Tech Inspired

You don’t need to code to lead in AI. You need to translate.And Afke Schouten is building the bridges where others see barriers. In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Afke - Founder and Managing Partner of AI Bridge - to explore how she turned frustration with miscommunication into a business model that’s helping companies unlock real ROI from AI.From her unconventional journey into mathematics to becoming a voice for human-centered AI transformation, Afke shares how she scaled from analyst to founder, teacher, and ecosystem shaper. Her message is clear - AI isn’t just about data. It’s about dialogue, design, and deep change.🔍 In this episode, you’ll hear:·       Why most AI projects fail, and what it actually takes to get them into production.·       The missing skill set no one talks about in data science (and why it might be your superpower).·       How Afke helps companies move beyond proof-of-concepts to building AI with real-world impact.·       Her take on the growing AI economy, and why collaboration between industries is the next big unlock.·       Why understanding people, not just models, is the future of responsible AI adoption.Whether you're a business leader struggling to make AI stick, a data scientist eager to scale your influence, or a curious mind watching the field evolve - this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Afke’s vision for AI that’s not just smart - but strategic, inclusive, and built to last.PS: Want to connect or learn more about Afke’s work? Find her on LinkedIn.

Tech wasn’t on her radar - until she discovered how it connects with the things she already loved.Catherine Kosten started out painting, drawing and sculpting, not coding algorithms. Now? She’s Head of AI at a Zurich-based law firm, helping legal teams understand and integrate powerful tools like large language models - safely and smartly. 🎯In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska sits down with Catherine as she unpacks her fascinating pivot from the fine arts to AI, from language studies to machine learning, and how she turned self-doubt into a PhD and a leadership role in one of the most conservative industries around.🔍 What you’ll love in this episode:What it’s really like going from zero coding experience to leading AI strategy (while learning in a second language).How Catherine found the intersection between language and tech - and built a career around it.The bold question that unlocked her first tech job (Hint: you can ask it too).Why law is the next frontier for generative AI - and how her role bridges legal expertise and deep tech.What it takes to survive (and thrive) in a PhD program, and why crying over broken code is sometimes just part of the process.The one piece of career advice she swears by - especially for women breaking into tech. 💡This one’s for the career-changers, the self-taught coders, the curious creatives - and anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late to start over. (Spoiler: it’s not.)🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Catherine’s story of reinvention, resilience, and rewriting what a tech career can look like.👉 Want to connect with Catherine and learn more about her work? Find her on LinkedIn. 

Tech Inspired with Alexandra Grozea  On this episode of Tech Inspired, the Managing Director of TechFace, Priska, sits down with Alexandra Grozea, Partner Solution Sales Lead for Data & AI at Microsoft, as she shares her unexpected - and empowering - journey into tech. From teaching in a classroom to driving innovation at global giants like HP, IBM, and Microsoft, Alexandra’s path is anything but linear - and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.  🔍 What you’ll love about this episode: The “aha” moment that made Alexandra leave teaching for tech - and what gave her the courage to follow through. How she built a thriving tech career without a traditional background, and why soft skills are her secret weapon. What it actually means to work in Data & AI at Microsoft (spoiler: it’s not just about coding). How she navigated imposter syndrome - and turned it into fuel for growth. Her bold take on the future of AI, why ethical frameworks are non-negotiable, and what’s still missing in the conversation. Why adaptability, curiosity, and stepping outside your comfort zone are the ultimate career accelerators.  🎧 Whether you're thinking about a career pivot or already deep in the tech world, this episode is your reminder that there’s no one way to succeed in this space - just your way.  Tune in now - and connect with Alexandra on Linkedin to keep the conversation going. 

Dona Smith, the Robotic Systems Team Lead at Sevensense Robotics, shares her remarkable journey from the European Space Agency to pioneering AI-driven robotics. She discusses how an exchange year in the U.S. sparked her passion for engineering and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. Dona dives into the fast-paced world of robotics startups, emphasizing the importance of diversity, innovation, and continuous learning. She also offers actionable advice for breaking into tech, proving that perseverance can unlock extraordinary opportunities.

Kateryna Portmann, a Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics and co-lead of Women in Robotics Switzerland, shares her journey from business consulting to leading innovations in robotics and AI. She discusses the highs and lows of startup life while breaking barriers for women in tech. Kateryna envisions a future where robots and humans collaborate to enhance productivity and tackles the critical need for diverse perspectives in innovation. Her insights on multitasking and community leadership provide inspiration for anyone navigating the tech landscape.

Bridging Business and Tech: Ravina’s Story   In this exciting episode of Tech Inspired, host Priska sits down with Ravina Mutha, co-founder of Enterprise Bot, about her inspiring journey into the tech world. From navigating challenges to scaling a global team, Ravina shares how curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration helped her transform from a non-tech founder to a leader in conversational AI.   Why You’ll Love This Episode: A Joke Turned Innovation: Find out how a casual idea about automating WhatsApp replies led to Enterprise Bot. Thriving Through Challenges: Hear how Ravina went from marketing and sales to leading a tech team of 65 and scaling a business worldwide. Lessons in Failure: Learn how her first venture in health tech taught her resilience, team-building, and the art of pivoting. AI at Work: Discover how Enterprise Bot uses cutting-edge, secure generative AI to transform customer service. Keeping It Real: From sleepless startup nights to parenting twins, Ravina shares the unfiltered highs and lows of founder life.   This episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights for anyone looking to connect the dots between business and tech. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, Ravina’s journey will inspire you to stay curious, embrace change, and build solutions that matter.   🎧 Hit play now and fuel your tech dreams! Want to connect with Ravina and explore her work? Find her on LinkedIn.  

