PODCAST · technology
Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald
by NTP Talent
The weekly podcast exploring how Australia hires, builds, and leads tech teams in the age of AI. Each week, James MacDonald sits down with a founder, CTO, or people leader to discuss the work itself—the strategic wins, the lessons learned from tough calls, and how leadership is evolving as AI reshapes what a team looks like.Building Tech Teams is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the production partner behind Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts. Sister shows include First Cheque, Oversubscribed and In The Blink of AI.
Episodes
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Why Everybody Unpacks the Dishwasher: Ella Brennecke, People Operations Manager at Everlab
DESCRIPTION Most people teams wait until someone with an HR background is in the room before they build a culture function. Ella Brennecke didn't have one, and Everlab's culture is stronger for it. In this episode of Building Tech Teams, James MacDonald sits down with Ella Brennecke, People...
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The Engineer Who Hasn't Written Code in 9 Months: Jack Rudenko, 10x Labs
Jack Rudenko hasn't written a line of code himself in nine months. In that time, his team has shipped six or seven products used by millions of people, and he says that gap, between who writes the code and who's actually building, is the whole story of engineering right now. In this episode of...
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Nobody Knows What to Pay Anymore: A Building Tech Teams Best-Of
Eight guests into Building Tech Teams, one theme has shown up in every single episode: money. A principal software engineer who now manages a team of agents asks what he should be paid, and nobody in the room has a clean answer. AI has changed what one person can produce, and salaries have come…
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Why "The Number Is Never the Problem": Matt McFarlane, Founder of FNDN
Most companies treat compensation as a math problem: get the number right and the rest takes care of itself. Matt McFarlane says that’s backwards, and it’s the reason so many pay conversations go sideways even when the number itself is fair. In this episode of Building Tech Teams, James MacDonald...
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Why "Show Me Your Harness" Beats Any Coding Test: Adam Witanowski, AI Architect
Most technical interviews still ask a candidate to write a function on a whiteboard. Adam Witanowski says that question is already obsolete, and what should replace it says everything about how AI is changing who gets hired. In this episode of Building Tech Teams, James MacDonald sits down with...
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The Junior Engineer Isn't Needed Anymore: Cloë Stanbridge, Talent Lead at Airtree
The junior engineer used to be the safe first hire. Cloë Stanbridge says AI just made that job disappear, and that's only the start of what's rewriting tech hiring right now. In this episode of Building Tech Teams, James MacDonald sits down with Cloë Stanbridge, Talent Lead at Airtree, one of...
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How to Build AI Capability Without Chasing Every New Model, with Patrick McQuaid
Most organisations are asking which AI model they should use. Patrick McQuaid thinks that is the wrong conversation. Patrick is Group Head of Data, Analytics & AI at NGM Group. He joins James MacDonald to explain how leaders can build practical AI capability without getting trapped by hype…
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Are Your People More Productive or Just Faster? Claudia Barriga-Larriviere, Startup Flamingo
Every great team she has ever seen shares one trait: they are comfortable with discomfort. Claudia Barriga-Larriviere has spent nearly 20 years building people and culture inside startups and global enterprises — and she thinks most of the AI conversation is quietly dodging the hard, human...
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AI Can’t Replace Domain Expertise — Nathan Hill, Head of Telco at AWS
The business wants AI, and it wants it yesterday. But once the proof of concept works and the partner goes home, someone inside the company has to keep the thing running. Nathan Hill, Head of Telco at AWS and a 20-year veteran of the telco industry, joins James to talk about what actually happens...
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Guardrails Are Just Suggestions: Securing AI Agents with Okta's Kevin Akermanis
The business wants AI now. The people who have to secure it are being told to move faster while their budgets shrink. Kevin Akermanis, Solutions Architect at Okta and a 15-year Salesforce veteran, sits down with James MacDonald to unpack what really happens when enterprises rush AI into…
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Why Your First Hire Isn't an Engineer Anymore — Michael Batko, ex-Startmate CEO
The first hire used to be an engineer. Michael Batko thinks that's now backwards — and that's just the start of how AI is rewiring the way you build a tech team. In the first episode of Building Tech Teams, James MacDonald sits down with Michael Batko — who spent eight years as CEO of Startmate...
