Staying Grounded As a Leader with Jack Tam, SVP and CTO at Intuit Mailchimp
Jan 20, 2025
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Jack Tam, SVP and CTO at Intuit Mailchimp, dives into the fast-evolving world of AI and its transformative effects on software engineering. He shares insights on how tech leaders must stay grounded while navigating these changes. The importance of continuous learning and mentorship is highlighted, alongside the balance between remote and in-person work. Jack discusses leadership challenges at Mailchimp and emphasizes the need for authenticity and integrity in guiding teams through complex technological landscapes.
Jack Tam emphasizes the significance of continuous growth in a supportive workplace to adapt to the fast-evolving tech landscape.
The podcast highlights the importance of authentic leadership, focusing on core values, integrity, and fostering open communication to build high-performing teams.
Deep dives
Longevity in a Dynamic Career
Staying in one company for over two decades has allowed for continuous growth and learning within a supportive environment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of working at a company that prioritizes innovation and ambition rather than stagnation, particularly in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Over the years, significant transitions have occurred, such as the rise of SaaS and the current wave of AI, shaping the industry in profound ways. This experience illustrates how a commitment to personal and professional development can lead to sustained career fulfillment and relevance.
The Evolution of AI and Its Impact
AI technology has evolved considerably, with generative AI offering new possibilities that differ from earlier technological transitions. The speaker discusses investments made in AI over five years, indicating that this foundation has allowed Intuit Mailchimp to adapt quickly to changing technologies. He emphasizes the need for leaders and engineers across the organization to be educated on AI capabilities, particularly in prompt engineering and application development. This democratization of AI knowledge aims to remove barriers, enabling wider participation in transformative projects throughout the organization.
Authentic Leadership and Its Importance
Authentic leadership is characterized by an understanding of one’s core values and how they are demonstrated in professional interactions. Integrity, transparency, and commitment to excellence in one's field are highlighted as essential personal attributes for effective leadership. The speaker reflects on the significance of maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure while driving the organization toward its goals. By fostering an environment of open communication and accountability, leaders can cultivate high-performing teams that navigate challenges collaboratively.
Today, we're talking to Jack Tam, SVP and CTO at Intuit Mailchimp. We discuss insights on the evolving landscape of AI, the future of software engineering, and why staying grounded is paramount as a tech leader.
All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast!