Tech Waka Podcast

Dec 09 2024 19 ep. 29 mins 3
Tech Waka Podcast artwork

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 tech innovators from across Aotearoa. Join us as we uncover the experiences, challenges, and successes that shape our tech community. This is where New Zealand's technology journey unfolds.

  Technology
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Systems Thinking, AI, and Innovation with Annie Vella

Dec 09 2024 47 mins  
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.

From Individual Contributor to CTO: Chris Bertram's Leadership Journey

Nov 20 2024 37 mins  
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: Chris Bertram’s career journey: from 18 ye

Legacy Tech, M&A, and SaaS Transformation: Lessons from Jan Behrens

Oct 03 2024 37 mins  
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 wor

Mastering Strategic Choices: A Deep Dive into Strategy with Gareth Ward

Aug 19 2024 43 mins  
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: Defining Strategy: Understanding what truly differentiates good strategy from bad strategy. The Power of Choice: How making tough, clear choices is central to successful strategy. Strategy vs. Planning: Clar

Navigating Cybersecurity and Enterprise Tech: Insights from Fred Laury

Aug 05 2024 23 mins  
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, bu

Leading with Purpose with Edwin Monk-Fromont

Jul 22 2024 28 mins  
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. Highlig

Scaling Success with Alex Henderson

Jun 17 2024 34 mins  
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

Coaching Habit - Transforming Your Tech Leadership

May 13 2024 21 mins  
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,

Mastering the CTO Role: Insights from Martin Wildash

Apr 22 2024 37 mins  
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 r

Leadership Principles with David Corbett

Apr 10 2024 29 mins  
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. Leadi