Diary of a CTO

In this episode, we’re joined by Shailesh Hegde, CEO of Hubilo, to explore the evolving dynamics between CEOs and CTOs in tech-driven organizations. Shailesh shares his journey from QA engineer to CEO, offering invaluable insights on effective reporting, decision-making, and fostering collaboration between engineering and business teams. We dive into the art of balancing customer feedback with innovation, the challenges of addressing technical debt, and how CTOs can improve their communication to align with business goals. Shailesh also discusses the importance of empowering teams, building a product mindset, and why honesty and clarity are key to scaling startups. Whether you’re a CEO, CTO, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world stories to help you build stronger leadership alignment and drive impactful results. What we discuss: ✔️ How CEOs and CTOs can align on priorities and drive business impact ✔️ Reporting done right: What CEOs expect from their CTOs ✔️ The art of balancing customer needs, innovation, and tech debt ✔️ Building a product mindset across engineering teams ✔️ Why empowerment and honest communication are crucial for team success ✔️ Lessons for tech leaders transitioning into business roles Connect with Shailesh on LinkedinConnect with Himanshu on LinkedIn If you’re passionate about tech leadership, product strategy, or building high-performing teams, don’t miss this episode! Subscribe for more insights on engineering leadership and startup growth. Discover how DevDynamics can help you build self-organizing, high-performing engineering teams - www.devdynamics.ai

In this episode, we’re joined by Alper, Head of Platform Engineering at Choco, a leading food-tech startup based in Berlin. Alper shares his journey from freelance game development to leading platform engineering teams, offering unique insights into building scalable systems, optimizing costs, and improving developer experience. We dive deep into the metrics that matter for platform engineering, how to balance leadership with personal life, and what it takes to future-proof engineering workflows. Alper’s practical advice and real-world stories make this episode a must-watch for anyone in tech leadership. What we discuss: ✔️ The role of platform engineering in scaling teams and managing costs ✔️ How to simplify and optimize developer experience ✔️ Metrics that drive success in platform engineering ✔️ In-office vs. remote collaboration and its impact on team dynamics ✔️ Lessons from balancing leadership and parenthood ✔️ Future-proofing infrastructure and workflows to do more with less Connect with Alper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alper Connect with Himanshu on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 If you’re passionate about engineering leadership, platform engineering, or tech innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your team’s performance! Subscribe for more engineering success stories and tools to help you build high-performing teams.

In this episode, we’re joined by Nathan Harvey, leader of the DORA research program at Google Cloud, to uncover the secrets behind high-performing engineering teams and the state of DevOps in 2024. Nathan dives deep into how DORA metrics can drive productivity, enhance developer experience, and even contribute to sustainability goals. We explore the challenges and opportunities for startups using DORA, how metrics like rework rate and change failure rate are evolving, and why smaller changes lead to bigger success. Nathan also shares actionable insights on aligning engineering with business goals, improving documentation, and leveraging AI for better software delivery. Whether you’re an engineering leader, startup founder, or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical advice and groundbreaking ideas to take your engineering team to the next level. What we discuss: ✔️ How DORA metrics empower engineering leaders to measure and improve performance ✔️ Why developer experience, flow, and documentation are more important than ever ✔️ Using DORA metrics in startups: When, why, and how ✔️ Rework rate and AI’s impact on software delivery performance ✔️ Stories of sustainability and how engineering can go green ✔️ The philosophy of continuous improvement: “Get better at getting better” ✔️ Practical steps for building a data-driven engineering culture Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn:   / nathen   Connect with Himanshu on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 If you’re passionate about engineering productivity, AI, or DevOps best practices, don’t miss this episode! Subscribe for more engineering leadership insights and tools to elevate your team’s performance. Discover how DevDynamics can help you build self-organizing, high-performing engineering teams - www.devdynamics.ai

