Tech World Human Skills

Ben Pearce

Ben Pearce interviews thought leaders in the tech world to learn from their success. In each episode we focus on a topic our guest has learnt about, failed at, course corrected and ultimately succeeded with. We can stand on the shoulders of giants and benefit from their insight. The Tech World Human Skills podcast is a masterclass on building the leadership, professional and human skills that are essential to thrive in the tech world. If you're in Pre-Sales, Consulting, Engineering, Customer Success, Architecture, Tech Leadership or any other tech discipline come and join the party. New episodes every 2 weeks. Listen to The Tech World Humans Skills podcast wherever you listen to your podcast or watch on YouTube. Check out www.techworldhumanskills.com for more details.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    EP74: Leading Through Major Incidents with Richard Baker

    In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast, Ben Pearce and Richard Baker discuss the critical topic of managing major incidents in the tech industry. They explore the importance of preparation, communication, and the human element in crisis management. Richard shares real-life experiences and insights on how to effectively lead teams through high-pressure situations.   Richard Baker is the CIO of TWC IT Solutions.  He has years of working in the tech world and many battle scars from leading teams through major incidents.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com TWC IT Solutions Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/twc-support Richard Baker Email - richard@twcitsolutions.com TWC IT Solutions - https://twc-it-solutions.com/   Takeaways   The most important part of any business is the team. Companies should practice incident response like fire drills. Keeping calm during a crisis leads to better decision-making. Effective communication with leadership is crucial during incidents. Preparation is key to managing major incidents successfully. Understanding the scope of the problem is essential for resolution. Building trust with clients enhances collaboration during crises. Post-incident analysis helps prevent future issues. Regular updates to clients reduce anxiety during incidents. A good relationship with clients is vital for effective incident management.     Keywords   incident management, crisis management, cybersecurity, communication, preparation, leadership, client trust, human skills, tech solutions, business continuity

    44 min

  2. 4 FEB

    EP73: Leadership 101 - Leading Change with Ben Caird

    Leading through change isn't about sending a broadcast email and hoping for the best. In this episode, Ben Caird breaks down why most change initiatives fail and shares the ADKAR framework that actually gets teams moving in the same direction.   Ben Caird is a seasoned professional leader.  He's led teams of all sizes in a variety of tech companies and has years of experience.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Ben Caird Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcaird/   Keywords   change management, leadership, adkar framework, stakeholder buy-in, team transformation, organizational change, effective communication, awareness and desire, change resistance, business impact   Takeaways   If you're not driving change, you're probably not leading. The ADKAR model is a great way to think about driving change. People resist change by default - you need to create genuine desire, not just awareness. Starting with "how to change" before explaining "why change" is where most initiatives fail. Effective change takes time with the right people; efficient change just broadcasts instructions that nobody follows. Change champions who are peers often influence adoption more than senior leaders telling people what to do. You get what you inspect - measuring adoption by team creates healthy accountability. The right executive sponsor can unblock resistance and hold stakeholders accountable when you can't. Sometimes you need to build a pilot and prove value before you can get widespread buy-in. Not every change battle is worth fighting - if you can't get past awareness and desire, question whether it's the right idea.

    49 min

  3. 21 JAN

    EP72: Value Engineering 101 with Paul Harris

    In this episode we delve into the concept of value engineering and explore its significance in the tech industry. Paul explains the importance of understanding both the technology and the business needs of customers.  We cover how to effectively bridge the gap between technical solutions and financial outcomes.   Paul Harris has worked in technical pre-sales for many years.  He is the co-host of "The Wandering Tech Podcast" and is Director of Pre-Sales at Loftware.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Paul Harris Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfharris/      Takeaways Value engineering is about understanding customer problems and providing solutions. It's essential to bridge the gap between technology and business. Understanding how a business makes money is crucial for tech professionals. Financial acumen is as important as technical knowledge in pre-sales. Using relatable analogies can simplify complex business concepts. Crafting a business case requires understanding both revenue and costs. Value engineering helps in making technology investments stand out as business projects. Consultants need to help customers articulate the value of solutions to decision-makers. Key financial concepts include revenue, costs, and operating profit. Continuous learning about financial principles can enhance consulting effectiveness.   Keywords value engineering, business acumen, technology solutions, financial concepts, pre-sales, consulting, enterprise sales, ROI, customer success, supply chain

    48 min

  4. 7 JAN

    EP71: The Hidden Half: ADHD and Neurodiversity in Tech with Sam Bramwell

    In this episode we talk about ADHD in tech.  We explore what ADHD is, how it shows up in the tech workplace, and provides practical tips for both neurotypical and neurodivergent people to work effectively together.   Our guest Sam Bramwell has been a CEO, Chief of Staff at Microsoft UK and now leads a coaching program for leaders with ADHD.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Sam Bramwell Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-bramwell-ac-pcc-3287642/ Additude Website - https://additudemag.com https://theADHDleader.co.uk       Keywords Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), Interest-based nervous system, Body doubling, Dopamine dysregulation, Neurodivergent, Executive functioning, ADHD coaching, Personalized leadership, Tech Talent Charter, Paint done   Takeaways 50% of tech workers self-identify as neurodivergent, while employers think only 3% are ADHD is driven by an interest-based nervous system (novelty, urgency, complexity, challenge, passion) and involves dopamine dysregulation Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) means criticism can feel like physical pain for people with ADHD Learn about your own "operating system" and communicate clearly what you need to perform at your best "Paint done" - provide clear expectations, context, and break large projects into manageable steps Always include agendas and context for meetings to reduce anxiety Practice personalized leadership by asking people how they work best and what they need Create environments that support different processing needs (flexible working, quiet spaces, body doubling sessions) Lead with empathy, focus on strengths-based approaches, and use positive reinforcement Educate yourself about neurodiversity - many "ADHD-friendly" practices benefit everyone

