Leman Tech Leadership Podcast

▶︎ #160 | A Serial Founder’s Story: What It Really Takes to Build, Fail, and Scale in the AI Era w/ Łukasz Łażewski @LLInformaticsIn this episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Alex sits down with Łukasz Łażewski,  CEO of LLInformatics and one of the most experienced serial Founders in the Polish and European tech ecosystem. Łukasz's career reads like a masterclass in reinvention: from a software engineer in Dublin and Berlin, through a string of startups. A used cars marketplace, an early influencer marketing platform, and Zenloop, a customer insights SaaS that grew into a major B2B player, to his current role advising private equity and family offices on how to extract real technology value from their portfolios. He built a 120-person company almost by accident, alongside his Co-Founder Mariusz, turning technical due diligence work into a full-scale advisory firm.What makes Łukasz's perspective distinctive is that he has lived every stage of the startup lifecycle: product-market fit failures, investor misalignment, COVID pivots, and eventual exits, and come out of it with sharp, unsentimental clarity on what actually matters. He brings that same lens to his work at LLInformatics, helping investment portfolios navigate the shift from manual processes to AI-driven operations.The conversation covers serious ground for tech leaders and founders alike. Łukasz shares his unfiltered take on the AI and junior developer debate, rejecting both the gloom and the hype, and making a compelling case for the rise of the cross-domain generalist. He breaks down why so many layoffs attributed to AI are actually post-COVID financial course corrections with a convenient scapegoat. And he offers three concrete pieces of advice for early-stage Founders: validate relentlessly before you build, embed yourself in communities of fellow Founders, and develop the emotional muscle to separate rejection of your idea from rejection of you as a person.If you're building something, leading a team through uncertainty, or standing at a career crossroads, this one is worth your full attention.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win”✉︎ FOLLOW ŁUKASZ ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @lukasz-lazewski/X: @lukasz_lazewski✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #159 | “I Feel Like a Fraud - And I'm the One Running the Team.”In this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska names something that a significant number of tech leaders carry in silence: the feeling that they're making it up as they go, that their success belongs to luck or timing, and that sooner or later, someone in the room will figure it out.That feeling is called the impostor phenomenon, and Alex is precise about what it is and what it isn't. It's not low self-esteem, and it's not a lack of skill. Research consistently shows it's most prevalent in highly competent, high-achieving people. It's a specific failure to internalize evidence of your own capability: successes get attributed to luck, circumstances, or the team around you; failures get attributed entirely to you. In tech leadership, this pattern hits with particular force, because most technical leaders were promoted without preparation for the human complexity of the role, then expected to perform certainty in rooms where they were genuinely still learning.If you've ever sat at the head of a meeting and felt, somewhere underneath the confidence, like you were performing it, this episode is for you.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #158 | From Teenage Entrepreneur to the CTO: Building Teams That Win in the AI Era w/ Ben Wilcox @ProArchIn this episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Alex welcomes Ben Wilcox: a CTO and CISO of ProArch, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to lead technology teams in the age of AI. Ben's story is anything but conventional: he started monetising the internet as a 15-year-old, built and sold a web hosting business before most people his age had a bank account, and has spent the last 19 years growing from an individual contributor to holding two C-suite roles simultaneously.Ben brings a rare perspective: one that sits at the intersection of deep technical expertise, security leadership, and people development. He started his career in Microsoft infrastructure and consulting, got into cloud migrations as early as 2008, and found his way into leadership not because he was chasing a title, but because he needed to "reproduce himself" at scale. That origin story shapes everything about how he leads today.The conversation digs into some of the most pressing challenges facing tech leaders right now: how AI is forcing dev and security teams to finally, genuinely collaborate (not just claim they do); why the consultative mindset that got deprioritised during the post-COVID "ship it fast" era is now urgently needed again, but this time at speed; and how the shape of tech teams is changing, with junior roles evolving, the business analyst function making a comeback, and the mid-layer being pushed to add business context to stay relevant.If you lead a team in technology (or you're thinking about making that move), this episode will give you both the strategic lens and the practical mindset to navigate what's coming next.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“People of the Deer”✉︎ FOLLOW BEN ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @ben-wilcoxProArch: https://www.proarch.com✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #157 | Your Team Is Already Having the Hard Conversation. Just Without You.In this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska addresses the conversation that most tech leaders know they need to have and keep finding reasons not to. Maybe it's about what AI means for certain roles. Maybe it's about team dynamics that quietly fractured in Q1. Maybe it's about the ambient anxiety sitting just under the surface of every standup: unspoken, unaddressed, and growing.Alex names the three real reasons leaders avoid difficult team conversations: fear of making things worse, not knowing how to start, and a quiet hope that if you don't name it, it won't fully exist. She then dismantles all three, because your team is already having the conversation. Just without you in the room. And a conversation that happens without the leader is almost always harder to recover from than one that the leader initiates.Using the CQ Leadership Method, Alex lays out a clear three-step framework for structuring a difficult team conversation: naming what's happening without dramatizing it; listening to the channel, not just the content: using PCM® to hear what each person actually needs beneath what they're saying; and closing with a Contracting move that turns an emotional exchange into a working agreement with real accountability. She also offers a practical opening script: the actual words you can adapt and use this week, no framework fluency required.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #156 | Lead by Example or Lose the Best: What A-Players Actually Need From Their Leaders w/ Svante Horn @Scandinavian Data CentersJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a refreshingly candid episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she sits down with Svante Horn, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Scandinavian Data Centers — a company on a mission to become the energy node, data node, and heat node of their communities, building green, high-performance data center infrastructure across the Nordics.In this episode, Svante brings a non-linear career story — from Morgan Stanley M&A to fixed income sales at Merrill Lynch, through the 2008 financial crisis and a winding "desert wandering" phase — that ultimately led him to one of the most capital-intensive, slow-moving, and purposeful industries of our time. The conversation unpacks what it really takes to attract and retain A-players in a world where top talent no longer tolerates environments built purely for squeezing profit, and where purpose has become as powerful a recruitment tool as compensation. Svante shares his three non-negotiables for leaders who want to keep exceptional people: lead by example without exception, embody the company's purpose authentically, and earn — not just hold — the respect of your team.The discussion also dives into the epidemic of wasteful meetings, the overlooked cost of putting the wrong people in leadership roles, and why the coming AI revolution may be the best thing that ever happened to skilled humans who know how to orchestrate, connect, and build trust. Svante draws a memorable parallel between mentorship and proprietary AI data models — the rarest, most valuable knowledge is what never makes it online. And for anyone sitting at the crossroads between a corporate career and the entrepreneurial leap, Svante offers some of the most grounded, honest advice you'll hear: timing matters, and it's never too late.