
Better Tech Leadership
Giving you the playbook to lead high-performing engineering teams.
Latest episodes

Feb 18, 2025 • 46min
#121 Robbert van Os: From Startup to Scale-up - Key Auditing and Leadership Strategies
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholiński, CEO of software development agency Brainhub talks with Robbert van Os, about their role as Founder & Technological Trailblazer at BackupCTO.
During the conversation they cover:
- Tech Audits and Key Areas to Focus On: Insights into the typical elements of a tech audit, such as team composition, product development approach, software infrastructure, and operational maturity, which are critical for scaling businesses.
- Common Challenges in Startups: An understanding of the common problems faced by startups, like scalability issues, hiring inexperienced professionals, and over-reliance on cloud credits without proper cost management.
- Importance of Feedback and Openness: How important it is for founders and tech leaders to remain open to critical feedback, especially when working with investors, as it plays a significant role in growth and trust-building.
- Emerging Trends in AI and Technology: An exploration of how AI advancements, including language models and voice assistants, are shaping industries, alongside challenges related to regulatory pressures and security.
- Learning and Adapting as a Leader: The importance of staying updated, networking, and using resources like meetups, podcasts, and articles to continuously learn and adapt in leadership roles, especially in the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Follow our podcast to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge? Let us know!
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://brainhub.eu/better-tech-leadership
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comments.

Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
#120 Luca Fornaroli: Engineering Success - Insights on Building and Scaling Tech Hubs
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.In this episode, host Leszek Knoll, CEO of software development agency Brainhub talks with Luca Fornaroli, about their role as Director of Engineering at Scalapay.During the conversation they cover:- Career Growth and Leadership Development: Insights into progressing from a junior developer to a leadership role, managing large teams, and learning how to handle the responsibilities of a CTO and Director of Engineering.- Scaling Tech Teams and Infrastructure: Practical lessons on growing teams, merging companies, and handling technical challenges while scaling businesses, from both ticketing and fintech sectors.- Managing Global Projects: Strategies for managing international teams across different time zones and cultures, including the importance of documentation, communication, and adaptability.- Tech in Fintech: A deep dive into the complexities of fintech, particularly in the "buy now, pay later" space, including handling regulations, payment systems, and integrating new technologies.- Leadership and Team Empowerment: Valuable advice on leadership styles that focus on empowering teams, giving them accountability, fostering innovation, and creating a culture of trust and collaboration.Follow our podcast to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge? Let us know! Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/Website: https://brainhub.eu/better-tech-leadership We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comments.

