The Tech Leader's Playbook

Empowering Teams for Rapid Decision-Making With Lawrence Eta

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In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan speaks with Lawrence Eta, a seasoned global technology leader, about his journey from Nigeria to becoming the CTO of Toronto and his transition to Saudi Arabia. They discuss the importance of empowering leadership, navigating the complexities of public service, and the differences in governance and decision-making between democratic and monarchy-based systems. Lawrence shares insights on innovation in public service, successful tech initiatives, and the cultural shifts in the approach to technology and governance. In this conversation, Avetis discusses the complexities of leadership, the balance between authority and empowerment, and the future of smart cities driven by technology. He emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and emotional intelligence in leadership, sharing insights from his diverse experiences across various countries. The discussion also touches on the significance of modern technology in urban development and the need for leaders to approach their roles with humility and a willingness to learn from others.


Takeaways

  • Empower your team to make decisions.
  • A CTO's role involves managing diverse teams.
  • Strong financial acumen is essential in public service.
  • Innovation is about failing fast and iterating.
  • Public service requires a focus on trust and confidence.
  • Incremental movements can lead to significant change.
  • Governance structure impacts the speed of transformation.
  • Cultural differences affect decision-making processes.
  • Leadership is crucial in managing large teams.
  • Empowering teams is crucial for effective leadership.
  • Cultural understanding is key to successful leadership.
  • Smart cities will leverage AI and IoT for better living.
  • Emotional intelligence is essential in diverse environments.
  • The future of urban tech relies on secure data sharing.
  • Leadership should focus on serving and empowering others.
  • Building trust is fundamental in leadership roles.
  • Modern technology must be integrated into urban planning.
  • Humility in leadership fosters better relationships.


    • Chapters

    00:00 Empowering Leadership and Trust

    03:04 Lawrence Eta's Journey to CTO

    06:14 A Day in the Life of a CTO

    09:02 Navigating Politics and Technology

    11:54 Innovation in Public Service

    15:10 Successful Tech Initiatives in Toronto

    18:02 Transitioning to Saudi Arabia

    20:53 Governance and Speed of Transformation

    24:09 Cultural Differences in Decision Making

    28:33 Leadership Styles: Balancing Authority and Empowerment

    34:28 The Future of Smart Cities and Technology

    44:12 Bridging Worlds: A Journey Through Leadership and Culture

    48:04 Cultural Nuances in Leadership Across Countries


    Lawrence Eta’s Website:

    https://lawrenceeta.com/


    Lawrence Eta’s Social Media Links:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-eta-9b11139/

    https://www.instagram.com/the.lawrence.eta/


    Resources and Links:

    https://www.hireclout.com

    https://www.podcast.hireclout.com

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

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    The Tech Leader's PlaybookBy Avetis Antaplyan