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Tech Exec // Oliver Shanahan, Group Head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure at BetMakers Technology Group
From a childhood without electricity to co-founding a listed betting company, Oliver Shanahan’s story is a masterclass in technical grit and commercial pivots. As the Group Head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure at BetMakers Technology Group, Oliver traces his path from wiring up early ISPs and...
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Tech Exec // Matt Vitale: Executive Director at New Dialogue
In this episode of Tech Execs, James MacDonald heads to Melbourne to sit down with Matt Vitale, former co-founder of Australia’s largest equity crowdfunding platform and now Executive Director at New Dialogue. Matt traces his winding path from nightlife promoter and sugarcane juice tinkerer to...
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Tech Exec // Victoria Aspden: Executive General Manager - Digital & Transformation at Ampcontrol
Victoria Aspden, Executive General Manager - Digital & Transformation at Ampcontrol has had an unconventional career journey. Initially choosing technology for its earning potential, she managed to work her way through the field when recruiters valued her relationship-building skills over pure...
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Tech Exec // Andrew Cresp: CIO At NGM Group
On the first episode of NTP’s Tech Exec podcast series, James MacDonald sits down with Andrew Cresp to talk about his journey through financial services technology leadership, from early days in the insurance industry, moving through major roles in banking, before landing as CIO at NGM Group....
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Margareta Bogatir Studdert: Head of Digital Workplace & Service Management At NGM Group
Ever wondered what it's like to transition from finance to IT, and from Sweden to Australia? On this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, Linda Apostolidis sits down with Margareta Bogatir Studdert, who brings her unique global experience to Newcastle. You'll hear about her fascinating career...
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Adam Ingles: Fractional CFO / Director At Quick:Ratio
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, James sits down with Adam Ingles, a fractional CFO and Director at Quick:Ratio, who works with technology startups. Adam shares his experience in the tech industry and explains the benefits of fractional CFO roles for early-stage startups. He breaks...
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Roger Crellin: Fractional Tech Exec
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, we sit down with Roger Crellin, a seasoned technology executive who has recently moved to Newcastle. Roger shares his extensive international experience in the commercial side of technology, including roles at Fujifilm, smart TV manufacturers, and...
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Michael Graham: Partner at Cutcher & Neale
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, we sit down with Michael Graham, a partner at Cutcher & Neale. Michael shares his journey from labourer to accountant to systems consultant, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of technology...
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Josh Jeffress: Principle at Design Anthology
Our latest episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast features Josh Jeffress, Principle at Design Anthology. Josh, a passionate innovator and industry veteran, shares his incredible journey from trade school to establishing a design powerhouse in the Hunter region. Discover his insights on: * The...
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Adam Boyle: CEO of EngageRM
Join us as we speak with Adam Boyle, CEO of EngageRM and founder of Pegasus, an Australian tech company that started in mining safety and grew into a global player before a successful exit. We'll hear how Pegasus got its start doing labour hire and training in the mining industry before expanding...
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Brett Thomas: Chief Operations Officer at The Melt
This episode of the NTP Podcast features Brett Thomas, COO of The Melt. Brett recounts his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to founding The Melt, a hardware startup accelerator. After a leg injury ended his soccer career, Brett backpacked internationally for a year before working…
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Josh Weeks: Director of Alpha Echo
Join us as we speak with Josh Weeks, founder and Director of Alpha Echo, an Australian cybersecurity company. Josh shares his journey from wanting to be a teacher to becoming an aerospace engineer for the Australian Defence Force. After leaving the ADF, Josh struggled to find work but eventually...
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Carolyn Breeze: CEO of Scalare Partners
In this episode, Carolyn Breeze shares her career journey through the world of tech and payments. Starting at eBay, she gained experience at large Silicon Valley companies before becoming Country Manager for Braintree in Australia. Her passion for payments grew as she helped expand GoCardless's...
