

alphalist.CTO Podcast - For CTOs and Technical Leaders
Tobias Schlottke - alphalist CTO Podcast
This podcast features interviews of CTOs and other technical leadership figures and topics range from technology (AI, blockchain, cyber, DevOps, Web Architecture, etc.) to management (e.g. scaling, structuring teams, mentoring, technical recruiting, product etc.).
Guests from leading tech companies share their best practices and knowledge.
The goal is to support other CTOs on their journey through tech and engineering, inspire and allow a sneak-peek into other successful companies to understand how they think and act. Get awesome insights into the world‘s top tech companies, personalities with this podcast brought to you by Tobias Schlottke.
Guests from leading tech companies share their best practices and knowledge.
The goal is to support other CTOs on their journey through tech and engineering, inspire and allow a sneak-peek into other successful companies to understand how they think and act. Get awesome insights into the world‘s top tech companies, personalities with this podcast brought to you by Tobias Schlottke.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2023 • 54min
#67 - Renaud Visage // Co-Founder & ex-CTO @ Eventbrite
From Bootstrapping through Recession to Climate-Friendly Tech: CTO Insights for the Modern Era
Find out how to bootstrap and scale fast in this CTO podcast featuring Renaud Visage - Co-Founder & ex-CTO at Eventbrite🎟. He shares what he would do differently if he would bootstrap Eventbrite again, his approach to the evolving role of the founding CTO, and climate-friendly tech.
Listen to find out:
Bootstrapping: Why you should hire senior devs 👨💻 as soon as possible
Cloud☁️ vs. On-Prem⚙️
How recession📉 will change the start-up ecosystem
Climate + Tech: How to factor in climate♻️ to our tech
How to embrace your evolving role as CTO
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Cloudflight
Cloudflight
Are you looking to build a digital future for your company with software that matters — matters to your business, to your customers, and to society as whole?
Perhaps you are lost in how to implement industrial digital transformation with optimum ROI?
Speak to Cloudflight - where is all about the Digital Difference.
Cloudflight is an E2E full-service provider for industrial digital transformation.
From customized software development through cloud-native and Artificial Intelligence solutions (AI) to eCommerce, we support companies in evolving their digital processes, products, services, and business models. Our expertise includes artificial intelligence, cloud-native, embedded software development, human-machine interface design (HMI), cognitive systems, and eCommerce solutions. We support companies at every step from the idea through development to the operational phase. We build on our experience and expertise to be your agile, reliable, and innovative long-term partner.
Learn more about Cloudflight

Dec 22, 2022 • 52min
#66 - Dr. Thanasis Noulas // VP Engineering @ Trade Republic
Product Analytics and the Modern Data Stack
Get insight into product analytics from Dr. Thanasis Noulas, VP Engineering at TradeRepublic - whose 15+ year data career has spanned industries as diverse as trading, accommodation (Booking.com & AirBnB), Mobility (Uber) and Content (Netflix).
Listen to find out:
How to be data-informed when you can’t be data-driven (e.g. in a regulated industry ⚠️)
How to A/B test correctly (sample size, old users/new users, tools)
Build vs.Buy 🛒 and the data tech stack.
Why you should spend more time with your overperformers 🏆 than underperformers
What the recent tech layoffs teach us about transparency🔮
his quarterly calendar 🗓️ defragmentation hack
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Cloudflight
Cloudflight
Are you looking to build a digital future for your company with software that matters — matters to your business, to your customers, and to society as whole?
Perhaps you are lost in how to implement industrial digital transformation with optimum ROI?
Speak to Cloudflight - where is all about the Digital Difference.
Cloudflight is an E2E full-service provider for industrial digital transformation.
From customized software development through cloud-native and Artificial Intelligence solutions (AI) to eCommerce, we support companies in evolving their digital processes, products, services, and business models. Our expertise includes artificial intelligence, cloud-native, embedded software development, human-machine interface design (HMI), cognitive systems, and eCommerce solutions. We support companies at every step from the idea through development to the operational phase. We build on our experience and expertise to be your agile, reliable, and innovative long-term partner.
Learn more about Cloudflight

