Steve Taplin

CEO at Sonatafy, AI/ML led Nearshore Software Development synced with US time zones for maximum Productivity & Collaboration | Forbes & Entrepreneur Author

I am the CEO of Sonatafy Technology, where we help CTOs and engineering leaders fix software delivery problems that slow teams down and put outcomes at risk.

Most organizations do not fail because they lack talent. They fail because delivery lacks ownership, structure, and senior technical leadership.

At Sonatafy, we focus on predictable software delivery through a combined US-based and nearshore model. Our teams operate through managed delivery pods, CTO-level consulting, and outcome-driven execution designed to clear backlogs, reduce technical debt, and restore delivery confidence.

I spend most of my time working with technology executives who are dealing with stalled roadmaps, growing backlogs, legacy modernization, DevOps bottlenecks, and distributed teams that are busy but not effective.

In addition to leading Sonatafy, I host the Software Leaders Uncensored podcast, where I have candid conversations with more than 160 software leaders about what actually works and what does not when it comes to building, scaling, and delivering software.

I am also the author of "Fail Hard, Win Big," a book grounded in real-world experience building and scaling companies, focusing on resilience, execution, and the lessons learned when things do not go according to plan. Many of the principles in the book directly apply to leadership, decision-making, and delivery inside modern software organizations.

My perspective is shaped by decades of building companies, scaling engineering teams, and learning the hard way that execution beats strategy when accountability is missing.

If you are a CTO, VP of Engineering, or technology executive looking to improve delivery outcomes without adding chaos, I am always open to thoughtful conversations.

Chief Executive Officer & Board Member

Sonatafy Technology is a premier nearshore software development services company that provides its clients with expertise in Cloud Solutions, Web and Mobile Applications, E-Commerce, Big Data, DevOps Practices, QA, IoT, and Machine Learning.   With current and past signature clients such as IBM, FOX, Cisco, TaylorMade, Caterpillar, Alcatel, and more. Sonatafy Technology helps software teams perform at their best.

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Olly Downs, CTO of Curinos, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really takes to lead technology and AI initiatives in highly regulated, high-stakes industries like banking.

We discuss:
- The evolution of AI in the banking sector and where it’s actually delivering value
- The realities of managing and scaling software engineering teams
- Why aligning technology with business outcomes is non-negotiable
- Lessons learned from failure in AI implementation
- Practical advice for tech leaders navigating uncertainty and rapid change

Olly brings a grounded, experience-driven perspective on AI adoption, cutting through hype and focusing on execution, learning, and leadership.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Curinos
#OllyDowns
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

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I was thrilled to be recognized by CIO Today in their “Top 100 Influential Tech Executives of 2023” list. This honor belongs to the entire Sonatafy Technology team, our partners, and clients. Our collective passion for innovation and excellence in nearshore software development has been key.

Top Dynamic and Exemplary Business Leaders to Watch, 2023

Inc 5000 - Fastest Growing Private Company in US

Steve Taplin and Sonatafy Technology win prestigious Globee Awards Gold Prize as Startup of the Year in the IT category

Globee Awards Gold Prize | Startup of the Year in the IT category

Entrepreneur Leadership Network

Forbes Technology Council Member

Received for recognition of hard work, dedication, perseverance and for demonstrating leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry or profession.

The Global Directory "Who's Who" Honors

Annually Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine recognizes those individuals and businesses demonstrating vision, understanding, and a plan to bring investment services and products to the real estate market.

2012 Top 50 Real Estate Investment Opinion Makers & Market Leaders

“IBM Executive Development Program” an honor awarded to less than 1% of the 400,000+ person work force.

"Outstanding Effort Award" and nominated to the prestigious "IBM Executive Development Program"

Steve has received numerous awards for Collaboration, Solution Development, Teamwork, Service/Delivery Excellence, as well as one of the Best Fest (Top 1% IBM Performer) Award recipients.

"Best-Fest Award"  & "General Managers Teaming Award"

IBM issues this award to a select group of employees when they receive the highest scores for customer support, customer leadership, and customer satisfaction from at least 3 different clients in a calendar year. 

IBM "Customer Satisfaction" Award

Received MBA while working full time at IBM as a Top Sales Leader.  

