The Nearshore Cafe – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of The Nearshore Cafe Podcast, host Seb Wichmann talks with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, about scaling remote tech teams by hiring elite Latin American software engineers.

Brian shares authentic hiring strategies, from using video job descriptions to running pop-up coding challenges, helping U.S. companies attract and retain top-tier nearshore talent.

If you’re a founder, HR leader, or tech recruiter looking to build or grow your nearshore development team, this episode offers practical tips and fresh insights on strategic hiring and culture alignment.

🎧 Listen now:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954
• Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

🎙️ Featuring Pedro Góes, CEO of PayTrack | The Nearshore Cafe Podcast

In this episode, host Brian Samson speaks with Pedro Góes, CEO of PayTrack, a Brazil-based fintech that evolved from startup hustle to enterprise-level execution—growing from 20 to nearly 400 employees, largely without outside investment.

Pedro reveals how PayTrack built an all-in-one travel and expense management platform for medium and enterprise companies, combining travel booking, expense tracking, and corporate cards into a single integrated SaaS solution. The company didn’t just survive the COVID-19 crisis—while competitors saw a 90% drop in revenue, PayTrack’s diversified model allowed them to pivot and support clients through shifting demands, including managing home-office expenses.

We dive into Pedro’s unique founder story, his insights on scaling under pressure, and his sharp advice for startup founders across Latin America.

🧠 Key Themes You’ll Hear:

• How PayTrack helps companies modernize expense workflows with an end-to-end solution

• Managing multi-currency challenges across Latin America

• Pivoting during COVID: from business travel to remote expense tracking

• Pedro’s rise from law school dropout to CEO after running seven departments

• Growing a nearly bootstrapped startup before securing a strategic investment from Riverwood Capital

• Navigating Brazilian business culture, taxes (~33%), and conservative venture capital

• Why Blumenau’s industrial roots helped create a thriving local tech ecosystem

• Pedro’s advice: Sales come first. Intelligence and infrastructure come second.

🔥 Subscribe for Weekly Episodes

New episodes feature Latin America’s top founders, fintech leaders, VCs, and nearshore innovation experts. Available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#PayTrack #LATAMFintech #TravelTech #ExpenseManagement #BrazilStartups #SaaS #NearshoreCafe #StartupLeadership #BootstrappingSuccess

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

Discover the secrets of building powerful, global tech communities with Mariana Lemus, a community expert hailing from Latin America. Mariana shares her fascinating journey, transitioning from finance to marketing at MuleSoft, where she played a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant community of developers. Her story is a testament to the importance of understanding diverse cultures and the dedication required to cultivate successful tech ecosystems. Mariana paints a vivid picture of the early days of MuleSoft in Argentina, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in nearshoring and community building.

Join us as we explore the world of tech community building through Mariana's experiences across multiple countries. From the heartwarming tale of a developer ambassador from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, venturing to San Francisco, to the unique challenges and opportunities of working in big tech from Latin America, this episode is rich with cultural insights. Mariana emphasizes the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and staying positive while celebrating the richness of cultural differences—from language and work culture to the comforting joy of culinary traditions like homemade arepas. This conversation promises to inspire and enlighten anyone passionate about global collaboration and community building.

🔗🔗Connect with Mariana Lemus 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Mariana Lemus | LinkedIn
Company: Salesforce: Overview | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

What if the political shifts from Trump's inauguration could reshape Latin America’s economic landscape?

Join me, Brian Samson, as I sit down with Luis Lozano, an expert on the region, to unravel these potential impacts. We dissect how Trump's policies might pressure Latin American countries, yet create opportunities for nations like Argentina. Mexico's unique position in the wake of tariffs and U.S. trade policies is analyzed, alongside the rise of nearshoring that could boost demand for diverse talents across the region.

