Shows
Tech CaptainsEP40: Scaling Success - Leadership Insights from Meri Williams, CTO at PleoIf you’re fascinated by what it takes to lead tech teams through both startup chaos and massive scaling challenges, then the latest episode of Tech Captains is a must-listen! We sit down with Meri Williams, CTO at Pleo, who shares her journey from Procter & Gamble to transforming tech organizations like Monzo and now Pleo. With insights on everything from managing rapid team growth to the intricacies of API-first development, Meri offers a candid look at what it really takes to thrive in tech leadership.Tune in for practical advice, deep industry knowledge, and...2024-09-1037 minTech CaptainsEP39: Navigating Fintech Innovation - PayEm’s Growth Story with Gilad BonjackJoin us on this episode of TechCaptains as we delve deep into the future of fintech with Gilad Bonjack, VP of Product at PayEm, a groundbreaking spend management platform for SMBs. This episode is a masterclass in modern product development, innovation, and the art of balancing customer needs with a scalable product vision. Gilad shares insights on everything from roadmap planning to overcoming the challenges of tech debt, all while ensuring PayEm's platform stays ahead of the curve. If you're passionate about fintech, product management, or just love hearing from industry innovators, this is a co...2024-08-2728 minTech CaptainsEP38: Scaling Real-Time Communication - Inside PubNub with CTO Stephen BlumIf you’re into cutting-edge tech and the challenges of real-time communication at scale, this episode of Tech Captains is for you. We dive deep with Stephen Blum, the CTO and founder of PubNub. With over 14 years of experience, Stephen shares the nitty-gritty of building a global real-time data stream network that powers everything from multiplayer gaming to live event stats and telemedicine. Learn how PubNub handles billions of devices, ensures low latency, and maintains security—all while pushing the boundaries of tech with the latest protocols and AI advancements. Don’t miss this insi...2024-08-1332 minTech CaptainsEP37: How AI is Shaping Business Automation: A Deep Dive with Niranjan of NintexDive into the latest episode of Tech Captains with Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas, featuring Niranjan Vijayaragavan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Nintex. Discover how Niranjan’s extensive experience—from Microsoft to BCG—shapes Nintex’s pioneering AI-driven automation solutions. Learn about the cutting-edge ways Nintex leverages AI to streamline enterprise processes and drive digital transformation. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of automation and the role of AI in revolutionizing productivity. Don’t miss it!➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and G...2024-07-3029 minTech CaptainsEP36: Revolutionizing Construction - Insights from Jeroen CoendersWe welcome Jeroen Coenders, founder of Voortann and Packhunt, two groundbreaking platforms transforming the building industry with cutting-edge automation, sustainability, and speed.Jeroen shares his journey from programming on a Commodore 64 to leading impactful projects in academia and industry. Learn how his platforms empower engineers and architects with computational design and 3D printing, reshaping construction as we know it.Join us for an engaging conversation with a digital engineering pioneer and discover how technology is revolutionizing construction. Don’t miss out – tune in now!➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2024-07-1631 minTech CaptainsEP35: Breaking Barriers - Boosting CTO Performance with Adelina ChalmersWe sit down with Adelina Chalmers, known as the "Geek Whisperer," to delve into her expertise in transforming first-time CTOs into strategic leaders. With a proven track record of enhancing engineering performance and aligning tech leaders with C-suite expectations, Adelina shares her unique approach to coaching. She recounts success stories, highlighting the significant impact of her tailored action plans on various companies. Adelina also explores common challenges faced by CTOs, including imposter syndrome and communication barriers, and emphasizes the importance of understanding business strategy. Tune in to discover how Adelina's insights can help tec...2024-07-0231 minTech CaptainsEP34: Harnessing Data Power - Jonathan Kopnick on Tech Strategies and InnovationsIn this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Jonathan Kopnick, Chief Technology Officer at Revenue Roll.Jonathan shares insights on how Revenue Roll identifies anonymous traffic for e-commerce stores, the technology stack they use, and the benefits of using Neo4j for building