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Jim Carrey on Security (and Regret)https://www.amazon.com/Art-War-DELUXE-Sun-Tzu/dp/9388369696✉︎ FOLLOW SVANTE ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @svantehorn✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #155 | The Burnout Nobody Talks About: What Happens When You, the Leader, Are Running on EmptyIn this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska turns the burnout conversation inward: toward the person who is most often the last to receive support, the last to admit they're struggling, and the first to keep showing up with a plan. The leaders themselves.Alex opens by naming what leader burnout actually looks like, and how it's almost the inverse of what you'd expect. Where a burned-out engineer goes quiet and withdraws, a burned-out leader often becomes hyperactive: over-communicating, micromanaging, taking on more instead of less, all while privately running on fumes. The performance of being fine is one of the most energy-expensive things a leader can do.Using the Process Communication Model® (PCM®) from the CQ Leadership Method, Alex explains the concept of the distress sequence — the specific, predictable way each personality type's communication collapses under sustained stress. The over-controlling leader who finds fault with everything. The one who stops making decisions and leaves the team in a vacuum. The perfectionist who disappears into deep work and makes the team feel abandoned. The urgency-mode communicator who turns every problem into a crisis. None of these is a character flaw. They are what happens to all of us when we're depleted, and they land on the team as instability, not as tiredness.If you've been telling your team to protect their energy while quietly neglecting your own, this episode is the one you've been waiting for someone to make.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #154 | Focus Is a Superpower: What 30 Years of Building Teaches Us About Tech Leadership w/ Sarah Biller @FinTech SandboxJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a powerful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she sits down with Sarah Biller, Co-Founder of FinTech Sandbox — a global not-for-profit operating across five continents that provides free access to high-quality data for fintech entrepreneurs — and a seasoned investor, builder, and leader with a non-linear career spanning capital markets, life sciences, venture capital, and fintech.In this episode, Sarah brings a rare combination of grit, depth, and hard-won wisdom to the conversation, starting from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and tracing a journey through financial crises, failed startups, and breakthrough companies. The discussion centers around what it truly means to lead people — not just projects — and why the relationship a leader builds before the hard moment arrives determines everything that happens after it. Sarah shares why great feedback begins long before the conversation itself, how leaders can stay focused and purposeful in times of crisis and volatility, and why focus, not hustle, is the real superpower in today's technology landscape.From her experience navigating the 2008 credit crisis to leading teams building tomorrow's FinTech infrastructure, Sarah challenges tech leaders to expand their view beyond the sprint and the ship, and to invest in the human dimension of their teams with the same rigor they apply to their systems. ✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones”✉︎ FOLLOW SARAH ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @sarahbillerFinTech Sandbox: https://www.fintechsandbox.org/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #153 | Q2 Kickoff Done. So Why Isn't Anyone Moving?In this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska tackles one of the most quietly frustrating moments in a tech leader's calendar: you've done the kickoff, shared the roadmap, set the goals, and the team still isn't moving. No one is refusing. But the energy is flat, some people are waiting for more clarity, others have already gone off in their own direction, and you're standing there wondering what went wrong.Alex's answer: Nothing is wrong with your goals. The problem is that you delivered one message, the same way, to people who are fundamentally wired differently. And that's exactly what the Process Communication Model® (PCM®), a core pillar of the CQ Leadership Method, is designed to solve.She walks through four PCM® patterns that most visibly surface in tech teams at the start of a new quarter: the person who needs process and structure before they can move; the big-picture thinker who's already gone off-script because the vision wasn't compelling enough; the team member who needs human connection before they can engage with any direction; and the action-oriented person who's frustrated that you're still talking about the quarter instead of starting it. Same goal. Four completely different activation needs.If you've ever presented a perfect plan to a team that responded with polite silence, this episode explains why and what to do instead.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #152 | Stop Fixing, Start Leveraging: A Leader's Guide to Neurodiversity at Work w/ Kari Goldyn @woopa proJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an eye-opening episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she sits down with Kari Goldyn, neurodiversity in the workplace expert and Co-Founder of woopa — an organization dedicated to helping organizations unlock the full potential of neurodivergent talent.In this episode, Kari reframes the conversation around neurodiversity, moving away from the language of dysfunction and pathology toward one of strengths, adaptability, and intentional leadership. The discussion unpacks what neurodiversity actually means in a workplace context, how tech leaders can recognize neurodivergent traits in their teams, and what genuine support and inclusion look like in practice. Kari introduces her practical 3-step system — built around understanding individual needs, tailoring communication, and leading with a strengths-first mindset — giving leaders concrete tools to bring out the best in every team member.Drawing on her own lived experience as an AuDHD person, Kari brings rare authenticity and depth to the topic, making this episode both practically actionable and deeply human. Whether you're managing a diverse team or looking to evolve your leadership style, this conversation will change how you see — and lead — the brilliant, unconventional thinkers already on your team.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“UNMASKED: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergence”✉︎ FOLLOW KARI ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @karigoldyn/Instagram:@kari.goldynWebsite: https://www.woopa.pl/ Community: https://www.woopa.pl/pro ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #151 | Your Team Is Using AI More. So Why Does Everything Feel Harder?In this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska addresses a paradox that's quietly spreading across tech teams in 2026: AI tools are being used more than ever, output is up, speed is up, and yet people are more stressed, more exhausted, and more uncertain than before.Alex's diagnosis is precise. The technology didn't cause the problem. The missing conversation did. When AI tools entered the workflow, most leaders did the completely understandable thing: they said "great, let's use this" and moved on. What they didn't do is renegotiate the psychological contract: the unspoken agreement about what counts as a good day's work, what is expected, and what gets to come off the list when something new gets added. Without that conversation, teams kept adding. And when you keep adding without ever subtracting, you don't get a productivity revolution, you get a burnout machine.Drawing on the CQ Leadership Method and its Contracting pillar, Alex introduces the AI Contracting Conversation: a practical, thirty-minute team conversation structured around three questions: What has actually changed? What needs to be renegotiated? And what new boundaries are we setting together? This is the difference, she argues, between a team that thrives with AI and one that quietly burns out under it.If your team is moving faster but feeling worse, this episode names exactly what's happening — and gives you the conversation to fix it.