Tech Talent Talk

About Tech Talent Talk

Bridging the Gap Between Recruitment and Engineering

Publisher

Birgit Pohl and Oliver Zauritz

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Aug 2024

Latest episode

12 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Aug 2025

   The Coaching Leader

   Control vs Connection: Choose Your Leadership Style! Discover how coaching transforms leadership in this insightful episode with Neli Petkova, founder of EvolveTalent and executive search expert. With over 15 years of experience in talent consulting and leadership coaching across Europe, Neli reveals why coaching isn't just a "soft skill" but a leadership superpower that creates connection over control. In this episode, hosts Oliver and Birgit explore how leaders can shift from managing outcomes to truly leading people through coaching methodologies. Learn practical strategies for developing listening skills, creating psychological safety during times of AI disruption, and fostering innovation anchored in human values rather than just productivity metrics. Key topics covered: Transitioning from disciplinary to coaching-style leadership Building psychological safety when teams face AI-related job anxiety Creating environments for authentic innovation and idea collision Developing communication skills that drive real organizational change Balancing authority with empathy in leadership roles Whether you're a team lead, engineering manager, or C-suite executive in STEM, biotech, or digital industries, this episode provides actionable insights for becoming a more effective, people-first leader through coaching principles. Perfect for: Leadership development, engineering management, talent acquisition professionals, startup founders, and anyone looking to improve their communication and team-building skills in tech environments. OUR GUEST Neli Petkova is the founder of EvolveTalent and a passionate advocate for people-first hiring and leadership. With over 15 years of experience in executive search, talent consulting, and leadership and career coaching across Europe, she supports companies in the STEM, biotech, and digital industries to build high-performing, values-driven teams. Neli integrates coaching methodologies into recruitment and leadership development processes, empowering both organisations and individuals to grow with purpose.

2. 

   24 Jun 2025

   Changes and Processes

   Ellen König, Head of Engineering at Alcemy, discusses process improvement and change management, sharing strategies for implementing efficient workflows and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in an interview.

3. 

   13 May 2025

   Coded Cultural Gaps

   In today’s interconnected world, cultural understanding is more important than ever. But how can we bridge the gap when different cultural perspectives collide? Let's talk about how AI can be a powerful “co-pilot” designed to decode behavioral patterns and foster empathy among diverse cultural groups. But can AI truly understand the subtleties of human behavior, predict desires, or even uncover hidden messages in communication? In this podcast, we’ll explore how AI is revolutionizing cross-cultural understanding by: Analyzing and predicting behavioral patterns Helping detect submessages in communication Identifying and addressing biases (yes, AI has its own biases, but we’ll show you how they can be eliminated) Uncovering the nuances of cultural subgroups, even within large continents like Africa, where diversity is often overlooked Exploring how AI navigates the difference between personality traits and cultural influences We’ll also discuss why we often fall into the trap of cultural stereotypes (e.g., seeing Asia or India as one homogenous block) and how AI can break these stereotypes by offering a deeper, more personalized understanding. Get ready for a deep dive into the technical side of AI—how it can be trained to understand cultural subtleties, remove biases, and bring people together across cultural divides. It’s not just about recognizing different cultures; it’s about understanding the individual within those cultures. OUR GUEST Augustine Kangni is a social entrepreneur and founder of SKLL INK, an HRTech startup focused on improving team collaboration through behavior-driven solutions. With a background in IT Management and Business Administration, she brings years of experience leading cross-cultural teams and building marketing strategies for digital education and talent programs across 11 African countries and Germany. Augustine is passionate about how AI can be used to foster better intercultural collaboration — especially in remote and hybrid work environments. Her work focuses on making tech talent development more inclusive and culturally aware, while also questioning how cultural identity is (mis)represented in technical systems. Through her work with startups, accelerators, and social ventures, she advocates for a future of work that is not only data-driven, but also deeply human and globally connected. When she's not building tech solutions or mentoring BiPoC talents, Augustine explores wellness through massage therapy, travels off the beaten path, and recharges with Afrobeat rhythms and soulful connections.

