Shows
The CTO CompassHiring Is Broken for Tech Leaders. Here’s What Actually Works Today ft. Bill KaskoHiring has become one of the hardest problems CTOs and CIOs face, and most tech leaders are still using a playbook that no longer works.There is no longer a deep talent pool. Long interview processes lose top candidates. Remote work has changed what “good” looks like. And AI is forcing leaders to rethink experience, roles, and team design entirely.In this episode, Mark Wormgoor speaks with Bill Kasko, President and CEO of Frontline Source Group, a national staffing and executive search firm. Bill began his career in IT security and infrastructure before spending more than...
2026-01-3053 min
The CTO CompassHow to Spot Revenue Leaks and Align Tech to Business Goals. Lessons from a Fractional CTO ft. Matt DixonMatt Dixon, a seasoned tech leader and fractional CTO, shares insights on aligning technology with business goals, addressing revenue leaks, and the importance of mindset in leadership. He discusses the role of a fractional CTO, the significance of metrics that matter, and the challenges of managing technical debt. Matt emphasizes the need for effective team dynamics and the dangers of shiny object syndrome in tech. He also explores the future of AI in business and the evolving role of CTOs in modern organizations.Chapters00:00 Tech, Business, and Leadership04:16 Revenue Leaks and Fractional CTO...
2026-01-2332 min
The CTO CompassBeyond the Lone Genius: Telle Whitney on Rethinking Leadership for Today’s CTOs and CIOsWhat if the way we talk about tech leadership is completely wrong?In this episode, Telle Whitney - Silicon Valley chip designer turned CEO and co-founder of the Grace Hopper Celebration - joins us to break down the myths that hold technology leadership back. She unpacks the dangerous illusion of meritocracy, the myth of the lone genius, and why many CTOs and CIOs unknowingly lead cultures that silence key voices. Drawing from her book Rebooting Tech Culture, Telle offers actionable insights for building inclusive, creative, and high-impact organizations, starting at the executive and board level....
2026-01-1643 min
The CTO CompassThe 80/20 that Actually Moves the Needle ft. Loic PotjesIn this episode, executive coach and former scale-up CEO Loic Potjes joins us to help CTOs, CIOs, and tech leaders break out of the "busy but stuck" cycle. We explore how to bring strategic clarity to your leadership, define a powerful USP, and position your company for exponential (not just incremental) growth.🎯 Learn how to:Escape the trap of surface-level innovationUse AI as a strategic co-pilot, not a tactical bolt-onTransform from technical expert to strategic leaderLead with clarity, purpose, and structure, especially in fast-scaling environmentsChapters00:00 Worldwide CEO Experience Perspective06:23 Tra...
2026-01-0951 min
The CTO CompassRaiseAI: Cutting the Time for a Capital Round in HALF ft. William HollisHollis discusses the intricacies of raising capital, emphasizing the importance of multiple interactions with potential investors. He highlights the average of 32 touchpoints required to secure a significant investment and explores how AI can streamline this process without compromising the quality of engagement.Chapters00:00 Beginnings with Technology and Career06:20 When to use Tech and People08:08 Implementing Tech into Real Estate (Raise AI)12:45 Streamlining "32 Touch points" with AI19:31 Building a Team and AI Adoption24:06 AI Future-proofing and Relationships28:36 Why Real Estate AI and Building Culture
2025-12-1934 min
The CTO CompassReinventing Talent: on Clarity, Culture, and AI w/ Scott MorrisScott Morris, a veteran HR leader turned startup founder, discusses his transition from a successful corporate career to launching Propulsion AI, an innovative company focused on AI-powered HR solutions. He highlights the significant challenges in traditional HR practices, particularly the lack of clarity in role expectations and the misalignment of employee engagement. Scott introduces Athena, an AI teammate designed to enhance role design and improve hiring processes, ultimately aiming to create a more effective and engaged workforce. The discussion also touches on the future of hiring, performance management, and the importance of understanding the value of operational roles within...
2025-12-1245 min
The CTO CompassDon’t Wait for All the Data: on Courage, Culture, and AI ft. Margaret HeffernanMark and Margaret explore how leaders can operate effectively in unpredictable environments, emphasizing curiosity, reflection, and making decisions without perfect information. They discuss the limits of efficiency, the risks of relying too heavily on metrics, and how AI may weaken independent thinking. Margaret shares real examples of leaders who improved their organizations by listening more, empowering their teams, and building trust. They also examine extreme work cultures, the importance of maintaining personal autonomy, and how strong social connections in remote teams support better collaboration and problem-solving.Chapters00:00 - The World of Uncertainty03:57...
