Shows
40% Better - Engineering LeadershipWhy Employee Loyalty Has Nothing to Do With Salary | Ian WattsIn two decades of coaching leaders across startups to multi-billion dollar corporations, Ian Watts discovered that companies lose talented people not because of compensation, but because they treat employees like replaceable widgets instead of human beings with aspirations beyond their job description. As founder of Employee Success Company, Ian developed the ACTS Method after reverse-engineering what allowed him to build teams with minimal turnover across 60 locations nationwide, recruiting over 400 loyal team members who knew exactly how much he cared about their personal success.Ian shares why the best leaders work themselves out of a job by making themselves unnecessary...
2026-02-1751 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipFrom Dial-Up Belarus to 350 Engineers | Andrei YurkevichIn 2002, a 25-year-old Andrei Yurkevich started a software outstaffing business in Belarus with internet speeds under 100 kilobits per second for the entire country—slower than a dial-up modem. Twenty-two years later, he's President and CTO of Altoros with 350+ engineers across 25 countries, plus multiple spin-off companies including Protofire, a Web3-focused venture. Andrei shares why he spent two years answering seven questions that should have taken two hours, why distribution must always come before delivery, and how giving everyone equity ownership creates the type of organization where people leave, gain experience, and choose to return.Discover why Andrei's biggest hi...
2026-02-1352 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipSE1E94 - From Dial-Up Belarus to 350 Engineers | Andrei YurkevichIn 2002, a 25-year-old Andrei Yurkevich started a software outstaffing business in Belarus with internet speeds under 100 kilobits per second for the entire country—slower than a dial-up modem. Twenty-two years later, he's President and CTO of Altoros with 350+ engineers across 25 countries, plus multiple spin-off companies including Protofire, a Web3-focused venture. Andrei shares why he spent two years answering seven questions that should have taken two hours, why distribution must always come before delivery, and how giving everyone equity ownership creates the type of organization where people leave, gain experience, and choose to return.Discover why Andrei's biggest hi...
2026-02-1352 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipRun to the Inevitable: High-Trust Engineering Teams | Josh CarrollWhen Josh Carroll tells his engineers not to bring him their hard problems, he's actually doing the opposite—he's making sure they feel resourced enough to tackle anything. As an engineering leader with 20+ years of experience who's scaled teams at agencies, startups, and now Skylight, Josh has learned that leadership is problem-solving with people, not code. He shares why his old boss told him to "run to the inevitable"—why waiting to have hard conversations makes everything worse—and how discovering he has ADHD transformed his listening skills after painful 360 feedback revealed he was making conversations about himself when trying to sho...
2026-02-0652 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipHow Clear Communication and Calculated Risk-Taking Built a Leadership Career | Sebastien JeanWhen Sebastien Jean was five years old, he organized all the neighborhood kids into a military parade after seeing his first air show. Kids much older than him willingly followed this little commander up and down the street for 20 minutes while parents watched from their porches. That early leadership moment would eventually lead him to become CTO of Fizon Electronics, a company that makes 20% of the planet's SSDs.Sebastien shares how his unconventional path through the Army Reserve Signal Corps taught him that to be a good leader, you first have to be a good follower. Discover why he...
2026-01-201h 2140% Better - Engineering LeadershipFrom Student Entrepreneur to CTO Leading 371 Engineers | Taran LentFrom College Meal Plans to Multi-Tenant Cloud Platforms: How a CTO Built an 80% Market Share by Stacking the Odds for His Teams with Taran LentWhat started as a hungry college student solving his own problem with slips of paper and a bicycle turned into a career building mission-critical payment platforms serving 80% of colleges nationwide. Taran Lent, CTO of Transact Seaboard (soon to be Illumia), shares how sports taught him that being coached means someone believes in your potential, and why he refuses assignments when he knows they're set up to fail.Discover why Taran believes the most...
2026-01-1642 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipLeading from a higher level | Prashanth Kumar TondapuWhen Prashanth Tondapu started his company at 27, he had no formal leadership training. What he discovered through building an 85-person engineering team would completely transform his approach to leadership, starting with a personal crisis that became his greatest teacher.In this deeply personal conversation, Prashanth shares how his wife's cancer diagnosis three years ago shattered his illusion of control and led him to discover Advaita philosophy and the power of emotional regulation. Learn why he believes being a witness to your emotions rather than being consumed by them is the first critical skill every leader must develop....
