Mastering Tech Growth

por Mike Sirius

How To Build a Diverse Team to Unlock True Success

For this episode, Mike´s guest is Pleo CTO, Meri Williams. They take an in-depth look at building high-performing, fully diverse, and inclusive teams, discuss how to attract and retain people from widely different backgrounds and create an environment in which they uncover and develop the innovative solutions that are so often missed by less diverse teams. Meri has led both small and large teams for 17 different organisations. Including, P&G, Monza, MOO, M&S and several startups. So, the recruitment, training and retention strategies Meri shares here are highly practical. KEY TAKEAWAYS True inclusion is missing from most companies. People are rarely asked for their opinions, and they don´t feel they can be their true selves. If you only pay lip service to inclusivity people from diverse backgrounds just won´t apply. Hire people from different backgrounds whose life experience means they genuinely see things from a different angle. Go where people from diverse backgrounds train to find more candidates. Have a robust and effective onboarding process to improve retainment. Engineering managers need to want to and be capable of developing others. Tech leads need to be prepared to do the glue work e.g. refining processes Provide people you promote internally with leadership training and explain why they need to lead in a certain way. BEST MOMENTS 06:50 "The first thing I do is go meet every team and I ask them, what are they proud of? What are they worried about? And if I had a magic wand, what should I do with it?" (How Mari decides which challenges to tackle first when starting a new leadership role) 35:43 "I think actual diversity, where people are from different backgrounds, different demographics, different life experiences is much more likely to lead to true diversity and true different thinking." 37:23 "Making it an environment where lots of different people can be themselves and still succeed is the litmus test for whether you've got the right to go and get those people who are different in the first place." 51:03 "As you get bigger, it becomes easier to attract people who are different, because there's now more chance that they're not the only one who's different." EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/meriwilliams https://leaddev.com/events ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

E29

13 ago 2024

57:13

Balancing Product Vision and Technical Execution in Tech Growth with Benjy Meyer

In this episode, Mike talks about B2B, B2C, and B2B2C business models with Benjy Meyer, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Commonplace. Benjy shares his knwoledge on the complexities of different business models, the challenges of transitioning between them, and the unique role of a CPTO. With a mix of personal experiences and industry observations, Mike and Benjy share knowledge for anyone navigating the tech growth landscape. KEY TAKEAWAYS B2B and B2C models require different skillsets and approaches, with B2B focusing more on stakeholder management and B2C on data-driven decision-making. Transitioning from B2C to B2B can be a strategic move to increase revenue and customer loyalty, as seen in examples like Naked Wine and Design My Night. B2B2C models face unique challenges in balancing opposing forces from different sides of the marketplace and aligning motivations. Feature flags and customisation in B2B products require careful management to avoid technical debt and maintain scalability. The role of a CPTO combines strategic product vision with technical execution, requiring trust from the CEO and board, and the ability to think critically across both domains. Organic search and social media, particularly Facebook/Meta, can be powerful channels for building and engaging audiences in B2B2C platforms. When starting a tech venture, prioritising an entrepreneurial mindset in early engineers over perfect infrastructure can accelerate growth and learning. Building anticipation through waitlists and leveraging personal networks can help gather valuable early feedback and create a foundation for product development. BEST MOMENTS "I would rather fail in a B2C where I've got a lot more data that teaches me, gives me learnings about why I failed, um, so that I can apply those to the next iteration, if that makes sense." 27:22 Discussing the difference between B2B and B2C "We want built environment professionals, real estate developers, local government to come and use the platform to talk to communities so that they can get their planning applications through faster, build better places that are better designed, but they don't really want to talk to communities. We're kind of their enemy." 43:37 Explaining the challenges of B2B2C platforms "You really have to understand in detail the user problems And motivations on both sides of that marketplace to come up with the right OKRs So that you don't like build this spurious motivation for your teams that imbalances" 45:05 Explaining the importance of understanding user problems in B2B2C "What matters most at that level is the structure that's underneath. Those leaders and like in theory, let's say I'm working in a company of 300 people or something. I don't need to be that deep, right? I've got a team of 20, 30, 50 people working in products and technology. I need them to be amazing." 54:43 Discussing the role of a CPTO "When you're kicking off entrepreneurial doesn't really care about the infrastructure doesn't know much about the infrastructure is just hungry for more data to help them make decisions and help you have good conversations together about what to build next" 01:00:48 Describing the importance of the first engineer in a tech venture ABOUT THE GUEST Benjy Meyer ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to Mastering Tech G

