ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in Tech

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Welcome to ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in Tech, where we explore the latest trends and innovations in the tech industry.

  1. Ep 37: Simon Sayegh on the CIO’s Balancing Act - People, Platforms, and Progress

    29 ИЮЛ.

    Ep 37: Simon Sayegh on the CIO’s Balancing Act - People, Platforms, and Progress

    What’s keeping tech leaders up at night? According to CIO Simon Sayegh, it’s not just AI hype. It’s legacy systems, missing skill sets, and unclear outcomes.  Segmented Discussion Points:  1. Outcome-Driven Architecture, Not Agile Theatre  Why “agile in name only” is no longer good enough  The rising demand for capability-based partnerships  How CIOs can enable business outcomes without owning everything  2. Simplify or Sink: The Case for Fit-for-Purpose Tech  The hidden risks of going “best in class” vs. “fit for purpose”  Why modular and hybrid architectures are the new normal  Lessons from consolidation trends across enterprise tech  3. The AI Reality Check  Why “guardrails first” is Simon’s golden rule for AI adoption  What boards should really be asking about AI projects  The difference between solving a problem and chasing a trend  4. Partner Ecosystems and Trusted Networks  The modern CIO’s secret weapon is who they can call at 5pm on a Friday  When to outsource, near-source, or in-source (and how to decide)  The underrated art of asking, “Help me understand the value you bring”  5. Culture Isn’t Motherhood Stuff. It’s a Strategy  Why work teams are more like sporting teams than families  The cost of keeping your “best performer” with the worst behaviour  How shared KPIs can transform internal relationships  6. Two-Speed Tech Teams and Career-Defining Projects  Why CIOs must deliver quick wins while building long-term foundations  The uncomfortable truth: most organisations don’t know what’s going on under the hood  Reframing AI as “just another project” but with way more risk  👋 Follow ThunderLabs on LinkedIn for more sharp, human takes. Or subscribe to our newsletter for fresh episodes and smarter thinking.

    1 ч. 12 мин.
  2. Ep 36: Leadership without the Title with Dr Robert Winter

    15 МАЯ

    Ep 36: Leadership without the Title with Dr Robert Winter

    What do you do when the strategy slides are polished, the goals are lofty, and yet… nothing moves? In this episode of ThunderCast, Chris McGowan sits down with Robert Winter—thinker, writer, leadership philosopher—to unpack why good people get stuck in toxic environments, how complexity messes with traditional management, and why real leadership feels more like gardening than goal-setting.  Whether you're a team lead, a CEO, or just the person quietly holding the business together, this one's for you.    Segmented Discussion Points:  1. Leadership Without the Title  What is “discretionary boundary spanning” and why does it matter more than job titles?  Why the real leaders in your organisation probably don’t sit in the executive team.  The invisible work that keeps businesses alive (and why it rarely gets rewarded).  2. Complexity vs. Complication  How to tell if you're managing a complicated process or leading through complexity.  Why traditional management breaks down in uncertain environments.  The role of language and shared understanding in navigating the unknown.  3. The Curse of Overpreparedness  How fear of looking foolish creates paralysis (even in seasoned leaders).  Why the most competent people often hesitate—and why that’s not a bad thing.  Learning to speak, even when you don’t have all the answers.  4. The Problem with “We’re a Family”  Why calling your team a family can backfire—and what to say instead.  Navigating organisational growth without losing trust or psychological safety.  What to do when people love the work but not the workplace.  5. The Art of Situational Leadership  Knowing when to talk, when to do, and when to direct.  How to manage without micromanaging.  What makes a good manager feel like a leader.  6. Rituals of Reflection and Thinking Time  Why your best team members aren’t just busy—they’re thoughtful.  The leadership skill no one teaches: creating space for thinking.  How “malicious compliance” can kill momentum.  7. Writing to Think, Not Just to Publish  Why writing privately is still a leadership skill.  The surprising power of choosing the right word.  Building influence by showing your thought process, not your credentials.

