Scaling Tech - The Blueprint for Successful Tech Teams

Debbie Madden
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you a CTO, Chief Product Officer or Tech leader? Then this one's for you: If there was one tool that would help you learn best practices and avoid top mistakes so that you can achieve your goals, would you consider that tool? If you answered "yes," this is the tool you've been looking for. Debbie Madden is a serial tech entrepreneur. She is well known for helping teams scale in ways that result in measurable outcomes paired with a strong culture. She is the founder & chair of Stride, a national agile software development consultancy. Stride helps the world's top brands like SeatGeek, Spotify, Codecademy, and Casper get high-quality products to market while modeling the way for tech and product best practices that upskill and enable tech teams. Episode after episode, you'll hear top tech leaders and experts in their fields sharing first-hand successes, failures, and lessons learned about the topics that are a high priority for today’s tech teams. Let the technology leaders of our time share first-hand stories of successes, failures, and lessons learned as they lead and grow their teams amid an ever-changing landscape. For more information on Debbie Madden and Stride visit https://www.stride.build/

  1. 30 JAN

    How GenAI + Automation Are Going to Revolutionize Legacy Code Migration

    Stride’s Michael Carlson and Michael Wytock join this week’s episode to share how Stride’s groundbreaking 100x service is transforming legacy code modernization. They explore how Generative AI and automation are breaking down the barriers that have long made updating outdated systems slow, risky, and politically challenging. The duo shares how Stride 100x streamlines the modernization process by automatically tracing and understanding even the most complex legacy systems. The approach reduces what used to take weeks—or even months—to mere hours, enabling companies to modernize without disrupting their day-to-day operations.  Plus, the two explore real-world legacy software challenges, from unknown system dependencies to hidden code risks, and explain how 100x eliminates these pain points through cutting-edge technology. They also explore how Stride 100x differs from popular tools like GitHub Copilot.  If your organization is stuck in the old legacy systems, tune in now and discover how Stride 100x can help you modernize your systems. You can learn more about the service at https://www.stride.build/100x or chat with the team for a personalized demo.   “Re-architecting and modernizing your applications as the business needs arise is not something that's going counter to what the business is trying to do. Actually, it will help the business move forward.” ~  Michael Carlson In This Episode: - Introducing Stride 100x: modernizing legacy applications - The birth of 100x from understanding client pain points - Identifying common legacy software struggles - Step 1 of 100x: code tracing in legacy systems - Speeding up the modernization process: real-world examples  - Continuous monitoring and iteration with 100x - Stride 100x vs. popular AI coding tools - The future of legacy code modernization with Stride 100x And much more! Learn More About Stride 100x: https://www.stride.build/100x Connect with Debbie Madden: Website - https://www.stride.build/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    29 min

  2. 03/12/2024

    The Intersection of GenAI and Real Business Value with Mark Kasdorf

    Mark Kasdorf, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Forge, joins today’s conversation on the transformative power of generative AI in traditional industries. Mark previously founded Intrepid, a pioneering mobile agency that he successfully scaled to a $25 million exit with Accenture.  Mark explains Forge’s approach to addressing real-world challenges in the trades, from recruiting and training Gen Z workers to equipping them with AI-enabled tools to replace fossil fuel-dependent systems. He shares how Forge integrates generative AI into its processes, such as using GPT-4-powered systems to gather job-site feedback and improve efficiency.  Mark also highlights how AI and extended reality (XR) will transform trades by combining human expertise with AI-guided solutions. From AI-powered glasses to systems capable of managing complex tasks, he predicts a future where technology amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them.  The insightful conversation also addresses concerns about workforce skepticism of AI and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into existing processes to drive efficiency and business growth. Tune in to discover genAI’s potential to not only transform individual industries but also redefine the way businesses operate in an increasingly tech-driven world.   “I think in the next three years, we will see AI capable of guiding you to do anything that's within your hard skills and take off 100% of the problem-solving load.” ~  Mark Kasdorf  In This Episode: - Applying Generative AI in business - The Bluon tool for HVAC contractors - Build vs. buy: the AI dilemma - How GenAI is transforming the trades - Human judgment in AI-driven trades - AI for skilled labor transformation - Addressing workforce skepticism of AI’s role - Harnessing AI for business growth or development  Connect with Mark Kasdorf: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkasdorf  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    27 min