2026-01-131h 1640% Better - Engineering LeadershipHow Engineering Leaders Can Build Teams Ready for AI Driven Development | Bryan O'NeillDiscover why traditional technical skills aren't enough anymore. Bryan O'Neill, engineering leader with 35+ years of experience, shares how communication skills and growth mindset are becoming more valuable than pure coding ability in the age of AI-assisted development.In this conversation, Bryan breaks down practical strategies for helping engineering teams adapt to rapid technological change, from creating AI wins channels to sending engineers to practitioner-led conferences. Learn why the best engineers are making the shift from focusing on "bits and bytes" to understanding business value, and how AI tools are changing the role of software engineers from coders to...
2026-01-0958 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipHow Curiosity Builds Better Teams | Durgesh SukhtankarIn this episode of the 40% Better podcast, host Bill Lennan is joined by technology leader Durgesh Sukhtankar for a deep conversation on leadership, curiosity, and building high performing product teams.Durgesh shares his leadership origin story, from engineering roles at GE Healthcare to helping teams transition from project based delivery to true product ownership. Together, Bill and Durgesh unpack why leadership starts long before a management title, how curiosity drives better decision making, and why empowered teams consistently outperform deadline driven ones.The conversation explores practical leadership lessons including building product oriented teams, creating psychological safety...
2026-01-0655 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipLeading with Love | Jacob CrockettIn this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan sits down with Jacob Crockett for a thoughtful conversation on leadership in the modern tech world—and beyond. Together, they explore what truly makes an effective leader, why titles don’t always equal influence, and how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in building strong teams and healthy company culture.Jacob shares lessons from his early leadership experiences, highlighting how discomfort, vulnerability, and genuine care for people often lead to the greatest growth. The discussion dives into systems thinking, the impact of poor leadership, and why happiness at work isn’...
2026-01-0245 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipLeadership, Risk, And Soft Power in Technology | Rob JohnsonIn this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan sits down with Rob Johnson to explore what leadership really means in technology—and why leading people is fundamentally different from managing projects. Rob shares his unconventional journey from a shy, risk-averse engineer to a confident technology leader and entrepreneur.Drawing from experiences in engineering, product management, startups, and executive leadership, Rob explains why soft power, servant leadership, and self-awareness matter more than titles, authority, or being “the smartest person in the room.” This wide-ranging conversation covers risk tolerance, entrepreneurship, military-influenced leadership lessons, listening over talking, and the mindset shift...
2025-12-3057 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipLeading with Ownership and Passion | Wolfgang SchramIn this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, Wolfgang Schram shares his extraordinary journey from Germany to the global concert touring industry, and ultimately to leading engineering teams in the corporate world. He discusses how his ADHD shaped his learning and leadership style, the lessons he learned from owning his work, and the ways he developed the ability to guide complex teams across high-stakes projects. Wolfgang explores the human side of leadership, emphasizing ownership, intrinsic motivation, and fostering an environment where people can thrive both professionally and personally.Takeaways: Leadership is about enabling others to succeed, not doing everything...
2025-12-261h 0640% Better - Engineering LeadershipEngaging, Challenging & Growing High-Competency Teams | Brent WodickaIn this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan is joined by Brent Wodicka, Chief Technology Officer at Applied Information Sciences (AIS), for a focused conversation on what it truly means to build, engage, and sustain highly competent teams.Brent shares clear, experience-driven insights on why engagement isn’t about perks, pressure, or constant motivation—but about providing meaningful challenges, continuous learning, and real growth opportunities. He explains the implicit contract leaders make when they recruit strong talent: if you hire highly capable people, your responsibility is to stretch them, develop them, and ensure their work remains intellectually enga...
2025-12-2358 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Art of Building Trust and Embracing Failure | Jill WillardIn this episode of the 40% Better Podcast, host Bill Lennan speaks with Jill Willard, Chief Technology Officer at IXOPAY, about her leadership journey and how she empowers software and payments teams to build trust, embrace failure, and drive innovation. Jill draws from over two decades of experience leading global software and payment platform teams, offering insights on situational leadership, accountability, effective communication, and building a thriving work culture that encourages psychological safety and experimentation in engineering environments. ixopay.comWhether you’re a tech leader, engineering manager, or aspiring CTO, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to hel...
