In this episode of Startup Anthology, I welcome Olga Pogoda, the Chief Operating Officer of KEF Robotics and a seasoned startup veteran with 15 years of experience.

Olga shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to startups. We discussed her background working for a large bank, moving to a consultant in the startup ecosystem, becoming a co-founder of her own startup, and her current role as COO at KEF Robotics in Pittsburg, PA.

Olga emphasizes the cultural and operational differences between corporate and startup culture, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and joys of the fast-paced startup life.

She also touches on her experiences as a woman in the tech and defense industries and the complexities of work-life balance. Throughout the episode, she provides valuable insights into the addictive nature of startup culture and the personal growth that comes from working in such dynamic settings.

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:23 Introduction to Startup Anthology
00:43 Meet Olga Pogoda: A Startup Veteran
02:37 Olga's Journey from Corporate to Startups
07:12 The Addictive Nature of Startups
09:31 Navigating Startup Culture and Growth
16:24 Mentorship and Learning in Startups
20:19 Challenges as a Woman in Defense and Tech
21:23 Challenges Faced by Women in Tech
21:59 Positive Changes in the Industry
22:51 Recruiting Women in Robotics and Defense
23:03 Join the Startup Anthology Community
23:38 Becoming a Mentor
25:59 Balancing Work and Family Life
30:31 Proudest Career Moments
32:57 Embarrassing Moments in the Workplace
35:14 Advice to My Younger Self
37:22 🙌 Shoutout to the KEF Team 🥳
37:51 Closing Remarks and Thank You
38:09 Episode Outro

How to Connect:

Olga Pogoda & KEF Robotics:

LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/olgapogoda]
KEF Robotics [https://www.kefrobotics.com/]

Startup Anthology [startupanthology.com]:

LinkedIn [linkedin.com/company/startup-anthology-llc]
Instagram [@startupanthology]
Facebook [StartupAntholo]

Jeremy Willis

LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/jeremy-startup-anthology]

#BrutalHonesty #MentorshipMatters #StartupCulture #GrowthMindset #NoSugarCoating #TeamDynamics #Leadership #womenintech #womeninbusiness

Doctors Won’t Tell You THIS About Your Poop – Longevity Dietitian Exposes the Truth