The Tech Leaders Podcast (bedigital)
Explore every episode of The Tech Leaders Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 08 Feb 2022 | #42 - Women in Tech Special #2: Alice Bentinck, Co-founder Entrepreneur First | 00:33:34 | |
On this episode of the Tech Leaders Podcast - Women in Tech series, we are joined by the inspirational Alice Bentinck; co-founder of Entrepreneur First and Code First Girls - where she’s worked tirelessly to give others opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have had to become entrepreneurs, as well as encouraging more women into the tech sector. Alice opens up to discuss how she got to where she is today, what mistakes she made along the way, how she grew her business and what advice she’d give to others as well as why she thinks ambition is key to everything an entrepreneur can achieve and shouldn’t be seen as a bad word.
02:26 - Introduction to Alice & Entrepreneur First 04:20 - Giving permission to be ambitious 07:20 - Alice’s First Startup Process 10:25 - How Networking attracted the head of LinkedIn 12:31 - The Story of Code First Girls 16:34 - Alice’s Advice on growing your network 18:15 - Gender Diversity in the Tech and entrepreneurship sectors 22:27 - Alice’s Journey into Coding 24:46 - How to stay resilient 26:30 - How Business owners can create a culture encouraging female ambition 30:42 - What is Web 3.0? | |||
| 15 Feb 2022 | #43 - Women in Tech Special #3: Marta Krupinska. Head of Google for Startups UK | 00:37:43 | |
Marta Krupinska is a Tech entrepreneur, diversity advocate, and current Head of Google for Startups UK, alongside a Chair role at Youth Business International. | |||
| 22 Feb 2022 | #44 - Women in Tech Special #4: Flavilla Fongang, Founder of 'Black Women in Tech' | 00:40:30 | |
The final instalment of the Women in Tech Series is upon us. And what a series it has been! | |||
| 10 Mar 2022 | #45 - Steve O 'Hear - VP of Strategy at Zapp | 00:36:24 | |
Steve O’Hear has been providing commentary during one of the most exciting periods of tech innovation in the UK. A highly respected, prominent journalist for ZDNet and Tech Crunch, Steve covered the rise of Monzo, Wise and Starling Bank as well as other FinTech and general tech advances throughout the period dubbed Web 2.0 But Journalism wasn’t all Steve planned to achieve in his career. He tried his hand at entrepreneurship with Beepl, and talks candidly about this experience and what lessons he learned that made him a better writer and leader. Steve is currently the VP of Strategy at Zapp - an e-commerce convenience grocery company, who are attempting to disrupt the already competitive, convenience retail space. 02:05 - Intro to Steve 03:43 - How did Steve get into Tech Journalism? 05:02 - Web 2.0 08:52 - What Tech Companies has Steve Seen Rise? 10:52 - Fin Tech 11:30 - What Prompted the rise of FinTech? 15:25 - Beepl 17:20 - Lessons learned from Beepl failures 19:00 - Entrepreneurial advice to those starting a venture 20:25 - Changing careers from journalism to Zapp 24:00 - Why will Zapp change the convenience retail space in the UK? 28:05 - What tech innovations is Steve excited about? 30:50 - Steve's advice to young journalists. 32:50 - Stories that inspired Steve.
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| 07 Apr 2022 | #46 - Trenton Moss - Author and Leadership Coach - Modern Workplace Special | 00:42:32 | |
Trenton is a renowned business leader and qualified leadership coach with experience training digital teams for nearly twenty years. His best-selling book Human Powered is a concise guide for cultivating a high-performance culture within digital teams through developing emotional intelligence and people skills. Trenton speaks to Gareth about his personal business journey, including his 15 years at Webcredible from embryo to exit. Effective leadership (1.35) The journey of setting up a digital agency (Webcredible) (3.48) Writing a best seller (16.09) Conflict in business teams (18.26) Remote working and workplace conflict (19.57) Top 3 tips for successful remote meetings (23.28) EQ – emotional intelligence (25.50) Teaching children EQ (32.28) Team Sterka and leadership coaching (36.53) Get in touch with Trenton and team Sterka (41.00) | |||
| 04 May 2022 | #47 - Ego Obi, Head of Operations for Google in Sub-Saharan Africa. | 00:37:10 | |
Ego Obi is Head of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google. An inspiration to many, Ego is an experienced tech leader and mentor, who has done some incredible work which has improved the lives of millions. Originally pursuing a career in accountancy, Ego felt drawn to technology and systems, resulting in a career pivot, culminating in her being approached by Google to lead an amazing venture to provide world-class education and internet access to millions of people, across many emerging nations, globally. Furthermore, Ego is a career coach and philanthropist with involvement in some amazing charities. In this episode, Ego chats to Gareth about her upbringing, what inspires her, technology as an educational force for good, and the enormous economic potential of a truly digital Africa.
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| 25 May 2022 | #48 - Brett Wigdortz, Co-Founder & CEO of Tiney and Teach First | 00:35:49 | |
Brett Wigdortz OBE is a philanthropist, entrepreneur and founder of Teach First, an social enterprise charity addressing educational disadvantage in England and Wales. He was also recently re-elected as chairman of the board for the National Citizen Service, a UK government-backed training scheme for teenagers. | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | #49 - Tim Neill, Chief Risk Officer (Real Time Payments & Apps) at Mastercard | 00:34:09 | |
This week’s guest is Tim Neill, Mastercard’s Chief Risk Officer for Real-time Payments and Applications. After studying Police and Criminal Justice Studies, Tim came to the UK twenty years ago straight out of university and was offered a consulting role at Goldman Sachs. Cutting his teeth in London’s fast-paced trading environment, assessing risk, resilience and security for world-renowned banks, Tim began specialising in the payments sector, culminating in his lead risk role at global payments provider Mastercard. Tim chats to Gareth at Mastercard’s London offices about his career journey, the UK’s global position in payments, the future innovation of real-time payments at a cross-border level and Mastercard's work to create a global standard for payments and how this is helping develop payment infrastructure in countries worldwide. 01:34 - Background | |||
| 13 Jul 2022 | #50 William Reeve, Founder of LoveFilm and entrepreneur | 00:37:57 | |
This week’s guest is formidable entrepreneur, investor and CEO of Goodlord, William Reeve. After setting up his first business during the dotcom boom of the 90s, William moved on to set up pioneering media rental website LoveFilm.com in the noughties. Since then, he has co-founded Secret Escapes, as well as served on the boards of Nutmeg, Dunelm and Graze as a non-exec. Most recently, he founded Goodlord; an award-winning lettings platform designed to streamline tenancies. Having dipped his toe into all business sectors, William stands out as a tech leader with many strings to his bow. In this episode, he tells Gareth about his colourful career as an entrepreneur and the things he’s most excited about in the years to come.
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| 28 Jul 2022 | #51 Arshad Farhad, CTO in Healthcare and Lifesciences in EMEA for Dell | 00:41:38 | |
From virtual-appointments, to artificial intelligence, to data management and fighting cyber-attacks, Dell's Arshad Farhad helps healthcare providers to see how technology can support their work. Why Arshad is passionate about healthcare and technology (2.05) Arshad’s PHD journey and challenges (3.17) Healthcare in the next 5 to 10 years (4.35) Ethical dilemmas (8.35) Robotic surgery (9.53) Wearable technology in healthcare (11.30) How does the UK healthcare technology compare to other countries (15.41) The last 12 months in healthcare technology (19.17) Smart hospitals (21.00) What problems is the healthcare sector facing (22.28) How Dell is helping to address these challenges (25.09) Edge-based healthcare (25.40) AI healthcare (26.50) Data management (27.15) Data security (29.52) Cloud technology (31.30) Arshad's role as Chief Technology Officer (33.27) What Arshad believes makes a good leader (36.27) Leadership in the pandemic (37.34) Who inspires Arshad (38.27) | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | #52 Josie Smith, Chief Architect for Digital at BT | 00:33:15 | |
This week’s guest is Josie Smith: Chief Architect for Digital at BT. From humble beginnings on the checkouts at Asda to overseeing business architecture and setting a "digital first" vision at BT, Josie has undoubtedly made her mark on the industry as a successful female leader. In this episode, Josie and Gareth explore architecture in the corporate world, driving AI first and building automation into BT's operations. They also chat about finding your "super powers", understanding your strengths and the importance of confidence and believing in yourself.
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| 30 Aug 2022 | #53 Paul Smith, CIO at Amnesty International | 00:40:27 | |
Growing up on a council estate, Paul realised early on that he was fascinated by technology and dreamt of working for the RAF, however, following an early introduction to fatherhood Paul doubled down on a career in computing to provide for his new family. | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | #54 Anwen Robinson, UK & Ireland GM & SVP at Infor | 00:45:30 | |
Growing up in the Rhondda Valley, Anwen paved the way for her own success, calling up Cardiff University and talking her way onto a Mechanical Engineering course…and being the only woman didn’t deter her either. From feeding punch cards into computers to teaching computer science via the medium of football, Anwen’s drive to lead and succeed has carried her up the ladder to lead one of the world’s biggest software companies. Here, she delivers her best advice for leadership and stresses the importance of curiosity to keep learning throughout life.
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| 27 Sep 2022 | #55 Joe Baguley - VP & CTO, EMEA at VMware | 00:48:30 | |
Joe Baguley is a CTO and leader who lives and breathes technology innovation. This week, he chats to Gareth about his journey from self-confessed ‘1980s computer nerd’ to CTO of Silicon Valley company VMware (...after 23 interviews). Joe’s colourful life has seen him through a spell at Imperial College, the Army Reserves and - most surprisingly - a course in standup comedy. All these things have led him to where he is today: an excellent communicator with a ferocious appetite for information. And when he’s not making strides at the forefront of the tech industry, he’s taking on charity motorsport challenges and racing electric bikes. Tune in to get the full, fast-paced story in his own words from a man who never seems to stop! Timestamps
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| 12 Oct 2022 | #56 Lisa Heneghan - Global Chief Digital Officer for KPMG | 00:41:37 | |
Having forged her way in a male-dominated world, KPMG's Lisa Heneghan explains to us how a fully diverse workforce makes for better business. | |||
| 25 Oct 2022 | #57 Matthew Scullion - CEO & Founder at Matillion | 00:49:50 | |
Matillion founder Matthew Scullion started his hugely successful tech-entrepreneurial journey in his late teens, co-founding and growing a tech services and software business. Matthew talks to Gareth about growing his current and previous companies, as well as moving from consultancy into the world of software. He gives great advice on how to secure investors, as well as reminding future and current entrepreneurs that integrity should stay at the forefront of all we do. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni is Matthew’s book recommendation. | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | #58 - Jamie Bartlett, Journalist, Broadcaster and Host of The Missing Cryptoqueen | 00:52:57 | |
Jamie Bartlett was inspired to start using social media as a research tool in order to understand the workings of extremist groups. The author, journalist and presenter of The Missing Cryptoqueen podcast is an expert in research and technology. | |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | #59 Adrian Condon, Chief Technology Officer at B-Secur | 00:49:13 | |
On this week’s episode of The Tech Leader’s podcast, Gareth is joined by Adrian Condon, the CTO of B-Secur, a company that creates cutting-edge, heart health technology that is used in some of our favourite tech wearables. In this episode, the topic of discussion centres around how technology can be used to understand the human body, exemplified by the life-saving heart rate variability monitors that Condon himself has helped create. In understanding our connection to machinery, we also find out how our stress levels mirror that of a car in first gear, and how to avoid a subsequent tech-induced burnout. However, at a time where there is frequent talk about ‘cyborgs’ replacing the organic human body, Adrian Condon discusses how technology should be used as a way of ‘aiding humans, not replacing them’.