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #150 | From Hard Trends to Bigger Bigs: Turning Disruption Into Certainty w/ Daniel BurrusJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a thought-provoking episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a compelling conversation with Daniel Burrus, one of the world's leading futurists on global trends and disruptive innovation, and a New York Times bestselling author.In this episode, Daniel shares his groundbreaking perspective on entrepreneurship and leadership, challenging conventional wisdom about how we measure success. The discussion explores why organizations need failure metrics alongside success metrics, and how the biggest problems we face are often the ones we choose to skip rather than confront. Daniel delves into the critical human need for certainty in uncertain times and presents a powerful framework for how tech leaders can anticipate opportunities rather than simply react to change.Through Daniel's expertise in helping leaders separate Hard Trends that will happen from Soft Trends that might happen, this episode provides invaluable guidance for technology leaders navigating rapid transformation. Whether you're leading a startup or an established tech team, Daniel's proven methodologies for turning disruption into strategic advantage offer practical insights for building anticipatory leadership capabilities in today's fast-paced technology landscape.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“The Little Engine That Could”“The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage”✉︎ FOLLOW DANIEL ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @danielburrus iona-b-176458189Website: https://www.burrus.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Burrus/author/B001K81A2S ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #149 | Your Team Isn't AI-Resistant. They're Waiting for You.In this solo episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, Aleksandra Lemańska tackles one of the most common frustrations she hears from tech leaders right now: "We bought the licenses, we ran the onboarding, and my team still isn't using AI."Her opening statement is deliberately confrontational: your team is not AI-resistant. They are waiting for you.Drawing on the latest research from Deloitte, BCG, Atomicwork, and IMD's 2026 AI Trends Report, Alex dismantles the myth that AI adoption is a tooling or budget problem. The data is clear: the biggest barriers in 2026 are organizational readiness, change management, and the human layer, and those are leadership problems. What's more striking is a BCG finding that leaders and managers are 43% more likely to worry about job security due to AI than their frontline employees, meaning the people responsible for driving adoption are quietly carrying the same fear as the teams they're meant to lead.If you're a tech leader watching AI initiatives stall despite investment and good intentions, this episode is the honest, practical reset you need.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Deloitte 2026 State of AI in the Enterprise Report2026 State of AI in IT report (Atomicwork)BCG’s AI at Work 2025 ResearchIMD’s 2026 AI Trends Research✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #148 | Leveraging Incubators, Building Products & Thriving Startup Team w/ Fiona Bao @GenpulseJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Fiona Bao, the visionary Founder and CEO of Genpulse. This startup is pioneering a network where health data fuels personalized AI agents and accelerates medical discovery.In this episode, Fiona shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities for startups in today's highly competitive market. The discussion highlights the importance of leveraging networking, incubators, and proximity to the right people and resources to gain a competitive edge. Fiona also delves into the critical role of securing funding, emphasizing how financial capacity impacts the product, team dynamics, and the well-being of the Founder.Through Fiona's experiences and strategic insights, this episode provides valuable guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the startup ecosystem. Whether you're launching a new venture or seeking to pivot your leadership approach, Fiona's journey offers many thoughts for building an innovative business in the tech industry.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order”✉︎ FOLLOW FIONA ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @fiona-b-176458189X: https://x.com/FIFI_BA0 Genpulse: gen-pulse.com✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #147 | Change Is Not Going to Stop — But Your Team's Suffering CanEvery tech leader asks the same question eventually: "When will it slow down? When will I finally have time to think, plan, and breathe?" In this episode, Alex gives the answer that nobody wants to hear — and the reframe that makes it survivable.It won't slow down. Constant adaptation isn't a phase. It's the new permanent state of tech leadership. And the leaders who accept that earliest are the ones who stop being destroyed by it.In this episode, your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, reframes what resilience actually means: not the ability to endure constant stress without breaking, but the ability to return to balance quickly after a disruption — and that is a skill that can be built systematically, not a personality trait you either have or don't.The core of the episode walks through a worked example using the CQ Leadership Method's 4-phase Change Checklist: the role restructure from Junior-Mid-Senior to Mid-Senior-Staff Engineer. Alex maps every risk this change creates when handled poorly — high turnover, distress spikes, motivation drops, trust erosion — and shows exactly how each phase of the checklist addresses them. From the Prep Phase where data and stakeholder buy-in are built, through Communications and Training tailored to individual personality Bases, into Implementation and Stabilization with real pulse checks built in.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #146 | From Big 4 Consulting to Building a FemTech Startup w/ Maggie Lusk @ex-KMPG, @ex-Deloitte, @Seala SyncJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a compelling episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as we engage in a conversation with Maggie Lusk, an experienced consultant and Founder of Saela Sync, a pioneering FemTech Startup. Maggie shares her journey from her consulting days at KPMG and Deloitte to founding a startup that builds the first adaptive hormone and performance intelligence platform for women.In this episode, Maggie opens up about the hard decisions faced by entrepreneurs and the challenges of building a product from scratch. She shares her personal health story, which inspired her to create an app that provides the support she lacked when she needed it most.We discuss the impact of health issues on performance, efficiency, and creativity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health to achieve extraordinary results. Maggie also highlights managing the complexity and the importance of focus required to build something remarkable, as well as the significance of smart networking and community engagement for Founders.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Dr. Ellen Langer’s work“The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health”✉︎ FOLLOW MAGGIE ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @maggieluskSaela Sync: www.saelasync.com✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #145 | 70% of Tech Change Initiatives Fail — And It's Not a Technical ProblemSeventy percent of organizational change initiatives fail to meet their intended outcomes. That number has been consistent across industries and decades — and in almost every case, the failure has nothing to do with the technology involved. It's a people problem. A communication problem. A leadership problem.In this episode, your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, walks through the five root cause buckets behind the 70% failure rate — lack of employee buy-in, insufficient leadership support, poor planning, poor communication, and treating go-live as the finish line — and makes the case that most of these are not mysteries. They're predictable, avoidable, and still happening everywhere because leaders either don't know what to look for or are too overwhelmed to act before the damage is done.The episode also addresses the buy-in problem specifically: why one-size-fits-all communication consistently fails in tech teams, why announcing a restructure on a Friday afternoon is a distress trigger for a significant portion of your team, and why a leader who publicly signals ambivalence about a change will watch their team mirror it within days.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #144 | Directions of Tech Teams Transformation, Meaning of "AI Natives" & Creating Thriving Startups w/ Punit Jajodia @ProgramizJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as we engage in a conversation with Punit Jajodia, an experienced Startup Co-Founder and the current CEO at Programiz. Punit shares his journey of starting a startup with friends, navigating pivots, and the critical role of a leadership technology background at various stages of a tech organization.We delve into the dynamic changes occurring in tech team structures and the evolving landscape of leveraging AI. Punit explains what it truly means to integrate AI into an organization and the concept of being AI Native. He emphasizes the growing importance of documentation as it serves as the foundational fuel for AI models to learn.This episode also explores the necessity of continuous learning in leadership within the technology sector. Punit provides valuable insights into how leaders can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment, making this discussion essential for anyone looking to stay ahead in the tech industry.