Modern CTO The MCTO Awards: Who is THE Modern CTO of 2025?
Dec 31, 2025
In a unique year-end awards discussion, hosts crown the Modern CTO of 2025. They delve into standout moments from the year, from bold AI strategies to unconventional leadership advice. Insights on ethical implications of grief-AI spark debate, while creative hiring tips and storytelling take center stage. A humorous clip about removing sugar lightens the mood, culminating in the announcement of Rob Duffy as the award winner for his impactful AI adoption. Plans for future content keep the excitement brewing!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Favor Speed Over Perfection For AI
- Do favor bold AI implementation over timid pilots to gain momentum and learn fast.
- Art Huang frames it as "get speeding tickets, not parking tickets" for AI adoption.
Hire For Self-Awareness
- Ask candidates for an example of negative feedback and what they did about it to reveal self-awareness.
- Rebecca Carr calls this her best litmus test for hiring fit.
Use Strategic Unpredictability
- Avoid being predictable as a leader; inject occasional unpredictability to shape behavior.
- Adrian McDermott says be less like a vending machine and more like a slot machine at times.