Tech World Human Skills

This episode looks at why career growth in technology rarely happens by accident, and what people working in tech can actually do to take control of their own progression.   Ben sits down with Jeremy Burns, VP of Platform Engineering at Hawke and author of Earn More Move Up, to dig into the mechanics that decide who gets promoted, who gets paid more, and who quietly stalls. The conversation centres on a simple hierarchy that Jeremy uses for almost every career decision: customer, company, team, self. Reverse that order and your career suffers. Get it the right way round and the rewards follow naturally because you are creating real value for the business.   They also unpack the unwritten contract every employment relationship lives inside, the difference between endorsing and adjusting feedback, and why pay rises and promotions are a lagging indicator of work you did six to nine months ago. Jeremy explains why walking into a performance review with a beautiful self-pitch document is almost always too late, and what to do instead. Ben adds the leadership view from his time managing budgets at Microsoft, including the moment a manager sits down with their final pot of cash and realises someone has been quietly invisible all year.   The final section is about knowing when to leave. Jeremy uses the boat metaphor to talk about staying, accepting your boat, or moving on. Ben shares the eighteen months of planning that sat behind his decision to leave Microsoft and start Elevated You. The throughline is the same idea Jeremy returns to throughout: be first to your own rescue.   About the guest: Jeremy Burns is VP of Platform Engineering at Hawke, host of the Build Your Edge podcast, and author of Earn More Move Up. He started in marketing, taught himself to code, and worked through development and management into senior technology leadership over a long career. His view sits at the rare intersection of having been on both sides of the performance review table.   Listen and subscribe: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eUGUEB7s  Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eMHTNE-3  YouTube: https://lnkd.in/esq9jDs2    Newsletter and archive: https://www.techworldhumanskills.com  Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts  Connect with Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyburns/

Buyers in a serious software evaluation sit through between eight and thirteen vendor demos, and most of them blur into the same slick performance, so the sales engineer who actually gets remembered is the one who shows up as a real human. This episode digs into the three timeless behaviours that Ron Whitson has spent twenty-eight years in pre-sales learning the hard way: be authentic, listen actively, and leave an impression. The conversation works through each one in turn, what gets in the way of doing it well, and the small habits that move the dial. On authenticity, Ron makes the case that imitating someone else's demo always reads as fake, and that in a market saturated with AI-generated polish, the slightly boring real version of you is more valuable than a perfect performance. On active listening, he separates listening to understand from listening to respond, and explains why putting the phone down and resisting the urge to jump in is harder than it sounds, especially for technical experts who already know where the question is going. On leaving an impression, he frames the audience reality clearly: when a buyer has watched a dozen presentations in a week, the differentiator is rarely the product, it is whether they liked you and whether the solution was simple enough to explain to a colleague. It also questions the lazy assumption that being audience-centric means becoming whatever the room wants you to be. Ron argues that you can adapt to the situation while staying anchored to a consistent set of values, and that giving yourself permission to say "I have not had that question before, let me come back to you" is itself an authentic move. Useful for Sales Engineers and Solution Consultants who are tired of polishing the same deck, and for leaders who keep getting feedback that their team's calls all sound the same. About the guest. Ron Whitson is Senior Director of Solution Consulting at Thomson Reuters and the author of A Friendly Human in Pre-Sales. He has spent twenty-eight years in pre-sales work, roughly half of that in leadership roles, and now spends a lot of his time coaching, mentoring, and developing solution consulting teams. Listen and subscribe: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eUGUE

