213 episodes

The CTO Podcast explores the worlds of Chief Technical officers as they manage the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of technologists in the C-suite. 
Hosted by Etienne de Bruin, this podcast brings you insights and perspectives from experienced technology leaders as they share expertise and wisdom on a wide range of topics, including technical strategy, project management, talent management, infrastructure and architecture, security and compliance, customer experience, agile methodologies, collaboration and communication, innovation, and data-driven decision making.
Whether you're a CTO yourself, an aspiring technology leader, or simply interested in learning more about the world of tech, The CTO Podcast has something for you. Our guests share their real-world experiences and practical advice, as well as their thoughts on emerging trends and technologies in AI, crypto, and Web3.
If you're interested in staying ahead of the curve in the world of technology leadership, tune in to The CTO Podcast and discover what it takes to succeed as a CTO in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape.

Host:  Etienne de Bruin // Founder of 7CTOs
7CTOS is a community of experienced technology leaders who share insights, build relationships, and learn from one another through events, workshops, and a range of resources. 7CTOs provides a platform for CTOs to connect with peers, access valuable resources, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in technology leadership. 
7ctos.com

Producer: Benjamin Shapiro – Founder & CEO of I Hear Everything.
I Hear Everything is a content production company that offers a full suite of podcast services to launch and distributed podcasts across various channels, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. I Hear Everything's done-for-you service converts their customers thought leadership into an audience that loves their brand.
iheareverything.com

CTO Podcast – Insights & Strategies for Chief Technology Officers Navigating the C-Suite while Balancing Technical Strategy Etienne de Bruin (7CTOs)

    • Technology
    • 4.7 • 31 Ratings

The CTO Podcast explores the worlds of Chief Technical officers as they manage the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of technologists in the C-suite. 
Hosted by Etienne de Bruin, this podcast brings you insights and perspectives from experienced technology leaders as they share expertise and wisdom on a wide range of topics, including technical strategy, project management, talent management, infrastructure and architecture, security and compliance, customer experience, agile methodologies, collaboration and communication, innovation, and data-driven decision making.
Whether you're a CTO yourself, an aspiring technology leader, or simply interested in learning more about the world of tech, The CTO Podcast has something for you. Our guests share their real-world experiences and practical advice, as well as their thoughts on emerging trends and technologies in AI, crypto, and Web3.
If you're interested in staying ahead of the curve in the world of technology leadership, tune in to The CTO Podcast and discover what it takes to succeed as a CTO in today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape.

Host:  Etienne de Bruin // Founder of 7CTOs
7CTOS is a community of experienced technology leaders who share insights, build relationships, and learn from one another through events, workshops, and a range of resources. 7CTOs provides a platform for CTOs to connect with peers, access valuable resources, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in technology leadership. 
7ctos.com

Producer: Benjamin Shapiro – Founder & CEO of I Hear Everything.
I Hear Everything is a content production company that offers a full suite of podcast services to launch and distributed podcasts across various channels, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. I Hear Everything's done-for-you service converts their customers thought leadership into an audience that loves their brand.
iheareverything.com

    Navigating the Rollercoaster: From Rapid Growth to Unwinding with Tracie Hlavka

    Navigating the Rollercoaster: From Rapid Growth to Unwinding with Tracie Hlavka

    Etienne is thrilled to sit down with Tracie Hlavka, former CTO of Flyhomes, to discuss the tumultuous journey of rapid scale and the poignant process of winding down a company. Tracie reflects on her experience navigating the job market amidst layoffs and shifting funding landscapes, shedding light on the challenges of finding the right fit in a tough market.

    Tracie and Etienne also delve into the complexities of managing a tech team during rapid growth and downsizing, highlighting the delicate balance between building scalable systems and adapting to changing circumstances. Tracie shares insights into the intricacies of hiring and team organization, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with business objectives and fostering a culture of resilience.

    The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of layoffs and the significance of empathetic leadership in times of transition. As Tracie explores her journey of self-discovery and career exploration, she also reflects on the lessons learned from the book Designing Your Life and the value of embracing possibility amidst uncertainty. Join Etienne and Tracie as they navigate the highs and lows of the tech industry, offering valuable insights for CTOs and aspiring leaders alike.




