In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Neil discusses the intersection of cycling and engineering with Kurt Bergin-Taylor, head of innovation at Tudor Pro Cycling. They explore how technology and science are transforming cycling into a more competitive and innovative sport, akin to Formula One. The conversation covers various aspects of cycling, including the importance of aerodynamics, nutrition, and the holistic approach to rider performance. Kurt shares insights from his academic background and experiences in professional cycling, emphasizing the need for tailored training and the integration of technology in enhancing performance. They discuss the future of cycling innovation, emphasizing the importance of individualization in gear, collaborative relationships with partners, and the evolving mindset of young cyclists. Kurt highlights the significance of data and AI in optimizing performance and strategies in cycling, while also addressing the need for viewer engagement in the sport. Finally Kurt shares valuable advice for aspiring engineers looking to enter the cycling industry, stressing the importance of mentorship and practical experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Themes
04:55 Kurt Bergin-Taylor: Background and Role at Tudor Pro Cycling
10:08 The Structure and Dynamics of a Pro Cycling Team
12:59 Innovation in Cycling: Aerodynamics, Thermal Management, and Safety
19:14 Nutrition, Training, and Performance in Cycling
29:18 Future Innovations in Cycling Equipment and Systems
30:42 Understanding Individualization in Cycling Gear
34:30 Collaborative Innovation in Cycling Equipment
38:20 The Evolving Mindset of Young Cyclists
42:28 Enhancing Viewer Engagement in Cycling
46:24 The Future of Data and AI in Cycling
50:05 Advice for Aspiring Engineers in Cycling

Takeaways

- Cycling is increasingly influenced by technology and engineering.
- Tudor Pro Cycling is focused on long-term performance and innovation.
- Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in cycling performance.
- Thermal management is essential for riders in extreme conditions.
- Nutrition has dramatically improved in cycling over the last decade.
- Training methodologies must be tailored to individual riders.
- The relationship between power output and speed is complex.
- Safety innovations are critical as speeds increase in cycling.
- Understanding the whole system of rider and equipment is vital.
- Professional cyclists have different recovery capabilities compared to amateurs. Individualization in cycling gear is crucial for performance.
- Collaborative innovation with partners enhances product development.
- Young cyclists are more educated but sometimes overlook tactical aspects.
- Data-driven insights are essential for optimizing race strategies.
- Viewer engagement can be improved through real-time data sharing.
- AI and machine learning are emerging tools in cycling optimization.
- Mentorship is vital for aspiring professionals in the cycling industry.
- Practical experience and initiative can open doors in professional sports.
- Cycling offers a holistic approach to engineering and performance.
- The cycling industry is growing, providing more opportunities for engineers.

A short episode to give a brief update on what I've been doing and to say sorry for not putting out episodes recently. I've joined NVIIDA as a Distinguished CAE Architect and have been rather busy! New episodes will be coming soon! Listen to the episode to learn more.

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Neil discusses career advice for aspiring engineers, focusing on the differences between various types of companies, job roles, and the growing importance of software skills in the engineering field. The conversation highlights the pros and cons of working in large enterprises, startups, and consulting firms, as well as the diverse career paths available beyond traditional engineering roles. In this conversation, Neil discusses the evolving landscape of engineering careers, particularly focusing on the increasing relevance of software development and the tech sector. He highlights the diverse career paths available within tech, including software development, product management, and solution architecture, as well as the growing importance of AI in engineering. Neil emphasizes the opportunities for engineers to transition into tech roles and the need for a strong understanding of the tech ecosystem to navigate career decisions effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Engineering Careers
03:01 Exploring Company Types in Engineering
06:05 Understanding Job Roles in Engineering
09:00 The Shift Towards Software in Engineering
11:52 Diverse Career Paths Beyond Traditional Engineering
14:47 The Role of Consulting in Engineering
18:03 Navigating the Job Market in Engineering
20:57 The Importance of Software Skills in Engineering
24:03 Conclusion and Future Trends in Engineering Careers
30:08 The Rise of Software Development in Engineering
31:59 The Tech Sector's Growing Relevance to Engineers
36:41 Career Paths in Tech: Software Development and Management
44:27 Understanding Product Management in Tech
48:15 The Role of Solution Architects in Tech
52:04 Consulting and Support Roles in Tech
55:54 AI's Impact on Engineering and Software Development

#careers #engineering #tech #sde #amazon #aws #google #jobs