Stories are like mustard on a ham sandwich. A little lifts everything. An inch thick and you lose the room.   Tim Chinchen has spent 30 years in technology, half of that leading pre-sales teams. In this episode he walks through the storytelling habits that move deals and the ones that sink them. Why some cultures expect you to share your life before you share your ask. Why breaking a client's website inside a demo can work better than showing them a feature list. Why the classic hero's journey does not hold up in a 40-minute call where the exec might get pulled out after ten.   The conversation unpacks a three-act structure you can drop any story into, the three business themes every commercial story eventually serves (making money, saving money, and not getting sued), and the habit of putting the last thing first so even a distracted audience gets the point.   Tim also shares where he still gets it wrong. He recently used an AI note-taker to review his own job interviews and was told he used too many stories. The lesson is that the right number is rarely the maximum.   This is for sales engineers, pre-sales leaders, technical consultants, and anyone using narrative to get technical ideas across to people who have other things going on.   About the guest: Tim Chinchen has spent 30 years in technology, the first 15 as a developer and architect, the next 15 leading pre-sales teams. He ran Northern European sales engineering at Acme Packet before the company was acquired by Cisco for 3.7 billion dollars, and has spent the last 8 years running global pre-sales at PagerDuty. Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchinchen/ Show notes footer: Enjoyed this episode? Here's what to do next: Get Ben's weekly newsletter, practical ideas for technical professionals, straight to your inbox: https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts  Explore the Technical Storytelling Professional Program: https://www.elevatedyou.live  Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchinchen/  Tech World Human Skills is the podcast for technical professionals who want to communicate, influence, and lead at the highest level.

How to get better results from your technical team is one of the most searched questions in tech leadership. And the answer is almost never about hiring better people. It is about how you assign work, how you give feedback, and how much oversight you are actually running. In episode 78 of the Tech World Human Skills podcast, Ben Caird joins Ben Pearce for the third episode in a mini-series on leadership in tech. Ben Caird has 25 years in software and technology and 15 years leading large operational teams across enterprise SaaS. This episode is the most practical of the three. What you'll learn: Match work to people by mapping aptitude and confidence, not just availability Give feedback that describes specific behaviours rather than character judgements Use the WIT framework (When, Impact, Therefore) to make feedback land without triggering defensiveness Diagnose whether your oversight is creating discipline or bureaucracy Balance honesty and empathy when a direct conversation cannot be avoided About Ben Caird: Ben has 25 years in software and technology, with over 15 years leading large operational teams across enterprise SaaS environments. He specialises in building high-performing teams, driving operational improvement, and leading transformation at scale. Episode Highlights: [16:35] — Ben introduces the idea that feedback is rocket fuel for performance and explains why even Djokovic still has a coach. [19:25] — The difference between giving feedback on behaviours versus judgements, with a sharp example about someone on their phone in a meeting. [22:20] — Ben shares the WIT framework from a BBC producer and walks through exactly how to use it in a tech leadership context. Connect with Ben Caird: <a class="underline underline

Most technical people get promoted because they're the best at the job. Then they spend the next 18 months quietly struggling. Nobody told them it is a completely different job. Malcolm Murphy has spent his career in technical pre-sales, leading solutions consultant teams across major vendor organisations. His view is blunt: the skills that got you promoted will actively hold you back as a manager. What you'll learn: Identify the three distinct buckets every new tech leader must manage from day one Build a proactive hiring bench before you even have a role to fill Set clear performance expectations without fearing the conversation Delegate outcomes instead of activities to unlock your team's performance Develop your people in a way that drives retention more than any salary increase About Malcolm Murphy: Malcolm Murphy has spent the majority of his career in technical pre-sales, moving from UNIX engineer to leading solutions consultant teams across major vendor organisations. He currently specialises in insider risk and human risk management at Mimecast and runs the Pre-Sales Leaders Forum community in the UK. Episode highlights: [approx. 5 min mark] Malcolm breaks down the three buckets every new manager must own: people, business, and company leadership [approx. 17 min mark] Why hiring is not something you do alongside your job. It is your job. How to build a proactive bench before headcount opens up [approx. 36 min mark] The micromanagement trap and why your personal blueprint for success might be the worst thing you impose on your team Connect with Malcolm: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Malcolm-Murphy Enjoyed this epi

