The Start and Scale Podcast

Hosted by Tact IT

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May 2026

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About the show

The Start & Scale Podcast dives into the world of tech, bringing you unfiltered stories from the people coding the future. Hosted by Jack, we debug the realities of scaling tech teams, building at speed, and tackling challenges faced by engineers, developers, and tech leaders pushing innovation forward. Expect explorations of how to build high-performing tech teams, the problem-solving mindset of top engineers and the stories behind the products and platforms shaping our world. If you’re a seasoned dev, an ambitious tech lead, or obsessed with how great software gets built, this is for you!

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May 29, 202626 min

SECURE& | “Traditional AppSec Is Dead” with Gadi Bashvitz | S5 Ep4

AI-assisted coding is accelerating software development at a pace the security industry hasn’t seen before.In this episode of the Secure & Scale Podcast, Jack Brandwood sits down with Gadi Bashvitz, Founder & CEO of Bright Security, to unpack why traditional AppSec models are struggling to keep up with AI-generated code, rising vulnerability volume, and continuous AI-native attacks.In this episode, we dive into:• Why AI-assisted coding is reshaping application security• The rise of prompt injection and LLM vulnerabilities• How Bright dynamically validates AI-generated fixes• Why false positives create hidden costs• The shift from reactive AppSec to preventative security• Why developers may become “air traffic controllers”The conversation also explores how enterprise teams are evaluating AI security tools, and why secure code is becoming foundational for the future of software development.If you're a security leader, CTO, AppSec engineer, or developer building with AI, this episode is packed with practical insight into where secure software development is heading next.Gadi Bashvitz's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bashvitz/Jack Brandwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacktechrec/Tact: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tact-team/posts/?feedView=all

May 22, 202628 min

SECURE& | “Your Security Data Strategy Is Wrong” with Chris Camacho | S5 Ep3

The Start & Scale Podcast brings unfiltered stories from the people building the future of tech. Hosted by Jack, we explore the realities of scaling teams, building at speed, and the challenges facing engineers, developers, and tech leaders.The Secure & Scale Podcast is our cybersecurity series within Start & Scale, featuring operators, founders, and leaders shaping the future of cyber.This episode kicks off our new run, filmed live at RSA, featuring Chris Camacho, Co-Founder and COO of Abstract, the next-gen composable SIEM. Chris previously led revenue growth at Flashpoint through a PE exit and worked in threat management at Bank of America and the World Bank.We cover what a real security data strategy looks like, why most SIEMs are broken, how AI is changing the SOC, and where teams are getting it wrong with data, cost, and scale.Chris also shares the origin story of Abstract and how the company is positioning itself in a crowded security market.If you’re a CISO, SOC leader, security engineer, or founder in the detection and data space, this episode is for you.Chris Camacho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdcamacho/Abstract: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abstractsecurity/Jack Brandwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacktechrec/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28TbJcFOi9Fk4YbcHi1h7qYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@startandscale/videos

February 5, 202638 min

CYBERSECURITY | “The dopamine is Insane” with Ian Saultz | S5 Ep2

In this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, we sit down with Ian Saultz, founder of Casco, who previously worked across organisations including AWS, Life Time Fitness and CommIT Enterprises.Ian shares how Casco became the second most upvoted company in Y Combinator history, how the idea was formed while at AWS, and what modern cyber security really looks like in an AI-driven world. We explore whether AI agents can replace security teams, the risks involved, lessons from YC, work-life balance, and where cyber defence is heading next.If you’re building in AI, security, or scaling a high-growth startup, this episode is packed with practical insight.

January 8, 202646 min

CYBERSECURITY | “People are going to use deepfakes for ill” with Alex Lisle | S5 Ep1

In this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, wesit down with Alex Lisle, whose career spans Sony, Sega,SecurityScorecard, and now Reality Defender, where he’s helping tackle the growing deepfake crisis.Alex shares what it’s like moving from the UK to New York,how getting caught hacking early in his career helped shape his trajectory, and why deepfakes represent one of the biggest threats facing trust in the digital world.We explore how Reality Defender verifies what’s real, whatsets them apart in the AI security space, and whether AI could become genuinely dangerous as we move toward a post reality future.

October 9, 202549 min

FOUNDERS | “I grew a consultancy to 500 people” with Luke Morton | S4 Ep11

🔥 “Tech is reshaping recruitment, and AI is leading the charge.” – Luke Morton 🔥In this episode, we sit down with Luke Morton, founder of FirstStage, to explore how AI and automation are transforming the world of recruitment. From AI-generated CVs to the future of hiring, Luke shares insights on how technology is changing the way companies find and hire talent.#AI #TechFounder #Recruitment #StartupLife #Scaling

September 25, 202551 min

TECH | “AI isn't going to replace senior engineers or anyone soon” with Ross Tyler | S4 Ep10

Ross Tyler has led tech at Moneysupermarket Group, Car Finance 247, and Shield Safety — but he’s still learning something new every week. On The Start & Scale Podcast, Ross opens up about the realities of modern tech leadership: why communication is a CTO’s most powerful tool, what it really takes to rebuild a product platform, the importance of staying close to the code, and how AI is transforming the way his team works.

September 10, 20251 hr 10 min

TECH | “I started coding when I was 6” with Jeff Watkins | S4 Ep9

In this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Watkins, a seasoned CTO with experience at companies like AND Digital and BJSS. Jeff shares the evolution of his career from hands-on coding to high-level leadership, and the growing need for ethical, people-first decision-making in tech.We dive into the consequences of AI, why junior roles are being displaced, and how simply “writing code” isn’t enough anymore. Plus, we explore the importance of leadership training and learning from failure.If you’re leading a tech team or scaling a product in the AI era — this one’s for you.

August 27, 202558 min

FOUNDERS | “We don’t work in tech, we work in change” with Richard Wainwright | S4 Ep8

In this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, we sit down with Richard Wainwright — a seasoned advisor to fast-growing tech companies and a firm believer in the power of people over just pure technical skill.We dive into how his non-linear path in tech has shaped his advisory approach, why businesses often get product scaling wrong, and the underrated importance of soft skills when building teams. Richard also breaks down the biggest myths about growth, and what he actually does as a non-exec director.If you’re leading a startup, building a product, or trying to scale a team — this one’s packed with sharp insights you can use today.

August 13, 20251 hr 4 min

TECH | “That first failure can destroy them if they’re not careful” with Andy Lole | S4 Ep7

This week on The Start & Scale Podcast, we sit down with Andy Lole, a seasoned CTPO with experience at companies like eBay, Atos, and Schibsted.Andy shares how taking 18 months out of the tech world changed his mindset, how his leadership style has evolved, and why failure is the best teacher. We dive into what it means to make an instant impact in a new role, how to manage distributed teams, and where the biggest opportunities lie for today’s engineers — especially in the age of AI.If you’re in tech, leadership, or scaling a startup, this one’s full of real talk and smart insight.

July 16, 20251 hr 9 min

TECH | ”A major pharmaceutical company has an AI policy that is 12 years old” with Mic Streeter | S4 Ep6

In this episode of The Start & Scale Podcast, we sit down with Mic Streeter, who has experience working at companies like N Brown Group, OneAdvanced, and Microlise, to explore leadership, hiring, and innovation in the tech world. Mic shares his journey through multiple tech industries, how COVID reshaped his approach, and why strong leadership is critical to building winning tech teams. We also unpack the future of AI in tech and the biggest mistakes Mic’s learned from along the way. Whether you’re a founder, tech leader, or curious about how to hire and lead in today’s environment, this episode is packed with valuable insights.