E28

31 jul 2024

1:02:56

The AI Gold Rush | Steven Harrison on How Data and Automation are Altering Business

Join Mike as he discusses the business implications of AI and data with Steven Harrison, co-founder of Infratech Digital. Steven Harrison shares his visionary insights on the future of AI, the value of data, and how businesses can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. From comparing data to oil fields to predicting the rise of company-specific AIs, this episode will reshape your understanding of technology's role in business growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Data is becoming a new pillar of economic value, alongside labour, resources, and capital, with unique properties that make it infinitely replicable and potentially more valuable over time. AI is evolving from understanding and learning to creating, which opens up new possibilities for problem-solving and innovation beyond just automation. Companies that develop their own specialised AIs may gain a significant competitive advantage, potentially outperforming those with only top human talent. The adoption curve for AI technology is likely to be nearly vertical, with widespread integration expected within five years across various industries. Security is crucial for protecting valuable data and AI assets, and businesses should consider partnering with specialised security providers rather than relying solely on in-house expertise. The value created by IT investments needs to be carefully measured and justified, as many companies have shifted expenses to technology without necessarily increasing profitability. Businesses should use AI to eliminate waste and free up employee time for strategic thinking about transforming their operations and services. Education in digital infrastructure and data management is becoming as essential as basic literacy for navigating the modern world and avoiding exploitation BEST MOMENTS "We don't teach how to build the things that make digital possible. We teach how to consume digital when it's already been built. So it begs the question of, well, who's going to build the next generation?" 02:19 (Harrison discussing the lack of education in digital infrastructure) "The organisations that do that work best today, I think they're going to be positioned for an incredibly lucrative hundred years because as data becomes more controlled, more constrained, the value of the people that do have the data is just going to go up exponentially." 31:29 (Explaining the long-term value of data ownership) "Once you realise that sort of step one, step two, step three process that have created an AI with the ability to think, I've now given it the ability to learn and have now given it the ability to create. If we look at that AI as we would a little human. It's kind of how we raise children, isn't it?" 36:33 (Harrison comparing AI development to raising children) "We're going to see countries and organisations that previously would have struggled to compete, suddenly be extremely competitive. Because they've invested wisely in AI technology." 45:29 (Discussing how AI could level the playing field in global competition) "If you wait until the wave is crashing down on top of you, there's going to be so much competitive pressure. There's going to be so much more pressure for the talent that you can now hire and train and develop today." 1:05:54 (Advising businesses to start AI transformation early) ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

E27

24 jul 2024

1:07:19

Achieving Work-Life Balance: Insights from CTO Coach Peter Sorgenfrei

Mike interviews Peter Sorgenfrei, a coach for CTOs and business leaders. They talk about the often-overlooked realm of work-life integration, challenging the hustle culture mentality. Peter shares his thoughts on time management, prioritisation, and the importance of "me time" for leaders. Mike and Peter’s conversation will make you rethink your approach to work and life, offering practical tips to boost productivity while maintaining balance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Work-life integration is more achievable than work-life balance, focusing on organising professional and personal life around peak performance times. Delegating tasks and prioritising ruthlessly can significantly reduce overwhelm and increase productivity for leaders at all levels. Regular "me time" without screens, preferably in nature, is crucial for recharging and maintaining clarity of mind. Challenging the need for meetings and questioning the importance of tasks can free up significant time and mental space. Building in public and ensuring at least five new people know about your business daily is crucial for startup growth. Napping for 20-25 minutes after lunch can provide a significant energy boost for the rest of the day. Engaging with a professional coach or mentor can accelerate career growth and provide valuable perspectives. Selling and making people aware of your product or service is more important than perfecting features when starting a business. BEST MOMENTS "I talk a lot about work life integration, which is to, instead of trying to find balance, which within something which is essentially out of balance because of our devices always being with us because of most of us being, you know, digital workers in some way, knowledge workers, it's about finding that integration." 06:48: Peter discussing the concept of work-life integration "Sell every day. Selling. Sales saves everything." 56:15 Peter answering what is the most important thing for any tech venture growth) "The number one piece of advice that I give anybody is make sure that five new people know that you exist and what you do every single day, seven days a week." 56:38 Peter emphasising the importance of building awareness for your business "You can have the best product, but if you haven't exposed it to the market, if you haven't exposed it to customers and actually modified it in a way that they will buy it. You don't have a business." 58:51 Peter sharing the story about Mercedes-Benz introducing the C-Class to the US market "I personally was person who was unwilling to pay for coaches and mentors until I slowly started doing it. And now I got a mentor and a coach for many things in life and the acceleration and the value exchange is just, it's just not comparable." 01:04:59 Mike discussing the value of professional coaching ABOUT THE GUEST Peter Sorgenfrei - CEO & Founder Coach Website: https://www.petersorgenfrei.com/#1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorgenfrei/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorgenfrei_co Youtube: www.youtube.com/@peter_sorgenfrei Newsletter: https://astounding-speaker-2032.ck.page ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncoverin

E26

17 jul 2024

1:06:09

Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Mastering Imposter Syndrome in Tech Leadership with David Lush

Mike talks with David Lush about the intriguing world of imposter syndrome in tech leadership. Dave shares his personal journey from experiencing intense imposter syndrome to feeling surprisingly confident in his new role. The conversation explores psychological safety, authenticity, and the delicate balance between humility and assertiveness. KEY TAKEAWAYS Imposter syndrome can be a sign of growth and stepping out of your comfort zone, indicating you're challenging yourself in new roles. Developing a personal playbook for entering new roles can help mitigate imposter syndrome and increase confidence in adding value quickly. Active listening and asking questions before sharing opinions can help maintain humility while leveraging experience in leadership positions. Creating psychological safety in teams is crucial for open communication and addressing mental health concerns in the tech industry. Authenticity and being yourself at work can lead to trust-building and improved psychological safety within teams. Balancing humility with confidence is key for effective leadership, especially when transitioning from individual contributor to management roles. Influence in the workplace can be gained through a combination of experience, data-driven arguments, and effective storytelling techniques. The tech industry is gradually shifting towards a healthier work-life balance, with younger generations prioritising clear boundaries and fair exchanges in their careers. BEST MOMENTS "I've never really been able to keep my mouth shut and therefore I've ended up down the sort of management and leadership IC." 01:30: Dave explains how he transitioned into leadership roles due to his tendency to speak up and share ideas. "A case of getting out and meeting people in the company doing the, you know, the information firehose thing, like, let me gather context, let me understand how your business works, build a mental model of it." 08:19: Dave is describing his strategy for quickly understanding a new company and role. "I think I'm probably quite in the middle, you know, I'm very happy in my own company, but I also like a bit of other people's company for a period of time." 03:11: Dave is reflecting on his introverted and extroverted tendencies in relation to leadership roles. "I feel like a bit of imposter syndrome is good. You know, the fact that I don't have any imposter syndrome coming into this role is probably a sign that I've not, you know, challenged myself enough with the role that I've moved into" 38:37: Dave believes that the lack of imposter syndrome in his current role might indicate a need for more challenges. ABOUT THE GUEST David Lush is the Chief Technology Officer at MindGym, with a distinguished career in technology leadership, including key roles as Head of Engineering at Onzo and Visa. With over 20 years of experience, David excels in building and scaling high-performing teams, aligning strategy with company vision, and fostering a culture of innovation and psychological safety. Known for his strategic mindset and commitment to continuous learning, David integrates his expertise in engineering and data to drive success and growth. ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ven

E25

10 jul 2024

1:15:43

Steve Spittle | From Space to Sustainability: Harnessing Satellite Data for a Greener Future