In this episode, Ben Pearce and Panos Malakoudis discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI. They explore the five essential human competencies that modern leaders need: Insight, Integration, Inspiration, Integrity, and Impact.   Panos Malakoudis runs his own company - Citium Solutions.  He spent many years leading Consultancy and Engineering teams at Microsoft.  Then he led coaching programs for the Microsoft leadership community and even got a Guinness World Record for it.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Panos Malakoudis Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmalakoudis/ Citium Solutions - https://www.citiumsolutions.co.uk/ Panos Forbes Page-  https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/people/panosmalakoudis/   Takeaways Leadership is changing due to rapid technological advancements. Empathy has become a crucial competency for leaders post-COVID. 95% of AI pilots fail due to lack of insight and connection to business needs. Leaders must integrate technology into their decision-making processes. Inspiration is key to managing change and addressing team fears. Integrity involves understanding the ethical implications of AI usage. Measuring impact is essential for assessing the success of AI initiatives. Leaders should create a culture of experimentation and support. The fear of becoming obsolete (phobo) affects both leaders and teams. The five competencies are not new but need to be reframed for today's challenges.   Keywords leadership, modern leadership, human competencies, AI, coaching, change management, integrity, impact, technology integration, inspiration

In this episode Ben Pearce and Nic Neate discuss what it's really like to build and be part of an AI native engineering team.  Nic shares his experiences and insights on how AI is fundamentally changing the way software is developed, the skills required for engineers in this new landscape, and the challenges organizations face in adapting to these changes.    Nic Neate is the CTO of @Nimbus.  He has many years working in the software world and previously worked at Metaswitch and Microsoft.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Nic Neate Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-neate-b3515210/ Nimbus - https://www.nimbusmaps.co.uk/     Takeaways AI is fundamentally changing software engineering. Vibe coding is using AI to write code. AI native means riding the wave of AI tooling. Being AI native enables you to do so much more. AI can do it in 10 minutes what you could do in a week. Context engineering is a key skill for engineers. Decision making is crucial in an AI native world. You need to invest in your tool chain. Recruitment processes need to change for AI roles. Maximize value for people working in AI.   Keywords AI native engineering, software development, generative AI, engineering teams, AI tools, context engineering, software productivity, AI integration, engineering leadership, tech transformation

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 - [email protected] 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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast,  Ben Pearce speak to Felicity Nyan, a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft.  She shares her journey from being a hesitant public speaker to successfully presenting at SQLBits, one of the largest data conferences in the UK. Felicity discusses why she wanted to  speak at a conference, the challenges she faced, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Felicity Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/ Oxford Microsoft Data Platform Group - https://www.meetup.com/oxford-microsoft-data-platform-group/ SQLBits - https://sqlbits.com/   Takeaways Felicity Nyan shares her journey from a hesitant speaker to presenting at SQL Bits. SQL Bits is a community-led conference that offers opportunities for all levels. Preparation is key, but life can often get in the way. Having a co-presenter can ease the pressure of presenting. Start early on proposals and keep a record of ideas. Practice makes perfect, but balance is important to avoid sounding scripted. User groups are great platforms for practicing public speaking. Engaging the audience is crucial for a successful presentation. Technical issues can arise, so have backup plans in place. Confidence can be built through small challenges outside of public speaking.   Keywords public speaking, SQL Bits, data platform, conference presentation, Felicity Nyan, Microsoft, user groups, tech conferences, presentation tips, career growth

In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills podcast, Ben Pearce speaks with Radhika Dutt, a product leader and author of 'Radical Product Thinking.' They discuss the limitations of traditional goal setting and the negative impact of performance metrics on collaboration and motivation. Radhika introduces a new approach.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/  Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com  Radhika Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/ OHL Toolkit - https://www.radicalproduct.com/toolkit/#OHLToolkit   Takeaways Goals create a burden and hinder curiosity. Traditional goal setting is outdated and ineffective. Puzzle setting and solving can drive better results.</spa