2025-12-0549 min
The CTO CompassRevolutionizing Logistics with AI ft. David SoileauDavid Soileau discusses the potential of AI and automation in optimizing customer service and order processing. He emphasizes the importance of accurate order entry to reduce the need for customer service interactions and highlights the benefits of automating documentation processes. The discussion also touches on the shift towards self-service options, reducing manual data entry, and streamlining operations to enhance efficiency.Chapters00:00 – Gopher’s Origin & Pivot04:18 – Why Logistics Needs Tech07:40 – Going Digital in Old Industries10:16 – AI Features: Pic-to-Ship & GoPilot12:12 – Tech Challenges & Early Mistakes16:21 – Team, CTO, and Automation...
2025-11-2833 min
The CTO CompassThe Future of Work: AI and Human Roles ft. Mike TodasdoHow do you lead when AI is changing everything about how we work? Mike Todasco, former Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and Visiting Fellow at the SDSU AI Lab, talks about what it really takes to build an AI-first organization. Mike shares hard-won lessons from running innovation inside Paypal, why most teams get stuck in “pilot hell,” and how leaders can build a culture that embraces experimentation instead of fearing it.Mark and Mike also explore the human side of tech leadership: creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and how to stay grounded as AI accelerates. From PayP...
2025-11-2145 min
The CTO CompassDebunking Innovation Myths ft. Coby SkonordCoby Skonord founded IdeaWake, an innovation crowdsourcing platform. He addresses common misconceptions about innovation in organizations, the role of technology leaders, and the importance of integrating innovation into company culture. Koby also shares insights on overcoming budget constraints, navigating security challenges, and the impact of AI on innovation processes. He emphasizes the need for a sustainable innovation culture that is measured and integrated into the organization's goals.Timestamps00:00 – Leaving EY to Build Ideawake02:35 - Why Innovation Fails Inside Big Organizations03:47 - Building a Culture That Enables Innovation05:26 - Turning Id...
2025-11-1437 min
The CTO CompassBuilding a Health Tech Revolution ft. Bart SpangenbergBart Spangenberg, co-founder and CTO of New-U, shares his personal health journey and how it led him to create a health tech company focused on employee well-being. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a health background to tech, the importance of data privacy in health apps, and how behavioral science informs the design of their application. Bart also highlights the significance of building a strong remote team, hiring for culture, and the future goals of New You, including market expansion and integrating their services into organizations.Timestamps00:00 From Personal Struggles to a Mission in...
2025-11-0743 min
The CTO CompassRevolutionizing Audio Production with AI with Peadar CoylePeter Coyle, CTO and co-founder of AudioStack, shares insights on building an AI-driven audio production company before the AI hype. He discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, the impact of AI on workflows, and the significance of team dynamics in a distributed environment. Coyle also emphasizes the value of open source contributions and offers advice for startup founders navigating the competitive landscape of AI technology.Timestamps00:00 Building AI Before the Hype03:41 Surviving the GPT wave05:57 Defensibility without mega-rounds07:30 What AudioStack actually does08:11 One-to-many: turning unscalable into...
2025-10-3139 min
The CTO CompassNavigating Government Contracts as an Expat with Tony KyriakidisIn this conversation, Tony Kyriakidis, founder of Nevron, shares his journey from Cyprus to the Netherlands, detailing his experiences in software development and the establishment of Mission Control, a platform for incident management. He discusses the importance of learning the local language for business success, navigating government contracts, and transitioning from an agency model to a product-focused company. The conversation also explores the role of AI in incident management, proactive project management strategies, and the freedom and challenges of entrepreneurship.Timestamps00:00 Introduction 02:19 Learning Dutch & Fitting in10:16 Landing the First Government Client
2025-10-2451 min
The CTO CompassNavigating the Future of Remote Work with Nola SimonNola Simon is a strategic futurist, and we discuss the evolving landscape of remote work, the importance of trust and connection in the workplace, and the integration of AI with her. Nola shares her insights on building engaged remote teams, the significance of asynchronous work, and the necessity of measuring trust within organizations. She emphasizes the need for strategic foresight in navigating rapid changes in technology and society, and discusses the role of narrative intelligence in leadership. The conversation concludes with practical advice for CTOs on fostering a culture of trust and engagement in distributed teams.Chapters
2025-10-1749 min
The CTO CompassVisionary and Integrator Dynamics with Kelsey DaingerfieldIn this episode of the CTO Compass podcast, Mark interviews Kelsey Daingerfield, founder of Pocket COO, who specializes in bridging the gap between technical teams and executive leadership. Kelsey shares her journey from higher education to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of the visionary vs. integrator dynamic, the role of a fractional COO, and how to identify operational red flags. She emphasizes the significance of effective delegation, change management, and communication within teams, as well as the need to change the perception of IT departments. Kelsey also highlights the potential of AI in optimizing operations and shares a success story...
