Tech2table Talks

David Lam
  • ٥٫٠ (١)
  • التكنولوجيا
  • يتم التحديث كل أسبوعين

Tech2Table Talks is a podcast that brings you interviews with top founders, investors, builders, and operators. Through their personal stories and career journeys, we aim to inspire you with valuable insights and empower you with the knowledge and tools to achieve your professional goals. We dive deep into the highs, the lows, the learnings and real stories from the front-line. Grab a seat (and your earphones) and join us at the table!

الحلقات

  1. From Engineering to Product: FinTech Innovation, AI’s Future, and Leadership Lessons | Jesus Cagide, Product Manager at Stash, PayPal, and BlockFi

    ٢٧ مارس

    From Engineering to Product: FinTech Innovation, AI’s Future, and Leadership Lessons | Jesus Cagide, Product Manager at Stash, PayPal, and BlockFi

    Jesus Cagide is a seasoned Product Leader with experience spanning high-growth startups, unicorns, and global enterprises like PayPal and Stash. He is the Co-Founder of Product & Leadership, where he is shaping the future of product management and leadership development. Previously, he was the Director of Product Management for Consumer Growth at Stash, leading initiatives that tripled activation rates and managed over $3 billion in assets. At BlockFi, he launched yield accounts in 16 countries, and at PayPal, he spearheaded the Buy Now, Pay Later product family across Europe, driving over $250 million in monthly payment volume. In our conversation, we dive into: Transitioning from engineering to product management The evolution of engineering tools and how they are shaping product development Building for yourself vs. the market FinTech’s growing impact on financial literacy and daily life AI’s expanding role in product management and strategic decision-making Leadership principles for high-performing teams The importance of writing as a tool for clarity, reflection, and career growth And so much more. Some takeaways: Building for yourself leads to better products. The best ideas often come from solving your own problems. When you're personally invested, you're more motivated, and the end result is often more innovative and impactful. Great leadership is about vision and execution. High-performing teams thrive when they have a clear direction, a strong culture, and a commitment to continuous learning. FinTech is changing the way we think about money. From generational wealth to financial education, the industry is shifting toward long-term impact and accessibility. AI is reshaping product management. As AI takes on more analytical tasks, product managers will need to focus on strategy, creativity, and human-centered decision-making. Writing is a powerful tool for growth. Whether it's for product roadmaps, leadership insights, or personal reflection, writing helps structure thoughts and sharpen decision-making. Hiring today is about adaptability, not just experience. The job market is evolving, and companies seek individuals who can learn fast, adapt to AI-driven workflows, and bring creative problem-solving to the table. The best product managers ask the right questions. Knowing the answers isn’t as important as knowing what questions to ask. Curiosity and structured thinking separate good PMs from great ones. Where to find Jesus: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesuscagide/ In this episode, we cover: 01:18 Introduction and Background 06:34 Transition from Engineering to Product Management 13:27 The Evolution of Engineering Tools 16:57 Advice for Young Engineers 19:10 Understanding Market Dynamics 24:52 FinTech Landscape and Geography 32:08 The Impact of FinTech on Daily Life 36:39 Future Trends in FinTech 43:10 The Future of Financial Services and Education 48:52 Leadership Principles in Product Management 49:17 The Impact of AI on Product Management 55:01 Sharing Knowledge: Writing for Future Generations 59:11 Fast Five Questions For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  2. Breaking into Product: Startup Lessons, Building 0 to 1, and Career Pivots | Silvija Skemaite, Product at Apollo Global, Series & ADP

    ٥ فبراير

    Breaking into Product: Startup Lessons, Building 0 to 1, and Career Pivots | Silvija Skemaite, Product at Apollo Global, Series & ADP

