Make Sense with Lindsay Tabas, The Lady Engineer

Hosted by Lindsay Tabas, Lady Engineer®

TechnologyInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2025

Language

About the show

Make Sense is a video podcast where my guests and I untangle the way technology impacts our everyday lives and shapes our world, pragmatically and without the jargon. Whether you're totally hyped on artificial intelligence and ready for the robot takeover, or you want to crawl into a cave after deleting all of your social media accounts, I'm here with my guests to help MAKE SENSE of what's going on so you can design your human experience into the future.

Listen to episodes

59 recent

June 19, 2025Episode 6848 min

Fixing Saas: Lessons for the Next AI Startup Wave

🎙 Episode Title: Fixing Saas: Lessons for the Next AI Startup WaveHow can we make sense of the real AI Saas Opportunity: building better systems from broken ones?In this episode of Make Sense, Lindsay Tabas talks with Benjamin Garvey, Co-Founder and CTO of Common Paper, about the evolution of enterprise software, particularly Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and how the Zero Interest Rate Policy and the GDP loophole paved the way for a SaaS Boom.. We explore the transition from clunky enterprise software to cloud-based solutions, the challenges faced by the proliferation of SaaS platforms today, and the impact of AI on the future of software development.---🧠 What You’ll Learn:- The key benefits of SaaS tools (e.g. collaboration)- The essential elements any new SaaS startup needs (hint: integrations & APIs)- How understanding user needs will help you stay ahead of AI vibe-coded boom and bust companies---⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:35 - Never Have I Ever... 02:19 ...downloaded 12 viruses just to get on mislabeled music track on Napster 03:14 ...gotten in trouble for using Napster or any other file sharing platform 04:16 ....never have I ever put cryptic breakup lyrics 04:46 ...bragged about being a mayor on foursquare 07:20 ....missed Digg but pretended Reddit was just as good 10:20 ...went back in my Twitter timeline to clean it up12:18 Segment Two: Deep Dive on SaaS 13:10 What's the future of the software we use at work? 17:19 Benefits of SaaS: Collaboration and Flexibility 18:12 What benefits did companies gain from going towards Saas? 19:36 The Evolution of SaaS Deployment 21:27 Where did things go wrong for Saas? 23:06 Market Dynamics and SaaS Sustainability 24:04 Zero Interest Rate Phenomenon 24:33 AI's Impact on Software Development 25:55 What are the challenges with a SaaS technology stack? 30:19 Managing SaaS Complexity and App Fatigue 32:25 Lack of Visibility into the SaaS Tech Stack 33:28 The Future of SaaS: Integration and APIs 34:22 Transitioning from Developer to Founder 36:00 Consolidation in the SaaS Marketplace37:36 Segment 3: From Keyboard to Visionboard: The Developer’s Journey to Founder 43:00 Understanding Human Dynamics in Tech Leadership 43:03 Practices or Book Recommendations for Developers 46:41 Wrap Up---📌 Connect with Ben Garvey:Website: https://bengarvey.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamingarveyBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bengarvey.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengarvey/---💡 Dive Deeper:📚 Explore frameworks and tools to apply this episode: LearnProductMarketFit.com📋 Shape the future of the Make Sense Podcast by filling out this form: https://www.lindsayt.com/ms-feedback---🙌 Stay in the Loop:Subscribe here on YouTube for weekly episodes that decode how creators, founders, and innovators make things make sense.

June 4, 2025Episode 6742 min

AI Vibe Coding Era: What Makes a Developer Irreplaceable?