In this episode, we sit down with Pranabjyoti Bordoloi, AVP of Engineering at Junglee Games, to explore his journey through tech, from TCS and Walmart Labs to leading engineering in high-stakes gaming. Pranab shares what it’s like to navigate Junglee’s “daily Black Friday” traffic during IPL season, the unique engineering challenges in real-money gaming, and how AI is reshaping the gaming landscape. We dive into balancing speed, quality, and scalability, building lean teams in a fast-paced environment, and translating business goals into engineering requirements. Pranab offers insights on why engineering leaders need business acumen today and the value of intellectual humility in tech. If you’re interested in gaming tech, AI, and high-impact engineering leadership, this episode is a must-watch! What we discuss: ✔️ Pranab’s journey from TCS to AVP of Engineering at Junglee Games ✔️ Navigating "daily Black Friday" traffic spikes during the IPL season ✔️ How AI and automation are transforming real-money gaming ✔️ Building lean, high-performing engineering teams ✔️ Aligning engineering priorities with business goals ✔️ Why intellectual humility is crucial in fast-evolving tech ✔️ Leadership advice for high-stakes, high-growth environments Connect with Pranab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranabjyoti-bordoloi/ Connect with Himanshu on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 Whether you’re an engineering lead, CTO, or just interested in the tech powering real-money gaming, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leading engineering teams under pressure. Subscribe for more engineering leadership insights and tips to drive growth through tech. Discover how DevDynamics can help build high-performing, self-organizing engineering teams - www.devdynamics.ai

In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, we sit down with Daniel, the Head of Engineering Delivery at Valocity, to explore his unique leadership journey. From humble beginnings to leading multiple engineering teams across Australia and New Zealand, Daniel shares how he transformed from a shy university student to an inspiring leader who empowers high-performing teams. What We Discuss: ✓ Daniel’s journey from early roles to Head of Engineering Delivery at Valocity. ✓ The power of feedback and how it shapes effective leadership. ✓ Transitioning from managing a single team to leading managers of teams. ✓ How to foster team engagement and collaboration in remote settings. ✓ Creating a culture of continuous improvement through agile practices. ✓ The importance of work-life balance and the role sports, like football, play in staying grounded as a leader. Key Takeaways: ✓ Building high-performing teams through people-first leadership. ✓ Strategies for giving and receiving feedback that drives growth. ✓ How to foster team belonging and maintain engagement in remote teams. ✓ Balancing technical goals with team well-being for long-term success. Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-barrow-82755296/ Daniel’s recommended reads: Turn the Ship Around and Belonging. Subscribe for more insights on leadership, engineering innovation, and tips to lead confidently in the tech world. Learn more about DevDynamics: Discover how DevDynamics helps you create high-performing, self-organizing engineering teams at www.devdynamics.ai.

In this episode, we sit down with Varun, FieldAssist’s CTO, to talk about his journey from mining engineering at ISM Dhanbad (now IIT Dhanbad) to leading AI innovation and tech teams in the fast-paced world of field sales automation. Varun dives into how his early experiences building a citizen journalism platform shaped his approach to leadership and product development, and how FieldAssist is pushing boundaries with AI-driven solutions.We talk scaling tech teams from a handful of engineers to over 100, navigating the pandemic with a shift to microservices architecture, and the importance of agility in business. Varun shares his thoughts on leveraging AI for real-world impact, how open-source tech is the future, and why playing sports helps keep him sharp as a leader. If you're into scaling tech, AI, and innovative leadership, this one’s for you! What we discuss: ✔️ Varun’s journey from Mining Engineering at ISM Dhanbad to CTO  @FieldAssist_  ✔️ How ISM Dhanbad became IIT Dhanbad ✔️ Building and scaling a citizen journalism platform. ✔️ Leadership lessons from growing a small tech team into a 100+ strong engineering force. ✔️ The pandemic’s impact: moving to a microservices architecture and adapting to remote work. ✔️ How FieldAssist is leveraging AI for smarter solutions like route optimization and product recommendations. ✔️ The power of open-source technology and future-forward thinking.Leadership advice for scaling teams and why sports like badminton keep you grounded. Connect with Varun on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-pandey-a2596213/ Connect with Himanshu on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 Whether you're just starting as a tech lead or a CTO , this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you handle the challenges of leading engineering teams. Learn how DevDynamics can help you create high-performing, self-organizing engg teams. - www.devdynamics.ai