    Silvija Skemaite is a seasoned Product Leader with experience spanning large enterprises like ADP and high-growth startups, including her own bootstrapped venture in the job search space. Silvija is passionate about building products from zero to one, mentoring aspiring product managers, and exploring the intersection of AI, FinTech, and HRTech. Currently, she is the Lead Product Manager at Apollo Global Management. Her past experience includes shaping financial strategy for an AI product with an $85M market potential, increasing operational speed by 75%, and spearheading initiatives at ADP that saved $1M annually while delivering a $10M project that enhanced user experience by 40%. In our conversation, we delve into: Building products from zero to one in startups and enterprises AI’s role in shaping HRTech and job search platforms The reality of bootstrapping a startup and what it teaches you Career transitions and navigating product leadership roles Lessons from high-stakes decision-making in AI-driven strategy The evolving job market and hiring challenges in tech Much more Some takeaways: Building from zero to one is about making small bets. Whether at a startup or a large company, the key is breaking down big ideas into small, testable experiments. Iteration and quick feedback loops drive momentum. The best way to understand AI is to build with it. AI is changing how products are built, but the best way to learn isn’t just by reading—it’s by experimenting. Even simple projects using AI tools can reveal insights into what’s possible and where the limitations lie. Bootstrapping a startup is a masterclass in resourcefulness. Without the cushion of VC funding, every decision matters. When you’re funding a startup yourself, that pressure helps sharpen focus, ensuring you spend time on what really moves the needle instead of chasing distractions. Job search is broken, and AI won’t fix it overnight. While AI can help with tasks like resume screening and interview prep, job searching remains deeply human. Relationships, referrals, and storytelling still matter as much as automation. Large enterprises and startups build products very differently. At a big company, you focus on incremental improvements and scaling. At a startup, you’re constantly iterating, pivoting, and experimenting to find product-market fit. The mindset shift between the two is huge. Big companies move slower, but product thinking still applies. Hiring today is about adaptability, not just experience. The job market is shifting, and companies are looking for people who can learn fast, adapt to AI-driven workflows, and bring creativity to problem-solving. Mentorship can change the trajectory of your career. Whether learning from peers, managers, or external mentors, having guidance at key moments can make all the difference in navigating career shifts and product challenges. The best product managers ask the right questions. Knowing the answers isn’t as important as knowing what questions to ask. Curiosity and structured thinking are what separate good PMs from great ones. Where to find Silvija: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvija-skemaite/ In this episode, we cover: 01:26 Introduction 04:13 The Importance of In-Person Connections 05:57 Zero to One: Building Products from Scratch 08:02 User Research Strategies 11:04 Navigating Compliance in FinTech and HR Tech 15:36 AI in Compliance: Future Perspectives 18:19 The Future of User Experience with AI 20:16 AI Tools for Product Management 24:04 Building AI Products: Lessons Learned 26:34 MyPipeline: A Personal Journey 29:33 Mentoring and Career Coaching 32:25 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers 34:01 The Future of Product Management 35:48 The Fast Five Questions References : MyPipeline : https://mypipeline.io/ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  3. Scaling Startups: From building in e-commerce to the power of community | Saptarshi Nath, Founder at Airboxr and Overcart

    ٩ يناير

    Scaling Startups: From building in e-commerce to the power of community | Saptarshi Nath, Founder at Airboxr and Overcart