During MBA, became a published author on Serial Entrepreneurship / Leadership.  The book, "Entrepreneurship:  The Way Ahead" offers insights and perspectives on entrepreneurship and effective leadership styles from the foremost academic and professional leaders in the field.  

Frequent Host, Guest and/or Featured Speaker at numerous business, sales, leadership, financial and investment seminars with 5K+ attendees

Radio platform was used to build credibility, increase exposure and to create business leads for TAPCO Private Equity Firm.  Stopped radio shows in 2012 when began engaging in public securities offerings.  

Radio show host for Business, Sales, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Investment Radio Shows with 1M+ listeners in Arizona and California

CEO, Sonatafy | Scaling Engineering Teams w/ Senior LATAM Talent | Host, Software Leaders UNCENSORED | 30 Startups: 10 Wins, 20 Bruises | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

If you’re a CTO, CIO, or tech leader under pressure to deliver software faster, adopt AI, or scale a high-performing engineering team—without blowing your budget—I can help.

I’m the CEO of Sonatafy Technology, where we help software companies scale with nearshore engineering teams from LATAM that work in your time zone, speak your language, and move as fast as you do.

Over the years, I’ve started 30+ companies—with 20 failures and 10 wins—and that ratio has been my best teacher. I’ve learned what really matters:
➤ Building teams that trust each other
➤ Setting high expectations without burning out talent
➤ Using AI, automation, and smart process design to unlock 10x results

I write for Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine on leadership, software strategy, and company culture. My focus is helping other executives lead with clarity, make bold tech bets, and avoid the expensive mistakes I’ve already made (the hard way).

Let’s connect if:
➤ You need a fresh approach to engineering velocity
➤ You’re curious about nearshore but want a trusted partner
➤ Or you just want to trade stories from the startup trenches

➤ Learn more at sonatafy.com or DM me.

Sonatafy Technology will identify, acquire and deploy highly-qualified Nearshore Software Developers for your business.

Nearshore Software Developers - Sonatafy Technology

Assist local, state and federal officials with technical analysis / investigation of cyber bullying events involving children.

Fundraising and support of school events.

CEO, Sonatafy Technology, Helping CTOs Fix Software Delivery, Backlogs, and Execution Risk | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Charity Majors, CTO and co-founder of honeycomb.io, for a candid conversation about building startups, scaling engineering teams, and what modern software leadership really requires.

We talk about:
- Charity’s journey through the tech industry and startup life
- Why observability is foundational to high-performing engineering teams
- Leading distributed teams in a fast-moving environment
- Embracing AI without losing engineering discipline
- Lessons learned as a woman building and leading in a male-dominated field
- Why supportive culture and learning from failure are non-negotiable

Charity brings clarity, honesty, and hard-won experience to a conversation every engineering leader and founder should hear.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#Honeycomb
#CharityMajors
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out a new episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast! This time, I sat down with Ajay Chankramath, Founder & CEO of Platformetrics, author of “Effective Platform Engineering,” and a former CTO turned entrepreneur who’s redefining how companies approach digital transformation.

Ajay has led platform and engineering transformations for some of the world’s biggest enterprises, and now he’s helping organizations rethink their developer experience, platform strategy, and AI integration from the ground up.

💡 In this episode, Ajay shared:
• How Platformetrics is transforming the consulting model, shifting from people-heavy projects to solution-first engagements built on proven frameworks and enablement.
• Why the biggest productivity gap isn’t tools; it’s clarity.
• How his product, Portal IQ, helps companies select the right developer portal tools using AI, not hype.
• How Portal IQ maps over 20 key criteria, from service catalogs to RBAC integrations, to recommend personalized solutions that reduce friction and improve engineering velocity.
• Why composability and replaceability matter more than brand names: “Your platform isn’t the tool you bought; it’s the ecosystem you can evolve tomorrow.”
• His bestselling book, “Effective Platform Engineering” (Manning Publications), bridges the gap between decision-makers and practitioners, exploring how engineering platforms evolve across industries.

Ajay’s Advice for Tech Leaders: “Stop buying more tools. Tools don’t make you successful, clarity and value delivery do.”

