Tech World Human Skills

By Ben PearceBusiness Technology Education Self-Improvement Careers

Tech World Human Skills episodes

July 23, 2025EP61: Why Digital Projects Fail with James Freed
In this episode we discuss the reasons behind the failure of digital projects. James shares his insights from his extensive experience in the NHS and emphasizes the root causes of success and failure.
James Freed is the Deputy Director of NHS Digital Academy. The team he leads exists to help as many health and care teams as possible deliver more value tomorrow than they did today. Before that he was CIO for Health Education England.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
James Freed Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-freed-digital/
Future Dot Now - https://futuredotnow.uk/

Takeaways
70% of digital transformations fail to achieve expected benefits.
One hour of training can significantly improve staff satisfaction.
Focus on outcomes rather than outputs for project success.
Staff satisfaction is directly linked to patient safety and wellbeing.
Digital champions can provide immediate support to staff.
Cows (computers on wheels) illustrate the challenges in NHS tech.
Bad digital experiences contribute to staff burnout and turnover.
Training is essential to prevent burnout and improve job performance.
60% of digital project failures are due to cultural and skills deficits.
Digital literacy varies significantly across different industries.

Keywords
digital projects, NHS, project failures, healthcare technology, digital transformation, staff experience, training, project success, human skills, technology implementation
41 min
July 09, 2025EP60: Converting Learning To Execution with Tim Chinchen
In this episode we're talking about the challenge of turning the things you've learnt, into things you actually do. Moving from theory, to applied changes in behaviour.
Tim Chinchen is Senior Director of Solutions Consulting at Pager Duty. He's a seasoned pro in the tech world and shares his experience with us.
Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
Tim Chinchen LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchinchen/

Takeaways
Always be learning and applying that knowledge.
Focus on one wildly important goal at a time.
Storytelling is crucial in technology to engage audiences.
Adapt your communication style based on the audience.
Commit to your goals and see them through.
Use humor to connect with others.
Measure success with clear metrics and objectives.
Regular one-on-ones can enhance team communication.
Learn from mistakes and iterate on your approach.
Engage with your team to foster collaboration and innovation.

Keywords
learning, application, technology, storytelling, communication, personal development, leadership, continuous improvement, pre-sales, management
43 min
June 25, 2025EP59: Creating A Thriving Team with Leigh Smith
In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast we discuss the essential elements of creating a thriving team. Leigh shares his extensive background in engineering, sales, and product development, emphasizing the importance of purpose, communication, and structured processes in fostering team success.

Leigh Smith is a former CTO and now founder of Vantage Effect. He has years of industry in a variety of varied tech companies.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
Leigh Smith LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighivansmith/

Takeaways
Every team has the potential to thrive.
A thriving team is characterized by open communication and challenge.
Confidence within the team is crucial for success.
Purpose and vision guide team direction and decision-making.
Structured communication enhances focus and productivity.
Realistic expectations lead to accountability and pride in work.
Collaboration requires balancing individual productivity with team support.
Leaders must foster an environment of trust and openness.
Understanding the problem is key to effective solutions.
Regular reflection and improvement are essential for team growth. Communication impacts team dynamics significantly.
Intra-team communication is often more effective than inter-team communication.
Leaders must avoid dominating discussions to empower their teams.
Roles and responsibilities should include both individual and team accountabilities.
Respectful challenge fosters a culture of innovation and improvement.
Breaking down projects into smaller tasks enhances manageability.
Investing in personal development is crucial for team success.
Effective storytelling is a vital skill for all team members.
The collective knowledge of a team is greater than individual expertise.
Accountability leads to confidence and quality in team outputs.

Keywords
thriving teams, team dynamics, leadership, communication, team success, team collaboration, team purpose, agile methodology, team roles, accountability, team dynamics, communication, roles and responsibilities, respectful challenge, personal development, thriving teams, engineering teams, accountability, effective leadership, team success
48 min
June 11, 2025EP58: The Darker Side of Tech and ESG with Oliver Cronk
In this episode, Ben Pearce and Oliver Cronk delve into the often overlooked environmental impacts of technology. They discuss the lifecycle of tech products, the significant role of datacenters, the challenges of e-waste, and the energy demands of AI.

Oliver Cronk is a Technology Director at ScottLogic. He's also the host of the Architect Tomorrow podcast and community.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
Oliver Cronk LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/cronky/
Green Software Foundation - https://learn.greensoftware.foundation/

Takeaways
Technology has a significant environmental impact that is often overlooked.
The lifecycle of tech products includes energy consumption and resource extraction.
Data centers contribute to environmental issues through energy and water usage.
E-waste is a growing problem that needs proper disposal methods.
Planned obsolescence in devices leads to increased waste.
AI's energy consumption is much higher than traditional computing.
There is a lack of transparency in the tech industry's sustainability practices.
Consumers should be more aware of the environmental costs of their devices.
Using renewable energy sources for data centers is crucial for sustainability.
The tech industry needs to rethink its approach to hardware and recycling. We have traded off developer efficiency for machine efficiency.
AI can help find new battery chemistries and improve energy efficiency.
The hype around AI can lead to frivolous use without considering costs.
Sustainability is about creating enduring organizations.
Investors are increasingly looking for long-term sustainability in businesses.
There are significant cost savings to be found in sustainability efforts.
Awareness of environmental impact is crucial for tech professionals.
Generative AI can help translate complex sustainability concepts into layman's terms.
The true costs of AI technologies are not yet fully realized.
A culture of thriftiness and secondhand use can help reduce e-waste.

