Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community to connect with other CTOs!Zacharias Beckman is a technology leader and creator of the Customer Obsessed Delivery Playbook.In this episode, you're going to learn what the Customer Obsessed Delivery Playbook is and why having a checklist is critical for complex software projects, how event storming and steel threads can help prevent costly surprises in software delivery, how Zac used lessons from government projects, cruise lines, and iPhone launches to shape a better approach to technical delivery, why a visual “subway map” model can make software development easier to navigate, and how to keep customer needs front and center throughout an entire project.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:57] Why software projects need a checklist approach[03:04] Mistakes early in Zac’s career that led to building a playbook[05:08] The role of structure and guardrails in complex delivery[06:04] Creativity versus consistency in engineering playbooks[07:45] Giving teams flexibility to experiment[09:55] Evolution of the playbook from large companies to startups[11:03] How startups and big companies use the playbook differently[12:58] How the playbook can uncover process gaps in existing teams[16:30] Inspiration behind using a subway map for software delivery[18:01] Problems Zac saw in government projects that sparked change[19:12] Miscommunication between customers and tech teams[20:55] How R&D uncertainty compares to building cars or bridges[22:05] How to structure checkpoints and quality gates in delivery[23:04] Why event storming is a crucial early exercise[24:09] Zac’s first experience with event storming on cruise ships[25:40] Why cruise ships are a major software engineering challenge[26:40] How event storming reveals hidden complexity[27:35] Importance of having business and tech teams in event storming[28:01] What a steel thread is and why it matters[29:12] Differences between a steel thread and an MVP[30:02] Building end-to-end scaffolding before scaling[31:05] Real-world example of a steel thread fixing a telco iPhone launch[32:33] How Lightbend proved their solution in six weeks[33:30] Why building the full system first is a mistake[34:02] What a target state architecture is[35:10] Why you need an incremental path to a target state[36:05] Risks of pulling future features into early development[36:58] Why customer needs often change during projects[37:40] How to avoid failed big bang product launches[38:00] How to keep the customer visible throughout delivery[39:05] How event storms connect to engineering artifacts[40:20] Avoiding translation errors from customer to code[41:00] Testing outputs based on original customer events[42:45] The importance of empirically measuring project outcomes[43:50] Why teams must create their own processes[44:30] How to tie product features to measurable business outcomesThe best way to connect with Zac is by subscribing to his Substack and reading his Blog.Find more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.
--------
46:28
40: Mastering the Art of Influence: How to Get Executive Buy-In for Your Big Ideas
Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community to connect with other CTOs!In this episode, you'll learn how to win support for a tough proposal, avoid getting blindsided in meetings, use informal conversations to map your allies and blockers, and turn neutral teammates into advocates.Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:04] A failed pitch story and key lesson [02:18] The importance of having a playbook [02:55] Why great ideas get shot down [03:12] Stage 1: Test the waters [04:40] How early insights shape your pitch [05:30] Stage 2: Understand the numbers [06:00] Identify veto players and the majority needed [06:45] Plan around timing and meetings [07:30] The power of loud voices in group settings [08:10] Stage 3: Strengthen your supporters [08:50] Ask for feedback, not support [09:30] Involve people by including their suggestions [09:50] Win over key skeptics [10:20] Turning opponents into advocates [10:50] Leverage respected voices in the group [11:15] Why being heard matters more than being right [11:35] Coaching for executive communication [12:10] Why logic often loses to emotion [12:50] How storytelling wins the room [13:20] Stage 4: Engage the neutrals [13:50] Connect your idea to their priorities [14:15] Use win-win framing for middle-ground people [14:40] Avoid turning neutrals into opponents [15:00] Use social proof to tip the balance [15:30] Stage 5: Presentation and decision [16:20] Call out contributors by name [16:45] Make it feel like the next logical step [17:00] Keep the decision meeting short and smooth [17:45] How to avoid meeting debates and delays [18:00] Creating watercooler moments in remote work [18:30] How to test ideas before remote meetings [19:25] Follow-up strategy after remote conversationsFind more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.
--------
22:10
39: Preparing for the Jump From CTO to CEO with Andre Louca
Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community to connect with other CTOs!Andre Louca is a former CTO who became the CEO of a deep tech startup focused on AI and computer vision. In this episode, you'll learn what it takes to move from CTO to CEO, how to set yourself up for success in the new role, what mindset shifts are needed to lead a company, and how to make tough decisions without losing trust.Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:00] Understanding customer needs [07:00] Becoming the CTO of Work Analytics [09:00] Using cloud computing to accelerate processing times [11:00] Corate's IP and technology structure [13:00] Becoming the CEO of Corate [15:00] Ensuring product readiness before transitioning to CEO [17:00] Dealing with role transitions and maintaining approachability [19:00] Dealing with surprises and the learning curve of being CEO [21:00] Learning from sales and marketing experts [23:00] Transitioning skills from CTO to CEO [25:00] Setting and achieving continuous goals [27:00] Using short-term goals to drive energy and performance [29:00] Celebrating milestones with the team [31:00] Importance of analyzing decisions analytically [33:00] Making difficult decisions with a rational approach [35:00] Balancing technical leadership and business leadership [37:00] Networking and relationship-building with the board [39:00] Gaining trust from non-technical board members [41:00] Importance of delivering results and building credibility [43:00] Coaching and accepting help from others [45:00] Focusing on the business, not just technologyTo learn more from Andre, connect with him on LinkedIn.Find more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.