    Saptarshi Nath is a two-time founder, former VC, and a seasoned builder in the global tech ecosystem. From management consulting to launching and scaling startups, Saptarshi’s journey spans India, Singapore, and the U.S. Currently, he is the co-founder of Airboxr, a data automation platform simplifying analysis for consumer brands. In our conversation, we delve into: Building products on existing platforms versus standalone solutions The evolution of startup cultures in India, Singapore, and the U.S. Lessons from launching Airboxr and niching down to solve specific problems Insights on fostering high-performance cultures in remote teams The role of AI in enhancing business efficiency and decision-making Differences between being a founder, a VC, and an operator Trends in DTC e-commerce, including profitability and omnichannel strategies Community building and its impact on startup ecosystems Much more. Some takeaways: Founders need to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. Solving a problem starts with understanding its nuances and deeply connecting with the people it affects. The solution you imagine at the beginning will likely evolve, so staying adaptable and focused on the problem itself ensures you're creating something that truly matters. Building a startup requires grit and adaptability. Starting and scaling a business is as much about embracing challenges as it is about celebrating wins. Success comes from staying resilient when things get tough, experimenting with new approaches, and learning from failures. Adapting quickly to feedback from customers, the market, or even team dynamics is crucial to staying ahead. Niche down to scale up. Launching Airboxr required pivoting from a broad no-code query builder to a focused tool for consumer brands. Going deeper into a specific niche revealed a clearer path to product-market fit. Small teams and high standards build great cultures. In a remote setup, hiring A-players and avoiding C-players ensures a high-performance environment. Team culture starts with the first 100 hires. Data is only valuable if you know what to do with it. Businesses often collect vast amounts of data, but the real challenge lies in extracting actionable insights. Founders and teams need tools and processes to sift through the noise and make quick, informed decisions. Tools like Airboxr were born out of this exact need: to turn overwhelming data into simple, decision-ready insights. Community fuels innovation. Building SG Founders created a network of over 1,000 founders and operators in Southeast Asia, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. A strong community provides access to diverse perspectives, shared experiences, and opportunities for co-innovation, which can unlock new ways to tackle challenges and grow together. DTC brands are maturing. The focus has shifted from growth to profitability. Brands are diversifying their sales channels and refining their financial strategies to build for long-term success. Execution matters more than ideation. The best way to validate ideas and uncover solutions is to build, test, and iterate—learning comes faster through doing than planning. Where to find Saptarshi Nath: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saptarshinath/ In this episode, we cover: 01:16 Introduction and Background 05:09 Building on Top of Existing Products vs. Creating Standalone Products 10:21 The Importance of Customer Feedback and Problem Validation 15:13 Creating a High-Performance Culture 20:21 The Role of AI in Driving Efficiencies 22:27 The Influence of Different Roles: Founder, VC, and Consultant 27:47 The Changing Landscape of Consulting and Professional Services 30:40 The Power of Community in the Startup Ecosystem 35:19 The Evolution of E-commerce and DTC 40:03 The Fast Five References: Airboxr: https://www.airboxr.com/ Entrepreneur First: https://www.joinef.com/ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  4. Adapting and Growing: Lessons in Product, Building AI Agents and Career Transitions | Murphy Tiggelaar, Product Manager at Amazon, AWS and AI Front Desk

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    Adapting and Growing: Lessons in Product, Building AI Agents and Career Transitions | Murphy Tiggelaar, Product Manager at Amazon, AWS and AI Front Desk