2025-12-1957 min
DevReady PodcastAI in Software Development: Hype vs Reality in 2025 | Ep 271 | DevReady PodcastIn this follow-up episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis sits down again with Bill Lennan, Founder of 40 Percent Better, to explore how AI is changing software development, tech careers, and business decision-making. Bill brings a grounded, executive-level view on what is working, what is not, and why the AI boom feels both exciting and unsettling for teams worldwide. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn for more of his thinking on leadership, technology, and practical innovation. Together, Anthony and Bill unpack what staying relevant in an AI-driven tech industry really requires, and why human skills remain central to future-proofing your...
2025-12-1641 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Journey from Individual Contributor to Leader | with Bill BinkiewiczIn this episode of 40% Better, host Bill Lennan sits down with Bill Binkiewicz to explore how asymmetric wins, leadership, and continuous learning shape high-performing software teams and modern engineering organizations. The conversation spans leadership lessons learned through coaching and sports, building trust and psychological safety in teams, and why curiosity and mental models matter more than ever. They also dive into the evolving role of AI in software development, discussing where it adds value, where it falls short, and why it should be treated as a productivity tool—not a replacement for critical thinking. From engineering management and team dynamics to...
2025-12-161h 1340% Better - Engineering LeadershipLessons in Leadership and Adaptation | with Darshan BildikarIn this conversation, Darshan Bildikar shares his journey from being an introverted builder to a successful engineering manager. He discusses his early experiences in programming, his transition into management, and his time at Amazon, where he built and led teams. Darshan reflects on his move to a startup environment, the impact of AI on productivity, and the importance of balancing speed and quality in development. He emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI-driven processes and shares insights on adapting to different work cultures and the future of work.Connect with Darshan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...
2025-12-1256 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Cupid of Computer Science | with Rodrigo D. A. SenraIn this powerful episode of the 40% Better podcast, host Bill Lennan talks with educator and professor Rodrigo Senra about his groundbreaking philosophy on teaching and education.Rodrigo argues that a teacher's job is not merely content delivery but a mission of inspiration. He emphasizes that true learning and success in computer science come from cultivating passion and a love for computing in students. He reveals that his personal role is akin to that of a Cupid, whose goal is to make students fall in love with the subject, leading to much better long-term learning outcomes.If you...
2025-12-091h 0640% Better - Engineering LeadershipSE01E80 - Curiosity, AI, and Psychological Safety: Modern Technology Leadership | with Suresh ManiJoin Bill Lennan on the 40% Better podcast as he welcomes Suresh Mani, a seasoned technology executive, to share his remarkable journey from technician to industry leadership. Suresh unpacks the non-negotiables of success in modern tech, emphasizing how curiosity, effective mentorship, and fostering deep team cohesion are paramount. He delves into critical topics like the transformative role of AI in boosting productivity, the necessity of measured risk management, and the foundational power of psychological safety for encouraging diverse ideas. This episode is a masterclass in balancing constant innovation with stability and driving personal growth through challenge.Key Chapters:
2025-12-051h 0240% Better - Engineering LeadershipLearning Through the School of Hard Knocks | with Amit MitalJoin host Bill Lennan on the 40% Better podcast as he sits down with veteran executive Amit Mital for a candid look at his 25-year career.In a world that prizes learning from others, Mital shares why his own personal experience and the "school of hard knocks" were his most valuable teachers. This episode challenges the traditional view of professional development and focuses on the power of doing and failing.You will learn:Why personal experience often trumps theoretical knowledge in real-world challenges.The essential mindset shift that turns mistakes into valuable lessons for personal growth....
2025-12-021h 0240% Better - Engineering LeadershipSales Engineering for the Win | with Mike BourgeoisIn this powerful episode of 40% better, host Bill Lennan sits down with sales leader Mike Bourgeois to dive deep into the essential mindset that separates top sales professionals from the rest: customer-centric selling.Mike argues that the key to sales success isn't aggressive closing tactics, but a relentless focus on serving the customer and building a genuine, long-term relationship. If you've ever wondered how to close more deals, stop making the sales process about your quota and start making it about the customer's needs!🔑 Episode TakeawaysIt's Never About You: Mike's core philosophy is that the salesperson's job...
2025-11-281h 0540% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Fight That Made a Leader | with Chris CarterWelcome to the 40% Better podcast with your host, Bill Lennan!Join us for an inspiring conversation on leadership and personal growth as Chris Carter shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery and resilience. In this powerful episode, Chris recounts a pivotal childhood moment—an incident with his cousin that shaped his perspective on life lessons and the true meaning of taking control. Chris emphasizes the critical importance of actively making your own life, rather than simply reacting to circumstances. Discover how he learned the fundamental principle of leadership through early experiences like hitting his first home run and how fa...
