Mastering Tech Growth

Mike Sirius

Weekly chats with industry leaders to bring you you big ideas on how to grow.

  1. −22 H

    Strategy First, Tech Second: How CTOs Drive Business Value

    In this conversation, Mike Sirius and Andrei Nita discuss the critical role of strategy in technology leadership, emphasising that successful CTOs prioritise business goals over technology itself. They explore the importance of understanding business maturity, the challenges of managing a troubled tech stack, and the need for hiring versatile talent. The discussion also covers the transition from a reactive, firefighting approach to a proactive, strategic leadership style, and the significance of aligning technology with business objectives to drive growth and value.  The speakers delve into the multifaceted role of a CTO, discussing the importance of effective communication, understanding technical debt, and the significance of aligning engineering objectives with business goals. They explore strategies for navigating the first weeks in a new role, the necessity of constant updates to executives, and the challenges of leading change in a resistant company culture. The discussion also highlights the importance of financial literacy for CTOs and the need for a clear decision-making framework in urgent situations. Takeaways CTOs should prioritize strategy over technology.Business maturity influences tech decisions.Hiring should focus on generalists with business acumen.Firefighting leads to survival mode, not growth.Establish must-not-cross thresholds for tech stability.Align tech initiatives with business goals.Effective presentations should focus on customer value.Process improvement should be reactive in early-stage startups.Avoid decisions that lead to dead ends in tech development.Tech strategy must resonate with executive goals. Three is a comfortable number for decision-making.Understanding pain points is crucial in the first week.Delivering on a project that others couldn't is a key win.Constant communication with executives is essential.Technical debt should be integrated into regular work.Linking engineering OKRs to business goals is vital.Hiring should focus on maintaining quality and vision.Selling infrastructure upgrades requires focusing on results.CTOs should have a strong grasp of financial metrics.Decision-making should align with company goals. Sound Bites "Put strategy first and technology second." "It's a timeline, not just one thing." "If everything is a P0, nothing is a P0." "You need to understand what the business is." "You need to think about revenue." "Hire generalists, not just developers." "Focus on process too much won't help." "You can have a decision that can be undone." "Assume you're presenting to a customer." "You're there as part of a business." "Communication should never stop." "You should know the business numbers." Keywords CTO, technology strategy, business growth, tech leadership, hiring, tech stack, business value, tech-first mindset, agile development, process improvement, CTO, leadership, technical debt, communication, engineering, business goals, product ownership, infrastructure upgrades, hiring, company culture, decision making

    1 tim 22 min

  2. 24 SEP.

    AI & Ads in 2025: What Every Growth-Minded Brand Should Know — with Hikari Senju

    In this episode, Mike Sirius and Hikari Senju delve into the transformative role of AI in advertising. They explore how AI can streamline ad creation, enhance personalisation, and improve efficiency, while also discussing the importance of understanding growth loops and the impact of customer obsession on business success. Hikari shares insights on the evolution of advertising, the challenges of generating effective ads with AI, and the performance metrics that matter. The discussion highlights the balance between leveraging AI technology and maintaining brand authenticity. Takeaways AI advertisement saves time and money for founders.Growth loops create a compelling user journey.Second order effects are crucial for sustainable growth.AI can personalize ads based on real-time data.The creative process in advertising was traditionally labor-intensive.AI can generate multiple ad variations quickly.Performance metrics are essential for evaluating ad success.AI-generated ads can outperform traditional ads in ROI.Authenticity in branding is vital for consumer trust.AI's capabilities in video generation are still developing. The market will dictate who runs advertising cheaper and more effectively.Personalized products have been trending due to social media and targeted advertising.Finding the right audience is crucial for D2C brands.AI fuels the fragmentation of brands targeting niche audiences.Legacy brands may regain value as consumers seek trust and comfort.YouTube's data is a competitive advantage for Google.Legal risks exist in using AI-generated content without permission.AI technology is improving at an exponential rate.Most video ads on platforms like YouTube will soon be AI-generated.Return on ad spend is the most critical metric for advertising success. Sound Bites "Growth loops create a snowball effect for business." "Customer obsession drives growth as a number one." "AI can generate thousands of ads in one go." "Authenticity is key for brand trust in advertising." "AI does a better job with graphic design than video." "AI's uncanny valley still exists in video ads." "The market will dictate who will run this cheaper." "There's been a trend towards personalised products." "AI just fuels that further." "YouTube is a massive treasure trove of data." "Stealing someone's artwork is a real risk." "Return on ad spend is the most important metric."