--------
48:11
38: Why Cultural Transformation Fails (And How CTOs Can Get It Right) with Eric Johannsen
Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community to connect with other CTOs!Eric Johannsen is an engineering leader, author, and father of triplets who has helped lead multiple startups to successful exits.In this episode, you're going to learn what cultural transformation really means and why it matters, how to spot when company culture is blocking progress, how Eric won over skeptics during high-stakes mergers, how he overcame imposter syndrome early in his career, and the single biggest mistake he made during a transformation—plus what he learned from it.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:55] Finding balance between work and family[02:10] What is cultural transformation?[02:55] Misalignment between culture and strategic goals[04:05] Eric’s early experience with resistance to change[05:30] Imposter syndrome during Eric’s first job[06:50] Overcoming resistance through communication[07:55] Field trips to understand user problems[09:20] Improving communication at DOMA Financial[10:25] Building trust through consistency and safety[12:30] Admitting mistakes and building trust[13:35] Developing confidence[14:10] Early career mistakes in leadership[16:10] Integration of different work cultures[17:10] Challenges of post-merger cultural blending[19:00] Achieving success through cultural transformation[20:05] Creating a culture of empowerment and communication[22:15] Importance of humility and listening[24:00] Encouraging participation and transparency[25:55] Using metrics to show progress[27:45] Psychological safety and overcommunication[29:55] Managing risk without stifling creativityLearn more from Eric on his website and follow him on LinkedIn.Eric's BooksThe Gods We Make by Eric Johannsen | BookThe Gods We Seek by Eric Johannsen | BookJi-min by Eric Johannsen | BookFind more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.
--------
34:48
37: Scaling, Strategy & Survival: The CTO Playbook for Large Enterprises with Sarah Greasley
Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community to connect with other CTOs!Sarah Greasley is an IBM Distinguished Engineer turned CTO with over 40 years in tech, known for leading large-scale transformation projects at companies like IBM, Direct Line, and AWS.In this episode, you’ll learn how to lead complex tech projects without getting lost in details, make tough calls when short-term goals clash with long-term needs, and understand why managing technical debt is a leadership issue, not just an engineering one. Sarah shares practical ways to align thousands of people, how language, culture, and clarity impact success.Sarah was EMEA Director for Solution Architecture at AWS, leading a 1,300-person team, supporting over 612,000 customers, and driving AI, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Before that, she was Group CTO at Direct Line Group, delivering tech strategy, architecture, and £100m+ programs, transforming the business for 5 million UK customers and doubling gender diversity in tech. Earlier, Sarah was IBM Technical Director and Distinguished Engineer, creating architectures for major financial services clients.Timestamps:[0:00] Introduction[03:30] Moving from IBM to Direct Line Group[05:10] The importance of purpose in career decisions[06:30] Handling complexity between program goals and enterprise needs[08:00] Leading with alignment in large organizations[09:45] Reading between the lines in communication[10:50] Different meanings of risk in insurance[12:00] Learning to ask better questions instead of having all the answers[13:30] Losing technical expertise and shifting to architectural thinking[15:00] Cloud migration challenges at Direct Line[16:30] Building scalable cloud solutions with performance testing[17:55] Moving away from legacy mainframes[18:50] Lessons from working on ATMs in the 1980s[20:00] Building future leaders and emotional intelligence in teams[21:30] Managing technical debt during high-stakes changes[23:00] Human capital and specialist knowledge in legacy systems[24:20] Aligning org structure with tech for adaptability[25:40] Using analogies to explain technical debt[27:10] The role of allies in building inclusive cultures[28:30] Subtle meeting dynamics and how to navigate them[29:50] Writing inclusive job specs that attract more women[31:10] The importance of visible female role models[32:20] Emotional intelligence as a leadership skill[33:40] Thinking beyond tech: money and the business view[35:00] Learning to let go and trust your team[36:20] Building consensus in large enterprises[37:40] The value of “disagree and commit”[40:40] Structural changes that enable diversity and inclusion[41:45] Leaving IBM after 33 years and embracing change[43:00] First three things to do as a new CTO[44:30] Owning your schedule and not apologizing for itWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Sarah Greasley on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned:CTO Academy | WebsiteRadical Candor by Kim Scott | Book or AudiobookDisagree & Commit by Justin Kuester | KindleFind more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.
Join Adam Horner, a CTO with over 30 years in the tech industry, on The CTO Playbook — the podcast dedicated to helping CTOs excel. Perfect for CTOs and tech leaders navigating the complexities of their roles, each episode offers clear insights, innovative strategies, and practical advice from top leaders in tech.
With Adam’s extensive experience mentoring engineers and tech leaders, and over a decade as a CTO, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to build and refine your own CTO playbook. Whether you're tackling complex projects, fostering innovation, leading teams, or shaping your company's tech strategy, this podcast is your go-to resource.
Adam’s journey from engineer to strategic CTO was challenging. He learned through the school of hard knocks, making avoidable mistakes and facing countless challenges. Often out of his comfort zone and wishing for more guidance, he created this podcast to provide the support and advice he once lacked.
Tune in for engaging interviews, leadership tips, and the latest in technology strategy. Each episode is designed to help you lead with confidence and level up as a CTO.
Listen now to start your journey with The CTO Playbook and build your own playbook to excel in your role.
Netherlands