an identity graph. He also talks about the challenges of managing large-scale data architectures, the importance of cost management, and the unique strategies Revenue Roll employs to provide value to its clients.He also highlights the shift from monolithic architectures to microservices, drawing from his experience and the influence of the book "...2024-06-1825 minTech CaptainsEP33: Transforming Tech - Adam Horner on the Future of CTO RolesJoin hosts Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas as they chat with Adam Horner, fractional CTO and coach. Adam shares his journey , discussing his passion for helping startups accelerate software development.Adam explains the shift towards fractional CTO roles due to the need for profitability and the rise of non-technical founders using advanced tools. He explores the transformative impact of AI on the industry, predicting significant changes in team dynamics and productivity.Discover the importance of mindset, skill broadening, and the role of coaching in tech leadership. Gain insights into the future of technology and the...2024-06-0434 minTech CaptainsEP32: AI-Driven Talent Management: A Conversation with Tech Wolf's Co-Founder Jeroen Van HautteIn this episode of Tech Captains, Gareth and Ron interview Jeroen Van Hautte, co-founder and CP0/CTO of Tech Wolf. Jeroen discusses his journey from being a Cambridge-educated student to leading Tech Wolf, which specializes in skills-based talent technologies. He explains how Tech Wolf evolved from helping students find jobs to providing enterprises with AI-driven insights into workforce skills, using an API-first approach that integrates data sources like JIRA and Confluence.Jeroen highlights the company's focus on robust AI technology and the importance of backend infrastructure and strategic partnerships. He addresses the challenges of selling technical products...2024-05-2126 minTech CaptainsEP31: How Product and Tech Collaboration Drives Innovation at ScrumBuddyJoin us in this enlightening episode of Tech Captains as we delve into the world of agile methodologies and AI-driven solutions with Nishadi Ranasinghe, Chief Product Officer, and James Sperring, CTO of ScrumBuddy. Discover how they leverage AI to tackle common project delivery issues and how they maintain a dynamic collaboration between product goals and technological capabilities. Nishadi discusses her transition from operational roles to strategic product leadership, emphasizing relationship building and customer engagement. Meanwhile, James explores the implications of learning and professionalism in software development, arguing for a balance between formal education and practical ex...2024-05-0741 minTech CaptainsEP30: Inside Jscrambler's Approach to Advanced Client-Side Security with CEO Rui RibeiroIn this episode of the TechCaptains podcast, we dive into the world of client-side web security with Rui Ribeiro, co-founder and CEO of Jscrambler. Learn about Jscrambler's unique approach to protecting data on the client-side, safeguarding against third-party misuse, and ensuring compliance with evolving security standards. Rui shares insights on the challenges of building a tech company focused on web security, the importance of performance in client-side protection, and the innovative solutions Jscrambler offers to businesses across the globe.Tune in to discover the latest trends in web security and how Jscrambler is le...2024-04-2333 minTech CaptainsEP29: Chris Miller discusses AI, NetSuite, and the future of AccountingIn this TechCaptains podcast episode, Chris Miller, Senior Vice President at NetGain Solutions, discusses his career trajectory from construction and real estate to tech finance at NetSuite and then founding NetGain. Chris shares insights on transitioning industries, the importance of technical innovation in finance, and the evolution of financial tools, highlighting Excel's enduring role.He stresses continuous learning and proximity to revenue in career growth. The conversation also covers the impact of AI in finance, including its potential to automate and enhance financial analysis and decision-making.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2024-04-0935 minTech CaptainsEP28: Unveiling the Future of Digital Banking with Ben GoldinDive into the future of digital banking with Ben Goldin, CEO of Plumery, on the Tech Captain's Podcast.Discover how Plumery is redefining the banking experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their innovative platform that blends legacy systems with cutting-edge technology. This episode offers a unique insight into the evolving fintech landscape and the strategic vision of a leader transforming traditional banking.Engage with this enlightening conversation to see how Plumery is setting the pace for the next generation of digital banking.