CTO Confessions Brought to you by IT Labs

How do tech leaders build scalable, sustainable systems without descending into chaos? Rob Molchon, CTO of Vestwell, shares his insights on structuring order in fast-moving tech environments. We also take a quick trip down memory lane to see just how far tech has come. Key takeaways from the podcast are: – Clear ownership ensures tasks get done without constant oversight. – Strong foundations start with the right team in the right positions. – Change is inevitable; managing it wisely is key. Our Guest: Rob Molcon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-molchon-2160652/ Website: https://www.vestwell.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

The tech sector can be highly specialized, especially for leaders in biotechnology. In this episode of CTO Confessions, host TC Gill chats with Guy Yachdav, Senior Director at Immunai. Tune in for insights into his leadership journey. Key takeaways from the podcast are: - Academia and tech intersect in exciting ways, like using machine learning to predict the unpredictable. - Leadership in both fields means helping individuals transition, fostering self-leadership, and easing onboarding. - Rapid tech changes demand easy-to-adopt tools and opportunities for hands-on learning. Our Guest: Guy Yachdav LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyachdav/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode of CTO Confessions, Dan Van Tran shares how AI and tech power the authentication of collectibles, from cards to video games. We explore AI-driven pricing, scaling tech teams, and servant leadership in a unique industry. Key takeaways: - AI’s role in authenticating and valuing collectibles - Why emotions matter in price estimation - The challenges of scaling and leading with transparency Our Guest: Dan Van Tran LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantran/ Website: https://www.collectors.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode, we explore how emotions and technology work together to support employee growth. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on what happens when technology meets emotions within the context of an organization. Key takeaways from the podcast are: - Aligning executive vision with employee execution fosters a unified direction. - Unstructured company survey language reveals emotions and intent, now decipherable with technology. - Encouraging risk-taking empowers employees to experiment and grow. - Balancing uniqueness with shared experiences enhances relevance and appeal. Our Guest: Armen Berjikly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armenb/ Website: https://www.betterup.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode of CTO Confessions, TC Gill talks with engineering leaders Matt Culver & Nomaan Ahmed from Super.com about how data-driven decision-making shapes both engineering and company culture. They explore the role of data in leadership, team dynamics, and fostering a strong workplace culture. Key Takeaways: - Measuring the right things, even intangibles like happiness, helps build a strong organizational foundation. - Leaders must listen, adapt, and embrace feedback to avoid blind spots and poor decisions. – Hiring for cultural alignment and fostering organic team connections strengthens the workplace. Success depends on a team-driven mindset, the ability to pivot, and a shared vision. Our Guests: Matt Culver & Nomaan Ahmed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattculver/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomaanahmed/ Website: https://www.super.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

What makes a great tech leader? Savas Karas, CTO of CAPREIT, believes it starts with kindness, support, and open feedback loops. In this episode of CTO Confessions, he shares how fostering a strong culture helps teams stay motivated, aligned, and unafraid of challenges. Key takeaways from the podcast are: - A shared vision keeps teams focused on meaningful goals. - Honest feedback leads to better decisions and stronger teams. - Embracing failure encourages innovation and growth. - Kindness builds trust, the foundation of great leadership. Our Guest: Savas Karas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savaskaras/ Website: https://www.capreit.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode of CTO Confessions, our host TC Gill and guest Daniel Natic dive into the complex role of leadership in tech, exploring the balance between managerial expertise and deep technical knowledge. Key takeaways from the podcast are: - Tech leaders must stay sharp. Keep up with trends, drive change, and understand your team’s decisions. - Treat tools as resources, set aside ego and focus on efficiency. - Challenge the status quo. Streamlining operations is key; change is inevitable, lead it. Our Guest: Daniel Natic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-natic/ Website: https://finquery.com/careers/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode of CTO Confessions, we explore the dynamic relationship between educational standards, student engagement and the role of artificial intelligence. Listen to Todd Ellermann’s perspective on how these elements intersect and how they are shaping the future of EdTech. Key takeaways - EdTech companies must understand state-specific standards to succeed in U.S. K-12 education. - Engaging students used to TikTok-like content is a growing challenge. - AI in assessments sparks debates on integrity, skills mastery, and EdTech’s role. Our Guest: Todd Ellermann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddecus/ Website: https://www.imaginelearning.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

On this episode of CTO Confessions, our host, TC Gill, is joined by Yaron Inger, Founder of Lightricks, who reveals the unfiltered story behind scaling an AI-driven company. Yaron shares the lessons learned during their growth, emphasizing the importance of managing cashflow, deciding to change their business model and navigating all major growth challenges while staying humane and making difficult decisions. Key takeaways from the podcast are: - Drive meaningful transformation by anchoring your efforts to clear, purpose-driven goals rather than change for its own sake. Prioritize initiatives that align with the business’s strategic vision to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure resources are allocated effectively. - Begin with a deep understanding of what the business needs to achieve. This clarity is much needed to inform the design and implementation of the supporting technology. - Examine past actions and learn from the experiences of other organizations. Many valuable insights are hidden in previous efforts, offering opportunities to drive transformational change by leveraging what has already been tried and tested. Our Guest: Yaron Inger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaroninger/ Website: https://www.lightricks.com/ Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

In this episode, our host, TC Gill, sits down with Conlath Alcock, Client CTO at T-Systems, to explore how understanding an organization’s current state and learning from the past can set the stage for a strong foundation and successful transformation.