Best Talent Tank Podcasts (2026)

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Inviting Women In, Changing the Game with Meaghan Ziemba 33:15

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22m ago33:15

33:15

Manufacturing has a storytelling problem and it's costing the industry talent to the skilled trades. Meaghan Ziemba, a technical writer with a master's degree who's been in the industry since 2008, got tired of watching male hosts ignore her suggestions to interview women in manufacturing. So she started Mavens of Manufacturing during the 2020 pand…

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The wins, you know you have them 27:10

5d ago27:10

27:10

Most business owners get so stuck in daily operations overwhelm that they forget everything they accomplished throughout the year. Brad shares his process for helping clients identify wins they didn't even realize they had, while Steve explains the psychology behind why your success list is actually programming you for future achievements. We tackl…

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The Behaviour Science of Habits, Motivation & Success | Dr. BJ Fogg on SparX 58:25

10d ago58:25

58:25

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Stanford behavior scientist B.J. Fogg about how habits are designed, how they break, and the science that governs lasting behavior change. With over 30 years of research in behavior science, Fogg is the creator of the Tiny Habits method and the author of Tiny Habits, widely regarded as one of the …

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Grandma Had It Right: Wealth, Wisdom & Generational Grind with Geoff Stuhr 34:22

16d ago34:22

34:22

Most blue collar business owners see real estate as either something they have to deal with or a major expense eating into their profits. Brad sits down solo with millennial real estate investor Geoff Stuhr to explore how property ownership can become a wealth building tool instead of just another overhead cost. We discuss the generational differen…

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Breaking Stereotypes: The Diesel Queen Inspires the Next Generation of Technicians 37:32

18d ago37:32

37:32

In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey interviews Melissa—known online as The Diesel Queen—whose journey into the diesel technician field is as authentic as it is inspiring. Growing up around diesel engines and heavy equipment, Melissa discovered her passion through hands-on classes in high school before attending WyoTech and launching a success…

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Bonus or BS? Let’s Talk Holiday Compensation 26:54

18d ago26:54

26:54

With Christmas less than a week away, we tackle one of the most uncomfortable conversations happening in blue collar businesses right now: the holiday bonus. What happens when bonuses have become an expectation rather than a reward? We talk through why delaying bad news creates disengagement, how to communicate with empathy when bonuses aren't happ…

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The Future of AI: Ethics, Safety & the Rise of Intelligence 55:01

24d ago55:01

55:01

In this episode of SparX, Mukeshl sits down with, Debjani Ghosh, leader of the Frontier Tech Hub within NITI Aayog for a critical discussion. They dive deep into India's technological future, the existential role of AI in national growth, and the dramatic changes impacting careers and geopolitics. Debjani, who brings a unique perspective from 21 ye…

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The Bookkeeping Badass You Didn’t Know You Needed; Beth Carter 34:50

1M ago34:50

34:50

With Steve out on college tours, I sit down solo with Beth Carter, the self-proclaimed badass bookkeeper who talks to trades clients like actual human beings instead of reciting profit and loss statements like a robot. We discuss why your aunt Sue probably shouldn't be doing your books, the difference between quality bookkeeping and data entry, and…

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Serve First, Sell Later-It’s That Simple 33:38

1M ago33:38

33:38

We dive into what separates great customer service from terrible experiences using Steve's recent dealership visits as an example. On this episode we discuss how behavioral styles impact sales performance, why most customer service failures are actually leadership problems, and the critical difference between selling to someone versus letting them …

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2026 Job Shock: What Neelkanth Mishra Predicts for India | SparX 53:24

1M ago53:24

53:24

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with economist and policy thinker Neelkanth Mishra to unpack why he believes this is the true golden age of Indian entrepreneurship. They talk about: Falling cost of capital and a stronger banking system expanding access to debt and equity. Massive domestic flows via SIPs, EPFO, and insurance fuelin…

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From Best Buy Battles to Amazon Anxiety 22:09

1M ago22:09

22:09

Remember when Black Friday meant people fighting at store entrances and camping out for deals? We dive into how one of America's biggest shopping traditions became a ghost town in just five years and what it reveals about how businesses must constantly evolve. In this episode, we get nostalgic about our completely different Black Friday experiences…

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Raised in the Projects, Powered by Purpose Terry Taylor 35:36

2M ago35:36

35:36

Terry Taylor grew up moving 40 times before graduating high school, attending 25 different schools, and finding his path through sports instead of the wrong crowd. In this raw and honest episode, Terry shares how basketball and football taught him the perseverance, competitiveness, and accountability that propelled him from an hourly worker to plan…