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2024-03-2628 minTech CaptainsEP27: Mickey Alon on Building Success in the World of AI and MarketingDive into the dynamic world of technology and entrepreneurship with the latest episode of TechCaptains, featuring the insightful Mickey Alon, a serial entrepreneur and current CPTO of VidMob.Discover the cutting-edge intersection of AI and creative marketing as Mickey shares the innovative workings of VidMob, a platform revolutionizing how brands engage with their audience. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone intrigued by the ever-evolving tech landscape, providing a rare glimpse into the marriage of creativity and data analytics to forge compelling content that resonates with consumers.Unravel the journey of a...2024-03-1234 minTech CaptainsEP26: From VP to CTO - A Story of Growth with Tim Richardson from PlayrollTim Richardson, the CTO of Playroll, brings a wealth of experience from his background and passion for software development. At Unibuddy, he was motivated by the company's mission and the chance to impact young people's choices. Transitioning to a CTO role involved learning and mentorship, highlighting the fluid nature of tech leadership roles. In his current position at Playroll, Tim is focused on structuring the engineering team for scalability and efficiency, adopting a squad-based model.He advocates for "Turn the Ship Around" by David Marquet, a book that aligns with his leadership style of empowering t...2024-02-2729 minTech CaptainsEP25: Navigating the Cyber Threat Landscape - Insights from Corvus Insurance's Ryan BellIn an engaging session of Tech Captains, we explore the dynamic field of cybersecurity with Ryan Bell, Threats Intelligence Manager at Corvus Insurance. Ryan, with his extensive background in cyber threat mitigation and a rich academic history, dives into the critical role of threat intelligence in the digital era. He emphasizes the significance of cyber insurance and the proactive measures necessary to protect businesses from cyber threats.Ryan's discussion reveals the complexity of cybersecurity, the evolving nature of ransomware attacks, and the strategies to stay ahead of cybercriminals. His unique path to tech underscores the value of...2024-02-1328 minTech CaptainsEP24: Navigating the Digital Health Revolution - A Conversation with RJ KedzioraRJ Kedziora shares insights from his multifaceted career. As a co-founder of Estenda Solutions and CTO of Saturn Care, Kedziora has significantly contributed to digital health innovation.He reflects on the evolution of data in healthcare over two decades, highlighting the transition from data scarcity to the current data-rich environment.Additionally, Kedziora's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond tech, with ventures like 'A Better Cake,' demonstrating his diverse interests and expertise.This discussion covers various facets of technology entrepreneurship, offering a comprehensive view of his career and the future of digital health.➜ Ho...2024-01-3031 minTech CaptainsEP23: From Code to CTO: David Spencer's Journey in Tech InnovationJoin us with David Spencer, CTO at Acceleration, as we delve into the intersection of advertising and cloud technology. Discover how Acceleration leverages AI and machine learning for competitive client differentiation, and explore their unique approach to data-driven marketing strategies.David's journey from software developer to CTO reveals insights on embracing open source and adapting to rapidly evolving tech landscapes. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on innovation and the future of technology in business.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2024-01-1632 minTech CaptainsBest Of Tech Captains 2023In this episode with the best of 2023 you will find:Colin Eberhard of Scott Logic talks about being shaped by early career choicesTobias Rijken of Kheiron Medical on how they are fighting cancer with AIJan Hollez of Deliverect on the importance of early architecture decisionsRichard Rosenberg of Spendesk on approaching an old problem from a new perspectiveSue Li of Swipeguide on an unusual career journey to being a CTOMatthew Whitworth of Tallerium on unusual language choicesMartin Brunthaler of...2023-12-3040 minTech CaptainsEP22: Innovating Global Payments - Insights from GoCardless' Neil TurnerIn this episode of Tech Captains, Neil Turner, CTO of GoCardless, shares his journey from working at Capital One and Amazon to revolutionizing global recurring payments.Neil delves into the complexities and innovations at GoCardless, discussing