Best Techne Podcasts (2025)

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Behind the Wheel: Vance Strader, Former CTO at LiveWire | Former Chief Engineer at Harley-Davidson 1:25:12

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4d ago1:25:12

1:25:12

We’re joined by Vance Strader, former CTO at Live Wire and long-time Harley-Davidson engineering leader, to talk all things electric mobility, leadership and innovation. Vance shares his journey from designing fighter jet components to building Harley’s first electric motorcycle and scaling Live Wire into a standalone EV brand. He reflects on the l…

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Behind the Power: Filip Hes, Co-founder and CEO of Delta Capacity 1:10:52

6d ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Today we’re joined by Fillip Hes, Founder of Delta Capacity – a company building next-generation infrastructure to support a more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable energy system. Fillip shares his journey from systems engineering to entrepreneurship, and how his passion for battery intelligence, software-defined energy systems, and the energy…

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Ep. 110 - History: The Liberal Art 1:28:39

8d ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Happy 4th of July! Celebrate our country’s independence with this extra special discussion with Dr. Richard Ferrier, tutor at Thomas Aquinas College. John Johnson and Dr. Ferrier discuss the complex question of, “Is history a liberal art?” They discuss this question by looking closely at American rhetoric, creeds, conspiracies, great people and cor…

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Behind the Power: John Alper, Principal Technologist at VoltStorage 1:00:10

11d ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Welcome to the TECHNE Connect Podcast, Behind the Power. Today we’re joined by John Alper, Principal Technologist at VoltStorage – a Munich-based company developing cutting-edge iron salt batteries for grid-scale energy storage. John shares his fascinating journey from academia to industry, including groundbreaking research at UC Berkeley, pioneeri…

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Behind the Power: Chris Hauxwell, General Manager at EEvolution Battery Systems 1:04:39

13d ago1:04:39

1:04:39

This week, we’re joined by Chris Hauxwell, General Manager at Evolution Battery Systems – a growing UK startup designing advanced battery systems for the automotive, industrial and energy sectors. Chris walks us through his journey from his time in power electronics to spearheading innovation in a dynamic startup environment. He reflects on how he'…

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Ep. 109 - AI and the Free Mind Part II 1:46:01

12d ago1:46:01

1:46:01

John is back to discuss AI and the digital world, this time with AI thought leader and entrepreneur, Drago Dimitrov. They discuss how binary AI fits into our symbolic world and continue to tackle the difficult question, “How should Catholic Christians and liberal artists respond to this instrumental end of AI?” Follow Drago on X: @Dragodimitrov hol…

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Behind the Power: Jeffrey Glasson, Chief Technology Officer at TWAICE 57:01

25d ago57:01

57:01

This week we’re joined by Jeffrey Glasson, Chief Technology Officer at TWAICE – a battery analytics company headquartered in Munich. Jeff takes us through his journey from Silicon Valley to Germany, drawing on leadership experiences at Apple, VMware and Contentful. He reflects on his evolution from hands-on engineering to strategic leadership, driv…

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Behind the Power: Sarath Nair, Chief Engineer - Head of Powertrain Electrification and Software at Changan 53:42

27d ago53:42

53:42

This week we are joined by Sarath Nair, Chief Engineer at Changan UK, to explore his inspiring journey ABOUT how he’s helped shape the future of electrified powertrains. Sarath reflects on his career beginnings, moving from embedded software engineering in India to building battery systems for the Nissan Leaf in Japan, and eventually leading hybrid…

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Behind the Power: Lisa Åkerlund, CTO and Technical Strategist at Rivus Batteries 55:33

1M ago55:33

55:33

This week we sit down with Lisa Akerlund, Chief Technology Officer at Rivus Batteries. We explore her journey from environmental science to leading cutting-edge innovation in sustainable battery tech. Lisa shares how she transitioned from academia to start up life, her passion for solving real-world problems and the mission behind developing metal-…

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Behind the Power: Nick Grundish, VP of Battery Technology at Energy X 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