Mike speaks to Steve Spittle, the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at GlobalTrust Ltd about the fascinating world of satellite data and its role in sustainability. Steve shares his journey from environmental science to space technology, explains how Global Trust leverages satellite imagery for environmental monitoring and discusses the ethical implications and future of the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and the power of space-based observations to drive positive change on Earth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Global Trust uses satellite data to monitor environmental impacts, helping businesses make sustainable decisions and comply with regulations. Satellite imagery can provide valuable insights into various environmental factors, including deforestation, atmospheric emissions, and biodiversity. The satellite data industry is evolving rapidly, shifting towards smaller, more cost-effective satellites and increased data accessibility. AI and machine learning play crucial roles in analysing satellite data, but it's essential to use these technologies judiciously and transparently. The future of satellite data analysis will likely involve more integrated, user-friendly tools that become part of everyday business operations. Ethical considerations around satellite data usage include privacy concerns and the need for transparent, traceable analysis processes. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses, driven by regulations, investor pressure, and public awareness. Networking and participating in industry events are crucial for CTOs and businesses looking to stay informed about sustainability trends and technologies. BEST MOMENTS 22:56 "So effectively the pricing module is on the frequency of data on a quality of data and then there's a historical data sets you can buy into that." (Mike summarising Steve's explanation of satellite data pricing models) 25:58 "From space, we are actually able to map out exactly where the dust goes from the activities. And we can also look at some of the high level composition of that dust by looking at its individual spectral footprint." (Steve Spittle discussing how satellite data can be used to monitor industrial dust pollution) 28:08 "We've gone from a place of having a separate sustainability report and a separate business model to now having what they call a sustainable business model. And they've combined the two." (Steve Spittle explaining how businesses are integrating sustainability into their core operations) 51:18 "I think 10 years in the future, we won't be so obsessed, I hope, with using terms such as AI, and it's going to be part of the kind of fabric of what we do on a day to day and it just gets wrapped into this term of analysis." (Steve Spittle predicting the future of AI and satellite data analysis) 01:01:18 "The premise of sustainability is that part of that idea of inclusion and actually bringing all these thoughts together and recognising that if we're going to have any chance of making any real impact, we need to have this kind of multidisciplinary approach." (Steve Spittle discussing the importance of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges) ABOUT THE GUEST Steve Spittle Steve Spittle previously worked as the Global Extractives Industries Technical Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult. Within this role Steve engaged with stakeholders across the mining sector from large multinational commercial companies, governments and investors, creating satellite-based solutions. Prior to this role Steve held two additional roles at the Catapult, alongside these roles at the Catapult, Steve spent three years as a technical and business mentor for satellite start-up companies across Europe, as part of the Copernicus Accelerator programme. Finally, Steve is a non-executive director of Lux Aerobot, an exciting Canadian high-altitude platform start-up. He is one of the

E24

3 jul 2024

1:02:20

From Psychometrics to AI: The Future of Work with Peter Dakin

In this episode of Mastering Tech Growth, host Mike interviews Peter Dakin, a behavioural assessment expert. They talk about the world of psychometrics, discussing how understanding human behaviour can revolutionise team dynamics and personal growth. From the origins of Promana People to the future of AI, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of self-awareness. KEY TAKEAWAYS Promana People offers a digital platform with psychometric assessments to help individuals, coaches, and organisations understand and improve human behaviour. The "catalyst" or "disturber" behaviour is crucial for tech startups, as it drives innovation and disruption in the market. Understanding observable behaviour is more effective and authentic than personality-based assessments for improving team dynamics and individual performance. The concept of "endurance" may be more positive and goal-oriented than "resilience" when discussing stress management and personal growth. AI's ability to reason at human levels presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of work and decision-making processes. Effective leadership involves understanding and managing different behavioural preferences within a team, including time management and communication styles. The "action process" in organisational behaviour includes assessing cost-benefit and controlling behaviours, which is crucial for project management and resource allocation. Psychometric assessments can help identify and develop various coaching, mentoring, and advisory styles, leading to more effective knowledge transfer and personal development. BEST MOMENTS 09:38 "We don't really define even, even the word coach is necessary, not necessarily appropriate. That's why we call our, the middle tier of what, who we provide a service to people in the behaviour change business rather than coaches." (Context: Peter Dakin discusses the broad applicability of their services beyond traditional coaching) 19:25 "Stress in itself isn't a negative thing. It's when you reach overwhelm, that's when it becomes a problem." (Context: Peter Dakin explaining the importance of stress management in entrepreneurship) 56:22 "We're sort of literally on the event horizon now of going into either a black hole or a wormhole. And I don't think anybody really knows whether it's a black hole or a wormhole yet." (Context: Peter Dakin discussing the uncertain future of AI and its impact on society) 1:25:01 "I always enjoy listening to what people are having as a challenge, you know, as a struggle, as some type of definition of a problem space and put myself into that and go like, you know what, that's what I would do." (Context: Mike Reflecting on his natural inclination towards advising rather than coaching) 1:33:44 "Words do matter and we don't really want to fall into patterns of using buzzwords. We want to get across the idea that is underneath that." (Context: Peter Dakin discussing the importance of precise language in behavioural assessments) ABOUT THE GUEST Pete Dakin: Co-founder, Promana Peoplehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdakin/Pete Dakin is the founder of Promana People, a New Zealand-based digital platform providing individuals, coaches, "people persons" and organisations with a suite of online tools, including a comprehensive suite of behavioural assessment tools that deliver insights for understanding and fostering personal, professional and organisational growth and development. Pete's path has long been intertwined with the interactions of people and technology - including work in early stage behavioural advertising, behaviour change in education, and now, to the mission of helping people to thrive in a complicated and ever-changing world.https://promanapeople.comhttps://youtube.com/@promanapeoplehttps://promanapeople.com/https://promanapeople.com/explore/assessmentshttps://promanapeople.com/pro/upgrade ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a sea