challenges in scaling, data management, and the importance of customer-centric product development.He highlights their strategies for tackling fraud, ensuring data integrity, and adapting to changing payment technologies. His insights on leadership and engineering culture offer a glimpse into the dynamic world of fintech and the continuous evolution of a technology-driven company.This episode promises a deep...2023-11-2834 minTech CaptainsEP21: Innovating Healthcare: BI X's Digital Revolution with Janet MaldonadoIn this episode of TechCaptains, Janet Maldonado, the head of engineering at BI X, Boehringer Ingelheim's digital lab, shares her fascinating journey in tech.From her roots in Mexico to her current role in Germany, Janet discusses the evolution of BIX, a lab created to delve into disruptive technologies and software engineering.She highlights their work on digital products for healthcare, leveraging AI and machine learning, like the Consanas Cloud in China for stroke rehabilitation.Janet also delves into her career trajectory, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the freedom to shift between...2023-11-1422 minTech CaptainsEP20: From Middle School Teacher to CTO, Sue Li's Unconventional Tech JourneyIn this Tech Captains episode, Sue Li, CTO at Swipe Guide, shares her unique journey from a middle school teacher in Hawaii to becoming a CTO in Amsterdam.She highlights the significance of interdisciplinary skills and a holistic approach to tech and product development. Sue discusses Swipe Guide's tech stack, offline capabilities, team organization, and data strategy.She also mentions their experiments with AR technology and the potential of augmented reality in their platform. Sue recommends the book "Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love" by Marty Cagan and emphasizes the role of the...2023-10-3128 minTech CaptainsEP19: From Electrical Engineering to Tech Leadership, Krishna Rapuru's Journey at DeliverooIn this episode of TechCaptains, we welcome Krishna Rapuru, an engineering manager at Deliveroo, known for its online food delivery services across Europe.Krishna shares her journey from India to the UK and her transition from electrical engineering to software development. She discusses the challenges of moving into management and the importance of starting with "why" in leadership and communication. Krishna also touches on Deliveroo's technology stack, its approach to reliability engineering, and the company's continuous deployment practices. The episode ends with a discussion about the potential use of AI tools for coding at...2023-10-1727 minTech CaptainsEP18: Modernizing Legacy Tech in the Public Sector, with Laura BurnettIn this episode, we explore the dynamic world of technology leadership. We welcome Laura Burnett, Head of Delivery at Made Tech, discussing her journey from a background in microbiology to a career in tech.Laura's role involves ensuring technical projects are delivered on time and meeting user needs. She shares insights into agile practices, the importance of open source in the public sector, and the challenges of replacing legacy tech.Plus, she delves into the gender gap in tech and offers advice for those considering a tech career.Tune in to gain valuable...2023-10-0325 minTech CaptainsEP17: How AI is Making a Difference in Breast Cancer Detection, with Tobias RijkenIn this episode of Tech Captains, we dive into the world of transformative healthcare technology with Tobias Rijken, co-founder of Kheiron Medical.He shares his journey from the early days of studying machine learning at UCL to addressing crucial issues in healthcare.Learn how Kheiron's AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionizing breast cancer detection, saving lives, and reducing the workload on radiologists.We also discuss the challenges of healthcare data management and the potential for disruption in the industry.Discover the positive impact of AI and gain insights from Tobias's book recommendation.2023-09-1933 minTech CaptainsEP16: Unlocking Incident Management with Chris Evans of incident.ioWe're excited to host Chris Evans, the co-founder and chief product officer of incident.io. This groundbreaking company has raised $30 million to enhance incident response in tech teams.In this insightful conversation, Chris discusses his journey from Monzo Bank to incident.io's creation, where he leveraged firsthand experience to develop a practical tool. His book recommendation offers valuable insights into system complexity and safety, which align with his company's philosophy.Additionally, he talks about incident.io's office-based policy, explaining how they prioritize office presence for certain roles while accommodating remote work.T...2023-09-0529 minTech CaptainsEP15: Unconventional Paths and Bold Leadership with Sophie Davies-PatrickToday, we have a special guest, Sophie Davies-Patrick, current CTO at MPB and an industry veteran with experience at American Express and Yahoo during its golden era.Sophie's journey from studying anthropology to tech leadership is both unconventional and insightful. She discusses the concept of "T-shaped" developers, promoting a breadth of skills while maintaining specialization.Diversity in tech is a key topic; Sophie emphasizes the importance of early education and representation. Tune in for a dynamic conversation about challenges, agility, and the evolving tech landscape.