Tech Waka Podcast

By Tech Waka Podcast

Tech Waka Podcast: Journeys of New Zealand Tech Leaders.

Here we dive into the stories of New Zealand's top tech leaders. Your host, Jakub Jurkiewicz, brings you conversations with CTOs, CIOs, and te... more

· Technology

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FAQs about Tech Waka Podcast:

How many episodes does Tech Waka Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Tech Waka Podcast episodes:

August 05, 2024 Navigating Cybersecurity and Enterprise Tech: Insights from Fred Laury
In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we chat with Fred Laury, the newly appointed Executive GM at Xero.
Fred shares his journey from France to New Zealand and his extensive career in cybersecurity and enterprise technology. He discusses his pivotal experiences, including his time as Chief Information Security Officer at Air New Zealand, and offers insights into leadership, building strong networks, and balancing work and life.
Fred also explores the challenges and strategies of implementing enterprise technology solutions and highlights the unique talent and diversity in New Zealand's tech industry.
Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation with a seasoned tech leader.

...more
24min
July 22, 2024Leading with Purpose with Edwin Monk-Fromont
In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, Edwin Monk-Fromont, an experienced technical leader, shares his insights on leading a purpose-driven organization focused on software development in the health sector. Edwin discusses the unique challenges and rewards of his role, the importance of attracting the right talent, and how to build a culture rooted in trust and kindness.
Highlights:
Edwin's organization focuses on improving health systems in Pacific Island countries using open-source software.

The primary mission is purpose-driven, prioritizing health outcomes over financial returns.

Attracting employees motivated by purpose and intrinsic values rather than high salaries.

Building a culture of trust and collaboration through kindness and shared goals.

Balancing leadership with staying engaged in technical work and continuous learning.
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29min
June 17, 2024Scaling Success with Alex Henderson
In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we interview Alex Henderson, an experienced technical leader, to uncover insights from his extensive career in New Zealand's tech industry.
We cover:
Business Understanding: Alex emphasizes the necessity for engineers to understand how their business makes money and the breakdown of costs versus net revenue.

Scaling Challenges: He identifies people scaling as the toughest aspect of growth, focusing on maintaining a high hiring bar while being inclusive.

Effective Decision-Making: The discussion covers the evolution from small, organic decision-making groups to structured, scaled processes involving written proposals and team socialization.

Leadership Principles: Alex shares his "no drama" manifesto, focusing on alignment, eliminating misaligned individuals, and fostering productive conflict.

Transparent Hiring and Remuneration: He advocates for transparent hiring processes, including upfront salary bands and clear role expectations, to ensure fairness and reduce conflict within the team.
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35min
May 13, 2024 Coaching Habit - Transforming Your Tech Leadership
In this episode of TechWaka, we explore the transformative power of coaching in technology leadership.
We review Michael Bungay Stanier's "The Coaching Habit," and discuss seven key questions that every tech leader could use to enhance their coaching approach.
This episode is a must-listen for those looking to foster personal development, increase team engagement, and drive continuous improvement within their organizations.

Join us to discover how you can empower your teams and lead more effectively by adopting a coaching mindset.

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22min
April 22, 2024Mastering the CTO Role: Insights from Martin Wildash
In this TechWaka podcast episode, we interview Martin Wildash, who delves into the complexities and responsibilities of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Martin shares his journey and insights into the CTO role, discussing various aspects from strategic decision-making to key relationships within a company.

Main Themes:
Strategic Decision-Making: Understanding and managing the risks and impacts of technology decisions within the broader scope of business operations.

Financial Acumen: The necessity for a CTO to comprehend the financial underpinnings of the business, emphasizing the importance of close collaboration with the CFO.

Board Interaction: The dynamics of working with a company's board to align technology strategies with business objectives and manage governance and accountability.

Leadership and Influence: The role of a CTO in leading and influencing both the technology team and broader business strategies, requiring a solid grasp of both technical and business domains.

Career Journey: Martin discusses his own path to becoming a CTO, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities that shaped his career, offering advice to aspiring CTOs.
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38min
April 10, 2024Leadership Principles with David Corbett
In this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, we talk with David Corbett, COO of Timecloud. We discuss David's journey and insights into improving leadership and teamwork.
We cover:
The importance of learning from mistakes and staying curious.

Transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position.

Understanding people's mental models to make better decisions.

Leading by influence, not authority, to guide teams towards success.

The role of asking good questions in understanding and improvement.

Creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.
This conversation is full of advice for anyone looking to lead more effectively and build a stronger, more innovative team.
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30min
March 26, 2024From Curiosity to Leadership: Blueprint for Women in Tech with Chardi Taylor
In this Tech Waka podcast episode featuring Chardi Taylor, a product leader, we explore several key themes:
Chardi's Path: From childhood curiosity to tech leadership, highlighting her shift from law to technology.

Moving to New Zealand: Adjusting to a new country, building a tech network, and finding similarities in leadership challenges.

Women in Tech Leadership: Addressing barriers like imposter syndrome, the importance of inclusive hiring, and mentorship to support women's advancement in tech.

The Importance of Support: The critical role of having a supportive partner and community for career growth, especially for women in leadership positions.
This episode shines a light on the journey to tech leadership, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the importance of support and inclusivity in the tech industry.
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30min
March 20, 2024How Autonomy and Accountability Fuel Success with Cara Fonseca-Ensor
In this episode with Cara Fonseca-Ensor, we explore key themes around fostering a successful team environment:
The Balance Between Autonomy and Accountability: Cara discusses how autonomy encourages innovation while accountability ensures that innovations are effectively implemented.

The Importance of Visibility and Trust: Insights into how transparency in processes and achievements builds trust within teams and across the organization.

Leadership's Role in Empowering Teams: Cara shares her transition from hands-on problem-solving to enabling her team to tackle challenges, emphasizing leadership's impact on team dynamics.

Effective Communication and Check-ins: The significance of clear, open communication and regular check-ins to maintain alignment and progress.

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Cara touches on creating an environment where continuous learning and improvement are valued and encouraged.
Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on creating and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry.
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31min
March 13, 2024From Fashion Design to Tech Leadership: Wendy Stevenson-Vrame's Inspiring Journey
In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Wendy Stevenson-Vrame, Engineering Manager at TradeMe.
Our conversation was about:
Career Journey: Wendy discusses her unconventional path from fashion design to tech leadership, including experiences in investment banking, HR, and recruitment, culminating in her role as an Engineering Manager at TradeMe.

Leadership Philosophy: Emphasizes the importance of understanding individual work styles and communication preferences to foster team growth, motivation, and the significance of being a supportive leader who encourages continuous personal and professional development.

Team Dynamics: Shares insights into managing diverse teams, including varying career stages and aspirations, and the importance of creating a cohesive and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and motivated.

Mentorship and Development: Underscoring the importance of nurturing future tech talent and the mutual benefits of internships for both companies and students.

Challenges and Adaptability: Reflects on the challenges of adapting to tech leadership without a traditional tech background and the strategies employed to overcome these, such as partnering with technical experts and focusing on continuous learning.

Personal Growth and Motivation: Wendy's story illustrates the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and the willingness to embrace change, showcasing her journey across different countries, industries, and roles.

Advocacy for Women in Tech: The episode, released in celebration of International Women's Day, serves as an inspiration for women looking to navigate and excel in the tech industry and leadership roles.

If you’d like connect with Wendy, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-stevenson-vrame/

Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/
And X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechWakaPodcast
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27min
March 07, 2024 From Music to Tech Leadership with Rachel Collingridge
In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, Jakub sits down with Rachel Collingridge, Head of Engineering at Totara, to discuss the symphony of leadership, teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of learning in the tech world. From the foggy heights of Wellington's Karori suburb, Rachel shares her intriguing journey from a classically trained musician to a tech leader, highlighting how the disciplines of music and technology harmonize.
Throughout the episode, Rachel offers profound insights into the essence of a positive team dynamic, the tangible nature of culture and strategy in the workplace, and the importance of feedback and self-reflection in personal growth. She also touches on her approach to navigating the initial phase at a new company, the iterative process of aligning with organizational strategies, and the value of questioning as a tool for innovation and improvement.
Rachel also shares her thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of recognizing one's contributions, and the crucial balance between being a collaborative team member and an effective leader.

Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/
...more
30min

FAQs about Tech Waka Podcast:

How many episodes does Tech Waka Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.