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Episode Summary
Alex Savenok is back in the OSCXO studio to shift the direction of the conversation to discuss his evolution from an intern at HSBC to leading innovative tech startups. Alex dives deep into his journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building and scaling a tech company. He shares his experiences with Vertigo, a social music platform, where he navigated the complex world of music licensing and technology, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.
Alex emphasizes the critical role of fast iteration and the dangers of being too comfortable in one's tech stack. He also discusses the value of hiring individuals who are eager to learn and the pitfalls of rewriting existing software, drawing from his experience with Vertigo’s unique tech challenges. Additionally, Alex reflects on the importance of controlling product scope and the impact of leadership dynamics on a company's success.
Tune in to gain insights on managing the delicate balance between innovation and practicality, the necessity of continuous learning, and the lessons Alex learned from both his successes and setbacks in the fast-paced world of tech startups!
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About Our Guest
Alexander Savenok is an innovative technology leader with extensive experience in driving product development and engineering excellence. As the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Rig Technologies, Inc., Alex has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge SaaS solutions, guiding his company to deliver impactful technologies in a rapidly evolving market. His leadership at Rig Technologies emphasizes a philosophy of rapid iteration and user-centric design, ensuring that products not only meet but exceed the needs of end users.
Before founding Rig Technologies, Alex served as the Chief Technology Officer at Vertigo Media, Inc., where he managed a team of over 30 developers and was responsible for the overarching system design and technical strategy. His entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Remote Media, LLC, where he successfully led the development of patented technologies and secured investor capital, culminating in the sale of the company's intellectual assets to Vertigo Media.
Episode Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
Don and Dave introduce Alex Savenok, CEO and CTO of Rig, setting the stage for the episode's focus on his tech journey.
02:08 - The Concept Behind Vertigo Music
Alex discusses the idea of Vertigo Music, a social streaming app for co-listening, and the technical challenges it presented.
04:38 - Navigating Legal Complexities in Streaming
Alex delves into the legal and technical hurdles of developing a cross-platform music experience without violating copyright laws.
06:12 - Managing a Distributed Tech Team
Insights into the challenges of managing a hybrid team across Kansas City and overseas, and the technologies employed.
09:01 - Lessons in Microservices and Architecture
Alex reflects on the use of microservice architecture at Vertigo and the impact of those decisions on the product’s evolution.
11:47 - The Dangers of Rewrites and Scope Creep
A discussion on the pitfalls of rewriting software and the importance of controlling product scope in tech development.
14:04 - Leadership Dynamics and Product Success
Alex examines how leadership and product scope control played crucial roles in the successes and failures at Vertigo.
18:49 - Continuous Learning in Tech
Alex emphasizes the value of learning new technologies and staying adaptable in the fast-paced world of tech startups.
24:14 - Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
The episode concludes with Alex sharing the key lessons from his journey, including the importance of avoiding comfort in tech and the need for constant evolution.