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| 06 Dec 2022 | #60 - Mohit Lad, Co-Founder & CEO of ThousandEyes (Part of Cisco) | 00:49:38 | |
Co-Founder of the ‘Google Maps of the internet’, Mohit Lad joins Gareth on this week’s episode of The Tech Leaders Podcast to discuss his rise to success; from taking his first ever career-defining aeroplane ride at the age of 22, to co-founding the award-winning internet surveillance company, ThousandEyes. In describing what good leadership means to him, Mohit discusses why empathy is a skill that is crucial in achieving a successful, people-orientated business, and how ‘focusing on the fundamentals’ can make all the difference. Accessibility is a theme that permeates through Gareth and Mohit’s conversation, as we learn how it’s vital in both a technical and personal sense. ThousandEye’s capability to access and display previously unknown information to companies regarding their web traffic is key to its incredible success, but also, Mohit Lad regards the importance of accessibility in another sense: by ensuring that we stay accessible to those around us.
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| 20 Dec 2022 | #61 - Jazz Carlin, Double Olympic silver medalist and SDR manager | 00:48:26 | |
From making waves at the 2016 Rio Olympics, to turning the tide and embarking on a career in tech, Jazz Carlin joins Gareth on this week’s episode of The Tech Leaders Podcast to discuss her transition from Olympic athlete to a Woman in Tech. Jazz explains how leading by example is key to leadership both inside and outside of the pool, as implementing an ‘open-door policy’ is paramount in maintaining an effective career as a mentor. In recalling her turbulent path to Olympic success, Jazz Carlin articulates how ‘the biggest disappointments can lead to your biggest triumphs’ and that maintaining curiosity is one of the most important aspects of career progression. Having retired from professional swimming in 2019, Jazz talks about the daunting prospect of entering the jobs market at the age of 28, and how her experience as a professional athlete has helped her flourish in the world of business.
· What good leadership means to Jazz (02:10) · Who is Jazz Carlin? (04:10) · Being in control of your dreams (07:05) · ‘The biggest disappointments can lead you onto your biggest triumphs’ (08:40) · Swim with Jazz (08:57) · ‘Focus on the process’ (10:56) · Becoming a professional athlete (12:00) · The Olympic Shift (18:05) · How to thrive in a pressured environment (21:35) · ‘Have confidence in the here and now’ (27:10) · Life in the Olympic Village (28:00) · Hanging up the goggles (29:50) · Adapting to a new career venture (36:00) · Keeping her toes in the water with Swim Wales (39:00) · How to keep the momentum going (42:57)
*Book recommendations* - The Chimp Paradox- Prof. Steve Peters - Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway- Susan Jeffers
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| 10 Jan 2023 | #62 - Revitalising the office in a post-pandemic workplace with Lucy Minton | 00:50:18 | |
This week’s guest is on a mission to bring the workforce out of the lull of solitary remote working and back into positive, people-centric workspaces all around the UK. Lucy Minton, co-founder and COO of the disruptive workspace design and management provider, Kitt, joins Gareth on this week’s episode to discuss the case for going back to the office. Amongst other things, they reflect on how organic relationships and creative innovation are often born from collaborative working and are crucial in any organisation. In the episode, Lucy describes her personal experience pursuing growth building a culture within a start-up environment, and how important it is to ‘craft your own future’ despite setbacks that you may face. We also get insight into Lucy’s ‘workplace forecast’ as she remarks how ‘transactional’ business relationships are a thing of the past, and that the candid, spontaneous interactions— the ones that are made through person-to-person connections— are what pave the way for a ‘magical’ future workplace.
Time stamps
*Book recommendation- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team- Patrick Lencioni* | |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | #63 Felipe Canedo, Global Head of Engineering and Transformation at Vodafone | 00:48:02 | |
From entering the tech space in his early teens with a keen interest in all things IT, to becoming the Global Head of Engineering and Transformation at Vodafone, Felipe Canedo joins Gareth to recall his journey to success in one of the biggest telecom companies in the world. On this week’s episode, Felipe discusses his role in transforming Vodafone into a fully-fledged ‘tech company’, as well as promoting an effective leadership style that centres around ‘moving people together to achieve a common goal’. The conversation shifts between candid reflections on Felipe’s former life in Brazil, to a discussion on the world of AI and how software such as Chat GPT should be considered ‘a partner, not a replacement’ to workers. When reminiscing over his career journey, Felipe concludes by offering sagely guidance to his younger self, advising young people to ‘believe in your dreams and chase them as soon as you get the chance’.
Time Stamps What good leadership means to Felipe (01:33) Felipe’s tech origins (02:40) Moving to the UK (04:17) What is a Global Head of Engineering? (05:10) Creating a global community of developers (06:00) What Felipe misses about Brazil (09:30) How does the British tech industry compare to the Brazilian tech industry? (11:05) How to answer your own questions and find your own solutions (13:49) Becoming a senior manager (15:09) Coding at home (16:23) How ChatGPT is changing the game (17:01) The ways that AI will change telecoms (20:10) The ‘gloomy side’ of AI (25:00) What is 5G? (26:06) How Vodafone has changed as a result of the pandemic (34:21) Navigating online meetings (38:37) Felipe’s advice to his 21-year-old self (40:20) Outside of work interests (43:40) *Book recommendation- ‘Machine, Platform, Crowd’ Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson- Machine, Platform, Crowd – Harnessing Our Digital Future: Amazon.co.uk: Mcafee, Andrew, Brynjolfsson, Erik: 9780393356069: Books* *Disclaimer: the views expressed in this episode are Felipe’s own personal views and not necessarily those of Vodafone* | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | #64 - David Buttress, Co-Founder of Just Eat UK & Chairman of The Dragons | 01:16:28 | |
On this week’s episode, Gareth is joined by Welsh entrepreneur and businessman David Buttress to discuss his journey from disrupting the takeaway industry— by co-founding the pioneering UK tech giant Just Eat in 2006— to becoming an investor and taking on the mantle of chairman at his local Welsh rugby region, The Dragons. David speaks candidly about the formative years of his career at Coca-Cola, meeting his co-founder, Jesper Buch, and the early days of Just Eat. The conversation expands on the ups and downs of creating an entirely new category in the technology space, and David’s role in leading one of the most valuable tech firms in the UK. This episode goes beyond the ‘typical success’ story and delves into the struggles and failures that David and his team faced on their path to success, providing valuable insights for those looking to start or grow a business. Time stamps · David’s 3 factors of good leadership (02:30) · David’s formative years (06:15) · Mother knows best! (08:05) · Starting out at Coca Cola (09:30) · Jesper, energy drinks and the beginnings of Just Eat UK (12:00) · Hangry consumers (20:00) · Offline marketing (27:00) · Scaling David’s formula for success (28:10) · ‘Run fast grab land’ (32:12) · Hungry habits (39:00) · Authenticity in the workplace (40:45) · Leaving Just Eat UK (46:30) · An independent Wales (53:43) · David as the Cost-of-Living Tsar (58:05) · Leading the Dragons (1:02:00) · David’s advice to his 21-year-old self (1:08:30) | |||
| 28 Feb 2023 | #65 - Cyber-attack vulnerability and the ‘AI Arms Race’ with Jake Bernardes, CISO @ Whistic | 00:52:40 | |
‘Wars don’t mean guns, they mean keyboards’ is the standout phrase from this week’s episode of The Tech Leaders Podcast with cybersecurity expert and CISO of Whistic, Jake Bernardes. In the episode, both Gareth and Jake discuss the IT vulnerabilities that exist in the public sector, as well as the necessary precautions needed to avoid debilitating cyber-attacks and data breaches. The conversation highlights the importance of user understanding and ‘opening your eyes to the value of your data’ to ensure optimum security. Alongside cyber-safety, Jake describes how AI is another keen interest of his, as he and Gareth discuss the likelihood of an ‘AI Arms Race’ between search engine giant, Google, and revolutionary newcomer, Chat GPT. However, despite acknowledging the omnipresence of artificial intelligence in society, Jake notes that the key to good leadership ultimately lies within pure human interaction: as he stresses the importance of being ‘in the middle of your team’ to share success and shield from failure.
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* BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ - Viktor E. Frankl Man's Search For Meaning By Viktor E Frankl | Used | 9781844132393 | World of Books (wob.com) | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | #66 How to be an employee-centric leader - Chieu Cao, Co-founder of Perkbox and Founder & CEO of Mintago | 00:48:28 | |
Gone are the days of employee benefits that leave you feeling uninspired, as this week’s guest, Chieu Cao, co-founder of Perkbox and founder of Mintago, joins Gareth to discuss his role in establishing companies that are totally employee-centric. In the episode, Chieu credits his leadership success to the same ethos that drives his companies: being reactive to individualism, and to ‘listen first then make your statement’. The conversation focuses on the global challenges faced when developing a new product, from initially producing the ‘B2B version of Groupon’ to finding his niche in the employee benefits sector. Chieu and Gareth move on to an insightful conversation on how providing financial education in schools is paramount in creating the money-savy businesspeople of tomorrow, and how ChatGPT is already a game changer for the future. This week’s episode is all about the employee: whether that be a human, or an AI personal assistant, we’ve got it covered.
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*Book recommendation- The Almanac of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson* The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness (Audio Download): Eric Jorgenson, Tim Ferriss, Vikas Adam, Author's Republic: Amazon.co.uk: Books
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| 11 Apr 2023 | #67 CEO and Co-Founder of Nothing, Carl Pei: Disrupting the tech hardware space | 00:47:44 | |
“Let’s make tech fun again” is the mantra of this week’s trailblazing guest, Co-founder and CEO of Nothing, Carl Pei, as he embraces the innovative technology of the future and encourages us all to do the same. In the episode, Gareth and Carl discuss the influence that Steve Jobs and Apple had on Carl in his youth, and how being a little disillusioned with the pause on hardware innovation motivated him to dream of being a disruptor. Carl is an advocate of leading by example and describes ‘leading a team to victory’ through being the best operator possible to motivate the continuous personal development and learning of your team. As the conversation moves towards the dynamic between human and machine, Carl looks forward to the Age of AI generating ‘just another set of tools’ to aid the human experience, not replace humans altogether. Time stamps
*Book rec- Atmanun by Kapil Gutpa MD Atmamun: The Path To Achieving The Bliss Of The Himalayan Swamis. And The Freedom Of A Living God. eBook : Gupta MD, Kapil : Amazon.in: Books | |||
| 04 May 2023 | #68 How to achieve Success in Sales: CEO of Ideagen, Ben Dorks | 00:42:43 | |
‘Sales is not just an art form, it’s also a science’ is a belief that this week’s guest has built a successful career on. Along with his sleeves-up, hardworking approach to leadership, it becomes apparent why he has achieved success as a leader and mentor. Ben Dorks, CEO of Ideagen, joins Gareth to discuss his incredible journey from deciding that he wanted to pursue a career in sales aged just 14, to setting up a company with his brother and ultimately stepping into the role of CEO in 2018. In this episode, Ben uncovers the importance of building a transparent work culture that does NOT include a glass ceiling, being an authentic leader and ensuring that he avoids burnout to always be the best version of himself. Ben also candidly unpacks how he has helped evolve Ideagen into a market leader in the compliance solution world, and one of the UK’s most recent Tech Unicorns. With fascinating insights on the critical importance of delegation, and the necessity of always having good people around you, this episode uncovers the secrets of what it means to be a successful CEO.
