Tech Waka Podcast

JD Trask has been building global tech companies from Wellington since 2007, first Mindscape, then Raygun, now Autohive. When ChatGPT arrived, he didn't wait to see what happened. He shut down his company for a week, made every employee pass an engineering hiring test using AI, and started rebuilding his entire organisation around agents.In this episode, JD shares what he actually saw during that week, why he put TVs around the office showing each employee's token usage, and why he thinks the "AI makes mistakes" argument says more about the person making it than about AI. He also shares his AI economic maturity model, his take on headcount as an ego metric, and why the most important thing a CEO can do right now is get their hands dirty.Autohive: https://www.autohive.com/Raygun: https://raygun.com/This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed - helping teams across New Zealand, Australia and beyond untangle software delivery and build systems that truly perform. wiresuncrossed.co.nz

Lauren Peate and her team at Multitudes spent 15 months researching how AI is actually impacting engineering teams, following 500+ developers, surveying hundreds of leaders, and conducting in-depth interviews. What they found challenges the hype: engineers merged 27% more PRs after AI rollouts, but also did 20% more out-of-hours work. The biggest predictor of success wasn't the tool , but it was leadership. In this episode, we dig into what separates successful AI rollouts from struggling ones, why peer-to-peer learning matters more than mandates, and what engineering leaders should actually be measuring.Get access to Lauren's research here: https://www.multitudes.com/researchThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Daniel Walters is a consultant, CTO coach, and former CTO of Seek Asia - one of Southeast Asia's largest job platforms. He is the founder of Great CTO, where he works with technology executives across New Zealand and beyond. He is also the co-creator of an AI-assisted engineering course, now running its eighth cohort.In this episode, we cover:What drew Daniel from the operator role into coaching and consultingHow he defines the difference between coaching, mentoring, and consulting, and why it mattersThe most common themes that come up when CTOs seek coaching supportWhy experienced engineers often resist AI adoption, and how leaders can bridge that gapThe origin of the AI-assisted engineering course and what they have learned building itWhy a cohort-based, experiential format is the right container for this kind of learningLinksDaniel's websiteAI-assisted engineering course

Why are your teams busy, but the business isn't growing the way it should? Sarah Clearwater, founder of Reframer and customer experience strategist, explains how siloed KPIs create invisible dysfunction — marketing optimises for volume, sales for conversion, product for features, and engineering for delivery — while nobody is optimising for the customer journey as a whole.In this episode, we explore how customer journey mapping gives technology leaders a shared language for prioritisation, why engineers benefit from seeing how their work connects to real customer value, what "experience debt" is and why it might be the best way to get your executive team to care about tech debt, and how AI agents are changing journey design.Try it yourself: download Sarah's free 90-minute journey mapping template at https://www.reframr.co.nz/90minutemapThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Sometimes it feels like senior leadership in New Zealand tech isn’t recognised at the level it should be , especially when big roles come up, and decision-makers look offshore for “proven experience”.In this episode, Jakub is joined by Paul Meyrick and Stuart Collins from Wires Uncrossed to unpack what’s really going on. Drawing on leadership experience across Silverstripe, MetService, BNZ, and Xero, they explore the hidden step-change from being an excellent engineer to becoming a system leader — shifting from “building solutions” to “designing the conditions where solutions can happen repeatedly”.They talk about why success feels harder to claim in leadership, how humility can turn into invisibility, and why the right language matters when you’re asking for investment or influencing boards and exec teams. They also share practical signals that you’re ready for the next step, how to make imposter syndrome work for you (without letting it crush you), and why community and mentorship are critical — because leadership can be lonely.In this episode we cover:Why NZ tech leadership can be under-recognised (and what to do about it)The shift from technical leader to system leaderVisibility vs humility: claiming impact without egoHow to build the language to influence senior stakeholdersSignals you’re ready for the next step in leadershipCommunity, mentorship, and frameworks that help when leadership feels lonelyThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

