Mastering Tech Growth

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 f...

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 n...

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 under...

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 t...

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 growt...

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 e...

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...

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 seamles...

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...

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 withi...

Mike interviews Chris, a data science expert, about the latest trends and developments in AI. From neural networks to generative AI, they dive deep into the technology behind the AI revolution. Chris shares his experiences working at a fast-growing startup and his current venture Speedsheet, which converts Excel models into web apps. Listen in for thought-provoking insights on the future of AI and...

In this second episode with Rob Wade, host Mike delves deep into the world of QA and its crucial role in tech growth. Rob shares his wealth of experience and unique insights on measuring quality, the importance of dialogue, and the challenges of remote work. Filled with thought-provoking discussions and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to master the art of tech gr...

Join Mike in the first part of his conversation with Rob Wade, Head of Group IT at Kuflink, for a deep dive into the dynamics of start-ups versus enterprises. They explore the challenges of managing people, ensuring quality, and navigating the world of hybrid work. Rob shares his insights from his unique journey, offering valuable lessons for anyone in the tech industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Authenticity...

In this episode of Mastering Tech Growth, Mike interviews Armagan Amcalar, a seasoned professional in the tech industry. Armagan shares his extensive experience and valuable insights on the role of fractional CTOs, sustainable business practices, and the future of work in the tech sector. He discusses the importance of strong company culture, effective remote leadership, and the potential impact o...

Mike interviews Aycan Gulez, the CTO of Faraday, to explore the world of carbon emissions management and energy optimisation. Aycan shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI, navigating hardware challenges, and driving sustainability in the tech industry. Listen to this episode to discover how Faraday is revolutionising the way businesses measure and reduce their environmental impact, and learn...

Mike interviews Kossi Selom Banybah, CTO of Gebeya, a Pan-African tech leadership company. Kossi shares invaluable insights on building SaaS platforms, utilising microservices effectively, and Gebeya's groundbreaking partnership with Microsoft to empower young African talent. Tune in to discover how Gebeya is revolutionising the tech landscape and gain expert advice on navigating the world of micr...

Mike is joined in this episode by David Santoro, the CTO and co-founder of CarWow. David shares his fascinating journey in the tech industry, offering invaluable insights on building a resilient business, fostering a positive company culture, and navigating the challenges of acquisitions. With 13 years of experience at CarWow, David's wisdom is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their tech v...

Mike sits down with Vasileios Fasoulas to explore the key elements of building and leading high-performing engineering teams. Vasileios shares valuable insights on navigating the challenges of talent acquisition, retention, and career progression in the fast-paced world of tech. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for unlocking your engineering team's full potential and mastering tech growth...

Join Mike in this episode as he interviews Michele Alessandrini, CTO of Atex Media Group, for a fascinating deep dive into how AI is transforming the publishing industry. Michele shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI to boost efficiency, personalise content, and navigate ethical challenges. Listen in to discover how publishers can harness the power of AI while maintaining trust and quality....

Join Mike as he interviews Salavat Magazov, a product development engineer with a passion for biotech automation. Salavat shares his fascinating journey of building a complex cell culture automation machine with a team of dedicated individuals, all while navigating the challenges of managing a remote, unpaid team. Discover the key motivators that keep the team engaged and learn valuable insights i...

Today, James Kirk, a seasoned product designer working in tech, shares his extensive experience in product design, service design, and entrepreneurship. James highlights the importance of validation in tech ventures, and delves into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the emotional highs and lows, and the significance of building the right team.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The importance of validating the...

In this episode, Vaclav Vincalek, a computer expert with over 30 years of experience in the field, shares insights on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). He challenges the hype surrounding AI, emphasizing the importance of evaluating technology critically. Vaclav also discusses the dangers of overhyping AI, such as data poisoning and the gap between smart and nai...

In this episode, Ramez Hanna shares his journey of transitioning from an individual contributor to a people manager in the tech industry. Evolving from a sysadmin to a manager, Ramez emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset and creating a supportive team environment. He discusses the challenges of aligning personal career goals with business priorities, the significance of inclusivi...

In this very first episode of Mastering Tech Growth, Mike interviews Saranjit Soor, otherwise known as Bobby, who has worked many different tech roles across different sectors. Bobby discusses his insights on the challenges and strategies involved in scaling up a tech startup. In particular, he notes the importance of having a strong team structure, incorporating security measures from the beginni...

In this episode, Martynas Kveksas, a Senior Software Engineer, discusses various topics related to web development, remote work, and the future of technology. He shares his experience in solving web problems and highlights the challenges of outgrowing initial database designs. Martynas also discusses the impact of remote work on team dynamics and productivity, as well as the potential advancements...