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In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we interview Alex Henderson, an experienced technical leader, to uncover insights from his extensive career in New Zealand's tech industry.
We cover:
Business Understanding: Alex emphasizes the necessity for engineers to understand how their business makes money and the breakdown of costs versus net revenue.
Scaling Challenges: He identifies people scaling as the toughest aspect of growth, focusing on maintaining a high hiring bar while being inclusive.
Effective Decision-Making: The discussion covers the evolution from small, organic decision-making groups to structured, scaled processes involving written proposals and team socialization.
Leadership Principles: Alex shares his "no drama" manifesto, focusing on alignment, eliminating misaligned individuals, and fostering productive conflict.
Transparent Hiring and Remuneration: He advocates for transparent hiring processes, including upfront salary bands and clear role expectations, to ensure fairness and reduce conflict within the team.
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In this episode of TechWaka, we explore the transformative power of coaching in technology leadership.
We review Michael Bungay Stanier's "The Coaching Habit," and discuss seven key questions that every tech leader could use to enhance their coaching approach.
This episode is a must-listen for those looking to foster personal development, increase team engagement, and drive continuous improvement within their organizations.
Join us to discover how you can empower your teams and lead more effectively by adopting a coaching mindset.
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In this TechWaka podcast episode, we interview Martin Wildash, who delves into the complexities and responsibilities of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Martin shares his journey and insights into the CTO role, discussing various aspects from strategic decision-making to key relationships within a company.
Main Themes:
Strategic Decision-Making: Understanding and managing the risks and impacts of technology decisions within the broader scope of business operations. Financial Acumen: The necessity for a CTO to comprehend the financial underpinnings of the business, emphasizing the importance of close collaboration with the CFO. Board Interaction: The dynamics of working with a company's board to align technology strategies with business objectives and manage governance and accountability. Leadership and Influence: The role of a CTO in leading and influencing both the technology team and broader business strategies, requiring a solid grasp of both technical and business domains. Career Journey: Martin discusses his own path to becoming a CTO, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities that shaped his career, offering advice to aspiring CTOs. -
In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we talk with David Corbett, COO of Timecloud. We discuss David's journey and insights into improving leadership and teamwork.
We cover:
The importance of learning from mistakes and staying curious. Transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position. Understanding people's mental models to make better decisions. Leading by influence, not authority, to guide teams towards success. The role of asking good questions in understanding and improvement. Creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.This conversation is full of advice for anyone looking to lead more effectively and build a stronger, more innovative team.
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In this Tech Waka podcast episode featuring Chardi Taylor, a product leader, we explore several key themes:
Chardi's Path: From childhood curiosity to tech leadership, highlighting her shift from law to technology. Moving to New Zealand: Adjusting to a new country, building a tech network, and finding similarities in leadership challenges. Women in Tech Leadership: Addressing barriers like imposter syndrome, the importance of inclusive hiring, and mentorship to support women's advancement in tech. The Importance of Support: The critical role of having a supportive partner and community for career growth, especially for women in leadership positions.This episode shines a light on the journey to tech leadership, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the importance of support and inclusivity in the tech industry.
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In this episode with Cara Fonseca-Ensor, we explore key themes around fostering a successful team environment:
The Balance Between Autonomy and Accountability: Cara discusses how autonomy encourages innovation while accountability ensures that innovations are effectively implemented. The Importance of Visibility and Trust: Insights into how transparency in processes and achievements builds trust within teams and across the organization. Leadership's Role in Empowering Teams: Cara shares her transition from hands-on problem-solving to enabling her team to tackle challenges, emphasizing leadership's impact on team dynamics. Effective Communication and Check-ins: The significance of clear, open communication and regular check-ins to maintain alignment and progress. Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Cara touches on creating an environment where continuous learning and improvement are valued and encouraged.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on creating and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry.
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In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Wendy Stevenson-Vrame, Engineering Manager at TradeMe.
