The Gift of Connection: How Value-Based Frameworks Shape Technical Success - Cut The Onion Episode 4

Today, we're peeling back the layers with Philip Gill, CTO at SmartBox Group - the number one experience #gift provider in Europe, selling millions of gifts every year!!

From #QualityAssurance to #CTO, it's a road less traveled, but it comes with incredible stories and perspectives.

These stories include Phil’s experience working in various countries before joining Smartbox a decade ago. How he has surrounded himself with smart, driven, and passionate people, who always keep user experience at the heart of their work. 

As a CTO, Phil advocates for #sustainable working environments and avoiding single points of failure.

In this episode, we hear all of this and more…

• 🔑How to build trust and agility in tech teams
• 🤝 The importance of calling BS (B*llsh*t) on some #AIhype and finding real value
• 🛠️His thoughts on #BuildVSBuy
• 📈 The Keys to Delivering Strategic Projects: Lessons from Smartbox's #eCommerce Rebuild
• ⏱️ How to Improve #CycleTimes and Team Happiness
• 🚫 The importance of Zero Distraction
• 💬 How to Empower Decision-Making and Shorten Decision Chains

• 00:00:40 - Introduction and Typical CTO Day
• 00:03:37 - Balancing Planned and Operational Work
• 06:54 - Importance of Collaboration and Quality
• 10:45 - Evolution of CTO Roles and Leadership
• 00:14:04 - Challenges and Hype in AI Industry
• 17:04 - Custom Solutions and Expertise
• 00:20:07 - Business Continuity Challenges
• 23:36 - Evolution of Scalable Systems
• 00:27:22 - Delivering Major eCommerce Projects
• 00:33:41 - Advice for Digital Transformation Success

Cut The Onion, hosted by @AzizaOBeirne, is a mini-series where we peel back the layers of tech roles, exploring the stories of those working in tech across various industries. Honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward!

Brought to you by @SmartOSC