Best Rebecca Hastings Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Build a Scalable Strategy for Big Bets and Bold Moves with John Rossman 1:04:09

2d ago1:04:09

1:04:09

In this episode, Rebecca Hastings sits down with John Rossman — former Amazon executive, Managing Partner at Rossman Partners, and author of Big Bet Leadership and The Amazon Way series. They unpack what it really takes to drive transformation in high-stakes, high-ambiguity environments. John draws from his time launching and scaling the Amazon Mar…

1
How to Build AI Startups That Cut Through the Noise with Varun Nair, CTO at That Works 52:56

16d ago52:56

52:56

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings is joined by Varun Nair, Co-Founder and CTO at That Works—an AI-powered workspace tackling the chaos of modern work by eliminating noise from meetings, messages, and manual status updates. With over 15 years of experience spanning startup exits, team-building at Meta, and investing in AI-f…

1
How Agent AI Scaled to 1.4M Users: Building for Non-Tech Builders with Andrei Opirsan 53:19

30d ago53:19

53:19

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings is joined by Andrei Opirsan, Head of Engineering at Agent AI—a platform redefining no-code AI. With over 15 years’ experience leading technical innovation at startups and tech giants like Wayfair and HubSpot, Andrei shares the engineering, architectural, and leadership choices that powered…

1
Scaling SaaS Globally: Lessons in Pricing, People & Product with Lucas Lovell 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Lucas Lovell, VP of Product at Paddle. Lucas shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Paddle scaled from a growing fintech to a global leader in payments infrastructure—including navigating a major acquisition, evolving pricing models, and hiring talent for scale. Lucas offers…

1
How Businesses Can Make Smarter AI Investments with Oliver King Smith 59:14

2M ago59:14

59:14

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Oliver King Smith, founder of SmartR.AI. His company specializes in transforming raw data into behavioral intelligence, with expertise spanning AI-powered decision-making, machine learning, and embedded systems. Oliver shares insights on how businesses can navigate AI investmen…

1
How Technologists Can Become Effective Leaders with Vladimir Baranov 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Vladimir Baranov, an exited founder, CTO, and executive coach. With experience spanning fintech, wealth tech, aerospace, and AI-driven space technologies, he has co-founded and scaled multiple companies, including AdvisorEngine, later acquired by Franklin Templeton. Now, throug…

1
Top Tips For Managing Organizational Change with Leisa Docherty 19:36

3M ago19:36

19:36

In this bonus episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Leisa Docherty, an experienced Chief People Officer, Executive Coach, and HR transformation expert. Leisa has led HR strategies, business acquisitions, and cultural transformations at companies like Sage, Aspire Technology Solutions, and Causeway Technologies. She shares …

1
How Agentic AI is Changing Business and Leadership with Gary Crawford 51:47

4M ago51:47

51:47

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Gary Crawford, an AI strategy expert and Founder of Owendale Advisory, a consultancy helping businesses adapt to the intelligence era. With rapid AI advancements, including agentic AI, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. Gary shares insights on AI-driven organizat…

1
How to Leverage AI Agents for Smarter Workflows with Sam Mallikarjunan 48:19

4M ago48:19

48:19

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Sam Mallikarjunan, General Manager at Agent.ai. Sam shares insights into how AI agents are revolutionizing work, streamlining decision-making, and enhancing productivity. Drawing from his experience as CEO at OneScreen AI, Chief Revenue Officer at Flock, and Head of Growth at H…

1
How to Leverage AI and Data Architecture for Scalable Business Success with Lucas Hendrich 53:12

6M ago53:12

53:12

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rebecca Hastings speaks with Lucas Hendrich, Chief Technology Officer at Forte Group. Lucas brings his expertise in AI-enabled data architecture, governance, and the intersection of technology and business strategy. The discussion explores actionable steps for scaling AI projects, overcoming data challenge…

1
How to Build Future-Ready Tech Leaders and Teams with Mark Herschberg 1:05:02

6M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, we’re joined by Mark Herschberg, a technology leader, author, and MIT instructor. With over 20 years of experience in AI, cybersecurity, and innovation, Mark shares strategies for building essential leadership skills. As creator of the Brain Bump app and a fractional CTO, he explores integrating AI, foster…

1
How to Hire Machine Learning Engineers and Stay On Top of AI Tech with Ron Green 50:15

7M ago50:15

50:15

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, we’re joined by Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of KUNGFU.AI. With over 20 years of experience in AI and a career dedicated to practical applications of machine learning, Ron shares his perspective on what it takes to build and lead high-performing AI teams. From hiring production-grade AI engineers to the i…

1
Aligning AI with Business Goals: Practical Strategies and Insights with Olga Topchaya 44:35

7M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, we are joined by Olga Topchaya, the founder and CEO of Lapis AI Consults. Olga shares her expertise in aligning artificial intelligence with strategic business goals, drawing from over a decade in marketing and product development. As a seasoned professional in AI integration, Olga provides practical advic…

1
AI-Driven Content Management and Multilingual Strategies with David Meikle 43:51

8M ago43:51

43:51

David Meikle, founder of Bloxweaver and a veteran in language technology, shares his insights on AI-driven content management and multilingual strategies. With extensive experience in open-source software and as a former CTO, David offers valuable perspectives on content management, AI customization, and preparing companies for exits. Key topics co…

1
The Product-to-Exit Playbook: Building, Selling, and Advising Tech Companies with Jamie Graves 1:06:06

8M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Jamie Graves, a technology leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, shares his journey from founding ZoneFox to his current role as an advisor and consultant in the tech industry. With a strong background in cybersecurity and AI, Jamie offers valuable insights on product management, leadership, and the evolving landscape of technol…

1
The Tech Onboarding Blueprint: Effective Strategies for Welcoming Tech Leaders and Scaling Engineering Teams with Gavin Cowie 51:03

8M ago51:03

51:03

Gavin Cowie, an experienced VP of Engineering and CTO, shares his insights on successfully onboarding senior tech leaders, scaling engineering teams, and navigating cultural differences between US and UK tech scenes. With extensive experience in AI, data science, and cybersecurity companies, Gavin offers valuable perspectives for tech leaders facin…

1
AI-Driven Procurement Transformation with Globality CTO Keith McFarlane 48:09

9M ago48:09

48:09

Keith McFarlane, CTO of Globality, shares his expertise on leveraging AI in procurement, scaling AI-driven platforms, and maintaining strong company culture in a hybrid work environment. With extensive experience in building and operating the world's first AI-driven autonomous sourcing platform, Keith offers valuable insights for tech leaders navig…

1
Scaling AI Sales Teams and Mastering Market Expansion with Daniel Codd 59:40

10M ago59:40

59:40

Daniel Codd, seasoned sales leader, shares insights on AI innovations in sales, strategies for expanding into new markets, maximizing growth from existing customers, and building effective sales teams. With extensive experience in AI and SaaS sales, Daniel offers valuable advice for founders and sales leaders navigating the rapidly evolving tech la…

1
$100 Million Exit Secrets From a 9x Founder with Jothy Rosenberg 51:39

11M ago51:39

51:39

Jothy Rosenberg, a serial entrepreneur with nine startups and multiple successful exits, shares his valuable insights on startup leadership, fundraising, and building resilient teams. With over 35 years of experience in the tech industry, Jothy offers extensive knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. Key topics covered: …

1
AI Essentials and Expert Strategies for the C-Suite with Oliver King-Smith 1:07:14

11M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming businesses across industries, but successfully implementing AI requires careful planning and execution. In this episode, I'm joined by Oliver King-Smith, Founder of smartR.ai and a trailblazing inventor and entrepreneur revolutionizing AI applications. With over 25 years of experience developing cutti…

1
How to Leverage AI with a Product Thinking Approach with Angus Allan 38:52

12M ago38:52

38:52

AI is transforming the way companies innovate and serve customers. But deploying AI effectively requires careful planning and a product mindset. In this episode, Angus Allan, of xDesign and former startup founder, shares his playbook for leveraging AI to create competitive advantages. You will hear key insights on: - Finding the pragmatic middle gr…