Keywords
technology, sustainability, environmental impact, datacenters, e-waste, AI, lifecycle analysis, renewable energy, carbon footprint, hardware, AI, sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental impact, technology, carbon reduction, business strategy, generative AI, climate change, tech industry
46 min
May 28, 2025EP57: The Reluctant Presenter with Kate Pearce
EP57: The Reluctant Presenter with Kate Pearce

In this episode we're talking about public speaking. And specifically the experience of people that hate presenting, but understand they need to do it to be more successful.

Kate Pearce is a very reluctant presenter. She is a Managing Editor in a Publishing House and happens to be the wife of Ben. She shares her experience of overcoming nerves and how she'll never like public speaking.
The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com
Kate Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-pearce-207547157/

Takeaways
Public speaking can be daunting, especially for introverts.
Preparation is key to managing presentation anxiety.
Video on demand can alleviate the stress of live presentations.
Breathing techniques can help calm nerves before speaking.
It's important to have a structured script for presentations.
Positive mindset and self-affirmation are crucial for success.
Engaging with the audience through eye contact is beneficial.
Practice makes perfect; rehearse your presentation multiple times.
Anticipating questions can help manage Q&A sessions effectively.
Remember that your message is important and worth sharing.

Keywords
public speaking, introverts, presentation skills, anxiety, video on demand, live presentations, preparation techniques, breathing techniques, positive mindset, audience engagement
35 min
May 14, 2025EP56: Leadership, Talking Value and Command And Control: Q+A with Ben Caird
It's another Q+A session with Ben Pearce and Ben Caird. Loads of different questions about building your skills to thrive in the tech world. How Do You Talk Value? How Do You Adapt? What is Command and Control Leadership vs Servant Leadership?

Ben Caird is a seasoned industry pro and a Divisional Support Director at Access Group. He shares his insight and joins us for a great chat.

The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com
Ben Caird LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcaird/

Takeaways
Authentic leadership means being true to oneself and values.
Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
Leaders must adapt their style to different situations.
Talking value involves understanding what matters to others.
Value can mean different things to different people.
Effective communication is key in leadership roles.
Command and control leadership is resurging in tough times.
Servant leadership promotes collaboration and inclusion.
Change management requires understanding human behavior.
Building trust enhances team performance. You rarely get 100% of the people doing the thing.
Command and control leadership can demotivate team members.
Asking for input can be a powerful motivator.
Adaptability is crucial in a changing environment.
The BAT framework includes belief, attention, and technique.
Resilience is built through routine and self-care.
Sleep is essential for mental clarity and focus.
Persistence is key in overcoming challenges.
Life has its highs and lows, and that's normal.
Being kind to yourself is important during tough times.

Keywords
leadership, authentic leadership, value, command and control, servant leadership, self-awareness, team dynamics, business communication, change management, tech industry, leadership, adaptability, resilience, personal growth, command and control, BAT framework, mental well-being, change management, motivation, teamwork
45 min
April 30, 2025EP55: AI: The Rise of The Zero-Knowledge Threat Actor with Etay Maor
In this episode we're talking about the underbelly of AI. About the impact of AI on security, and how AI itself can be hacked.
Etay Maor is the Chief Security Strategist at Cato Networks. He's a Professor at Boston College and a regular industry event speaker all over the world.
The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com
Etay Maor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/etaymaor/
Download the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report - https://www.catonetworks.com/resources/2025-cato-ctrl-threat-report-rise-of-zero-knowledge-threat-actor/

Takeaways
AI is lowering the barrier for entry into various fields, including cybercrime.
Zero knowledge threat actors can exploit AI tools without technical skills.
AI can assist in creating sophisticated phishing attacks and malware.
The evolution of cybercrime has made it accessible to more individuals.
AI's role in generating fake documents poses significant risks.
Cybercriminals are early adopters of new technology, including AI.
The ability to persuade AI systems is becoming a new skill.
Emerging threats include the use of AI in bullying and harassment.
Understanding AI's capabilities is crucial for cybersecurity professionals.
Proactive measures are needed to combat the rise of AI-driven threats. Threat actors are early adopters of technology, including AI.
AI can significantly enhance cybersecurity defenses.
The OODA loop is a strategic framework for decision-making in security.
Education on AI threats is crucial for individuals and organizations.
Shadow AI poses risks to both enterprises and individuals.
AI tools can help identify and mitigate threats effectively.
Understanding the ethical implications of AI is essential.
Hacking techniques can exploit AI vulnerabilities.
Personal security measures are as important as corporate ones.
Staying informed about AI developments is vital for safety.

