Tech Inspired with Andie Zhang

From Art Class to Engineering: OneWoman's Unconventional Tech JourneyRarely does a tech career story begin witha parent in arts, a social science detour, and Taylor Swift as a role model,but Emelie Emanuelsson's path into engineering is exactly that refreshing.Emelie, a Swedish engineer now based inSwitzerland, found her way into mechanical engineering only after a universityprep year in mathematics. She had previously studied social science in highschool, which is not exactly the typical engineering origin story. Sheeventually landed at Siemens as a sustainability manager focused oncircularity, and co-founded the Womengineer Foundation in Sweden alongside her bestfriend from university with whom she went through many difficulties. Theirannual "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" has now inspired over10,000 participants.What makes Emelie's perspectiveparticularly compelling is her insistence that tech is inherently creative,pushing back against the persistent misconception that engineering andcreativity are somehow opposites. In Swedish engineering programs,approximately 34 percent of graduates are now women, a meaningful sign ofprogress.Could the way we talk about tech careers belimiting who pursues them?Emelie thinks so, and she advocates forauthentic representation, showing real workplaces instead of glamorizedversions. An early and long-time mentor of hers offered advice she stillcarries – listen to this episode to find out what the advice was.Tune in to hear Emelie's full story,including her thoughts on AI, cybersecurity, and circularity.Links: https://womengineer.org/en/https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

Can you love rockets, dresses, data pipelines and pop concerts, and still become a CTO who shapes meaningful technology? The answer is a clear Yes! In this episode of Tech Inspired, TechFace Managing Director Priska Burkard speaks with CarolynO’Brien, German‑American engineer and CTO of Weytec. Weytec ia a Swiss “hidden champion” building human‑centric control room tech used in transport, energy and security. Carolyn’s path runs from aerospace engineering at MIT to beingone of only two women in a 250‑person mechanical engineering cohort at ETH, through 14 years in med‑tech startups, an industry PhD and, today, leading product and platforms across hardware and software. You’ll discover how an all‑girls rocketry team called “The Valkyries” sparked Carolyn’s belief that women fully belong in STEM, and why that early community still shapes how she leads. You’ll hear how she handled the shift from gender‑balanced MIT lecture halls to being “the foreign woman in a dress” at ETH, and how she refused to drop her identity just to be “one of the guys.” Carolyn also shares why she chose an industry PhD to get into rooms she was previously excluded from, and what it took to move from hands‑on mechanical engineering to managing DevOps, IT, UX and platform teams. We explore how to be honest about what you really enjoy at work, avoid becoming the “office mommy,” and decide whetheryour next step is deep expertise or people leadership. We also touch on the future of tech, from AI to evolving infrastructure, and why staying curious and regularly learning uncomfortable new tools might be your biggest career advantage. Hit play to hear how Carolyn builds a career on purpose, resilience and growth, and to ask yourself: what could change if you stopped waiting for permission and started backing your own potential? Connect with Carolyn O’Brienhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-o-obrienInformation about Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkinhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothy-Hodgkin

Robots aren’t coming “someday",  they’re already building the world around you. In this final episode of our Tech Inspired Physical AI & Robotics series, Andie Zhang joins Priska Burkard for a grounded, eye-opening conversation on the real future of robotics - beyond the viral humanoid headlines. From collaborative robots assembling your everyday products to AI-powered automation transforming factories, labs, and logistics, Andie takes us inside the world where physical AI is already driving impact at scale. And spoiler - the future of robotics isn’t just about machines, it’s about people. In this episode, we unpack:- What physical AI actually means beyond the buzzwords- Why industrial robots are evolving faster than most people realise- The hidden challenges behind “smart” robots - from precision to trust- How AI is changing manufacturing, automation, and the future of work- Why diversity and human-centred design are critical to building better technology And perhaps most importantly:👉 Automation is not only about replacing tasks.👉 It’s about empowering humans to focus on more meaningful work.👉 And building technology that works with people - not against them. Andie also shares her own unconventional path into robotics - from engineering to business, product strategy, and global innovation leadership - proving there’s no single way into tech. Whether you're curious about robotics, exploring a future in AI, or wondering how physical AI will reshape industries over the next decade, this episode gives you a sharp, realistic, and surprisingly human perspective on what’s next. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that cuts through the hype and gets real about the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities of building the future. 🔗 Connect with Andie Zhang and follow her work. 🤖 This episode closes our April focus series on Physical AI & Robotics. Over the past weeks, we’ve spoken with leading experts, founders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of intelligent machines - bringing you the hottest takes, practical insights, and real-world perspectives on what comes next. Did you catch the previous episodes?