  3. 19/11/2024

    Stride Conductor vs Copilot

    Stride’s Rob O’Brien and Stephen Meriwether join this week’s conversation highlighting the impact of AI on software development. The duo demonstrates how Stride Conductor, a multi-agent GenAI tool, differs from single-user CodeGen tools like GitHub Copilot by offering tailored solutions for team-based workflows. Unlike cloud-based tools, Stride Conductor operates within a secure company environment, offering complete control over AI model usage. It also supports team-specific customization, ensuring code aligns with established standards, reducing mental overhead, and improving code consistency across large organizations. In a live demo, Stephen contrasts Copilot's single-user model with Stride Conductor’s automated testing capabilities. While Copilot requires frequent manual interventions, Stride Conductor completes tests with a single command, which is efficient in collaborative environments.  Stride Conductor is currently supporting Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python. Visit https://www.strideconductor.com/ to sign up for a live demo. “When we talk about Stride Conductor, we think of three key differentiators: secure, tailored, and automated. This is not a cloud-based SaaS product; it’s running in your environment.” ~ Rob O’Brien In This Episode: - Introduction to Stride Conductor  - What makes Stride Conductor different? - Demo preview: using Copilot vs. Stride Conductor for testing - Using Stride Conductor for testing - Addressing unique use cases with Stride Conductor  - How to book a Stride Conductor live demo   And much more! Learn More About Stride Conductor:  - https://www.strideconductor.com/  Connect with Rob O’Brien: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-o-brien-82865b25 Connect with Stephen Meriwether: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmeriwether  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    20 min

  4. 08/10/2024

    Product Management Across 4 Startups: Lessons Learned with David Hersh

    Building and scaling startups involves numerous uncertainties and complexities, from ideation to exit. Many entrepreneurs and tech leaders struggle with innovation risks, team cohesion, and the fear of failure. Today, serial entrepreneur David Hersh shares his lessons from founding and exiting four large companies. David discusses key tech startup challenges, such as product ideation, early monetization, and building strong teams. He offers tech leaders and aspiring founders valuable lessons on adapting to market needs, making strategic pivots, and navigating the journey from startup to acquisition. David highlights the critical role of teamwork in navigating the ups and downs of startup life, noting that building a trusted, cohesive team can be more important than the idea itself. He also shares the importance of building the products that customers want and the value of embracing external ideas. Tune in to hear David’s candid reflections on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, his best and worst decisions, and his advice on managing post-acquisition transitions in large companies. “Scratching your own itch is effective because if you’re solving a problem for yourself, you’re likely solving it for others.” ~ David Hersh In This Episode: - Lessons from product ideation to execution - Monetization strategies and business viability analysis - David’s best and worst decisions: the role of teamwork - Reflecting on mistakes and pivots - How to choose an exit strategy as an entrepreneur - How to navigate post-acquisition challenges And much more! Connect with David Hersh:  - LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhersh/  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    29 min

  5. 24/09/2024

    How Business Leaders Should Think About Labor Mix Today with Hugo Malan

    Over the past 18 to 24 months, temporary labor usage in the U.S. has dropped by 15%, despite the strong economic performance. This surprising decline in temp labor penetration highlights a critical shift in workforce strategies and the need for companies to evaluate their labor mix.  Hugo Malan, President of Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology, and Telecom, is here to discuss one of the most pressing issues for business leaders today: finding the right labor mix. As a seasoned leader in workforce solutions, Hugo shares valuable insights on how companies can achieve the right balance between permanent, temporary, and consulting labor to drive flexibility, continuity, and innovation. Hugo explains how short-term economic fears, such as concerns about a recession, have led companies to reduce their use of temporary staff and maintain permanent staff. He anticipates a normalization in the demand for temporary staffing by 2025 as economic anxiety decreases and companies look for more flexible labor options. Tune in to learn how to prepare your company for future demand fluctuations and maintain a flexible, high-performing workforce. “If you don’t have a flexible component in your labor force, it becomes more difficult to respond fast enough to an upturn or downturn in demand, and that can have significant negative impacts on your bottom line.” ~ Hugo Malan In This Episode: - Defining labor mix: permanent, temporary, and consulting - The importance of finding the right labor mix - Surprising shifts in the U.S. labor market - The root causes of labor market changes - The impact of economic anxiety on temporary labor - Future trends and predictions for the staffing industry - Advice for business leaders on finding the right labor mix And much more! Connect with Hugo Malan:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-malan-0994191/ Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    21 min

  6. 10/09/2024

    Ethical AI: How Tech Leaders Can Balance Innovation with Transparency, Ethics, and Human Value with Ken Judy

