Culture Corner by Exalto Consulting

Building High-Performing Engineering Teams with Andrew Bohanna

In this episode, Adrian sat down with Andrew Bohanna - Head of Technology at Cubic Transportation Systems to talk about his own journey from engineering into senior technology leadership, and what he's learned about building and leading high-performing teams along the way.

Andrew has spent more than 17 years working across engineering and technology, progressing through technical and management roles at Cubic and ultimately leading large, multidisciplinary engineering teams.

They also discussed:

• The role mentorship and relationships have played in Andrew's career progression

• Why visibility and learning how to manage upwards matter as you become more senior

• How leaders can create clarity when teams are dealing with competing priorities

• Why trust is built by owning mistakes rather than trying to hide them

• How to communicate complex technical issues effectively to senior stakeholders

• Dealing with imposter syndrome as your leadership responsibilities grow

• Why diversity of experience matters when building high-performing teams

• What Andrew has learned about empowering people without slipping into micromanagement

Andrew's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewbohanna

Adrians LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

www.exalto-consulting.com

www.youtube.com/@ExaltoConsulting

Moving AI From Hype to Practical Impact

In this episode Adrian chats with Dileep Marway - VP of Engineering at Pebblepad.

There’s no shortage of conversation about AI.

But for technology leaders, the more important question is becoming: where is AI actually making a difference?

In the latest episode of Culture Corner, Adrian sits down with Dileep to explore how engineering teams can move beyond the hype and take a more practical, considered approach to AI adoption.

One of the points Dileep makes early in the conversation sets the tone for the episode:

“Ask yourself what problem you’re solving with AI.”

It sounds obvious, but it is an important distinction. Rather than introducing AI simply because the technology is available, Dileep talks about starting with the problem, considering where AI can genuinely add value and being clear about what success should look like.

The conversation explores where AI is having a practical impact across engineering, including development, testing and quality assurance, as well as the security considerations and guardrails organisations need to think about as adoption increases.

Adrian and Dileep also discuss the question every organisation eventually has to answer: is it actually working?

Dileep shares his thoughts on measuring ROI through meaningful data points and metrics, rather than relying on assumptions about productivity, and explains why human judgement remains such an important part of the equation.

As he puts it:

“AI is best when it complements human judgment.”

The episode also explores some of the common mistakes organisations are making with AI, its potential to support creativity and innovation, and what technology leaders need to consider as they prepare their teams for an increasingly AI-driven future.

For anyone leading engineering or technology teams and thinking about how to turn AI experimentation into genuine business value, Dileep shares some valuable and practical insights throughout the conversation.

Topics covered:

• Practical AI adoption in engineering teams
• A reflective approach to AI implementation
• AI’s impact on testing and quality assurance
• Security considerations and guardrails for AI
• Measuring ROI and success in AI projects
• AI’s role in boosting productivity and innovation
• Challenges and misconceptions around AI

Dileep's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dileepmarway/

Adrian's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

exalto-consulting.com

In this episode Adrian chats to Darren Smith

Darren is an experienced technology leader who has spent his career helping organisations build high-performing teams, lead large-scale transformation, and create cultures built on trust.

Drawing on leadership experience across multiple organisations, he shares practical lessons on vulnerability, communication, organisational change, and the growing impact of AI on today's workplace.

What separates good leaders from great leaders? Darren believes the answer starts with trust.

In this episode, Adrian and Darren explore why vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership strengths, how trust becomes the foundation of high-performing teams, and the practical behaviours leaders can adopt to build stronger cultures, navigate change successfully, and lead with authenticity.

In this episode:

Darren's career journey and the experiences that shaped his leadership approach

Why vulnerability is a leadership strength rather than a weakness

How leaders build trust through credibility, reliability, authenticity and transparency

Creating psychological safety by leading through openness and honest conversations

The importance of having a clear North Star to align teams and drive performance

Adapting communication styles to different people, cultures and situations

How reverse mentoring helps leaders gain valuable insight from every level of an organisation

Recognising healthy and unhealthy organisational politics

Practical advice for making an impact during your first 90 days in a new leadership role

How AI is changing leadership, organisations and the future of work

Building a culture where trust, collaboration and continuous improvement thrive

Darren is participating in this podcast in a personal capacity. The views, opinions and experiences he shares are his own and do not necessarily represent those of any employer, client, company or organisation with which he is associated.

Darren's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-smith-60919031/

Adrian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/

www.exalto-consulting.com

In this episode Adrian chats to Jim Tidball - Head of Digital at Ardent

Jim Tidball is a digital transformation leader with extensive experience in guiding organisations through change. He has held key positions in various sectors, including government and healthcare, where he has played a pivotal role in introducing technology-driven solutions. His expertise lies not just in technology, but also in fostering a culture that supports growth and collaboration.

Unlock the secrets to building high-performing teams and fostering a resilient, agile organisational culture. Join us as Jim Tidball shares his extensive experience in digital leadership, the importance of psychological safety, and practical strategies for navigating change and transformation projects.