10 snips
Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 10min
#65 - Ryan Singer // Creator of the Shape Up Method
How to ship meaningful products on time with the Shape Up Method
Find out how to ship meaningful products 👍 on time ⌛ with proper product shaping in this CTO podcast with Ryan Singer, the creator of the Shape Up Method 💪. The Shape Up Method aims to better define and prioritise 🤔 projects before they are sent to be built and shipped.
Listen to find out:
How to timebox effectively 📅 (SPOILER: Its not 2 or 6 weeks)
Why tickets don’t work 🎫
What is the ideal team composition 🎨 for each phase of the project.
Why he doesn’t give specific instructions for the build phase 🏗️ (because everyone does their own thing anyway 🙃)
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Cloudflight
Cloudflight
Are you looking to build a digital future for your company with software that matters — matters to your business, to your customers, and to society as whole?
Perhaps you are lost in how to implement industrial digital transformation with optimum ROI?
Speak to Cloudflight - where is all about the Digital Difference.
Cloudflight is an E2E full-service provider for industrial digital transformation.
From customized software development through cloud-native and Artificial Intelligence solutions (AI) to eCommerce, we support companies in evolving their digital processes, products, services, and business models. Our expertise includes artificial intelligence, cloud-native, embedded software development, human-machine interface design (HMI), cognitive systems, and eCommerce solutions. We support companies at every step from the idea through development to the operational phase. We build on our experience and expertise to be your agile, reliable, and innovative long-term partner.
Learn more about Cloudflight

Nov 25, 2022 • 53min
#64 - Carlo Szelinsky // Co-CEO & Founder @ applike Group
Technology first: The science behind building successful global app and game business.
Find out how to build a profitable mobile app or game 📱in this CTO podcast featuring Carlo Szelinsky, Co-CEO & Founder @ applike group. The applike group brings in $100M+ ARR through their apps and games and now also offers tech solutions for app creators. Listen to this podcast for a step by-step-guide to mobile apps: from performance marketing attribution to in-app analytics technology and everything you need to know about monetizing your app.
Listen to find out:
How to do attribution 🧐 well in 2023 (and how to deal with click🖱️ fraud)
The pros and cons of ad network mediation platforms 🧑⚖️
The different ways to monetize a mobile game 🎮
What tech stack he recommends for each app type.
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Schwarz IT and Cloudflight
Schwarz IT
Looking for scalable and innovative cloud and colocation services that are fully compliant with European data security standards and offer hybrid cloud security solutions? Look no further than StackIT and XM Cyber - both offered by Schwarz IT (the company powering the digital transformation of Lidl and Kaufland).
Schwarz IT drives digitization every day: from the customer experience in stores and supply chain solutions to IoT applications in retail and production and now they are offering their numerous proprietary IT solutions to other tech companies.
Now your users can benefit from the same digital transformation that the 550,000 users of Lidl, Kaufland, Schwarz Produktion and PreZero are enjoying.
Learn more about Schwarz IT
AND
Cloudflight
Are you looking to build a digital future for your company with software that matters — matters to your business, to your customers, and to society as whole?
Perhaps you are lost in how to implement industrial digital transformation with optimum ROI?
Speak to Cloudflight - where is all about the Digital Difference.
Cloudflight is an E2E full-service provider for industrial digital transformation.
From customized software development through cloud-native and Artificial Intelligence solutions (AI) to eCommerce, we support companies in evolving their digital processes, products, services, and business models. Our expertise includes artificial intelligence, cloud-native, embedded software development, human-machine interface design (HMI), cognitive systems, and eCommerce solutions. We support companies at every step from the idea through development to the operational phase. We build on our experience and expertise to be your agile, reliable, and innovative long-term partner.
Learn more about Cloudflight

Nov 10, 2022 • 54min
#63 - Aron Spohr // CTO @ Flaschenpost
Logistics, Tech, and Groceries
Discover how Flaschenpost uses tech to deliver groceries within two hours ⏳ in this CTO podcast featuring Aron Spohr, CTO @ Flaschenpost - a grocery delivery service. 🍏🍞🥚🥫
Listen to find out:
Why boring 🥱 is good in a tech stack (SPOILER: They run their ecommerce 🛒 site in .NET and C# )
Why they went with a hybrid approach (web container + native SPA) to apps
Why they now buy before they build 🛠️
How he hacked Deutsche Telekom 📶 at age 16
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
OfferZen
OfferZen)
Accelerate your developer hiring with OfferZen, a community-first developer job platform. OfferZen connects curated, actively-searching developers with exciting job opportunities at over 2000 companies in Europe and Africa. Of the over 600 developers on-platform monthly, more than half have 4+ years of experience. Candidates are encouraged to respond to interview requests within 48 hours, which gives companies using OfferZen an average of 25 days to hire.
The best part? No upfront commitment is required: you only pay once you hire. Alphalist listeners get 2 months of free hiring with OfferZen.
Learn more about OfferZen