    Time Stamps:

    [1:59] - Tracie finds the current market tough, especially for series B/C startups and consumer-facing ventures.

    [3:44] - Tracie sees a challenging cycle in rapid scaling, grappling with evolving processes and clinging to past achievements.

    [6:21] - Hear how Tracie finds rapid scaling exhilarating, despite its challenges, embracing the process of hiring and growth.

    [8:21] - Tracie relishes the challenge of building systems and teams to support rapid company growth.

    [10:59] - For each hire, Tracie conducts around ten interviews, with approximately 100 applicants for consideration.

    [13:30] - Tracie argues that hiring can initially be inefficient, requiring time for new hires to integrate and become productive.

    [16:57] - Tracie advocates for yearly adjustments in team structure to match business needs, balancing deep expertise with innovation.

    [20:02] - Managing code boundaries and team dynamics becomes challenging when splitting teams to match organizational growth.

    [23:40] - Tracie points out that educating about realistic technology expectations involves managing the desire to scale prototypes instantly.

    [24:44] - Tracie argues for the importance of handling layoffs with empathy.

    [26:24] - Adapting to rapid changes requires adjusting systems.

    [29:35] - Tracie shares that she found solace in taking time off and exploring the book Designing Your Life to navigate career choices.

    [30:49] - Exploring alternative scenarios and milestones through exercises fosters openness to new possibilities and insights.




    Resources and Links Mentioned:

    Bill Burnett & Dave Evans - Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

    We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video

    Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast Website

    Schedule a meeting with Etienne on Calendly

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 33 min
    From Pragmatism to Pivot Tables: Navigating Leadership, Philosophy, and Data Mastery with Matt Van Itallie

    From Pragmatism to Pivot Tables: Navigating Leadership, Philosophy, and Data Mastery with Matt Van Itallie

    Etienne is very happy to be sitting down with Matt Van Itallie, founder of Sema, a company that develops software to help engineering leaders manage AI in software development. As they delve into their shared experiences of learning to code on vintage machines, they explore Matt's journey from studying philosophy to founding Sema.

    The conversation takes a philosophical turn, discussing pragmatism in decision-making and the importance of clarifying outcomes, and Etienne and Matt also dissect the complexities of C-suite dynamics and the challenges of resolving conflicts within leadership teams. Matt shares insights on the significance of developer retention and the metrics that matter most on a CTO dashboard, and the discussion touches on the art of listening, empathy, and the power of effective communication within organizations.

    As they plan a session on pivot tables, Matt also emphasizes the value of community, highlighting the support and inspiration found in groups like 7CTOs. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, problem-solving, and the human side of technology!




    Time Stamps:

    [2:09] - Learn how Matt’s academic journey expanded with a focus on law's evolution and late 19th-century pragmatism.

    [4:56] - Matt argues that our brains seek to make sense of things.

    [7:24] - Etienne reflects on navigating conflicting perspectives among C-Suite members, highlighting the challenge of coherence.

    [10:23] - Focus on critical outcomes, not just outputs.

    [12:25] - Matt emphasizes fostering understanding through clarifying outcomes and promoting inclusive dialogue and contributions.

    [15:58] - Matt suggests identifying underlying causes of communication issues and resolving conflicts promptly for organizational success.

    [16:40] - Hear how Matt prioritizes organizational goals over personal interests, advocating for a values-based decision-making approach.

    [18:46] - Matt explains how Sema goes about making decisions pragmatically.

    [21:07] - The opposite of pragmatism might be scrutiny, but pragmatism focuses on moving forward effectively.

    [24:45] - Mastering pivot tables symbolizes problem-solving prowess, transforming decision-making with raw data access.

    [28:03] - Discover how pivotal moments led to Sema's inception in 2015, spurred by tech challenges and leadership insights.

    [30:50] - Matt explains how, inspired by a Bloomberg article, he delved into tech research in 2015, seeking innovation.

    [32:25] - Matt pursued tech research, seeking licenses from 250 professors; one acceptance birthed Sema.

    [34:40] - Matt discusses developer retention, a pivotal metric, and how it holds 25 points on Sema's 100-point scale.

    [37:40] - Etienne shares a story in which a key developer's silence flagged a possible departure, highlighting the important role of product vision clarity.