This week we sit down with Nick Grundish, VP of Battery Technology at Energy Exploration Technologies – an Austin-based start up driving innovation in lithium extraction and domestic battery materials. Nick shares his journey from mechanical engineering to materials science, including his time working under the legendary John Goodenough, and how th…

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Behind the Power: Fredrik Fürst, Manager for ESS Functions and BMS at Volvo Group 53:21

1M ago53:21

53:21

This week we sit down with Fredrik Fürst from Volvo Group to explore his journey from aspiring pilot to leader in battery and electrification systems. Frederik shares how he transitioned through technical and leadership roles, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of building strong team culture. We also dive into the evolving world…

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Behind the Wheel: Matrishvan Raval, Head of Product at Turntide Technologies 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

Today, we’re joined by Matrishvan Raval, Head of Product at Turntide Technologies. Matrishvan brings a wealth of knowledge earned through years of experience in the engineering industry, marked by his leadership in electrification and product strategy. With extensive engineering experience, Matrishvan offers a deep understanding of technology devel…

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Ep. 108 - AI and the Free Mind Part I 1:30:03

2M ago1:30:03

1:30:03

Ryan Khurana, AI technologist, strategist, and thought leader, joins John Johnson to discuss AI and the digital world. They compare the personhood, creativity, and relationships gifted to man to the counterfeit personhood of AI. They begin to tackle the difficult question, “How should Catholic Christians and liberal artists rightly respond to the i…

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Behind the Wheel: Ahmed AbuTabl, Engineering Director and Head of Global Software Engineering for Body Control at Forvia Hella 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

Today, we have a truly insightful conversation with Ahmed AbuTabl, Engineering Director and Head of Global Software Engineering for Body Control at Forvia Hella. Ahmed brings a wealth of experience, having navigated diverse cultures and complex engineering challenges in the automotive sector. We delve into his journey, uncovering how he's built a r…

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Behind the Wheel: Karim Mansour, Autonomous Driving Expert and Technical Director at NXP Semiconductors 1:19:56

2M ago1:19:56

1:19:56

This week, we’re diving into the cutting-edge world of autonomous driving and advanced automotive technology. Our guest is Karim Mansour, an Autonomous Driving Expert and Technical Director at NXP Semiconductors. With a career spanning continents, Karim has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking advancements in the automotive and …

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Ep. 107 - A Community of Learning for Liberal Education 1:02:03

2M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

“Of all the forms of education, there is one that is best and most perfected and that education has come to be known as liberal education.” - Dr. David Arias The Magnus Podcast season 5 has arrived! We open with the recording of our recent webinar where we discussed our Cohort Program and the value of liberal education with Dr. Joseph Hattrup, Dr. …

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Behind the Wheel: Luca Stronati, Head of Software Release, Integration, Safety Whole Vehicle at Automobili Lamborghini 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by Luca Stronati, an engineering powerhouse behind some of the most iconic names in automotive. Currently leading Software Release, Integration, and Safety at Lamborghini, Luca’s career spans Ferrari, McLaren, and Marelli. With deep expertise in software, electric powertrains, and mechanical engineering, Luca’s…

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Behind the Power: Maithri Venkat, Manager for Battery Cell Engineering at Lucid Motors 24:30

3M ago24:30

24:30

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Maithri Venkat, an expert with 9 years of experience in the electric vehicle industry. Maithri currently works as a Manager for Battery Cell Engineering at Lucid Motors. Maithri has taken on significant roles that support advancing the development of cutting-edge battery cells, guiding the process from conceptual…

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Behind the Wheel: Christine Thelesklaf, Vice President of Engineering at Bosch USA 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

This week we’re talking mobility, innovation and leadership with Christine Thelesklaf. Christine is the Vice President of Engineering at Bosch USA, a global leader in technology and automotive solutions. In this episode, Christine shares her journey, offering insight into how Bosch fosters innovation across cultures and technologies. We’ll explore …

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Behind the Wheel: Sugandar Swetharanyam, Senior Director of Engineering at DXC Technology 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

This week we’re talking technology with Sugandar Swetharanyam. Sugandar is a Senior Director of Engineering at DXC Technology, a multinational information technology services and consulting company. He's a true visionary in the tech space, with extensive experience in developing and implementing complex solutions. From his deep understanding of sup…