Shifting gears, we spotlight the transformative wave of AI technology with a focus on Monterrey, Mexico's thriving software development scene. The episode explores how AI is redefining industry roles, especially for junior and mid-level professionals. We engage in a thoughtful discussion on the necessity of nurturing senior talent to harness AI’s full potential. Anticipating future trends, we delve into changes in immigration patterns and the evolving job market, emphasizing the critical need for continuous learning to stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

🔗🔗Connect with Luis Lozano 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Luis Lozano | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

What if accessing top-tier engineering talent from around the globe could transform your business? Join us as we unlock the secrets to building exceptional nearshore teams with Kevin Haggard, the VP of Engineering at Zenzions. Kevin takes us on a journey through his career, from early days at Deloitte and Weight Watchers to his current role at a cutting-edge startup focused on data conversion using machine learning. He provides an insider's perspective on how global collaboration has shaped his approach to technology, infrastructure, and software delivery.

In our conversation, Kevin shares rich stories from his experiences working with engineering teams in places like India, Jordan, and Eastern Europe. By recounting projects in Ukraine and the Czech Republic, he illustrates the technical prowess and language skills these regions offer, despite the hurdles of time zone differences. Kevin's insights into the strategic expansion to Latin America, particularly Argentina, demonstrate the cultural and operational advantages of tapping into this vibrant region. He highlights the value of time zone alignment and effective communication, crucial elements in fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

Our discussion culminates in practical advice for engineering leaders aiming to optimize their global team-building strategies. Kevin emphasizes the importance of treating nearshore talent as integral members of the team, fostering a sense of belonging and investment in the company's success. From navigating cultural nuances to ensuring efficient communication, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to harness the potential of a global talent pool. Join us as we explore the art of building effective nearshore teams and unlock the full potential of international collaboration.

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

How has Tullio Siragusa transformed nearshoring over the past 25 years?

Join us as Tullio, an industry pioneer, shares his journey from introducing nearshore services to the U.S. with SoftTech to navigating its evolution across Latin America. Discover how Mexico became a nearshore leader, Colombia's rise, and the unique contributions of talent from Monterrey and Guadalajara.

We also explore the role of AI in nearshoring, the growing interest in regions like Europe, and Tullio's insights on leveraging global talent. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, Tullio highlights how empathy and design thinking shape business success. Plus, enjoy personal reflections on the cultural richness of Latin America.

🔗🔗Connect with Tullio Siragusa 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Tullio Siragusa | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

Discover the art of building resilient remote teams as we sit down with Paul Karaffa, the CEO of AdminNow, Hawaii's leading Salesforce consulting firm. Paul takes us through his inspiring journey from being laid off to establishing a formidable remote workforce, navigating the unique challenges of Hawaii's geographical isolation. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into his strategic approach to international hiring and the lessons learned from aligning with the continental U.S. to manage a growing team effectively. This episode shines a light on the untapped talent pools in Central America, particularly El Salvador, and offers a front-row seat to the contrasts and synergies between U.S. and Salvadoran team dynamics.

In addition to team-building strategies, Paul shares his innovative vision with Admin Now, an IT support marketplace that reimagines how technical support is delivered. Imagine a world where IT support is as accessible and immediate as booking a ride with Uber. Through engaging stories, including culinary adventures with pupusas in El Salvador, Paul paints a vivid picture of how flexible work habits and real-time support can revolutionize the customer service experience. Whether you're a leader looking to expand your team globally or a tech enthusiast curious about cutting-edge IT solutions, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Tune in and explore the evolving landscape of remote team management and IT support through Paul's expert lens.

🔗🔗Connect with Paul Karaffa 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Paul Karaffa | LinkedIn
Company: AdminNow

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

What if traditional banking as we know it is on the verge of a massive transformation?

Join us on the Nearshore Cafe podcast as we promise an eye-opening look into the fintech revolution in Latin America with our guest, Javier Borkenztain.