*Book recommendations* Hit Refresh by Satya Nadella Hit Refresh: A Memoir by Microsoft’s CEO: Amazon.co.uk: Nadella, Satya: 9780008247652: Books / It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy: Amazon.co.uk: Abrashoff, Captain D Michael, Author: 0352719502246: Books / The New Power Base Selling by Jim Holden The New Power Base Selling: Master The Politics, Create Unexpected Value and Higher Margins, and Outsmart the Competition: Amazon.co.uk: Holden, Jim, Kubacki, Ryan: 9781118206676: Books | |||
| 16 May 2023 | AI Special 1#: Priya Lakhani OBE, CEO of CENTURY Tech: “Living with, working with and building AI” | 01:01:24 | |
The AI revolution is here. Are you ready for it? What better way to kick of our brand-new AI series than with a guest who’s on a mission to change the world and *spoiler alert* she’s already doing it. Gareth and Kerensa are joined by Priya Lakhani, philanthropic entrepreneur and CEO of CENTURY Tech, the AI-powered educational tool that is changing the game in schools and colleges across the globe. Priya’s captivating story of her quest to make systemic change, due to witnessing inequality first-hand on numerous occasions, pairs well with her passion for AI accessibility, as she works to bridge the barriers between AI and HI. As CENTURY prides itself on personalised pathways to give each student a bespoke educational journey, this episode largely focuses on how AI can be harnessed by humans to break down barriers and improve broken aspects of society. From abandoning a successful career as a barrister, to setting up a cooking-sauce start up, through to discovering the endless possibilities of AI; this mind-blowing conversation demonstrates how becoming a successful tech leader in the age of AI is invariably about ensuring that fundamental human values remain the same.
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*Book recommendation- Inadequate: The system failing our teachers and your children, Priya Lakhani Inadequate: The system failing our teachers and your children: Amazon.co.uk: Priya Lakhani: 9781912906222: Books | |||
| 23 May 2023 | AI Special 2#: Catriona Campbell, CTIO @ EY: Human-centric AI and Diversifying Technology | 00:53:17 | |
Scared about robots taking over the world? Worried that AI aliens will destroy humankind as we know it? Fear not! This week’s guest, Catriona Campbell, CTIO at EY, is a human-computer interaction expert, and she’s here to explain how we can co-exist in perfect harmony. In the second instalment of our AI series, Gareth, Kerensa, and Catriona discuss how the democratisation of AI has the capability to yield more value for humans than perhaps we realise. Embracing change and disrupting the status quo isn’t something that’s new to Catriona, as being told that she was ‘“too young and too female”’ as a young entrepreneur sparked a desire to revolutionise the tech space— and wow, has she done it! From driving Barclays’ online banking application, to being a part of Tony Blair’s taskforce team for inclusive government to ultimately setting up Ernst and Young’s pioneering Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence, Catriona Campbell is a true tech trailblazer. Time stamps
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| 30 May 2023 | AI Special 3#: OpenAI’s Independent Creative Director, Rodger Werkhoven: Harnessing Creativity in the Age of AI and the impact of ChatGPT | 01:04:17 | |
“AI will not replace you, a person using AI will” is the revolutionary philosophy from OpenAI’s Independent Creative Director, and third guest in the TTLP AI series, Rodger Werkhoven. In our most provocative interview yet, Rodger, Gareth and Kerensa discuss the true impact that AI is having on today’s society, as we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the early stages of development within the AI powerhouse that is OpenAI. Having joined OpenAI to work on their DALLE-2 launch, Rodger discusses how this mind-bending creative software went from test-tool to trailblazer and how it’s now changed the game for artists worldwide. However, as is testament to his catchphrase, humans aren’t lost in Rodger’s AI prophecy, as he describes how we all need to learn to utilise AI to our advantage, in whatever form that may be. This incredibly insightful, yet slightly ominous, interview is a must-listen if you’re interested in the future of AI but also what it means for us in the present. As Rodger says, “Pandora’s box is open” and now we must wait to see what it truly holds inside…
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| 07 Jun 2023 | AI Special 4#: Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve: AI Automobiles and the Future of Driving | 00:55:59 | |
Write up Self-driving cars: coming soon to a road near you! That’s right, on the fourth instalment of our AI series, Gareth and Kerensa are joined by a pioneer in the autonomous driving space, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve, Alex Kendall, to discuss all things AI automation. After securing a scholarship from Cambridge University, leaving behind his home in New Zealand to travel to Europe for the first time, Alex’s drive (excuse the pun) to revolutionise the transportation game saw him building drones in Silicon Valley before ultimately co-founding his British-born start-up, Wayve. This episode explores Wayve’s ground-breaking venture of using AI to create fully autonomous vehicles; from partnering with Ocado and Asda for robotic grocery deliveries, to replacing carparks with eco-friendly ‘greenparks’. “The Age of Autonomy is on its way”, so let’s all ride the ‘Wayve’ and embrace it! Time stamps
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| 13 Jun 2023 | AI Special 5#: Sara El-Hanfy, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Innovate UK : Achieving Ethical AI | 00:51:54 | |
Do we need to worry about extinction from AI?! After 4 jam-packed conversations with some of the biggest thought leaders in the AI space, what better way to conclude our epic series than with someone who can give us the low-down on all things AI ethics. Sara El-Hanfy, Head of AI and Machine Learning at Innovate UK joins Gareth and Kerensa to conclude our A-list line up and discuss the importance of handling AI with care. From entering the tech space through an unconventional route (proving that it’s possible to study a STEM subject at university even without an A-Level in Maths!), Sara has been on a quest to ensure both AI accessibility and safety for businesses nationwide. Being an Advisory Board Member for UK Parliament on the complexities of AI adoption, Sara offers her expert opinion on the ethics of AI tools like ChatGPT and tells us the major AI risks we should all be aware of. This final episode is the perfect conclusion to our TTLP AI Series. After numerous conversations about all of the exciting prospects AI is awarding us, Sara reminds that we must approach this unprecedented technology with a degree of caution. As this series comes to an end, one thing remains certain: even AI experts cannot predict what the future holds.
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| 04 Jul 2023 | #74 - Embracing Tech to Revolutionise Mental Health: Emilia Molimpakis, CEO and Co Founder at thymia | 01:04:00 | |
In this thought-provoking episode, host Gareth Davies delves deep into the world of mental health diagnostics with Emilia Molimpakis, the visionary CEO of thymia; an online platform transforming the landscape of mental well-being using a powerful combination of gamification, AI, and neuro-linguistics. Drawing on her lifelong fascination with neuroscience, Emilia shares her compelling insights on the critical role empathy plays in effective leadership and emphasises the need for ethical guidelines in the realms of technology and healthcare. Throughout the interview, Emilia fearlessly addresses the inadequacies of our current mental health support system, shedding light on the alarming reality that countless individuals slip through the cracks due to its inherent failures. She also discusses the bureaucracy that is ultimately preventing the NHS from adopting technological advancements within mental health diagnostics. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Emilia imparts her most valuable lesson learned: the importance of staying true to one's vision and not succumbing to the allure of easy money. By steadfastly holding onto their goals, entrepreneurs can build impactful solutions that align with their core mission and values. Wrapping up the episode, Emilia offers heartfelt advice to individuals facing mental health struggles. Encouraging them not to lose hope, she emphasises the significance of making their voices heard. Timestamps
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| 20 Jul 2023 | #75: Bringing Cybersecurity into Focus: Senior Director of Information Security @ Canon EMEA, Quentyn Taylor | 00:59:52 | |
If you’re looking for a snapshot of the latest in cybersecurity, then you’re in luck! In this week’s episode, Gareth is joined by Quentyn Taylor, Senior Director Information Security and Global Response at Canon, where the pair zoom in on all-things cyber safety. Being an established expert in the information security space, Quentyn rode the ‘dot com’ wave of the early noughties before ultimately landing a role in the photography manufacturing powerhouse that is Canon. From here, he’s become a renowned figure in the cyber space, not only from his seat in the office but also from his gadget-tastic YouTube channel (which you can check out here: (4) Quentyn Taylor - YouTube). The conversation covers everything from the Dark Web and security scandals to AI and moving away from ‘the age of reality’. Quentyn gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what really keeps CISO’s up at night and what we can all do to ensure we stay safe in this ever-changing online space.
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| 01 Aug 2023 | #76 Lead with Purpose: PayPoint’s ex-CEO’s no-nonsense leadership approach | 00:51:34 | |
Do you know the similarities between a Naval team and a successful tech team? According to this week’s guest, it’s having a “no bullshit” working culture. Gareth is joined by Dominic von Trotha Taylor, ex-CEO at PayPoint turned Chairman and CEO iov42 as they explore his journey from submarines to tech leadership, the impact of blockchain, the danger of AI and ChatGPT - the “Rubbish in, Rubbish out” conundrum. Dominic's success is testament to the power of diverse experiences. Growing up in West London, he was exposed to the world of commerce through his parents' antique dealing business in Portobello Road. Later, he ventured into the Navy, serving on submarines during the tense Cold War era, which instilled in him a no-nonsense leadership style with a direct purpose. Dominic recounts his early career struggles and his fortuitous call back from Vodafone, where he played a crucial role in setting up the German branch, at a time when Vodafone was pioneering telephony and SMS messaging. His subsequent journey as the former CEO of PayPoint revealed Dominic's innate ability to lead through the turbulent ever-changing landscape of the early Noughties, making PayPoint a trailblazer in the fintech space.
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| 15 Aug 2023 | #77 Navigating Net Zero with Co-founder of BeZero Carbon, Tommy Ricketts | 00:49:29 | |
With climate change being the *hottest* topic of discussion at the moment, this week we’re delving into its effects on the business world, as Tommy Ricketts, Co-founder of BeZero Carbon, joins Gareth to give us the low-down on environmental economics. Tommy’s passion for both economy and ecology has shaped his entrepreneurial journey, ultimately leading to his creation of a service that transforms how businesses utilise carbon credits. BeZero Carbon offers an innovative solution to the lack of transparency in the current carbon credit system by rating and assessing the true emissions of corporations. From an alternate career dream of creating a screenplay about football referees, to advice on maintaining cultural cohesion in the workplace, this candid yet captivating conversation covers all bases of Tommy’s journey so far. The challenge to combat the carbon crisis is no small feat, so with companies like BeZero Carbon, businesses can hold themselves and each other accountable and turn intention into action to help stop climate change.