In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills podcast, Ben Pearce and guest Liping Huang discuss the importance of technical folks building rapport and relationships with customers. We chat through practical tips for establishing strong connections, the significance of empathy, effective communication, and that technical skills alone are not enough.   Liping Huang has huge experience working with customer in tech roles.  She has been a solutions architect at Microsoft, solutions architect at Databricks and now runs Dataleaps.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Liping Linktree - https://linktr.ee/liping_dataleaps   Takeaways Building rapport is crucial for success in customer interactions. Technical knowledge is essential before engaging in pre-sales. Empathy helps in understanding customer challenges and needs. Effective communication involves making complex topics easy to understand. Being likable and helpful fosters strong customer relationships. Self-assessment is key to identifying areas for improvement. Follow up on commitments to build trust with customers. Creating reusable content can streamline customer interactions. Understanding different audiences is vital for effective communication. Continuous development is necessary to adapt to changing technologies.     Keywords   rapport, relationships, customer service, empathy, communication skills, technical skills, pre-sales, business relationships, customer interactions, professional development

In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast Ben Pearce and Renuka Jhalli discuss the importance of speaking at events, and how to get chosen as a speaker. Renuka shares insights from working with high-profile speakers and offers tips for delivering engaging sessions.   Renuka is  a Senior Content Manager for Tech Show London.  She has produced shows for years and has some amazing insight to share.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Renuka Jhalli Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renuka-jhalli-28a9a846/ Tech Show London - https://www.techshowlondon.co.uk/   Takeaways   Big tech conferences are valuable for learning and networking. Tech Show London is a large, inclusive event showcasing various tech disciplines. Speaking at events allows individuals to share knowledge and support their community. Authenticity and vulnerability are key to engaging presentations. Unique perspectives and real-world experiences resonate with audiences. The call for papers is open to anyone with a compelling idea. AI can assist in writing, but authenticity is crucial. Main stage speakers often share their passion and stories. Engaging with the audience creates a memorable experience. New speakers bring diversity and fresh perspectives to the stage.   Keywords   Tech Show London, conference speaking, technology events, networking, speaker tips, career development, storytelling, audience engagement, professional growth, community support

In this episode, we chat through the challenges and dynamics of building high-performance teams in the tech industry. . Sean shares insights on individual coping strategies, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the necessity of strong relationships within teams. Sean O'Shea is the founder of Craft Your Culture.  He's spent years in the tech industry and now helps organisations build high performance cultures.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Sean O'Shea Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshea7/ Craft Your Culture -  https://craftyourculture.co.uk Exclusive Discount Count Labs2025   Takeaways Being part of a great team is fulfilling. The tech landscape is experiencing constant change. AI is creating noise and pressure in organizations. Teams are feeling disoriented due to constant change. Emotional intelligence is crucial in navigating uncertainty. Reframing challenges can help individuals cope better. Strong relationships are essential for effective teamwork. Leaders should focus on building connections within teams. Defining clear goals helps teams prioritize effectively. Mistakes and failures should be normalized in team culture.   Keywords team dynamics, high performance culture, tech industry, uncertainty, emotional intelligence, relationship building, leadership, workplace culture, AI impact, team improvement

In this episode we discuss the reasons behind the failure of digital projects.  James shares his insights from his extensive experience in the NHS and emphasizes the root causes of success and failure. James Freed is the Deputy Director of NHS Digital Academy.  The team he leads exists to help as many health and care teams as possible deliver more value tomorrow than they did today.  Before that he was CIO for Health Education England.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com James Freed Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-freed-digital/ Future Dot Now - https://futuredotnow.uk/   Takeaways   70% of digital transformations fail to achieve expected benefits. One hour of training can significantly improve staff satisfaction. Focus on outcomes rather than outputs for project success. Staff satisfaction is directly linked to patient safety and wellbeing. Digital champions can provide immediate support to staff. Cows (computers on wheels) illustrate the challenges in NHS tech. Bad digital experiences contribute to staff burnout and turnover. Training is essential to prevent burnout and improve job performance. 60% of digital project failures are due to cultural and skills deficits. Digital literacy varies significantly across different industries.   Keywords digital projects, NHS, project failures, healthcare technology, digital transformation, staff experience, training, project success, human skills, technology implementation

