Who are you when the laptop closes?
By day, engineering leaders craft innovative solutions with elegant strings of code. But when the work day ends, who do these keyboard warriors and people managers become? Tune in to 5 to 9 to explore this question and others with Jellyfish CEO, Andrew Lau.
Andrew Lau is test,
test, testing the mic
From vinyl DJs who keep it old school to virtuoso cellists, and from connoisseurs of meticulously brewed coffee to daring cultivators of forbidden tomatoes – each guest unveils a hidden facet of themselves. But what’s more intriguing is the connection between these avocations and their roles as product and engineering leaders.
Episodes
E 07
Making Inappropriate Words Beautiful
Colleen Tartow | Field CTO and Head of Strategy at Vast Data
At work, Colleen Tartow is the Field CTO and Head of Strategy at Vast Data, but when her laptop closes for the day, she picks up a pen. Yes, this tech maven’s artistic outlet is modern calligraphy—and it’s more than just a pastime. Hear how calligraphy has influenced her personal and professional lives in interesting ways and why she absolutely does not want to craft invites for your wedding. Whether you’ve got your own feathered quill or not, you’ll still appreciate Colleen’s artistic flourish in this inspiring episode.
E 08
Finding Peace Through Pastry
Tanya Johnson | Chief Product Officer at Auror
When the work day ends, how do you achieve a moment of Zen? For Tanya Johnson, Chief Product Officer at Auror, the answer lies in meticulously-crafted pastry. Hear about the scientific precision behind Tanya’s stunning creations and the prized kitchen tools she uses in the kitchen. Discover how Tanya balances her high-tech career with the joy that can only be found in the layered intricacies of patisserie and viennoiserie. Grab a snack and get ready to be inspired by Tanya’s sweet escapades and precise baking techniques on this episode of 5 to 9!
E 09
Painting a New Path
Tacita Morway | CTO of Textio
Imagine the quiet serenity of an attic turned art studio, where the hum of the outside world fades, and the canvas becomes a space for exploration. In this episode of 5 to 9, Tacita Morway, the CTO of Textio, shares her passion for art and the meditative escape it provides. Hear how Tacita manages chaos by putting charcoal to paper. Marvel at the differences in painting mediums and the ideas they express. This episode is a true moment of Zen for anyone looking to jump into art or simply balance professional commitments with personal passions.
E 10
Overcoming Obstacles On and Off the Track
Ulf Viney | SVP of Engineering at Precisely
What does it take to achieve motocross excellence? Our guest today can certainly tell you. Ulf Viney, a dedicated father and accomplished engineer, has turned his sons’ interest in motocross into a full-on family adventure complete with feats of track engineering. With the type of earth-moving machines you’d expect around a construction site, Ulf builds professional-grade motocross tracks in his own backyard. Hear how Ulf got started in the motocross game, the parallels between his professional and race track-building life, and the challenges and triumphs that define his family’s motocross journey. From the meticulous process of sourcing and shaping dirt to the high-speed thrills of the race itself, this is an episode every bit as exhilarating as the world of motocross.
E 11
Recreating ‘90s Arcade Nostalgia
Will Ogles | CPO at Ocusell
Hidden behind a vintage 1976 Coke machine, Will Ogles has brought his passion for retro gaming to life by transforming the back of his wife’s art studio into a fully functional speakeasy arcade. What started as a few arcade machines for fun quickly spiraled into a personal haven packed with ‘90s classics like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, complete with original cabinets and neon lights. In this episode, Will shares how his love for video games evolved into a full-blown restoration project, where he brings old arcade machines back to life and uses modern tech like Alexa to power his games. His journey from product management to arcade designer and restorer is filled with creativity, challenges, and a true dedication to keeping the magic of ‘90s arcades alive.
Join the conversation!
We’re on the lookout for exceptional individuals with compelling stories, and unique obsessions to feature on 5 to 9. Nominate yourself, a friend, or a colleague.