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas....2023-08-2229 minTech CaptainsE14: Building the Future of Ad Tech with Chandru NarayanaJoin us as we delve into the world of Chandru, a seasoned tech expert with an impressive career spanning across renowned companies like Vodafone, Cisco, and Toshiba.Discover how his passion for technology led him to create Alkimi Exchange, the world's first decentralized ad exchange.Learn how Alkimi Exchange aims to revolutionize the advertising industry, ensuring transparency and fairness for all involved.Chandru's insights on embracing Web3 and the generative economy will leave you inspired and eager to explore this fascinating realm of possibilities.Tune in now for an exhilarating journey!2023-08-0832 minTech CaptainsE13: From Journalism to Data Science with Chad SandersonJoin us in this new Tech Captains episode as we welcome Chad Sanderson, a seasoned product manager with an impressive background in companies like Oracle, Subway, and Microsoft.He manages a Slack community of nearly 7,000 data enthusiasts and has a strong LinkedIn following. Chad's journey started with a journalism degree, and he shares how he transitioned into data analytics and eventually data science, leading him to work with Microsoft's AI platform.Now, as a consultant and community leader, he emphasizes the importance of treating data as a first-class citizen and the need for well-planned data...2023-07-2531 minTech CaptainsE12: From Developer to VP, Yael Oshri-Ballah's Inspiring Tech JourneyIn this episode of TechCaptains, guest Yael Oshri-Ballah, VP of R&D at Karma, shares her career journey and the role of a VP of R&D. She discusses transitioning from the army to startups and highlights the AI-powered features of Karma, a personal shopping assistant.The conversation touches on clean coding practices and the tech ecosystem in Israel, with Yael's recommendation for reading. ➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-07-1129 minTech CaptainsE11: Mastering the Art of Tech Leadership - In Conversation with Aviv Ben-YosefJoin TechCaptains as we interview Aviv Ben-Yosef, a seasoned tech consultant and executive advisor. Discover Aviv's journey from coding to fractional CTO and executives advisor, and learn how he helps teams thrive.Gain valuable insights on the power of one-on-one meetings, feedback, and building a strong connection to your company's product.Don't miss Aviv's expert advice and his new book, "Capitalizing Your Technology to Disrupt and Dominate Your Markets." Tune in to this captivating podcast episode now!➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.Buy the book: https://capitalizing.tec...2023-06-2728 minTech CaptainsE10: Navigating the World of Data Science and AI with Thiago de FariaIn this episode of Tech Captains, we interview Thiago de Faria, an experienced architect manager and data science expert.Thiago shares his fascinating career journey, from studying theoretical math to delving into statistical learning and software engineering. He highlights the importance of data and the misconception that AI is a silver bullet solution.The discussion covers topics like the role of solutions architects, the use of AI in startups, and the potential risks associated with AI technology. Thiago's insights offer valuable perspectives for anyone interested in data science and AI.➜ Hosted by Ron Dan...2023-06-1330 minTech CaptainsE9: Unveiling the Secrets of Adverity's Technology Leader, Martin BrunthalerOur guest today is Martin Brunthaler, the accomplished CTO and co-founder of Adverity, a renowned data company.Martin will take us on a captivating journey as he shares the inspiring story behind Adverity's remarkable achievements.From humble beginnings to becoming a driving force in the industry, Martin's insights and experiences will leave you inspired and eager to learn more about the transformative power of data.Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Adverity and discover the secrets behind their enduring success.