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| 30 Aug 2023 | #78 Championing Crypto: Coinbase’s UK Country Director, Elke Karskens | 00:47:26 | |
Do you feel like the world of Crypto is a bit… cryptic? Well, fear not, as Elke Karskens, UK Country Director at Coinbase, joins Gareth on this week’s episode to delve into this ‘digital alternative to Wall Street’ and discuss her role in one of the biggest businesses in the space. Growing up in Amsterdam, Elke was raised to focus on the importance of the greater good, which ultimately guided her career path to join numerous tech giants and play a vital role in their worldwide influence. Professing that she still ‘bleeds blue’ to this day, Elke tells all about her 12 years at Facebook and how the innovation she experienced there spurred her on to join the ground-breaking world of cryptocurrency. This episode is jam-packed with aspirational advice on how to become a tech leader whilst setting boundaries and rejecting the ‘disease to please’, as Elke maintains that the secret to success is prioritising the things that matter most.
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| 12 Sep 2023 | #79 Exploring the E-Commerce Ecosystem: CEO and Co-founder of Wayflyer, Aidan Corbett | 00:45:36 | |
On this week’s episode, we delve into the dynamic world of e-commerce, as Gareth is joined by Aidan Corbett, the visionary CEO of e-commerce funding business, and Ireland’s 6th home-grown tech unicorn, Wayflyer. Establishing a successful venture in this rapidly growing sector is no easy task, that’s where Aidan and his team come in; to help e-commerce entrepreneurs get the kick-start they need. This episode is jam-packed full of advice from not only Aidan’s perspective as an investor, but also through his personal journey as a tech entrepreneur himself. We get the inside scoop on the best ways to launch your e-commerce venture, including whether an MBA is actually worth the time (and money), and if coding is still a useful skill in this age of AI. Finding ‘“what feels like work to everyone else but feels like play to you”’ is a piece of Aidan’s stellar advice and is testament to his trajectory to the top of tech leadership. He demonstrates how important it is to play to your strengths and know your niche to excel in the e-commerce ecosystem.
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| 26 Sep 2023 | #80 Elevating employee experience: Director of EMEA Solutions at Qualtrics, Sally Winston | 00:49:06 | |
When we think about the success of a business, we think about stats, popularity, and growth. But what about the employee? Our guest this week is focused on prioritising the people, as the Director of EMEA Solutions at Qualtrics, Sally Winston joins Gareth to discuss the exciting world of employee experience (EX). With a background in psychology, Sally is passionate about ensuring her leadership is marked by empathy, as she believes that treating each employee as an individual is the key to a successful business, no matter how big the head count. This conversation explores how the world of EX interacts with technology, and how both AI and psychometric systems can help us know more about ourselves and how we interact with our workspace.
*Book recommendation: ‘So Good They Can’t Ignore You’ by Cal Newport So Good They Can't Ignore You: Amazon.co.uk: Newport, Cal: 9780349415864: Books *
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| 10 Oct 2023 | #81 Daniel Schiappa, Chief Product Officer at Arctic Wolf: Cybersecurity Unlocked | 00:45:51 | |
In this digital age of hyperconnectivity, ensuring your business is cyber-secure is crucial. That’s where this week’s guest comes in. Daniel Schiappa, Chief Product Officer at Arctic Wolf, joins Gareth to discuss his top tips for tech leadership and what’s happening right now in the cybersecurity space. Warning that the AI arms race has turned into a nuclear arms race, Daniel gives advice on what we all should be concerned about regarding AI regulations and how smaller companies can defend themselves against security breaches. Daniel has experience working in some of the largest tech companies across the globe, including Oracle, Microsoft, and Sophos before ultimately joining the team at Arctic Wolf. With a passion for cybersecurity guiding his journey to CPO, Daniel tells us of his highlights; from working with tech geniuses like Bill Gates, to receiving a life-changing letter from the UK government stating that the western civilisation is dependent on the work of himself and his team. Daniel is an influential tech leader with an unusual leadership mantra originating from a galaxy far, far away. He believes that ‘“there’s a time to be Yoda and there’s a time to be Darth Vader”’, and this duality of encouragement and ruthless determination is what keeps him and his leadership team ahead of the game.
*Book recommendation – The Leadership Pill: The Missing Ingredient in Motivating People Today, Ken Blanchard The Leadership Pill: The Missing Ingredient in Motivating People Today eBook : Blanchard, Kenneth, Muchnick, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books | |||
| 25 Oct 2023 | #82 Milena Nikolic, CTO at Trainline: Transforming Transportation Technology | 00:44:35 | |
At a time when we’re all looking for environmentally friendly yet efficient travel, the railway industry is booming with popularity and investment. Our tech leader this week, Milena Nikolic is at the forefront of this sector. As CTO at Trainline, she is leading the team at one of the largest companies operating in this area. Milena joins Gareth to discuss her journey towards becoming a tech leader; from competing in coding competitions in Serbia to securing an internship at tech giant Google. Despite never initially being drawn to a leadership position, after being a part of Google’s immense growth period, Milena noticed that any problems they were facing were due to people, not technology. This want to incite change in Google’s company culture led to her becoming an Engineering Manager before ultimately being promoted to Engineering Director within her 12 years at the tech giant. Now as the CTO of Trainline, Milena discusses her role in one of the largest sectors across the globe, ensuring that she drives her team through goal setting, trusting the process, and being able to take things one step at a time. Time stamps
*Book recommendation: Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Cheryl Sandberg Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: Amazon.co.uk: Sandberg, Sheryl: 9780753541647: Books | |||
| 08 Nov 2023 | #83, The evolution of SaaS: MD of The Business Software Centre (TBSC), Phil Hames | 00:44:59 | |
On this week’s episode, we delve into a topic that’s a bit closer to home for us at TTLP and bedigital: IT software and licensing. Combining bedigital’s expert software services and our TTLP mission statement to uncover the stories of the biggest names in tech, this week’s guest is a leader in the software management space. Phil Hames, MD at The Business Software Centre (TBSC), joins Gareth to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s riding the wave of the Software-as-a-Service evolution. Phil and his team at TBSC utilise their expertise to help customers optimise their software usage in a quick and cost-effective way, ensuring that companies make the most of their SaaS. With an innovative focus on cybersecurity within Microsoft 365, TBSC’s unique products and services mean that they’re leaders in the software management industry. Having been in this field since the 80s, Phil’s career has been shaped by the rise of SaaS and his career journey to forming TBSC has proven that he truly is an expert in the space. Want to smarten up your knowledge on SaaS? Then this is the perfect episode for you! Time stamps
Book recommendation- The Strangest Secret, Earl Nightingale The Strangest Secret: Amazon.co.uk: Nightingale, Earl: 9781603865579: Books | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | #84, Google Cloud MD UKI, Helen Kelisky on Diversity, AI and Cloud Technology | 00:39:21 | |
This week, Helen Kelisky, MD at Google Cloud UKI joins Gareth to discuss her leadership journey; from securing a role in juggernaut IBM, marking her entry into the tech space, to joining the powerhouse that is Google Cloud as the Managing Director UKI. A proud advocate for diversity in tech, Helen has been recognised on Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in Tech list for the last 6 years, exemplifying both her career successes and her external volunteering in organisations such as Women in Telecoms & Technology (WiTT). Helen gives us insight into her leadership success and how to manage a team in the most effective way possible, ensuring that ‘every day is a learning day’, even for leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious to know more about cloud computing or anyone in need of some stellar leadership advice— we’ve got you covered. Timestamps
*Book recommendations: Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box, Arbinger institute Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting... by Arbinger Institute (amazon.co.uk) / The Tipping Point, Malcom Gladwell The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference: Amazon.co.uk: Malcolm Gladwell: 9780349113463: Books / Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, Hans Rosling & Ola Rosling & Anna Rosling Rönnlund Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About... by Rosling, Hans (amazon.co.uk) | |||
| 06 Dec 2023 | #85, KPMG’s UK Head of Connected Technology and Global Head of Digital Lighthouse, Paul Henninger: Is AI making or breaking the jobs market? | 00:45:46 | |
This week, in a TTLP first, we have a second guest from a company that’s already made waves on our podcast, KPMG. There’s no better guest to return to represent this powerhouse consultancy than Paul Henninger, UK Head of Connected Technology and Global of Digital Lighthouse. Paul joins Gareth to discuss his journey (and return) to leadership within KPMG, as well as the key milestones that he reached along the way. From working on the groundbreaking development of machine learning for cancer diagnoses 15 years ago, Paul’s passion for automation has marked his career and driven him to be a leader in the space. This episode delves into the intricacies of AI adoption and what that means for big organisations like KPMG, as well as the wider labour market. If you’re interested in hearing about Paul’s journey to the top, be sure to tune in to hear his incredible AI insights!
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| 19 Dec 2023 | #86, CEO and Co-founder of Angel Academe, Sarah Turner: Diversifying Angel Investment | 00:52:05 | |
As Christmas is just round the corner, this week’s guest epitomises the season of goodwill in the form of angel investment. Sarah Turner, CEO and Co-founder of Angel Academe, joins Gareth to discuss her role in bridging the gap to support female entrepreneurs. In this episode, Sarah recalls the ‘lucky accidents’ that got her into the tech industry, as she is keen to dispel any preconceptions that the road to tech is a linear one. Her passion for digital media guided her on a journey from the corporate world to a start-up environment which ultimately lit a flame for entrepreneurialism, culminating in her journey to becoming an angel investor. Sarah was recently ranked 2nd on Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in Tech list 2023, reinforcing her recognition as a prominent figure in the tech start up investment world. Sarah’s innovative platform challenges angel investment norms, and allows female led start-ups to access top investors.
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| 09 Jan 2024 | #87: VP Strategic Initiatives @ Amazon Web Services, Brian Taptich: Transforming Cloud Computing | 00:50:31 | |
The already evolving cloud computing space is undergoing an accelerated period of change, in light of the emergence of Generative AI technology. This week, Gareth is joined by Cloud Computing Expert and VP of Strategic Initiatives at AWS, Brian ‘Tap’ Taptich. This episode uncovers Brian’s journey to becoming a leader in the largest cloud service provider on the market, which ultimately began with a ‘early midlife crisis’ in the form of a motorcycle trip around the US. His ability to lead tech companies is exemplified through his phenomenal career history; as he worked to save Bitcasa from insolvency on the 6th day of being the CEO, Brian’s leadership skills have truly been tried and tested. Brian tells us what makes AWS such a powerhouse in the cloud computing space, from abolishing ‘PowerPoint culture’ to values that ‘can be learned but are mostly earned’. He offers stellar advice to CEOs, including how to be a ‘benevolent dictator’ and strike the right balance between business and culture. If you’re interested in finding out how to be successful in the cloud space, this episode is not to be missed.
*Book recommendation- Blue Highways: A Journey into America, William Least Heat-Moon Blue Highways: A Journey Into America : Heat Moon, William Least, McKibben, Bill: Amazon.co.uk: Books | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | #88, 'Tech for good' and the future of migrant safety: Tom O’Sullivan, Founder and CEO @ Animus Bytes | 01:03:31 | |
If you’re looking for a truly authentic insight into entrepreneurship, look no further than this week’s episode. Gareth is joined by Tom O’Sullivan, ex-army veteran and founder of software development company Animus Bytes, and the pair candidly discuss Tom’s journey from battlefield to business meeting. Tom’s leadership journey began in Helmand Province, where he was stationed during his time in the military and led a team of 90 soldiers. After his departure, his interest in risk and security lead him to the realm of cybersecurity and the technology space. At Animus Bytes, Tom and his team are currently working on an application called Migrant Watch, where vulnerable people at sea can be detected and rescued using AI, machine learning and NLP technology. From walking away from his own business that was no longer serving him, to realising his passions and starting over with Animus Bytes, Tom’s tech journey is emblematic of the trials and tribulations that are faced by founders everywhere. This episode is jampacked with stellar leadership advice, meditation tips and all-round interesting anecdotes— it’s not to be missed!
