A Conversation with Laura Fava, SVP of Customer at Raft
In this episode of our Women in Tech podcast, Giles Danielsspeaks with Laura Fava, SVP of Customer at Raft, a platform automating freightforwarding through AI.Originally from Berlin and now based in the US, Laura beganher career in freight operations before moving into tech - bringing first handlogistics experience into customer facing SaaS roles. She reflects on what ittakes to build trust in a high stakes, often manual industry, and how thatfoundation informs Raft’s approach to onboarding, integration, and long-termvalue creation.Laura shares how her early experience on the brokerage floorshaped her approach to problem solving and resilience - skills that becameessential as she moved into tech. At Raft, she draws on that operationalbackground to help customers implement automation in a way that fits theirday-to-day reality. She talks about treating customer success as a revenue drivingfunction, the importance of speaking the customer’s language, and why deepindustry knowledge is essential to building trust in complex supply chains.Finally, Laura shares the advice she would give her youngerself and reminds us, that curiosity and persistence often matter more thancertainty.
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A Conversation with Josephine Hanschke, Director of Customer Success at Juro
In this episode of our Women in Tech podcast, Giles Danielsis joined by Josephine Hanschke, Director of Customer Success at Juro, apioneering legal tech company transforming contract automation for in-houselegal teams. Originally from Germany, Josephine began her career in competitionlaw before transitioning into the fast-paced world of SaaS, where she now leadscross-functional post-sales teams across Europe and the US.Josephine shares her journey from law firm associate tolegal tech leader, highlighting her pivotal move to London and how her desirefor creativity, autonomy, and global impact propelled her into tech. Shediscusses building customer success functions from the ground up - first atJuro, then at BRYTER - emphasising the importance of combining commercialacumen with deep empathy to drive long-term customer value.Now back at Juro, Josephine is championing a more integratedand commercially minded customer success model. She reflects on how earlystart-up chaos shaped her leadership approach, the importance of compensationdesign, and why developing generalist skills across customer-facing roles iskey to scaling sustainably.Finally, Josephine shares the advice she would give heryounger self and how following your instincts can lead to a truly fulfillingcareer.
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A Conversation with Patricia Cabrera Perez, EMEA Head of Distribution at Gigamon
In this episode of our Women in Tech podcast, Giles Daniels is joined by Patricia Cabrera Perez, EMEA Head of Distribution at Gigamon, a global security company specialising in network-derived intelligence and insights for cloud security, observability, and network management. Originally from Mexico City, Patricia has spent the last 13 years in the UK, building a successful career in channel distribution, with experience at companies like SAP, VMware, Ericsson, and now Gigamon. Patricia shares her unconventional journey into tech, beginning with a degree in international business and an unexpected role in IT distribution in Mexico. Her career took her from Latin America to Europe, where she navigated the cultural nuances of working across regions. Patricia is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly women in tech, through the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and resilience. Finally, Patricia reflects on the advice she would give to her younger self and how embracing challenges can lead to career-defining opportunities.
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A Conversation With Huw Slater, co-founder and COO at Oliva Health
In this episode of our Tech Space podcast, Giles Daniels is joined by Huw Slater the Co-founder and COO of Oliva, a UK-based mental health platform. Drawing from his experiences across the UK, Spain and the US, Huw brings a global perspective to building high-performing teams that excel in fast-paced environments. Inspired by business veterans like Keith Rabois, Sheryl Sandberg, and Clare Hughes-Johnson, he combines operational rigor with a people-first ethos to nurture resilient teams that drive sustainable growth.Huw shares his unconventional journey - from earning a degree in astrophysics at the University of Manchester to his early career at BT, where he spent over a decade progressing through the business. Following his transition from the corporate world, his journey through the tech industry includes pivotal roles at Box, Typeform, and TravelPerk, each shaping his understanding of organisational dynamics and team development.The conversation delves into Huw’s leadership philosophy, including the difference between managing for results versus managing for performance. His emphasis on psychological safety as a cornerstone of team success, combined with personal experiences that inspired Oliva's mission, offers a compelling framework for modern leadership.Finally, Huw reflects on the three pieces of advice he would give his 20-year-old self that resonate with anyone looking to navigate today’s complex work environment.
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A Conversation with Melanie Lawn, Customer Success Expert & Venture Partner at Eight Roads VC
In this episode of our Women in Tech podcast, Giles Daniels is joined by Melanie Lawn, Customer Success expert and Venture Partner at Eight Roads VC.With over a decade of leadership experience, Melanie Lawn is a seasoned Customer Success expert and Venture Partner at Eight Roads VC, where she collaborates with portfolio founders and teams to deliver actionable strategies that drive their businesses toward excellence. In addition to her role at Eight Roads, Melanie currently serves as the fractional Customer Success Leader for Contract automation software start-up, Juro. Prior to transitioning to Customer Success, Melanie worked with notable organisations including Dyson, Nike, and The Daily Telegraph, and Freud Communications. Her diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective, making her a trusted leader and advisor in her field. Melanie shares her journey into technology leadership and her path to becoming a Venture Partner at Eight Roads VC. The conversation explores the evolution of Customer Success, the crucial role it plays in today’s tech businesses, and when a business should start building its Customer Success foundations. They also discuss the essential skills and attributes that define outstanding Customer Success leaders. Melanie also reflects on the three pieces of advice she would offer her 20-year-old self – invaluable guidance to all in the early stages of their career.
The Tech Space interviews leaders and influencers from the European tech world, gaining their insights and perspectives in this dynamic and ever-changing space. The Tech Space is brought to you by Alex Partners, a European, founder-led, executive search consultancy based in Lisbon and London. Alex Partners work exclusively with some of Europe’s most innovative, high-growth, investment-backed, technology businesses in building their teams.
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