2025-10-1048 min
The Inspired ChoiceLiving Boldly: Mark Wormgoor on Vision, Technology, and Perseverance in BusinessCaroline Biesalski welcomes Mark Wormgoor to the podcast, where they explore the significance of embracing bold visions and perseverance in business. Mark discusses the role of leveraging cutting-edge technology to seize business opportunities and how his vision influences his actions. The conversation touches on Mark's online presence and the coaching influences that have shaped him. They delve into goal setting and Mark's upcoming projects, offering practical steps for implementing technology in business. The episode concludes with insights on living boldly with vision, followed by Caroline's closing remarks and a special offer for listeners.
(0:00) Introduction to Mark Wormgoor and podcast welcome
(2:12...
2025-10-0817 min
The CTO CompassThe Future of Software Development with Ahmed Bashir (DevRev)In this episode Ahmed Bashir, head of engineering at DevRev shares his journey from Apple to DevRev, discussing the excitement of reimagining work through AI and the importance of writing in the age of technology. He explains how DevRev integrates AI from day one, the significance of knowledge graphs and vector databases, and shares customer success stories. Ahmed also delves into managing a global engineering team, his leadership philosophy, and the impact of AI tools on software development. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of AI and its influence on the younger generation.Chapters
2025-10-0350 min
The CTO CompassFrom Spreadsheets to AI Agents with Zulfiya ForsytheIn this episode, Zulfiya Forsythe, CEO and founder of the Omadli Group, shares her journey from accounting to the tech industry. She talks about the importance of automation and AI in optimizing business processes. She discusses her experiences in building her company during the COVID pandemic, the innovations in AI agents for businesses, and the misconceptions surrounding AI in the corporate world. Zulfiya also highlights the skills needed for tech leaders in the evolving landscape of AI and shares valuable lessons learned in her entrepreneurial journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction08:36 The Role of AI in...
2025-09-2648 min
The CTO CompassFrom Tinkerer to CTO with Mattia PeirettiIn this episode, Mattia Peiretti shares his journey from a young tinkerer to the CTO of PocketCFO, a startup focused on making finance effortless for entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of curiosity, the role of AI in finance, and the dynamics of building a successful team. Matt emphasizes the need for daring and innovation in the tech landscape, offering valuable insights for aspiring CTOs and entrepreneurs.Chapters00:46 Intro & Early Tech Obsession05:04 From School Projects to Running an Agency12:10 Scaling Up at Pararius16:17 Inside the Antler Experience22:58 Finding...
2025-09-1952 min
The CTO CompassThe Journey of a Global Leader w/ Niranjan SridharIn this conversation, Niranjan Sridhar shares his extensive journey in technology and transformation leadership, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, change, and impact. He discusses pivotal moments in his career, the significance of co-creating experiences for the future, and the challenges of leading large-scale transformations. Niranjan also highlights the critical role of change management, the need for trust within teams, and the evolving landscape of AI in business. He offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders, stressing the importance of authenticity and the journey over the destination.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Niranjan 04:50 Pivotal Moments and Decisions...
2025-09-1252 min
The CTO CompassRevolutionizing Customer Service with AI w/ Mattieu DetailleIn this episode of CTO Compass, Mark Wormgoor interviews Mattieu, the CEO and co-founder of Elora, a company specializing in AI voice bots. They discuss the inception of Elora, the challenges faced in developing AI technology, the importance of multilingual capabilities, and the pivot from outbound to inbound calls. Mattieu shares insights on funding strategies, customer use cases, team dynamics, and the competitive landscape of hiring in the AI sector. The conversation concludes with Mattieu's vision for the future of AI in customer interactions and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Chapters00:56 Welcome & Mattieu’s Journey...
