About Mike Henken
With over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, I have dedicated my career to building scalable systems, leading high-performing engineering teams, and pioneering innovative solutions at the intersection of AI and platform engineering.
My journey has taken me from lead software engineering roles to executive leadership as VP of Products and Director of Engineering. This unique blend of deep technical expertise and strategic product management allows me to bridge the gap between complex engineering challenges and business objectives.
Currently, my focus is on the rapidly evolving field of **Agentic AI**. I am passionate about designing multi-agent systems that can autonomously reason, plan, and execute complex tasks, transforming how organizations leverage artificial intelligence.
Technology Philosophy
I believe that technology should be a force multiplier for human potential. My approach is rooted in the principles of **Platform Engineering** and **DevOps**, where automation, observability, and developer experience are paramount.
In the realm of AI, I advocate for a "Human-in-the-Loop" (HITL) reduction strategy, where we build systems that are increasingly autonomous yet remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with human values.
Leadership Style
As a leader, I focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety, and radical transparency. I believe in empowering engineers to take ownership of their work and providing them with the tools and mentorship they need to grow.
My experience in Technical Program Management has taught me the importance of stakeholder alignment and cross-functional coordination in delivering complex, high-impact projects on time and within budget.
Professional Journey
Lead DevOps Engineer
ITRADE InnovationsLeading the transformation of infrastructure into a modern, cloud-native platform. Implementing advanced CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes orchestration.
Sr. Technical Product Manager
MadwireManaged the technical roadmap for core platform features, aligning engineering efforts with market demands and user feedback.
VP of Products / Director of Engineering
Testimonial TreeOversaw the entire product lifecycle and engineering organization. Scaled the team and platform to support rapid user growth.
Lead Software Engineer
ValueCentricLed the development of data-intensive applications for the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on performance and reliability.
Lead Architect & Sales Engineer
Profile Your CityDesigned and implemented custom web solutions for real estate and municipal clients, while supporting technical sales efforts.