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Click. How to Make What People Want.”✉︎ FOLLOW PUNIT ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @punitjajodiaProgramiz: https://www.programiz.com/✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #143 | The IT Burnout: 6 Categories That Are Quietly Destroying Your TeamThe data is already alarming: 62% of IT professionals feel physically or emotionally drained, 47% of tech leaders feel that way every single week, and only 21% can be considered genuinely healthy when it comes to burnout risk. But the bigger problem isn't the scale — it's that most leaders are treating burnout as one thing, and applying generic fixes to what is actually six very different problems.In this episode, your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, introduces the 6 Burnout Categories from the CQ Leadership Method: Stretching Too Much, Excessive Workload, High-Pressure Environment, Constant Learning Pressure, Work-Life Imbalance, and Lack of Recognition. Each one has a different set of early behavioral signals. Each one requires a different leadership response. And any single category, left unaddressed, is enough to lose someone.The episode unpacks what each category looks like before the crisis point — because by the time someone hands in their notice, you've already lost. Alex shares Maya's story: perfect delivery every sprint, never a complaint, gone in two weeks because nobody saw her as a person beyond her output. Replacement cost: six to nine months of lost productivity and over $40,000 in recruitment. Recognition isn't a soft problem. It’s a strategic one.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #142 | From Legal Practice to Technology Program Delivery w/ Deborah Kaminetzky @DeFacto PMJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an enlightening episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as we sit down with Deborah Kaminetzky, a seasoned lawyer turned tech entrepreneur. As the Founder of DeFacto PM, Deborah delivers comprehensive technology program delivery for ERP, SaaS, and infrastructure implementations.In this conversation, Deborah shares how her background in Law and English studies, as well as her years of experience as a lawyer, equipped her with the skills necessary to successfully pivot and work in the technology space. We explore the importance of a risk register in making entrepreneurial and leadership decisions and discuss the art of leading without authority, particularly in a project management setup.Deborah emphasizes the significance of involving people in decision-making processes and how coaching or mentoring can propel leaders in technology to the next level. Her insights offer a roadmap for those looking to navigate the intersection of law, technology, and leadership.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee” Podcast:“The Game with Alex Hormozi” Podcast:✉︎ FOLLOW DEBORAH ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @deborah-kaminetzky-pmp-fractional-project-managerDeFacto PM https://www.defactoprojectmanagement.com/✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #141 | Nobody Wakes Up Wanting to Ruin Your Day: The OK-OK Matrix Every Tech Leader NeedsMost team friction isn't malicious. It isn't even intentional. It's the result of people operating from belief systems they developed as children and have never consciously examined — and a leader who understands that will respond to difficult behavior completely differently than one who takes it personally.In this episode, your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, reminds you about the OK-OK Matrix: four positions that shape how people show up in every interaction, every meeting, and every moment of pressure. Each position comes with its own automatic set of beliefs, feelings, and behaviors — and most tech leaders, under deadline pressure, quietly default to "I'm OK, You're Not OK" without realizing the damage that creates.When a leader exits OK-OK, their team mirrors it. Distress is contagious. Psychological safety erodes. And the harder the leader pushes, the more they confirm to the team that they aren't trusted. Alex uses Mike's story to show how a single operating assumption from a boss — "he knows what he's doing, I don't need to explain" — can put a strong person into a three-month distress spiral.The episode closes with a practical, 10-second internal check to run before any difficult conversation, and a framework for identifying your own most common exit from OK-OK — so you can build the habit of returning before the conversation goes sideways.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #140 | Scaling Nations, Building Ecosystem & Building Leadership Lifelong Learning w/ Ajit Shah @YPO, @Lotus HoldingsJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an enlightening episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a rich conversation with Ajit Shaw, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across diverse business sectors. Currently serving as the Director and CEO of Lotus Holdings, Ajit leads a family office with ventures in real estate, handmade rugs, healthcare, IT, offshoring, and business process outsourcing. He is also a YPO Board Member.In this episode, Ajit shares his vision of "local roots and global branches," discussing his efforts to empower Nepalese people as exceptional remote workers on the global stage. The conversation delves into the advantages and challenges of remote work setups, highlighting the importance of building ecosystems and communities that support professional growth.Ajit emphasizes the significance of doing work that supports others and the value of lifelong learning in leadership. Through his experiences and insights, this episode provides a valuable roadmap for leaders looking to harness the power of remote work while fostering community and continuous development. Whether you're leading a global team or nurturing local talent, Ajit's journey offers inspiration for creating impactful and sustainable business practices.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Sam Altman Biography: His Journey from Y Combinator to Artificial Intelligence Visionary, OpenAI, AGI & Gen AI | The Optimist Behind ChatGPT and the Race to Build the Future of AI”The Founders Podcast✉︎ FOLLOW AJIT ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @ajit-shah-7610a745YPO https://www.ypo.org ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #139 | You Can't Debug a Human: Why Your Developer Skills Are Failing You as a LeaderYou were exceptional at your job. Then you got promoted — and suddenly the skills that made you great started working against you. In this episode, your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, breaks down the most common and most costly transition in tech: moving from expert individual contributor to people leader, and why so many technically brilliant professionals struggle to make that shift.You can't debug a human relationship. You can't refactor someone's motivation. You can't unit-test trust. These aren't philosophical observations — they're the exact gaps that explain why 86% of employees say poor communication causes workplace failures, and why 44% of tech professionals miss deadlines because of unclear communication. The problem isn't a lack of technical skill. It's that technical thinking, applied to people problems, consistently produces the wrong output.Alex walks through Mike's story — the best developer on the team, now drowning in his second week as Team Lead — to make the stakes concrete. Then she introduces the three things the CQ Leadership Method gives you that no amount of technical expertise can replace: a pattern recognition system for human behavior through PCM, a contracting approach that eliminates ambiguous agreements before they become conflicts, and the Wheel of Conflict framework that helps you diagnose what's actually broken instead of fighting the same team dysfunction on a loop.✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #138 | AI Community, Building Thriving Startups & Dev Teams Change w/ Oleksandr Paraska @Togal.aiJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a compelling episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she sits down with Oleksandr Paraska, an experienced Machine Learning Engineer and CTO, currently leading as the CTO at Togal.ai. In this insightful conversation, Oleksandr sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of change management processes within organizations, particularly during tech implementations and transformations.The episode explores the intricacies of building effective tech teams and the critical role of sales skills in the success of startups. Olek also shares his experiences and the benefits of being part of an AI community, emphasizing the importance of community support for startup Founders and Tech Leaders alike.Through Olek's expertise and stories, this episode offers valuable perspectives for leaders navigating the challenges of tech transformations and team dynamics. Whether you're leading a tech initiative or building your startup, Olek's insights provide a roadmap for fostering a supportive community and implementing successful change management strategies.