    [39:16] - Matt asserts that effective people management discerns subtle shifts in participation, vital for organizational success and cohesion.

    [41:49] - Matt encourages us to prioritize listening qualitatively to one's team before relying solely on data-driven tools.

    [43:44] - Etienne agrees, adding that mastering listening is as complex as it is crucial, often underestimated despite its profound impact.




    We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video

    Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast Website

    Contact Matt: Sema Website / LinkedIn / X

    Schedule a meeting with Etienne on Calendly

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 47 min
    CTO Leadership: Navigating Startup Realities and Inspiring Teams with Krijn Van der Raadt

    CTO Leadership: Navigating Startup Realities and Inspiring Teams with Krijn Van der Raadt

    Etienne sits down with Krijn van der Raadt, a seasoned CTO with a rich history of steering both startups and established tech giants toward successful exits. Krijn, now a fractional CTO and advisor to startups, shares insights gained and collaborative problem-solving experiences with fellow CTOs. They explore the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position and the common pitfalls faced by startups when scaling their engineering teams.

    Dive into the conversation as Krijn reflects on his journey from Great Call to Health App Folio, discussing leadership styles, organizational structures, and the Goldilocks rate of growth. The episode unfolds with a fascinating discussion on managing budgets in different scenarios, exploring the nuances of constrained vs. surplus spending and the impact on team motivation.

    Krijn also sheds light on his passion for preparedness and frugality, drawing parallels between his Dutch background and his approach to leadership. Etienne and Krijn delve into the significance of scarcity as an inspiration for quality work, touching on the dynamics of team motivation and purpose.

    The episode takes a turn into the realm of simulations and imagination, where Krijn recommends Jane McGonigal's Imaginable. Discover how the lessons from simulations can transform leadership approaches, enhance team collaboration, and prepare for unforeseen challenges.

    Krijn wraps up with insights into tools like ChatGPT and Jupyter notebooks, offering practical tips for effective utilization. Tune in to explore the multifaceted world of leadership, technology, and the human element with Krijn and Etienne in this engaging and insightful episode.




    Time Stamps:

    [2:57] - Krijn highlights the challenges of evolving from a founding engineer to an effective CTO in startups.

    [4:33] - Etienne and Krijn discuss the fascination of transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position.

    [6:46] - Krijn shares his experiences with constrained spending and the motivation it provides for quality work.

    [9:11] - The discussion turns to the impact of excessive funds on team motivation and product success.

    [11:37] - Krijn relates his passion for preparedness, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning.

    [13:19] - Krijn reflects on Jane McGonigal's Imaginable and its influence on leadership and team collaboration.

    [17:39] - Etienne delves into the importance of bringing stakeholders along through scenario painting.

    [20:53] - Listen as Krijn highlights the value of ChatGPT and AI tools in enhancing productivity and problem-solving.

    [23:19] - Krijn advocates for the widespread adoption of tools like Copilot and ChatGPT for increased productivity.

    [26:23] - Krijn explores the role of a Python library.

    [29:05] - Krijn shares his concern about the prevalence of poor leadership and the need for sincerity and humility.

    [30:49] - Etienne reflects on the challenges of leadership and the importance of staying connected to the purpose.

    [33:51] - The discussion touches on the disconnect between leadership positions and the tactical understanding required.

    [36:09] - Etienne discusses the importance of recognizing and reconciling different perspectives within the organization.

    [38:35] - Krijn emphasizes the significance of leaders inspiring trust through sincerity, humility, and a lack of ego.




    Resources and Links Mentioned:

    leadcto.com

    Jane McGonigal - Imaginable

    We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video

    Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast Website

    Schedule a meeting with Etienne on Calendly

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 41 min
    Leadership, Technology, and the “It Depends” Philosophy: Insights from Kevin Goldsmith

    Leadership, Technology, and the “It Depends” Philosophy: Insights from Kevin Goldsmith

    Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned CTO, mentor, and principal at Nimble Autonomy, joins the conversation today as we discuss Kevin's journey in technology leadership across the US, Sweden, and the UK, touching on his experiences and the release of his new book, It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012 to 2022.