E23

26 jun 2024

1:37:39

AWS Expert Ruben J Garcia: Streamlining Infrastructure as Code for Startups and Enterprises

Mike is joined by Ruben J Garcia, a cloud Architect and AWS Trainer with over 8 years of experience. Having worked in large corporate companies and start-ups to help migrate and create applications in the AWS cloud Ruben shares his journey from consultant to AWS expert, revealing insider secrets to optimising cloud infrastructure. Discover the power of AWS Control Tower, best practices for seamless integration, and how to navigate the complexities of multi-environment setups KEY TAKEAWAYS AWS Control Tower provides a solid foundation for cloud infrastructure, with built-in guardrails and compliance features, making it easier to manage and scale AWS accounts. When choosing a cloud provider, consider your team's expertise and stick with one to develop deep knowledge rather than spreading yourself thin across multiple clouds. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is crucial for managing AWS infrastructure at scale, enabling version control, reproducibility, and easier collaboration among team members. AWS CDK (Cloud Development Kit) is a powerful framework for IaC, allowing developers to define infrastructure using familiar programming languages and integrate with other AWS services seamlessly. Proper role management and using temporary credentials through AWS Identity Centre can significantly enhance security by limiting the blast radius of potential compromises. AWS X-Ray is an invaluable tool for debugging and optimising performance in complex microservices architectures built on AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and other services. When designing a tech stack for a startup, carefully consider foundational choices like databases and API architectures, as changing these later can be costly and time-consuming. AWS offers a wide range of services and integrations with third-party tools, making it possible to build and deploy applications entirely within the AWS ecosystem. BEST MOMENTS "The more time you have this without fix, the more expensive it's going to be to fix in the future." (16:49) Mike emphasises the importance of addressing technical debt sooner rather than later "Control Tower with security half and guard duty is the way to do that. When you put control tower is going to be by default activated for you. So you're going to have a lot of control that already are there, but you can create your own control if you need." (22:44) Ruben discusses the importance of AWS Control Tower for regulated industries. "In a modern application, in a modern company, I won't use this kind of thing because you can do the same things with CodePipeline and with the build script." (58:45) While discussing the use of AWS CodePipeline for CI/CD, Ruben expresses his preference for native AWS tools over third-party solutions like Jenkins. "You need to move fast, and you need to use the right tool for your application. I think you need to choose wisely when you are creating your application because if you have a problem in the design at the very beginning, it's going to be with you a long time." (1:03:39) Ruben shares his advice for startups when it comes to balancing speed and careful consideration in technology choices. "If you have a problem in your architecture in the very beginning, it's going to be very hard for you to reverse all your work." (01:04:36) Ruben stresses the importance of making the right architectural decisions early on. ABOUT THE GUEST Ruben Garcia Cloud Architect and AWS Trainer with over 8 years of experience. Worked in large corporate companies and start-ups to help migrate and create applications in the AWS cloud. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.youtube.com/@RubenJGarcia https://rubenjgarcia.cloud https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenjgarciab/ https://awsboilerplate.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understandin

E22

19 jun 2024

1:23:16

Remote Leadership: How to Manage and Lead a Global Team Remotely with Charlie Perrins