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“On Bullshit”✉︎ FOLLOW OLEKSANDR ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @shonikoTogal.ai: https://www.togal.ai/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #137 | Rethinking 1:1s — From Status Updates to Real ConversationsMost 1:1 meetings in tech are glorified status updates. The manager asks what you worked on, you give a quick summary, maybe flag a blocker, and fifteen minutes disappear without anything meaningful happening. It's become a checkbox — a ritual with no real substance. And the frustrating part is that the 1:1 is actually the single most powerful leadership tool a manager has. It's just being used completely wrong.The shift starts with a simple change in mindset: The 1:1 isn't for the manager to get updates. It's for the direct report to get support. That means asking "What's getting in your way?" instead of "What did you work on?" It means letting the other person own the agenda.In this episode, we’re talking about how the effect of this change compounds over time. One good 1:1 doesn't transform a team, but twenty does. People who feel consistently heard make better decisions, flag problems earlier, and stay longer. The best leadership tools aren't the flashiest ones. They're the quietest — and a well-run 1:1 is proof of that. Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #136 | Entrepreneurship Transformation, Courage and Interior Design (!) in Leadership w/ Aga Olszewska @LeadAsUJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an inspiring episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a lively conversation with Aga Olszewska, an experienced HR and Sales Leader, Founder at LeadAsU, and podcast host of the Polish show "Lider(ka) na Dywaniku." In this episode, Aga shares her insights on the vital role of courage, authenticity, and humor in effective leadership, particularly within the tech industry.The discussion delves into Aga's transformation into entrepreneurship, highlighting the lessons and stories from her early years that have shaped her leadership journey. Aga offers a unique perspective on leadership, comparing the mindset to a building's foundation, the skillset to its structure, and the toolset to its interior design. She emphasizes how leaders often use flashy new frameworks or tools to mask foundational issues.Through Aga's experiences and wisdom, this episode provides valuable guidance for leaders seeking to cultivate authenticity and resilience in their approach. Whether you're leading a team or embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, Aga's insights offer a roadmap for building strong, genuine leadership foundations.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Who Moved My Cheese? : An Amazing Way To Deal With Change In Your Work And In Your Life”DDI Leadership Resources✉︎ FOLLOW AGA ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aga-olszewska/LeadAsU: https://leadasu.com/ Lider(ka) na Dywaniku: https://open.spotify.com/show/09ImtJNXz14EZAw5PhS6BS?si=8b69a756879c4a58✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #135 | The Quiet Exodus: Why Mid-Level Talent is Silently Leaving Tech TeamsThe people leaving technology teams aren't always the ones you'd expect. It's not just Juniors chasing better pay elsewhere or Seniors being poached by competitors. It's the middle — Engineers and Product Managers with three to eight years of experience who are quietly walking out the door with no dramatic exit. They're the engine of any tech organization, and most leadership teams won't notice they're gone until the damage is already done.The reasons they leave almost never come down to salary. What drives mid-level talent away is a lack of autonomy, a feeling of being invisible, and the sense that their work doesn't connect to anything meaningful. Tech teams have a structural problem here: Massive investment goes into recruiting at the bottom and poaching at the top, but the people in between are often left without a clear growth path or genuine ownership of anything.In this episode, we’re talking about easy solutions. Stay interviews — not exit interviews — can reveal what's actually driving people out before they leave. Transparent promotion criteria give people a reason to stay. And giving mid-level professionals real ownership of outcomes, not just tasks, sends a message that no compensation package can replicate: you matter here.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #134 | Fighting Founder's Burnout, Finding a Community and Investor's Tips w/ Jono Bacon, @ex-Github, @StateshiftIn this episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, I'm thrilled to sit down with Jono Bacon, an accomplished Entrepreneur, Investor, and Community Builder, currently serving as the CEO and Founder of Stateshift. Join me, your host Aleksandra Lemańska, as we explore Jono's remarkable journey, which began at the age of 19 and has been marked by continuous entrepreneurial learning.We delve into the realities of the entrepreneurial path, discussing why it's not for everyone and what it truly takes to thrive in this challenging arena. Jono shares his experiences with anxiety and burnout, common struggles for Tech Founders, and offers insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively.Our conversation also touches on the importance of community in personal and professional growth. Jono provides valuable advice on how to lead and select the right community to support your journey. Additionally, he reveals key considerations he makes as an investor when choosing projects to back, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of a seasoned entrepreneur and investor.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“People Powered: How Communities Can Supercharge Your Business, Brand, and Teams”“The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It―A Guide to Starting a Business in a Productive and Successful Way”✉︎ FOLLOW JONO ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @jonobaconWebsite: https://www.jonobacon.com/ X: https://x.com/jonobacon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonobacon ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #133 | Burnout is an Organizational Failure, Not a Personal OneFor years, burnout has been treated as an individual problem — something to fix with a vacation or a meditation app. But the reality is far more uncomfortable: When an entire team burns out, the failure didn't start with them. It started at the top. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not a personal one, and that distinction changes everything about how we should be approaching it.The warning signs are there long before anyone says "I'm burned out." Disengagement, a quiet drop in work quality, and the rise of quiet quitting are all signals that leadership should be reading — not waiting for an exit interview to hear. And when leaders visibly glorify hustle culture, they give implicit permission for the whole organization to silently unravel.In this episode, we’re talking about how the fix isn't ping pong tables or free snacks. It's workload audits, protected time, and honest conversations about what's realistic. Burnout is expensive — replacing a burned-out employee costs two to three times their salary. But more importantly, it's preventable. And it starts with leaders deciding to see it as their responsibility, not someone else's.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #132 | Addressing Fear of AI Transformation and Burnout & Hiring Entrepreneurial Spirit w/ Shahrzad Rafati @RHEIIn this engaging episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Shahrzad Rafati, the visionary Founder and CEO of RHEI. Join me, your host Aleksandra Lemańska, as we explore the profound impact of growing up in an entrepreneurial household on Shahrzad's career, inspiring her to make daring decisions and embrace innovation.Our conversation delves into the critical role of creativity and storytelling in building meaningful and impactful products. Shahrzad shares her insights on how these elements are essential in crafting a compelling business narrative that resonates with audiences and stakeholders alike.We also address the challenges of wearing multiple hats as a Founder and Leader, discussing strategies to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Shahrzad offers practical advice on how to navigate the fear of technology, particularly the transformative potential of AI, and how to embrace these changes confidently.Additionally, we highlight the importance of recruiting individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit in your initial hires, emphasizing how this can lead to significant success as you embark on new business ventures.