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-05-3026 minTech CaptainsE8: From Building an Operating System to Data in the Energy Markets, with Matthew WhitworthIn the latest episode of Tech Captains, Matthew, the CTO of Tallarium, joins the discussion. With a background in finance and a bachelor's degree in computing, Matthew shares his fascinating journey of creating an operating system as a personal project.He talks about the challenges he faced, the languages he used, and the satisfaction of each milestone achieved. He explains how they transform raw chat messages in the energy trading market into valuable data, and their innovative use of voice recognition technology.The conversation also touches on the tech stack used at Tallarium and Matthew's...2023-05-1623 minTech CaptainsE7: Tech Evolution with Spendesk CTO Richard RosenbergRichard Rosenberg is CTO at SpendDesk and previously at the Financial Times and Hotels.com. He talks about his 25 years of experience in the tech industry and his background in software engineering.While at Sky, his team was the first to create a subscription live TV product on an iPhone, which was showcased at WWDC. In this podcast, he discusses Spendesk's tech stack and how it evolved to support growth and efficiency. Richard recommends the book "The Chimp Paradox" by Professor Steve Peters, which he found to be helpful for understanding how the brain works and...2023-05-0231 minTech CaptainsE6: Handling hundreds of integrations to deliver food, with Jan HollezJan Hollez, CTO and co-founder at Deliverect, covers topics related to the use of cloud computing in business, such as the importance of credits and the potential risk of dependency on cloud-based partners.The conversation also explores the possibility of moving back to co-located servers and the benefits of using the cloud for quick scalability. The importance of being scrappy and finding a balance in investing in infrastructure is also discussed, as well as how Deliverect manages more than 400 integrations.As usual in Tech Captains, the guest, Jan, presents a book he recommends.➜ Hosted by...2023-04-1825 minTech CaptainsE5: Moving from Google Cloud to AWS with Amen ReghimiAmen Reghimi, CTO at Perx Technologies, discusses a project involving QA, improving code, scalability, and migrating an application from Google Cloud to AWS. He also recommends a book by Marty Kagan called "Empowered," which focuses on factors that contribute to the success of top tech product companies and emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone's greatness can emerge.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-04-0431 minTech CaptainsE4: The tech ecosystem in the German countryside, with Michael NagelIn this episode, Gareth and Ron speak with Michael Nagel, who is CTO at J&C Bachmann in the South-West of Germany. He explains how he studied while working, and how it got him where he is today.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-03-2124 minTech CaptainsE3: Mohamed Labouardy, the DevOps expert who wrote several booksMohamed Labouardy is an interesting character: he lived in several countries, worked in a number of industries, wrote several books around DevOps, contributes to Open Source, and recently founded TailWarden.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-03-0722 minTech CaptainsE2: Building a successful software agency with Colin EberhardtColin has had an unusually long tenure in his current role: 17 years! He helped build Scott Logic as the successful software agency it is today, with more than 400 team members. Colin is also a big Open Source advocate.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-02-2125 minTech CaptainsE1: Changing the full tech stack of an existing project with Robert ChandlerFor this first episode, Ron and Gareth are lucky to welcome Robert Chandler. He is a University of Cambridge graduate, who spent a few years working in AI, before co-founding HeyDaily in early 2022.➜ Hosted by Ron Danenberg and Gareth Thomas.2023-02-0733 min
The Story of SoftwareS02E14 From Single Player to MultiplayerRon Danenberg, CTO & Co-founder of Kolleno, joins our podcast to talk about growing a company from single to multiplayer & building software collaboratively.Ron Danenberg is the Co-founder and CTO at Kolleno, a company on a mission to help businesses streamline credit control and collections. Kolleno automates key credit control functions and uses intelligent omnichannel communications to recover outstanding payments. Growing A Business and A Team:We’ve all heard the odds, 9 out of 10 startups fail. With so much pressure on entrepreneurs to succeed, how can a one or two-person team excel and...2022-06-2326 min