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Building Tomorrow’s Diesel Techs: Inside Lincoln Tech with CEO Scott Shaw 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey sits down with Scott Shaw, President & CEO of Lincoln Tech, to explore how one of the most established technical schools in the country is preparing the next generation of diesel technicians. Scott shares his unexpected journey from banking and private equity into skilled trades education, and how 25 years …

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India’s Biggest Internet Success Story | Sanjeev Bikhchandani | SparX 1:10:22

2M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge (Naukri.com), the man who quietly built the foundation of India’s internet economy. From bootstrapping Naukri for 10 years without a salary to backing iconic startups like Zomato and Policybazaar, Sanjeev’s story is a masterclass in patience, convictio…

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Skilled Trades Don’t Recruit Themselves - Joe McClaran Shows You How 30:50

2M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, we talk with Joe McClaran, a millennial talent acquisition manager who's passionate about changing perceptions of the skilled trades. Joe shares his journey from mortgage collections and food service to becoming a skilled trades advocate, and discusses the real challenges and opportunities in recruiting and retaining young talent i…

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When Personal Problems Clock In Too 20:44

2M ago20:44

20:44

Brad's morning at Panera turned into an accidental observation study on how personal drama is infiltrating the workplace. Surrounded by Gen X and Boomer professionals complaining about family issues, relationship problems, and personal grievances with coworkers, he witnessed something that used to be unthinkable people bringing their entire persona…

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Built Tough: Women Leading Manufacturing Becca and Jennifer 58:33

2M ago58:33

58:33

Two Gen X women who worked their way through male-dominated manufacturing share stories about earning respect, managing up, and why facts beat emotions every time. Becca and Jennifer reunite with Brad who used to manage them back when they all worked at Bucyrus to discuss leadership lessons. Both women rose from early roles to director level positi…

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Lenskart: Peyush Bansal on Building India’s Eyewear Empire, IPO Launch, Shark Tank and More | SparX 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Peeyush Bansal, Co-founder and CEO of Lenskart. They dive into Peeyush’s journey from building early ventures to creating one of India’s most impactful consumer brands. How his mission to solve India’s vision crisis became a movement to make eyewear accessible for all. They talk about: Why Indi…

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Inside India’s 1 Lakh Cr Tech Masterplan | Tech Secretary, Govt. of India | SparX 56:01

2M ago56:01

56:01

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal talks with Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and former Director of IIT Kanpur. They break down how India can build core technology at home, move research from labs to real products, and grow deep tech in AI, quantum, space, biotech, energy and medical tech. They speak ab…

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Gen Z Bossing Boomers with Class with Collin Thomey 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

At 22 years old, Colin Thomey manages staff members twice his age while running his own golf performance business on the side. His journey from retail frustration to golf course general manager reveals what happens when Gen Z enters leadership roles in family businesses. Colin learned early on in his career that coming on too strong with new ideas …

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Fewer Grads, More Demand: Winning the Talent Predicament with Brett Pawlowski from Roundhouse 43:12

3M ago43:12

43:12

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Brett Pawlowski of Roundhouse Partnerships to unpack his new white paper, Investing in the Future, and why employers must treat early-talent development as a measurable, strategic investment—not a nice-to-have. Brett explains the “black box” between education and employment and lays out a practical, three-pha…

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Shorty Shorts, Tank Tops, and Customer Service 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

When is a job really finished? This episode explores the gray area between completed work and customer satisfaction through Steve's personal experience as both contractor and homeowner in a landscaping project gone sideways. The conversation centers around a classic scenario: contractor completes work per original scope, homeowner calls four months…

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Why Indian CEO’s are not investing in R&D (Concerning) | Manish Gupta | SparX 1:00:31

3M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind. They discuss how artificial intelligence is evolving, what it means to build truly inclusive AI, and why India must aim higher in research, innovation, and ambition. Manish shares DeepMind’s vision of solving “root node problems,” fundamental scien…

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From Law Enforcement to Life Protection with Captain Cathy 28:04

3M ago28:04

28:04

How aware are you of your surroundings? Retired law enforcement captain Catherine Trimboli shares decades of experience about personal safety and situational awareness, revealing why our phone-obsessed generation has become sitting ducks for criminals. This GenXer spent 30+ years in law enforcement, working everything from jails to freeway patrol a…

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The Harsh Truth About Women in Leadership | Mukesh Bansal | SparX 1:07:47

3M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Roopa Kudva, former head of CRISIL and Omidyar Network India, to discuss her new book Leadership Beyond the Playbook and her powerful reflections on leadership. Roopa shares why leadership is not about following fixed frameworks but about writing your own playbook, shaped by values, lived exper…

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How to Tell If You’ve Hired the Wrong “Tool” 23:49