4. 

   11 Mar 2025

   GDRP compliance and EU AI regulations in Recruiting

   In this crucial episode, we look into the complex and often misunderstood world of GDPR compliance and the EU AI Act, particularly in the context of recruitment. With the increasing integration of AI tools and data-driven processes in hiring, understanding the legal landscape around these technologies is more important than ever. Our guest expert, Bettina Blawert, explores how GDPR and the EU AI Act intersect with recruitment practices, shedding light on what recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring companies must know to stay compliant and protect candidate data. She provides in-depth insights into the risk levels associated with these regulations and explain why recruitment falls into the highest risk category, making compliance essential for every part of the recruitment process—from initial applicant submissions to the use of AI in candidate screening. We’ll cover topics like: • What is GDPR and the EU AI Act, and why do they matter in recruitment? • Key aspects of GDPR and the EU AI Act that impact recruitment • How AI tools are used in the recruitment process and the legal implications of their use • Understanding the roles and responsibilities in compliance and what overlaps between the two regulations • Real-life case study: the challenges and risks of training AI models with personally identifiable data. We’ll also explore the intricacies of AI compliance in recruitment, including what happens when a group is disadvantaged by AI tools and the steps needed to mitigate these risks. If you’re navigating the complexities of recruitment in an AI-driven world, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect both your candidates and your organization. Tune in to understand the latest compliance requirements and how they will shape the future of recruitment and AI technology. OUR GUEST Bettina is a lawyer and legal counsel at Sovendus GmbH. She is a certified privacy expert, specializing in data protection, IT and AI law with a strong focus on GDPR compliance. She brings a comprehensive approach to navigating data privacy challenges in diverse organizational settings. With a unique ability to break down highly complex technical and legal issues into accessible insights, she is dedicated to making data privacy, IT and AI law understandable and relevant for diverse audiences. Whether through publications, presentations, or consultations, she strives to bridge the gap between technical detail and practical application. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is deeply committed to female empowerment, animal welfare and environmental conservation.

5. 

   25 Feb 2025

   Kindness in the Workplace and Kindness as a Leader

   Kindness in leadership isn’t about being “nice”—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. It’s about balancing trust, accountability, and resilience while ensuring that team members can navigate challenges without burning out. How can leaders foster kindness without sacrificing performance? And how does kindness transform team culture? Let’s explore. Kindness is often underrated in leadership, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for building strong, high-performing teams. It’s not about lowering expectations or avoiding difficult conversations—it’s about leading with empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of the challenges people face. 🔹Kindness as a Leadership Strength A kind leader creates psychological safety, making it easier for team members to share concerns, ask for help, and take risks without fear of punishment. This is especially crucial during tough projects where pressure is high and burnout is a real threat. 🔹Preventing and Addressing Burnout Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds over time. Some early warning signs include: • Decreased motivation and engagement • A sudden drop in performance • Emotional exhaustion or detachment As leaders, we have to proactively recognize these signs and create an environment where people feel safe discussing struggles before they reach a breaking point. When someone is already burned out, it’s our responsibility to help them recover—whether by redistributing workload, encouraging time off, or offering support. 🔹The Role of Trust in Fostering Kindness Trust is the foundation of a kind workplace. But trust isn’t just about the leader—what happens when a team member trusts their manager but struggles to trust their teammates? Leaders need to bridge that gap, fostering relationships that go beyond hierarchical structures. 🔹Balancing Kindness and Accountability One of the biggest misconceptions about kindness in leadership is that it leads to leniency. In reality, kindness and accountability go hand in hand. Holding people to high standards while providing support and guidance leads to stronger performance and growth. 🔹Leading Through Challenges In times of crisis or high-pressure situations, kindness doesn’t mean shielding people from difficulties—it means helping them navigate challenges in a way that preserves their well-being. Leaders can do this by: ✔️ Ensuring open and honest communication ✔️ Focusing 1:1 meetings on both work and personal well-being ✔️ Aligning personal growth with company goals in a way that feels meaningful 🔹Is It Possible to Be Too Kind? Can a leader be too kind? If kindness means avoiding tough conversations or failing to address underperformance, then yes. But when kindness is about fairness, respect, and genuine care for people, it becomes one of the most effective leadership tools. What does kindness in leadership mean to you? Have you seen it transform a team? Let’s discuss. OUR GUEST: is Yamila Maio. Yamila is an Engineering Leader with over 15 years of experience and technical background, now focused on leadership and people. She's most fulfilled when people grow or learn from working or collaborating with her. This focus on people allows for more and better tools to grow engineers, build high-performance teams, and negotiate with stakeholders while still being efficient at delivering projects, achieving results, and balancing the team’s well-being in a highly organized environment. She believes kindness is contagious and that we can change the world one act of kindness at a time. And that we can take the tech industry to new heights by leading with kindness.

