Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launch-your-tech-startup-from-scratch-today/id1459142845?i=1000685132697
In the ever-evolving world of technology, having a great idea is only part of the equation. Successfully launching a tech startup requires navigating the gap between vision and execution—and more importantly, between the language of engineers and the world of business. That’s where people like Vladimir come in.
In a recent episode of the Walk in Victory podcast, Vladimir shared his fascinating journey from electrical engineering and finance to aerospace and now tech startup coaching. His story offers valuable insight for anyone thinking about launching a tech startup or struggling to bring their technical ideas to life.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur to Coach
Vladimir’s career began in a place many engineers know well—solving complex technical problems in finance and aerospace. But over time, he realized that while he loved building solutions, what truly motivated him was seeing those solutions implemented and make an impact. That meant stepping outside traditional corporate environments and into the messy, dynamic world of startups.
After gaining firsthand experience scaling a fintech startup and later working in aerospace, Vladimir turned his attention to helping others—especially tech-minded individuals—turn their concepts into companies.
His goal? To be a translator—a bridge between engineers and entrepreneurs. He helps highly logical and skilled professionals understand how to validate their ideas, test them in the market, and communicate effectively with investors, users, and team members.
Coaching Engineers to Think Like Entrepreneurs
One of Vladimir’s core messages is this: you don’t need a perfect idea to start a business. In fact, you don’t even need an idea at all. What you need is curiosity, humility, and the willingness to ask real people what problems they face.
“There’s a misconception that you have to come up with the best idea ever,” he explained. “But you’re not responsible for the best idea in general—just the best solution for a problem that exists.”
That philosophy echoes the Lean Startup approach: test early, iterate often, and let the market shape your offering.
Why Engineers Struggle with Startup Success
Vladimir understands better than most that highly skilled engineers can struggle in business—not because they lack intelligence, but because they haven’t been taught to think in terms of customer needs or emotional storytelling.
He shared an example: “The smartest doctor and the smartest lawyer might not understand each other professionally because they speak different languages. It’s the same with tech and business.”
That’s why Vladimir focuses on teaching founders how to adapt their language, adjust their tone, and relate to others in a way that builds trust and momentum. In many ways, he’s debugging human communication the way an engineer debugs code.
A Slow Burn, But a Powerful One
Vladimir’s approach to building his own brand is a patient one. Podcasts, LinkedIn, blog posts, and speaking at conferences—these are the channels he uses to connect with potential clients. Why? Because relationships take time.
“The human interface is much, much slower than the digital one,” he noted. “It takes years to build relationships, not just weeks.”
But for Vladimir, that investment is worth it. Because what he’s really doing is empowering the next generation of tech founders to not only build cool products—but to build sustainable businesses with real impact.
What’s Next for the Tech Industry?
Looking ahead, Vladimir is cautiously optimistic about the rapid rise of AI and LLMs (Large Language Models). He believes that while we don’t yet know exactly how this tech will reshape industries, the next few years will provide clarity on everything from job disruption to government regulation.
And as these transformations unfold, his role as a coach and translator will only grow more important.
Final Thoughts: What Vladimir Would Tell His Younger Self
If he could go back and talk to his younger, engineer self? Vladimir says he’d offer a simple but powerful piece of advice:
“Be patient with the human aspect. Technology gives quick results, but people take time.”
That wisdom, earned through years of experience and experimentation, is at the heart of his coaching philosophy—and it’s what makes him such a valuable resource for today’s aspiring tech founders.
Interested in launching your own tech startup or refining an idea?
Learn more about Vladimir and how he helps tech entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life—without getting lost in translation. Schedule a discovery session today!