🎙 Episode Title: AI Vibe Coding Era: What Makes a Developer Irreplaceable?How can we make sense of AI vibe coding and whether it will replace programmers?In this episode of Make Sense, Lindsay Tabas talks with ‪@NolanMakatche‬ FinTech founder, software engineer, and cloud architect, about the pros and cons of integrating AI coding tools into a software engineers' toolbox. We explore how AI is shifting the value of developers from coding to critical thinking and problem-solving.---🧠 What You’ll Learn:1. What the current landscape feels like for software engineers and developers2. How developers’ approaches to AI tools vary across different experience levels3. What is "vibe coding" and why do some perceive it as a mind virus4. How, when and who will be replaced by AI programming tools5. The mindset engineers need so as not be replaced---⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:45 Segment 1: Never Have I Ever (Internet Edition!)08:50 Segment Two: Your Code Can Be Replaced, But You Can't09:34 What is the current landscape for software developer's work?10:49 What is "vibe coding"?12:39 What's your perspective on "AI is going to take our jobs"?14:00 Is this advice different for "engineers" vs. "developers"?15:25 The Spectrum of AI Tool Adoption17:50 Security Issues When Using AI Coding Tools19:44 The Importance of Code Quality in AI Development21:38 Do AI tools help or hurt the quality of code?23:02 AI's Impact on Job Security in Tech23:26 How do you define what it means to be a great software engineer today?24:56 Should Younger People Be Scared About AI or AI Taking Their Jobs?25:28 Building in Public: Sharing Your Work26:44 From Coding to Problem Solving: The Founder Mindset27:20 How can developers stay relevant and valuable?28:36 Segment 3: From Keyboard to Visionboard - Becoming a founder29:05 How do you go from 'what can I build' to 'what should I build'?30:18 Lesson Learned: I'm doing things differently next time32:38 Communication Skills for Technical Founders34:53 Which product or leadership skills do you see most technical founders struggle with?35:04 Understanding Project Scope and User Needs40:54 Let's Make it Make Sense---📌 Connect with Nolan MakatcheWebsite: https://linktr.ee/nolanmakatcheInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolan_makatcheTwitter/X: https://x.com/NolanMakatcheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-mak/---💡 Dive Deeper:📚 Explore frameworks and tools to apply this episode: LearnProductMarketFit.com📋 Shape the future of the Make Sense Podcast by answering a few questions https://www.lindsayt.com/ms-feedback---🙌 Stay in the Loop:Subscribe for weekly episodes that decode how creators, founders, and innovators make things make sense.

May 27, 2025Episode 6642 min

The Mindset Shifts Every Creator & Engineer Needs to Make Your Ideas Matter w/ Will Toms

🎙 Episode Title: Beyond the Build - The Mindset Shifts EVery Creator & Engineer Needs to Make Your Ideas Matter w/ Will Toms, Co-founder REC PhillyHow can we make sense of the balance we need to strike between our values and vision, and creating for others?In this episode of Make Sense w/ Lindsay T., Lady Engineer®, Will Toms, co-founder of REC Philly, explores the journey of transforming personal challenges into community solutions through entrepreneurship. Will didn't set out to launch a startup - he just needed the right tools to create and ended up building one that empowers an entire community. Both Creatives & Engineers start independent projects from a place of filling an intrinsic need. At some point, they have to consider who they serve!🧠 What You’ll Learn:- How to honor your vision before worrying about business- What it means to “debug” your creative idea into a sustainable venture- Mindset shifts that help creators balance purpose and profit⏱ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:42 Segment One: Never Have I Ever02:06 ...gotten in trouble for downloading music from Napster.04:18 ...played Chat Roulette unironically.07:21 ...woken up thinking in 140 characters because I was using Twitter too much.09:28 ...reorganized my MySpace Top 8 for the drama12:25 Segment 2: Debugging Innovation13:14 How do you protect your creative vision from outside influences?19:51 Can you take us back to the moment in the first space where you realized this wasn't just for you anymore?21:19 Building a Community Through Shared Experiences24:25 The Joy of Empowering Others24:33 How do you help creators stay grounded in their why?31:24 Is there a mindset that you had to unlearn on your path from passion to profit?38:35 What advice do you have for creators who feel stuck?38:57 Staying True to Your Vision40:34 Building Beyond Yourself