In this episode we're talking about the challenge of turning the things you've learnt, into things you actually do.  Moving from  theory, to applied changes in behaviour.  Tim Chinchen is Senior Director of Solutions Consulting at Pager Duty.  He's a seasoned pro in the tech world and shares his experience with us. Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Tim Chinchen LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchinchen/    Takeaways Always be learning and applying that knowledge. Focus on one wildly important goal at a time. Storytelling is crucial in technology to engage audiences. Adapt your communication style based on the audience. Commit to your goals and see them through. Use humor to connect with others. Measure success with clear metrics and objectives. Regular one-on-ones can enhance team communication. Learn from mistakes and iterate on your approach. Engage with your team to foster collaboration and innovation.   Keywords learning, application, technology, storytelling, communication, personal development, leadership, continuous improvement, pre-sales, management

In this episode of the Tech World Human Skills Podcast we discuss the essential elements of creating a thriving team. Leigh shares his extensive background in engineering, sales, and product development, emphasizing the importance of purpose, communication, and structured processes in fostering team success.    Leigh Smith is a former CTO and now founder of Vantage Effect.  He has years of industry in a variety of varied tech companies.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Leigh Smith LinkedIn-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighivansmith/     Takeaways Every team has the potential to thrive. A thriving team is characterized by open communication and challenge. Confidence within the team is crucial for success. Purpose and vision guide team direction and decision-making. Structured communication enhances focus and productivity. Realistic expectations lead to accountability and pride in work. Collaboration requires balancing individual productivity with team support. Leaders must foster an environment of trust and openness. Understanding the problem is key to effective solutions. Regular reflection and improvement are essential for team growth. Communication impacts team dynamics significantly. Intra-team communication is often more effective than inter-team communication. Leaders must avoid dominating discussions to empower their teams. Roles and responsibilities should include both individual and team accountabilities. Respectful challenge fosters a culture of innovation and improvement. Breaking down projects into smaller tasks enhances manageability. Investing in personal development is crucial for team success. Effective storytelling is a vital skill for all team members. The collective knowledge of a team is greater than individual expertise. Accountability leads to confidence and quality in team outputs.   Keywords thriving teams, team dynamics, leadership, communication, team success, team collaboration, team purpose, agile methodology, team roles, accountability, team dynamics, communication, roles and responsibilities, respectful challenge, personal development, thriving teams, engineering teams, accountability, effective leadership, team success

In this episode, Ben Pearce and Oliver Cronk delve into the often overlooked environmental impacts of technology. They discuss the lifecycle of tech products, the significant role of datacenters, the challenges of e-waste, and the energy demands of AI.    Oliver Cronk is a Technology Director at ScottLogic.  He's also the host of the Architect Tomorrow podcast and community.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Oliver Cronk LinkedIn-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cronky/  Green Software Foundation - https://learn.greensoftware.foundation/    Takeaways Technology has a significant environmental impact that is often overlooked. The lifecycle of tech products includes energy consumption and resource extraction. Data centers contribute to environmental issues through energy and water usage. E-waste is a growing problem that needs proper disposal methods. Planned obsolescence in devices leads to increased waste. AI's energy consumption is much higher than traditional computing. There is a lack of transparency in the tech industry's sustainability practices. Consumers should be more aware of the environmental costs of their devices. Using renewable energy sources for data centers is crucial for sustainability. The tech industry needs to rethink its approach to hardware and recycling. We have traded off developer efficiency for machine efficiency. AI can help find new battery chemistries and improve energy efficiency. The hype around AI can lead to frivolous use without considering costs. Sustainability is about creating enduring organizations. Investors are increasingly looking for long-term sustainability in businesses. There are significant cost savings to be found in sustainability efforts. Awareness of environmental impact is crucial for tech professionals. Generative AI can help translate complex sustainability concepts into layman's terms. The true costs of AI technologies are not yet fully realized. A culture of thriftiness and secondhand use can help reduce e-waste.   Keywords technology, sustainability, environmental impact, datacenters, e-waste, AI, lifecycle analysis, renewable energy, carbon footprint, hardware, AI, sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental impact, technology, carbon reduction, business strategy, generative AI, climate change, tech industry