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| 06 Feb 2024 | #89, Chris Wysopal, Founder and CTO @ Veracode: Ethical Hacking and Cyber Safety | 00:48:14 | |
Once claiming to the US Senate that he could ‘take down the internet in 30 minutes’, this week’s guest gives us insight into the underbelly of the cyberworld. Chris Wysopal, founder and CTO of Veracode, tells us all about his experience as an ethical hacker and how he and his team at L0pht pioneered the way for cybersecurity. From taking an interest in the potential of cyber hacking at the start of the online era, to being a trailblazer in the discovery of IT vulnerability as a whole; Chris and his team were at the forefront of raising cyber risk awareness. Determined to battle the ‘bad guy image’ in cybersecurity, the L0pht team were on a mission to showcase the fallibility of big vendors, such as Microsoft, and evidence they need for effective security measures. Now, Chris’ colourful past shapes the security-led solutions of Veracode, a platform that detects flaws and vulnerabilities at every stage of the modern software development lifecycle. This interview is a deep dive into the depths of cyber security and is not to be missed! Timestamps
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| 20 Feb 2024 | #90, Renaud Heyd, CFO @ SAP UK: Evolving the role of CFO | 00:51:22 | |
“The purpose of SAP is to make the world run better— It’s designed to improve every business process”. This week, Gareth is joined by a leader from one of the biggest software companies on the planet, SAP. Renaud Heyd, CFO of the software powerhouse in the UK, tells us all about his 25 years working for SAP and how they’ve shaped him into the tech leader that he is today. Renaud joined SAP straight after completing his MSc in Finance, and for the last 25 years, hasn’t looked back since. He attributes his longevity at SAP to the ability to be his authentic self in a company that fosters growth and the ability to seize opportunities. With a customer base that generates 87% of total global commerce, Renaud’s role as CFO is no small task. This episode is overflowing with stellar leadership advice and expert insight into the journey to CFO, as Renaud’s workplace mantra of “you can either change roles or change the role itself” has resulted in his success at the 3rd largest software company worldwide.
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| 06 Mar 2024 | #91, Lianne Potter, Head of SecOps @ Asda: People-centric Cybersecurity | 00:49:35 | |
What does a house robbery and a cyber-attack have in common? According to this week’s guest, Lianne Potter, Head of SecOps at Asda, it’s the people involved. On a mission to showcase the people-centric side of cybersecurity, Lianne is a trailblazing ‘Cyber Anthropologist’ and joins Gareth this week to discuss her journey to tech leadership. From wedding photography to anthropology and eventually cyber security, Lianne’s road to tech is a varied one. Not only is she a cybersecurity leader at one of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, she also hosts her own podcast which aims to bridge the gap between security and innovation. This week’s episode explores the world of cyber security through a human-centric lens, and focuses on the people behind the tech. If you’re interested in all-things cyber safety, this is the episode for you! Time stamps
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| 21 Mar 2024 | #92, Bernd Greifeneder, Co-founder and CTO of Dynatrace: The Rise of the Chief AI Officer | 00:49:27 | |
This week, Gareth is joined by a leader responsible for building one of the biggest software observability platforms across the globe. CTO of Dynatrace, Bernd Greifeneder, features on this episode to tell all about his role in developing the revolutionary platform which harnesses AI and automation for unified observability and security. Offering insight into the key milestones of Dynatrace’s evolution, including their decision to go for public investment and their role in developing and utilising AI, Bernd exemplifies his role as a key figure in the software space. The introduction of a Chief AI Officer emerges as a focal point in the conversation, as Gareth and Bernd discuss the future of AI at great lengths, highlighting the anticipation of future technology disrupting the corporate landscape. Believing that proactively driving change is the key differentiator between managers and leaders, Bernd’s hands-on role in building Dynatrace from the ground up illustrates his influence as an established tech leader. Time stamps
*Book recommendation: The One Minute Manager, Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson - The New One Minute Manager (The One Minute Manager): Amazon.co.uk: Blanchard, Kenneth, Johnson, Spencer: 9780008128043: Books | |||
| 11 Apr 2024 | #93, Anders Billesø Beck, VP of Strategy and Innovation @ Universal Robots: Bringing Robots into the Real World | 00:50:50 | |
In honour of National Robotics Week, this episode features a guest who’s on a mission to create a world where people “work with robots, not like robots”. Anders Billesø Beck joins Gareth on this week’s episode of The Tech Leaders Podcast to discuss his journey to tech leadership in the revolutionary field of robotics. From his poolside background as a national swimmer, Anders recounts how he dove headfirst into the world of robotics during his time studying at the Technical University of Denmark. Championing the innovative Danish tech scene, Anders’ current role at Universal Robots aims to bring robotics into the mainstream through the groundbreaking creation of ‘Cobots’: robots that are designed specifically for direct human interaction. Not only is Anders an expert in tech innovation, as he also has stellar advice for thriving as a tech leader, encouraging people to “draw the line and find your time” to ensure a positive work-life balance. · What does good leadership mean to Anders? (01:43) · Diving into the world of robotics (03:57) · The dawn of Denmark as a tech hub (09:32) · Universal Robots and the rise of Cobots (13:30) · Will a robot take your job? (21:57) · Making robots mainstream (23:58) · How Generative AI is enhancing the field of robotics (30:47) · How to achieve balance as a tech leader (38:23) · What Anders would tell his 21-year-old self (42:40) | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | #94, CEO @ Kin + Carta, Kelly Manthey: Mapping the Future of Technology: From Consultant to Global CEO | 00:48:52 | |
This week’s guest is a self-proclaimed “consulting industry veteran”, and after being in the tech space for over 25 years, Kelly Manthey, Global CEO at Kin + Carta is a tech leader with a compelling story to tell. After delving into the corporate world straight from university and securing a role as a consultant at Accenture, Kelly trained as an applications developer before her trajectory to the top. Following the mantra that “standing still is not a strategy”, her experience within both the corporate and start-up realms has ultimately shaped Kelly’s journey to Global CEO. In this episode, Kelly attributes her success as a leader to 3 main aspects: being a steward of the business, being a good ally, and being a futurist. This conversation uncovers not only her incredible journey as a technologist, but also Kelly’s stellar advice as a trail-blazing tech leader. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice.
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| 08 May 2024 | #95, Simon Phillips, CTO at OQC: The Future of Quantum Computing | 00:51:16 | |
This week’s episode focuses on a groundbreaking piece of technology that aims to reshape the world as we know it, even putting supercomputers to shame. Simon Phillips, CTO at Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), joins Gareth to give us insight into the potentially groundbreaking world of Quantum Computing. Dropping out of school early, Simon’s tech career started in the video game industry, working on some legendary games such as Championship Manager. Simon has always gravitated towards innovative technology, which culminated in him joining OQC to explore the endless possibilities of quantum computing. The potential of quantum technology is not to be underestimated, as Simon explains that this technology can, and will, change the world. However, this conversation explores the importance of keeping a ‘human element’ within our engagement with technology; we should be absorbing technology into our lives, not being absorbed by it. Time stamps
*Book recommendation- Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, Chris Miller. Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology: Amazon.co.uk: Miller, Chris: 9781398504127: Books | |||
| 22 May 2024 | #96, Sam Grice, CEO and Founder @ Octopus Legacy: Combatting Grief in the Age of Technology | 00:51:09 | |
This week’s guest turned tragedy into tech innovation with a platform designed to transform the way we all deal with death. Sam Grice, CEO and Founder of Octopus Legacy (formerly Guardian Angel) has created a platform that manages all aspects surrounding death; from will creation to bereavement support. Sam was always destined from entrepreneurial success, as both his parents were keen entrepreneurs, and he put his hereditary expertise to the test with a food and supplement side hustle. However, it wasn’t until the tragic loss of his mum, did the full extent of Sam’s passion for innovation flourish with the creation of Guardian Angel (now Octopus Legacy). Being a key player in propelling the death-tech industry forward, Sam is a tech leader that is paving the way in an industry that affects each and every one of us. This episode covers an incredibly inspirational entrepreneurial journey and is not to be missed!
