Modern CTO

In this conversation, Megh Gautam, CPO at Crunchbase, shares insights from his decade-long journey transitioning from engineering to product leadership. He delves into his biggest misstep during this shift and emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs. Megh encourages viewing career transitions as experimental seasons, aligning interests with opportunities, and navigating the rapid changes in tech. He also highlights the significance of maintaining client communication while driving innovation in product management.

James Barrese, SVP of Fintech at Intuit, shares his insights on fostering change agents within organizations. He discusses essential traits like curiosity and effective communication that empower leaders to drive transformation. Barrese also explores emerging megatrends in fintech, including AI and digital identity, which are reshaping user experiences. He highlights innovations in Intuit's payment solutions, emphasizing the importance of seamless transactions and the potential future of cryptocurrency for small businesses.

Jeff Chow, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Miro, shares insights on the platform's transformation from a basic whiteboarding tool to an advanced innovation workspace. He discusses how AI and canvas technology are revolutionizing team collaboration and the importance of user experience in design. Jeff also dives into the benefits of integrating tools like Miro with existing workflows and the significance of balancing remote and in-person teamwork. His emphasis on fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity is both inspiring and practical.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Edwards, author of "Army of Liars", unpacks the controversial Section 230, shedding light on its complexities and implications for free speech in the digital age. He debates the delicate balance between censorship and editorial choice on social media platforms. The conversation also dives into critical cases, the urgent call for reform, and the disconnect between lawmakers and tech innovations, highlighting the pressing need for informed policy-making in tech regulation.

Eric Rice, President at SOVRN Capital, shares his compelling journey from skepticism to becoming a Bitcoin advocate. He discusses the innovative use of waste energy for cost-effective Bitcoin mining and the strategic advantages of investing in mining operations. The conversation sheds light on Bitcoin's potential to act as a universal treasury asset, revolutionizing financial access globally. Rice also emphasizes the necessity of education in navigating this evolving space and highlights investment opportunities in emerging Bitcoin projects.

Dylan Etkin, Founder and CEO of Sleuth, dives into the critical role of engineering metrics and team alignment for CTOs. He reveals how to escape the pitfalls of 'dashboard graveyards' by implementing metrics that drive significant change. The discussion also covers the impact of AI on creativity, the need for effective meeting transformations, and the importance of aligning engineering efforts with business objectives. Dylan shares insights on workflow automation and personal growth, making a compelling case for data-driven leadership.

In this engaging discussion, Mark Porter, CTO at dbt Labs, shares his expertise on attracting and retaining top tech talent. He reveals his unique interview strategies, which some may find controversial, yet effective in identifying the best candidates. The conversation dives into the importance of personal connections and clear role definitions during the hiring process. Mark emphasizes personal branding and strong networking with recruiters as crucial to successful recruitment. He also introduces the idea of 'user manuals' for executives to foster better collaboration.

Mark Porter, CTO at dbt Labs, shares his expertise in communication within the tech industry. He discusses the evolution of leadership communication and the importance of tailoring messages for different audiences. Porter emphasizes the power of written communication and the benefits of role-playing to enhance personal and professional conversations. He also highlights how aligning analytics solutions with business needs can drive value and improve productivity for data practitioners. Tune in for valuable insights on mastering communication as a leader!

Sagar Batchu from Speakeasy, an expert in API integration and remote team building, joins Mark Martin from SolarWinds, who specializes in managing distributed teams. They delve into the evolution of API integration and its challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in remote teams and strategies for fostering cultural alignment. Insights on enhancing developer experience, balancing competition with collaboration, and the complexities of cross-cultural dynamics are key topics, offering valuable takeaways for tech leaders.

James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear Energy, shares his insights on microreactor technology and its transformative potential. He discusses the regulatory hurdles that private nuclear ventures face, alongside innovative solutions to streamline these processes. The conversation highlights how nuclear energy can improve quality of life in remote areas, with unique applications like desalination and vertical farming. Walker also delves into the strategic advantages of going public in a capital-intensive industry, setting the stage for future nuclear innovations.