EP57:  The Reluctant Presenter with Kate Pearce   In this episode we're talking about public speaking.  And specifically the experience of people that hate presenting, but understand they need to do it to be more successful.   Kate Pearce is a very reluctant presenter.  She is a Managing Editor in a Publishing House and happens to be the wife of Ben.   She shares her experience of overcoming nerves and how she'll never like public speaking. The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Kate Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-pearce-207547157/   Takeaways Public speaking can be daunting, especially for introverts. Preparation is key to managing presentation anxiety. Video on demand can alleviate the stress of live presentations. Breathing techniques can help calm nerves before speaking. It's important to have a structured script for presentations. Positive mindset and self-affirmation are crucial for success. Engaging with the audience through eye contact is beneficial. Practice makes perfect; rehearse your presentation multiple times. Anticipating questions can help manage Q&A sessions effectively. Remember that your message is important and worth sharing.     Keywords public speaking, introverts, presentation skills, anxiety, video on demand, live presentations, preparation techniques, breathing techniques, positive mindset, audience engagement

It's another Q+A session with Ben Pearce and Ben Caird.  Loads of different questions about building your skills to thrive in the tech world.  How Do You Talk Value?  How Do You Adapt?  What is Command and Control Leadership vs Servant Leadership?   Ben Caird is a seasoned industry pro and a Divisional Support Director at Access Group.  He shares his insight and joins us for a great chat.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Ben Caird LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcaird/   Takeaways  Authentic leadership means being true to oneself and values. Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders must adapt their style to different situations. Talking value involves understanding what matters to others. Value can mean different things to different people. Effective communication is key in leadership roles. Command and control leadership is resurging in tough times. Servant leadership promotes collaboration and inclusion. Change management requires understanding human behavior. Building trust enhances team performance. You rarely get 100% of the people doing the thing. Command and control leadership can demotivate team members. Asking for input can be a powerful motivator. Adaptability is crucial in a changing environment. The BAT framework includes belief, attention, and technique. Resilience is built through routine and self-care. Sleep is essential for mental clarity and focus. Persistence is key in overcoming challenges. Life has its highs and lows, and that's normal. Being kind to yourself is important during tough times.     Keywords leadership, authentic leadership, value, command and control, servant leadership, self-awareness, team dynamics, business communication, change management, tech industry, leadership, adaptability, resilience, personal growth, command and control, BAT framework, mental well-being, change management, motivation, teamwork

In this episode we're talking about the underbelly of AI.  About the impact of AI on security, and how AI itself can be hacked.  Etay Maor is the Chief Security Strategist at Cato Networks.  He's a Professor at Boston College and a regular industry event speaker all over the world. The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Etay Maor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/etaymaor/ Download the 2025 Cato CTRL Threat Report - https://www.catonetworks.com/resources/2025-cato-ctrl-threat-report-rise-of-zero-knowledge-threat-actor/   Takeaways AI is lowering the barrier for entry into various fields, including cybercrime. Zero knowledge threat actors can exploit AI tools without technical skills. AI can assist in creating sophisticated phishing attacks and malware. The evolution of cybercrime has made it accessible to more individuals. AI's role in generating fake documents poses significant risks. Cybercriminals are early adopters of new technology, including AI. The ability to persuade AI systems is becoming a new skill. Emerging threats include the use of AI in bullying and harassment. Understanding AI's capabilities is crucial for cybersecurity professionals. Proactive measures are needed to combat the rise of AI-driven threats. Threat actors are early adopters of technology, including AI. <span class="MuiTypography-root MuiT

AI is on everyone's mind.   It's changing the way we do things, and it's evolving fast.  So how do you be a leader in the AI age?  What does leadership look like?  That's what we're talking about today.  Pratim Das has spent many years in tech.  He's been a software developer, a data architect at AWS.  He's led Data and AI teams at Microsoft, been VP of Data and AI at Cap Gemini Invent and that's only scratching the surface.  The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Pratim Das LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratimdas/ Making Decisions by Ed Smith - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Decisions-brilliant-smart-thinking-leadership/ Leadership & The Flipped Pyramid - Paul Hudson at Ted Talk Daily - https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_hudson_and_lindsay_levin_leadership_in_the_age_of_ai   Takeaways Leadership in the AI age requires clarity and human focus. Open-mindedness is essential for leaders to adapt to new technologies. Embracing change and simplicity can drive adoption of AI solutions. Continuous learning is crucial to keep up with AI advancements. Purpose should guide all AI initiatives to ensure meaningful outcomes. Experimentation is necessary, and leaders should encourage a culture of it. <span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bodyMedium css-9y6kil e1de0im