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#Platformetrics
#AjayChankramath
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

During my conversation with Mark Sundt, CTO of Stax Payments, we discussed that AI is no longer optional; it’s the foundation of smarter, faster, and more impactful work. Leaders who adopt an “AI-first” mindset unlock efficiency, creativity, and competitive advantage across every task.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Mark!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#MarkSundt
#SteveTaplin
#StaxPayments
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO, Sonatafy Technology | Software Delivery Done Right | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Don Allen, CIO and CISO of Moda Operandi, Inc, for an open discussion regarding pioneering technology within one of the most dynamic and challenging industries.

We dive into:
- Don’s diverse career journey across technology and leadership roles
- What it means to serve as both CIO and CISO in today’s risk-heavy environment
- The evolving role of AI in e-commerce from opportunity to responsibility
- Lessons from private equity and operating at scale
- Why strong collaboration between tech and business is essential
- The importance of establishing clear AI policies
- How adaptability, networking, and continuous learning keep leaders ahead

Don brings a grounded, strategic perspective on balancing innovation, security, and business impact, making this a must-watch for today’s tech leaders.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#DonAllen
#SteveTaplin
#ModaOperandi
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Sean ONeil, CTO of Dasion, to unpack a career built in the trenches of healthcare technology, and the hard-earned lessons that come with it.

We dive into:
- Sean’s journey from help desk roles to CTO
- How AI and voice technology are being used for disease diagnosis
- The real challenges of leading software engineering teams
- Why empathy matters in hiring and team building
- The often-overlooked difficulty of securing funding for tech startups
- No-nonsense advice for tech leaders navigating complexity and pressure

Sean brings honesty, depth, and a grounded perspective on what it really takes to lead innovation in healthcare without the hype.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Dasion
#Podcast
#SeanO’Neil
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Want better performance? Start by getting out of the way.

Christopher Moravec, CTO of dymaptic, and I discuss why empowering teams, rather than micromanaging them, is the actual driver of innovation and results.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Christopher!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Dymaptic
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#ChristopherMoravec
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Ken Pickering, a seasoned CTO and the technology leader behind Scripta Insights, a company committed to increasing transparency in drug pricing within the complex U.S. healthcare system.

We talk about:
- Ken’s career journey as a CTO and the realities of leading through constant change
- How AI is being integrated into business operations in meaningful ways
- Managing and scaling remote engineering teams
- The key traits Ken looks for when hiring engineers
- The very real impact of rising healthcare costs on families
- Why taking risks and learning from failure is essential to leadership growth

Ken brings a rare combination of technical depth, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership, making this a must-watch for anyone building technology that truly matters.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Scripta
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#KenPickering
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Dan Zimmerman, Chief Product & Technology Officer at TreviPay, to talk about his journey from help desk engineer to executive leader, and what it takes to build and scale modern fintech platforms.

We dive into:
- Dan’s unconventional career path into leadership
- How TreviPay is innovating in the B2B payments space
- Why tightly integrating product and technology is a competitive advantage
- The challenges and opportunities AI creates for tech leaders
- Practical advice for leaders navigating rapid change and increasing complexity

Dan brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective on leadership, growth, and innovation, particularly at the intersection of product, technology, and business impact.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#TreviPay
#SteveTaplin
#DanZimmerman
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In my conversation with William Steenbergen, Co-Founder and CTO of Federato, we discussed how many insurance practices have not kept up with modern expectations. By pinpointing inefficiencies and outdated processes, his team recognized an opportunity to implement significant changes.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, William!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Federato
#SteveTaplin
#WilliamSteenbergen
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In my chat with Leonard Niebo, CIO of The Citadel, software leadership isn’t just about technology; it’s about embodying core values like honor, duty, and respect. This inspiring clip highlights how mission-driven principles can create a stronger and more meaningful workplace. It's a wonderful reminder that great code is rooted in great character.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#TheCitadel
#SteveTaplin
#LeonardNiebo
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we organize work itself.

In my conversation with Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio, we discussed how AI is impacting team structures, roles, and leadership, ultimately redefining productivity and collaboration.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Syndio
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#MariaColacurcio
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO of Sonatafy Technology, Helping CTOs Fix Software Delivery, Backlogs, and Execution Risk | Host of Software Leaders Uncensored Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

AI is revolutionizing the way we teach and learn in software engineering.

