Techtonic

Hosted by Jared

Technology Business Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Techtonic is the podcast that's all about groundbreaking progress in your tech job search. Whether you're a tech professional on the hunt for your next big opportunity or a team leader looking for expert insights on navigating the tech hiring market, this is the place for you. Every episode, we bring you real stories, struggles, resume hacks, professional branding, and success tips directly from those in the trenches and top hiring managers.

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28 recent

April 28, 2026Episode 2833 min

Ep. 28 Muhammad Atif - AI Readiness, Healthcare Tech, and Building Elite Engineering Teams

We sat down with Muhammad Atif, CTO and President of PureLogics, a global software engineering firm he co-founded in 2006 that has grown to 400+ engineers and 1,300+ applications delivered worldwide. Muhammad brings nearly two decades of experience building engineering teams and helping companies move from idea to execution.In this episode we get into what AI readiness actually looks like, what's holding most companies back, and what it takes to hire and build teams that last.Here's what we cover:Why only 10 to 15% of companies are truly ready for AI at scaleThe four foundational gaps most organizations need to fix before adopting AIReal world healthcare AI projects Pure Logics has brought to lifeHow AI is making hiring faster but genuine talent evaluation harderWhy coding tests are one of the most misread signals in technical hiringWhat Muhammad actually looks for when evaluating engineering candidatesWhether you are a founder, a CTO, or just trying to navigate digital transformation without making costly mistakes, this one is worth your time.Muhammad's LinkedInPureLogics' LinkedInPureLogics' WebsiteTechtonic is a Gaggle Social production.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

March 17, 2026Episode 2747 min

Ep. 27 D.J. Burel - Tech, Government Clearance, and Career Strategy

In this episode of Tectonic, host Jared Tang, CEO & Co-Founder of Gaggle Social, sits down with D.J. Burel, a veteran talent acquisition leader specializing in defense, government, and cleared technical recruitment.With more than 30 years of recruiting experience, DJ has worked at the intersection of national security, cybersecurity, aerospace, and federal programs, helping place professionals into some of the most mission-critical roles in the country. In this conversation, he shares insights most technical professionals rarely hear: how recruiters actually evaluate candidates for cleared roles, what hiring teams truly look for, and how veterans and eligible professionals can strategically position themselves for long-term success.DJ and Jared dive into the realities of government hiring, the importance of clearance requirements, certifications, and articulation of technical skills, and why networking remains the most powerful tool in any career search.They also explore programs like SCIPP and SkillBridge, the difference between quantity vs. quality in job applications, and why despite all the modern tools and platforms available, human interaction still sits at the center of successful hiring.If you're a technical professional exploring government or defense opportunities, transitioning from military service, or simply looking to better understand how recruiters think, this episode offers practical guidance and insider perspective to help you navigate the process more effectively.D.J.'s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/74205a2/SCIPP Program: https://scippinternational.org/Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

January 7, 2026Episode 2639 min

Ep. 26 Rochelle Rawls — Equitable Hiring in Practice: Rochelle Rawls on Bias, Storytelling & Building Fair Talent Pipelines

Most companies say they care about equitable hiring. Very few are willing to admit what’s actually broken.In this episode of Techtonic, we’re joined by Rochelle Rawls, a leader in equitable hiring and DEIB-driven talent strategy, to unpack the uncomfortable truths behind modern recruitment, from silent bias in resumes and interviews to why qualified candidates disappear from the funnel.We talk about:The hidden reasons candidates get screened outWhy storytelling matters more than credentials aloneWhere underrepresented talent drops off — and whyPerformative DEI vs. real impactThe one-week actions that can instantly improve a job searchWhether you’re hiring, job searching, or building teams at scale, this conversation challenges how we think about fairness, bias, and opportunity in today’s job market.Listen now, and rethink what “equitable hiring” really means.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

November 25, 2025Episode 2534 min

Ep. 25 Chris Mielczarski — Networking for Introverts: Chris Mielczarski on Bravery, Vulnerability & Career Connections

In this episode of Techtonic, we explore one of the biggest challenges tech professionals face today: networking when you're an introvert.I'm joined by Senior Salesforce Developer and community builder, Chris Mielczarski. Chris brings a refreshingly human perspective to the art of connecting with others in the tech ecosystem.Together, we break down:Bravery in networking: showing up, even when it feels uncomfortableAuthenticity vs. imposter syndrome: why being wrong is one of networking’s hidden superpowersVulnerability that builds trust instead of oversharingManaging your energy before, during, and after eventsFinding the “connective tissue” that turns small talk into meaningful conversationsHow introverts can use social media strategicallyWhy joining local user groups (like the Salesforce community) can change the whole trajectory of your careerChris also shares personal stories, that show how small, brave steps like stumbling into the Salesforce ecosystem to becoming a fixture in the Louisville user group can lead to massive professional shifts.Whether you're job-seeking, upskilling, or growing your influence, this episode will give you actionable ways to show up more confidently and make networking work for you, not drain you.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

September 29, 2025Episode 2439 min

Ep. 24 Nia Luckey- The Trust Protocol: Nia Luckey on Leadership, Resilience & Cybersecurity