Career Journey: Wendy discusses her unconventional path from fashion design to tech leadership, including experiences in investment banking, HR, and recruitment, culminating in her role as an Engineering Manager at TradeMe. Leadership Philosophy: Emphasizes the importance of understanding individual work styles and communication preferences to foster team growth, motivation, and the significance of being a supportive leader who encourages continuous personal and professional development. Team Dynamics: Shares insights into managing diverse teams, including varying career stages and aspirations, and the importance of creating a cohesive and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and motivated. Mentorship and Development: Underscoring the importance of nurturing future tech talent and the mutual benefits of internships for both companies and students. Challenges and Adaptability: Reflects on the challenges of adapting to tech leadership without a traditional tech background and the strategies employed to overcome these, such as partnering with technical experts and focusing on continuous learning. Personal Growth and Motivation: Wendy's story illustrates the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and the willingness to embrace change, showcasing her journey across different countries, industries, and roles. Advocacy for Women in Tech: The episode, released in celebration of International Women's Day, serves as an inspiration for women looking to navigate and excel in the tech industry and leadership roles.
Our conversation was about:If you’d like connect with Wendy, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-stevenson-vrame/
Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/
And X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechWakaPodcast
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In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, Jakub sits down with Rachel Collingridge, Head of Engineering at Totara, to discuss the symphony of leadership, teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of learning in the tech world. From the foggy heights of Wellington's Karori suburb, Rachel shares her intriguing journey from a classically trained musician to a tech leader, highlighting how the disciplines of music and technology harmonize.
Throughout the episode, Rachel offers profound insights into the essence of a positive team dynamic, the tangible nature of culture and strategy in the workplace, and the importance of feedback and self-reflection in personal growth. She also touches on her approach to navigating the initial phase at a new company, the iterative process of aligning with organizational strategies, and the value of questioning as a tool for innovation and improvement.
Rachel also shares her thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of recognizing one's contributions, and the crucial balance between being a collaborative team member and an effective leader.
Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/
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In this special episode of Tech Waka, we honour International Women's Day by spotlighting the incredible achievements of female leaders in New Zealand's technology scene.
This episode introduces our March theme, where we will present engaging interviews and insightful discussions, we will explore the crucial role women tech leaders play in driving diversity, innovation, and growth within the tech industry.
Tune in to be inspired and to celebrate the women leading change in New Zealand's digital landscape.
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In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Colin Bowern, Senior Vice President of Product at Octopus Deploy, to share his vast experiences and insights from the tech industry.
Colin delves into the complexities and challenges of leadership in technology, emphasizing the importance of making decisions with incomplete information and navigating the imperfect trade-offs that businesses must confront. Reflecting on his diverse career, Colin highlights the value of collecting experiences rather than climbing the corporate ladder and the significance of flexibility and adaptability in professional growth.
Colin also discusses the dynamic collaboration within product teams, advocating for a collective ownership model that transcends traditional roles to achieve outstanding outcomes.
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This episode of the TechWaka podcast features the journey of Anna Cupples, Head of Engineering at Trade Me and an accomplished triathlete.
The conversation covers the importance of flexibility and resilience in engineering delivery, the value of diverse teams in technology development, and leadership roles that don't necessarily involve managing people.
Anna shares her journey from being a spectator at her father's triathlons to competing in Ironman races and how the lessons learned from triathlon, such as discipline, goal-setting, and enjoying the process, apply to her tech leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech, sharing insights from her experience at Trade Me.
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In episode #2 of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Gareth Cronin, a legend in New Zealand's technology scene. Gareth, known for his role in growing and innovating tech companies such as Xero, Ambit, and more, shares his journey and insights into the future of technology in New Zealand and beyond.
The conversation delves into various topics, including the importance of collaboration across business, product, and technology domains, the risks and strategies of software development, and the critical role of product marketing and data in shaping product success.
Gareth also discusses his experiences with inflection points in business growth, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic change management to navigate these challenges successfully.
This episode offers valuable perspectives on technology leadership, the evolving tech landscape, and the intersection of business strategy and technology innovation.
To learn more about Gareth, visit his website: https://www.cronin.nz/
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This is us launching the Tech Waka Podcast, where we explore the journeys of New Zealand Tech Leaders.
In this episode, we dive into the why behind the podcast, the hopes and fears, and what you can expect.
Join our waka! ⛵️