In this episode:

• Jim's journey from programmer to digital leader focused on transformation
• The significance of culture and continuous improvement in organisations
• How to foster psychological safety and trust within teams
• Practical steps for building high-performing teams and embedding core behaviours
• The vital role of communication in change management and stakeholder engagement
• Insights into leadership styles and their impact, including being nice v kind
• Strategies to overcome resistance to change effectively
• The importance of celebrating wins, recognising contributions, and reinforcing behaviours
• The phased approach to stabilising and scaling transformation initiatives
• Jim's experiences with impactful mentors and their influence on leadership development
• How to demonstrate the value of IT and digital teams regularly to drive buy-in

Jim's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-tidball

Adrian's linkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

www.exalto-consulting.com

https://www.youtube.com/@ExaltoConsulting

Fiona Widd - Listening in leadership

In this conversation, Fiona shares her journey into the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of alternative routes into tech and the value of community support. She discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and the necessity of having a support network for leaders. Fiona reflects on her transition from team member to leader, highlighting the significance of trust and communication within teams. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in the legal sector and the need for critical thinking skills in the age of technology.

The conversation includes:

• Why listening is so important as a leader
• Fiona and her journey in tech
• The importance of alternative routes into tech
• The value of community in tech
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• The role of support networks for leaders
• Transitioning from team member to leader
• Building trust and communication in teams
• The impact of AI on the Legal sector
• Fostering critical thinking in the age of AI

In this episode Adrian speaks to Lauren Corderoy, Senior Manager in Software Engineering at Dunelm.

Lauren shares her honest insights on leadership, team culture, and career progression, highlighting the importance of creating environments where people feel supported, trusted, and recognised at every level.

She speaks passionately about the role leaders play in shaping culture, and why communication and trust are the foundations of high-performing teams.We also explore the importance of taking ownership of your own career, building a strong personal brand, and navigating the challenges that come with leadership, including managing difficult stakeholders and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Lauren offers particularly valuable perspective on the experiences of women in tech, and how resilience, self-belief, and visibility can help drive meaningful progression.

⭐Overcoming imposter syndrome

⭐Navigating leadership as a young professional

⭐The importance of personal branding

⭐Building trust with stakeholders

⭐Assuming ignorance, not malice

⭐Managing up effectively

⭐Adding value in conversations

⭐The 'Manual to Me' approach

⭐Transitioning from team member to leader

⭐Navigating career progression

Lauren's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/laurencorderoy

Adrian's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

www.exalto-consulting.com

Paul Agapow - Evolving Leadership Styles

Paul Agapow has a wealth of experience across the use of Data and AI in the Biotech and Pharma industries.

In this podcast he shares his insights on leadership, culture, and the dynamics of working in various organisational settings. He emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and adaptability in leadership roles, particularly in the context of global teams and startups. Paul discusses the challenges of managing diverse teams, the significance of hiring the right people, and the evolving role of AI in leadership

Some of the topics cover:

Evolving Leadership Styles

• Challenges in Academia vs. Industry
• Navigating Large Organizations
• Building Internal Networks for Success
• The Challenges of Scaling Small Companies
• Leadership Mindset in Growing Organizations
• Cross-Functional Team Dynamics
• Bridging the Gap Between Business and Technology
• Hiring for Growth: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
• Developing Future Leaders
• The Impact of AI on Leadership

Paul's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-agapow/

Adrian's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/

www.exalto-consulting.com

Paul Hornby - transforming healthcare with technology

Adrian chats with Paul Hornby - Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Bestway Healthcare.

In the episode Adrian and Paul discuss:

• Digital transformation across Healthcare in a B2B environment
• Culture eats strategy for breakfast
• Hiring for diversity
• Does a degree matter when hiring people?
• How to foster culture in hybrid and in office workplaces
• Transparency in leadership

Paul's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhornby

Adrians LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

Exalto Consulting: www.exalto-consulting.com

The importance of self care in leadership with Stuart Day

Adrian chats with Stuart Day - Managing Principal Consultant at Ten10

The conversation covers:

• The importance of self care in leadership
• Styles of leadership
• Defining great culture
• Earning trust in new teams
• Using coaching skills in team leadership
• Recruitment and building teams

Stuart's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-day/

Quality talks qualitytalks.co.uk

Adrian's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger

In this episode Adrian chats with Mark Kitching, Technology Director

🎙️ Tune in to hear Mark speak authentically about the nuances of tech leadership, team building, organisational challenges and building cultures where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. Mark is a real people person, and it’s easy to see why his teams buy into him as both a leader and an individual.

In this episode, Mark shares insights on creating high-performing teams, the critical importance of trust and communication, and how leaders can effectively manage both up and down in large organisations.

💡Stakeholder management.

💡Navigating tech disagreements.

💡The benefits of a happy work force.

💡Balancing honesty and influence.

💡Building trust in new teams.

💡Empathy in leadership.

💡Dealing with under performance.

Exalto Consulting:

www.exalto-consulting.com

https://linktr.ee/exaltoconsulting

Adrian Prodger:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/

Mark Kitching

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kitching/