy in Recruitment & Tech: A Game Changer
In this conversation on the We Chat Podcast, Katie Martocchio shares her journey from aspiring healthcare professional to a key player in recruitment within the healthcare sector. She discusses her experiences in healthcare staffing, the transition to startups, and the importance of candidate experience in recruitment. Katie emphasizes the need for empathy in communication, the challenges faced by recruiters, and the role of technology in streamlining the hiring process. She also highlights the significance of internal mobility and offers advice for candidates navigating the job market. In this conversation, Katie Martocchio and Ben Whitmarsh discuss the critical aspects of recruitment, focusing on communication, partnerships, and the candidate experience. They explore the dynamics between internal and external recruiters, the importance of empathy and feedback, and the ideal interview process for engineering roles. Katie shares insights on the growth of her employer, Prompt, and the qualities she looks for in talent professionals. The discussion also touches on advice for job seekers, emphasizing the significance of preparation and punctuality in interviews. Takeaways Katie's journey into healthcare began with a desire to help others. She transitioned from agency recruitment to internal recruitment for more human interaction. Empathy is crucial in the recruitment process to enhance candidate experience. Communication with candidates is essential, even if it's just to provide updates. Automation in recruitment should still maintain a personal touch. Internal mobility is prioritized at Prompt to foster growth within the company. Technology, like ATS systems, can significantly improve recruitment efficiency. Candidates should advocate for themselves if they feel ghosted during the hiring process. Recruiters should manage their time effectively to handle high volumes of applications. Building a culture of internal mobility can enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Communication is key in recruitment and sets the tone for candidate experience. Building strong partnerships with external recruiters enhances the hiring process. Empathy and understanding are crucial for internal recruiters to succeed. Feedback is essential to avoid wasting time in the recruitment process. The interview process should be streamlined, ideally no more than four interviews. Assessments should be relevant to the actual work candidates will do. Candidate experience should be a top priority for talent acquisition teams. Job seekers should focus on intention and authenticity in their applications. Punctuality and preparation are critical for making a good impression in interviews. Finding a mission-driven company can lead to greater job satisfaction than chasing a paycheck. Chapters 00:00 Katie's Journey into Healthcare and Recruitment 03:01 The Importance of Candidate Experience 05:58 Challenges in Recruitment and Communication 08:56 The Role of Technology in Recruitment 12:08 Internal vs External Recruitment 14:54 Building a Recruitment Team and Culture 23:48 Transitioning from Agency to In-House Recruiting 30:19 The Importance of Internal Mobility 36:13 Enhancing Candidate Experience 42:49 Building Effective Partnerships in Recruitment 48:08 Assessment and Decision-Making Process 49:42 Enhancing Candidate Experience 50:39 Understanding Prompt's Role in Healthcare 52:33 Growth and Hiring Plans 53:37 Qualities of a Talent Acquisition Professional 55:28 Advice for Job Seekers 58:09 Interview Preparation Tips 01:00:56 Punctuality and First Impressions 01:04:17 Final Thoughts and Future Questions
S2 · E6
Oct 29, 2025
1:08:31
Cycling Through Challenges: Matteo's Engineering Story
In this conversation on the We Chat Tech Podcast, Matteo De Ponti shares his journey from a software engineer to an engineering manager at Prima, discussing the importance of collaboration, the challenges of managing a tech team, and the evolving landscape of DevOps and platform engineering. He emphasizes the significance of work-life balance, the role of AI in engineering, and the necessity of measuring success through both technical metrics and team satisfaction. Matteo also offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and reflects on the importance of curiosity and communication in the tech industry. Takeaways Matteo's nickname is Depo, and he has a strong background in tech. He transitioned from a software engineer to a DevOps engineer and then to an engineering manager. The importance of collaboration in DevOps culture is crucial for success. Work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout in tech roles. AI can significantly aid in coding and infrastructure management but should not be solely relied upon. Measuring success involves both technical metrics and team satisfaction. Curiosity is key for engineers to adapt and grow in their careers. Effective communication is vital for team cohesion and success. Platform engineering is the future of managing complexity in DevOps. Data-driven decisions can help influence and convince stakeholders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matteo De Ponti 05:58 Transitioning to Engineering Management 11:42 Managing Team Wellbeing and Burnout 17:40 Choosing the Right Tools for Development 46:57 Navigating the Transition to Kubernetes 51:42 The Future of DevOps and Platform Engineering 01:12:34 Challenges in Engineering Management 01:19:00 Defining Success in Engineering Teams
S2 · E5
Oct 27, 2025
1:34:22
Inside F1: Jack's DevOps Adventure