In this episode, we talk with Toshita, an experienced engineering leader with a background in both startups and MNCs. We discuss balancing urgent tasks and important goals in engineering teams. 👥 What to Expect: ✅ How Toshita prioritizes tasks and projects, ensuring that her team not only meets deadlines but also focuses on impactful work. ✅ From her roots in startup environments to leadership roles in major companies, discover the experiences that shaped her approach to engineering management. ✅ Toshita shares her thoughts on cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture, even in high-pressure situations. ✅ Practical tips and strategies for new and aspiring leaders in the tech industry. If you are an engineering manager, team leader, or aspiring CTO. Balancing Urgency and Importance in Engineering Teams, this episode gives useful lessons on how to balance technical needs with business goals. Get tips on improving team work, encouraging new ideas, and leading your projects to success. 🔔 Subscribe for more ideas and stories from top engineering experts like Toshita. Don't forget to like and share your thoughts on the episode!

In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast as we sit down with Shalabh, CTO of CredFlow, to delve into the crucial interplay between technical expertise and effective leadership. Here's why every engineering leader should listen: ✅ Leadership Growth: Learn from Shalabh's journey from hands-on engineer to CTO, and how to apply these lessons to advance your career. ✅ Forming Top Teams: Explore strategies for creating and nurturing autonomous, high-performing engg. teams. ✅ Using Modern Tools: Find out how to use the latest tools and processes to increase productivity and focus on high-impact engineering work. ✅ Aligning Engineering and Business: Understand how to connect engineering efforts directly with business goals to make your projects more relevant to company growth. ✅ Leadership Tips: Get practical advice from Shalabh on encouraging innovation and accountability within your tech teams. ✅ Developing Yourself: Discover the importance of non-technical skills and personal growth in becoming a well-rounded leader. Connect with Shalabh on Linkedin Whether you're just starting as a tech lead or a CTO , this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you handle the challenges of leading engineering teams. Learn how DevDynamics can help you create high-performing, self-organizing engg teams. - www.devdynamics.ai

Engineering Success Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 with Dhanush Hetti In this episode we are sitting with Dhanush Hetti, a tech leader with over 2 decades of experience in engg leadership. This episode dives into how to build and grow engineering teams, especially in fast-moving startups in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Here's what to expect: ✅ Dhanush talks about why good engineering basics are key to growing startups. ✅ Learn why it's important to keep track of how engineering work flows, including how fast things move from start to finish. ✅ Tips on designing systems that can handle growth and change while staying reliable. ✅ Hear about the move from doing the work yourself to leading big teams. ✅ Dhanush discusses how the tech scenes in the U.S. and Southeast Asia differ and what that means for startups. ✅ How AI tools are making engineering leadership better by helping with productivity and decision-making. Mentioned Resources: Silicon Valley Product GroupBooks by Eric Evans and Martin FowlerAlso follow Dhanush's blog Go Nail It and Scale it Whether you're just starting as a tech lead or you've been a CTO for years, this episode is packed with straightforward tips and insights to help you handle the challenges of leading engineering teams. Subscribe to our channel for more insights and tips to lead confidently in the tech world today.

Catch the latest episode of the Engineering Success Podcast where we dive into team management with Shira, a seasoned engineering leader. Here’s what we cover: 🔹 Shira’s journey from QA to leadership in health tech and maritime shipping. 🔹 How Shira keeps her distributed teams focused and productive without expanding the team size. 🔹 Tips on enabling small teams to achieve big results through strategic planning. 🔹 Combining direct communication with empathy to keep the team motivated and effective. Connect with Shira - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirahaddad/ Connect with Himanshu - www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 DevDynamics rated one of the leaders amongst Software engineering analytics tool - https://www.g2.com/products/devdynamics/reviews