In my conversation with Andy J., CTO of Stead Impact Ventures and Foundation, we discussed how AI is transforming engineering education by making code learning more adaptive, hands-on, and personalized.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#AndyJames
#SonatafyTechnology
#SteadImpactVentures
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Check out this episode of The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast featuring Raj Bakhru, CFA, CISSP, GM at Datasite, to talk about his journey from hands-on developer to leading one of the most impactful AI-driven platforms in the M&A space.

We dive into:
- Raj’s career evolution from engineering to executive leadership
- Why innovation is non-negotiable in today’s tech landscape
- The real challenges and complexities of M&A-driven environments
- How AI is reshaping the future of M&A
- Lessons learned from scaling products and teams over time
- Practical advice for tech leaders navigating constant change

Raj brings a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective on leadership, AI adoption, and building technology that thrives in high-stakes environments.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Datasite
#Podcast
#RajBakhru
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI in security is a double-edged sword; it can protect us, but it can also empower attackers.

In my conversation with Jeff Williams, Founder and CTO of Contrast Security, we explored how leaders must harness AI’s potential for defense while staying vigilant against the risks it introduces.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#JeffWilliams
#ContrastSecurity
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

AI is transforming the entire insurance lifecycle, from underwriting and pricing to risk monitoring and renewal.

William Steenbergen, Co-Founder & CTO of Federato, and I discussed how intelligent automation is helping insurers make faster, more accurate decisions across every stage of the policy journey.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Federato
#SteveTaplin
#WilliamSteenbergen
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

In stablecoin infrastructure, even the smallest mistake isn’t an option; precision is everything.

Jameel Al-Aziz, CTO of Bastion, and I discussed why zero-tolerance for error is the foundation of trust, security, and long-term stability in digital finance.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Bastion
#Podcast
#SteveTaplin
#JameelAlAziz
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Agile works, until it doesn’t.

Rick Schott, Co-Founder and CTO of Routemize.com , and I discussed the hidden costs that arise when companies scale too quickly. A sharp reminder that process without purpose can become expensive, fast.

Thank you again for the great conversation on the podcast, Rick!

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#Routemize
#RickSchott
#SteveTaplin
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

Bridging sales and engineering is one of the biggest unlocks for building products that customers actually want.

Matt Ryan, Founder & CTO at Kythera Labs, and I discussed why tighter alignment between these teams enables faster innovation and better business outcomes through more effective feedback.

Check the full episode in the comments!

#AI
#Podcast
#MattRyan
#SteveTaplin
#KytheraLabs
#SonatafyTechnology
#SoftwareLeadersUncensored

CEO, Sonatafy-Scaling Engineering Teams w/ Senior LATAM Talent | Host, Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast | Best-Selling Author, Fail Hard, Win Big | Forbes & Entrepreneur Contributor

One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is treating failure as a people problem.
 
In 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘞𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘪𝘨, most failures weren’t caused by lack of effort, but by bad systems. And after 160 conversations on The Software Leaders UNCENSORED Podcast that pattern holds.
 
Our delivery model at Sonatafy Technology | Custom Software Solutions reflects that lesson. We design systems where accountability, communication, and execution are built in, not hoped for.
 
US-led pods, nearshore execution, AI-assisted delivery. Not because it’s trendy, but because it reduces friction and surfaces problems early.
 
Where is your system relying too much on heroics right now?

Founder @ Agrodity | MBA, Start-up Ventures

With over 25 years of experience in public and private sectors,I am a passionate and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to creating efficient and effective social and economic environments that bring happiness to people. My expertise spans corporate finance, commodity trading, real estate management, Agricultural industry, and start-up ventures. I hold a master’s degree in business administration from Georgian Technical University and am honored to be twice alumni of the U.S. State Department, further strengthening my global perspective and leadership skills.

I am the founder of two pioneering companies: Agrodity and iDreamers. Agrodity is a cutting-edge agricultural commodities electronic marketplace designed to maximize profits for farmers, wholesalers, brokers, and traders through standardized contracts and short-term delivery.

iDreamers is a transformative digital platform that empowers individuals to realize their dreams and navigate the challenges of the digital revolution. Leveraging my expertise in business development, strategic planning, market research, and product design, I lead and grow these ventures with the mission of making a meaningful impact on the world.

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