Fireside with Founders & Leaders

In this episode of "Fireside with Founders & Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy sits down with David Burns, the CTO of TLC Worldwide. David shares his extensive journey through the technology landscape, from his early days as a developer on PlayStation games to advising private equity and venture capital firms on transformative technology strategies. With a rich background spanning Europe, the US, and Asia, David provides valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of leading tech transformations across diverse cultures.

The conversation delves deep into key aspects of leadership in tech, particularly how effective communication and understanding of cultural differences shape successful organizational dynamics. David emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with business objectives and how a well-structured approach can elevate organizational performance. They also explore the current landscape of AI, discussing its potential to drive innovation and the importance of having a strategic roadmap to integrate AI technologies effectively into business processes.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy sits down with Chris Storey, the Technology Director at Travelopia, to discuss the transformative journey of the company in the realm of artificial intelligence. With over 11 years of experience at Travelopia, Chris shares insights into how AI has revolutionized their operations and enhanced customer experiences. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and successes that come with implementing AI in a private equity-backed environment, emphasizing the importance of leadership support and a culture of experimentation.

Chris elaborates on the three phases of transformation that Travelopia has undergone, from addressing legacy technology to embracing digital and now, AI-driven solutions. He candidly discusses the lessons learned from both successful experiments, such as AI-enhanced sales processes, and those that fell short, like early chatbot implementations. The episode highlights the necessity of balancing technological advancements with human involvement, addressing the potential for resistance within teams, and fostering a culture of curiosity to ensure that AI is used to its fullest potential.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this insightful episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Punit Goyal, the Technology Director at a prominent private equity firm. Punit shares his impressive journey from starting as a software engineer to holding a pivotal role in technology due diligence and transformation within the private equity landscape. With over two decades of experience in technology, Punit sheds light on the critical factors that technology leaders must consider when preparing for potential acquisitions by private equity firms.

The conversation delves into the nuances of technology due diligence, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies of a portfolio company’s technology landscape. Punit highlights common pitfalls in due diligence processes and offers actionable insights for tech leaders aiming to enhance their company’s appeal to potential buyers. He discusses the delicate balance between speedy decision-making and thorough analysis, as well as the importance of aligning technology initiatives with business outcomes. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to effectively communicate the value of technology to stakeholders and ensure their organization is well-prepared for a successful acquisition.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes James Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergo, Director of Experience Design at OVO Energy. With over two decades of experience in design leadership roles across various industries, Fergo shares his insights on the evolution of design, the impact of AI on the industry, and the essential skills designers need in today's rapidly changing landscape. 

Fergo discusses the shifts he's witnessed in the design world-from the transition to mobile and the rise of AI to the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. He emphasises the significance of problem-solving skills, the value of storytelling in a designer's portfolio, and the need for designers to adapt and embrace new technologies. As organisations increasingly look for design leaders who can influence and drive change, Fergo provides actionable advice for aspiring designers and seasoned professionals alike.

Key Topics Discussed
- The evolution of the design industry over the past two decades.
- The impact of AI on design roles and workflows.
- The importance of problem-solving skills in design.
- How to effectively showcase a portfolio and tell a compelling story.
- Navigating the challenges of transitioning from a practitioner to a design leader.
- The significance of fostering a culture of learning and innovation within teams.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Carlos Granda, an experienced operating advisor with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the technology sector. Carlos shares his journey from being a chief customer officer at leading companies like Google, Salesforce, and SAP to transitioning into an advisory role within the private equity (PE) landscape. The discussion offers invaluable insights for anyone contemplating a career in PE, exploring the nuanced differences between operating in a PE-backed organisation versus traditional corporate environments.

Carlos delves into the challenges and rewards of shifting from operator to advisor, emphasising the importance of building trust with leadership teams and understanding the unique dynamics of PE firms. He also introduces the concept of the "GRR Time Bomb"—a critical metric that can signal customer churn long before it happens. The conversation further touches on the transformative role of AI in enhancing value creation within PE firms and the common pitfalls faced by startups attempting to penetrate the enterprise market.

In this engaging episode, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Buzz Pearce, a seasoned leader in the design industry with nearly three decades of experience. Buzz reflects on his journey from a young, curious child inspired by his architect father to his current role as a design leader at TEM. He shares valuable insights into the evolution of design, the importance of leadership, and the shift from being a hands-on designer to mentoring and empowering teams. Buzz emphasizes the need for designers to embrace a mindset focused on problem-solving and collaboration, as well as the importance of understanding the business context in which design operates.

Throughout the conversation, Buzz discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise in the design field, particularly in startup environments. He provides practical advice for designers seeking employment and highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between creativity and the practical demands of business. With a focus on learning and adaptation, Buzz encourages listeners to cultivate a growth mindset and to navigate the complexities of design leadership with purpose and clarity.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation.

Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on society, the challenges of measuring outcomes, and the evolving role of technology leaders in the age of AI and digital transformation. 

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to discover the innovative features of the Gains App and Sammie's insights on improving financial literacy and awareness.

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammieellardking/

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

Summary:

In this episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert speaks with Anthee Merichovitis, Chief Business Transformation & Operations Officer at a private equity-backed firm. Anthee shares her unique career journey, the challenges of private equity, and the importance of empathy in leadership. 

Chapters:

0:09 Introduction to Fireside with Founders and Leaders

0:23 Welcoming Anthee Merichovitis

3:24 Anthee's Career Path

9:13 Transitioning to the UK

12:19 Embracing Curiosity in a New Culture

15:37 The Allure of Private Equity

16:50 What Makes PE Attractive?

21:37 Understanding the Chief of Staff Role

27:51 The Transformation Officer's Journey

37:30 Navigating People through Change

45:01 Advice for Career Elevation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthee-merichovitis/

Summary:

In this interim episode, Rupert reflects on 2025 and thanks listeners and guests for a year of insightful conversations across the tech landscape. He shares optimism about renewed growth in the market and looks ahead to 2026, outlining deeper dives into larger organisations and fresh perspectives in the next series. Rupert wraps up by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

https://www.rmgdigital.io/

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