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Behind the Yoke: Tahsin Kart, the CTO at CycloTech 1:10:50

3M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

This week our guest is Tahsin Kart, the CTO at CycloTech. Tahsin is a true pioneer in the future air mobility space, with over 15 years of experience in safety-critical aerospace and automotive projects. From developing defence applications at Roketsan to breaking barriers in future air mobility at Volocopter, he’s always been one step ahead—using …

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Behind the Wheel: Dominique Van Baelen, Cluster Leader for Functional Design at Stellantis e-Transmissions. 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week our guest is Dominique Van Baelen, Cluster Leader for Functional Design at Stellantis e-Transmissions. Dominique has a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in functional design and e-transmission systems. He's at the forefront of innovation, driving the development of next-generation technologies that are shaping …

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Behind the Power: Henrik Lundgren, Chief Technology Officer at Capture Energy 42:34

3M ago42:34

42:34

This week we’re diving into the crucial world of energy storage solutions with Henrik Lundgren, Chief Technology Officer at Capture Energy. Henrik is a true leader in this space, with nearly a decade of experience in the battery industry, working with cutting-edge technologies and leading global projects. From his PhD in Chemical Engineering where …

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Behind the Wheel: Prasanth Gowravajhala, Senior Manager for Software Defined Vehicles at MHP – A Porsche Company 1:23:19

3M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

This week we’re diving into the future of the automotive industry with our special guest Prasanth Gowravajhala, Senior Manager for Software Defined Vehicles at MHP – A Porsche Company. Prasanth's journey is anything but conventional. Having moved back and forth between India and Germany, he never followed a set roadmap, but instead, embraced the un…

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Behind the Wheel: Gabriel Manole, the Delivery Director and Country Manager at Endego 1:06:30

4M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

This week we speak with Gabriel Manole, the Delivery Director and Country Manager at Endego. Gabriel’s career began in Romania at the dawn of the country’s automotive software boom. From his early days with Siemens VDO to key leadership roles at Continental, Freescale, and Atmel, he’s played a pivotal role in software development, management, and t…

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Behind the Wheel: Constantin Popoiu, Requirements Engineer at emotion3D 1:30:14

4M ago1:30:14

1:30:14

Today, we’re diving into the dynamic world of autonomous driving and imaging technology with none other than Constantin Popoiu, a Requirements Engineer at emotion3D. Constantin is an expert in the field, with over eight years of experience in requirements engineering for safety-critical software projects. From crafting high-quality, goal-aligned re…

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Behind the Wheel: Hans-Lothar Pasch, the CTO at IPETRONIK 56:43

4M ago56:43

56:43

This week our guest is Hans-Lothar Pasch, the CTO at IPETRONIK. With over two decades in the automotive industry, Hans began his career as a software engineer at Bosch before making his mark in automotive technology. He’s now CTO at IPETRONIK, a global leader in mobile measurement technologies. From his early days in Germany to roles across the wor…

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Behind the Power: Mina Naguib, Battery Systems Team Lead at Electra Vehicles 1:15:36

4M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

Today, we’re speaking with a true leader in the world of battery systems. Our guest is Mina Naguib, Battery Systems Team Lead at Electra Vehicles. Mina started his career as an electrical engineer specializing in battery management systems and electrified powertrains. In just four years, he’s gained a reputation for tackling complex challenges in l…

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Behind the Power: Ulrika Tornerefelt, Founder, CEO, and Board Member of STELLA Futura 48:57

5M ago48:57

48:57

In this episode of our "Behind the Power" series, we’re excited to welcome Ulrika Tornerefelt. Ulrika discovered her passion for engineering early on, fuelled by her interest in physical chemistry during her school years. Now holding an MSc in Chemical Engineering, she has become a dynamic leader in the energy and environmental sectors, boasting ov…

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Behind the Wheel: Roberto Diesel, Vice President of Energy Systems and Drivetrain at EDAG Group 1:05:51