May 15, 2025Episode 6550 min

Transforming Citizen Experiences & Gaining Efficiency in Government w/ Eliza Erickson

Government Efficiency is a hot topic in 2025, given most interactions with the government elicit a groan. But how do real public servants gain efficiency? And, what does innovation mean in a sector where citizens simply need things to work. What does optimizing and streamlining the public sector with technology look like?This episode features Eliza Erickson, a government innovation executive, and host Lindsay Tabas exploring technology challenges in government, including outdated technologies, bureaucratic processes, and the need for a cultural shift towards better service delivery and citizen experience. Eliza shares her insights on how incremental improvements can lead to significant changes in citizen experiences and the importance of attracting talented individuals to the public sector. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between innovation and efficiency to enhance government services for citizens.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:07 Segment One: Never Have I Ever19:14 Segment Two: Deep Dive on Innovation in Government19:50 Why do so many digital government services feel outdated?23:45 The framework Eliza uses to describe government innovation and technology25:09 The lack of competition in the public sector affects the approach to efficiency28:59 Can Net Promoter Score be implemented for government agencies?31:19 Defining Innovation in the Public Sector36:00 The Risk of Innovation vs. The Risk of Inaction41:43 If it's not "innovation," what is it?44:30 The Future of Government: Attracting Talent for Change#governmentefficiency #publicsectorinnovation #digitaltransformation #citizenexperience #technologyingovernment #bureaucraticprocesses #customerexperience #legacysystems #processimprovement #governmentservices

February 4, 2025Episode 11 hr 6 min

Leadership in Times of Digital Transformation | Insights with Mino Vlachos from 3Peak Coaching

In this special episode of Make Sense, I ,Lindsay T., the Lady Engineer®, join Mino Vlachos on the 3Peak Master Leadership Experience Podcast ( @3PeakCoaching ) to discuss leadership during periods of technological change. Together, they explore key topics such as: 1. Why do so many expensive corporate IT projects fail, and how can we fix them? 2. How involving employees in the software development process can improve outcomes. 3. What non-IT leaders can do to better partner with their IT organizations. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders navigating digital transformation. Whether you're managing change in your organization or simply looking for strategies to lead through uncertainty, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical advice on overcoming the challenges of enterprise software and driving successful change in your workplace. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on enterprise software solutions and leadership during times of technological shift. #leadership #digitaltransformation #enterprisesoftware #itleadership #businesstransformation #makesense #technologyinbusiness #changemanagement

November 12, 2024Episode 5454 min

Network Smart, Not Hard: A Startup Founder's Guide on How To Network And Get What You Want

This week, I sit down with Marion Siboni, founder of Lacreme de la Stem, to discuss the challenges and opportunities women in technology and entrepreneurship face every day. Marion shares her motivation for founding Lacreme de la Stem, a community for early-stage female founders in STEM, and discusses the importance of supporting women in tech and innovation. We break down the gender bias in funding and the strategies women use to navigate the investment landscape including building a network before you need it, giving before you get, connecting on personal matters, following up promptly, and being clear on your expectations. We discuss the importance of including men in supporting female founders and the value of including unsuccessful founders as mentors. Don't miss out on this conversation! Interested in additional networking tools, check out this complete guide I've created to help you maximize your relationships and get what you want and need out of networking: https://www.learnproductmarketfit.com/product/networking-pdf/ How to connect with Marion: Website: lacremedelastem.com LinkedIn company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacremedelastem/ LinkedIn personal profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionsiboni/ Newsletter: https://lacremedelastem.substack.com/

