From Hardware Hacker to CTO: Building Teams That Scale • Meri Williams & Charles Humble

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted.https://gotopia.techRead the full transcription of this interview here:https://gotopia.tech/articles/388Meri Williams - CTO at Pleo & Advisor at Skiller Whale & Kindred CapitalCharles Humble - Freelance Techie, Podcaster, Editor, Author & ConsultantRESOURCESMerihttps://x.com/Geek_Managerhttps://github.com/geekmanagerhttp://blog.geekmanager.co.ukCharleshttps://bsky.app/profile/charleshumble.bsky.socialhttps://mastodon.social/@charleshumblehttps://conissaunce.comLinkshttps://blog.container-solutions.com/managing-remote-teams-in-scaling-organisationsDESCRIPTIONJoin us in a conversation with Meri Williams, an experienced CTO who has led technology teams from 30 to 300 people across organizations.In this candid discussion, Meri shares their journey from reluctant manager to seasoned leader, revealing hard-won insights about scaling teams, avoiding the "Google trap" of copying big tech practices inappropriately, and why investing in onboarding can make or break your organization.With refreshing honesty about management mistakes and the ongoing importance of diversity in building products that serve everyone, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating the world of tech leadership.RECOMMENDED BOOKSMeri Williams • The Principles of Project Management • https://amzn.to/4lj5B1GTom DeMarco & Tim Lister • Peopleware • https://amzn.to/3KJmFOqMarcus Buckingham & Gallup Organization • First, Break All the Rules • https://amzn.to/40xpppIDaniel H. Pink • Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us • https://amzn.to/3UHx535Kathy Sierra • Badass • https://amzn.to/4b9fb2VJames Stanier • Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager • https://amzn.to/3vHrx1EBlueskyInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!