    1 ч. 30 мин.
  3. EP 35: Alistair Burton on What We’re Still Getting Wrong in Tech (And How to Fix It)

    7 МАЯ

    EP 35: Alistair Burton on What We’re Still Getting Wrong in Tech (And How to Fix It)

    Chris McGowan sits down with technology and business leader Alistair Burton. From the realities of justifying IT costs to the uncomfortable truth about our industry’s talent pipeline, this episode is a charged-up unpacking of what tech leaders are really wrestling with in 2025.  Discussion Points:  1. The Power of Showing Up  What happens when you ask better questions and truly listen  The underrated career value of curiosity and connection  Alistair’s own reflections on what his podcast taught him about leadership and growth  2. The Top 5 Things on Tech Leaders’ Minds for 2025  AI: Innovation enabler or shiny distraction?  Cybersecurity: Why even mature organisations can’t let their guard down  Data & Analytics: Why we’re still fighting the same battles from 20 years ago  Talent: The hidden cost of always hiring “ready-made” professionals  Cost Justification: Why proving value is still harder than it should be  3. Enterprise Architecture: Proving the Value Before the Roof Leaks  Why architecture is hard to measure… until it’s too late  Tactics for justifying the existence of functions that prevent disasters  Breaking down cost in a language execs actually understand  4. Innovation, Risk, and Playing with AI  The difference between exploring AI and implementing it  What smart experimentation really looks like  How to fund innovation without being told to “just trust me”  5. The Talent Pipeline Problem (and a Possible Fix)  Why most organisations aren’t growing their own talent  The lost art of hiring for potential over polish  A throwback to a nearshore innovation model that might be due for a comeback   If you’re a tech leader navigating AI, budgets, or hiring headaches, this one’s for you. Subscribe to ThunderCast on your favourite platform and follow us on LinkedIn to stay charged-up with more no-fluff insights.

    1 ч. 29 мин.
  4. Ep 34: Ali McKee on Growth, Grit, and Getting Back In

    25 АПР.

    Ep 34: Ali McKee on Growth, Grit, and Getting Back In

    In this refreshingly real episode of ThunderCast, General Manager of ThunderLabs, Ali McKee, joins host Chris McGowan for a deep conversation on career transitions, motherhood, and leadership. Ali shares how she made the leap from print to tech, the power of pushing past self-doubt, and what it really takes to show up — at work, at home, and in life.  Whether you're re-entering the workforce, navigating growth as a parent, or just feeling a bit stuck in your career, this one’s for you.  Episode Breakdown 1. From Safe to Stretch: The Career Leap  Why Ali left a “safe” job in print to jump into the unknown world of tech The mindset shifts required when switching industries What happens when you realise you’ve been underestimating yourself for years   2. Mental Load & Modern Leadership  The invisible weight working parents carry—and how to handle it  Why judgement-free flexibility is more than a nice-to-have  The reality of showing up for your kids and your team    3. Vulnerability vs Strength: The Balancing Act  Why being open is a competitive advantage (and not a liability)  The kind of support returning professionals really need  How to spot the difference between growth and overwhelm    4. Choosing Work That Works for You  What to look for in your next job (it’s not just salary or title)  Why believing in the mission makes the hard days worth it  Ali’s take on financial freedom, fulfilment, and flexibility    5. Advice for Re-Entry and Reinvention  How to prepare for job interviews after time away  Tips for regaining confidence in a changed job market  Why openness to learning might be your greatest asset

    43 мин.
  5. Ep 33: Start Small, Delight Big, Stay Human - Coffee Chat with Abdullah Ramay

    27 МАР.