This episode is a little different. Instead of a guest, I’m taking a moment to reflect on Tech Waka’s second year — and how it grew from a podcast into a community for New Zealand tech leaders.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Transformations don’t fail because of slide decks – they fail in the messy middle, where people are stressed, alignment drifts, and hard problems finally make their way to the top.In this episode, Jakub sits down with Allan Sampson, Executive General Manager – New Zealand at Gentrack, who has spent more than two decades leading large-scale software and business transformations in the energy and utilities sector.Allan shares what really makes transformation programmes hard: complex vendor–client dynamics, misaligned expectations, fragile governance, “watermelon” reporting, and the human reactions to sustained pressure. He talks through how he thinks about leaders, steady “followers”, and detractors on a programme, and what it takes to build trust and psychological safety without turning work into a comfort zone.You’ll hear practical ways to:Read what’s really going on beneath the project reportsBuild authentic leadership that people trust under pressureNavigate escalations, conflict, and clashing personalitiesUse the forming–storming–norming–performing model in real teams (including the often-ignored “adjourning” stage)Recognise and manage stress in yourself and your teams, and help people find what’s actually in their controlClose out a big programme in a way that captures learning and honours the relationships you’ve builtThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

What makes a retro actually useful—and why do so many senior devs stall out? Craig Bensemann brings sharp insights and real-world fixes.Too many teams are “doing agile” without improving. And too many senior devs are stuck, unsure what’s next. Craig Bensemann—senior developer, mentor, and author of Retros Don’t Suck—joins Jakob to unpack both.With two decades in tech, Craig has led teams, mentored developers, and experienced firsthand what happens when retros become venting sessions and careers lose momentum. In this conversation, he explains why rigid scrum can be today’s waterfall, how to shorten feedback loops in real ways, and how to bring intentionality to career growth.They dig into practical ways to fix retrospectives (hint: fewer action items, more ownership), signs a senior dev might be coasting, and how to lead without a formal title. Craig shares why he stepped back into an IC role—and why that was exactly the right move for him.Whether you’re a team lead trying to reboot agile or a senior engineer feeling stuck, this episode offers both insight and next steps.Key topics: agile theatre, retrospective anti-patterns, career plateaus, developer mentoring, modern leadership without the title.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

1 in 4 New Zealanders live with a disability. Maia Miller says it’s time our tech reflected that, and she shows how leaders can start today.In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, we sit down with Maia Miller, founder of Aleph Accessibility, to unpack the why, how, and impact of building accessible tech. Maia shares her own journey from frontend dev to Aleph Accessibility founder, and breaks down:What accessibility really means in digital productsThe NZ-specific landscape: what’s working, what’s brokenHow accessibility benefits all users, not just disabled usersPractical steps tech leaders can take next weekHow good accessibility makes your AI, codebase, and customer experience betterWhether you’re an engineering manager, product leader, or platform owner, this episode will expand your perspective and give you tangible ways to lead better.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

From no tech background to leading a cybersecurity startup — Ankita Dhakar is reshaping how NZ does pentesting.What happens when you have no tech background, no network, and still decide to start a cybersecurity company? Ankita Dhakar did exactly that — and today she’s the founder and CEO of Capture The Bug, helping listed companies rethink penetration testing.In this episode of Tech Waka, Ankita shares her journey from moving to NZ as a student to building a platform-first pentesting company. We talk about what it’s like being an immigrant woman in a male-dominated industry, how she built credibility without a technical background, and what traditional vendors get wrong about security.We also unpack:How she managed mental health in the lonely early daysWhat makes Capture The Bug’s approach different (and more useful)Why community, kindness, and consistency are her biggest assetsWhether you’re a founder, leader, or security professional — this conversation offers insights and inspiration in equal measure.This episode is sponsored by Wired Uncrossed.