6. 

   11 Feb 2025

   The Rusty Developer

   Navigating the transition from technical expertise to leadership can be daunting, especially with the fear of losing technical proficiency—the “rusty” feeling. How can leaders balance staying technically sharp while embracing broader responsibilities? Let’s explore strategies for staying current in tech, managing team dynamics, and redefining problem-solving beyond coding. The journey from technical roles to leadership often brings a common concern: The fear of becoming “rusty” in hands-on skills. This transition raises critical questions about maintaining technical proficiency while excelling in leadership. 🔹Understanding the Fear of Becoming “Rusty” For many engineers transitioning to leadership, the fear of losing technical acumen—of becoming “rusty”—is palpable. It’s a concern rooted in the rapid evolution of technology and the perceived pressure to keep up. 🔹Balancing Technical Proficiency with Leadership Leadership requires a shift in focus—from hands-on problem-solving to strategic oversight and team development. Balancing these responsibilities is crucial for effective leadership without losing touch with technological advancements. 🔹The Idolization of Technical Expertise In tech fields, technical prowess is often idolized, which can complicate career transitions. Leaders must redefine success to include both technical depth and leadership effectiveness. 🔹Consequences of Allowing Skills to “Rust” Allowing technical skills to decline can have both positive and negative consequences. While focusing on leadership can enhance strategic thinking, losing touch with technology may limit innovation and credibility. 🔹Adapting to Technological Evolution With rapid advancements like AI, the importance of staying hands-on versus managing strategically has shifted. Leaders must balance curiosity-driven learning with the demands of leadership. 🔹Strategies for Staying Current Effective leaders maintain technical relevance through curiosity, hands-on engagement, and strategic time management. This approach ensures they can guide teams while understanding evolving technologies. 🔹Navigating Guilt and Frustration Leaders grappling with guilt or frustration over letting go of technical expertise can find solace in redefining problem-solving and recognizing the broader impact of strategic leadership. 🔹AI’s Impact on Technical Skills and Evaluation AI has revolutionized how technical skills are evaluated and utilized. Leaders must adapt to AI’s capabilities while ensuring human judgment remains integral to decision-making. How do you navigate the balance between technical proficiency and leadership? Share your strategies for staying relevant in tech while excelling in leadership. Let’s dive into this evolving landscape together. OUR GUEST: Emanuele Giarlini works as a Director of Engineering for MOIA, currently leading the Fleet Operations business unit. With over a decade of experience as a full-stack engineer, he brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Specializing in the mobility sector, Emanuele has effectively led cross-functional teams for five years, driving both innovation and operational excellence. Beyond his technical proficiency, Emanuele is dedicated to mentoring others in leadership, guiding them toward their fullest potential. His commitment to leadership extends beyond professional boundaries, evident in his insightful blog where he shares invaluable insights and practices. Check out his blog for more articles from Emanuele https://www.devaslead.com/the-rusty-developer/ (https://www.devaslead.com/the-rusty-developer/)

7. 