    Murphy Tiggelaar is a Product Leader with an impressive career spanning big tech and startups. From starting her journey in finance and analytics to leading innovative AI solutions as the Chief Product Officer at AI Front Desk. Murphy's professional journey highlights her ability to grow, adapt, and bring valuable, high-impact products to life. Moreover, she brings a wealth of experience across industries, a passion for AI agent technology, and a unique perspective on career transitions, work-life balance, and the evolving tech landscape. In our conversation, we delve into: Austin's evolution as a tech hub and startup ecosystem The rise of AI agents and their real-world applications Horizontal vs. Vertical approaches to building AI products Insights on building customer-focused products and fostering strong teams Taking career breaks and the value of hitting pause Navigating career transitions and embracing change And so much more Some takeaways: Austin’s energy makes it a top tech hub. Austin has transformed over the last decade. Its vibrant, youthful energy, strong startup culture, events like SXSW, and entrepreneurial programs make it a magnet for innovators. Guardrails are essential when building AI tools. AI isn’t perfect, and models need well-defined prompts, safety checks, and continuous oversight. Without these, agents can stray off course and deliver poor user experiences. The beauty of AI agents lies in efficiency and accuracy. By automating repetitive tasks like lead follow-ups and bookings, AI agents enable front desk staff to focus on building relationships and delivering better customer experiences. The result is greater efficiency without sacrificing the human touch. Deep expertise matters when choosing verticals. While AI agents can work across industries, AI Front Desk has focused on fitness and franchises because they know the space so well. Specialization means they understand the nuances, set the right guardrails, and create solutions that truly fit the industry’s needs. Lessons from Amazon: writing culture and and bias for action. Processes like the PRFAQ (Press Release and FAQs) help teams articulate a clear vision, align stakeholders, and ensure stakeholders have what they need to execute. Startups move quickly, so it’s important to balance thoroughness with bias for action. Sometimes a lightweight version of a process, like Amazon’s writing culture, works best to keep everyone aligned without slowing things down. Taking a career break can be life-changing. Stepping back, like taking nine months to travel, gives you the space to reflect, recharge, and prioritize what’s next. It’s a unique chance to reset before diving into new challenges. Murphy’s advice: if you can do it, take the leap—career is a marathon, and stepping back can bring fresh energy and perspective. It’s okay to switch jobs and embrace change. Whether it’s moving industries, taking on a new role, or adjusting for personal flexibility, change can open doors to better alignment with your values, lifestyle, and goals. Moving roles can make you better at your craft and open new opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Where to find Murphy Tiggelaar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtigg/ In this episode, we cover: 01:26 Introduction to Murphy Tiggelaar 04:06 Murphy's Career Journey 06:54 The Austin Tech Scene 12:18 AI Front Desk and AI Agents 15:27 Pros and Cons of AI Agents 19:41 Building Vertical vs Horizontal AI Agents 23:08 Lessons from Amazon 28:27 Taking a Career Break 33:18 Fast Five Questions References: AI Front Desk: https://aifrontdesk.com/ Entrepreneurs’ Organization: https://eonetwork.org/ South by Southwest, Asutin: https://www.sxsw.com/ Amazon’s PR/FAQ process ShiftKey: https://www.shiftkey.com/ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  5. Crafting Products: The Art and Science of Product Design and Branding | Shirley Wu, Product Designer at Twingate, Meta and Threads

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    Crafting Products: The Art and Science of Product Design and Branding | Shirley Wu, Product Designer at Twingate, Meta and Threads

    Shirley Wu is a seasoned product designer with a wealth of experience working with some of the most prominent startups and big tech companies, including Sequoia and a16z-backed ventures. Shirley has worked across the full spectrum of product and brand development - from desktop and mobile apps to brand identity work and beyond. Her passion lies in collaborating with people to help them achieve their goals and bring their visions to life. When she's not shaping products and brands, Shirley embraces her creativity through painting and ceramics. In our conversation, we deep dive into: Shirley’s diverse background in product design and branding The story behind Luna and the challenges of hardware innovation Shirley’s favorite products and her views on health and longevity tech Her new politically neutral party game, Democrazy Candid advice for those pursuing creative careers and what it takes to find purpose in your work And so much more. Some takeaways: Aim for what you want to be and the life you want to live. Build a life that aligns with your values and goals. Whether it's wealth, purpose, or freedom, designing your career with intention ensures long-term fulfillment. Don’t let emotional hurdles hold you back. Just get it done. Procrastination and overthinking are common barriers, but Shirley’s mantra is simple: push through doubts and take action. The builder mentality is rooted in collaboration and hands-on experiences. From living in hacker houses to working closely with teams, Shirley’s builder mentality thrives on creative problem-solving and deep connections with others. Productivity thrives on structure and intentionality. Tactical planning, like breaking tasks into manageable steps and using your calendar effectively, can help you stay focused and achieve your goals. Machine learning is a game-changer for designers. Understanding its basics allows you to unlock creative possibilities, stay ahead of industry trends, and design for the future. Good branding aligns with the product’s needs and audience. Branding should follow the product’s evolution and fit naturally into its market context, ensuring authenticity and relevance. Biotech and AI have the potential to transform health and longevity. The tools that use sound, AI, and computer vision to create less invasive diagnostics, offering new possibilities in health and longevity, are set to transform healthcare. Where to find Shirley Wu: Website: https://bettercrispy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleyywu/ Studio Shoji: http://studioshoji.com/ In this episode, we cover: 01:30 Introduction to Shirley Wu 04:20 The Builder Mentality 07:41 Exploring Branding and Design 12:27 Experiences in Hacker Houses 16:31 Productivity Hacks and Time Management 19:29 Freelancing and Working with Founders 23:47 Craft and Intuition in Design 26:51 Designing in the Machine Learning Space 29:22 Journey with Threads 37:50 Diverse Skillset and Learning New Industries 40:13 Luna: Health Tracking for Dogs 43:40 Democracy: A Political Party Game 44:47 The Fast Five References: Democrazy For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  6. Creating your own luck: The Power of Connection, Passion and Curiosity | Jonathan Reichental, Founder at Human Nature and ex-CIO at City of Palo Alto