    1 tim 9 min

  3. 17 SEP.

    Mastering Go-to-Market Strategies with Anya Cheng

    In this conversation, Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of taelor.style, discusses the importance of establishing a repeatable go-to-market process, the significance of ownership in product launches, and the role of community engagement in validating market hypotheses. She shares insights from her experiences at major tech companies and her journey as an educator, emphasising the need for clear KPIs and effective internal communication during product launches. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of product launches, emphasizing the importance of planning, internal alignment, and feedback mechanisms. They discuss the necessity of buffers and backup plans to mitigate risks, the roles of various team members in the go-to-market strategy, and the unique challenges faced by startups. The dialogue highlights the iterative nature of product development and the significance of internal buy-in for successful external launches. Takeaways Most launches miss the date mainly because of internal reasons.Building a go-to-market strategy should be systematic and repeatable.Finding product-market fit is crucial for growth.Understanding the target audience is key to success.Validating hypotheses through minimal viable products is essential.Community engagement can help build an initial customer base.PR plays a significant role in startup growth.Clear ownership and responsibilities are vital for decision-making.Balancing central and local ownership can enhance effectiveness.Internal communication is critical during product launches. Buffer time is crucial in product launches.Always have a backup plan for contingencies.Roles in go-to-market strategies can vary widely.Startups need a lightweight playbook for launches.Internal alignment is key for successful external buy-in.Feedback loops are essential in agile methodologies.Understanding your audience is critical before launching.Decision-making processes can prevent team burnout.Establish clear metrics for success before launching.Iterative testing can lead to better market fit. Sound Bites "Start with a minimal viable product." "It's important to really have clear KPI." "You have to believe the test result." "It's about the persona, it's about the problem." "Who will need to do something differently?" "Buffer is extremely important." "You need a backup plan." "Don't limit yourself on who should do this." "In startups, you need a lightweight playbook." "Agile is about getting feedback faster." "The goal is to minimize risk." "Your persona and pinpoint are key." "Not making decisions burns the team out." "You need to have a go/no-go plan." Keywords go-to-market, product-market fit, startup growth, ownership, decision-making, MVP, community engagement, Ania Cheng, tech leadership, AI fashion, product launch, go-to-market strategy, startup, internal alignment, feedback, decision-making, buffer, backup plans, agile, marketing

    1 tim 20 min

  4. 10 SEP.

    Mastering Exit Readiness: A Founder’s Guide with Jordan Calderon

    In this conversation, Mike Sirius and Jordan Calderon discuss the critical aspects of preparing a business for sale, emphasising the importance of exit readiness, profitability, and sustainable growth. They explore the M&A process, the significance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the impact of founder dependency on business valuation. Jordan shares personal experiences from his own exits, highlighting the lessons learned and the psychological aspects of selling a business. The discussion also touches on the role of remote talent and the future of business operations in a globalized economy. Takeaways Selling your business requires long-term planning, not last-minute efforts.Profitability is crucial for bootstrapped founders to sustain their lifestyle.Investing in all business functions is essential for sustainable growth.Creating a sellable business involves preparing well in advance of a sale.SOPs can significantly increase business valuation by providing structure and clarity.Founder dependency can severely limit a business's sellability.Understanding the M&A process is vital for a successful exit.Valuation multiples are influenced by consistent growth and operational efficiency.Trusting your instincts is important during negotiations and deal-making.Building a strong company culture is essential for retaining talent post-acquisition. Sound Bites "Work to build a sellable business.""Buyers set the price, not the sellers.""Trust your gut when something feels off." Keywords exit readiness, business valuation, profitability, M&A process, founder dependency, SOPs, remote talent, business growth, entrepreneurship, startup success

    1 tim 27 min

  5. 3 SEP.

