Now We Build

Ep 19 - Hubert Behaghel on leading tech at Sky, Marks & Spencer, Typeform and Veriff, how to build winning tech teams, and why startup CTOs need to be hands-on.

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In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel shares his journey from a young coder to a prominent tech leader, discussing his experiences at Sky, Marks and Spencer, and Typeform. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in corporate environments, the often-overlooked value of internal tech optimization, and the challenges of leadership in tech. Hubert also reflects on his transition to a startup environment and the lessons learned in motivating teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. In this conversation, Hubert Behaghel discusses his journey through midlife and the entrepreneurial mindset he developed while working in large tech companies. He shares insights on scaling challenges, tech debt, and the importance of strong leadership in startups. Hubert emphasizes the need for hands-on leadership, the significance of a solid technical foundation, and the evolving role of AI in decision-making processes. He also addresses the complexities of the CTO role and the impact of inflation on job titles in the tech industry.


Keywords


engineering, innovation, corporate tech, leadership, internal optimization, Marks and Spencer, Typeform, motivation, technology, career journey, entrepreneurship, scaling, tech debt, leadership, startups, AI, CTO, budgeting, growth strategies, team dynamics


Takeaways


  • Started coding at 10 years old, driven by passion.
  • Innovation in large companies often comes from small teams.
  • Internal tech optimization is crucial but often overlooked.
  • Leadership is about serving the engineers and enabling them.
  • Building a strong foundation is key to success in tech.
  • Understanding the value chain is essential for tech investment.
  • Creating space for teams to innovate is vital.
  • Breaking down problems into smaller tasks enhances productivity.
  • Motivating teams requires authenticity and connection.
  • Transitioning to a startup brings new challenges and opportunities. Finding a balance between personal life and entrepreneurial aspirations is crucial.
  • Scaling challenges are common across companies of all sizes.
  • Tech debt can hinder growth and needs to be managed effectively.
  • Budgeting and cost management are essential for startup success.
  • Hands-on leadership is necessary for navigating growth stages.
  • A strong technical foundation is vital for long-term success.
  • The role of the CTO is evolving and requires strategic thinking.
  • AI tools can enhance decision-making and learning processes.
  • Understanding team dynamics is key to effective leadership.
  • Inflation of job titles can create credibility issues in startups.


Titles


  • From Coder to CTO: Hubert Behaghel's Journey
  • Innovation in Tech: Insights from Hubert Behaghel
  • The Overlooked Importance of Internal Tech Optimization
  • Leadership in Tech: Challenges and Solutions


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Early Career Journey

02:55 Innovation in Corporate Environments

06:00 The Importance of Internal Tech Optimization

08:47 Leadership Challenges in Tech

11:51 Transitioning to Marks and Spencer

15:05 Building Teams and Motivating Engineers

17:59 Joining Typeform and the Startup Experience

25:19 Navigating Midlife and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

26:11 Scaling Challenges in Tech Companies

27:09 Understanding Tech Debt and Company Growth

28:59 Cost Management and Budgeting in Startups

30:20 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Startups

31:23 Building Strong Foundations for Growth

34:40 The Role of the CTO in Startups

41:14 AI's Impact on Technology and Decision Making


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Now We BuildBy Sam Marchant