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| 05 Jun 2024 | #97, Tim Levy, Founder and CEO @ Twyn: Being a Fifteen-Time Founder | 00:55:38 | |
This week’s guest is an extremely experienced entrepreneur, as after being a founder 15 times, Tim Levy, Founder and CEO of Twyn, has made waves in industries from insurance to entertainment. Tim joins Gareth to discuss his colourful career journey that has brought him most recently to the world of AI. After leaving his position as director at an insurance broker firm, Tim set his entrepreneurial sights on the bright lights of Hollywood and plunged into the waters of the entertainment industry. His first company Factor 8 Films helped finance, produce and distribute many iconic movies, including Jurassic World and Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 & 3. Now, Tim’s latest venture harnesses his experience in the entertainment industry and combines it with cutting-edge technology. Twyn is a platform that aims to ‘revolutionise digital interaction’ by creating digital twins of celebrities, whereby users can engage in conversation with them; starting with football legend, Lionel Messi. This conversation explores the interesting concept of authenticity in AI and is not to be missed! · Making a drastic career change (06:02) · Generating 10 billion dollars in the film industry (09:50) · Tim’s investment strategy (14:50) · Investing in sustainability to invest in the future (17:52) · Tim’s top advice for investors and entrepreneurs (28:10) · What is Twyn and how does it work? (35:09) · Working with Lionel Messi (41:39) · What excites Tim most about the future of AI (47:00) · Tim’s advice to his 21-year-old self (50:38) | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | #98, Co-Founder and CEO of Perenna, Arjan Verbeek: Revolutionising the Mortgage Market | 00:50:00 | |
In the UK, the housing market is a topic of conversation that’s on everyone’s lips right now. As soaring interest rates are making mortgages unobtainable for many, this has become a nation-wide crisis. This week’s guest has designed a platform to remedy many of the issues caused by the outdated British mortgage process, as Arjan Verbeek, Co-Founder and CEO of Perenna, is revolutionising mortgages for the masses. Taking influence from Danish banking practices, Perenna offer users flexible fixed-rate mortgages which are fully protected from interest rate fluctuations. Having worked in some of the most prominent banks across the globe, including Barclays and BNP Paribas, Arjan witnessed first-hand the financial problems within the housing market and set out to change them. Arjan’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a desire to disrupt old systems and utilise tech for good. This episode is not to be missed! Time stamps
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| 03 Jul 2024 | #99, Managing Director of Zoho Europe, Sridhar Iyengar: Scaling-up SaaS | 00:36:57 | |
This week’s guest was part of a vision to build a “software powerhouse” through innovating SaaS like never before. Sridhar Iyengar, MD Europe at Zoho Corporation, joined the company at the time it was founded, and over the last 28 years, has played a crucial part in its success. Navigating the scale-up phase through the dotcom boom, Sridhar’s journey within Zoho has been marked by the shift from telecoms to cloud computing, to more recently the advancement of AI. Throughout each technological shift, one thing has remained the same: Sridhar’s passion for innovating the software landscape. By helping create a platform that can scale up to meet the needs of a changing society, Sridhar is a leader who is driven by ensuring the sustainability of SaaS for the future. Time stamps
*Book recommendation- The Culture Map, Erin Meyer https://www.amazon.co.uk/Culture-Map-Decoding-People-Cultures/dp/1610392760/ref=asc_df_1610392760?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80401845130381&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584001419460783&psc=1 | |||
| 18 Jul 2024 | #100, Computer Weekly’s Editor in chief, Bryan Glick: Writing the Digital Revolution | 01:11:58 | |
What better way to celebrate TTLP’s 100th episode milestone than by featuring a guest who’s responsible for the biggest tech publication in the UK. Editor in chief of Computer Weekly, Bryan Glick, is a tech leader who has had a unique vantage point when observing the changing technology landscape over his last 14 years whilst in this role. From starting out in tech sales to covering one of the biggest tech scandals in British history, Bryan’s career journey is unparalleled. Over the course of 15 years and 400 articles, Bryan and his team helped break the news of the Post Office Horizon scandal, which helped uncover both the systemic and technological issues within the institution. Gareth and Bryan cover everything from leadership advice to insight into how to make it on Computer Weekly’s prestigious UKTech50 list. This episode is jampacked with interesting anecdotes and insightful advice from Bryan, making it the perfect 100th TTLP episode! · What does good leadership mean to Bryan? (03:40) · Accidentally falling into the tech space (06:35) · Transitioning into tech journalism (09:48) · Becoming Editor in chief at Computer Weekly (18:35) · Breaking Computer Weekly’s biggest story (21:05) · How the Post Office Horizon scandal got leaked (23:59) · The role of investigative journalism in the tech industry (34:36) · How Computer Weekly decide what to publish (38:32) · Invention vs. innovation- what’s the difference? (43:48) · How to make it on a Computer Weekly list (56:35) · Bryan’s advice to his 21-year-old self (59:35) | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | #101, Tech 101: Top Tips from Tech Leaders | 00:55:55 | |
We’ve reached (and now surpassed) 100 episodes! To commemorate this milestone, we thought it’d be a great opportunity to recap on some of the best pieces of advice from our stellar guest list over the years. One of TTLP’s most iconic questions, ‘what advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?’, has encouraged our guests to deliver some incredible guidance on navigating the tech space and what it takes to make it as a tech leader. In this episode, we have compiled 14 of our favourite responses that offer advice from how to achieve work-life balance to ensuring you have one more cocktail— cheers to that!
Time stamps: 1) Jamie Bartlett - fake it until you make it (04:16) 2) Priya Lakhani OBE - keep kindness and welcome challenge (09:00) 3) Quentyn Taylor - invest in legacy tech (12:20) 4) Helen Kelisky - fail fast and learn from it (16:30) 5) Rodger Werkhoven – try fun tech (18:42) 6) Lisa Heneghan – be open to what you can do tomorrow (21:11) 7) Catriona Campbell – test and learn (25:00) 8) David Buttress – balance work life with home life (28:40) 9) Flavilla Fongang - don’t wait to be recognised (34:13) 10) Tom O’Sullivan - get out of your own way (39:05) 11) Jazz Carlin OLY – never be afraid to ask questions (41:30) 12) Greg Jackson – follow the path least trodden (44:15) 13) Joe Baguley – don’t fit into other people’s moulds (45:58) 14) Emilia Molimpakis – 70% is good enough (50:17) | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | #102, Transforming Tesco through Technology: Aji Bawo, Head of Product and Naamua Dodoo, Graduate Software Engineer | 01:01:00 | |
When you think of supermarkets, you probably think more about groceries than AI. This week’s guests are helping evolve Tesco into a technology-led organisation driving innovation in the highly competitive grocery space. Head of Product, Aji Bawo and Graduate Software Engineer, Naamua Dodoo join Gareth on this week’s episode of TTLP to discuss their experiences joining the biggest supermarket in the UK as a tech graduate. This episode explores the role of Tesco as an employer, the importance of diversity and inclusion within tech, and the key considerations for graduates looking to start a career in the industry. If you’re someone who’s looking to embark on a career in tech, or a technology leader considering hiring entry level talent, this episode provides incredible insight you won’t want to miss! · How both Naamua and Aji got into tech (03:00) · What good leadership means to Aji (06:06) · What Naamua looks for in a leader (07:45) · The main technology skills graduates need to know (11:25) · How graduate recruitment has changed at Tesco (23:14) · Is the technology industry becoming more diverse? (33:00) · How Tesco is leveraging AI (42:28) · Will graduates be replaced by AI? (48:40) · Naamua’s advice to new graduates (54:02) · Aji’s advice to her younger self (54:54) Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office, Lois. P. Frankel amazon.co.uk/Nice-Girls-Dont-Corner-Office/dp/1455558893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=S29EGCNUWI36&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DemEIEROR7o2-ucu3AZavFTXXFmHMxi661IIVRmxnHFB62YF1dD7SlN2YWSoKOvvXwtAhch5D04a36vDqxRzq1MMtPd8GvebQyigSBvLAxy4VY1VcbQ3KHyuA0TS086l3VW--U4nz5AAMkU5SRxQ7VwXrHIkEyOZmqCHKGqjatBagmJZ4sAydkT3QnmijCu_2fRu3a-jN0eBwb4umq7oHNtl1BPe4xUCYr03WFqeMj8.88jZKu3vXEm-RCdDNXOJpx2Uc22lLhT9_c2zuzLUWR8&dib_tag=se&keywords=nice+girls+don%27t+get+the+corner+office&qid=1724776632&sprefix=nice+girls+%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1 | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | #103, GM EMEA @ Google Cloud Security, Cristina Pitarch: Keeping Google Secure | 00:48:28 | |
At TTLP, we’ve been fortunate to have numerous tech leaders from Google join us to offer stellar advice. This week’s guest, Cristina Pitarch, is no different. As the General Manager EMEA at Google Cloud Security, Cristina leads a team that is responsible for keeping not only one of the biggest technology companies in the world secure, but also their customer list containing some of the largest businesses in the world. From moving across the world to study at the University of California with very little English-speaking ability, Cristina took the plunge to move away from her law school background and enter the innovative world of technology. Joining Salesforce at the early stages meant that Cristina was able to climb the ranks quickly and become a driving force in the company’s expansion before moving to the technology powerhouse that is Google. This episode reveals the key aspects of Google’s Clouds security strategy, and why GCP should be the number one choice for CTOs from security standpoint. From an unlikely career trajectory to astute advice on how to prioritise security within a business, this episode is value packed!
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| 26 Sep 2024 | #104, Chief Strategy Officer @ Qlik, James Fisher: “Resetting the Clock” on Big Data | 00:50:50 | |
This week’s guest is part of a mission to transform how businesses access data to deliver better outcomes, as James Fisher, CSO @ Qlik joins Gareth to discuss all things analytics. From James’ corporate beginnings, to being an instrumental leader in Qlik’s mission to disrupt the business intelligence space, the conversation explores everything from AI to software spend. Describing Qlik as an “AI engine”, James’ expertise in the realm of artificial intelligence is highlighted through his advice to “invest in innovation while also investing in governance”, ensuring that AI safety should be a priority for all organisations. Time stamps
*Book recommendation: Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson https://www.waterstones.com/book/who-moved-my-cheese/dr-spencer-johnson/9780091816971 | |||
| 16 Oct 2024 | AI Series 2.0 #1: Maggie Philbin, Founder and Director of TeenTech: Educating ‘Tomorrow’s World’ of STEM entrepreneurs | 01:07:17 | |
*Brought to you by bedigital* It’s finally here! We’re back and ready to delve deeper into the world of GenAI. Over one year on from our original AI Special Series, Gareth is joined once again by the brilliant Professor Kerensa Jennings to explore in greater detail how artificial intelligence is changing the world as we know it. There’s no better way to begin this series than with a guest who has played a crucial role in bringing new technology to the British public for over 40 years, Maggie Philbin OBE. From hosting iconic BBC shows such as Swap Shop and Tomorrow's World to founding TeenTech, a charity dedicated to inspiring young people to pursue careers in technology, Maggie remains a leading voice in tech innovation and continues to be a champion for the technology industry in the UK. Focusing on how GenAI can enhance the learning experiences of young people and inspire the next generation of tech leaders, this episode is full of amazing anecdotes, inspirational stories and stellar insight into the world of AI and technology innovation.
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| 30 Oct 2024 | AI Series 2.0 #2: Jair Ribeiro, Analytics and Insights Lead at Volvo: Driving Change with AI | 01:02:41 | |
*Brought to you by bedigital* Swedish automotive brand Volvo, approaching its 100-year anniversary, is one of the most iconic automotive brands globally and is at the forefront of AI and generative AI innovation. In this episode, we explore a wide range of topics, from ethical AI and the diverse applications of generative AI to how businesses can leverage data more effectively. This episode is a masterclass in the multiplicity of AI, as told by a true expert in the field.
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| 14 Nov 2024 | AI Series 2.0 #3: Jonathan Lister-Parsons, CTO and Co-founder @ PensionBee: Navigating AI Hype with Human-Centered Innovation | 01:03:17 | |
For the third instalment of TTLP’s AI Series 2.0, we wanted to bring in a tech leader with a different outlook on AI, CTO and co-founder of PensionBee and self-confessed AI sceptic, Jonathan Lister-Parsons. This episode marks Jonathan’s second feature on TTLP, and this time he joins Gareth and Kerensa discuss not only PensionBee and how they transformed the pension market, but also Jonathan’s unique perspective on AI innovation. Reinforcing the fact that AI exists as “the output of human input”, Jonathan explains the current AI ‘hype cycle’ and why an AI apocalypse is not on the cards. From his role in bringing pensions to the forefront of table-top discussions, to his assurance in the stability of a human-centred labour market, this episode is perfect for leaders who want to understand how to harness technology in a safe, responsible, and genuinely impactful way.
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| 27 Nov 2024 | AI Series 2.0 #4: A Masterclass in AI: Dr. Djamila Amimer, AI thought leader and Founder @ Mind Senses Global | 01:02:58 | |
*Brought to you by bedigital* Joining the Oil and Gas industry at the start of her career with a passion to drive change in environmental resource, Djamila’s tech journey is marked by a desire to optimise both technological development and societal impact. Using “AI for good” is a key component to her work in Mind Senses Global and her overall stance on AI usage in business. Believing that “AI is more than a technology—it’s a way of thinking,” Djamila offers invaluable insights into how technology leaders can ethically harness AI to boost productivity and efficiency. This episode is an expert guide into AI and a perfect overview into some of the key points explored on this series so far.