    The discussion covers technology adoption, with a focus on ChatGPT and its recent Teams product. Kevin reveals how his team embraced ChatGPT, its role in policy creation, and the advantages of the Teams program for collaborative work. The conversation unfolds into a deeper exploration of the evolving role of CTOs, the future landscape for aspiring leaders, and the potential impact of advanced tools on development processes.

    Kevin, in addition, sheds light on the creation of his book, sharing insights into the inspiration behind the title It Depends and the unique approach that he took in preserving the original context of his blog posts. He touches on the audiobook creation process and the decision to self-release, emphasizing accessibility and convenience for readers.

    Kevin also offers us a glimpse into his vision for the future, both in terms of technology leadership and the evolving capabilities of generative text generators like ChatGPT. The candid and insightful conversation provides listeners with a multifaceted view of technology, leadership, and the intricate balance between innovation and the human touch, and you won't want to miss this conversation.




    Time Stamps:

    [00:33] - Kevin Goldsmith joins us today!

    [03:42] - Kevin candidly shares that after years of struggling to quit smoking, he successfully quit when his child was conceived.

    [04:45] - Armed with a PhD in neuroscience, Kevin quit smoking cold turkey after moving to Europe.

    [07:38] - Having faced the challenge of using smoking breaks to clear his mind, Kevin now copes differently.

    [09:27] - Reflecting on sixteen years without smoking, Kevin recalls a unique experience at Microsoft leveraging smokers' restlessness.

    [11:32] - Kevin admits that, even in his pre-smoking days, he sometimes consciously chose to smoke influenced by the band scene that he was part of.

    [13:05] - Eager to explore new technologies, Kevin's team embraced ChatGPT, finding it to be a valuable and helpful tool.

    [15:42] - Kevin shares how ChatGPT has been a valuable tool for writing policies, streamlining their creation.

    [17:44] - Opting for efficiency in creating his book's index, Kevin used ChatGPT to automate the process.

    [19:03] - Kevin reflects on his role as a CTO, valuing his longevity.

    [20:29] - Kevin finds the diverse career paths of CTOs fascinating, noting the changed landscape enabling quicker advancements.

    [23:39] - Reflecting on the evolution of the CTO role, Kevin sees a richer learning landscape today.

    [27:42] - Kevin likens tools like ChatGPT to skilled interns, adept at routine tasks, but not for inventive or complex challenges.

    [29:57] - Despite excitement and venture capitalist interest, some ideas have never materialized or panned out.

    [32:57] - Kevin discusses how the new product, akin to ChatGPT+, offers additional features like admin interface, privacy settings, and team chat sharing.

    [35:09] - Kevin encourages using ChatGPT to seek code suggestions and streamline tasks, emphasizing its value despite initial skepticism.

    [39:29] - Preserving the original context of blog posts, Kevin's book, It Depends, explores timeless tech leadership themes.

    [41:01] - The book's title reflects Kevin's philosophy on nuanced technology leadership, emphasizing decision-making that depends on context.

    [43:42] - Kevin shares what inspired the idea behind his book.

    [46:39] - Kevin currently uses Podbean for his podcast but is contemplating self-hosting for a more contextual and enjoyable experience.

    [50:22] - Kevin reveals where It Depends can be purchased.

    [53:10] - Listeners are advised not to edit their own audiobook if they aren’t familiar with th

    • 55 min
    Just use Flutter - Stephan Schmidt // Amazing CTO

    Just use Flutter - Stephan Schmidt // Amazing CTO

    Just use Flutter for mobile development

    • 50 min
    End of Stack Overflow -- Stephan Schmidt // Amazing CTO

    End of Stack Overflow -- Stephan Schmidt // Amazing CTO

    Stephan Schmidt, CTO Coach at Amazing CTO, discusses the end of Stackoverflow

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
31 Ratings

31 Ratings

Dan1777999877 ,

Incredible!

CTO Podcast has quickly become a favorite in my feed! I'm consistently impressed by the engaging conversations, insightful content, and actionable ideas. I truly learn something every time I listen!

Ken Cone ,

Great Podcast - Cool Speakers

Always interesting; this is a podcast that I follow regularly.

Bastosmichael ,

Timely and articulate

Very timely and articulate messaging.

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