40% Better - Engineering Leadership

Discover why traditional technical skills aren't enough anymore. Bryan O'Neill, engineering leader with 35+ years of experience, shares how communication skills and growth mindset are becoming more valuable than pure coding ability in the age of AI-assisted development. In this conversation, Bryan breaks down practical strategies for helping engineering teams adapt to rapid technological change, f...

In this episode of the 40% Better podcast, host Bill Lennan is joined by technology leader Durgesh Sukhtankar for a deep conversation on leadership, curiosity, and building high performing product teams. Durgesh shares his leadership origin story, from engineering roles at GE Healthcare to helping teams transition from project based delivery to true product ownership. Together, Bill and Durgesh un...

In this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan sits down with Jacob Crockett for a thoughtful conversation on leadership in the modern tech world—and beyond. Together, they explore what truly makes an effective leader, why titles don’t always equal influence, and how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in building strong teams and healthy company culture. Jacob shares lessons...

In this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan sits down with Rob Johnson to explore what leadership really means in technology—and why leading people is fundamentally different from managing projects. Rob shares his unconventional journey from a shy, risk-averse engineer to a confident technology leader and entrepreneur. Drawing from experiences in engineering, product management, st...

In this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, Wolfgang Schram shares his extraordinary journey from Germany to the global concert touring industry, and ultimately to leading engineering teams in the corporate world. He discusses how his ADHD shaped his learning and leadership style, the lessons he learned from owning his work, and the ways he developed the ability to guide complex teams across high-s...

In this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan is joined by Brent Wodicka, Chief Technology Officer at Applied Information Sciences (AIS), for a focused conversation on what it truly means to build, engage, and sustain highly competent teams. Brent shares clear, experience-driven insights on why engagement isn’t about perks, pressure, or constant motivation—but about providing meaning...

In this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan speaks with Jill Willard, Chief Technology Officer at IXOPAY, about her leadership journey and how she empowers software and payments teams to build trust, embrace failure, and drive innovation. Jill draws from over two decades of experience leading global software and payment platform teams, offering insights on situational leadership, a...

In this episode of 40% Better, host Bill Lennan sits down with Bill Binkiewicz to explore how asymmetric wins, leadership, and continuous learning shape high-performing software teams and modern engineering organizations. The conversation spans leadership lessons learned through coaching and sports, building trust and psychological safety in teams, and why curiosity and mental models matter more t...

In this conversation, Darshan Bildikar shares his journey from being an introverted builder to a successful engineering manager. He discusses his early experiences in programming, his transition into management, and his time at Amazon, where he built and led teams. Darshan reflects on his move to a startup environment, the impact of AI on productivity, and the importance of balancing speed and qua...

In this powerful episode of the 40% Better podcast, host Bill Lennan talks with educator and professor Rodrigo Senra about his groundbreaking philosophy on teaching and education. Rodrigo argues that a teacher's job is not merely content delivery but a mission of inspiration. He emphasizes that true learning and success in computer science come from cultivating passion and a love for computing in...

Join Bill Lennan on the 40% Better podcast as he welcomes Suresh Mani, a seasoned technology executive, to share his remarkable journey from technician to industry leadership. Suresh unpacks the non-negotiables of success in modern tech, emphasizing how curiosity, effective mentorship, and fostering deep team cohesion are paramount. He delves into critical topics like the transformative role of AI...

Join host Bill Lennan on the 40% Better podcast as he sits down with veteran executive Amit Mital for a candid look at his 25-year career. In a world that prizes learning from others, Mital shares why his own personal experience and the "school of hard knocks" were his most valuable teachers. This episode challenges the traditional view of professional development and focuses on the power of doing...

In this powerful episode of 40% better, host Bill Lennan sits down with sales leader Mike Bourgeois to dive deep into the essential mindset that separates top sales professionals from the rest: customer-centric selling. Mike argues that the key to sales success isn't aggressive closing tactics, but a relentless focus on serving the customer and building a genuine, long-term relationship. If you've...

Welcome to the 40% Better podcast with your host, Bill Lennan! Join us for an inspiring conversation on leadership and personal growth as Chris Carter shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery and resilience. In this powerful episode, Chris recounts a pivotal childhood moment—an incident with his cousin that shaped his perspective on life lessons and the true meaning of taking control. Chris...

In this episode of 40% Better, Rob Truxler shares his journey from engineer to leader and how his love for technology shaped his approach to management. He opens up about learning from mistakes, building resilient teams, and fostering a culture of growth and curiosity. The conversation explores how AI is transforming engineering roles, why critical thinking matters more than ever, and how balance...

In this episode, Kevin Hubschmann explores the real essence of improv - it’s not about being funny, but about active listening, teamwork, and positive communication. He shares how focusing too much on jokes can hurt collaboration, and why the best comedy comes naturally when performers create a supportive environment. #Improv #Comedy #ActiveListening #Teamwork #Communication #Podcast I hope you en...

In this episode, Darshan Bildikar shares his journey from being an introverted builder to a successful engineering manager. He discusses his early experiences in programming, his transition into management, and his time at Amazon, where he built and led teams. Darshan reflects on her move to a startup environment, the impact of AI on productivity, and the importance of balancing speed and quality...

In this episode, Amee Meghani shares her journey in leadership, discussing her early experiences and the evolution of her role within her organization. She emphasizes the importance of promoting from within, fostering a culture of feedback, and the principles of servant leadership. The discussion also covers the challenges of onboarding new employees, maintaining innovation in a growing organizati...

This episode with Bill Lennan and Sunil Jagani explores the evolution of technology, particularly in connectivity and satellite advancements, and their impact on consumer behavior and business practices. Bill and Sunil discuss the challenges faced by startups, the role of software engineering, and the intersection of AI and marketing. They also delve into the future of work, the need for sustainab...

In this episode, Bill Lennan and Sebastian Jean share insights on leadership, technology, and effective communication. They reflect on their early experiences with leadership, particularly in military settings, and how these experiences shaped their understanding of collaboration and motivation. The discussion also delves into the importance of clear communication in presentations, the dynamics of...

In this episode, Bill Lennan hosts Alberto Silveira who shares his journey from organizing soccer leagues as a child in Brazil to becoming a leader in technology. He reflects on the influence of Ayrton Senna, the evolution of technology, and the importance of balancing human aspects with technological advancements. Alberto emphasizes the need for critical thinking and ethical considerations in lea...

In this episode, Bill Lennan and Zach Wills explore the organic journey into leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning from role models and the necessity of a business value orientation in decision-making. They discuss the significance of quantitative thinking in engineering, creating a positive team culture, and the practice of radical candor in feedback. The dialogue also touches on evo...

This episode of 40% Better with Bill Lennan explores the journey of Tim Sublette, a software engineer, who transitioned into leadership roles. Both share insights on the challenges they faced, the importance of storytelling, and the evolution of communication skills. Tim reflects on his unconventional path, the significance of building a competency framework, and the lessons learned from both succ...

This episode explores the importance of being true to oneself in a competitive environment, particularly regarding extroversion and individual contributions to team success. Bill Lennan and Ricardo Torres highlight the challenges faced by introverts and the societal pressures to conform to extroverted norms, while also acknowledging the value of unique contributions from individuals who may not fi...

This conversation explores the journey of leadership, focusing on the challenges and philosophies that shape effective leaders in the tech industry. Bill Lennan and Ken Pickering discuss their personal experiences with micromanagement, the importance of psychological safety, and the value of diverse skills in startups. They emphasize the need for effective feedback and intrinsic motivation, while...