3M ago23:49

23:49

A $6 soldering iron that catches fire the first time you use it versus a snap-on tool that still works perfectly after 35 years the difference between cheap tools and quality equipment mirrors the challenge many blue-collar businesses face with workforce compensation and expectations. The conversation starts with tool brand loyalty Milwaukee versus…

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Building the Next Generation of Diesel Technicians with Jeff Arledge from J&M Tank Lines 22:51

3M ago22:51

22:51

In this special edition of NextGen Talks, host Lindsey Trent sits down with Jeff from J&M Tank Lines to discuss how his company is tackling the diesel technician shortage by partnering with Wallace State Community College through the innovative Diesel by Distance program. Jeff shares his personal journey from mechanic to director, the steps J&M has…

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Why America Is Shutting the Door on Indian Talent | Mukesh Bansal | SparX 1:02:48

3M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal takes a hard look at the state of India’s deep tech ecosystem. While the world races ahead with AI, semiconductors, and frontier science, India is at a crossroads: will we be creators of technology, or just consumers? Mukesh argues that true deep tech is only possible when rooted in deep science, a culture of…

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Crispy Like Toast: What Happens When Your Business Owns You with Mike Finger 29:07

4M ago29:07

29:07

A lot of business owners wake up one day looking like "crispy toast" and realize they need to exit only to discover their business isn't sellable. Mike Finger lived this nightmare firsthand and spent five brutal years rebuilding his company with buyers in mind before successfully selling. This Gen Xer has bought and sold multiple businesses over 25…

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The strategic value of research in B2B marketing - Rob Smith, Head of Corporate / Censuswide 45:00

4M ago45:00

45:00

This episode of Born to B2B features Rob Smith, Head of Corporate at Censuswide, a leading market research consultancy. Rob and Liam discuss the strategic role of research in B2B marketing, from shaping campaigns and creating compelling content to bridging the gap between marketing and sales. They also explore cost-effective research strategies, co…

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The Real Science Behind Interstellar | Rana Adhikari x Mukesh Bansal | SparX 1:12:19

4M ago1:12:19

1:12:19

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Rana Adhikari, experimental physicist at Caltech and leading voice in gravitational-wave research. From doubting Einstein as a student to helping build the LIGO detectors that confirmed his theories, Rana has been honoured with the Breakthrough Prize, Gruber Prize, and the New Horizons in Physics …

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From Zero to $19 Million: Inside IRBIS HVAC’s Blueprint for Growth 30:48

4M ago30:48

30:48

What happens when two 30-something millennials decide to shake up a traditional industry dominated by older, established companies? Tim and Vadim from IRBIS HVAC prove that age is just a number when you combine technical expertise with smart marketing and genuine care for your team. These Ironman finishers started as hands-on technicians and built …

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Former RBI Governor Exclusive: US Tariff Shock! Raghuram Rajan Calls It A 'Wake-Up Call' For India 1:14:45

4M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Raghuram Rajan (Former RBI Governor) on India’s economic crossroads, tariff wars, shifting geopolitics, AI disruption, and the urgent need for jobs and human capital investment. They discuss: India’s position between the U.S. and China. The real impact of tariffs on trade, GDP, and livelihoods. Wh…

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Why ‘95 Babies Might Save Your Business; Nathan Schnell 27:15

4M ago27:15

27:15

From production manager to entrepreneur in just three months Nathan Schnell's water jet cutting startup reveals the real challenges and unexpected wins facing young business owners in traditional manufacturing industries. Born in 1995, Nathan represents that unique generation caught between millennials and Gen Z - old enough to appreciate wisdom fr…

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Tech Expert: India Did What US & China Couldn’t Do it in decades! | Mukesh Bansal | SparX 1:23:52

4M ago1:23:52

1:23:52

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Sharad Sharma, one of the key minds behind Aadhaar and UPI. Sharad shares why he left a successful corporate career to focus on nation building, and how India can avoid becoming a trade colony of China or a tech colony of the US by doubling down on deep tech and research-driven innovation. They di…

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Toxic Positivity 24:04

4M ago24:04

24:04

What happens when workplace positivity becomes a toxic mask that's slowly killing your business? Steve's recent post about this very issue sparked a fascinating conversation that reveals why so many blue-collar organizations are struggling with employee loyalty and retention. The discussion began with a complete misunderstanding of what "toxic posi…

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Building Careers, Not Jobs: How High Schools Are Preparing the Next Generation for Logistics with Dr. Gina Smith 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Dr. Gina Smith, an educator leading a Supply Chain and Logistics program at Groves High School in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Smith shares her personal journey from a 25-year career in the automobile industry to nearly a decade of teaching logistics. She describes how she built the program i…