5M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Today, we’re speaking with a true leader in the world of automotive engineering and energy systems. Our guest is Roberto Diesel, Vice President of Energy Systems and Drivetrain at EDAG Group. Roberto’s career began back in 2001 as a Development Engineer at GM Powertrain, and over the years, he’s become known for his flexibility in thinking, a relen…

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Behind the Wheel: Plato Pathrose, the founder of PTS Creative 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

This week we sit down with Plato Pathrose the founder of PTS Creative. Plato is a multi-talented individual, not only is he a high-quality consultant, he’s also a published author, and industry expert in automated driving and systems engineering. Plato has nearly two decades of experience working with major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, as …

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Behind the Yoke: Olaf Otto, the President of Rolls-Royce Electrical 59:18

5M ago59:18

59:18

In this episode, we sit down with Olaf Otto, the President of Rolls-Royce Electrical, to explore his journey to the top of the aerospace industry. Olaf shares insights into his career path—from structural engineering to leading innovation in electric propulsion systems—and the evolving landscape of advanced air mobility. We discuss the future of el…

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Behind the Wheel: Ziad Moussa, the Engineering Manager for eBike Systems at Brompton Bicycles 33:12

6M ago33:12

33:12

This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by Ziad Moussa, Engineering Manager for eBike Systems at Brompton Bicycles. With over nine years of diverse experience, Ziad has excelled in roles ranging from research engineer to product owner and now leads teams in delivering innovative mobility solutions that redefine urban transportation. In this episode,…

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Behind the Wheel: Calin Herciu, Founder & Expert Consultant at Xpertrack Engineering Solutions 1:02:15

6M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

This week our guest is Calin Herciu, Founder & Expert Consultant at Xpertrack Engineering Solutions. We explore the importance of identifying your passion and understanding your true motivators when it comes to building a successful, long-term career. We also discuss why it’s crucial to focus on long-term potential rather than chasing immediate rew…

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Behind the wheel: Frank Einig, the Technical Director for Global Brake Control Design at ZF Group 55:33

6M ago55:33

55:33

This week, we’re excited to be joined by Frank Einig, the Technical Director for Global Brake Control Design at ZF Group. Frank has a career that’s nothing short of incredible. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Frank’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and dedication to learning. In this episode, we expl…

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Behind the Wheel: Sergio Scabar the Product Cybersecurity Manager at ZF Race Engineering 28:38

6M ago28:38

28:38

We're excited to have Sergio Scabar, Product Cybersecurity Manager at ZF Race Engineering, joining us today. Sergio has over 30 years of experience in the industry and is the recipient of the ZF Excellence Award for developing a groundbreaking automated tool that reduced the calculation time for steering axle geometry by an incredible 99%. In this …

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Ep. 106 - What is Knowing? 56:31

7M ago56:31

56:31

How do we know that what we know is true? What does it mean to participate in the truth? What is the object of the will? Dr. Thaddeus Kozinki joins John to discuss Plato’s divided Line and the levels of being and knowledge. Read his article Plato and Participation Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute! Learn more about Father Owen Carroll…

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Ep. 105 - Consecration of Self: Understanding the Order of Techne and Technology 40:44

7M ago40:44

40:44

Are digital tools inherently bad? How should we respond to the problem of tech? How do we know if what we are building is good? Don't be a tool...just use one. Join John Johnson and Austin Klise, the founder of Klise Consulting as they discuss techne and technology and the implications therein. You can find Austin @ kliseconsulting.com Learn more a…

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Behind the Wheel: Annika Gerk, the Head of Safety at Kopernikus Automotive 39:50

7M ago39:50

39:50

Annika is the Head of Safety at Kopernikus Automotive, where she oversees functional safety, cybersecurity, and system development processes. Starting as a working student at a small engineering service firm, she discovered her passion for safety, a field she’s since made her own. After just a year in her first role, she became a technical lead, an…

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Behind the Power: Barbara Panella, Global Division Technology Manager Distribution Solutions at ABB 38:17

7M ago38:17

38:17

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by the brilliant Barbara Panella. Barbara has spent most of her career at ABB, where she began as a research scientist in 2009 and is now the Global Division Technology Manager for Electrification Distribution Solutions. For those who may not know, ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, dedic…