2025-11-2546 min
The Chat - Conversations with Leaders of Marketing and SalesAI, Fear, and the 40% Rule: What Great Leaders Do DifferentlyA failing dev team became the top performers in 6 months-no new hires.Bill Lennan (Founder, Forty Percent Better) reveals how leadership shifts drive 40%+ gains. Learn why psychological safety beats tactics-and how most leaders ignore their biggest ROI lever.A sharp playbook for leading under pressure and unlocking hidden team potential.
2025-10-2105 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Future of Connectivity | with Sunil Jagani - Episode 72This episode with Bill Lennan and Sunil Jagani explores the evolution of technology, particularly in connectivity and satellite advancements, and their impact on consumer behavior and business practices. Bill and Sunil discuss the challenges faced by startups, the role of software engineering, and the intersection of AI and marketing. They also delve into the future of work, the need for sustainable business mechanisms, and the changing definitions of success in a rapidly evolving society.I hope you enjoy this episode!Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill and th...
2025-10-141h 1540% Better - Engineering LeadershipLeadership Beyond the Code | with Sebastian Jean - Episode 71In this episode, Bill Lennan and Sebastian Jean share insights on leadership, technology, and effective communication. They reflect on their early experiences with leadership, particularly in military settings, and how these experiences shaped their understanding of collaboration and motivation. The discussion also delves into the importance of clear communication in presentations, the dynamics of team collaboration, and the necessity of creating a safe space for innovation. Sebastian emphasizes the balance between technical expertise and leadership skills, advocating for a culture of trust and open communication within teams.I hope you enjoy this episode!Give it a like, share...
2025-10-101h 2340% Better - Engineering LeadershipBalancing Technology and Humanity | with Alberto Silveira - Episode 70In this episode, Bill Lennan hosts Alberto Silveira who shares his journey from organizing soccer leagues as a child in Brazil to becoming a leader in technology. He reflects on the influence of Ayrton Senna, the evolution of technology, and the importance of balancing human aspects with technological advancements. Alberto emphasizes the need for critical thinking and ethical considerations in leadership, especially in the context of AI and preparing the next generation for future challenges.I hope you enjoy this episode!Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill an...
2025-10-0756 min
DevReady PodcastBill Lennan on Communication, Coaching and 40% Team Turnarounds | Ep 259 | DevReady PodcastIn this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis interviews Bill Lennan, Founder of 40 Percent Better, on how communication, coaching and business first engineering drive real outcomes, including 40 percent team turnarounds. Bill unpacks practical tactics to prioritise the right problems, align stakeholders and win executive buy in, from tiny habits that help engineers speak up to tailored pitches that secure budget for tools and training. He explains why cross functional discovery with sales and support beats the telephone game, how side projects accelerate learning and how giving teams ownership improves delivery and morale. Listeners will take away a...
2025-09-3045 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipAccountability and the Future of Leadership | with Zach Wills - Episode 69In this episode, Bill Lennan and Zach Wills explore the organic journey into leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning from role models and the necessity of a business value orientation in decision-making. They discuss the significance of quantitative thinking in engineering, creating a positive team culture, and the practice of radical candor in feedback. The dialogue also touches on evolving management styles, understanding team dynamics, and the impact of AI on leadership and processes. The speakers advocate for extreme ownership and accountability, highlighting the importance of mindset and personal growth in professional development.I hope you enjoy this...
2025-09-301h 0940% Better - Engineering LeadershipEngineering Leadership in Practice | with Tim Sublette - Episode 68This episode of 40% Better with Bill Lennan explores the journey of Tim Sublette, a software engineer, who transitioned into leadership roles.Both share insights on the challenges they faced, the importance of storytelling, and the evolution of communication skills.Tim reflects on his unconventional path, the significance of building a competency framework, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his career.The discussion emphasizes the value of expectation management and the necessity of continuous personal growth in leadership. I hope you enjoy this episode!Give it a like, share, a...
2025-09-261h 0540% Better - Engineering LeadershipResilience Under Pressure | with Bradley Friemel - Episode 67This episode of 40% Better delves into the challenges of crisis management in a high-pressure environment, focusing on the emotional toll of dealing with system failures and customer dissatisfaction. Bill Lennan and Bradley Friemel highlight the importance of teamwork, decision-making, and maintaining composure under stress, ultimately showcasing how effective communication and a supportive team can lead to successful outcomes even in dire situations.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill and the 40 % Better Podcast Team Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...