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    Creating your own luck: The Power of Connection, Passion and Curiosity | Jonathan Reichental, Founder at Human Nature and ex-CIO at City of Palo Alto

    Dr. Jonathan Reichental is a multiple-award-winning technology and business leader whose career has spanned both the private and public sectors. Jonathan is a recognized global thought leader on a number of emerging trends including urban innovation, smart cities, sustainability, blockchain technology, data governance, the fourth industrial revolution, and digital transformation. Jonathan has written three books on the future of cities and is currently the founder of advisory, investment, and education firm, Human Future. In our conversation, we delve into: Jonathan’s passion for technology & innovation, and his journey as an author Importance of curiosity and the drive to learn about emerging technologies Exploring the power of casual connections and unexpected partnerships Importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success Understanding the impact of your social circle on personal growth and aspirations Anticipating groundbreaking advancements in technology and healthcare And so much more Some takeaways: You’ll never know where you will find your next big opportunity. Many successful partnerships start in casual settings, like meeting someone at a coffee shop or at an AI discussion group. It’s all about being open to these moments and engaging in conversations that could spark an idea or collaboration you never expected. Creating your own luck is all about putting yourself out there. Luck isn't just a coincidence; it’s about being proactive. When you step outside your comfort zone and seek new experiences, you increase your chances of encountering opportunities that can lead to significant changes in your life. There’s no shortcut to success. Hard work is essential, and it often takes years to achieve your goals. While some people might seem like overnight successes, there’s usually a long grind behind the scenes. Whether it’s preparing for a presentation or ensuring you’re delivering a quality product, putting in the effort is crucial. You are the company you keep. The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your journey. If one person in a relationship is dragging the other down, it’s essential to reevaluate those connections. Building a network of positive and motivated individuals can elevate your own aspirations. Do what you love and pursue your passions. Finding what excites you and aligning your career with those interests is vital. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate. Waking up excited about what you’re doing can lead to a much more fulfilling and meaningful life. Where to find Jonathan Reichental: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reichental/ X: https://x.com/Reichental Website: https://www.reichental.com/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/postcard-from-the-future-6758890536175833088/ In this episode, we cover: 01:16 From Friendship to Full Circle 08:24 The Journey of a Tech Enthusiast 12:57 The Power of Curiosity and Learning 16:36 Becoming an Expert in Emerging Technologies 20:56 Writing as a Path to Value Creation 23:35 Inspiration and Rewards of Writing 25:19 Dr. Jonathan Reichental's Writing Journey 26:27 The Power of the 'For Dummies' Series 27:00 Tips for Success in Silicon Valley 30:01 The Future of Technology 31:38 Living a Meaningful Life 37:40 The Fast Five References: Jonathan has authored the following books: Smart Cities for Dummies: https://www.smartcitybook.com/ Exploring Smart Cities Activity Book for Kids: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1737609908 Exploring Cities Bedtime Rhymes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P9WPZ8C Data Governance for Dummies: https://www.reichental.com/data Cryptocurrency QuickStart Guide: https://www.reichental.com/crypto Human Future: https://www.humanfuture.io/ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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  7. Lessons From B2B SaaS Product Management to Cultural Considerations for Building Global Products | Wilson Wei, Product Manager at Litify and Veeva Systems