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Good to Great: A Study of Management Strategies of Companies with Lasting Growth”“The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World”✉︎ FOLLOW SHARZAD ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @shahrzadWebsite: https://rhei.com/TEDx Vancouver Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HIxnTruN78 ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #131 | How Much Does Poor Communication Cost You (Calculator Included!)Poor communication isn't a soft-skills problem — it's a line-item budget disaster. It costs an average of 7.47 hours of lost productivity per employee per week, which for a 50-person team adds up to nearly $900K a year, before you even factor in turnover.The math gets brutal when you stack the three cost categories together — lost productivity, employee replacement (50–200% of annual salary per person), and disengagement — and most Tech Leaders have never actually run these numbers for their own team. Unawareness and a lack of data are two of the worst things for them to have.This episode gives you the exact calculator template to plug in your own team size and salaries and see your "Communication Tax" in under 10 minutes — because you can't fix what you haven't measured. Use another company’s example, so you don’t pay the price yourself.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #130 | Leading Leaders, Building Trust and Invest in Intentional Learning w/ Pranav Lal @ex-Slack, @Gusto, @Forbes Tech CouncilIn this insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Pranav Lal, a seasoned enterprise architect and business technology strategist. Currently serving as the Head of Business Technology at Gusto and Senior Director of GTM Systems at OneTrust, Pranav is also a respected member of the Forbes Technology Council. Join me, your host Aleksandra Lemańska, as we dive into the critical aspects of scaling up teams and technology in today's fast-paced business environment.Pranav shares his expertise on the nuances of leading leaders versus leading other team members, highlighting the distinct approaches required to inspire and guide those in leadership positions. We discuss the importance of instilling a strong "why" behind a team's efforts, emphasizing how this clarity and purpose can significantly build trust and drive collective success.Our conversation also explores the transformative power of intentional continuous learning. Pranav explains how fostering a culture of deliberate learning can be a game-changer for teams, helping them stay ahead of the curve amidst constant change. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of strengthening Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and focusing on practical solutions that teams can implement, regardless of the evolving landscape (including AI).✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsThe Mel Robbins Podcast✉︎ FOLLOW PRANAV ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @pranavl✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #129 | How to Measure the CQ Leadership Progress in... The Onboarding PhaseJoin us for a quick yet powerful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we focus on the onboarding process and the critical questions tech leaders should ask to measure their Communication Intelligence (CQ) Leadership progress.Are you effectively tailoring your communication and onboarding strategies to meet the diverse needs of new joiners? Discover how contracting and customizing your approach can significantly enhance the onboarding experience. Aleksandra highlights key metrics and indicators that best reflect your growth and effectiveness during this crucial phase of the employee journey.This episode is essential for tech leaders looking to optimize their onboarding process, stopping new joiners from leaving at the end of it, and strengthening their leadership impact. Tune in to learn how to ask the right questions and track your progress in creating a culturally intelligent and inclusive onboarding experience.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #128 | How Failures Don't Make YOU a Failure w/Colin MB CooperJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an enlightening episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a captivating conversation with Colin MB Cooper, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Illuminate CX. In this episode, Colin shares how his early childhood curiosity about how things are built and work led him to become self-employed at the age of 19.The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity and critical thinking, skills that are becoming increasingly rare in today's AI-focused world. Colin delves into the challenges of dealing with failure, emphasizing the need to shift our mindset from viewing failures as personal shortcomings to seeing them as opportunities for growth.Through personal anecdotes and lessons learned, Colin reveals the experiences that have shaped him into the leader he is today. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to harness curiosity and resilience to drive personal and professional success. Whether you're embarking on your leadership journey or seeking to refine your approach, Colin's experiences offer a roadmap for embracing challenges and cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“The Anxious Generation”“Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There”“Eat That Frog!, Fourth Edition: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time”“The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential”✉︎ FOLLOW COLIN ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @colinmbcooperWebsite: https://colinmbcooper.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #127 | How to Measure the CQ Leadership Progress in... The Recruitment PhaseJoin us for a quick yet insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we dive into the essential questions tech leaders should ask themselves during the recruitment phase to effectively measure their Communication Intelligence (CQ) Leadership progress.Are you tailoring your communication to fit the diverse needs of potential team members? Or the recruiter who supports you in the process? Discover how contracting and customizing your approach can enhance your recruitment strategy. Aleksandra shares key metrics and numbers that best reflect your growth and effectiveness in this important phase of the employee journey.This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders aiming to refine their recruitment process and elevate their leadership impact. Tune in to learn how to ask the right questions and measure your progress in fostering a culturally intelligent and inclusive workplace.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #126 | From a Pet Parent to a Strong Startup Founder Market Fit w/ Sebastian Gabor @DigitailJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a compelling conversation with Sebastian Gabor, Founder and CEO of Digitail. In this episode, Sebastian shares his journey as a Startup Founder, drawing from his experiences as a Pet Parent to grow a successful tech company.Together, they explore the challenges of Founder burnout and the underutilization of accelerators and incubators, shedding light on why many founders don't fully leverage these resources. Sebastian emphasizes the importance of Founder Market Fit, discussing the mindset, skillset, and toolset necessary for a Startup success.Through Sebastian's personal stories and lessons learned, this episode provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders eager to make a significant impact. Whether you're navigating the startup landscape or refining your leadership approach, Sebastian's experiences offer a roadmap for achieving success while maintaining well-being and focus.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:"Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones""The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About"Elon Musk Interview Questions✉︎ FOLLOW SEBASTIAN ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @sebastiangaborDigitail: https://digitail.