Whether you work in a small startup, a massive corporate or anything in between there's loads of lessons we can take from startup culture. Alex Casalboni shares his wisdom with us today.  He has worked in many startups and worked in large corporates too.  He also hosted the Italian AWS podcast for 4 years.  The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com   Alex Casalboni Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcasalboni/ Takeaways Complaining does not solve problems; action does. Iterate quickly to gather feedback and improve. Your initial version should be imperfect to encourage feedback. Focus on what differentiates your product or service. Avoid distractions that do not add value to your business. Learn to say no to non-essential tasks. Build for immediate user value, not perfection. Understand the real needs of your users. Don't waste time on features everyone else has. Embrace the startup mindset for innovation. Complaining is not a strategy; focus on solutions. Iterate quickly to gain feedback and improve. Prioritize high-impact activities to avoid distractions. Categorize decisions into

Data is such an important and growing aspect of the tech world.  And it's really important to get executive buy in to support the projects you want to do.  So in this episode we're talking about Data Storytelling.   Scott Taylor aka The Data Whisperer is an industry veteran, regular keynote speaker and successful author.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com  Scott Taylor Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmztaylor/ Meta Meta Consulting - https://www.metametaconsulting.com/ Takeaways Data storytelling is essential for executive buy-in. The telling part of storytelling is crucial for engagement. Effective communication is a superpower in business. Practicing storytelling techniques enhances delivery. Understanding your audience's perspective is key. Use the language of your audience to connect better. Confidence in delivery impacts audience perception. Smaller meetings require different engagement strategies. The three V's of data storytelling are vocabulary, voice, and vision. Focus on the why behind data initiatives, not just the how. Keywords data storytelling, executive buy-in

We're talking about how to apply for jobs in tech in 2025.  Our guest is Bob Bath.  He has loads of experience in recruitment and is director at tech recruitment agency Mexa Solutions.  He shares his tips on how to stand out from the crowd and get hired.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com  Bob Bath Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbath/ Mexa Solutions - https://www.mexasolutions.com/  Takeaways The tech job market has seen significant changes due to COVID-19 and economic fluctuations. Salaries in tech recruitment peaked during the post-COVID boom but have since stabilized. Crafting a compelling CV is crucial as it serves as your first impression to potential employers. A CV should be concise, ideally two to three pages, focusing on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Using AI tools can help in structuring and polishing your CV, but personal input is essential. Tailoring your CV for each job application increases your chances of being noticed. Following up on job applications can make a significant difference in getting noticed by recruiters. Cover letters may not be necessary; a strong CV and a brief email can suffice. The current job market is competitive, making it essential to stand out with a tailored approach. Networking and direct communication with recruiters can enhance your job search efforts. Cover letter

In this episode we're talking about how you don't need to demo tech to win.  You don't need to show people loads of tech, to convince them your solution is the best.  What?  Controversial.   Our guest today is Jack Cochran.  He is a seasoned pre-sales veteran and General Manager at The Pre-Sales Collective.    The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com  Jack Cochran Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcochran/ Pre-Sales Collective - https://www.presalescollective.com/   Takeaways You don't need to rely solely on demos to sell. Buyers today come with pre-existing knowledge. Building trust is essential for successful sales. Effective discovery goes beyond just tailoring demos. Understanding the buyer's business is crucial. Sales strategies must adapt to modern buyer behavior. Demos should not be the only tool in your toolbox. Tailored communication is key to addressing diverse buyer needs. Salespeople must ask the right questions to uncover needs. Navigating complex buyer personas requires careful understanding. You have more tools in your toolbox than just a hammer. Focus on building trust and understanding. Make the buying process as easy for them as possible. <span class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-bod