About the seasonWelcome to Season 2 of the "Engineering Success Podcast." This season focuses on Resource Allocation and Investment Distribution. We explore how engineering leaders can manage resources to optimize immediate outcomes and long-term goals. With tighter budgets and smaller teams, efficient resource allocation is crucial for growth and innovation. Join us for actionable strategies and insights from industry leaders who excel in balancing agile responses with strategic planning. Each episode offers practical tips and a deep understanding of resource management for your team and projects.Season 2 Episode 1 In this episode, Nathan Dench talks about moving beyond speed to achieve true productivity in engineering projects. He shares his journey from founding multiple startups to balancing speed and quality at ProcurePro, offering valuable lessons for engineering leaders. In the podcast with Nathan, listeners can expect to learn about: ✅ Nathan's journey through different startup stages, highlighting fast growth and challenges faced when switching product focus, especially in the construction tech industry. ✅ How to structure and grow small engineering teams effectively, emphasizing the importance of hiring and team dynamics in a fast-paced setting. ✅ Nathan's method for managing and prioritizing engineering tasks, particularly when resources are limited but demands are high, ensuring strategic priorities match business goals. Follow Nathan on Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/nathandench Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, Sundi from Cars Commerce shares her transition from coding to leading, and how she maintains her connection with her favorite programming language, Elixir, through management. She discusses the importance of aligning engineering work with business needs, fostering effective communication in remote settings, and empowering engineers to step up as leaders. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for developing leadership skills and building a culture of transparency and trust within tech teams. About the guest Sundi is a Software Engineering Manager at Cars Commerce with a decade of experience in technology. Her career has spanned many fields, including HR tech, automotive, travel, the restaurant industry and various consultancies. As an engineer, Sundi's technology focus was in Elixir and Phoenix. Now as a manager, Sundi continues to focus her efforts on the Elixir community as a co-host on the Elixir Wizards podcast (a podcast brought to you by @SmartLogic) and as a meetup organizer for DC Elixir. She focuses on adapting to all learning styles, promoting career growth and technical skills in direct reports, and building a team that welcomes diverse thoughts and ideas. Follow Sundi on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundimyint/ Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

Join us for a conversation with Brad Taylor, ex CTO at Nursa, a tech consultant and advisor for health tech and climate tech companies. In this episode, Brad shares his journey from systems administrator to tech leader, discussing transitions, the skills required for leadership, and the impact of decision-making in technology. Brad talks about balancing innovation with team health, handling changes in technology choices, and integrating AI in business practices. Whether it’s about managing remote teams or ensuring data privacy in the age of AI, Brad offers insights from his experience in the tech industry. Say Hi to Brad : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradtaylor4/ Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

Our guest Hunter Powers in this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, where he breaks down his tech journey and the lessons learned transitioning from hands-on coding to tech leadership. Hunter discusses the challenges of engineering leadership, the strategic integration of AI in software development, and how to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. Hunter doesn't just stop at his personal journey; he also shares practical advice for engineers aiming to climb the corporate ladder, emphasizes the critical role of continuous learning, and suggests three must-read books that have significantly shaped his approach to tech leadership. Connect with Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterpowers Listen to Hunter's podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/@UCy9DopLlG7IbOqV-WD25jcw Connect with Himanshu : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2 Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, host Daniel Morgan sits down with Anton, a game developer turned ag-tech engineering leader. They delve into Anton’s tech journey starting from his early days in game development to his pivotal role in using AI to agriculture. The conversation covers a range of topics including the challenges of adapting new technologies in traditional industries, the importance of aligning engineering projects with business goals, and strategies for managing remote and hybrid teams effectively. Tune in to discover how Anton navigates the complexities of tech leadership and drives significant impact in the ag-tech sector. About Anton Anton Zaides is the Director of Engineering at Taranis, where he leads innovative ag-tech projects using AI and drone technology to revolutionize agriculture. With a background in game development and a strong focus on team leadership, Anton blends technical expertise with strategic vision to drive industry advancements. The Engineering Success Podcast "The Engineering Success Podcast" is your go-to source for insights into the software engineering. We cover everything from leadership tips to detailed technical topics, helping both engineers and leaders. Every episode offers valuable knowledge, including interviews with industry experts about overcoming challenges, growing teams, and adopting new technologies. Subscribe to get regular inspiration and be part of our community focused on improving engineering leadership. Connect with AntonSubscribe to Leading Developer newsletter here Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