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #125 | Why So Many Tech Leaders Don't Listen? (With Solutions)Join us for a compelling episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we explore why so many leaders in technology struggle with truly listening to others, a crucial skill often overlooked in tech leadership.Are you aware of the four types of listening and how we often default to just one? Discover how this limited approach can influence (negatively) communication and team collaboration. Aleksandra introduces five simple techniques of active listening that tech leaders can implement immediately to enhance their interactions and team dynamics.This episode is packed with practical advice to help you become a more attentive and effective leader. Tune in to learn how mastering active listening can transform your leadership style and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #124 | Building Successful Startup in MedTech (Without Burnout) w/ Igor Berlinskiy @RaDoTechJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an inspiring episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she sits down with Igor Berlinskiy, the CEO of RaDoTech Health Technologies. In this episode, Igor shares his personal journey and how it fueled his passion for creating a startup aimed at solving specific problems within the healthcare industry.The conversation delves into the importance of solving real business challenges and achieving product-market fit, offering insights into the essential steps startup Founders must take to succeed. Igor candidly discusses the lessons learned from failures, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey.A significant focus of the discussion is on the well-being of entrepreneurs, highlighting the need to prioritize health while striving for success. Igor shares strategies for working smarter and making a more significant impact, providing valuable guidance for those looking to innovate and lead with purpose.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way“Marketing Management"“The Story Engine: An entrepreneur's guide to content strategy and brand storytelling without spending all day writing”“The Strategic Storytelling Podcast”✉︎ FOLLOW IGOR ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @igor-berlinskiy-b0421858RaDoTech: https://radotech.com/ ✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #123 | Why Are You So Angry and Frustrated as a Tech Leader?Join us for an insightful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s solo episode, we delve into the emotional landscape of leaders managing tech, IT, or engineering teams, exploring why frustration and anger are common, often leading to burnout.Are you a leader experiencing the weight of unmet motivational and physical needs? Discover how neglecting these essential needs not only affects your well-being but also impacts your team's dynamics and client (internal and external) relationships. Aleksandra discusses the importance of addressing these needs to move into a healthier, more productive work environment.This episode offers a candid look at the challenges leaders face and provides actionable insights to help you and your team thrive. Tune in to learn how meeting these fundamental needs can transform your leadership experience and enhance your team's performance.Join the Masterclass! https://masterclass.lemanskills.com/ LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.comJoin Leadership Pulse! https://lemanskills.com/pulse/

▶︎ #122 | Transforming Health Industry with Technology w/ Chris HutchinsJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an enlightening episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a conversation with Chris Hutchins, an experienced Tech Leader and the Founder and CEO of Hutchins Data Strategy Consulting. Chris, who is also an Investor and Strategic Advisor in the healthcare industry, shares his insights on the pivotal role of leveraging technology to support human efforts in the medical care space.In this episode, Aleksandra and Chris explore the necessity of building trust within organizations, highlighting its crucial impact on the overall success. They discuss strategies for reducing complexity in the face of ever-increasing data, and how implementing solutions at scale can drive efficiency and innovation.Chris shows how important it is to have passion in driving real change, offering a perspective on how dedication and enthusiasm can lead to transformative outcomes. Through Chris's experiences and strategies, this episode provides valuable insights for leaders and innovators looking to harness technology for meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond. Whether you're at the helm of a tech-driven initiative or seeking to enhance your leadership approach, Chris's expertise offers a blueprint for fostering a culture of trust, simplicity, and passion-driven change.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World”✉︎ FOLLOW CHRIS ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @chutchins-healthcarehttps://hutchinsdatastrategy.com/ The Signal Room Podcast✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #121 | My 3 Lessons From 2025 I Want You To Have (As a Gift For 2026)Join us for a concise yet impactful episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, Aleksandra shares three pivotal lessons from 2025 that resonate with leaders and professionals alike.Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your role? Discover why you don't need to do everything on your own and how embracing rest is not a sign of weakness, but a necessity for sustained success. Aleksandra emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality over quantity to maintain your well-being and effectiveness.This quick yet meaningful episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of modern work life. Tune in to learn how these lessons can guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling professional journey.LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #120 | How to Build a Multimillion Dollar Startup w/ Peter Horadan @VouchedJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an engaging episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she has an insightful conversation with Peter Horadan, a seasoned startup Founder, CTO, Engineering Leader, and currently the CEO at Vouched. In this episode, Peter shares his expertise on creating value as a startup and the pivotal role of focus and productivity within technology teams.Together, they delve into understanding startup failures, offering a candid look at the lessons learned from challenges and setbacks. Peter emphasizes the essential skills that startup founders need to develop, highlighting how creating a supportive and dynamic environment is crucial for a startup's success.Through Peter's stories and strategies, this episode provides valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs eager to build resilient and successful startups. Whether you're navigating the early stages of your startup journey or seeking to enhance your leadership capabilities, Peter's experiences offer a roadmap for fostering a culture of growth, focus, and success in the fast-paced world of startups.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days✉︎ FOLLOW PETER ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @peterhoradan✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #119 | Women @ Work 2025: Deloitte Report SummaryJoin us for a thought-provoking episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we delve into the latest insights from the Deloitte "Women @ Work 2025: Global Outlook" report, highlighting critical issues that continue to affect women in the workplace.Are you aware of the persistent inequalities women face, especially concerning household responsibilities? Explore the report's findings on the fear women experience when taking days off and the challenges they face in prioritizing their mental and physical health. Aleksandra discusses how many workplaces claim to be adaptive and flexible, yet these promises often remain unfulfilled in practice.This episode uncovers alarming statistics and offers a candid discussion on the realities women encounter in their professional lives. Tune in to understand these pressing issues and explore what can be done to create a truly supportive and equitable work environment for women.Mentioned in the episode:“Women @ Work 2025: A Global Outlook” Report:LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #118 | Leading Without Formal Authority, Data Science & AI w/ Rafał Wojdan @Onex GroupJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for a captivating episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rafał Wojdan, an experienced Director-Level Data & AI Expert and currently a Data & AI Advisor at Onex Group. In this episode, Rafał shares his insights on the age-old debate of whether it's better to be a generalist or a specialized expert, and how adopting a scientist mindset can influence this decision.Together, they explore the art of leading without formal authority, offering strategies to overcome fear and leverage effective communication within organizations. Rafał emphasizes the balance between strategic and operational focus, providing guidance on how to navigate these dual demands in leadership roles.The discussion also highlights the impact of communication on organizational dynamics and how leaders can build an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Through Rafał's experiences and insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for leaders aiming to build cohesive, forward-thinking teams. Whether you're leading a team or refining your leadership approach, Rafał's experiences provide a roadmap for fostering a culture of growth and adaptability in the tech space.