   28 Jan 2025

   Navigating Identity, Culture and Feedback in Engineering Teams

   In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intersection of identity, culture, and feedback in engineering teams. Our guest shares her incredible journey relocating across countries (Ukraine to Poland to the Netherlands), discovering a new sense of self, belonging, and cultural identity. This episode is packed with practical and emotional insights, offering a unique lens on: 👉 Identity shifts through relocation: How moving across borders shapes personal and professional perspectives. 👉 Cultural dynamics in feedback: Why understanding cultural differences is critical in engineering teams, and how to adapt feedback for growth rather than criticism. 👉 Overcoming imposter syndrome: Advice for newcomers in tech adjusting to new environments and building meaningful connections. 👉 Feedback challenges: How to navigate giving upward feedback, breaking cultural barriers, and creating an open feedback culture. Drawing from her Culture Map workshop, our guest shares real-world examples of how different cultures approach feedback—from the directness of Ukrainians to the subtlety of Japanese teams—and how these differences impact team dynamics and productivity. We’ll also explore: ✅ The role of feedback in re-establishing boundaries and fostering trust. ✅ How to balance asking questions and making assumptions to uncover hidden meanings in multicultural communication. ✅ The importance of leading with empathy and curiosity in diverse teams. 🎙 Meet Our Guest: Alisa has over 12 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in technical project management, agile development, and process improvement. She’s passionate about creating innovative, user-friendly solutions that elevate the online experience. In November 2024, Alisa delivered a talk on Feedback for Intercultural Teams, which highlighted the importance of understanding each other in diverse environments. Outside of work, Alisa is an avid traveler who has visited 15+ countries! 🎧 Tune in to learn actionable strategies for embracing cultural diversity, improving feedback practices, and thriving in today’s global tech landscape!

8. 

   14 Jan 2025

   Event faster, even cheaper

   Tech Talent Talk host, industry experts, discuss the human side of tech teams, navigating AI's impact, and striking a balance between humans and machines in a rapidly evolving landscape.

9. 

   17 Dec 2024

   Vision Values Culture

   Digital evolution expert Jörg Godau shares his vision for thriving teams, emphasizing the importance of shared purpose, values-driven decision-making, and dynamic culture in driving organizational success.

10. 

    3 Dec 2024

    Don't Hire Your Friends!

    Narayan Prasad, a seasoned tech leader, shares why hiring friends can backfire, causing blurring of lines, double standards, economic dependence, and sacrifice dynamics in the workplace.

11. 

    19 Nov 2024

    Effective Communication in Engineering

    There are nuances of communication in the tech world that can lead to efficiency or to high-cost creation. Communication is often underestimated, yet it’s one of the most impactful factors in engineering and leadership. Our guest, Eugene, unpacks the importance of being “clear by intent,” the pitfalls of poor communication, and how it affects individual and team productivity. We explore the subtle art of asking the right questions without causing confusion or irritation, the value of tone in written and verbal communication, and why even a simple FYI message can sometimes do more harm than good. Eugene also shares his views on the cultural dimensions of communication, especially for non-native English speakers and international teams, and how to approach feedback across diverse teams. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer, a recruiter, or someone entering the tech field, this episode is packed with actionable insights: • Why clarity is crucial and how to achieve it. • Common communication mistakes and how to avoid them. • Why voice-of-tone matters, even in technical conversations. • The military-style of writing emails – and why it works. • How communication can make or break your interview success. • The secret sauce behind effective recruiting communication. Eugene also touches on how miscommunication can derail projects and careers and what individuals and organizations can do to improve. From behavioral changes to practical tips, this discussion will leave you rethinking how you approach communication in your professional life. Stay tuned until the end, where Eugene shares his tips for becoming a better listener and building meaningful connections in a world where good communication is a competitive advantage. Guest Speaker: Eugene Eugene is a seasoned Data Engineer with a wealth of experience in fast-paced tech startups. Currently a Principal Data Engineer at Zalando, he’s a thought leader in engineering, communication, and leadership. Previously at GetYourGuide, Eugene led engineering teams on critical Marketing and Marketplace projects. His unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership makes him a powerhouse in driving impactful insights and results. ----- Join this round with Oliver Zauritz and Birgit Pohl. Tech Talent Talk is a series that bridges the gap between engineering and recruitment. YOUR HOSTERS Tech Talent Talk is powered by PressForward.Works and Leaders and Makers Oliver Zauritz is head of recruitment and owner of Pressforward.Works. As a partner for tech-organisations, he looks for engineers that fit to your culture. www.pressforward.works Birgit Pohl is an engineering leader and coach. She coaches leaders and organisations creating high-performing teams through culture. www.leadersandmakers.com

12. 