Andrea Magnorsky joins Jakub to pull back the curtain on BEACON — a tech leadership off-site in Auckland on Mon 13 October 2025. Morning: six 20-minute talks + panels across people, product, and architecture. Afternoon: an unconference to tackle your real problems with peers. Theme: Sustainable Evolution — practical change without the theatre. Small room (~30 leaders), no sponsors, curated connections.Beacon website: https://beaconconf.comThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

A mid-year pit stop for Tech Waka. In this short solo episode, Jakub wraps the first ten episodes and what the community built together—mentoring, meetups, and a new conference on the horizon.A big thank-you to our first sponsor, Wires Uncrossed, who are uplifting engineering maturity across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.

In this deeply honest episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, Diego Nievas, CTO at Atturra, opens up about mental health in the tech industry — from personal struggles with depression to the pressures of leadership in a world of constant change.We explore:Why mental wellbeing is still a taboo topic in techThe concept of psychological sustainability and why it mattersPersonal stories of burnout, anxiety, and the turning points toward recoveryPractical tools to ground yourself during times of pressureHow to reframe stress, find joy, and protect your inner compassThis conversation is for every technologist who’s ever felt overwhelmed — and for every leader who wants to build healthier, more human teams.

episodeWhat happens when you give experienced mentors and ambitious tech professionals a space to connect, reflect, and grow together? In this episode, we hear from Barbara and James, two participants in the first Tech Waka Mentorship cohort. From overcoming self-doubt and navigating job transitions to finding clarity on their leadership paths, their stories highlight the true impact of mentorship. They share candid reflections on how structured support, community connection, and a bit of courage can unlock new opportunities. If you’re on the fence about joining the next cohort — this episode might be the nudge you need.This podcast episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed, Lifting the standard of software engineering in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.

In this episode of Tech Waka, host Jakub Jurkiewicz sits down with Ruth McDavitt, CEO of Summer of Tech — the platform that’s been helping thousands of students transition into paid tech internships across New Zealand since 2006.Ruth shares the story behind Summer of Tech’s founding, the evolution of the program beyond just code and Wellington, and why internships are still essential for both students and companies — especially in the age of AI and economic uncertainty.We discuss:​What companies gain from hosting interns​How AI is disrupting junior hiring — and where opportunities still lie​Tips for students to stand out and land roles​The role of mentorship in developing future tech leadersWhether you’re hiring, mentoring, or just curious about the future of NZ’s tech workforce, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.This episode was kindly sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Shadow AI is already in your organization — but can you see it?In this special Tech Waka episode, we share a live recording from a recent Tech Waka Leadership Collective meetup featuring Ben Mosier, a strategy teaming consultant who helps leaders align around complex challenges.Ben takes us deep into the world of Shadow AI — the unsanctioned, often invisible use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT inside organizations. You’ll also hear directly from meetup participants as they weigh in on:Why copy-paste AI use is not human judgmentWhere Shadow AI poses real risk to your brand, systems, and customersThe legal and ethical gray areas many teams are sleepwalking intoHow to map your organization’s value chain to identify where human oversight matters mostThe surprising pressure to automate — and why resisting it is leadershipThis is not your typical panel or interview. It’s a real-time, thoughtful community conversation — and part of our ongoing effort to make Tech Waka more dynamic, relevant, and grounded in real-world challenges NZ tech leaders face.🎧 Listen in — and ask yourself: Where is AI making decisions in your org without anyone noticing?Big thanks to Wired Uncrossed for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of Tech Waka, we sit down with Joshua Arnold, a seasoned product and technology leader who’s worked across the UK, Europe, and New Zealand. Joshua dives deep into the concept of Cost of Delay and how it can transform the way we prioritize work — not just for efficiency, but for impact.We explore: • The CD3 method: Cost of Delay divided by Duration • Why most teams overestimate effort and underestimate value • Lessons from Maersk, Pearson, and Kiwi financial services • The reverse Anna Karenina effect in broken software teams • How GenAI is accelerating product discovery and prototypingIf you’re in product, engineering, or tech leadership — or you’re just tired of shipping features no one needs — this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed — helping teams across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond untangle software delivery and build systems that truly perform.