· What excites Djamila most about the future of AI (02:27) · Why Djamila joined the oil and gas industry (06:23) · What is AI? (13:51) · Corporate lessons that were key for entrepreneurship (19:12) · What are AI hallucinations? (25:36) · Importance of human influence in AI (31:37) · Being more environmentally efficient with AI (36:00) · Battling bias with AI (42:12) · The key to AI consultations (48:41) · Combatting job displacement within AI (54:34) | |||
| 12 Dec 2024 | AI Series 2.0 #5: CTO for AI @ HPE, Matt Armstrong-Barnes: Embracing the Evolution of AI | 01:00:42 | |
This fifth instalment of TTLP’s AI Series 2.0 concludes a quintet of insightful conversations about the tech innovation that’s having a huge impact on the world as we know it. Matt Armstrong-Barnes, CTO for AI at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, joins Gareth and Kerensa for the final conversation of the series; this episode may be last but it’s certainly not least. With a career spanning over 25 years, Matt has led game-changing transformation programmes across the public and private sector, he’s a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Chartered Engineer, and a passionate champion of open-source tools that make AI accessible for all. Now as the CTO for AI at HPE, Matt’s role as a tech leader is marked by helping blue chip organisations navigate AI adoption. Featuring stellar insight into what businesses need to prioritise for successful AI adoption, the surprising environmental cost of an AI query to the perils of 'AI washing,' and even how to explain AI to a six-year-old—this episode is the perfect conclusion to the AI Series 2.0! Time stamps
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| 03 Feb 2025 | #110, CEO @ Ping Identity, Andre Durand: “Happiness Equals Reality, Minus Expectations” | 00:47:11 | |
Join us this week on The Tech Leaders Podcast, where Gareth Davies sits down with Andre Durand, Founder and CEO of Ping Identity, to discuss how early-stage entrepreneurs form a blood pact with their colleagues, what it’s like to found a company in an industry that doesn’t exist, the million dollar deep-fake risk, and why life is like a hockey stick… Time stamps:
Book recommendation: “Good & Great by Choice”: Jim Collins | |||
| 26 Feb 2025 | #111, President, Global Head of Consulting @ Hexaware, Arun “Rak” Ramchandran: ''Disrupting Ourselves with GenAI'' | 00:53:46 | |
Join us this week on The Tech Leaders Podcast, where Gareth Davies sits down with Arun “Rak” Ramchandran, President and Global Head of Consulting and GenAI at Hexaware, on the day they launched a multi-Billion Dollar IPO in India. They discuss the Indian economic boom of the ‘90s, and why Gen AI is different to previous tech revolutions. Time stamps:
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| 26 Mar 2025 | #112, CISO at the AA, Darren Desmond: Covert Ops to Cyber Security | 00:48:48 | |
“I had a team of me…and that was it!” Join us this week on The Tech Leaders Podcast, where Gareth Davies sits down with Darren Desmond, CISO at the AA, to discuss how AI will change the Cyber Security arms race, why it’s a strange time for CISOs, and how he was the most un-military recruit his training Sergeant had ever seen… Time stamps:
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| 03 Dec 2019 | #1 - Daniel Hulme - CEO of Satalia | 00:25:09 | |
bedigital bring you conversations with established tech leaders influencing UK business today. From the challenges of sustainable growth, through to continuous innovation and everything in-between. These are the behind-the-scene stories and personal anecdotes of the leaders who are turning concepts into reality. | |||
| 16 Jan 2020 | #2 - Timo Boldt - CEO of Gousto | 00:35:08 | |
bedigital bring you conversations with established tech leaders influencing UK business today. From the challenges of sustainable growth, through to continuous innovation and everything in-between. These are the behind-the-scene stories and personal anecdotes of the leaders who are turning concepts into reality. An inspiring journey from a true entrepreneur who has created a unique tech-driven business with sustainability at the core of everything they do. | |||
| 06 Feb 2020 | #3 - Jason Maude - CTA of Starling Bank | 00:54:08 | |
This month Gareth interviews Chief Technology Advocate of Starling Bank, Jason Maude. Starling Bank have spearheaded a new wave of challenger banks, who have managed, through technology innovation, to disrupt an industry which has remained largely unchanged for 150 years. Jason talks about his progression from being an engineer within an asset management consultancy through to becoming a tech leader in a rapidly growing organisation, built upon the objective of disrupting a broken banking system. We cover everything from Agile v Waterfall to the social impact of a cashless society. A fascinating conversation. | |||
| 25 Feb 2020 | #4 - Dave Chaplin - IR35 Special | 00:36:32 | |
Dave Chaplin is a prominent commentator and campaigner in the opposition to the off-payroll regulations and is the Founder of contractorcalculator.co.uk and ir35shield.co.uk. Dave has an impressive breadth of knowledge on this subject and delivers a narrative to thousands of UK based contractors through the various social media channels as this unfolds. We discuss the story and initial intent of ir35 legislation from its conception in 1999 under Gordon Brown, through to the recent changes and entrance into the private sector and how this affects PSC's, SME owners and large companies who utilise contingent worker’s. | |||
| 10 Mar 2020 | #5 - Chris Morling - Founder of Money.co.uk and Studee | 00:44:21 | |
This month Gareth interviews, Gloucestershire based tech entrepreneur Chris Morling. Whilst working for Oracle and encouraged by his partner, Chris decided to take the plunge and set up his first business in 1999, a financial directory website and then went on to create over 50 websites in the early days of the affiliate marketing boom. With ambitions to create a business that made a real difference, money.co.uk was born and Chris spent the next 10 years building this innovative company into a market leader culminating in a lucrative exit in 2018. He is now embarking on a new adventure studee.com which help's students find international university places online. Some real snippets of wisdom from a true entrepreneur. | |||
| 31 Mar 2020 | #6 - Michael Tobin OBE - Founder of TelecityGroup, Tech Investor | 00:31:42 | |
Gareth interviews entrepreneur and philanthropist, Michael Tobin OBE who has had a colourful career from moving pianos around Old Kent Road to leading one of the biggest data centre companies in the world. An amazing story full of value. We cover pitfalls, comebacks and the impact of the recent pandemic on UK business. | |||
| 16 Apr 2020 | #7 - Henri Moissinac - Investor, Visionary and Founder of iBazar, and Dott | 00:48:14 | |
Gareth interviews Henri Moissinac a computer science PhD from Paris who set up a highly successful e-commerce platform called iBazar in the late 90s which firstly was in competition with then got acquired by eBay in 2001. Henri then went on to work for the likes of Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook and Travis Kalanick at Uber, leading mobile strategy. Notably, Henri was instrumental in taking Facebook from 1 million to 1 billion mobile users during his tenure. His latest venture is DOTT, an exciting endeavor with a mission to make inner cities free of cars and pollution by way of their dockless, shared electrical scooters and bikes as alternatives for short-distance travel. | |||
| 06 May 2020 | #8 - Gareth Lewis - Co-Founder and CEO of Delio Wealth | 00:48:52 | |
Gareth interviews Gareth Lewis the CEO of Delio. Gareth set up Delio 5 years ago at the age of 25 and now oversee's a trans-Atlantic operation, providing a white-label software platform to organisations like investment banks, wealth managers, and family offices. They have exciting growth plans and a very bright future. We talk about growth, culture and maintaining productivity and culture through this lockdown period. | |||
| 28 May 2020 | #9 - Ed Dixon - CEO of Bayezian - Talent Special | 00:45:30 | |
Gareth interviews Ed Dixon, CEO of Bayezian, a talent incubator who aim to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing vocational coaching and placements services within Data Analytics and Data Science. We discussed setting up a business in 2020, Gareth interviews Ed Dixon, CEO of Bayezian, a talent incubator who aim to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing vocational coaching and placement services within Data Analytics and Data Science. We discussed setting up a business in 2020, acquiring Talent in the current climate, and adapting to change. | |||
| 10 Jun 2020 | #10 - Kevin Goldsmith - CTO of ONFIDO (ex Spotify, Adobe) | 00:53:57 | |
Gareth Interviews Kevin Goldsmith, CTO of London based, identity verification provider Onfido. An engineer by trade, Kevin cut his teeth at Microsoft in the 1990's, and was a member of the Windows Media, Windows CE, and Microsoft Research teams at a time when they were scaling into the global behemoth they are today. He was also the Director of Engineering at Adobe Systems for nine years through a similar growth trajectory and also the VP of Engineering, at Spotify where he led, both product development and streaming delivery during a crucial time. We cover the above along with his thoughts on quantum computing, technology innovation and keeping engineering teams motivated during a lockdown. | |||
| 24 Jun 2020 | #11 - Bruce Daisley - ex-VP of Twitter EMEA, best selling author | 00:57:08 | |
Bruce Daisley grew up on a council estate in Birmingham. Twenty years on, having worked in radio and magazines, he’s held leadership roles game-changing technology firms like YouTube, Google and most recently was Vice President for Twitter EMEA. His 2019 book on improving work culture, “The Joy of Work”, was a Sunday Times number one business bestseller and also went on to be named The Financial Times - Book of the Month. Bruce also hosts a chart-topping podcast, “Eat Sleep, Work, Repeat" and often places as the top-rated speaker at conferences in the US and the UK. Bruce is a thought leader in the workplace culture conversation, which has been disrupted so much by recent events. | |||
| 08 Jul 2020 | #12 - Will Sprunt - CIO, Deliveroo | 00:49:46 | |
Gareth interviews the CIO of Deliveroo Will Sprunt. Following graduating from Cambridge University, Will had an early taste of starting a business and then embarked on a career in data analytics, culminating in being promoted to his current role within popular food delivery service, Deliveroo. We cover lots of ground, including the importance of being bilingual (that includes being able to code) for creativity, his crash-course in entrepreneurialism and we unpack his impressive career trajectory. | |||
| 22 Jul 2020 | #13 - Carwyn Jones MS, Former First Minister for Wales and Tech Advisor | 00:47:33 | |
Gareth interviews Carwyn Jones MS, a Welsh Labour politician who served as First Minister of Wales, and Leader of the Welsh Labour party from 2009 to 2018. An advocate of technology and progress, Carwyn was instrumental in upgrading the connectivity and network infrastructure of Wales, and has recently been advising technology businesses on strategy and governance. We also cover the current challenges for businesses in these unprecedented times, his big decision to leave politics next year, and his upcoming book release which is now available to pre-order on Amazon. | |||
| 06 Aug 2020 | #14 - Luke Hakes - Partner, Octopus Ventures | 00:48:40 | |
Gareth Interviews Luke Hakes who's one of the partners at Octopus Ventures, one of the biggest VC funds in Europe. Luke did a PhD in computational genetics and unexpectedly went on to join Octopus in the early stages, in what could be described as opportune circumstances. He has since had a fantastic career in venture capital, overseeing multiple success stories with some of the UK's most innovative tech companies. He currently runs a hugely successful health-tech portfolio, at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic. We break down his criteria for investing and talk about the importance of building human capital value and having faith in your team. We also discuss upcoming macro shifts and the potential opportunity and turmoil that may arise. | |||
| 25 Aug 2020 | #15 - Vishal Chatrath - CEO, Prowler.io | 00:56:44 | |
Gareth interviews Vishal Chatrath, a serial entrepreneur with an inspirational story. They discuss his entrepreneurial endeavours and what it takes to grow, autonomous effective teams in the current climate. His current venture, Prowler.io are a research-led AI/machine learning start-up who build autonomous agents for games and decision-support simulations. They focusing on behavioural learning and simulation in virtual environments and use inverse reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning for capturing behaviour for abstracted decision making. Quite notably they are currently working on solutions to future-proof supply chains from disruptions like pandemics. | |||