1
How to Scale Your Sales Team for Startup Success with Lee Anderson 45:55

1y ago45:55

45:55

Hiring, training, and motivating winning sales teams is critical for startup success but can be daunting for founders. In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Lee Anderson, Director of Sales Scotland and Ireland at Microlise. With over 18 years of experience driving growth across diverse sectors and scaling the sales team from 5 to 35 emplo…

1
Building a Thriving Tech Startup: Culture, Growth, and Leadership Insights from Peter Proud 58:22

1y ago58:22

58:22

In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Peter Proud, the CEO and founder of Forrit, an AI-driven Azure-native CMS. Peter shares his insights on lessons learned from his career at Microsoft, founding a startup, cultivating a positive company culture, and the power of apprenticeships. Episode Highlights: [1:26] - Most useful experience…

1
Insights for Founders on Pitching, Scaling, and Leveraging Blockchain Technology with Aly Madhavji 44:07

1y ago44:07

44:07

In this episode, host Rebecca Hastings has an engaging conversation with Aly Madhavji, the managing partner at Blockchain Founders Fund based in Singapore. Aly shares his insights on what investors look for in founders, pitches, teams, and ongoing relationships. He also provides invaluable advice on making follow-on rounds easier and offers top tip…

1
Communicating Vision Effectively for Startup Growth with Andrew Bartlow 1:00:09

1y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

In this episode, host Rebecca Hastings has an enlightening discussion with Andrew Bartlow, a former CHRO and now advisor who helps tech startups develop their people functions. Andrew shares his wisdom on leading startups through predictable growing pains, optimizing talent and culture for growth, communicating vision effectively, progressing one's…

1
How to Win The War on Turnover: Tactics for Leading The Retention Revolution 46:50

1+ y ago46:50

46:50

In this bonus episode of the Lucent Perspective, we are sharing a recent LinkedIn Live Webinar, joined by Andrew Bardsley, Founder of JackHR. Andrew Bardsley and Rebecca Hastings discuss how to build retention into hiring and how to empower managers so they can retain top talent. We cover issues such as how Gen Z are approaching things differently,…

1
Driving Startup Success, Global Growth, and Climate Action with Purpose-Led Vision - A Conversation with Russell Dalgleish 41:10

1+ y ago41:10

41:10

In this episode, host Rebecca Hastings has an enlightening discussion with serial entrepreneur and business advisor Russell Dalgleish. Russell shares his wisdom on entrepreneurship, networking, international business, purpose-driven leadership, and more. Episode Highlights: [0:41] - The mindset required for startup success [1:42] - Staying focused …

1
How Software Development Teams Can Adapt to the Rise of AI Technology with Gary Crawford 49:56

1+ y ago49:56

49:56

In this episode, host Rebecca Hastings conducts an insightful interview with returning guest Gary Crawford, Chief Innovation Officer at Waracle. They dive deeper into a timely issue: how the rise of AI is transforming software development teams and processes. Gary, who previously joined us in Episode 5 on how enterprise companies can leverage AI, p…

1
Scaling Data-Driven Digital Companies & Promoting Diversity with John Cushing 49:46

1+ y ago49:46

49:46

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, host Rebecca Hastings interviews John Cushing, an award-winning founder and CEO with extensive experience in building and scaling data-driven digital companies. John shares his insights on understanding the context of company performance, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and his passion for suppo…

1
Setting Clear Goals and Measuring Success in Community Building with Kate McMillan 33:36

1+ y ago33:36

33:36

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, I was joined by Kate McMillan, the head of service technology at Fortinet. Kate shares her experiences in building a community platform for Fortinet users and the impact it has had on their business. With different support options scattered across various platforms, Kate explains how the need for a central…

1
Optimizing Team Dynamics in AI and Fintech: Communication Challenges and Celebrating Achievements with Rachel Curtis 39:29