    6 Nov 2024

    How To Design Efficient Interviews

    How should the world with efficient interview processes look like? How did they’ve evolved over the years? We’ll discuss this and the balance between technical skills and culture fit, how to handle “rockstar” developers, and why building diverse teams with mixed experience levels is key to success. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of designing and conducting efficient interview processes, focusing on the evolving landscape of tech recruitment. Our guest, with over a decade of experience in tech leadership and having personally interviewed over 56 candidates in his last role, shares his insights into the state of modern interviews and how they have evolved over the years. We begin by discussing what was broken in the past and what remains problematic today, particularly the rigid structures that still dominate many interview processes. These strict formats often leave both candidates and interviewers feeling disconnected, especially when tech professionals “grill” candidates with overly detailed questions, only to be disappointed when a candidate doesn’t perform as expected. One of the key topics we explore is how younger candidates and interviewers often adhere to a set script, limiting genuine interaction and reducing the interview to a predictable back-and-forth. This becomes especially challenging when interviewing highly experienced professionals who don’t fit neatly into these preconceived molds. We’ll examine why this approach fails and what can be done to foster a more open, flexible, and revealing interview environment. Our guest offers tips for leading interviews, recognizing red flags, and ensuring that pre-screening processes are effective without being overly reliant on technical keyword searches or rigid HR filters. The discussion also highlights the importance of team composition and the balance between hiring for cultural fit versus pure technical ability. We talk about why mixing experience levels—juniors, intermediates, and seniors—brings value to teams, with junior developers often asking fresh questions that challenge assumptions. At the same time, we’ll address the infamous “rockstar developer” stereotype, weighing the pros and cons of hiring individuals who excel technically but may struggle with collaboration and communication. Our guest’s perspective on hiring rockstars and how to manage them effectively offers valuable insights into what tech leaders should prioritize—whether it’s communication, teamwork, or leadership potential. This episode is packed with actionable advice on creating interview processes that don’t just assess technical skills but also evaluate a candidate’s fit within a team and how they handle real-world challenges. Our Guest Speaker is Sebastian Fuentes. Sebastian a dinosaur by today's standards, being only 44 years old. He started his first website with 15 years back in 1995 and took over his first role at Amazon in 1999. In the last 14 years, he has spent more and more time in leading roles, in the previous five exclusively. He helps teams grow and sustain, sometimes setting up teams fresh from start. Hiring and interviewing are the main Topics in his day-to-day life. ----- Join this round with Oliver Zauritz and Birgit Pohl. Tech Talent Talk is a series that bridges the gap between engineering and recruitment. YOUR HOSTERS Tech Talent Talk is powered by PressForward.Works and Leaders and Makers Oliver Zauritz is head of recruitment and owner of Pressforward.Works. As a partner for tech-organisations, he looks for engineers that fit to your culture. www.pressforward.works Birgit Pohl is an engineering leader and coach. She coaches leaders and organisations creating high-performing teams through culture. www.leadersandmakers.com

13. 