Welcome to the Engineering Success Podcast! In this episode, we're talking to Mitch Pirtle, CTO- RevDoc is Engineering leader with over 20 years of experience at Joomla!, Postgres, and various startups. Mitch shares his insights on building effective teams, balancing strategy and technology, and the evolving role of AI in engineering management. Join us as Mitch discusses his journey and offers valuable tips for aspiring engineering leaders.About the guest:Mitch Pirtle is a technology leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as CTO of Revdoc and co-founder of Joomla, with significant roles at Capital One; he is also a musician and children's football coach.The Engineering Success Podcast"The Engineering Success Podcast" is your go-to source for insights into the software engineering. We cover everything from leadership tips to detailed technical topics, helping both engineers and leaders. Every episode offers valuable knowledge, including interviews with industry experts about overcoming challenges, growing teams, and adopting new technologies. Subscribe to get regular inspiration and be part of our community focused on improving engineering leadership.Connect with Mitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchpirtle/Listen to Mitch's EP here : https://echovoid.band/Connect with Himanshu : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsaxena2/ Read more blogs on Software Engineering leadership : https://devdynamics.ai/blog

Welcome to the Engineering Success Podcast. In this episode we are talking to Sebastiano Armeli, Director of Engineering at UpWork, an engineering leader with a global career at major companies like Snapchat, PayPal, and Upwork. We'll talk about the changing role of engineering leaders, how they use KPIs in different areas, and ways to handle remote teams. Join us as Sebastiano shares his tips and experiences for those who want to lead in the challenging fields of engineering and business. About the guest: Sebastiano is an experienced engineering leader with a career spanning Italy, Australia, and the US. He has been in engineering leadership roles at Snapchat, Pinterest, PayPal, and now at Upwork. The Engineering Success Podcast Hosted by Pru, CEO of DevDynamics, "The Engineering Success Podcast" is your go-to source for insights into the software engineering universe. From leadership wisdom to technical deep dives, we cover the spectrum to empower engineers and leaders alike. Each episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring conversations with industry experts on navigating challenges, fostering team growth, and embracing technological innovations. Subscribe for your regular dose of inspiration and join our community dedicated to elevating engineering leadership.

In this episode of Engineering Success Podcast, Shreyas, Melbourne based engineering manager discusses the evolving challenges and responsibilities of engineering management in the post-Zerp era, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical engagement with effective team leadership. He shares personal experiences and strategies for fostering a high-performing engineering culture, underlining the significance of being product-obsessed and user-centric to secure a decisive impact and innovation in the tech industry. The conversation reveals practical advice on navigating the transitions within engineering roles and the critical role of feedback and psychological safety in building successful teams.Plus, be prepared to be amazed by Shreyas's ability to coin catchy terms.About the GuestShreyas Balakrishna is an engineering leader from Melbourne, Australia. He's passionate about motivating teams, culture, and innovation. He's been an Engineering Manager at Culture Amp since November 2022. Previously, he held key roles at Halter, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and EROAD. He has a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems from the University of Auckland and focuses on continuous learning, clean code, efficient feedback, and proactive leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with Manas P., the Head of Engineering at Loopr AI. We delve into the role of AI in engineering leadership and the shift towards architecture and design in the development process. Manas shares insights into building high-performance teams, fostering innovation, and aligning engineering efforts with business outcomes. Plus, don't miss his book recommendation that's shaping leaders worldwide.

Today's episode features Sarvesh V.P. of A.I. at Accurate, who's moved from Silicon Valley to leading tech teams in India. We're talking AI trends, product development, future trends . Straight talk, no fluff. Join us for a deep dive with Sarvesh.

In this episode, we're talking fintech engineering with Varun Bhanot from Tata Digital. Varun's got a lot of experience in tech and finance, working at places like Grip, BlackRock, and Fidelity International. We'll hear about his journey from engineering to leading teams, how to mix tech skills with financial know-how, and what AI means for the future of finance.