Oct 27, 2022 • 45min
#62 - Maria Meier // CTO @ Phantasma Labs
Creating Simulators for the Reinforcement Learning of Autonomous Vehicles
Get insight into the world of reinforcement learning in this CTO podcast with Maria Meier CTO @ Phantasma Labs (a Simulation-a-a-Service). Maria shares with us how the simulation industry🔮 is developing - particularly in the autonomous vehicle context.
Listen to find out:
Why reinforcement learning 🍭 is about to catch up to the other 2 ML paradigms
Why we need to model diversity in AI 👩🦽👴🧒🌍 - especially when simulating urban pedestrian traffic.
How much progress the autonomous vehicle industry 🚘 has made towards Level 5.
How standardisation 📜 is unfolding in ML
Listen here

Oct 13, 2022 • 59min
#61 - Bjarne Stroustrup // Creator of C++
The Past, Present and Future of C++
Come to a new appreciation of the code that powers most of the hardware you interact with in this CTO podcast featuring Bjarne Stroustrup - Creator of C++.
Join us as we discuss the past, present, and future of C++ - a language used in everything from ATMs 🏧 to rocketships 🚀.
Listen to find out:
Why we need to differentiate between coding 👨💻 and programming ⚒️
Why he doesn’t want to start C++ from scratch ❇️
The challenges of maintaining 🏗️ a language used by millions of people
How C++ 💪 trumps other languages in efficiency
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
ROQ Technology
ROQ Technology
Getting your unique web application off the ground is now faster and cheaper than ever.
Focus on what makes your business really stand out in your next application without wasting time developing the same common components.
With ROQ you get a powerful and flexible customizable Kickstarter application on day 1. All important features such as login, user management, notifications, mailing, chat, and many more are already integrated.
There is no vendor lock-in as it is open source and available via Github and runs on your own laptop within minutes thanks to Docker.
Built by web app experts Fabian Wesner (former Spryker CTO and alphalist podcast guest) and Tim Niemeier (Ex-CTO Rocket) - ROQ is a headless Feature-as-a-Service (FaaS) that is designed to scale.
Learn more about ROQ Technology

Sep 29, 2022 • 1h 3min
#60 - Yonatan Zunger // Creator of the WXZ Layers of the System Approach
Ethical Engineering + Reliable Scalable Architecture
Discover new ways to think about ethical engineering 😇 and technical architecture 🏗️ in this CTO podcast featuring Yonatan Zunger, Creator of WXZ Layers of System Approach and Distinguished Engineer at Twitter.
This is your opportunity to hear from someone whose architectural philosophy is inspiring companies like Github.
Listen to find out:
How to build a multi-layer 🍰 architecture (WXZ) that gives a reliable way to test ideas out.
Why we need to consider ethics and privacy in everything from UI 🖱️ to AI 🤖
What the IC track 🧑💻looks like (titles and roles)
What 4 skills 🧠 every project needs
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
ROQ Technology and NordVPN
ROQ Technology
Getting your unique web application off the ground is now faster and cheaper than ever.
Focus on what makes your business really stand out in your next application without wasting time developing the same common components.
With ROQ you get a powerful and flexible customizable Kickstarter application on day 1. All important features such as login, user management, notifications, mailing, chat, and many more are already integrated.
There is no vendor lock-in as it is open source and available via Github and runs on your own laptop within minutes thanks to Docker.
Built by web app experts Fabian Wesner (former Spryker CTO and alphalist podcast guest) and Tim Niemeier (Ex-CTO Rocket) - ROQ is a headless Feature-as-a-Service (FaaS) that is designed to scale.
Learn more about ROQ Technology
NordVPN
NordVPN is more than just a VPN - it is a cyber-security tool that reduces the risk of data breaches, malware, and ransomware so you can safely share information between employees - no matter where they are working. Now your whole team can securely access company resources remotely, connect to any public Wi-Fi, and explore region-specific content.
NordVPN's new Threat protection features a built-in antivirus; blocks malicious ads, and stops hackers from stealing your data.
Enjoy the ease of a dedicated business VPN that integrates with your company’s existing platforms and protects every endpoint — computers, laptops, tablets, and phones.
Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal today by going to nordvpn.com/alphalist to get a huge discount off your NordVPN Plan + a bonus gift! It’s completely risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!
Learn more about NordVPN