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Sophie Benjamin: Content Designer at Canva
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse podcast, Ellen talks to Sophie Benjamin, Content Designer at Canva. Sophie talks about going through three career changes, and the process of transitioning into tech. We discuss the principles of content design and the similarities and differences between...
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Michelle Crawford: Founder at Being More Human
In this episode, James talks to Michelle Crawford, Chief Conversationalist of Being More Human. Michelle sheds light on the power of good leadership. People often forget that leadership and management is a technical capability and shares tips to help listeners develop that skill. We also look at...
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Jalissa Lawson: Senior Product Designer at Zip Co
On this episode of Digitally Diverse, we talk to Jalissa Lawson, a Senior Product Designer at Zip Co. Jalissa talks about her experience transitioning from marketing to product design and UI, what it's like working in the fintech space and how she's adapted to a start-up way of thinking. Jalissa...
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NTP Podcast Live for Episode 100
To celebrate our 100th NTP Podcast episode, we filmed our first-ever live episode! In this episode, we take time to reflect on the progress that Newcastle has made from a steel city into a technology hub. We talk about how the technology community fuels and is fuelled by this evolution and how we...
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Ryan Whitmore: Senior Product Designer at ReadyTech
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series we chat with Ryan Whitmore, Senior Product Design at Ready Tech. We chat about Ryan's career to date, his role at Ready Tech, resources he recommends and the problems the team at Ready Tech are solving. Hope you enjoy the interview!
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Gloria Chan: Head of Design at Wisr
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series we chat with Gloria Chan, Head of Design at Wisr about her career to date, advice for those wanting to start a career in design, what the team at Wisr are currently working on and representation in the design industry. Hope you enjoy the interview!
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Mikey Ford: Product & Creative Technology
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series with our host Ellen Bennett we chat with Mikey Ford, Product & Creative Technology. Mikey shares his career journey starting as a developer and moving into the project management space, productivity tips and his perspective on the ever changing...
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Jackson Clarke: Director & CTO at Tentacle
On this episode of the NTP Podcast we chat with Jackson Clarke about his career to date, his experience at University studying a masters and what problems Tentacle CM&I are solving. Hope you enjoy the interview!
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Adriaan Steyn: Product Design Lead at Hide and Seek Digital
On this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast we interview Adriaan Steyn, Product Design Lead at Hide and Seek Digital. Ellen and Adriaan chat about his career to date, his experience studying at University in South Africa, the projects Adriaan is currently working on as well as his passion for...
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Andre Pinkowski: Director, Advisor & Founder
In our latest podcast episode we chat with Andre Pinkowski about his career to date, his experience as a founder and invaluable tips for scaling startups.
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Ash Ivory: Head of Product at Askable
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast’s Digitally Diverse Series, Ellen Bennett has an insightful chat with Ash Ivory, Head of Product at Askable. Ash shares how they amplify the collaborative culture at Askable, gives a peek into the projects their team have been working on, the key...
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Kavita Agarwal: QR Lead at Arq Group
On this episode of the NTP Podcast, our host Ellen Bennett sits down with Kavita Agarwal, QR Lead at Arq Group.
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Amanda Chan: Lead Product Designer at Lyka
On this episode of the NTP Podcast, our host Ellen Bennett sits down with Amanda Chan, Lead Product Designer at Lyka, to discuss the mission of Lyka in creating nutritional food for dogs. Amanda sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the pet food industry and how Lyka is working to provide...
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Matt Gardan: Founder at Digital Native
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast, we sit down with Matt Gardan, the Founder of Digital Native. Matt shares his career journey to date, including his experience working overseas. He discusses the problems that Digital Native is solving, and how the internet has changed the workplace....