Let's Talk About Allyship!  In this special episode of Tech Inspired, we bring you the thought-provoking closing panel from the #wetechtogether conference 2024, which focused on the powerful theme of allyship. This year’s edition, held on 27 -28 September in Zurich, gathered industry leaders, researchers, and advocates to discuss one of the most pressing issues in the tech world today: how can we truly foster inclusion and equality through allyship? What is Allyship, and Why Does It Matter? 🌍 Allyship isn’t just a buzzword - it’s about action, learning, and supporting people across diverse backgrounds, not just in words but in meaningful ways. This panel breaks down the concept, offering insights and real-world examples from leaders who live it every day. Moderated by Priska Burkard, TechFace’s Managing Director, this engaging session features four expert voices from the field:  Research Meets Reality: Eugenia Bajet Mestre - Research Assistant at the ⁠University of St. Gallen brings insights from her research, shedding light on why true allyship requires ongoing learning and self-reflection. Real Allyship Talk: ⁠Marc Maurer⁠ - CEO at ⁠⁠Mitt Liv⁠⁠ emphasises that allyship is about listening and involving people from all backgrounds - especially those not usually included in D&I conversations. Breaking Down Privilege: ⁠Markus Macrini⁠ - Head Product Management & Sales at ⁠⁠Siemens Switzerland⁠⁠ shares his candid perspective on understanding privilege and how men can actively foster inclusion. From Minority to Advocate: Martina Niggli - Entrepreneur and Organiser at  ⁠Hello 50:50 World⁠ speaks on her experience in male-dominated environments and how initiatives like Hello 50:50 World foster impactful allyship through shared experiences.  What Makes This Discussion Unique? This panel doesn’t shy away from hard truths about diversity and privilege. It explores why we need to challenge traditional mindsets and how allyship is essential in reshaping workplaces to be inclusive for everyone. The conversation offers a mix of practical advice and academic insights, providing listeners with tools to take immediate action in their own environments. Whether you're in tech, HR, leadership, or simply someone committed to making a difference, this episode will inspire you to take the next step in building a more inclusive future. 🎧 Tune in now to hear from these industry experts and gain valuable insights on how we can all contribute to a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. Let's build a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception! 

Martina Niggli, founder of a tech company focused on workplace conflict resolution and team member at Hello 5050 World, dives deep into her journey from physics to tech. She passionately discusses the critical role of allyship in supporting underrepresented groups, sharing her experiences of overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field. Martina emphasizes the importance of active listening in conflict resolution and building inclusive spaces. Tune in for insightful advice on fostering diversity and personal growth in the tech industry!

On this episode of "Tech Inspired," we sit down with Marion Schleifer, the Head of Developer Education at HASURA and founder of Code Blossom. Marion’s story is one of determination and passion, from her beginnings in multilingual communication to becoming a leading figure in tech education. 🚀 Key moments from the episode: Transition to Tech: Discover how Marion transitioned from a background in languages and business administration to tech, thanks to a three-week coding bootcamp and a supportive partner. Building Community: Hear about her impactful work at HASURA, where she leads the developer education team and supports the open-source community.  Overcoming Challenges: Marion shares her journey of breaking into the tech industry, the importance of perseverance, of challenging stereotypes, and how mentorship played a crucial role in her success. Global Impact: Learn about Marion’s nonprofit - Code Blossom and its mission to bridge the tech gender gap in developing countries, providing opportunities for women to achieve financial independence and thrive in the tech sector. Marion’s journey is filled with valuable insights into tech, continuous education, and making a real difference. Tune in to get inspired and start your own tech adventure! 🌍💻 Connect with Marion on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and follow Code Blossom for updates.  

Ready to get inspired? Join us for an electrifying episode of Tech Inspired where Priska sits down with the familiar to us Sinja Christiani, winner of our Hidden Figures Awards 2022! 🌟 Sinja, now the head of Data Platforms and Products at Zurich Insurance, shares her incredible journey in tech, from her early teenage fascination to becoming a leader in data analytics and leadership. Sinja is about to embark on a new professional journey as Managing Director of the Hasler Foundation, where she will focus on promoting education and research in technology. Tune in and learn why she’s taking this exciting step and how she plans to balance impact and innovation. Other highlights include: -              Early Aspirations: from her father’s influence and early access to technology to creating her first website at 14, discover the moments that sparked her passion for tech. -              Navigating Challenges: Hear Sinja's candid experiences about being the only woman in the room, and her advice for young women entering tech. -              Career Milestoes: Sinja’s journey through roles at IBM, Deloitte, and Zurich Insurance, where she built expertise in data mining, analytics, and tech leadership. -              Balancing Roles: Learn how Sinja manages her career with motherhood, including her strategic decisions to step back when necessary and re-enter the tech space stronger. -              Future of Technology: Get insights on the critical importance of data in business, the rise of AI, and why diverse perspectives are key to driving innovation in tech. Don’t miss out on this motivational and fast-paced conversation that underscores the importance of embracing technology and the unique perspectives women bring to the table. Hit play and get ready to be inspired! 🚀 For those looking to connect with Sinja and learn more about her work, you can find her on Linkedin.