Discover how this mechanical engineer from Montevideo turned fintech entrepreneur is challenging banking norms with his company, Fiter. As a leading implementer of Apache Fineract, Fiter is spearheading the global adoption of open-source core banking solutions. Javier takes us through his inspiring journey from engineering to fintech, detailing the growth and evolution of the fintech ecosystem in Latin America since 2017, and highlights the strategic innovations that have positioned Fiter as a game-changer in the industry.

Our conversation with Javier also unlocks the secrets to managing a high-performing global remote team and the untapped potential of connecting Latin American talent with U.S. companies. We discuss the critical role of fostering autonomy, trust, and diversity in international teams, and the strategies that help bridge geographic and cultural divides. Javier offers a fresh perspective on the power of AI tools to streamline productivity and communication, highlighting how small teams can achieve remarkable efficiency on a global stage.

Tune in to explore how cross-border collaboration is reshaping the business landscape and learn from Javier's insightful experiences and innovative strategies.

🔗🔗Connect with Javier Borkenztain 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Javier Borkenztain | LinkedIn
Company: Fiter: Overview | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

Trading the bustling streets of New York City and the tech-driven energy of the San Francisco Bay for the serene beaches of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, CEO of Honeit Software, Nick Livingston, shares his family's audacious leap into a remote work lifestyle. Unravel the captivating tale of how subletting their California home led to a vibrant new chapter amidst Costa Rica's waves and welcoming community. Nick brings to life the charming small-town aura of Guanacaste and the harmonious coexistence of locals and expats, reminiscent of his Midwest roots, offering a refreshing perspective on the rich experiences awaiting those seeking a change of pace.

In this enlightening episode, we explore the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, propelled by the winds of remote work and the integration of AI. Drawing on Nick’s rich career at MTV Networks and Viacom, he delves into the critical role of communication and early evaluator involvement in recruitment success. Discover how Honit, a platform birthed from Nick's vision, captures the essence of candidates beyond mere resumes. As we navigate through the impact of COVID-19 on hiring strategies and the rise of Costa Rica as a tech hub, Nick's personal insights reveal the shifting economic dynamics and the burgeoning influence of Latin American recruiting firms in sourcing talent.

🔗🔗Connect with Nick Livingston 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Nick Livingston | LinkedIn
Company: Honeit Talent Solutions: Overview | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954

Discover the transformative journey of Mati Barbero, a trailblazer in Latin American venture capital, as he joins me, Brian Samson, on the Nearshore Cafe podcast. Mati's experiences from Argentina to Miami, coupled with his work at Impacta, 500 Startups, and Pigma, reveal a dynamic interplay of travel, work, and networking that shapes the regional startup ecosystem. As we explore the evolution of entrepreneurial opportunities post-COVID, Mati provides invaluable insights into how Latin American founders are thriving in fintech and impactful enterprises through increased global connections and remote work opportunities.

Together, we navigate the vibrant landscape of Latin America's tech ecosystem, celebrating the energy and innovation bubbling up during Tech Weeks in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. With personal anecdotes and firsthand experiences, we explore the role of regional ambassadors in nurturing growth and community development, featuring insights from Madi Barbero on regional advocacy's pivotal role. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, the wealth of knowledge shared by our guests promises to inspire and guide those eager to tap into the immense potential of Latin American startups.

🔗🔗Connect with Mati Barbero 🔗🔗
Linkedin: Mati Barbero | LinkedIn

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more insights on Latin America’s growing tech scene! 🎧🔥
_________________________
🔗 Connect With Us

🔗 Stay Connected:
✅ Host: Brian Samson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/
✅ Sponsor: Plugg Technologies | PLUGG.tech
✅ Follow The Nearshore Cafe Podcast for More Insightful Episodes!
_________________________
Our social pages:
🎵 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KYcgpmN77fJm6B25469B8
🌎 Website: https://www.nearshorecafepodcast.com/
🔥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nearshore-cafe
🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nearshore-cafe/id1775525954