    22 Oct 2024

    Tech Talent Talk: The Pros and Cons of Performance Reviews

    In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of performance reviews, exploring their impact on both employees and employers. We tackle the key benefits of these evaluations, such as how they can offer clear feedback, foster career growth, and help align individual goals with company objectives. We also discuss how performance reviews can positively influence team dynamics and employee development when done right. But, as with all systems, there are downsides too. We’ll examine the common pitfalls, such as stress and anxiety caused by formal reviews, and how biased or ineffective feedback can demotivate employees, leading to disengagement or resentment. The conversation doesn’t stop at the traditional approach— we also explore alternatives like real-time feedback systems and how they compare to annual reviews. Are performance reviews outdated, or can they still serve a purpose? How can companies ensure fairness and make these reviews more effective and engaging for everyone involved? We’ll touch on how company culture shapes the review process, what role managers should play, and whether performance reviews should even be tied to salary and promotions. Whether you’re a manager or an employee, this episode offers actionable insights on making performance reviews a tool for success, rather than a dreaded formality. ----- Join this round with Oliver Zauritz and Birgit Pohl. Tech Talent Talk is a series that bridges the gap between engineering and recruitment. YOUR HOSTERS Tech Talent Talk is powered by PressForward.Works and Leaders and Makers Oliver Zauritz is head of recruitment and owner of Pressforward.Works. As a partner for tech-organisations, he looks for engineers that fit to your culture. www.pressforward.works Birgit Pohl is an engineering leader and coach. She coaches leaders and organisations creating high-performing teams through culture. www.leadersandmakers.com

14. 

    23 Sept 2024

    Tech Talent Talk: Let's talk about neurodiversity

    Join us for an insightful deep dive into ADHD, autism, and how neurodiversity shapes both personal and professional lives. We’ll explore what ADHD and autism really are, debunk common clichés, and discuss how individuals with these neurodiverse traits develop unique skills and “superpowers” that often go unnoticed. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of ADHD and Autism, exploring how these neurodiverse conditions differ from the typical neuro-normative experience. We start by breaking down the basics: What are ADHD and Autism, and how can one identify if they have these conditions? Our guest shares their journey into understanding these topics, offering a personal touch on how they came to explore the nuances of neurodiversity. We challenge the clichés and stereotypes surrounding ADHD and Autism, particularly in the workplace. How skilled are individuals with these conditions, and what unique abilities do they bring? Often referred to as “superpowers,” we examine the strengths and weaknesses of neurodiverse individuals through the lens of neuro-normative perspectives, shining a light on why some behaviors may be misunderstood or undervalued in traditional environments. One of the key topics we explore is the impact of behavior-based recruiting on neurodiverse individuals. How do conventional recruitment practices unintentionally exclude people with Autism or ADHD? We provide insights on communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding differences in how neurodiverse and neuro-normative people interact. This includes a look at the “double empathy problem,” which highlights the mutual misunderstandings that can arise between neurodiverse individuals and the wider world. We also introduce the concept of “thin-sliced judgement,” where people make rapid judgments based on limited information, often to the detriment of those who don’t fit neurotypical molds. How can we reshape interviews and meetings to better include neurodiverse candidates? We discuss the importance of using open questions vs. closed questions to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. This episode is a deep dive into how we can better understand, value, and include neurodiverse individuals in our workplaces and beyond, with practical advice on creating a culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Our Guest Speaker is Florian Malicke. Florian Malicke is autistic, has ADHD, and has nearly 30 years of professional experience with neurodivergent individuals. Since November 2023, he has been working as a freelancer, offering coaching for adults with autism and ADHD. Additionally, he is booked for workshops, keynotes, and lectures.In his work, he speaks about neurodiversity and shares his own autistic perspective. He is passionate about raising awareness and providing easily implementable tips. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/florian-malicke (http://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-malicke) His Website: www.autismus-coaching-rheinmain.de (http://www.autismus-coaching-rheinmain.de/)

15. 

    12 Aug 2024

    Tech Talent Talk: The Interview Champion

    Master the interview like a champion. Learn about tips and tricks from lessons learned and what can we as Hiring Managers and Recruiters learn from the challenges and struggles from the candidate side? Our Guest Speaker: Bhupinder Singh, aka Dynamic Singh is an Engineering Leader from Berlin with over a decade of experience in Tech.He has worked at early-stage startups, scaleups, tech unicorns, and Fortune 100 companies. Bhupinder has interviewed more than 150 engineers and has given over 200 interviews in his career so far.His first book, “Interview Champion” is coming soon, which aims to help engineers unlock their full potential for tech interviews.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,192

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

64

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

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