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:Your AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons Learned from Real-World AI Deployments✉︎ FOLLOW RAFAL ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @rafalwojdan✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #117 | Building Visibility as a Female Leader / Founder? Here's How (Ready-To-Use Strategies)Join us for a dynamic episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we dive into practical strategies for Female Leaders and Founders to build visibility both inside and outside their organizations.Are you ready to step into the spotlight with confidence? Discover actionable ways to share your knowledge, insights, wisdom, and even lessons from failures to support others and establish yourself as a go-to person. Aleksandra shares super practical tips that you can start implementing right away to enhance your visibility and influence.This episode is packed with strategies to help you build a recognizable presence, foster meaningful connections, and courageously share your expertise. Tune in to learn how these approaches can elevate your leadership profile and make you a trusted and influential figure in your field.LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #116 | Essential Leadership Skills on the Roadmap of Technology Leader of the Future w/ Eric Müller @Work & CoJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for an inspiring episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a forward-thinking conversation with Eric Müller, an experienced Head of Engineering and CISO, currently serving as the Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co. In this episode, Eric shares his insights on the vast opportunities available in technology today and the transformative impact of AI on tech roles and entire teams.Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of tech careers, offering both challenges and new avenues for growth. Eric provides valuable advice on navigating career shifts within the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.The discussion also highlights the essential skills that leaders in technology should cultivate to build effective and innovative teams. Through Eric's experiences and strategic insights, this episode offers a roadmap for tech leaders seeking to leverage AI advancements, manage career transitions, and create a culture of excellence within their teams. Whether you're a tech leader or aspiring to become one, Eric's perspectives offer a comprehensive guide to thriving in the ever-evolving tech space.✔︎ Mentioned in the episode:“Andor” Star Wars series✉︎ FOLLOW ERIC ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @ericmullersf✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #115 | 5 Key Areas for Female Leaders & Founders to Focus On in 2026Join us for an empowering episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we delve into the five critical areas Female Leaders and Founders should focus on to thrive in 2026.Are you prepared to lead with impact in the coming year? Discover how to effectively navigate digital and human transformation, cultivate a workplace culture that retains talent, and build a strong Cultural Intelligence (CQ) muscle. Aleksandra also highlights the importance of improving your strategic vision and goal-setting skills, as well as expanding your network—because proximity is everything.This episode is rich with insights and strategies to empower female leaders to excel in their roles, drive innovation, and create inclusive, dynamic environments. Tune in to learn how focusing on these key areas can propel your leadership journey and ensure success in 2026.LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #114 | The Future of IT Job Market & Dev Teams’ Structure w/ Angel Ferrer @HemperJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for this new episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she delves into the complexities of tech leadership with Angel Ferrer, the experienced CTO, currently CTO & CMO at Hemper. In this episode, Angel shares his expertise on leading tech teams and discusses whether being a tech person is essential for successfully managing IT teams.The conversation explores the dynamics of scaling tech teams and the evolving structures within the tech industry, highlighting the significant role AI plays in these transformations. Angel provides valuable insights into navigating the challenges of tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking.Through Angel's experiences and strategies, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to foster innovation and efficiency within their teams. Whether you're at the helm of a tech team or seeking to enhance your leadership skills, Angel's insights provide a roadmap for thriving in the rapidly changing tech landscape.✉︎ FOLLOW ANGEL ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @angelbertoferrer✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #113 | 3 New Year's Resolutions For Every Tech LeaderJoin us for this new episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we explore the three essential resolutions every Tech Leader should consider for 2026.Are you ready to move your leadership approach for the next level in the New Year? Discover how to balance the technological and human aspects of the workplace, prioritize your personal well-being, and understand the consequences of unmanaged anger. Aleksandra emphasizes the importance of nurturing both tech and human interactions, taking care of our needs, and the limited progress that comes from anger and constant frustration.This episode is packed with practical advice to help you lead with understanding, mindfulness and efficiency, ensuring a harmonious and productive work environment. Tune in to learn how these resolutions can transform your leadership style and foster a positive organizational culture in the year ahead.Mentioned in the episode:Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking AboutLinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #112 | Transforming Sales Founder Mindset & Leading in Complexity w/ Andrew Brooks @ex-Accenture, @Contextual.ioJoin your host, Aleksandra Lemańska, for this new episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Andrew Brooks, CEO at Contextual.io. With a rich background as an experienced Founder and a career spanning corporate and consulting sectors, Andrew shares invaluable lessons from his diverse professional journey.In this episode, they delve into the universal importance of sales skills, emphasizing that no matter your role within an organization, the ability to sell ideas, solutions and yourself is crucial. Andrew also offers his perspective on exit strategies, highlighting the necessity of having a well-thought-out plan to ensure a successful transition (also emotional).The conversation also touches on a wealth of leadership lessons Andrew has gained from various roles and situations throughout his career. Through his stories and insights, this episode provides a lot of practical advice for leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship or corporate leadership. Whether you're looking to enhance your sales acumen or refine your leadership strategy, Andrew's experiences offer a comprehensive guide to achieving success in today's ever-evolving business landscape.✔︎ Books mentioned in the episode:The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and MurderHow to Win Friends & Influence PeopleHow to Win Friends & Influence PeopleSelf-guided meditations - try them at your own pace!✉︎ FOLLOW ANDREW ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @andrewcarrollbrooksContextual.io✉︎ FOLLOW ME ON: ⤵︎LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com

▶︎ #111 | You Want to Be More Productive? Here're 3 Things You Can Start Doing Right NowJoin us for this new episode of the Leman Tech Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra Lemańska. In today’s episode, we explore three simple yet powerful habits to boost your productivity in the world of chaos, constant change and hustle.Are you ready to improve your daily productivity without spending a dime? Discover the impact of planning your day effectively, turning off all distracting notifications, and prioritizing your health. Aleksandra shares how these timeless strategies, including hydration, movement, quality nutrition, and adequate rest, can lead to significant improvements in your daily performance.This episode is filled with practical tips to help you reclaim your time and energy, enabling you to navigate the demands of modern life with ease. Tune in to learn how integrating these habits into your routine can transform your productivity and well-being.LinkedIn: @aleksandralemanskaTikTok: @aleksandra_lemanskaX: @lemanskillsStartup Community Poznan: @startup-community-poznan-scpwww.lemanskills.com