1+ y ago39:29

39:29

In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rachel Curtis, the CEO of Inicio, shares her insights on AI, FinTech startups, and the challenges of leading a fast-growing business and raising investment. She discusses her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and how it was a more accidental path for her. Episode Highlights: [00:02:01] C…

1
Balancing Consistency and Local Needs as You Scale with Vincent Cano 50:38

1+ y ago50:38

50:38

In this episode, I was joined by Vincent Cano, Chief People Officer at Agicap, a fast-growing fintech company based in Paris. We discussed lessons learned from failed attempts at rolling out global HR policies, balancing consistency with local needs when expanding internationally, determining critical roles to add during rapid growth, and more. Epi…

1
Level Up Your People Strategy: CPO Jess Igoe Shares Her Playbook 52:11

1+ y ago52:11

52:11

In this episode, we're joined by Jess Igoe, Chief People Officer at Amici. Jess shares her expertise in building highly effective engineering teams, hiring salespeople, developing career ladders, getting the culture right, and more. 0:41 - The importance of hiring self-motivated engineers 3:15 - Sales recruiting requires more planning and consisten…

1
Growth Marketing Innovation: Generating Big Ideas That Drive Results with Neil Bruce 1:12:50

1+ y ago1:12:50

1:12:50

In this episode, I am very fortunate to have Neil Bruce to discuss the growth marketing and key trends impacting the success of marketing in tech companies. Neil, who has experience in both in-house and agency roles, shares valuable insights on the in-house agency dynamic. Episode Highlights: [00:02:10] Growth marketing strategies. [00:05:37] The c…

1
Fintech Evolution: A Conversation on Transformative Trends and Culture with Richard Doherty 40:44

1+ y ago40:44

40:44

In the ever-evolving world of business and leadership, one thing stands out as the ultimate game-changer: culture. If you've ever wondered what sets successful companies apart from the rest, our latest podcast episode dives deep into the transformative power of culture and its role in scaling up and thriving in today's competitive landscape. Our gu…

1
Future-Proofing Your Team: Navigating AI and the Metaverse, with Theo Priestly 42:07

1+ y ago42:07

42:07

The convergence of technologies like AI, Blockchain, VR, and Metaverse will reshape society and the future of work. How are you preparing your business and your workforce to adapt and leverage AI to your advantage? Episode Outline and Highlights [01:28] Exploring AI's Impact on Society and the Future of Work. [04:32] Equipping the Workforce for AI …

1
Overcoming Barriers to Net Zero: How a Fintech Startup Tackles Energy Efficiency, with Robin Peters 44:18

1+ y ago44:18

44:18

Climate change is a global crisis that affects everyone, regardless of location or industry. In this episode, you will hear how Snugg, a fintech based in the UK is playing a significant role in contributing to net-zero initiatives. My special guest is Robin Peters, Snugg’s Co-Founder and CEO. Robin revealed the idea behind their astonishing platfor…

1
Startup to Acquisition: Scaling and Disrupting Online Marketplaces to Millions of Users, with Shirish Nardkarni 33:59

1+ y ago33:59

33:59

I am thrilled to be joined by the brilliant tech entrepreneur and visionary, Shirish Nadkarni! With a career spanning decades, Shirish has left an indelible mark on the tech industry, contributing to the success of iconic products like MSN, Blackberry, and Rosetta Stone. Shirish co-founded Livemocha, a language-learning platform that rapidly garner…

1
Engaging with Impact: Community-Driven Growth and Shared Success, with Taavi Kotka 37:39

2y ago37:39

37:39

The trend of community-based business models in the tech sector is driven by the recognition that empowered and engaged users can propel a business to new heights. As technology continues to evolve, these models will likely become even more integral to business strategies, shaping how tech products and services are developed, marketed, and embraced…

1
Fostering a Remote-First Culture and Understanding Flexibility, with James Varga and Laura Tejada 46:12

2y ago46:12

46:12

Not all tech companies may find it easy to transition to a fully remote work setup. Challenges regarding infrastructure, security, collaboration, and technology can stop some business leaders from adopting a remote-first culture. On the other hand, many tech companies have successfully embraced remote work and reaped its benefits, such as access to…