Sep 15, 2022 • 44min
#59 - Andreas Wixler // CTO @ FINN
How to Scale a Start Up with No Code + Low Code + Hard Code
Find out how to be more efficient by using a mix of no-code, low-code and hard-code in your tech stack in this practical CTO podcast episode featuring Andreas Wixler, the CTO of FINN 🚙.
Listen to find out:
When, why and how to migrate ➡️ your core business code from no-code to hard-code
How to test and document an API-first set up
How to get the entire company automating ⚙️ processes in no-code
How to navigate no-code and low-code limits ⚠️
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
ROQ Technology; NordVPN and MOIA
ROQ Technology
Getting your unique web application off the ground is now faster and cheaper than ever.
Focus on what makes your business really stand out in your next application without wasting time developing the same common components.
With ROQ you get a powerful and flexible customizable Kickstarter application on day 1. All important features such as login, user management, notifications, mailing, chat, and many more are already integrated.
There is no vendor lock-in as it is open source and available via Github and runs on your own laptop within minutes thanks to Docker.
Built by web app experts Fabian Wesner (former Spryker CTO and alphalist podcast guest) and Tim Niemeier (Ex-CTO Rocket) - ROQ is a headless Feature-as-a-Service (FaaS) that is designed to scale.
Learn more about ROQ Technology
NordVPN
NordVPN is more than just a VPN - it is a cyber-security tool that reduces the risk of data breaches, malware, and ransomware so you can safely share information between employees - no matter where they are working. Now your whole team can securely access company resources remotely, connect to any public Wi-Fi, and explore region-specific content.
NordVPN's new Threat protection features a built-in antivirus; blocks malicious ads, and stops hackers from stealing your data.
Enjoy the ease of a dedicated business VPN that integrates with your company’s existing platforms and protects every endpoint — computers, laptops, tablets, and phones.
Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal today by going to nordvpn.com/alphalist to get a huge discount off your NordVPN Plan + a bonus gift! It’s completely risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!
Learn more about NordVPN
MOIA
Make cities better, safer, and more beautiful places to live in by partnering with MOIA.
MOIA is on a mission to partner with public and private mobility partners to make urban mobility so demand-oriented, flexible and convenient that - together - the mobility revolution can succeed.
Join MOIA on a mission to reduce our carbon footprint, obliterate traffic jams, and make better use of our transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about MOIA

Sep 1, 2022 • 48min
#58 - Uncle Bob Martin // The Clean Coder Behind Test Driven Development, SOLID Principles and the Agile Manifesto
Software Architecture in 2022
Get clarity on how to build great software in 2022 in a world exploding with methodologies and languages with the legendary software craftsman Uncle Bob Martin. The Clean Coder ✨is known for Test Driven Development ✅ and his contribution to SOLID 🧰 and the Agile Manifesto 📜 and he is here to share how to incorporate it into a professional setup.
Listen to find out:
How to do Technical Debt ⚖️ the right way.
Why your hiring 📜 should be language-agnostic 💬
Why pair programming 🤼🏻 is better than code reviews
How Agile 🎛️ came about
the 🔮 Future of Software
With over 60 years of experience and many books and courses under his belt - this is the technical architecture overview you have been waiting for.
Listen here
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
ROQ Technology and MOIA
ROQ Technology
Getting your unique web application off the ground is now faster and cheaper than ever.
Focus on what makes your business really stand out in your next application without wasting time developing the same common components.
With ROQ you get a powerful and flexible customizable Kickstarter application on day 1. All important features such as login, user management, notifications, mailing, chat, and many more are already integrated.
There is no vendor lock-in as it is open source and available via Github and runs on your own laptop within minutes thanks to Docker.
Built by web app experts Fabian Wesner (former Spryker CTO and alphalist podcast guest) and Tim Niemeier (Ex-CTO Rocket) - ROQ is a headless Feature-as-a-Service (FaaS) that is designed to scale.
Learn more about ROQ Technology
MOIA
Make cities better, safer, and more beautiful places to live in by partnering with MOIA.
MOIA is on a mission to partner with public and private mobility partners to make urban mobility so demand-oriented, flexible and convenient that - together - the mobility revolution can succeed.
Join MOIA on a mission to reduce our carbon footprint, obliterate traffic jams, and make better use of our transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about MOIA