Summary In this episode of the We Chat Tech podcast, Vytas Jelinskas interviews Jack Beauchamp-Stansfield, the DevOps manager at Formula One. Jack shares his unique career journey into tech, starting from a background in Science, to becoming a key player in the DevOps space. He discusses the multifaceted nature of DevOps, the importance of leadership, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Jack also delves into the application of DevOps within the high-pressure environment of Formula One, the role of AI in tech, and offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers. The conversation highlights the evolution of tech culture and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Takeaways Jack's journey into tech began with a passion for computing despite a background in science. Transitioning to leadership can provide a refreshing perspective and help avoid burnout. Work-life balance is crucial, especially in high-pressure environments like F1. Setting clear expectations can help manage burnout and maintain a healthy work culture. AI is a powerful tool but should be used with caution to avoid over-reliance. Simplicity in system design is key to avoiding complexity and chaos. Regular introspection is necessary to prevent organic sprawl in tech environments. Hands-on tinkering with technology is essential for growth and learning in tech. Success in DevOps is measured by the reliability and efficiency of systems. Sound bites "We're sort of force multipliers." "I think everyone faces burnout at some point." "Tinker. Just tinker with things." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack Beauchamp-Stansfield 00:58 Jack's Unique Career Journey 04:16 Understanding DevOps: A Multifaceted Role 09:10 Transitioning to Leadership in Tech 15:55 Balancing Work and Family Life 21:07 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance 24:21 Applying DevOps in Formula One 29:18 Simplicity in Tech: Avoiding Overcomplication 31:22 Managing Complexity in Tech Stacks 33:07 The Role of AI in Modern Engineering 43:42 A Day in the Life of a DevOps Engineer at F1 49:48 Defining Success in a High-Stakes Environment 54:46 Advice for Aspiring DevOps Professionals
S2 · E4
Oct 13, 2025
1:00:20
DevOps Unplugged: Dave's Tech Odyssey
Summary: In this episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Ben Whitmarsh and Vytas Jelinskas interview Dave Vered, a DevOps lead/manager at Simply Business, who shares his journey from IT support to DevOps, emphasizing the importance of leadership, personal growth, and mental health. Dave discusses the evolution of DevOps, the integration of AI, and the future of technology in the workplace. He also highlights the significance of following one's passion and the challenges faced in the tech industry, particularly regarding mental health. Takeaways: Dave is a DevOps lead at Simply Business with a varied career path. He transitioned from IT support to DevOps to get more hands-on with technology. Leadership for Dave is about enabling others to excel and grow. He emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership and personal growth. Dave has a passion for mental health and has spoken openly about his journey. He believes in the importance of following what you love in your career. AI is transforming DevOps, particularly in automation and log analysis. Dave has implemented AI tools like Slackbots to improve efficiency in his team. He sees the future of DevOps as increasingly integrated with AI technologies. Dave encourages aspiring engineers to master a specific area before transitioning into DevOps. 00:00 Introduction to DevOps and Career Journey 08:59 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth 11:00 Passions Beyond Tech: Travel and Mental Health 22:22 The Evolution of DevOps and AI Integration 51:47 Future of DevOps and AI Collaboration
S2 · E3
Oct 6, 2025
58:01
From Techie to CEO: Neil Cresswell's Journey
In this episode, Neil Cresswell, CEO of Portainer, shares his journey from a technologist to a CEO, discussing the challenges and evolution of containerization technology. He emphasizes the importance of community feedback in product development and the need for a balanced approach to enterprise architecture. Neil also reflects on the challenges of remote work, building company culture, and the personal sacrifices that come with entrepreneurship. He provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the future of containerization and AI integration. takeaways Neil's journey from technologist to CEO highlights the importance of adaptability. Portainer was born from a need for simplicity in container management. Community feedback is crucial for product development and improvement. The evolution of containerization technology is making it more complex. AI will play a significant role in the future of technology. Building a strong company culture is essential for remote teams. Navigating time zones is a major challenge for remote work. Personal sacrifices are often necessary for entrepreneurial success. Effective leadership requires balancing technical and business strategies. The future of containerization may involve more user-friendly interfaces. Quotes from this podcast: "You either love it or you hate it." "Buy Bitcoin." "I am definitely not corporate." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Neil Cresswell and Portainer 05:52The Journey to Building Portainer 11:47Challenges in Containerization and Kubernetes 17:23The Future of Containerization and AI Integration 23:28Balancing Roles as CEO and CTO 29:19Company Culture and Community Engagement 30:04Building a Culture of Transparency 35:01Challenges of Remote Work 38:25Navigating Time Zones and Cultural Differences 44:02Balancing Work and Family Life 47:43Lessons in Leadership and Business Building
S2 · E2
Sep 29, 2025
53:45
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