Keywords
AI, cybersecurity, zero knowledge threat actor, cybercrime, threat intelligence, hacking, AI in security, phishing, deepfakes, technology risks, AI, cybersecurity, threats, OODA loop, defense strategies, ethical concerns, shadow AI, hacking techniques, personal security, enterprise security
48 min
April 16, 2025EP54: How To Be a Leader In The AI Age with Pratim Das
AI is on everyone's mind. It's changing the way we do things, and it's evolving fast. So how do you be a leader in the AI age? What does leadership look like? That's what we're talking about today.
Pratim Das has spent many years in tech. He's been a software developer, a data architect at AWS. He's led Data and AI teams at Microsoft, been VP of Data and AI at Cap Gemini Invent and that's only scratching the surface.
The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com
Pratim Das LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratimdas/
Making Decisions by Ed Smith - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Decisions-brilliant-smart-thinking-leadership/
Leadership & The Flipped Pyramid - Paul Hudson at Ted Talk Daily - https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_hudson_and_lindsay_levin_leadership_in_the_age_of_ai

Takeaways
Leadership in the AI age requires clarity and human focus.
Open-mindedness is essential for leaders to adapt to new technologies.
Embracing change and simplicity can drive adoption of AI solutions.
Continuous learning is crucial to keep up with AI advancements.
Purpose should guide all AI initiatives to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Experimentation is necessary, and leaders should encourage a culture of it.
Leaders must take responsibility for the ethical use of AI.
Diverse teams are essential to mitigate bias in AI systems.
Simplicity in solutions leads to higher adoption rates.
Leaders should protect time for learning and development within their teams.
Keywords
AI, leadership, continuous learning, responsible AI, embracing change, purpose-driven leadership, technology, innovation, business outcomes, experimentation
37 min
April 02, 2025EP53: The Startup Mindset: 5 Lessons That Level Up Your Life with Alex Casalboni
Whether you work in a small startup, a massive corporate or anything in between there's loads of lessons we can take from startup culture.
Alex Casalboni shares his wisdom with us today. He has worked in many startups and worked in large corporates too. He also hosted the Italian AWS podcast for 4 years.
The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
Alex Casalboni Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcasalboni/
Takeaways
Complaining does not solve problems; action does.
Iterate quickly to gather feedback and improve.
Your initial version should be imperfect to encourage feedback.
Focus on what differentiates your product or service.
Avoid distractions that do not add value to your business.
Learn to say no to non-essential tasks.
Build for immediate user value, not perfection.
Understand the real needs of your users.
Don't waste time on features everyone else has.
Embrace the startup mindset for innovation. Complaining is not a strategy; focus on solutions.
Iterate quickly to gain feedback and improve.
Prioritize high-impact activities to avoid distractions.
Categorize decisions into one-way and two-way doors.
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
Break down complex ideas into manageable tasks.
Make decisions quickly when possible to maintain momentum.
Cultural acceptance of failure can enhance innovation.
Use micro failures to guide future decisions.
Regularly reassess priorities to stay aligned with goals.

Keywords
startups, lessons, complaining, iterate quickly, focus, prioritize, tech culture, developer relations, feedback, innovation, startup, decision-making, failure, prioritization, iteration, business strategy, product development, leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural mindset
46 min
March 19, 2025EP52: The Telling Part Of Data Storytelling with Scott Taylor
Data is such an important and growing aspect of the tech world. And it's really important to get executive buy in to support the projects you want to do. So in this episode we're talking about Data Storytelling.

Scott Taylor aka The Data Whisperer is an industry veteran, regular keynote speaker and successful author.

The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.

Show Links
Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/
Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com
Scott Taylor Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmztaylor/
Meta Meta Consulting - https://www.metametaconsulting.com/
Takeaways
Data storytelling is essential for executive buy-in.
The telling part of storytelling is crucial for engagement.
Effective communication is a superpower in business.
Practicing storytelling techniques enhances delivery.
Understanding your audience's perspective is key.
Use the language of your audience to connect better.
Confidence in delivery impacts audience perception.
Smaller meetings require different engagement strategies.
The three V's of data storytelling are vocabulary, voice, and vision.
Focus on the why behind data initiatives, not just the how.
Keywords
data storytelling, executive buy-in, communication skills, data management, presentation techniques, audience engagement, storytelling framework, business communication, soft skills, data leadership
40 min

About Tech World Human Skills

From the publisher's feed

Ben Pearce interviews thought leaders in the tech world to learn from their success. In each episode we focus on a topic our guest has learnt about, failed at, course corrected and ultimately succeeded with. We can stand on the shoulders of giants and benefit from their insight.