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Behind the Wheel: Eduardo Buján Team Coordinator at Audi AG 34:51

8M ago34:51

34:51

This week, we’re excited to welcome Eduardo Buján, Team Coordinator at Audi AG, to the podcast. Eduardo’s remarkable journey in the automotive industry highlights his expertise in vehicle safety, cabin architecture, and project management, alongside his dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation within his teams. At Audi, Eduardo plays a …

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Ep. 104 - The Dignity of a Liberal Artist 58:33

8M ago58:33

58:33

Join John Johnson and Angel Adams Parham as they have a discussion about race befitting the dignity of a liberal artist. Angel Adams Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology, senior fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and Associate Director for the major in Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia. Through h…

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Behind the Wheel: Matt Lewis the Head of Architecture & Diagnostics at Aston Martin Lagonda 1:00:07

8M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

This week we are speaking to Matt Lewis, the Head of Architecture & Diagnostics at Aston Martin Lagonda. Matt secured himself a place at the University of Glamorgan in South Wales, where he began a four-year degree in Electronic & Communication Engineering. This honed his engineering ability, as he excelled in the practical aspects of the course, g…

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Ep. 103 - Relationship Without Remainder 51:02

8M ago51:02

51:02

Dr. Ryan Messmore of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education joins John to talk about the foundation of the Catholic Faith, the nature of God, and the doctrine of the Trinity. Listen and hear about the good work of ICLE, the pillars of the Catholic Faith, and Christ's relationship with His creation. Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institu…

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Behind the Battery: Florian Turke the Head of Cell Test, System, and Simulation at Skeleton Technologies 42:27

8M ago42:27

42:27

This week we are speaking to Florian Turke, the Head of Cell Test, System, and Simulation at Skeleton Technologies. We truly see simulation operating as the heart of our industry at the moment, and it's great to unwrap how Florian has built this skill set up throughout his career. He provides us with some great technical insights into what is comin…

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Behind the wheel: Dr Alkiviadis Boulos the Director of Engineering for BRUSA Elektronik 55:02

9M ago55:02

55:02

This week we are speaking to Dr Alkiviadis Boulos the Director of Engineering for BRUSA Elektronik. Alkiviadis’s engineering journey began as he gained a master’s in electrical Power Drives, and a master in Control Engineering. This foundation lead him to gaining a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering Management. Alkiviadis always had a passion for cars,…

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Behind the Wheel: Frank Kindermann, the Head of Battery Systems at the Europe branch of NIO 50:19

9M ago50:19

50:19

Frank’s background is in electrical engineering, which he studied at the Technical University of Munich. In his final semester in 2010, he was fortunate that battery research was experiencing a resurgence at German universities, leading him to shift his focus from biomedical engineering to battery engineering. In addition to earning his diploma (th…

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Fulton Bank’s Avi Patel: Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to Augment Bank Marketing 19:35

9M ago19:35

19:35

Avi Patel, Chief Data Scientist and CMO at Fulton Bank, discusses his journey from coding to marketing analytics, emphasizing the integration of data science and marketing. He highlights the evolving role of AI and machine learning in enhancing customer experiences and predictive marketing and the need to become a full-stack marketer. Thanks for li…

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Behind the Power: Tudi Le Bleis, the Battery Management System Team leader at INVENOX 53:17

9M ago53:17

53:17

This week we are speaking to Tudi Le Bleis, the Battery Management System Team leader at INVENOX. He has been a key member of development teams working on both prototypes and serial products. Alongside this, Tudi has extensive experience in customer communication and project leadership. Tudi’s skills have been used for some fantastic projects, incl…

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Behind the Power: Alfred Engler, the Head of Chief Engineering at Liebherr-Electronics and Drives GmbH 40:01

10M ago40:01

40:01

This week we are speaking to Alfred Engler, the Head of Chief Engineering at Liebherr-Electronics and Drives GmbH. Alfred is a veteran in the field of engineering, having nearly 30 years of experience under his belt. He has spent over 12 years at ISET e.V., primarily working on research projects, before joining Liebherr as the Head of Predevelopmen…