In this episode of Techtonic, host Jared Tang sits down with Army veteran, trusted advisor to CIOs and CSOs, co-author of The CISO Playbook, and champion for women in cybersecurity through the Women’s Society of Cyber Jutsu, Nia Luckey.Nia shares her remarkable journey from military service to the boardroom and TEDx stage, revealing how trust, authenticity, and resilience have shaped her leadership and her groundbreaking concept of the Trust Protocol. Together, Jared and Nia explore how leaders can foster trust and transparency in organizations, why advocacy in cybersecurity matters, and the lessons job seekers can apply to stand out in a competitive market.From building authentic networks to showing your true skills beyond the resume, this conversation delivers insights for leaders, professionals, and anyone navigating today’s tech-driven landscape.Nia's Resources:TED Talk "Can We Build Technology We Actually Trust?"https://youtu.be/P11VunN876Q?si=XFBfDS2b33LsKpctThe CISO Playbook: Chapters on what it means to mean risk and GRChttps://www.amazon.com/CISO-Playbook-Security-Audit-Leadership/dp/1032762071Giving Back and Beyond: CIO Business World 2025 volume 2 Nia Luckey Bridging Innovation and Resilience in Cybersecurity https://ciobusinessworld.com/top-10-cybersecurity-leaders-shaping-the-future-of-digital-safety-2025/Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

July 22, 2025Episode 2338 min

Ep. 23 Hon. Leela Aheer - Built to Thrive: Women's Empowerment and Reimagining Women's Healthy Through Tech

On this transformative episode of TechTonic, we welcome the Honorable Leela Aheer, former Minister for the Status of Women and now Chief Growth Officer at The BioSport, for a raw, insightful conversation on women’s health, empowerment, and the systems that must evolve.Alongside guest co-host Stacy Whitaker, we discuss The BioSport and how it's a cutting-edge tool that uses genomics, AI, and biometrics to optimize athletic performance, prevent injuries, and unlock each athlete’s unique potential.In addition that this, we explore how it can be personalized for women’s healthcare recognizing inflammation, hormone shifts, gut-brain balance, and mental performance not as nuisances to ignore, but as powerful biological data points to optimize well-being.But this episode isn’t just about tech, it’s about shifting culture. Leela shares how emotional intelligence in leadership, policy reform, and redefining professionalism can build more inclusive spaces for women in business, tech, and beyond. From navigating political and corporate power structures to advocating for better menstrual and hormonal care, she reminds us that women’s experiences are not elective, they are essential.We explore why embracing emotion isn't weakness, why community is the antidote to fear, and how every woman, and ally can help reshape the future by demanding more humanity, equity, and integrity in innovation.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

June 4, 2025Episode 2230 min

Ep. 22 Dean Clark - 22-year Deloitte Veteran On leading Tech Teams

In this episode of Techtonic, we sit down with Dean Clark, a 22-year veteran of Deloitte and now a leader at Kanini and founder of Tech2Exec, to explore what it really takes to move from hands-on technical roles to executive leadership. Dean shares his journey from coding COBOL in high school to advising CIOs at the enterprise level and breaks down why so many skilled professionals get stuck mid-career.We dive into the soft skills that separate future leaders from the rest, how to evaluate when it’s time to move on, and why most hiring processes still get it wrong. If you're trying to grow your tech career or build better tech teams, this conversation is packed with direct, hard-earned insight from the trenches.Check out Dean Clark's Tech2Exec: https://tech2exec.com/tech-exec-about-me/Connect with Dean on Gaggle Social: https://app.gagglesocial.com/user/6568Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

May 8, 2025Episode 2142 min

Ep. 21 Anna Shaffer - Building Community in Tech: Inside Akron Women in Tech

In this episode of Tectonic, Jared Tang sits down with Anna Schafer—Chief Product Officer at b Atomic!, 10x Salesforce-certified leader, and co-leader of the Salesforce Akron Women in Tech group—to explore how her community is empowering Salesforce professionals through connection, hands-on learning, and inclusive support.Anna shares the origin story behind her involvement in the Akron Women in Tech Group, the impact of grassroots Trailblazer groups, and why fostering human connection is just as important as mastering new features. From mentorship and inclusion to race cars and Ohio winters, this episode is packed with warmth, inspiration, and actionable tips for anyone navigating their Salesforce journey—or thinking about starting a local tech community of their own.Key takeaways:Why community groups are a game-changer for new Salesforce professionalsHow to foster inclusive spaces for both women and allies in techPractical advice for starting or joining a Trailblazer groupWhy hiring from engaged communities leads to stronger teamsWhether you're in Akron, on the moon, or somewhere in between—this one’s for you.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

April 24, 2025Episode 2047 min

Ep. 20 Mike Martin - The Human Side of Tech Leadership — Mentorship, Hiring, Teams, & Talent

In this episode of Tectonic Podcast, we talk with Mike Martin — former admin turned Chief Customer Officer at 10K — about the evolution from doing the work to leading the work. With 17+ years of experience, Mike breaks down what separates good consultants from great ones, how to grow teams from scratch, and why the future of tech hiring is all about flexibility and fit.Key Takeaways: ✅ Leadership starts with service—support first, lead second. ✅ Fractional consulting isn’t a trend—it’s a movement. ✅ A strong peer network builds stronger hires. ✅ Hiring processes shouldn’t be marathons—just meaningful. ✅ Real community opens real doors.🎧 Hit play to rethink how you scale teams, talent, and trust in the Salesforce space.Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

March 1, 2025Episode 1944 min

Ep.19 Margaret Atkins – 5x Salesforce Certified Expert on Breaking Into the Ecosystem & the Power of Community

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we chat with Margaret Atkins, a 5x Salesforce-certified expert who turned failures into career breakthroughs. From failing her Admin cert eight times to landing roles through networking and soft skills, Margaret shares how resilience, community, and confidence helped her succeed in the Salesforce ecosystem. Key Takeaways:✅ Failure fuels success—every setback is a step forward.✅ Networking isn’t cheating—it’s how you stand out.✅ Soft skills matter—technical skills can be taught, but adaptability and communication set you apart.✅ Job descriptions aren’t everything—apply even if you don’t check every box.✅ Community drives growth—local groups and events can open unexpected doors.💡 Tune in now for real insights to help you break into Salesforce! 🚀🎧Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

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