What if AI didn’t just think, but also moved, learned and worked alongside us? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Yulia Sandamirskaya joins Priska Burkard to unpack the next frontier of innovation: Physical AI and cognitive robotics. Essentially it is about what happens when intelligence leaves the screen - and enters the real world. Yulia has spent her career building at the intersection of physics, neuroscience, and AI. Today, she leads cutting-edge work in cognitive computing - developing robots that don’t just execute tasks, but adapt, decide and collaborate with humans. And here’s where it gets real: 👉 Physical AI isn’t just harder - it’s a whole different game.👉 Timing, safety, energy, and real-world complexity matter.👉 And the smallest overlooked detail? It can break the entire system. In this conversation, we explore what it truly takes to build robots that work with us - not around us: - Why moving from digital AI to physical AI changes everything- What makes “cognitive robots” fundamentally different from traditional automation- The hidden challenges slowing down robotics (hint: it’s not just the tech)- How real-world environments - from care homes to logistics - reshape innovation- Why the future of robotics depends on understanding people just as much as machines 💡 And one powerful reality check: The future won’t be built in labs alone, it will be shaped where technology meets real human needs. This episode is for the curious minds, the builders, and anyone wondering what happens when AI steps into the physical world - and what it will mean for how we live, work, and care for each other. 🎧 Tune in now and explore how robotics is evolving from automation to true collaboration.

What if AI success isn’t about better tech - but better thinking? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Nina Habicht joins Priska Burkard to challenge the way we approach AI - from the inside out. The idea is that most AI projects don’t fail because of the technology, they fail because people were never brought along for the journey. Nina has been building in AI long before the recent hype - launching products, scaling systems, and now helping organisations actually make AI work through her Agentic AI company dreamleap that redefines how SMBs work in the future. And her message is clear:👉 AI doesn’t unlock value without human understanding.👉 Tools don’t transform businesses - people do. In this conversation, we go into what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain AI in the real world:- Why “AI-ready” has nothing to do with knowing tools, and everything to do with mindset and frameworks- What most companies get wrong when investing in AI (and why it costs them)- How to decide if AI is even the right solution, or just expensive noise- The hidden risks of AI overload, from burnout to blind trust in outputs- Why focusing on one tool + real problems beats chasing every new shiny release And maybe the most important takeaway: AI is not here to replace thinking, it’s here to challenge it. This episode is for the builders, the decision-makers, and the curious minds who want to use AI well. 🎧 Tune in now and rethink how you build, learn, and lead with AI.🔗 Connect with Nina Habicht and follow her work. 🚀 And this March, we’re going all in on AI Upskilling.Every week, we’re bringing you fresh conversations with experts shaping the space - sharing real insights, practical steps, and the perspectives you won’t find in a typical playbook.Stay tuned for the next episode.

Everyone’s talking about AI. But how many actually understand what’s behind it? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Sonja Angehrn - AI lecturer at OST and former industry leader - to unpack what it really means to become AI-ready in today’s world. Because the truth is that AI didn’t just appear overnight, and upskilling isn’t about learning prompts - it’s about understanding what you’re building, why it matters, and how to use it responsibly. With 20+ years in data, analytics, and AI (long before it was trending), Sonja brings a grounded, no-hype perspective on how individuals and organisations can move from confusion to clarity. 🔍 What you’ll discover in this episode:- Why most companies feel the pressure to “do AI”… but don’t know where to start- What AI upskilling actually means (and what it doesn’t)- Why basic understanding beats blind adoption - every time- How non-technical professionals can build real AI confidence- The power of diverse teams - and why AI needs more voices at the table- Where bias really comes from in AI - and what we can do about it To succeed with AI, we don’t need more engineers - we need more empowered thinkers.People who ask better questions, make smarter decisions, and build with purpose.Because the future of AI is technical, as it is deeply human. 🎧 Tune in now and get a clear, practical perspective on what it takes to move from AI-curious… to AI-capable.👉 Connect with Sonja on LinkedIn PS: March is our AI Upskilling Month at Tech Inspired. Every week, we’re sitting down with experts in the field to bring you the sharpest insights, real-world use cases, and actionable next steps. Stay tuned for the next episode

AI isn’t just for tech teams anymore. So why are so many people still on the sidelines? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Fabienne Lorenz, a leadership and learning expert with 15+ years of experience at the intersection of technology, business, and people development. We are living through a major shift - AI has moved from niche to necessary, from specialist tool to everyday skill. And yet, most people are still figuring out where they fit. Fabienne is right in the middle of that transformation. She builds learning ecosystems that don’t just teach AI - but help people actually use it, confidently and meaningfully, in their daily work. 🔍 What you’ll discover in this episode:Why AI upskilling is no longer optional, and what’s really holding people backThe shift from awareness to action (and what finally clicks for people) How to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for your roleWhat inclusive AI learning looks like, and why language, access, and design matter more than everPractical ways to start your AI journey, even if you don’t see yourself as “technical” The goal is not to become an AI expert overnight, but rather to build the confidence to engage, experiment, and grow - on your terms. Because the future of AI won’t be built by a few specialists, it will be shaped by everyone who chooses to step in. 🎧 Tune in now and get a clearer, more human roadmap for navigating AI - at work, and beyond. 👉 Connect with Fabienne on LinkedIn PS: March is our AI Upskilling Month at Tech Inspired. Each week, we’re spotlighting experts in the field to bring you the hottest insights, practical tips, and real-world next steps. Stay tuned for the next episode.