    Ep 33: Start Small, Delight Big, Stay Human - Coffee Chat with Abdullah Ramay

    In this special morning edition of ThunderCast, Chris sits down with Abdullah Ramay, CEO of Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, to grind through the big questions in leadership, business, AI, and, of course coffee. Abdullah’s obsession with craft, culture, and continuous learning turns this casual chat into a masterclass on building resilient, human-centric businesses in an era of rapid change.  1. Coffee Economics 101 (Without Putting You to Sleep)  - Why global coffee prices have skyrocketed and why your $5 flat white might still be too cheap.  - The difference between commodity and specialty coffee (spoiler: Arabica snobs, you’re not wrong).  - How climate, supply chains, and consumer expectations are reshaping the coffee industry.    2. Product, Service, Experience… Emotion?  - Coffee as a ritual, not just a beverage.  - The four lenses every business should use to evaluate their offering.  - The surprising power of a good cup and why it’s not about caffeine.    3. Obsession > Passion: The Case for Caring Too Much  - Why great leaders are often slightly obsessed (in the best way).  - How motivation can be cultivated and why your team’s energy is contagious.  - Why sweeping the floors still matters, even when you’re CEO.    4. Human Touch in a Robotic World  - What AI could mean for the hospitality industry — from barista bots to emotion-aware service.  - The risk of replacing connection with convenience.  - Why 'made by humans' might be the next premium feature.    5. Scaling Culture Without Burning the Beans  - Why great founders must build great leaders.  - How to keep your values intact while growing the business.  - The delicate balance between indoctrination and inspiration.    6. Technology, Transformation & Tinkering With the Future  - Why some businesses are stuck bolting AI onto broken systems.  - Why innovation should start now—not after your ERP upgrade.  - Build the laser, then the Death Star: how to experiment at low risk and high reward.    7. The Secret Sauce? Curiosity  - Abdullah’s self-confessed superpower: an unstoppable urge to learn.  - Why curiosity might be the only long-term career hack that matters.

    1 ч. 16 мин.
  6. Ep 32: Endurance, Entrepreneurship & Ethics - A Conversation with Hugh Le

    13 МАР.

    Ep 32: Endurance, Entrepreneurship & Ethics - A Conversation with Hugh Le

    In this episode of ThunderCast, Chris McGowan sits down with Hugh Le, founder of Juxtabyte and former data lead at CBA, to talk about the unseen costs of building something new, the cultural layers of stoicism, and the inevitable collision of AI, governance, and ethics. They dig into the modern workplace, the shift in workforce dynamics, and whether suffering is just a part of the human condition or something we’re learning to opt out of. This is a conversation for anyone navigating change, whether in tech, leadership, or life itself.    Episode breakdown  1. From the Bike to the Mic  Chris and Hugh reflect on their past cycling experiences, particularly their shared suffering during long rides.  The unexpected journey from endurance sports to sitting across from each other on a podcast.  2. The Power of Shared Suffering  How shared physical and mental endurance fosters deep connections.  The parallels between enduring physical hardship (like long-distance cycling) and navigating professional and personal challenges.  Why suffering together leads to more meaningful conversations and relationships.  3. Riding for a Cause The contrast between physical illnesses (which demand immediate treatment) and mental health struggles (which are often suffered in silence).  How different cultures handle mental health challenges and the need for greater awareness.  4. Cultural Stoicism & The Silent Struggle  Hugh reflects on stoicism in Asian culture  Chris compares this to the British "mustn't grumble" attitude and explores whether suffering in silence is helpful or harmful.  Is enduring hardship quietly an inherent cultural trait, or is it a universal human experience?  5. The Body Keeps the Score Chris shares his experience of avoiding the book The Body Keeps the Score  The impact of unprocessed emotions over time and the importance of finding healthy outlets.  6. Genetic Memory & The Science of Inherited Trauma  Can suffering be passed down through DNA, or is it purely environmental?  The nature vs. nurture   7. The Raging Frontier of Science & Ethics  The tension between scientific advancements and society’s ability to ethically process them.  AI, genetic modifications, and the inevitable march toward augmentation—just because we can, should we?  8. The Founder's Journey: Risk, Conviction & Getting Started  Hugh’s transition from executive management to launching Juxtabyte.  The importance of risk assessment and deciding how much to invest in a new venture.  9. Momentum & The Universe's Role in Success  Hugh’s belief that the universe rewards momentum.  How unexpected support, mentorship, and resources materialise when you put yourself out there.  10. Learning to Be a Jack of All Trades  The reality of wearing multiple hats as a founder. The importance of being "just good enough" to get started and building expertise along the way.  11. Goal-Setting: Holding Plans Lightly & Revising Up  Why rigid goal-setting can be limiting. Trusting that growth happens in ways you can’t fully anticipate at the start.  12. The Future of Work: Flexibility, Gig Economy & Specialisation  The shift towards fractionalised work. Chris draws a comparison to Uber and Airbnb, questioning whether employment models will follow the same trend.  Hugh explores how AI and automation may redefine job roles and career stability.  13. The Intersection of Product & Services: A New Business Model  Chris’s belief that the future isn’t just product or services, but a hybrid model.  Why companies struggle to break away from rigid service-based or product-based thinking.  14. The Uncommonly Held Belief That Drives ThunderLabs  Chris shares his deeply held belief that recruitment and talent deployment must evolve.  The long-term vision of building a human-technology interface that ensures meaningful, sustainable work for top talent.

