In this episode of Product by Design, Kyle chats with Sandy Ryza, lead engineer on the Dagster project, author, and thought leader in data engineering. Sandy shares his journey through the world of data—from building big data tools at Cloudera to working as a data scientist, product manager, and engineer—and how those experiences led him to help create Dagster, an open-source data orchestration platform.

We discuss:

• The evolution of data engineering and the growing complexity of modern data pipelines.
• The role of AI and unstructured data in shaping the future of data platforms.
• How organizations should think about data platforms to avoid costly rework.
• Best practices for managing data complexity using software engineering principles.
• The future of open-source tools in data infrastructure and the push toward interoperability.

Sandy Ryza
Sandy is a lead engineer, author, and thought leader in the domain of data engineering. Sandy co-wrote “Advanced Analytics with PySpark” and “Advanced Analytics with Spark”. He led ML and data science teams at Cloudera, Remix, Clover Health, and KeepTruckin.

Sandy is currently the lead engineer on the Dagster project, an open-source data orchestration platform used in MLOps, data science, IOT and analytics. Sandy is a regular speaker at data engineering and ML conferences.

Links from the Show:

Twitter: @s_RYZ

Dagster: dagster.io

Book: Advanced Analytics with Spark – O'Reilly

Podcast Recommendation: Empire (British Empire & Ottoman Empire history)

Books Sandy is Reading: The Shortest History of India, The Sun Also Rises, Werner Herzog’s Autobiography

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In this episode of Product by Design, host Kyle sits down with JB Benjamin, the CEO and founder of multiple tech companies under the Akuma Engineering umbrella. JB shares his innovative journey in building products designed for a more equitable, decentralized, and privacy-focused digital future.

From post-quantum encrypted messaging tools to Vox Alive's ad-free social media platform, JB dives deep into the philosophies and technologies driving his work. We discuss everything from post-quantum encryption to blockchain to Universal Basic Income. You won't want to miss this one.

JB Benjamin
JB "Jor-El" Benjamin is a tech maverick reshaping the digital landscape. JB has introduced the world to Vox Messenger, a trailblazing post-quantum encrypted messenger, and Vox Crypto, an unprecedented group transaction crypto wallet, both renowned for their ironclad protection of personal data.

Links from the Show:

Websites: Akuma, Vox Alive

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In this episode, Kyle sits down with Jake Moshenko, co-founder and CEO of AuthZed, to discuss his journey from working at major tech companies to becoming a two-time founder. After his first company Quay (a Docker registry service) was acquired, he founded AuthZed to solve application permission challenges. Jake shares the contrasts between his two founding experiences, transitioning from a bootstrapped two-person company to a venture-backed enterprise-focused business. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right problem space and being prepared for the long journey of entrepreneurship. We also discuss the significance of open-source in modern software development and his perspectives on AI technology.

Jake Moshenko
Jake Moshenko has been an innovator in the cloud-native ecosystem for over 15 years. After engineering roles at Amazon and Google, Jake founded Quay, the first private Docker registry, which was acquired by CoreOS. Jake then became an engineering leader at CoreOS, which was acquired by Red Hat (and then IBM). He is now the co-founder and CEO of AuthZed, the company commercializing SpiceDB, the industry-leading cloud-native permissions database.

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: Jake Moshenko

Website: AuthZed
Books: The Martian
Games: Azul

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In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle sits down with David CM Carter, a serial entrepreneur and mentor. With over 40 years of experience mentoring top leaders and building innovative businesses, David shares his insights on what separates high-performing organizations and individuals from the rest: character development.

David introduces the concept of "Entelechy"—the realization of one’s full potential—and discusses how his Entelechy Academy is helping individuals and organizations worldwide develop 54 essential character qualities. These qualities not only address the so-called "soft skills crisis" but also provide a practical framework for personal and professional growth.

From stories of transforming workplace productivity to practical advice on becoming the best version of yourself, David shares interesting examples of how focusing on character traits like discipline, kindness, and accountability can yield extraordinary results. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or just someone looking to grow, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

David CM Carter

A serial entrepreneur otherwise known as “the World’s Leading CEO Mentor” with a 40+ year track record in creating innovative businesses. David CM Carter has mentored leaders and influencers around the globe.