Feb 4, 2025 • 34min
#119 Frank van der Hulst: From Robotics to Water Pipelines - The Evolution of Cutting-Edge Technology
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Leszek Knoll, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Frank Van Der Hulst, CTO & Co-Founder at HULO about:
- Innovative Water Management Solutions: How new technologies like AI and IoT are improving leak detection and water conservation.
- Challenges in the Water Industry: The current problems utilities face, such as leakage and outdated systems, and how modern tech can solve them.
- Scaling a Tech Solution: The journey of growing a tech startup, including the complexities of expanding to new markets like Brazil.
- AI and Machine Learning: How AI models are used to analyze sensor data and detect leaks faster than traditional methods.
- Global Expansion: The opportunities and obstacles faced when introducing tech solutions to different regions, with a focus on market needs and regulations.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Jan 28, 2025 • 44min
#118 Reecha Mall: Navigating Complexity - Product Leadership in High-Growth Environments
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Leszek Knoll, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Reecha Mall, Product Leader at Trellize about:
- The role of leadership in scaling tech teams and organizations efficiently.
- The difference between complex and complicated systems and how understanding this distinction helps scale projects.
- Challenges of scaling products in regulated industries like fintech and insurtech.
- Aligning regulatory compliance with delivering customer value without slowing down innovation.
- Common pitfalls companies face when scaling and strategies to overcome them.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Jan 21, 2025 • 29min
#117 Andrew Moore: Innovating Under Constraints - Driving AI and Efficiency in Mortgage Lending
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Andrew Moore, Vice President of Software Engineering at Nations Lending about:
- Context of Mortgage Lending Technology: Understanding the role and challenges of technology in the mortgage lending industry, especially during tough market conditions.
- Team Structure and Empowerment: How to effectively structure and empower engineering teams to deliver value directly, even with budget and staff constraints.
- Use of AI and Machine Learning: The implementation of AI for decision support and lead qualification in mortgage lending, and the practical benefits and challenges of using generative AI tools like GitHub Copilot.
- Productivity and Efficiency: Strategies for tracking productivity, managing workload, and improving efficiency through metrics and agile processes.
- Product Management Without Dedicated Roles: Insights on how engineers can fill product management roles, and the benefits of direct involvement in understanding and solving user problems.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Jan 14, 2025 • 38min
#116 Meri Williams: Leadership Insights - Nurturing Talent and Driving Innovation
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Meri Williams (they/them), CTO at Pleo about:
- Effective Onboarding Techniques: Structured plans and supportive line managers ensuring smooth integration of new hires.
- Importance of Culture and Values: Preserving culture and values during scaling to enhance team dynamics and productivity.
- DORA Metrics for Productivity: Data-driven metrics accelerating productivity and onboarding effectiveness in engineering teams.
- Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace: Creating an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and able to thrive.
- The Role of Management in Scaling: Middle managers driving efficiency and addressing challenges during rapid growth.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Jan 9, 2025 • 3min
BTL Bite: Lessons on Mastering and Adapting Agile with Nikolaos Kaintantzis.
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech. In this BTL Bite, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Nikolaos Kaintantzis, Leadership Coach about the differences between agile purists and agile pragmatists, the importance of mastering foundational agile practices before adapting them, and how to avoid dogmatism while leveraging practical experience for effective project management.*The talk was recorded on July 3rd. Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new#bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Jan 7, 2025 • 37min
#115 Jeff Winner: From Startups to Corporate Giants - Building Effective Teams and Cultures
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with Jeff Winner, CEO at Cabernet AI about:
-The Importance of Clear Communication: The value of well-structured documentation and consistent messaging. Experiences at Stripe showcasing how clear documentation supports efficiency and preserves organizational knowledge.
- Different Organizational Cultures: Insights into internal communication, teamwork, and project management across companies like Stripe, Uber, Twitter, and Goldman Sachs. Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
- The Role of AI in Business: The impact of AI on productivity and business operations. The importance of prompt engineering and the use of AI tools for tasks like document creation and meeting summaries.
- Leadership and Team Building: Lessons on fostering teamwork and maintaining a strong team culture. Viewing employees as essential contributors and creating a collaborative environment.
- Adapting to Different Work Environments: Strategies for transitioning between startups and corporations. Managing new roles, handling stress, and staying productive in diverse settings.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Dec 17, 2024 • 34min
#114 Bruce Pannaman: Fintech Innovation - Bridging Finance and Technology
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with
Bruce Pannaman, Head of Engineering at 9Fin about:
- Differences Between Traditional Finance and Fintech: Insights into how fintech is bridging the gap between the finance world and software development, highlighting unique challenges and opportunities.
- Role and Impact of Fintech: Understanding the significant impact of fintech on everyday life, particularly how it influences financial transactions and services for both consumers and businesses.
- Automation and AI in Fintech: How advanced technologies like large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) are used to automate financial processes, making data analysis faster and more efficient.
- Diversity and Innovation: The importance of diversity in fintech companies for fostering innovation and new ideas, as well as breaking the stereotype of the traditional finance sector.
- Practical Implementation of AI: Practical tips on implementing AI and automation in business processes, including the importance of gradual integration and testing to build trust and effectiveness.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.

Dec 10, 2024 • 40min
#113 Chris Lowe: Cultivating a Strong Engineering Culture - Strategies and Stories
Welcome to the Better Tech Leadership podcast, where we connect with tech leaders from all over the world to share their know-how on bridging the gap between business and tech.
In this episode, host Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of software development agency @Brainhubeu, talks with
Chris Lowe, Vice President Of Application Engineering at Amerisure Insurance about:
- Innovative Applications of Technology: Real-world examples of implementing blockchain and AI in financial services, including overcoming the hype and focusing on practical, valuable solutions.
- Engineering Culture Development: Effective methods to cultivate a strong engineering culture, emphasizing the importance of both top-down leadership and grassroots empowerment.
- Leadership Insights: The significance of leading by example, continuing education, and promoting a transparent, collaborative environment within engineering teams.
- Consulting vs. Corporate Experience: How diverse experiences in consulting can enrich corporate roles, with examples of solving unique problems and bringing entrepreneurial spirit into larger organizations.
- Problem-Solving Approaches: The importance of starting with the problem and aligning technology solutions to business needs, along with the distinction between innovation and invention.
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to be the first to know when new #bettertechleadership podcasts are released. Interested in becoming a guest on the Better Tech Leadership Podcast or more tech leadership knowledge?
Connect with Leszek and Matt on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leszekknoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwarcholinski/
Website: https://bettertechleadership.com/
We appreciate your feedback, so please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comment section below.