1
Achieving True Culture Success While Scaling and Transforming, Insights from Amabel Grant 33:25

2y ago33:25

33:25

“If you want to be a great place to work and you want people to come to work with you… Then really being able to demonstrate that you care about social value as a strategy in your DNA. That really matters to people.” Our special guest in this episode, Amabel Grant, shared her insights on how to become a great place to work by delivering on social v…

1
Transforming Careers and Bridging the Digital Skills Gap with Loral Quinn, CEO of CodeClan 35:21

2y ago35:21

35:21

As a tech company founder or CEO, how many resources would you invest in the learning and development of your existing talents? Successful companies understand that investing in their teams' learning and development can lead to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, talent retention, and, ultimately, long-term business success. I am delight…

1
How to Develop Your Sales Team to Maximize Revenue, with Yekemi Otaru 40:46

2y ago40:46

40:46

Regardless of your industry, having a talented and motivated sales force can greatly impact the overall success and growth of a company. A good sales team is vital for revenue generation, customer acquisition and retention, market insights, and competitive advantage. In this episode, I am delighted to have Dr.Yekemi Otaru, an award-winning entrepre…

1
How Tech Startups Can Leverage Effective Marketing Strategies, with Darren Cairns 40:59

2y ago40:59

40:59

Darren is an accomplished CMO that has worked with Fintech and Gaming. Companies he has worked with include Yahoo, Sony Playstation, 4Finance, and most recently LendingCrowd. He has worked with both B2B and B2C sectors and has helped drive record growth for those businesses. We discuss: How do you get the best out of your marketing team for startup…

1
How to Effectively Scale - Leading Acquisitions and People 1:02:32

2y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Are you looking at scaling your business through acquisitions? My special guest, Richard Quinn, is here to share strong insights about this subject. Richard has worked on seven acquisitions with a combined transaction value of $400m in a 3-year period. Some critical topics that Richard and I covered in this episode are: When scaling through acquisi…

1
How Digital Provenance is Revolutionizing the Way We Do Business 28:43

2y ago28:43

28:43

In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Csilla Zsigri. You will enjoy hearing Csilla's insights on the evolving landscape of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and blockchain, as well as her role as the Chief Strategy Officer with BTP, a company that helps other companies solve challenges with digital provenance. Csillia and I discussed th…

1
From Startup to Scaleup: From Founding Teams to International Scaling in Fintech, with Martin Threakall 1:03:15

2y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Starting and scaling your tech business in the current market environment can be complicated, but having the right leaders to advise and guide you can make scaling up less challenging. In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Martin Threakall, an experienced CEO, COO, investor, board advisor, and founder. I have had the pleasure of working w…

1
How Can Enterprise Companies Leverage AI? 45:50

2y ago45:50

45:50

Artificial Intelligence has become a buzzword in today's business world, offering enterprise companies opportunities to transform their operations and redefine success. However, integrating AI into existing products, services, and operating models is challenging. In this episode, we will hear insights from my special guest, Gary Crawford, Chief Inn…

1
From Marketing to Product Leadership, with Sophie Moule of Pi Datametrics 35:26

2y ago35:26

35:26

What does it take to build an effective marketing and product team? Sophie Moule from Pi Datametrics, shares her experience and insights on bringing together these departments to work seamlessly together and drive success. Before heading the Product and Marketing Team of Pi, Sophie had a solid core foundation in marketing. Hear how this strength pl…

1
Making the Leap: How to Transition from Corporate to Start - up 46:56

2+ y ago46:56

46:56

Making the Leap: How to Transition from Corporate to Start-up, with Stuart Bell My special guest, Stuart Bell, CTO of Bloom Procurement Services, shares his own experience on overcoming that challenge. Stuart's career highlights include successfully shifting from working in big corporate tech and financial entities to becoming self-employed and wor…

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