    Smarter Teams, Faster Growth: How to Scale With AI

    The workplace is changing—and the future of work is being shaped by smarter AI-powered teams. In this episode, we dive deep into how to scale with AI with Suman Kanuganti, founder of Personal.ai. Suman is a two-time venture-backed founder recognised by Forbes, Smithsonian, and The New York Times for his work in AI innovation. We explore why role-specific AI personas are transforming the way teams work. 💡 Inside the episode: Why scaling isn’t about headcount but knowledge management AIHow role-specific AI agents outperform generic assistantsThe importance of continuous training to avoid outdated AIEnterprise realities: privacy, governance, and efficiency with AI workflow automationThe roadmap to AI-powered teams and the future of work 2025 📚 Resources & Mentions: Personal.ai – Build your own digital mind Cornell University study: AI personas improve diagnostic accuracy by 80% McKinsey’s enterprise AI agents adoption (45,000 consultants) NVIDIA research on small language models 👇 Drop your biggest growth questions in the comments! 🔗 Explore more at masteringtechgrowth.com ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Scaling Challenges and AI Solutions06:19 The Importance of Customer Obsession12:09 Capturing Team Knowledge19:02 Building AI personas for Specific Roles26:44 The Value of Dedicated AI personas34:26 Integrating Brand Voice into AI personas36:42 Incorporating Brand Guidelines into AI personas39:21 Ensuring AI persona Relevance and Accuracy41:31 Understanding Multi-AI agent Workflows45:20 Managing AI personas in Organizations49:52 Governance and Compliance in Regulated Industries55:00 Auditability and Traceability of AI personas01:00:09 Integrating AI personas with No-Code Tools01:02:00 Metrics for Evaluating AI workflow automation Efficiency01:05:56 The Future of AI personas in Organisations 👉 Follow the show and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for weekly chats with industry leaders bringing you no-fluff tips on how to grow.

    1 tim 8 min
  6. The Secrets to 10x ing The Value of Your Business and Cashing Out Tax Free with Mark Adams

    26 AUG.

    The Secrets to 10x ing The Value of Your Business and Cashing Out Tax Free with Mark Adams

    For today’s episode, Mike is joined by Mark Adams, founder of Acquisition For You, and author of secrets to 10x ing Your Business and Cashing Out Tax Free. He has helped founders scale businesses from zero to 30 million in 18 months, engineer an exit worth hundreds of millions and build a value growth framework used by clients backed with over 22 billion in capital.  Listen in to find out how to grow through acquisition, even if you have zero cash, and then exit your newly expanded business without losing what they have built, while paying far less tax.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Most businesses and their founders unnecessarily lose 30-55% of the sale price. Plan your business exit from the start so you can minimise tax liabilities and other exit costs. Because businesses are typically worth 6-9x revenue, increasing that revenue just before selling makes you a huge amount more. Organic growth typically delivers 10-20% annual growth.  The right bolt-on acquisitions are a far faster way to accelerate growth. Mark shares strategies that can generate annual growth of 20% to 40%, and sometimes more. Multiple small acquisitions can be more valuable than one large acquisition. Improve business systems and processes to increase value. Using the "consulting for equity" approach that Mark explains can enable you to acquire businesses without upfront cash. Build good relationships with sellers during the acquisition process. Work with tax specialists to structure your business for minimal tax exposure. Consider tax-advantaged jurisdictions. Use wealth protection strategies. BEST MOMENTS 15:27 “We work on ways in which we can double the value of their business inside a year without it costing them any more of their own money.."  19:26 "To minimise that taxation level, they must start with that. First, you don't go out and advertise the business for sale and then start structuring the business to reduce taxes."  45.47 "I'm not doing anything that the super-rich like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos have been doing for a long time with different strategies, but the end game is the same. I've just made it available to people like you and me."  1.12.27 “Generally, businesses that are where the owner is the face of the business are easier to acquire.” 1.22.29 “An earn out is that the business is worth one, but you've agreed to five. So, the four is the earn out portion that you're going to agree to give them on certain conditions.” If you enjoyed the show, please do me a favour - Hit that subscribe button and send me your growth challenges at https://masteringtechgrowth.com . I really want to know what you're working on and what keeps you up at night. ABOUT THE GUEST https://linktr.ee/TheMarcAdams ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

    1 tim 28 min

  7. 19 AUG.