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R&D Scientist : India is 25 years Behind China! We should wake up | SparX 1:15:15

4M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). India’s biggest push yet to fund science, research, and deep tech. Shiv explains why India needs to build its own technologies instead of only buying them, and how ANRF will unlock ₹50,000 crore in research grants a…

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Living the Dream or Chasing a Paycheck? Adam Goldman Has Thoughts… 26:07

5M ago26:07

26:07

You don’t need to know the trade to own the business. Adam Goldman helps people see why franchising might be the smartest move they’ve never considered. We brought on Adam Goldman, a franchise consultant who's seen hundreds of folks jump ship from corporate life and into something way messier and way more fulfilling. From office cleaning to water r…

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How Gen Z is Finding a Place in Trucking: Addison’s Story 30:37

4M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey sits down with Addison Stout, a 26-year-old from Grand Island Express and a proud member of TCA’s Elevate class, to share her unexpected path into trucking. With a background in business management and no prior knowledge of the industry, Addison took a chance on an interview that launched her career. Four years…

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Expert Economist : How America is becoming the world’s arms leader | Neelkanth Mishra | SparX 33:44

5M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist at Axis Bank, to unpack the chaos behind Trump’s tariff wars and what it means for the global order. They explore why these moves aren’t just about trade, but about four bigger objectives. Covering various topics from stagnant U.S. wages and life expectancy gap…

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Retention Goldmine: Why Aaron’s Techs Never Leave 26:49

5M ago26:49

26:49

We’ve all worked places where the culture sucked. Aaron Beay decided to build the one he always wanted and five years later, no one’s left. We brought Aaron on because of the culture he’s created one that actually retains young talent, and not by accident. After 18 years in the field, burnout pushed him to try teaching. That part-time gig turned in…

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From Boiler Room to Business Boss: Chris Mesker's Wild Ride 32:54

5M ago32:54

32:54

Ever thought about owning a franchise but had no idea what kind would actually fit? Chris Mesker’s been there and most people don’t realize how many are built for the trades. In this episode, we dig into what franchise ownership really looks like, especially for those of us coming from the trades, stuck in a job you hate, or just done working for s…

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How Modi Ji Shaped My Political Journey | Tejasvi Surya on BJP Ideals & Future Plans | SparX 1:15:10

5M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

In this episode of Sparx, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Tejasvi Surya, one of India’s youngest Members of Parliament for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, purpose, and building a stronger nation. From his early days as a student activist to becoming a Member of Parliament at 28, Tejasvi shares the defining moments, risks, and unwavering conv…

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Cult.fit Founder - How I Beat Stress in 20 Seconds | Mukesh Bansal | SparX 51:42

5M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal dives deep into something that we do all the time - breathing - one of the most integral part of our lives. He explores all the different styles of breathing and shares actionable steps to master breathing.

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Ditch the Diploma and Grab a Wrench 24:25

5M ago24:25

24:25

If you’ve listened to the show for a while, you know that we are big believers that not everyone is meant for a 4-year university. It looks like the mainstream media has also picked up on that, and we're excited to dive into what that means for the future of work. Brad and I had a fantastic conversation this week about a significant cultural shift:…

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From Setback to Solution: Nicole’s Journey and the Rise of AAWTA 31:29

5M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Nicole, founder of the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA). Nicole transitioned from the insurance industry into trucking, where a failed 3-truck operation and $20,000 loss inspired her to create AAWTA. Now three years in, the organization supports truckers—especially those facing barriers to entr…

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How Cult Plans to Scale India’s Fitness Revolution | Naresh Krishnaswamy | SparX 1:02:33

5M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO of Cult and longtime business partner, to explore the future of fitness, health, and AI-powered transformation in India. They reflect on Cult’s near-death experiences, why crisis builds culture, and how fitness in India remains massively under-penetrated. Naresh shares …

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From Airstream Dreams to Leading Shipyards with Frank Manning 34:08

5M ago34:08

34:08

We’ve heard a lot of “that’s how we’ve always done it” in the trades but Frank Manning is showing how to lead with humility, trust, and a hands-on mindset. Frank is the President of Diversified Marine, isn’t your typical shipyard boss. He stumbled into the marine industry after a failed business venture and has been hooked ever since. Leading one o…

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Will AI Replace Coders? Future of Software, SaaS & Jobs | Shamik Sharma | SparX 1:10:59

5M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Shamik Sharma, SVP Product at Atlassian and former Head of Technology at Myntra, to explore how AI is radically transforming software development, programming, and enterprise workflows. They unpack how natural language is becoming the new code, how tools like Lovable are reshaping developer pro…