| 10 Sep 2020 | #16 - Ryan Prince - VC Investor and Chairman, Realstar Group | 00:50:27 | |
Gareth interviews Ryan Prince - co-founder and vice-chairman of Realstar Group, who runs a large portfolio of commercial properties across the UK, he founded concept developer, UNCLE, who mix co-working space with, amenity-rich living space, catering to millennial and Gen Z professionals in major UK cities. He also co-founded early-stage venture capital firm, iGabriel at the age of just 21. They unpack this, his experience of investing in early-stage businesses, and Ryan's predictions for the work-space sector in light of the proclivity towards remote-working following the lockdown. | |||
| 24 Sep 2020 | #17 - Peter Dowds - CEO and Co-Founder, Elder HQ | 00:53:14 | |
Gareth interviews Peter Dowds, founder of Elder HQ, an alternative to residential care homes and one of the fastest growing companies in the UK, aiming is to reshape how society looks after their elderly. Following a stint with a global law firm and couple of business ventures, Peter got involved in the later-life care sector, having seen an opportunity based the high demand for care options, driven by a rapidly ageing population. They discuss Peter's experiences of growing a company and disrupting a well-established industry, the pandemic and his outlook for the future. | |||
| 14 Oct 2020 | #18 - Mark Rice - CIO, thebigword | 01:27:58 | |
Gareth interviews Mark Rice who is CIO at global language services provider, thebigword. With almost two decades experience leading commercial and technology departments for national and multi-national companies, Mark's career spans industries including manufacturing, logistics consultancy and most recently language services, where he was promoted to CIo after 11 months! Mark is a product-led leader and talks us through this, along with his experience of implementing efficiency, managing conflict, screening prospective hires and engaging remote teams. We also cover the objectives of thebigword, who are on a mission to make the world a smaller place by breaking down language barriers, supporting global trade and helping people access goods, commerce and services in their own languages. Some amazing anecdotes and advice from a top-of-his game, tech leader. | |||
| 03 Nov 2020 | #19 - Paul Clarke - CTO, Ocado Group | 00:54:11 | |
Gareth interviews Paul Clark, CTO of Ocado Group – the company transforming online groceries through a suite of technology, including robotics, AI & ML. Having joined in 2006, Paul talks candidly about the journey from being a start-up UK grocer, to becoming a global technology provider. They discuss AI, Quantum Computing, Digital Twins and other forward-looking endeavours for Ocado and the wider tech industry. Paul also gives us his views on the current situation and the lessons learned from the pandemic. A fascinating deep dive into one of the most innovative tech companies in the UK, by one of the key figures behind it. | |||
| 24 Nov 2020 | #20 - Rob Norris - CTO, Welsh Water | 00:55:34 | |
Gareth interviews CTO of Welsh Water, Rob Norris. Following a piece of impromptu advice from a school friend, Rob embarked on a career in IT, working on some huge projects for diverse and corporate organisations across the UK, culminating in his current position as Chief Technology Officer within a critical national infrastructure organisation. Rob speaks candidly about his humble beginnings, his experience of working in a start-up, the evolution of cyber threats and the importance of challenging conventional wisdom. | |||
| 16 Dec 2020 | #21 - Prof. Kerensa Jennings - Group Director of Digital Impact, BT Group | 01:00:26 | |
The pandemic has forced thousands of Brits to overcome their fear of technology, to embrace this digital world and develop skills to stay connected, both on a personal and professional level. Gareth talks to Kerensa Jennings, BT Group Director of Digital Impact. They discuss her amazing career, working with the likes of legendary broadcasters like David Frost and David Attenborough through to the amazing work she is currently involved with at BT. Kerensa’s career path has been far from linear, holding various roles in the production of television news and documentary programmes, including writing “the Slug’ for the Big Breakfast. Five years within the Royal Household forming strategy and delivery for IDEA CIC award to inspire digital enterprise pre-empted her appointment to her current role. Kerensa and her team are on a mission to provide digital skill acquisition to the masses and upskill those seeking employment. Specific programmes targeted to primary school children, school leavers, small businesses provide the opportunity for users to develop a problem-solving mindset, a crucial skill in today’s rapid, ever-changing world, together with inspiring confidence and adaptability. Find out how Kerensa views the impact of AI and the irreversible technological legacy of Covid-19. | |||
| 06 Jan 2021 | #22 - Sina Yamani - CEO, Yoello | 01:04:58 | |
Sina left university prematurely to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. “.. in the right place at the right time”. His company Yoello has achieved incredible growth in 2020. The app-less mobile ordering and payment solution is now used by thousands of high street restaurant and hospitality businesses, including Burger King, Subway, and The Grand, York, allowing them to serve their customers securely, efficiently and rapidly. In this Tech Leaders’ Podcast, Gareth talks to Sina about the path to meteoric success, from his arrival in the UK aged 8 knowing little more than two words of English, his early entrepreneurial projects through to being the owner and CEO of a company that is revolutionising payment systems. Not adverse to risk-taking, Sina talks about his early foray into Bitcoin, leaving university during his final year to start his business (much to his mother’s upset) finding investors, and setting up an experienced board of advisors from the global financial sector. He discusses setbacks, the milestones in Yoello’s growth, his own personal motivation, and how he built the corporate structure. Gareth quizzes him on future plans, the challenges of working remotely when building a new business, on-boarding new employees in such conditions and what he looks for when hiring talent. The future looks very bright for Yoello with expansion into Europe an imminent prospect. | |||
| 21 Jan 2021 | #23 - Peter McCormack, Podcaster and Journalist - Bitcoin Special | 01:05:07 | |
Bitcoin has been in the news recently, the price has hit an all-time high but opinion remains divided. Enthusiasts call it the perfect modern money system yet critics dismiss it as a bubble that resembles a Ponzi scheme. My guest today is the host of the world's #1 bitcoin podcast, "What Bitcoin Did". He isn't a software engineer or monetary economist, he is just a regular guy from Bedford who isn't afraid to ask basic fundamental questions as to why this technology is potentially going to change everybody's lives. For this reason, his content is very accessible to the average person who is looking to learn more about cryptocurrencies. He also has an incredible story to tell. His career has been full of ups and downs, which Peter reflects upon candidly. Peter talks about building a business and also speaks about a very dark period in his life where his marriage collapsed and he fought drug addiction. They also cover what bitcoin really is and what that means for the average person. A thought-provoking and value-filled conversation. | |||
| 09 Feb 2021 | #24 - Yamini Rangan – CEO, HubSpot | 00:46:09 | |
Embracing your uniqueness and authentic voice has been the driving force behind today’s guest success as a leader. Yamini Rangan is the Chief Customer Officer at HubSpot and is working on some ambitious goals for the leading CRM provider. Driven by the motto “helping is the new selling”, I loved learning more about Yamini’s insights into sales and marketing. Coming from an engineering background, Yamini has learnt how sales goes hand-in-hand with technology. With over 24 years experience across sales, marketing, operations, and strategy, she has also worked at Workday and Dropbox. In 2019, Yamini was recognised as one of the Most Influential Women in Business by San Francisco Business Times. Join our conversation as we discuss decision-making patterns, hyper-growth, gender diversity – and booking her one-way ticket from India to Atlanta in her early 20s. Talking Points
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| 04 Mar 2021 | #25 - Huw Thomas– Cofounder, Counterfactual Ventures | 00:51:36 | |
Today’s guest is a serial entrepreneur focused on sustainability in the food and energy sectors. Huw Thomas is the Cofounder, President and COO at Counterfactual Ventures, a venture studio focused on filling gaps in the alt-protein industry to accelerate the 'protein transition'. With a background in computer engineering and renewable energy, it’s been a fascinating journey for Huw. He was the COO of cultivated meat startup New Age Meats, co-founder of renewable energy consultancy SCENE, and CEO of sports nutrition startup Fuelit. Tune in to learn more about dealing with the colossal global meat industry, how to best name the ‘meat alternative’ industry, dealing with regulations, and the need for more curiosity as leaders. Talking Points
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| 26 Mar 2021 | #26 - Dave Chaplin – Founder and CEO, ContractorCalculator and IR35 Shield | 00:39:48 | |
As an ex-contractor himself, Dave Chaplin wrote and published the first ever interactive online IR35 tax calculator. IR35 refers to the UK's anti-avoidance tax legislation designed to tax 'disguised' employment at a rate similar to employment. And as it sounds, it can get messy. I’m super excited to catch up with Dave again to hear more about how IR35 may affect you this year. Dave is the Founder and CEO of ContractorCalculator and CEO of IR35 Shield. He assists with IR35 tax tribunals, and regularly attends those he’s not involved with to increase his knowledge. Tune in as we discuss Dave’s former campaigns, the delays from the pandemic, and working on high profile cases such as Kay Adams. It’s about having the right processes in place, so enjoy this episode as Dave shares lots of helpful resources. Talking Points
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| 13 Apr 2021 | #27 - James Herbert – Founding Partner, The Panopoly | 01:01:54 | |
As a self-confessed former frustrated civil servant, James Herbert set himself on a mission to help scale the public sector’s digital transformation. It’s a big feat, but he launched Foundry4 to do just that. They provide teams of experts to solve complex problems for large organisations through end to end solutions across insights, strategy and delivery. James has worked with Cabinet Office teams designing the G-Cloud procurement framework, the foundations of the Digital Marketplace and the world’s first government Cloud-First technology strategy. In this discussion we explore digital identity, working for both private and public sectors, and how to productise a service-based business. Talking Points
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| 27 Apr 2021 | #28 - Robert Wigley – Author, former-CEO of Merrill Lynch, and Chairman of UK Finance | 00:51:11 | |
80% of under 8s have their own tablets – there’s no doubt that the impact of technology on the next generation will be huge. The Chairman of UK Finance and author of ‘Born Digital’ joins the show to distil his research on why we need to alter our relationship with technology. Robert Wigley backs young entrepreneurs in cutting edge technology businesses and Chairs UK Finance. He spent 25 years as a banker, rising to be EMEA Chairman of Merrill Lynch and a member of the board of the Bank of England during the 2008 financial crisis. Tune in as we discuss the impact of technology on empathy, Generation Z’s values, UK vs UK banking cultures, concorde flights – and Margaret Thatcher’s attention span. Talking Points
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| 19 May 2021 | #29 - Didem Un Ates – GM, of Data & AI at Microsoft and Women-in-Tech Advocate | 00:54:36 | |
Having worked in three countries, Didem has more than 20 years experience in the global technology industry, spanning Enterprise Software and SaaS, Big Data and AI, Managed Services and Cloud business models. Under her current role as General Manager, Data & AI Acceleration at EMEA Microsoft, she’s responsible for the Data & AI customer success strategy, readiness, and execution. Didem’s energy is infectious. I was so excited to speak with her to learn more about her mission to empower more female leaders in technology, and what she’s doing to help combat domestic violence through technology. Tune in as we also discuss Satya Nadella’s leadership style, Microsoft’s work culture, some inspiring use cases for AI, how we can strive for more diversity and inclusion in the workplace – and bumping into Bill Gates in the office. Talking Points
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