Back in the 90s, the best code was the one that maximized the limited computing power available. Human interaction was an afterthought. Fast forward to today, user experience is at the heart of the software development process.

The current user-first approach to software has totally shifted the development process and the types of software being built. Users expect every interaction to be intuitive and seamless and with minimal friction. That’s where people-driven tech comes in, making people's lives better.

For this episode, I was pleased to talk to Kaj Gronholm, CEO of Woodridge Software. Kaj is a 20-year software industry veteran who has built and led three companies, helping them grow from original idea to successful exit and ongoing operations. He founded and sold a leading Network Access Control company, Roving Planet, to HP. Kaj understands what it takes to build a company and develop new products. He is skilled in leading teams of people, honing strategy, and focused execution. He is also an expert in cyber security and enterprise data. Kaj has an ability to understand customers’ points of view, goals and needs and helps guide projects to exceed expectations.

In this conversation, Kaj and I discuss his nomadic childhood, the detours his career took before joining the financial services industry, how software can help make the world a little better, the accelerated pace of change with technology, the key to hiring amazing developers, and more.

Highlights

Kaj’s background growing up in an airline family and his early interest in programming

How Kaj’s love for mountain biking led him to discover his people skills and selling abilities

The great adventure of a three-month bike trip across the US without much technology

How Woodridge helps make the world a little better by making software better

The shift towards user-focused software and how it’s become a major aspect of software development

Transformative changes to how software is built and the way we interact with applications

How Woodridge and Kaj think about the accelerated pace of change with technology

The role of technology as a potential source of discord and what we can do about it

The importance of people-driven technology in the banking industry

Hiring developers who are smart, good at solving problems logically, and humble

Connect with Kaj Gronholm

Kaj Gronholm on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaj-gronholm-820b61/

Woodridge Software https://woodridgesoftware.com/

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