What do high-performing engineering teams really need to thrive?In this episode, I talk with Myles Henaghan, Managing Director at Wires Uncrossed and former GM of Engineering at Xero. Myles shares the backstory and structure of the Hierarchy of Engineering Needs — an open-source framework inspired by Maslow’s pyramid and grounded in real-world delivery challenges. We unpack how this model helps tech leaders identify systemic bottlenecks, enable effective ownership, and make smarter strategic trade-offs.Whether you’re leading one team or many, this conversation will give you a fresh lens for diagnosing delivery constraints and unlocking flow.🔗 Explore the model: engineeringneeds.io

In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, host Jakub sits down with Clarissa Côrtes Pires, Decision Science Capability Lead at Mercury NZ, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, and strategy. With a PhD in innovation management and a career spanning academia, startups, and large enterprises, Clarissa shares her journey into decision science, her experience leading a team of brilliant minds, and what it takes to turn complex research into actionable business outcomes.You’ll hear about: • Why innovation is more than just good ideas — it’s about impact. • The difference between data science and decision science. • How to manage PhDs and researchers in commercial environments. • Career paths in decision science — and why everyone can be a scientist.Whether you’re a tech leader, a data geek, or just AI-curious, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how decisions are made — and how teams can thrive at the edge of research and real-world impact.The Career Journey Framework mentioned in the episode.

In this episode of Tech Waka, we talk with Saif Ali, Engineering Manager at Gentrack, about his fascinating transition from developer to people leader across cultures and continents. Saif shares honest reflections on the challenges of early leadership, the power of mentorship, and why listening is a superpower in tech management. He also offers practical advice for aspiring engineering managers and insights on supporting teams through change. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about what leadership in tech really looks like—beyond the job title.

In this episode, Brad Terpstra shares his fascinating journey from managing IT for American Magic during the America's Cup in Auckland to leading tech initiatives at Halter, an ag-tech startup transforming agriculture.Brad discusses the reality behind the cutting-edge technology of America's Cup racing, emphasizing the importance of precision, strategic decision-making, and continuous improvement. He reflects on how crisis moments—like saving a sinking race boat—can strengthen teams and reveals insights into effective prioritization and managing innovation within resource constraints. It's a a must-listen for tech leaders who value teamwork, innovation, and making every second count.

Leadership in tech is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we introduce the Tech Waka Mentoring Program—a 5-month journey connecting aspiring tech leaders with world-class mentors. Learn why mentorship is a game-changer, what you’ll gain from the program, and how to apply.🎧 Spots are limited—tune in now and take the next step in your leadership journey!👉 https://www.techwaka.co.nz/mentorship

Join Jakub as he celebrates 20 episodes of the Tech Waka podcast, reflecting on milestones, guest insights, and plans for 2025.

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.

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 years at Gentrack to becoming CTO at Fuse IT. Transitioning from technical leadership to people leadership. Insights on building shared understanding in teams and navigating organizational change. Lessons on product management, agile practices, and solving real customer problems. The importance of communication, feedback, and continuous learning as a leader.

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 world. Key Themes: Legacy technology modernization and why it is a sign of success. M&A activities: Integrating different tech stacks and cultures post-acquisition Leadership lessons: Balancing technical debt with business needs in high-growth environments

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: Clarifying the often-blurred line between strategic thinking and operational planning. Cohesion and Clarity: Ensuring that every part of the organization is aligned with the strategic vision. Strategy in Action: The importance of execution and why strategy is more than just a plan—it's what you do every day. Tune in for a practical, thought-provoking discussion that will sharpen your strategic mindset.

