In the latest episode of the Bright Founders Talk podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Igor Bakman, CTO and CPO of Vivira Health Lab, as he shares his insights and experiences.
Igor brings a wealth of experience in software engineering and leadership, making him a pivotal figure in the tech industry. Throughout the interview, Igor shares his unique journey from his early days in the Israeli military as a networks technician to his rise in the tech world. He candidly discusses the qualities that define a good leader and the importance of direction and listening in management.
Furthermore, Igor reflects on his personal career path, highlighting the transition from military to academia, and eventually into the heart of startup culture. This conversation not only explores his professional evolution but also his personal views on life and leadership. Join us as Igor Bakman provides valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of technology leadership and the continuous learning it demands.
Leading with Ears and Vision: Igor Bakman on What Makes a Good Boss
Diving right into the meat of things, Igor Bakman outlined his leadership playbook. It is listening, adapting, and directing. It’s not just about hearing out the team, it’s about genuinely considering their input and steering the ship with a firm hand on the rudder. This balanced approach, Igor suggests, is what separates a good boss from the garden-variety ones.
Igor's perspective on leadership comes peppered with pragmatism. “A good boss listens to the people who put the elite in elite teams and adapts,” he shared. His philosophy is clear—flexibility and vision are paramount. This straightforward formula, as Igor laid out, seems almost too simple, but his success at Vivira Health Lab speaks volumes about its efficacy. It’s about giving a team not just orders, but orientation, direction, and the freedom to innovate within that framework.
Beyond the boardroom, Igor unwinds with sports, an outlet that keeps him as agile physically as he is mentally at work. But his reflections aren't just confined to his current role or even his sector. Looking back, he muses about his career trajectory—from a budding developer with dreams that varied as he grew, to the accomplished CTO he is today. This journey, filled with shifts and turns, mirrors the adaptability he preaches. It's about "listening not only to others but to the evolving self," a quote from Igor that captures the essence of his growth and grounded leadership style.
From Code to C-Suite: Igor Bakman's Journey Through the Ranks
As Chris delved deeper into the career evolution of Igor Bakman, it became clear that the journey from a hands-on software engineer to a chief technology and product officer at Vivira Health Lab was anything but typical. Igor’s career path is a vivid tapestry woven with significant shifts and pivotal moments. The transition from being an individual contributor to leading a team marked a transformative chapter in his career. He reminisced about the time when his then CTO posed a career-altering question: to lead or not to lead. Igor’s decision to step up was supported yet swift, illustrating his readiness to embrace leadership despite the steep learning curve that awaited him.
Navigating through these new roles, Igor discovered that managing people was profoundly different from coding—not just in skills but in the very essence of daily interactions. "Coding gives you predictable results; leadership doesn’t," he shared laughingly. This insight reflects the complexity of human dynamics compared to the binary world of software development. Leadership demanded more than technical prowess; it required an emotional quotient that was cultivated over numerous trials and triumphs. Igor’s journey underscored a fundamental truth about leadership: it’s as much about managing tasks as it is about inspiring people.
Coding gives you predictable results, leadership doesn’t
Igor BakmanCTO and CPO at Vivira Health Lab
The anecdote about transitioning roles brought to light another significant aspect of Igor’s growth—his insatiable appetite for learning. From devouring books to seeking mentorship through leadership coaches, Igor invested heavily in expanding his knowledge and skills. This continuous pursuit of growth has not only equipped him to handle the loneliness that often accompanies top executive roles but has also kept him connected with peers facing similar challenges. As he reflected on his dual inclinations—coding and leading—Igor’s narrative resonated with a profound yet relatable dilemma: the oscillation between hands-on problem solving and strategic leadership, making his story not just inspiring but also deeply human.
Navigating the Deep End: Igor Bakman’s Approach to Flexibility and Scaling Tech
Igor Bakman took a moment during his interview to emphasize the significance of adaptability in tech leadership. His journey through various tech roles has been a testament to being thrown "in the deep end"—a challenge he not only accepted but excelled at. This forced flexibility has shaped his career, teaching him the invaluable lesson that in the fast-evolving tech world, one must learn to swim or risk sinking. "You need to learn to be flexible. You need to learn to open up your mind," Igor remarked, capturing the essence of his adaptive approach in tech environments.
You need to learn to be flexible. You need to learn to open up your mind
Igor BakmanCTO and CPO at Vivira Health Lab
On the topic of building and scaling engineering departments, Igor shared some hard-earned wisdom about the pitfalls of over-diversification in technology stacks. He candidly discussed past missteps, particularly the use of multiple programming languages, which he advised against vehemently. "It doesn’t scale," he stated plainly, reflecting on his experience. His strategy now focuses on simplifying and standardizing the tech stack to ensure it's maintainable by more than just the original creators—a crucial factor for sustainable growth.
Further exploring the technical strategies at Vivira Health Lab, Igor elaborated on the decision to revamp their tech stack, moving from an Elixir backend to Kotlin. This shift was driven by the need for a more robust developer pool and the desire to modernize their applications. This strategic pivot wasn’t just about keeping up with tech trends but was a calculated move to enhance the scalability and maintainability of their systems. Igor’s journey through the complexities of tech leadership is a compelling narrative of embracing change and the continuous pursuit of improvement, proving that a flexible mindset can lead to substantial innovations in the tech industry.
Bridging Tech and Treatment: Igor Bakman Demystifies Vivira Health Lab's Innovative App
As our conversation with Igor Bakman veered towards the practical applications of their technology, he offered an enlightening perspective on how their app is revolutionizing treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. “We have specific exercises tailored for each patient, and following them actually proves better than traditional physiotherapy,” Igor explained, highlighting a study that underscores the app's effectiveness. This revelation not only piqued interest but also emphasized the transformative potential of healthcare apps in improving patient outcomes.
Igor then delved into the unique challenges of navigating the healthcare tech landscape, particularly the stringent regulatory hurdles that accompany medical device development. “We’re not just creating software; we’re treating human lives and need to adhere to high levels of regulation,” he stated, outlining the complexities that differentiate medical tech from other tech sectors. This stringent regulatory environment ensures safety and efficacy but also demands innovative compliance strategies, which has been a significant focus for Igor and his team at Vivira.
We’re not just creating software; we’re treating human lives and need to adhere to high levels of regulation
Igor BakmanCTO and CPO at Vivira Health Lab
Looking ahead, Igor discussed the future of technology in healthcare, particularly in response to emerging regulations like the EU AI Act, which could significantly impact the use of AI within the sector. Despite the slow pace of technological evolution in health tech, particularly under heavy regulation, Igor remains optimistic about the advancements and integration of more sophisticated technologies. He shared his excitement about expanding Vivira Health Lab’s reach and product portfolio, aiming to internationalize and innovate continuously in the coming years, reflecting a steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare through technology.
