The CTO Lens (with David Crawford)

London Tech Leaders
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast dedicated to examining the evolving role of the Chief Technology Officer and the pressing challenges facing technology leaders today. The show provides a clear and insightful view into what it takes to lead at the intersection of innovation, business, and technology. Each episode centers on a key issue shaping the modern CTO’s world—from driving digital transformation and managing technical debt, to building resilient teams, navigating cybersecurity risks, and of course will touch on everything AI. Through candid conversations with accomplished CTOs, industry experts, and innovators, David explores not just the technical dimensions of the role, but also the leadership, vision, and adaptability required to succeed in an ever-changing landscape. Designed for current and aspiring technology executives, The CTO Lens offers actionable insights, real-world experiences, and forward-looking perspectives that help leaders anticipate what’s next. If you want to better understand the challenges and opportunities defining the CTO role today—and how technology leaders are shaping the future of business—this is your lens.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 7: Stuart Coleman - From Lecturer to CTO

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 7 of The CTO Lens features Stuart Coleman, CTO at 10x Banking, who shares his unconventional journey from physics lecturer to technology leader driving transformation in financial services. Stuart discusses why being an effective CTO isn’t about being the cleverest person in the room, but about connecting talented people, driving value, and fostering accountability. He reflects on the lessons learned through his rise at 10x — from knowing when to step in or step back, to developing commercial awareness and empathy as a leader. Stuart also opens up about a difficult moment early in his tenure that taught him the importance of communication, humility, and never losing sight of the individuals behind the technology. London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign up for our Women+ Tech Leaders event happening on the 13th of November! https://www.londontechleaders.io/event/women-tech-leaders-dealing-with-executives-technical-and-non-technical/?e=1

    40 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Episode 6: Eleni Kelly - Inside the Modern CIO Role

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 6 of The CTO Lens features Eleni Kelly, CIO of Pluxee UK, who shares her 20-year journey across public and private sector technology leadership. She explores how the CIO role has evolved from managing IT operations to driving revenue, resilience, and digital culture at the core of modern business. Eleni discusses the importance of commercial acumen, storytelling, and emotional intelligence in technology leadership, along with how trust and empathy shape high-performing teams. Reflecting on her experiences as a woman in tech, she offers practical advice on building confidence, influencing the boardroom, and leading with calm clarity. London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign up for our Women+ Tech Leaders event happening on the 13th of November! https://www.londontechleaders.io/event/women-tech-leaders-dealing-with-executives-technical-and-non-technical/?e=1

    40 min

  3. OCT 1

    Episode 5: Nick Drouet - Preparing the Next Generation of CTO's

    The CTO Lens (with David Crawford)

    52 min

  4. SEP 25

    Episode 4: Meri Williams - From Satellites to CTO

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 4 features Meri Williams sharing their journey to becoming a CTO, discussing their early experiences in technology, the challenges they faced in leadership, and the importance of honing technical skills before moving into management. They emphasise the value of understanding both the technical and business sides of technology, and offers insights on career vectors and personal growth. Meri also opens up about their struggles with mental health and the lessons learned from their experiences, providing valuable advice for aspiring tech leaders. London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign for our Leadership Summit happening on the 7th & 8th of October! https://registration.londontechleaderssummit.io/ltl

    49 min

  5. SEP 17

    Episode 3: Mal Minhas - "Becoming the manager of managers"

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 3 features Mal Minhas, a seasoned Chief Technologist, with his most recent role as the CPTO at Gumtree. In this conversation, Mal talks about his time at Symbian, explores the step up to managing managers & what the future of the CxO role might look like in an evolving technology landscape.  London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign for our Leadership Summit happening on the 7th & 8th of October! https://registration.londontechleaderssummit.io/ltl

    55 min

  6. SEP 10

    Episode 2: Steve Newson - From Start-Up to Starling

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 2 features Steve Newson, one of the founders of Starling Bank and now Group CTO. In this conversation, Steve reflects on the journey of building a challenger bank from the ground up, the realities of scaling technology in a highly regulated industry, and what it means to stay innovative while leading at the top level. Along the way, Steve shares practical lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and balancing innovation with risk — offering a rare inside look at the mindset required to transform an entire sector. London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign for our Leadership Summit happening on the 7th & 8th of October! https://registration.londontechleaderssummit.io/ltl

    53 min
  7. Episode 1: Renee Hunt - "I'm not a CTO, I'm THE CTO"

    SEP 3

    Episode 1: Renee Hunt - "I'm not a CTO, I'm THE CTO"

    The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast from London Tech Leaders that offers an inside look at the realities of modern technology leadership. Hosted by David Crawford — an experienced CTO and NED for some of the world’s leading enterprise organisations, the show explores the realities of driving transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering real business impact through technology. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern technology leadership. Each episode offers practical insights, candid discussions, and stories from the frontlines - from navigating board-level conversations to scaling engineering teams and embracing emerging tech. Whether you’re a CTO, senior tech leader, or an aspiring executive, The CTO Lens is your guide to the challenges and opportunities that define today’s tech landscape. Episode 1 kicks off with the brilliant Renee Hunt, former CTO of Compare the Market. In this conversation, Renee shares her journey as a technology leader, lessons learned from driving large-scale transformation, and her insights on what it really takes to lead high-performing teams in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. Midway through the conversation, Renée also recommends the book “Changing Gear: Creating the Life You Want After a Full On Career”, which she credits with shaping her approach to leadership and decision-making — a must-read for any tech leader looking to level up their game. Book link: https://amzn.eu/d/7FTLw40 London Tech Leaders is the UK’s leading community for senior technology leaders with over 2500+ members. Through regular events, exclusive dinners, women+ tech leaders series and thought-leadership content, we create a space where tech leaders connect, share real-world experiences, and tackle the challenges shaping the future of technology. It’s about building the kind of relationships that spark innovation, drive growth, and inspire fresh ideas across the industry. Sign for our Leadership Summit happening on the 7th & 8th of October! https://registration.londontechleaderssummit.io/ltl

    54 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The CTO Lens with David Crawford is a podcast dedicated to examining the evolving role of the Chief Technology Officer and the pressing challenges facing technology leaders today. The show provides a clear and insightful view into what it takes to lead at the intersection of innovation, business, and technology. Each episode centers on a key issue shaping the modern CTO’s world—from driving digital transformation and managing technical debt, to building resilient teams, navigating cybersecurity risks, and of course will touch on everything AI. Through candid conversations with accomplished CTOs, industry experts, and innovators, David explores not just the technical dimensions of the role, but also the leadership, vision, and adaptability required to succeed in an ever-changing landscape. Designed for current and aspiring technology executives, The CTO Lens offers actionable insights, real-world experiences, and forward-looking perspectives that help leaders anticipate what’s next. If you want to better understand the challenges and opportunities defining the CTO role today—and how technology leaders are shaping the future of business—this is your lens.

Information