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, building strong networks, and balancing work and life. Fred also explores the challenges and strategies of implementing enterprise technology solutions and highlights the unique talent and diversity in New Zealand's tech industry. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation with a seasoned tech leader.

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. Highlights: Edwin's organization focuses on improving health systems in Pacific Island countries using open-source software. The primary mission is purpose-driven, prioritizing health outcomes over financial returns. Attracting employees motivated by purpose and intrinsic values rather than high salaries. Building a culture of trust and collaboration through kindness and shared goals. Balancing leadership with staying engaged in technical work and continuous learning.

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 identifies people scaling as the toughest aspect of growth, focusing on maintaining a high hiring bar while being inclusive. Effective Decision-Making: The discussion covers the evolution from small, organic decision-making groups to structured, scaled processes involving written proposals and team socialization. Leadership Principles: Alex shares his "no drama" manifesto, focusing on alignment, eliminating misaligned individuals, and fostering productive conflict. Transparent Hiring and Remuneration: He advocates for transparent hiring processes, including upfront salary bands and clear role expectations, to ensure fairness and reduce conflict within the team.

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, and drive continuous improvement within their organizations. Join us to discover how you can empower your teams and lead more effectively by adopting a coaching mindset.

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 risks and impacts of technology decisions within the broader scope of business operations. Financial Acumen: The necessity for a CTO to comprehend the financial underpinnings of the business, emphasizing the importance of close collaboration with the CFO. Board Interaction: The dynamics of working with a company's board to align technology strategies with business objectives and manage governance and accountability. Leadership and Influence: The role of a CTO in leading and influencing both the technology team and broader business strategies, requiring a solid grasp of both technical and business domains. Career Journey: Martin discusses his own path to becoming a CTO, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities that shaped his career, offering advice to aspiring CTOs.

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. Leading by influence, not authority, to guide teams towards success. The role of asking good questions in understanding and improvement. Creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow. This conversation is full of advice for anyone looking to lead more effectively and build a stronger, more innovative team.

In this Tech Waka podcast episode featuring Chardi Taylor, a product leader, we explore several key themes: Chardi's Path: From childhood curiosity to tech leadership, highlighting her shift from law to technology. Moving to New Zealand: Adjusting to a new country, building a tech network, and finding similarities in leadership challenges. Women in Tech Leadership: Addressing barriers like imposter syndrome, the importance of inclusive hiring, and mentorship to support women's advancement in tech. The Importance of Support: The critical role of having a supportive partner and community for career growth, especially for women in leadership positions. This episode shines a light on the journey to tech leadership, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the importance of support and inclusivity in the tech industry.

In this episode with Cara Fonseca-Ensor, we explore key themes around fostering a successful team environment: The Balance Between Autonomy and Accountability: Cara discusses how autonomy encourages innovation while accountability ensures that innovations are effectively implemented. The Importance of Visibility and Trust: Insights into how transparency in processes and achievements builds trust within teams and across the organization. Leadership's Role in Empowering Teams: Cara shares her transition from hands-on problem-solving to enabling her team to tackle challenges, emphasizing leadership's impact on team dynamics. Effective Communication and Check-ins: The significance of clear, open communication and regular check-ins to maintain alignment and progress. Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Cara touches on creating an environment where continuous learning and improvement are valued and encouraged. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on creating and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry.