    As AI continues to shape the future of tech, leaders must ensure they're using it responsibly while maintaining human-centric values. Navigating the ethical complexities of AI is crucial to avoid costly mistakes that could compromise both teams and technology. Today’s episode features Ken Judy, a partner at Stride. Ken has over 30 years of experience in the tech industry, with 15 years spent in executive leadership roles. He highlights the need for accountability and professional ethics in AI development, emphasizing that adopting AI should enhance human roles, not replace them.  Ken highlights potential risks, such as intellectual property violations and misuse of AI outputs. He advocates for proactive efforts to avoid these issues, including new governance roles to oversee AI ethics within organizations, much like Agile's Scrum masters ensure accountability. Are you ready to lead your team into the future of AI responsibly? Tune in to this insightful episode and learn how to align tech practices to long-term values so that AI supports human potential and organizational goals. “If you care about people, your first instinct will not be how many of these people I can replace. It'll be, "How can I help these people get their jobs done better?” ~ Ken Judy In This Episode: - Ethical principles in AI development - Transparency and best practices in AI - Governance and accountability in AI - Agile principles and AI integration - Final thoughts on ethics in AI And much more! Connect with Ken Judy:  - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenjudy  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    25 min

  7. 27/08/2024

    The Impact and Potential of AI on Project and Program Management with Adam Roberts

    AI's rapid evolution is impacting the project management profession. It’s shifting the focus from manual crisis management to strategic oversight, enabling tech leaders to deliver higher-quality outcomes faster and more efficiently. Today’s guest, Adam Roberts, is a seasoned project management expert with over 20 years of experience at major companies such as Disney, Viacom, and NBCUniversal. We are talking about the role of AI in project and program management, exploring its potential, and the challenges it presents. Adam shares how AI is already reshaping routine tasks, such as note-taking and scheduling, allowing project managers to focus on more strategic responsibilities. He also addresses AI's inherent risks and limitations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and human oversight in leveraging these technologies. If you’re a tech leader aiming to stay ahead of the curve and effectively lead your teams in an AI-driven world, this episode is a must-listen. You will learn how AI can drive efficiency, reduce project risks, and potentially redefine the future of project management roles. “The notion of 80 percent of project management work being handled by AI can be a very frightening statistic, but it might mean there is capacity to take on more and deliver more.” ~ Adam Roberts In This Episode: - AI's impact on project and program management - Challenges and limitations of AI in project management - The impact of AI on the project and program managers’ profession - The future of AI in project management - Myths and misconceptions about AI - Organizational responsibilities and AI policies And much more! Connect with Adam Roberts: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scrumexpert/  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    21 min

  8. 13/08/2024

    Data Science Decoded: The Academia vs Industry Showdown with Marco Morales

    The Harvard Business Review once called data science the “sexiest job in the 21st century.” A decade later, a significant gap exists between academic training and the practical demands of data science in business. Educational programs focus heavily on technical skills without preparing students for real-world challenges. Marco Morales, a seasoned professional, has spent the last decade at the intersection of business and technology, leading data science initiatives in media and entertainment. Marco explains why tech leaders should care about this gap and offers actionable steps, such as dedicated data science internships, to help new graduates transition smoothly into the industry. Marco emphasizes the importance of upskilling data scientists to collaborate effectively with non-technical stakeholders in a typical business setting. Tune in to learn key methodologies and best practices for building impactful data products and mitigating the experience gap for new data scientists entering the workforce. “As a tech leader, you’ll find that people don't usually hit the ground running. There's a learning curve, and it's a cost that any company ends up incurring for getting people ready to be contributing as data scientists.” ~ Marco Morales In This Episode: - Marco Morales’ background and experience in data science  - The gap between academic and business data science - The challenges in applying academic data science - Problem-solving in a controlled academic setting vs in the real world - Teaching data scientists to collaborate with other specialized professionals  - Best practices for data science in business - How tech leaders can mitigate the gap And much more! Connect with Marco Morales:   - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcomoralesbarba  Connect with Debbie Madden: - Website - https://www.stride.build/ - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/

    30 min
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About

Are you a CTO, Chief Product Officer or Tech leader? Then this one's for you: If there was one tool that would help you learn best practices and avoid top mistakes so that you can achieve your goals, would you consider that tool? If you answered "yes," this is the tool you've been looking for. Debbie Madden is a serial tech entrepreneur. She is well known for helping teams scale in ways that result in measurable outcomes paired with a strong culture. She is the founder & chair of Stride, a national agile software development consultancy. Stride helps the world's top brands like SeatGeek, Spotify, Codecademy, and Casper get high-quality products to market while modeling the way for tech and product best practices that upskill and enable tech teams. Episode after episode, you'll hear top tech leaders and experts in their fields sharing first-hand successes, failures, and lessons learned about the topics that are a high priority for today’s tech teams. Let the technology leaders of our time share first-hand stories of successes, failures, and lessons learned as they lead and grow their teams amid an ever-changing landscape. For more information on Debbie Madden and Stride visit https://www.stride.build/

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