Remote leader Charlie Perrins joins Mike to talk about how he navigates remote work in a global tech team. Charlie shares his experiences transitioning from an office mindset to successfully managing distributed teams across North America, Latin America, and India. Packed with practical wisdom and thought-provoking anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the world of remote tech leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS Shifting from an office mindset to remote work requires adapting communication and collaboration strategies while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality work. Aligning teams across different time zones is crucial, with the client's time zone serving as the anchor point for all team members. Cultural differences among global teams are less significant than individual roles and skill sets when it comes to effective collaboration. Respect and acknowledge team members' locations and time zones through small gestures like greeting everyone according to their local time. Remote work has opened up opportunities for more flexible schedules and improved work-life balance. Leading people effectively is the most critical factor in achieving tech venture growth, as people are the driving force behind all achievements. Spontaneous conversations and innovation can still occur in remote settings through the use of video calls and collaboration tools. The software development lifecycle remains largely unchanged in remote work, with improvements in tools and cloud services enhancing efficiency. BEST MOMENTS "You do good work when someone from the client's team is acting in some capacity as a product owner. When you're in a fortunate position on both sides of the equation to be able to do that then I think the best work will come out of it" (08:17) Charlie emphasises the importance of having a product owner from the client's team to ensure the best work is delivered. "I think that my biggest misconception was that it wouldn't work. I worried that it would be difficult. I worried that I would be less useful to the rest of my team if I was not there. (24:57) Charlie reflects on his initial misconception about remote work and his concerns about being less useful to his team when not physically present. "It feels more the same than different in terms of the shape of the SDLC, it's just that some of the tools have got better, the access to cloud services has increased, you know, lets us maybe do certain things faster than we used to do." (52:04) Charlie shares his thoughts on how the software development lifecycle has remained largely unchanged in remote work, with improvements in tools and cloud services enhancing efficiency. "If you're not careful, team members can get lost and not everybody can sort of be carried along that journey. And that's, I think, where risks and errors creep in because somebody's doing a task, not deliberately doing it badly or certainly not doing it maliciously, but they don't quite think they're meant to be doing the same thing that somebody else thinks they're meant to be doing." (1:02:16) Charlie discusses the risks of team members getting lost in the process and how misaligned expectations can lead to errors and mistakes. "To the extent we lose that on the days where we're not working in the office, we gain it from being able to chat to colleagues, or at least in the, in the kind of company I'm in now, where there's lots of us all over the world, we gain it from the freedom of being able to have a call with anybody. Wherever they might be if a call with that person is what you need to get to a good idea or to get to a breakthrough." (1:07:24) Charlie explains how remote work settings can still foster spontaneous conversations and innovation through the use of video calls and the ability to connect with colleagues worldwide. ABOUT THE GUEST Charlie Perrins is a MarTech & AdTech specialist who has led engineering teams around the globe. He has lived in the UK

E21

12 jun 2024

1:08:57

Bridging Tech and Business: Lessons from a CTO's Craig Mellon’s Transformative Career

In this episode, Mike interviews Craig Mellon, an experienced CTO who shares his journey from a passionate developer to a technology leader. Craig discusses the importance of hands-on experience, the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles, and the key skills needed to succeed as a CTO. He also highlights the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within technology teams. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hands-on experience as a developer is invaluable for CTOs, providing a deep understanding of technology and its impact on business decisions. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role requires letting go of control and trusting your team to grow and innovate. Passion for continuous learning and staying up to date with the latest tech trends is crucial for driving innovation and making informed decisions. Business acumen is essential for CTOs to effectively communicate with stakeholders and align technology initiatives with business goals. A CTO's role varies depending on the size and nature of the company, ranging from hands-on involvement in startups to more strategic roles in larger enterprises. Encouraging experimentation and providing opportunities for team members to explore new technologies fosters a culture of innovation. Formal education alone may not be sufficient for a CTO role; practical experience and tailored learning resources are equally valuable. Clear communication and presenting technology initiatives in terms of business benefits are key to gaining support from executives and stakeholders. BEST MOMENTS "I kind of got obsessed with computers and programming then, which really drove me career in that direction." (01:34) - Craig shares how his early passion for technology shaped his career path. "I've always found that most, most companies I've worked at, Kind of kind of always fall into that leadership role I tend to always end up leading a project or lead in a team" (9:44) - Craig discusses his natural tendency to take on leadership roles throughout his career. "You've got to, you've got to, you've got to realize to step back as well, to see bigger picture." (12:43) - Craig emphasises the importance of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture as a leader. "I think from a, from a CTO point of view, if you, during your communication with your team, if you're telling them about how this is going to affect the business. How it's going to help grow the business. And we're going to choose this solution because it'll help scale and it'll be cheaper to scale than this one." (20:02) - Craig explains how CTOs can help their teams understand the business impact of technology decisions. "I'd rather you come out and ask rather than sit there worrying, trying to sort something out." (29:46) - Craig encourages a culture of open communication and asking for help when needed. "You've got to give the business confidence in your decisions and what you're proposing. And so I think that really helps with those kind of decisions." (01:01:09) - Craig emphasises the importance of communicating effectively with business stakeholders. "I think you've got to find a good, fit for your business." (01:14:18) - Craig highlights that the CTO role varies depending on the company's size and requirements. "If you show people they can have that time and foster that innovation, I think that's a great way to progress with it." (01:11:11) - Craig discusses the importance of providing time and resources for innovation. ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and

E20

5 jun 2024

1:15:20

6 de 8