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

May 14, 2024 • 30min
#83 Andrew Martinez-Fonts: Strategies for Success in Product Development and Leadership
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 Andrew Martinez-Fonts, VP Product at honeysales about:
- Understanding the intricacies of product development and innovation within the tech industry, including the importance of agile methodologies and rapid prototyping.
- Insights into the differences in mindset between regions like the US and Europe regarding risk-taking, innovation, and the approach to business operations.
- Strategies for balancing agility with efficiency in product teams, including the significance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and prioritizing experimentation.
- Exploration of the evolution of leadership styles over time, from management-centric approaches to more visionary leadership focused on setting clear goals and empowering teams.
- Practical advice on navigating the challenges of scaling product teams, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within organizations.
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.

May 7, 2024 • 30min
#82 Yenny Cheung: From Engineer to Leader - A Journey of Growth and Insight
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 Yenny Cheung, Angel Investor at Alma Angels about:
- The complexities of leadership roles, particularly in middle management, and the challenges of balancing team management with higher-level expectations.
- Strategies for fostering empathy and open communication channels within teams, essential for effective leadership.
- Insights into creating inclusive work environments, particularly in hybrid or remote setups, and the importance of social connection in maintaining team cohesion.
- Valuable book recommendations for leadership development, offering practical insights and strategies for skill enhancement and growth mindset.
- Perspectives on talent development and the power of deliberate practice, highlighting the potential for continuous learning and improvement in any role.
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.

Apr 30, 2024 • 51min
#81 Sérgio Laranjeira: Journey Through Tech - Insights & Reflections
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 Sérgio Laranjeira, CTO at Metacore about:
- Strategies for managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
- The importance of transparent communication in both internal and external relationships.
- Approaches to conflict resolution and the value of addressing conflicts directly.
- Recommendations for resources such as books and conferences to further professional growth.
- Perspectives on the evolving landscape of technology, including the significance of industry events like the Web Summit.
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.

Apr 28, 2024 • 49min
#80 Metin Zerman: Investor Wisdom, Continuous Learning, and Embracing Discomfort in Decision-making
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 Metin Zerman, Head of Start-up Investments at Energie 360° about:
- Effective Leadership in Entrepreneurship: Importance of leadership in inspiring teams, personal experiences in company growth, and the role of leaders in the transformation of sectors like energy.
- Role of Investors & Board Members: Emphasis on the due diligence process, balancing control and feedback, and how these figures can guide and support startup founders throughout their journey.
- Relationship Management: The significance of cultivating strong, conflict-free relationships in business, and the value of introducing diverse perspectives into decision-making.
- Evaluating Startups: Criteria for assessing the potential success of startups, including market value, timing, uniqueness, and the quality of the leadership team.
- Continuous Learning & Staying Updated: The imperative of staying informed with market trends, and the utilization of resources like books, podcasts, and personal experiences for holistic growth and knowledge.
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.

Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
#79 Oleksandr Taran: From Idea to Implementation - Lessons in Startup Leadership
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 Oleksandr Taran, Co-Founder & CTO at Frienton about:
- The importance of effectively communicating between technical and business teams in a startup environment.
- Strategies for navigating limited financing and prioritizing technical decisions to achieve cost efficiency.
- Insight into how financial and business administration challenges led to the development of a startup solution.
- Understanding the role of a CTO in both technical architecture and business development.
- Personal insights and advice on leadership, continuous learning, and maintaining passion in the startup journey.
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.

Apr 16, 2024 • 34min
#78 Fateme Taghiniai: Striking a Balance - Technical Excellence vs. Market Demands
Engineering Manager Fateme Taghiniai from Ratepay shares insights on navigating career transitions, balancing technical excellence with business priorities, prioritizing features and resources, effective leadership strategies, and learning from diverse perspectives. The discussion covers the importance of communication, continuous learning, and adapting leadership styles in tech leadership roles.

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h
#77 Darío Blanco Iturriaga: Legacy Transformation - Charting a Course for Future Success
Darío Blanco Iturriaga, Founding Technology Lead at Karla, joins the podcast to discuss Legacy Challenges, Modernization Strategies, Cross-Cutting Concerns, Business Alignment, Leadership, and Implementation in tech. Insights provided on navigating legacy systems, aligning technical efforts with business goals, and driving successful outcomes for organizations.

Apr 2, 2024 • 54min
#76 Vivek Juneja: Decoding the Future - A Deep Dive into Tech Strategy
Vivek Juneja, Head | Global E-Commerce Engineering at @On, shares insights on tech strategy, marketplaces like TikTok, and personalized customer experiences. Topics include experimentation methodologies, managing customer data ethically, and fostering a culture of continuous learning in technology development.

Mar 26, 2024 • 36min
#75 Jan Hegewald: From Legacy to Modern - Engineering for Business Success
VP of Engineering at @SumUp, Jan Hegewald, discusses the challenges of legacy software for businesses, including microarchitecture issues. Strategies for handling legacy software, communication, and prioritization between teams are highlighted. Practical tips for navigating legacy software challenges successfully are shared.

Mar 19, 2024 • 35min
#74 Ofer Maor: Building Resilience - Secrets of High-Growth Tech Companies
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 Ofer Maor, CTO & Co-Founder at Mitiga about:
- Understanding Agile Realities: Listeners will gain insights into the practical implementation of agile methodologies in tech companies, discovering the challenges and nuances beyond the buzzword.
- Navigating Uncertainty: The episode delves into the discomfort of uncertainty, exploring its impact on decision-making and organizational dynamics, particularly in fast-paced tech environments.
- Insights on AI Integration: Listeners will learn about the potential and challenges of integrating AI technologies like chatbots and code generators into tech platforms, including real-world applications and limitations.
- Cybersecurity Resilience: The discussion highlights the importance of cybersecurity in tech industries, especially during economic downturns, providing valuable perspectives on industry trends and responses to cyber threats.
- Startup Leadership and Growth: The episode offers valuable lessons on building and scaling tech startups, emphasizing the significance of company culture, talent acquisition, and community engagement for sustainable growth and innovation.
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.