#14-Heather Townsend, Co-Founder and COO of Cabana

In this episode of Tech Teams Today, host Lucas Mendes, CEO of Revelo, dives deep into the realities of tech leadership, AI, and startup challenges. Our guest, Heather Townsend, Co-Founder and COO of Cabana, shares hard-earned lessons from navigating the shift from legal tech to co-founding a startup, emphasizing why trusting your instincts often trumps expert advice.

We explore the evolving role of AI in engineering, the best strategies for managing remote and hybrid tech teams, and why adaptability is the key trait of successful engineering leaders. If you’re a tech leader or entrepreneur looking to scale a team, leverage AI effectively, or make better hiring decisions, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔹 Topics Covered:
00:00 Why You Should Trust Your Instincts in Tech
00:28 From Legal Tech to Startup Leadership
01:02 Breaking into Tech Without a CS Degree
03:03 The Reality of Scaling from Solo Founder to a Team
08:01 Managing Engineering Teams in a Fast-Changing World
09:56 How to Hire the Right Tech Talent
12:11 Essential Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Tech Leaders
16:50 AI’s Impact on Engineering and Software Careers
21:27 How Tech Teams Can Use AI for a Competitive Edge
22:57 Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

📌 Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more insights from top engineering and product leaders!