Simone Kalmakis, VP of Engineering at Viam, joins the show to share what it takes to lead teams that bridge hardware and software in the robotics space. With a background in software and machine learning, she now manages engineers with expertise ranging from code to mechanical systems. Simone talks about how she fosters collaboration across disciplines, adapts her leadership style, and keeps her teams aligned while building cutting-edge robotics solutions. If you want to understand what it’s really like to lead at the intersection of AI, software, and hardware, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Why managing hardware and software together requires humility, curiosity, and alignment

• How integrating testing across both domains changes the development process

• The role of “20% projects” in helping engineers learn and innovate faster

• Why passion and purpose matter more than hours worked when it comes to work-life balance

• Why strong engineers without PhDs can still excel in robotics and AI

Timestamped Highlights

01:05 — How Viam bridges the gap between physical devices and AI

04:04 — The challenges of testing hardware versus software, and why small changes have big consequences

10:57 — How hobbyist projects and 20% time accelerated Simone’s growth as a leader in robotics

14:09 — What one-on-ones look like when leading both software and mechanical engineers

16:14 — Attracting and retaining top robotics and AI talent in a competitive market

22:54 — How passion and vision drive sustainable work-life balance in high-pressure environments

A Line That Stuck With Us

“Even the slightest change in hardware can have huge ramifications, and it’s humbling to lead people whose expertise far outweighs your own.”

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a colleague who’s curious about robotics or leadership at the hardware-software frontier. And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss insights from top tech leaders.