2025-09-0546 min
The Brand Called YouIntegrating AI into Boardroom Strategy: Insights with Mark Wormgoor, Founder & CEO, TairiWelcome to another inspiring episode of TBCY (The Brand Called You)! In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg chats with Mark Wormgoor, Founder & CEO, Tairi, to uncover how technology and AI are reshaping business strategies for leaders across industries.Mark shares his journey from beginning in technology in the 1990s to advising and coaching top tech executives globally. Discover the essential mindset shifts, cultural changes, and collaborative approaches required to embed technology and AI at the heart of strategic decision-making. Mark also dives deep into practical leadership advice for integrating tech, highlights common barriers, addresses ethical considerations, and...
2025-08-2524 min
Roze ReuzenThomas WormgoorIn deze aflevering spreekt historicus Mark Bergsma met trans emancipatiepionier Thomas Wormgoor. Thomas werd in 1956 Amersfoort geboren als meisje, maar voelde zich altijd een jongen. Tussen mannen voelde hij zich het fijnst. Met een strategie van onzichtbaarheid en aanpassen leefde hij lange tijd zijn leven. Aanvankelijk zocht hij aansluiting bij de vrouwen- en homobeweging, maar vond daar geen verlossing. Pas eind jaren tachtig viel het kwartje echt, toen hij een interview met een trans man hoorde op de radio. Kort daarna startte hij zijn transitie. Na zijn eigen transitie zette Thomas zich onophoudelijk in voor andere trans personen. Vanaf 2005...
2025-08-011h 07
The Knowledge StackMark Wormgoor - AI in the Board RoomSummaryIn this conversation, Jason Tilley and Mark Wormgoor discuss the transformative potential of AI in business, the challenges of navigating boardroom expectations, and the importance of compliance in regulated industries. Mark emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to AI deployment, focusing on solving business problems rather than succumbing to the allure of technology for its own sake. They explore the ethical implications of AI data usage, the evolving landscape of AI regulations, and the role of major cloud providers in facilitating AI solutions. The discussion also touches on payment innovations in Europe and the future...
2025-07-0456 min
Unpacked with Ron HarveyTech Leadership in an AI-Driven WorldTechnology expert Mark Wormgoor shares his journey from tech specialist to leadership coach, revealing how effective tech leadership requires balancing technical expertise with genuine people management skills. He explores how the widening gap between agile startups and slow-moving corporations creates both challenges and opportunities in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.• Understanding the critical transition from technical expert to people leader• Defining exceptional leadership in tech as a combination of team leadership, technical breadth, and business acumen• Embracing AI through small, quick pilots rather than long-term implementation programs• Recognizing how technology's accelerating pace requires shorter planning...
2025-05-0532 min
The First CustomerThe First Customer – Mistakes, Mentors, and a Maverick Mindset with CEO Mark WormgoorIn this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Mark Wormgoor, CEO and tech coach at The Maverick CTO.Mark shares that despite a successful 25-year corporate career in IT, he felt unfulfilled after reaching his long-term goal early and ultimately chose to go independent. He candidly reflects on the decision-making process behind leaving corporate life, his early startup missteps, and how a failed venture with a co-founder taught him valuable lessons about product-market fit. His initial foray into entrepreneurship eventually led to launching a software development agency and later, a coaching practice focused on tech leadership.
2025-04-2324 min
Famous Interviews with Joe DiminoMark Wormgoor | Bridging AI, Tech Strategy & LeadershipWelcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series! In this episode, we sit down with Tech Strategist & Executive Coach Mark Wormgoor, a leader with over 30 years of experience in IT consulting, global tech leadership, and coaching high-profile IT executives.Today, as the founder of Tairi, Mark delivers cutting-edge tech strategy, software development, and executive coaching, helping businesses navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI and digital transformation. His mission? To bridge the gap between advanced technology and business strategy, empowering leaders, teams, and customers to drive growth, innovation, and impact.As AI and emer...
2025-03-1224 min
Vision Pros Live PodcastWhat's your vision? Mark Wormgoor. Podcast Session 2.What's your vision? Mark Wormgoor. Podcast Session 2.
2025-01-0722 min
Vision Pros Live PodcastWhat's your vision? Featuring Mark Wormgoor. Podcast Session 1.What's your vision? Featuring Mark Wormgoor. Podcast Session 1.