AI upskilling is broken.Too much tool talk, not enough human design.In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Chantelle Larsen to unpack one of the most urgent questions in tech right now: how do we upskill for AI in a way that is actually useful, ethical, and built to last?Chantelle cuts through the hype.As Founder and CEO of Systematic-X and a Chief Human & AI Officer at heart, she is driving a radically different conversation - one that puts people, purpose, and real problem-solving back at the centre of AI transformation. From ethical AI governance to her AI Academy for entrepreneurs and small businesses, her work is all about helping humans build with AI, not disappear behind it.🔍 What to expect in this episode:Why most AI upskilling misses the point - and what “human-first AI” looks like in practiceThe gap between buying AI tools and actually creating value with themWhy entrepreneurs and small businesses need a different AI playbook than corporatesHow to build AI literacy that goes beyond prompts and actually changes how you workWhat responsible AI looks like when you strip away the buzzwords and get practicalWhy neurodivergent minds may have more to teach us about AI learning than we realiseThis conversation is sharp, honest, and deeply human. It challenges the lazy narrative that AI transformation is just about adoption speed or tool fluency. Instead, it asks better questions: What are we solving? Who are we designing for? And what kind of future are we building together?🎧 Tune in now and get Chantelle’s hottest takes, practical next steps, and a much-needed reminder that the future of AI should still feel human.👉 Connect with Chantelle on LinkedIn.PS: March is our AI Upskilling Month at Tech Inspired. Each week, we’re interviewing a professional in the field to bring you the hottest insights, practical tips, and real-world perspectives on how to work with AI. Stay tuned for the next episode.

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with someone simply taking a chance on you.When no one would hire her without experience, Yeliz Obrist didn’t give up - she got creative. Today, she’s leading cloud platform and architecture at NatWest, building systems that power a global private bank. But the road here? Anything but straight. In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska Burkard sits down with Yeliz to explore the pivots, restarts, and reinventions that shaped her 20+ year journey in tech - from statistics to system engineering, from Turkey to Switzerland, and from doubt to DevOps. 🔍 What you'll take away from this episode:·      The power of one “yes” that changed everything - and how to recognise that moment when it comes.·      What it really means to build in the cloud, and why it's more collaborative (and creative!) than you think.·      How to navigate career breaks, redundancy, and starting over - without losing your fire.·      Practical advice for breaking into cloud engineering (especially in the Swiss market).·      Her take on the future of infrastructure, and why humans will always be at the heart of innovation.·      This is an episode for the problem-solvers, the career restarters, the quietly resilient - and anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late to learn something new. (Spoiler: it’s not.) 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Yeliz’s story of grit, growth, and building cloud solutions with heart. 👉 Connect with Yeliz on LinkedIn to follow her work and projects.

 Turning Imposter Syndrome into a Tech Superpower What happens when the path you planned doesn't pan out - yet leads you somewhere better?In this episode of Tech Inspired, we meet Intissar “Inti” Ghozlani, a back-end software engineer at Swiss digital bank Alpian. She’s reshaping how we think about women in tech - and showing that confidence isn't a requirement to start, it's a result of staying in the game.From growing up in Tunisia with access to both science and the arts, to battling silent self-doubt during her early career in Europe, Inti opens up about her journey through fear, failure, and finding her voice in tech. She shares what it really felt like to step into rooms where she thought everyone else “just knew” - and how she learned the truth behind the imposter syndrome illusion.💡 What you’ll take away from this episode:Why early career struggles don’t mean you’re in the wrong place - and what helped her push through them.What it’s like to be a woman of colour navigating tech in Europe - and why representation still matters.The power of emotionally intelligent workplaces - and how they can make or break your growth.Why asking the “stupid question” might actually be your smartest move.Her take on why domain knowledge matters in tech - and how working in finance changed her own mindset about money.This is an honest, empowering conversation for anyone who’s ever doubted they belonged in tech - but showed up anyway.🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Inti’s story of resilience, self-awareness and rewriting the rules of what a tech journey should look like.👉 Want to connect or learn more about her work? Connect with Intissar on LinkedIn.