The Tech Connect

Behind the Wheel: Paolo Bargiacchi, Director of Electrification at Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied)In this episode of The Tech Connect, Paolo Bargiacchi shares his journey through the automotive industry; from his early days at Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley to his current role at Motion (McLaren) Applied. With a passion for electrification and product management, Paolo offers insights into the evolving automotive landscape, the challenges of inverter optimization, and the future of charging infrastructure and micro mobility.Listeners will gain insight into: Career progression across leading automotive brandsThe shift toward electrification and sustainable mobilityThe evolving role of product managers in tech-driven industriesChallenges in inverter cost optimization and charging infrastructureHow Formula Student helped launch Paolo’s careerAdvice for aspiring professionals entering automotive and techSkills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing marketCurrent projects at Motion (McLaren) Applied and future opportunitiesWhether you're an engineer, product manager, or automotive enthusiast, this episode delivers practical wisdom and forward-looking insights from a leader shaping the future of mobility.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at ProterraIn this episode of The Tech Connect, Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra, shares his inspiring journey from childhood curiosity to leading battery development for electric buses. With a deep passion for clean technology, mentorship, and cycling, Thomas offers a compelling look into the future of engineering and the collaborative culture driving innovation at Proterra.Listeners will gain insight into:How cycling and community shaped Thomas’s perspectiveThe transition from traditional automotive to EV battery engineeringWhy clean tech is more than a buzzword, it’s the futureThe importance of mentorship and teaching in engineeringDiversity as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solvingDeveloping long-range electric buses for a zero-emissions futureProterra’s inclusive and collaborative work cultureCareer advice for aspiring engineers entering the clean tech spaceWhether you're an engineer, clean tech enthusiast, or future innovator, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration from a leader helping shape sustainable mobility.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the mission: Sebastian Clauss, VP Software at STARKIn this episode of The Tech Connect, Sebastian Clauss shares his journey from Air Force officer to leading software development for unmanned systems at Stark. With deep roots in aerospace and military technology, Sebastian reflects on the lessons learned from his service, the evolving defense market, and the importance of building purpose-driven teams in defense innovation.Listeners will gain insight into: ✈️ Transitioning from military service to tech leadership🧠 Decision-making under pressure and limited information🤝 The power of teamwork and collaboration in defense💻 Software development for unmanned systems🚀 How innovation is reshaping the defense industry🎯 Why purpose and ethics matter in defense technology📈 Hiring principles and building resilient tech teams🌍 The mission to strengthen European defense capabilitiesWhether you're in tech, defense, or leadership, this episode offers a compelling look at how military experience translates into innovation—and why purpose must drive progress.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Jens Groot, Chief Engineer Battery System at PolestarIn this electrifying episode of The Tech Connect, Jens Groot, Chief Engineer for Battery Systems at Polestar, takes us on a journey from academia to the cutting edge of clean tech. With a rich background in electrical engineering and a passion for hands-on innovation, Jens shares insights into the interdisciplinary nature of battery technology and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.Listeners will discover: 🔋 How battery systems blend chemistry, mechanics, and electrical engineering🎓 The value of academic research and pursuing a PhD🔧 Why hands-on experience is essential for engineers🌱 Polestar’s commitment to sustainability and performance🧠 The importance of asking the right questions in complex fields📈 Career advice for aspiring clean tech professionals🔄 Flexibility vs. specialization in engineering careers🚗 Innovations shaping the future of EVs and battery systemsWhether you're a student, engineer, or clean tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in battery innovation.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Robot: Salimzhan Gafurov, Director of Advanced Research & Technology at VerneIn this episode of The Tech Connect, Salimzhan Gafurov shares his inspiring journey from aviation to robotics and autonomous driving. With two PhDs and a passion for innovation, Salimzhan reflects on the importance of education, networking, and embracing competition to drive personal and industry-wide growth. He offers practical advice for aspiring professionals and explores how software is reshaping the future of mobility.Listeners will gain insight into:✈️ Transitioning from aviation to robotics and autonomous vehicles🎓 The value of education and lifelong learning🤝 Why networking and team building matter in tech careers⚙️ The evolution of software in the automotive industry🚗 How autonomous driving is shaping the future of mobility💡 The “fail fast” mindset and competing with yourself📈 Career advice for engineers and innovators👨‍👧 Balancing professional ambition with family lifeWhether you're an engineer, student, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of robotics, software, and career development.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.