2025-09-231h 0040% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Power of Being True to Yourself | with Ricardo Torres - Episode 66This episode explores the importance of being true to oneself in a competitive environment, particularly regarding extroversion and individual contributions to team success. Bill Lennan and Ricardo Torres highlight the challenges faced by introverts and the societal pressures to conform to extroverted norms, while also acknowledging the value of unique contributions from individuals who may not fit the typical mold.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill and the 40 % Better Podcast TeamConnect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.link...
2025-09-1957 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipThe Startup Culture and Embracing Failure | with Ken Pickering - Episode 65This conversation explores the journey of leadership, focusing on the challenges and philosophies that shape effective leaders in the tech industry. Bill Lennan and Ken Pickering discuss their personal experiences with micromanagement, the importance of psychological safety, and the value of diverse skills in startups. They emphasize the need for effective feedback and intrinsic motivation, while also addressing the cultural shifts in modern workplaces.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill and the 40 % Better Podcast TeamConnect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://ww...
2025-09-1657 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipMastering Diplomacy in the Workplace | with Nick Woodward - Episode 64This conversation explores the evolution of battery technology, the importance of leadership stories, and the critical role of communication in effective leadership. Bill Lennan and Nick Woodward discuss their personal journeys in leadership, emphasizing the need for continuous coaching and self-development. They highlight the significance of promoting internal growth and retention within organizations, as well as the impact of intrinsic motivation on team dynamics. The discussion also touches on the necessity of diplomacy in communication and the challenges of navigating technical and non-technical conversations. In this conversation, the speakers explore various themes related to career transitions, the importance of open...
2025-09-1254 min40% Better - Engineering LeadershipEmbracing Life's Lessons in Leadership | with Sherwin Socaransky - Episode 63This conversation explores the journey of leadership through personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience, trust-building, and systems thinking. Bill Lennan and Sherwin Socaransky reflect on their career paths, the challenges faced in team management, and the significance of creating a culture of ownership. They discuss the dual career track in tech, the power dynamics within organizations, and the value of gratitude in shaping one's professional journey.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Bill and the 40 % Better Podcast Team Con...
2025-09-091h 2840% Better - Engineering LeadershipNavigating the Digital Nomad Lifestyle | with Sunil Jagani - Episode 62In this conversation, Bill Lennan and Sunil Jagani delve into various themes surrounding modern living, work dynamics, and technological advancements. They explore the concept of tiny home communities as a solution for affordable living and the hybrid work model that allows for flexibility. The discussion transitions into the digital nomad lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and the evolving nature of software engineering practices. The speakers also touch on the significance of understanding team dynamics, risk tolerance, and intrinsic motivations when building effective teams. Furthermore, they discuss the impact of AI on recruitment and the future of work, as...
2025-09-051h 09
Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcastConfidence Gap: Why Leaders Must Embrace What They Don’t Know w/ Bill LennanConfidence in leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing when you don’t. In this episode of Relationships at Work, Bill Lennan, leadership consultant and founder of 40 Percent Better, breaks down what true leadership confidence looks like, how mental models shape our ability to lead, and why vulnerability is a trust-builder, not a weakness. We also discuss how confident leaders protect their teams, why saying “I don’t know” can actually build credibility, and the small habits that create lasting confidence.Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversati...
2025-02-0442 min
The Job Hunting PodcastMaster Your Leadership Style (Ep 272)Episode 272 - Uncover the Power of Understanding Your Leadership Style and How It Can Transform Your Career TrajectoryThis is a Rebroadcast of Episode 180.Knowing your leadership is a critical component of any successful job search, rather you are a junior professional or a senior executive. Great leaders and team workers inspire and motivate their teams and colleagues to achieve their goals and help companies reach new heights. But not all leaders are created equal, and different styles of leadership can be more effective in different situations. In this episode of The Job...
2025-01-0647 min
The Micheletti PodcastLeadership Practices w/ Bill Lennan | Ep.50In today's episode, I am joined by Bill Lennan, a Silicon Valley veteran with experience leading teams at Google, Walmart, and numerous startups. Bill shares how business leadership parallels parenting and reveals his system for improving team lead effectiveness.
This episode offers practical insights for leaders looking to enhance their skills and build stronger teams.
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Music Credits: OATH (HIP-HOP - ATL - BASS) by JOEY HENDRIXX; Free Music Archive; CC B...
2024-12-231h 22