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    Lessons From B2B SaaS Product Management to Cultural Considerations for Building Global Products | Wilson Wei, Product Manager at Litify and Veeva Systems

    Wilson Wei is a global B2B SaaS Product Manager with a wealth of experience across multiple industries. Wilson has managed high-profile projects at companies like Veeva Systems, where he successfully implemented Vault Quality Management Systems, generating over $3 million in revenue and spearheading 20+ go-lives across global pharmaceutical enterprises like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Moderna. Wilson has also incredible Product experience at Litify, a legal-tech platform. In our conversation, we delve into: Challenges of execution in startups Importance of industry knowledge How cultural factors influence business practices Significance of hands-on leadership and persistence How AI could shape the future of productivity Importance of long-term vision And so much more Some takeaways: Success often requires you to balance persistence with patience. While determination is crucial for achieving long-term goals, understanding when to slow down and change your approach can be equally important. Remember, progress is incremental. Baby steps matter, and it’s okay to take them. Prioritize User experience in Product design. A seamless interaction, such as efficient transfers in public transit systems, enhances user satisfaction and creates a positive perception of the service. A keen focus on user experience and attention to detail can differentiate a product, making it more appealing and memorable to the users. Furthermore, building a product that anticipates user needs can significantly improve overall engagement and loyalty. The results of big events often come down to how well you’ve prepared beforehand. Doing the hard work beforehand can help ease the nerves and improve performance when it really matters. It also builds confidence, letting you concentrate on what you need to do rather than worrying about the outcome. This mindset applies to many areas of life, whether it’s competing in sports or delivering a presentation at work. Enjoy the process of reaching your goals instead of just focusing on the end result. Many successful entrepreneurs emphasize that the grind, the late nights, and the challenges are all part of the journey. Appreciating these experiences not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also contributes to personal growth and resilience. Remember, the path you take often teaches you valuable lessons that will help you in the long run. AI is set to change how we work and live, making us more productive and easing some of the challenges we face daily. As it evolves, we can expect AI to take care of tedious tasks, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. While AI isn’t perfect yet, it serves as a helpful starting point for drafting ideas and plans. Creating a strong community is essential for personal and professional growth. Networking is not just about making contacts; it’s about forming genuine relationships that can lead to collaboration and support. Engaging with others who share your interests can open up new opportunities and perspectives. Where to find Wilson Wei: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swilsonwei/ X: https://x.com/wilson_sww Blog: https://www.wfhnomad.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aH4VtcGHvRIeUgGxoAaYD?si=0219c1103fad4be6 In this episode, we cover: 01:28 Introduction 03:55 Exploring Tech Ecosystems Around the World 12:16 Talking B2B SaaS Product Management 15:03 Vertical vs Horizontal SaaS 22:21 Challenges of Scaling Tech Products Internationally 27:33 How Swimming Influenced Wilson’s Path as a Product Manager 35:22 The Importance of Preparation and Habits 40:09 The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Legal Industry 45:39 The Fast Five Questions References: Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology - https://www.amazon.com/Chip-War-Worlds-Critical-Technology/dp/1982172002 For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: hello@jointech2table.com

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Tech2Table Talks is a podcast that brings you interviews with top founders, investors, builders, and operators. Through their personal stories and career journeys, we aim to inspire you with valuable insights and empower you with the knowledge and tools to achieve your professional goals. We dive deep into the highs, the lows, the learnings and real stories from the front-line. Grab a seat (and your earphones) and join us at the table!

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    David Lam
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  • الحلقات
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  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Tech2table Talks