    1 ч. 17 мин.
  7. Ep 31: Building High-Impact Digital Teams and Experiences with Mark Drasutis

    02.10.2024

    Ep 31: Building High-Impact Digital Teams and Experiences with Mark Drasutis

    Chris McGowan sits down with Mark Drasutis, a digital leader with 25+ years of experience spanning media, product development, and digital transformations. They explore how businesses have evolved alongside digital, the importance of simplifying customer experiences, and how to drive product value in today’s tech-savvy market.  Discussion Points  The Digital Thread through Mark’s Career  The steel thread of Mark's career: Simplified customer experiences and effective team building.  How early career experiences in media and AOL shaped his approach to product strategy.  Why digital isn't just a "thing"—it’s a mindset.  Making the Transition: Operational Excellence & Team Building  How leadership thrives on embracing uncertainty.  Building diverse teams to spark innovative solutions.  Why "alignment" is crucial—5 millimeters of misalignment at the top can lead to a 500-meter gap in execution.  Digital Consulting & Ecosystem Thinking  Chris and Mark dive into why every business is now a digital business.  Why organisations need to rethink their operating models to stay competitive.  Finding balance: data-driven decisions vs. the "tummy compass."  Data, Signal, and Simplification in Product Development  The complexities of being data-driven and making data-augmented decisions.  What makes Amplitude stand out in enabling businesses to understand customer behavior.  Mark’s philosophy: everything is a work in progress—embrace continual improvement.  Don’t miss this episode if you're ready to rethink your approach to digital experiences and leadership. If you enjoy the conversation, hit Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts on how digital transformation is shaping your business!

    1 ч. 26 мин.
  8. Ep 30: Fast Delivery Meets Long-Term Value with Kim Spithill and Shane Mercer

    26.09.2024

    Ep 30: Fast Delivery Meets Long-Term Value with Kim Spithill and Shane Mercer

    Chris McGowan dives deep into a wide-ranging conversation with Kim Spithill, Head of Delivery, and Shane Mercer, Head of Emerging Technology. Grab your virtual notepads because the trio covers everything from the elusive nature of innovation to the complexities of AI in tech delivery.   Whether you're here to geek out over technical architecture or hear how AI could change the very fabric of our future, this episode packs a charged-up punch of insights and a healthy dose of philosophical pondering.  Discussion Points:  Fast Delivery vs Long-Term Value:  How do fast delivery and long-term value coexist in software development?  The role of good architecture and avoiding technical debt.  Socratic thinking: Essential vs. Accidental Complexity in engineering.   AI and Software Engineering:   Shane explains how AI could redefine the pace of development.  Are we ready for AI-driven software and how can we prepare?  The lessons Shane learned from building and selling companies.   The Philosophy of Innovation:   Is innovation a parasite on current performance? Shane and Kim debate the nature of progress.  The Socratic method in tech leadership—asking better questions.  What role do human limitations play in technical innovation?   Leading Delivery in an Evolving World:  Kim shares what it takes to lead delivery teams in the modern tech space.  Delivery Leadership vs. Project Management: Why traditional approaches aren't cutting it.  The importance of shared understanding in delivering value, not just output.   The Future of AI & Humanity:  Will AI ever reach superintelligence, and what does that mean for humanity?  Why Shane believes AI could lead to a golden era rather than dystopia.  Ethical considerations and AI’s potential role as a guardian for humanity.  If this episode got you thinking as much as it did us, be sure to follow ThunderCast for more episodes that bring tech insights to life.

    1 ч. 29 мин.
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Welcome to ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in Tech, where we explore the latest trends and innovations in the tech industry.

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  • Автор
    ThunderLabs
  • Годы выхода
    2023 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    37
  • Ограничения
    С ненормативной лексикой
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    © ThunderLabs
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    ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in Tech