What do high-performing engineering teams really need to thrive?

In this episode, I talk with Myles Henaghan, Managing Director at Wires Uncrossed and former GM of Engineering at Xero. Myles shares the backstory and structure of the Hierarchy of Engineering Needs — an open-source framework inspired by Maslow’s pyramid and grounded in real-world delivery challenges. We unpack how this model helps tech leaders identify systemic bottlenecks, enable effective ownership, and make smarter strategic trade-offs.

Whether you’re leading one team or many, this conversation will give you a fresh lens for diagnosing delivery constraints and unlocking flow.

🔗 Explore the model: engineeringneeds.io

In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, host Jakub sits down with Clarissa Côrtes Pires, Decision Science Capability Lead at Mercury NZ, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, and strategy. With a PhD in innovation management and a career spanning academia, startups, and large enterprises, Clarissa shares her journey into decision science, her experience leading a team of brilliant minds, and what it takes to turn complex research into actionable business outcomes.

You’ll hear about:

• Why innovation is more than just good ideas — it’s about impact.

• The difference between data science and decision science.

• How to manage PhDs and researchers in commercial environments.

• Career paths in decision science — and why everyone can be a scientist.

Whether you’re a tech leader, a data geek, or just AI-curious, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how decisions are made — and how teams can thrive at the edge of research and real-world impact.

The Career Journey Framework mentioned in the episode.

In this episode of Tech Waka, we talk with Saif Ali, Engineering Manager at Gentrack, about his fascinating transition from developer to people leader across cultures and continents.

Saif shares honest reflections on the challenges of early leadership, the power of mentorship, and why listening is a superpower in tech management. He also offers practical advice for aspiring engineering managers and insights on supporting teams through change. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about what leadership in tech really looks like—beyond the job title.

In this episode, Brad Terpstra shares his fascinating journey from managing IT for American Magic during the America's Cup in Auckland to leading tech initiatives at Halter, an ag-tech startup transforming agriculture.

Brad discusses the reality behind the cutting-edge technology of America's Cup racing, emphasizing the importance of precision, strategic decision-making, and continuous improvement. He reflects on how crisis moments—like saving a sinking race boat—can strengthen teams and reveals insights into effective prioritization and managing innovation within resource constraints.

It's a a must-listen for tech leaders who value teamwork, innovation, and making every second count.

Leadership in tech is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we introduce the Tech Waka Mentoring Program—a 5-month journey connecting aspiring tech leaders with world-class mentors. Learn why mentorship is a game-changer, what you’ll gain from the program, and how to apply.

🎧 Spots are limited—tune in now and take the next step in your leadership journey!

👉 https://www.techwaka.co.nz/mentorship

Join Jakub as he celebrates 20 episodes of the Tech Waka podcast, reflecting on milestones, guest insights, and plans for 2025.

In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, I sit down with Annie Vella, Distinguished Engineer at Westpac, to explore the intersection of systems thinking, technical leadership, and the transformative impact of AI on software engineering. Annie shares how systems shape outcomes, the evolving role of AI coding assistants, and what it all means for the future of engineering.

In episode #18, Chris Bertram shares his inspiring journey from a long tenure at Gentrack to stepping into a new industry and role as CTO at Fuse IT. He discusses the challenges, surprises, and valuable lessons of transitioning from a technical leader to a people leader while driving innovation and embracing change.

Together, we cover:

In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we sit down with Jan Behrens, CTO at Devoli, to explore the intersection of technology and business leadership. Jan shares his insights on navigating complex challenges in tech leadership, drawing from his vast experience in legacy technology modernization, SaaS transformation, and managing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the tech world.

Key Themes:

n this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, I sit down with strategy specialist Gareth Ward to explore the intricacies of strategic thinking and execution. Key themes include:

Tune in for a practical, thought-provoking discussion that will sharpen your strategic mindset.