2025-01-0217 min
OPEN Tech Talks: AI worth Talking| Artificial Intelligence |Tools & TipsHow organizations can start the journey of AI with Mark WormgoorThis episode dives into how organizations can effectively harness AI to transform operations. We explore practical steps for starting an AI journey, discuss emerging use cases, and offer guidance on talent readiness. Whether you're an executive leading AI initiatives or a professional looking to understand the evolving AI landscape, this episode provides valuable insights. AI implementation in organizations often begins with identifying specific pain points where AI can make a measurable impact. Starting small with focused projects allows companies to integrate AI tools into existing processes, ensuring smoother transitions and quicker results. This approach minimizes disruption while...
2024-10-2132 min
KAJ Business & Money LIVEHow To Revolutionize Your Tech Leadership with Mark WormgoorDiscover how to transform your organization's approach to technology with Mark Wormgoor, founder of the Maverick CTO Program. Learn the secrets of bold and visionary tech leadership, strategies for accelerating innovation, and how to turn your IT department into a powerful growth driver. Whether you're a CTO, tech leader, or business owner, this episode offers invaluable insights on leveraging technology to revolutionize your business in the AI era. .......... 🚀 LEVEL UP WITH HOST KAJ FREE 15-min consultation: Book now on my Discovery Call Calendar here: https://www.thekajmasterclass.live/services Want to be a guest on The KAJ Masterclass LIVE? Send Khuda...
2024-10-0226 min
The KAJ Masterclass LIVEHow To Revolutionize Your Tech Leadership with Mark Wormgoor
Discover how to transform your organization's approach to technology with Mark Wormgoor, founder of the Maverick CTO Program. Learn the secrets of bold and visionary tech leadership, strategies for accelerating innovation, and how to turn your IT department into a powerful growth driver. Whether you're a CTO, tech leader, or business owner, this episode offers invaluable insights on leveraging technology to revolutionize your business in the AI era.
..........
🚀 LEVEL UP WITH HOST KAJ
FREE 15-min consultation: Book now on my Discovery Call Calendar here: https://www.thekajmasterclass.live/services
Want to be...
2024-10-0226 min
Artificial Intelligence Podcast: ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney and all other AI ToolsAI Versus CTOs with Mark WormgoorWelcome to the Artificial Intelligence Podcast with Jonathan Green! In this episode, we explore the evolving role of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) in the age of AI with our special guest, Mark Wormgoor, a seasoned CTO and expert in technology leadership.Mark discusses the rapid advancements in technology and how CTOs are at the forefront of integrating these innovations into business strategies. He emphasizes the importance of CTOs balancing their deep technical understanding with the ability to communicate and implement technology solutions that align with business objectives.Notable Quotes:“Technology is...
2024-09-1648 min
The Dual AxisCultivating Talent and Tech: Tairi's Mission with Mark WormgoorWelcome to another episode of The Dual Axis Podcast, where we explore the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. In this episode, I am thrilled to host Mark Wormgoor, the visionary CEO behind Tairi—a game-changing company committed to supercharging tech for startups while focusing on meaningful work and corporate social responsibility (CSR). With a mission to enable startups to concentrate on their core activities, Tairi takes care of the tech so that you can focus on growth. Dive into a compelling conversation about:- Mark's extensive ex...
2023-10-1928 min
Start en pod#61 En kveld på spillerhotelletVi tok turen til spillerhotellet og fikk spurt flere aktører om hvorfor det er så vanskelig å lede en fotballkamp.
Var Raufoss-kampen et engangstilfelle?
Er Vito Wormgoor i ferd med å bli en sørlending?
Paneldeltakere: Tom Iversen, Lars Benestad & Henrik Robstad
Gjester: Vito Wormgoor, Mark Jensen & Vajebah Sakor
Lyd i jingle fra Sanden Media & Eurosport
2023-05-031h 41
Future food podcast | Focusplaza#6: "Recap" 10 gastsprekers & Masters of Future Foods in <35 min | FocusplazaDé recap van seizoen 1: 5 podcasts met experts uit de vegan branche of categorie gebundeld met inzichten van de Masters of Future Food. En dat allemaal in minder dan 35 minuten. Veel luisterplezier!In juni zijn we gestart met de vraag waar zit vegan food op de weg van niche naar een volwassen markt? Vanuit daar hebben we gesproken over hoe de stappen worden gemaakt van vegan Junkfood naar echte maaltijden met o.a. Martijn Huis in ’t Veld (veganketen Jack Bean) en hoe je daar de massa mee kan bereiken in je winkels met Joep van Straalen van Gre...
2020-10-0134 min