In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Wendy Stevenson-Vrame, Engineering Manager at TradeMe. Our conversation was about: Career Journey: Wendy discusses her unconventional path from fashion design to tech leadership, including experiences in investment banking, HR, and recruitment, culminating in her role as an Engineering Manager at TradeMe. Leadership Philosophy: Emphasizes the importance of understanding individual work styles and communication preferences to foster team growth, motivation, and the significance of being a supportive leader who encourages continuous personal and professional development. Team Dynamics: Shares insights into managing diverse teams, including varying career stages and aspirations, and the importance of creating a cohesive and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and motivated. Mentorship and Development: Underscoring the importance of nurturing future tech talent and the mutual benefits of internships for both companies and students. Challenges and Adaptability: Reflects on the challenges of adapting to tech leadership without a traditional tech background and the strategies employed to overcome these, such as partnering with technical experts and focusing on continuous learning. Personal Growth and Motivation: Wendy's story illustrates the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and the willingness to embrace change, showcasing her journey across different countries, industries, and roles. Advocacy for Women in Tech: The episode, released in celebration of International Women's Day, serves as an inspiration for women looking to navigate and excel in the tech industry and leadership roles. If you’d like connect with Wendy, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-stevenson-vrame/ Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/ And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/ And X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechWakaPodcast

In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, Jakub sits down with Rachel Collingridge, Head of Engineering at Totara, to discuss the symphony of leadership, teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of learning in the tech world. From the foggy heights of Wellington's Karori suburb, Rachel shares her intriguing journey from a classically trained musician to a tech leader, highlighting how the disciplines of music and technology harmonize.Throughout the episode, Rachel offers profound insights into the essence of a positive team dynamic, the tangible nature of culture and strategy in the workplace, and the importance of feedback and self-reflection in personal growth. She also touches on her approach to navigating the initial phase at a new company, the iterative process of aligning with organizational strategies, and the value of questioning as a tool for innovation and improvement.Rachel also shares her thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of recognizing one's contributions, and the crucial balance between being a collaborative team member and an effective leader. Tech waka is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99464847/And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_waka_podcast/

In this special episode of Tech Waka, we honour International Women's Day by spotlighting the incredible achievements of female leaders in New Zealand's technology scene. This episode introduces our March theme, where we will present engaging interviews and insightful discussions, we will explore the crucial role women tech leaders play in driving diversity, innovation, and growth within the tech industry. Tune in to be inspired and to celebrate the women leading change in New Zealand's digital landscape.

In this episode of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Colin Bowern, Senior Vice President of Product at Octopus Deploy, to share his vast experiences and insights from the tech industry. Colin delves into the complexities and challenges of leadership in technology, emphasizing the importance of making decisions with incomplete information and navigating the imperfect trade-offs that businesses must confront. Reflecting on his diverse career, Colin highlights the value of collecting experiences rather than climbing the corporate ladder and the significance of flexibility and adaptability in professional growth. Colin also discusses the dynamic collaboration within product teams, advocating for a collective ownership model that transcends traditional roles to achieve outstanding outcomes.

This episode of the TechWaka podcast features the journey of Anna Cupples, Head of Engineering at Trade Me and an accomplished triathlete. The conversation covers the importance of flexibility and resilience in engineering delivery, the value of diverse teams in technology development, and leadership roles that don't necessarily involve managing people. Anna shares her journey from being a spectator at her father's triathlons to competing in Ironman races and how the lessons learned from triathlon, such as discipline, goal-setting, and enjoying the process, apply to her tech leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech, sharing insights from her experience at Trade Me.

In episode #2 of the TechWaka podcast, we welcome Gareth Cronin, a legend in New Zealand's technology scene. Gareth, known for his role in growing and innovating tech companies such as Xero, Ambit, and more, shares his journey and insights into the future of technology in New Zealand and beyond. The conversation delves into various topics, including the importance of collaboration across business, product, and technology domains, the risks and strategies of software development, and the critical role of product marketing and data in shaping product success. Gareth also discusses his experiences with inflection points in business growth, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic change management to navigate these challenges successfully. This episode offers valuable perspectives on technology leadership, the evolving tech landscape, and the intersection of business strategy and technology innovation. To learn more about Gareth, visit his website: https://www.cronin.nz/

This is us launching the Tech Waka Podcast, where we explore the journeys of New Zealand Tech Leaders. In this episode, we dive into the why behind the podcast, the hopes and fears, and what you can expect. Join our waka! ⛵️