Entelechy Academy is the entelechy of David’s career and his legacy project, where he has gathered brilliant minds in education, coaching and professional organizations to support millions in becoming the best version of themselves.

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: David CM Carter

Website: Entelechy Academy

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In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, host Kyle interviews Christoph Steinlehner, a product management coach with a background in interaction design. Christoph shares his journey from web development and multimedia production to product management coaching, where he helps product managers and teams navigate complex challenges, improve communication, and find focus. He emphasizes the importance of visual methods in facilitating better team collaboration and product strategy, offering insights into how product leaders can balance internal and external priorities. Christoph also introduces his "Mapper Method," a six-step framework designed to clarify assumptions, risks, and strategies through visual mapping. Our conversation also delves into practical advice for improving product processes, creating effective communication, and advancing careers in product management. If you are interested in starting or advancing your product career, you won't want to miss this discussion.

Christoph Steinlehner

Christoph Steinlehner is a Product Management Coach. He helps Product Managers and Leaders who are feeling stuck in their work, caught up in endless detail discussions, and struggling to facilitate between different perspectives.

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: Christoph Steinlehner

Website: mapperclub.substack.com

Links: todoist

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In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle sits down with Ari Tulla, co-founder and CEO of Elo, a smart nutrition service using AI and data to personalize health solutions. Ari shares his fascinating journey from his early passion for gaming and technology to becoming a leading figure in the healthcare space. He discusses how Elo is turning the concept of "food as medicine" into reality, using biometric data, wearable devices, and AI to create personalized nutrition solutions. Ari also delves into the challenges and innovations that come with building a product in a space where technology, health, and human experience intersect, emphasizing the importance of balance in life and business. Join us to learn more about the future of health and how personalized nutrition is set to revolutionize wellness.

Ari Tulla

Ari Tulla is a San Francisco-based entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of the smart nutrition service Elo

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: Ari Tulla

Website: elo.health

Instagram: Elo Health

Books: Expeditionary Force Series

Links: Hardcore History

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In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle sits down with the duo behind Oak Theory, Hannah Ryu and Veronica Shelton. These co-founders share their story of turning a chance encounter into a thriving design studio, all while navigating the chaos of a pandemic. Get an inside look at how Oak Theory is redefining UX/UI with a bold focus on inclusivity and raw authenticity.

Hannah and Veronica break down the latest trends in design, from the rise of AR to the subtle shift toward softer, more organic visuals. They also offer a candid glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship—highlighting the grit, resilience, and creativity it takes to build something truly unique. If you're into cutting-edge design, tech innovation, or just love a great startup story, this episode is a must-listen.

Veronica Shelton and Hannah Ryu

Hannah Ryu and Veronica Shelton are the Co-Founders behind Oak Theory, a design studio specializing in UX/UI, web and application design.

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: Veronica Shelton, Hannah Ryu

Company: Oak Theory
Instagram: Oak Theory
Books: What Doesn’t Kill Us, Build the Damn Thing

Other Links from Show: Figma, Clickup, Moleskin

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In this episode of Prodity: Product By Design, Kyle welcomes Aaron Painter, CEO of Nametag, to discuss the critical role of identity verification in preventing social engineering attacks. Aaron shares his extensive experience working at Microsoft and leading global teams, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse cultural and business contexts. Together, we explore the challenges and innovations in cybersecurity, particularly how Nametag addresses the vulnerabilities in traditional authentication methods. Aaron highlights the impact of AI in both facilitating and combating cyber threats and underscores the importance of design and UX in building trusted products. Join us for a deep dive into the future of identity verification and its implications for personal and corporate security.

Aaron Painter

Aaron Painter is the CEO of Nametag Inc, the identity verification company that stops social engineering attacks at the employee IT Helpdesk.

Links from the Show:
LinkedIn: Aaron Painter

Company: GetNametag
Book: Loyal: Listen or You'll Always Lose

Other Links from Show: Elon Musk Biography, Ring Doorbell

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