October 29, 2024Episode 5353 min

Leave a Legacy: The Next Generation Traits for a Tech CEO

There are three major conversations happening over dinner tables around the world and particularly in the United States. How fast is AI really moving? Is social media okay for the kids? How will the US election go in the beginning of November? They all seem different right? Well you'll be surprised how connected it all is as Dan Perkel and I explore the interconnected conversations happening around AI, social media, and the upcoming US elections. We delve into the cultural implications of digital habits, the impact of technology on youth, and the evolving landscape of copyright in the age of AI. We also have some fun during Make Sense's new segment - 'Never Have I Ever', and reflect on personal digital experiences before transitioning into a deeper discussion on copyright issues related to AI and the ethical considerations surrounding data usage. Join us as we talk about the complexities of internet morality, the evolving persona of tech CEOs, and the challenges of balancing visionary ideas with market needs. The dialogue emphasizes the need for humility and respect in innovation, advocating for a culture of improvement and interdisciplinary teamwork.

October 22, 2024Episode 5247 min

Empowering Parents + Kids: Understanding Digital Literacy and Online Engagement In Modern Tech

In this episode of 'Make Sense', Lindsay Tabas sits down with Stephen Balkam, founder of the Family Online Safety Institute (YouTube: @fosi ) to discuss the complex relationship between technology, social media, and youth mental health. We explore the challenges of ensuring online safety for children, the dual nature of social media as both a risk and a resource, and the importance of digital literacy for parents and children alike. You'll walk away with the tools you need to create a balanced approach to online safety for you and your kids that considers privacy, free expression, and the evolving digital landscape. You don't want to miss this.

October 15, 2024Episode 5146 min

The New Game Plan Startups NEED to Survive with Anthony Putignano

Startup unicorns have grown significantly in the past decade, but economic productivity indicators remain stagnant. I sit down with Anthony Putignano to explore the connection between venture capital and creative waste in the tech industry. We cover everything from the need for a new playbook tech startups need in order to survive, the democratization of technology, DIY software development, and the challenges of over-engineering. We'll also cover some of the latest hot tech headlines, including the role of social media in job searching, the use of AI in customer service, and the spread of disinformation in the digital age. By the end, you'll walk away know what the signs of wastefulness in companies are, the importance of focusing on customer needs, the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than credentials, the need for more thoughtful and purposeful innovation and how to do better planning and resource management.

June 25, 2024Episode 4952 min

Protect Your Digital Identity | Double Down on Cybersecurity

In this episode, Lindsay Tabas and Jumoke Dada discuss the democratization of technology, better AI guardrails, encryption for customer data, and the need for organizations to double down on cybersecurity. We break down the role of the Office of the National Cyber Director in the White House and the strengths and weaknesses of the US cybersecurity field. The conversation emphasizes the need for more talent and diversity in the field and the importance of balancing the sharing of vulnerabilities with public safety, like the data security threat posed by TikTok and the debate surrounding its ban. You'll leave this conversation understanding a bit more about cybersecurity topics like how to protect yourself from scams, the importance of changing passwords, the use of antivirus software, and the risks associated with IoT devices. You'll walk away with the tools to ensure you are vigilant and proactive in protecting your digital identities and personal information. Show notes 00:00 The Future of Cybersecurity: Trends and Predictions 12:46 The Role of the National Cyber Director: Federal-Level Guidance 14:08 Diversity and Talent in Cybersecurity: The Need for Diverse Perspectives 28:41 Cybersecurity Awareness: Password Protection and Best Practices 31:08 Digital Privacy and Data Protection 39:59 IoT Security and Device Vulnerabilities 44:15 The TikTok Ban and National Cybersecurity Concerns 50:54 Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Your Digital Identity 52:17 Accessing Show Resources and Subscribing to the Podcast Make Sense is a video-first podcast that simplifies complex issues at the intersection of tech & people. Whether you’re ready for the robot takeover or want to delete all your socials, I’m here to help you make sense of what’s going on so we can design the human experience into the future. Top 10 Clips from the first 30 episodes! Dive into the most insightful clips without having to watch full episodes by visiting LindsayT.com/MS-Top10.