    Speed Without Direction is Essentially a Mistake with Ali Hafizji

    Today, Mike is joined by Ali Hafizji, CEO of Wednesday Solutions and the creator of the Wide Sprints method. Together he and Mike explore how founders can avoid the post-MVP trap of building blindly and wasting precious runway. Ali shares how to measure true progress through validated learning and why polishing your MVP can be a costly mistake. They discuss the power of AI-native teams and how to shift from chasing vanity metrics to pursuing actionable business outcomes. Ali also recommends AI tools that will transform your software development and shares rapid experimentation methods. KEY TAKEAWAYS ●  Velocity is not progress if you are tearing off in the wrong direction. ●  At some point, founders need to stop building and focus on marketing, sales, fundraising and actually observing and talking to users – really know your users. ●  3 people AI native pods can run 10 times more validations per sprint. ●  AI enables you to use wide sprints, each of which is driven by a business metric. ●  Tech development is teetering on the edge of a precipice that will drive the use of AI. ●  AI tools are a very fast way to prototype. ●  Experienced developers need to be more open to using AI. ●  We are reaching the point where writing PRDs is pointless. ●  Polishing MVPs is a bad idea. Instead, use the recommended tools to build prototypes that test real behaviour. BEST MOMENTS 1:30 "Speed without direction is effectively a mistake. It's a trap." 4:15 “Mastering tech growth is about learning to build scalable systems and teams and also changing yourself at the same pace without breaking anything." 6:52  "Velocity has two parts to it. It's a vector, so one part of it is direction, the other part is speed." 13:35 "He spent about 250k on this product, and the only person using that product in the world was him." 18:08 "Be okay to not do anything unless you have a reason to." 37.35 “It validates and builds at the same time. The same team can do both. It’s about complementing current agile practices.” 46:33 "Clients, as long as they use the tool and it works, they're happy to pay. And what's behind it... doesn't really matter at the end of the day." 51:59 "I think the change will not come from businesses. I think it's going to come from people." 1:05:36 "For retention rates, there are three metrics that you need to look at: day one, day seven and day 30 after every release." If you enjoyed the show, please do me a favour - Hit that subscribe button and send me your growth challenges at https://masteringtechgrowth.com . I really want to know what you're working on and what keeps you up at night. ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/alihafizji https://www.wednesday.is/ ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.   This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1 tim 15 min

  8. 12 AUG.

    LinkedIn Ads That Actually Book Meetings: Garrett Mehrguth's Proven Playbook

    Today, Mike is joined by marketing coach Garrett Mehrguth, founder and CEO of the marketing agencies Directive and Abe, to discuss online advertising, in particular LinkedIn. He has spent over $68 million testing and developing LinkedIn ad strategies, including for clients like Uber and AWS. Today, he breaks down the critical elements of creating ads that actually book meetings, rather than just generate vanity metrics. KEY TAKEAWAYS To grow you need to be strategic, data-driven, and constantly evolve your marketing approach based on actual results and customer behaviour. Invest at least $10,000 per month, any less is not enough to test and learn from campaigns. Who you target really matters. Garrett shares several innovative ways to find exactly the right type of company and person to target. Focus on and target directors and VPs instead of C-suite executives. Use 15 second videos, why this works will surprise you. Create direct response ads with a "sandwich" approach - start and end with an incentive, with value proposition in the middle. Track full pipeline metrics, including your demos, don´t miss anything out Using gift cards (around $100-$105) is an effective way to generate sales meetings, especially for B2B companies. LinkedIn is too expensive to just do brand advertising and content promotion. Don't rely solely on LinkedIn, consider other platforms. BEST MOMENTS 11:10 "You get what you pay for. You can´t pay minimum and expect maximum, life doesn't work like that." 23.59 “Founders shouldn't be worried about list building and media buying, and they should probably spend $60,000 at least to have someone do it for them.” 29.36 “The key to doing this is you want to use a 15 second video.” 39.19 “The first principle of marketing is that I want the right person from the right company to be so interested in my service that they hear my pitch.” 54.18 “A person has so many characteristics to them that are all advertisable to, but certain humans are more expensive than others to reach. So, the further you go down the hierarchy of an organisation, the cheaper it is to advertise to them.” 1:10:35 "Most marketers are like sheep instead of cowboys. We do a lot better for ourselves and are more impactful, make more money and create more value for our companies, if we think creatively and independently and we just did the opposite of everyone else." If you enjoyed the show, please do me a favour - Hit that subscribe button and send me your growth challenges at https://masteringtechgrowth.com . I really want to know what you're working on and what keeps you up at night. ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmehrguth ABOUT THE HOST Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals. As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    1 tim 19 min
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Weekly chats with industry leaders to bring you you big ideas on how to grow.

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  • Skapad av
    Mike Sirius
  • Aktiva år
    2024 - 2025
  • Avsnitt
    86
  • Åldersgräns
    Vuxet innehåll
  • Copyright
    © Mike Sirius
  • Programmets webbplats
    Mastering Tech Growth