TFTSL Ep29—Teja Yenamandra
Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Teja Yenamandra, founder of Gun.io — the dev marketplace built for engineers who don’t belong on job boards. From martial arts to macro trends, Teja breaks down why great hiring is about rhythm, not resumes; how AI is reshaping the shape of work itself; and what most startups forget after the match is made. This is a founder story built on cold calls, precision matching, and scaling trust — not headcount.
TFTSL Ep22 – Bryan Dennstedt
Today in the Sky Lounge, Bryan Dennstedt joins Todd Merrill as they bring their unique perspectives from years in business, technology, and investing for a deep dive into the trends that will shape 2025. From venture capital’s cautious return to the AI-driven reshaping of industries, this episode is a candid discussion about what’s next for tech, work, and investing. Everything from whether AI is going to hit speed bumps or keep climbing, blockchain’s role in authenticity in AI and the future of collaboration tools is on the table!
TFTSL Ep20 — Adam Lehde
In this episode of Tales from the Sky Lounge, Todd Merrill speaks with Adam Lehde, co-founder of Happen Technologies, about his journey in building a hybrid software development team that leverages talent from Ukraine. They discuss the cultural differences encountered while working with Ukrainian developers, the impact of remote work dynamics post-COVID, and the potential for a thriving startup culture in Ukraine as the country looks towards recovery from conflict. In this conversation, Adam Lehde shares his journey through mobile development, the challenges of cross-platform technology, and the importance of user engagement in apps. He discusses the balance between family and career, his transition to entrepreneurship, and how fitness plays a crucial role in managing stress. Adam also reflects on his travel experiences and the cultural insights gained along the way, emphasizing the value of community and personal growth.
TFTSL Ep18 Ghazenfer Mansoor
Joining us today in the Sky Lounge is Ghazenfer Mansoor, founder and CEO of Technology Rivers. From growing up in Pakistan to becoming a tech entrepreneur in the U.S., Ghazenfer’s journey has been defined by his passion for mobile development and a knack for turning ideas into reality. In this episode, Ghazenfer takes us through his experiences—starting his own software company, transitioning from a secure 9-to-5 job to entrepreneurship, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
He dives deep into the challenges of building a business across multiple continents, explaining how managing teams remotely has its own set of rewards and difficulties. Ghazenfer also discusses how his company focuses on helping startups build scalable products through his unique blueprinting process, drawing on his two decades of experience in software development and mobile tech. His insights into AI, building products that people actually use, and how to successfully integrate technology to boost business efficiency make this episode a must-listen for any entrepreneur or tech enthusiast.
We also explore the personal side of his entrepreneurial journey, including his early ventures in Pakistan, tutoring to earn money, and how his innate drive has always led him to explore new opportunities.