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Amanda Maykot, Product Design Manager at REA Group
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Maykot, Product Design Manager at REA Group, to discuss her career to date. Amanda shares insights from working in product design and management, including what she's learned from women in leadership positions and the…
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Ben Tattersfield, Product Owner & Business Analyst at Codafication
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Ben Tattersfield, Product Owner & Business Analyst at Codafication. We discuss Ben’s experience founding a startup, the transition into his current role, what the team at Codafication are currently working on and key learnings from his career. Hope...
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Rebecca Bolton: Brand Designer at Enigma
In this episode of our Digitally Diverse series with host Ellen Bennett we interview Rebecca Bolton, Brand Designer at Enigma. We discuss her university experience, freelance work, passion for design and key insights she would give to those wanting to start a career in technology. Hope you enjoy...
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Daniel Borg: Director/Designer at psyborg®
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Daniel Borg, Director/Designer at psyborg®. Daniel is a Newcastle local and well known in the Newcastle technology community. We hear more about his experience in the design space and key learnings building a business from startup phase. Hope you...
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Ria ODonnell: Managing Director at Custom Learning Design
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Ria ODonnell, Managing Director at Custom Learning Design. We discuss Ria's career to date, how she transitioned into her role as managing director and a focus on learning and business development. Hope you enjoy the episode!
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Sam Bricknell: Co-Founder/Director at TechVisa
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Sam Bricknell, Co-Founder and Director of Techvisa. Techvisa are the go-to in the tech space for Immigration advice, with a combined 30+ years of experience. They have worked with some of Australia’s largest VC funds supporting their start-up...
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Mark Boswell & Alek Patsouris from Strategic Group
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Mark Boswell & Alek Patsouris from Strategic Group. We discuss Mark & Alek's career to date and what they are currently working on as well as their teams focus on building strong relationships with employees working remotely. Hope you enjoy the...
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Mitchell Bright: Lead Electronics Engineer at D+I Newcastle
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Mitchell Bright, Lead Electronics Engineer at D+I Newcastle. We discuss his career to date, his university experience and the transition into Design and Industry. Hope you enjoy the interview!
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Luke Thompson: CTO at LEOPARD.Host
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Luke Thompson, CTO at LEOPARD.Host. We discuss his experience growing a hosting company in Lake Macquarie and the challenges competing against international players as well as advice he would give to those starting a career in tech. Hope you enjoy…
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Jacqueline Garrett: Founder and CEO at GGWP Academy
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Jacqueline Garrett, Founder and CEO at GGWP Academy. We find out more on the creation of GGWP, the need for this in the gaming world, working as female founder in tech and GGWP's recent crowdfunding opportunities. Hope you enjoy the episode!
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Sandy Agafonoff: Squad Lead at Hello Fresh
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Sandy Agafonoff, Squad Lead at Hello Fresh. We talk about his role within Hello Fresh, the rise of the company globally, his experience working in technology and his transition from freelancing to working with a rapidly growing company. Hope you…
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Mike McKiernan: Founder and CEO at Deckee
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Mike McKiernan, about the idea behind starting Deckee, his experience growing a startup to an international and now global scale and the recent crowdfunding investment opportunities. Hope you enjoy the episode!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The weekly podcast exploring how Australia hires, builds, and leads tech teams in the age of AI. Each week, James MacDonald sits down with a founder, CTO, or people leader to discuss the work itself—the strategic wins, the lessons learned from tough calls, and how leadership is evolving as AI reshapes what a team looks like.Building Tech Teams is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the production partner behind Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts. Sister shows include First Cheque, Oversubscribed and In The Blink of AI.
HOSTED BY
NTP Talent
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald have?
Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald currently has 127 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald about?
The weekly podcast exploring how Australia hires, builds, and leads tech teams in the age of AI. Each week, James MacDonald sits down with a founder, CTO, or people leader to discuss the work itself—the strategic wins, the lessons learned from tough calls, and how leadership is evolving as AI...
How often does Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald release new episodes?
Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald publishes regularly with 127 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald?
You can listen to Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald?
Building Tech Teams with James MacDonald is created and hosted by NTP Talent.
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