    44 min

  5. 10/12/2025

    EP70: Will AI Eat Consultancy Jobs? with Steve Chan

    In this episode we're asking the question "Will AI eat consultancy jobs?".  There are so many people using their skills to help businesses deploy the latest tech.  So what's the future look like for them.   Steve Chan is the founder of a new company Stealth Labs. He's worked in Digital Intelligence at BAE and been an AI solutions engineer at Microsoft.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Steve Chance Webpage -  https://stevechan.ai   Keywords   consultancy, inefficiency, business perspective, profit margins, upskilling, training, organizational roles   Takeaways  Consultancy often operates inefficiently from a business standpoint. Consultants are frequently sold out to organizations for fees. There is overwhelming pressure to maintain profit margins in consultancy. Consultants may spend more time in one organization than intended. The need for training and upskilling is critical in consultancy. Profit margins can hinder the ability to respond to new requirements. Consultants face challenges in balancing multiple organizational roles. The structure of consultancy can lead to inefficiencies in service delivery. Effective training programs are essential for consultant development. Understanding the dynamics of consultancy can improve business outcomes.

    41 min

  6. 26/11/2025

    EP69: Leadership 101 - Building Trust with Ben Caird

    In this episode we talk about leadership core skills.  Specifically building trust.  How do you build trust with a team?  We talk through the 5 Ways of Being that help you build trust with a team.   Ben Caird is a seasoned professional leader.  He's led teams of all sizes in a variety of tech companies and has years of experience.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Ben Caird Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcaird/     Keywords Trust, Authentic, Vulnerable, Accepting, Present, Useful, Leadership, Coaching, Results, Team   Takeaways Be Authentic: Work in line with your values, own your feedback directly, be the same person at work and outside Be Vulnerable: Lead with your mistakes, make it safe for others to fail, encourage challenge even publicly Be Accepting: Delegate outcomes not activities, coach people to improve in their style not yours, accept different approaches Be Present: Put your phone away, give full attention, show up physically when possible, consider if you give or drain energy Be Useful: Stop doing the work, coach and open doors instead, pass the pen and let others own the plan Ask "What do you think?": It's powerfully empowering and helps people feel heard Efficiency vs Effectiveness: The fastest way (just telling people what to do) is often the least effective Build diverse teams: Don't hire clones of yourself - different approaches strengthen the team Leadership isn't looseness: Know what's going on, stay close enough to coach and drive results Results through people: You can be a nice human AND achieve great results - it's not either/or

    42 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    EP68: So You Want To Be A CTO with David Crawford

    In this episode we're talking about being a CTO. People listening might have CTO career aspirations. A lot might report into a CTO, and others might be selling to CTO's. So we talk to David about all things CTO. David Crawford has spent many years as a CTO. He's also been a CTO advisor and non-executive director. He often hosts London Tech Leader panels, and also hosts the "CTO Lens" podcast. Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com David Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-crawford-13679a/  CTO Lens Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5aT2XrO7CTOCLPqKZmcnT9  Takeaways The role of a CTO is complex and varies by organization. CTOs are responsible for technology vision and strategy. Understanding finance is crucial for technology leaders. Soft skills in leadership are essential for success. Performance management is a critical aspect of the CTO role. Engaging with the business is vital for a CTO. Career development requires curiosity and mentorship. Fractional CTO roles are becoming more popular. CTOs must balance technical knowledge with leadership skills. Communication with non-technical stakeholders is key. Keywords CTO, CIO, technology leadership, fractional CTO, skills, career development, performance management, stakeholder management, communication, technology strategy

    44 min

  8. 29/10/2025

    EP67: First Recall = First Call - Neuroscience of Memory, Time and Persuasion with John K Coyle

    In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast, Ben Pearce and John Coyle explore the concept of becoming more memorable and the science behind how to do it. John shares insights from his experiences as an Olympic athlete and how understanding the nature of time can enhance our lives.   John is an Olympic silver medallist, best-selling author,  keynote speaker and expert in Chronoception.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com John Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkcoyle1/ John's Website - https://johnkcoyle.com/     Takeaways Memories are the currency of time. The nature of time is not linear; we experience human time, not clock time. Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Tiny moments often determine the trajectory of your future. Routine is the enemy of time; break it to create memories. To be memorable, recognize heightened circumstances as opportunities. Design experiences that leverage risk, uniqueness, and emotional intensity. Emotions drive human behavior; engage them to influence others. When you have trouble, you might be solving the wrong problem. Time and money are fungible; invest in creating memorable experiences.   Keywords chronoception, memorable experiences, time perception, emotional engagement, storytelling, influence, personal growth, professional development, memory creation, human connection

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Ben Pearce interviews thought leaders in the tech world to learn from their success. In each episode we focus on a topic our guest has learnt about, failed at, course corrected and ultimately succeeded with. We can stand on the shoulders of giants and benefit from their insight. The Tech World Human Skills podcast is a masterclass on building the leadership, professional and human skills that are essential to thrive in the tech world. If you're in Pre-Sales, Consulting, Engineering, Customer Success, Architecture, Tech Leadership or any other tech discipline come and join the party. New episodes every 2 weeks. Listen to The Tech World Humans Skills podcast wherever you listen to your podcast or watch on YouTube. Check out www.techworldhumanskills.com for more details.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Pearce
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Elevated You Ltd 2025
  • Show Website
    Tech World Human Skills