In this episode we're talking about how to build a culture of innovation. What practical things can you do to create an environment where innovation thrives. Our guest today is Mark Renney. He is a tech nerd turn entrepreneur and founder and Managing Director of software development company Wubbleyou. The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career. Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Mark Renney Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrenney/ Wubbleyou Newsletter - https://newsletter.wubbleyou.co.uk

In this episode we're talking about how to lead a team.  But a team that people love being in.  Lots of people are unhappy at work and we'll be talking about how to create an environment where people thrive and do their best work. Our guests are Helen Joy and Nick Jemetta.  They've loads of experience in leading teams and have recently created a program called the Human Leader. The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career. Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com The Human Leader - https://www.thehumanleader.co.uk/ Helen Joy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenjoymagnificentmiddlemanagers/ Nick Jemetta LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjemetta/

In this episode we're be talking about how to translate the complexity of tech to business stakeholders.  We'll talk about why that's important and how to do it with Ed Sant'Anna. Ed Sant'Anna has been an engineer, an architect and held senior leadership roles.  He's worked in large corporates, start-ups and is a regular event speaker.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links  Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com ChiefTechTranslator - https://chieftechtranslator.com/

In this episode we talk about how to write disgustingly well.  We talk through the value of being able to write well, some practical tips on how to raise your game, and where AI can help you out. Emma Loveday is a former actress, screenwriter and now is a copywriter and copy consultant.  The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links  Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Emma Loveday Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaloveday/ Emma Loveday Newsletter - https://www.emmaloveday.com/copy-chops/

In this episode we talk about feedback.  We talk about why it's vital to be able to give and receive feedback well.   We also share a number of frameworks that help you practically do it better.    Nicola Slater is a People Development Manager at Unily and has some amazing tips and tricks to share.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links How To Maximise Your Team's Influence And Impact - https://www.elevatedyou.live/savemyspot Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Nicola Slater LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaslater/

Frances Nichols recently featured on the Mashable list "The Top 7 Future Tech Power Women of 2024".  And yet she suffers with Imposter Syndrome.   In this episode we talk through how imposter syndrome has impacted her and she shares tips to thrive with it.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.    Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Frances Nichols LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-nichols-07589440/

Does success = happiness? He's back. It's another questions and answers episode with Ben Caird. Ben Caird, Divisional Support Director at The Access Group joins me on the mic shares his thoughts and wisdom (or lack of) on a variety of tech world human skills questions? The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world. Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Ben Caird LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcaird/

Find out what really happens behind the scenes at those massive tech keynotes.   Martin Beeby, Principle Technical Keynote Lead at AWS takes us behind the scenes of the world's biggest tech key events.  How are they created and what can we learn? The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.    Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Martin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebeebs/

In this episode Nicole van der Hoeven  drops some wisdom on how to build your own personal knowledge management system.  Learn quicker and find the information you need instantly.    The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is produced by people in the tech world for people in the tech world.  Learn tips and best practices that help you thrive in your career.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Nicole YouTube - http://nicole.to/youtube Nicole Website - http://nicole.to/site

In this episode Dan Westley shares his top tips on how to thrive in the corporate tech world.  Dan has spent many years at some of the most successful tech corporations.  He is now a Cloud Engineering Leader at Oracle.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is all about developing the professional skills and soft skills that help you fly in your career.  In each episode we share the top tips, failures and lived experiences of people thriving in the technology sector.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Dan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-westley-2346901a/

In this episode Prasad Rao shares how you can develop your career in cloud and shares some inspirational stories on others who already have.  Prasad is a Principal Solution Architect at AWS,  co-founder of "Become A Solution Architect" and author of the book "Cloud Career Journeys".   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is all about developing the professional skills and soft skills that help you fly in your career.  In each episode we share the top tips, failures and lived experiences of people thriving in the technology sector.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Prasad LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kprasadrao/ Cloud Career Journeys - https://cloudcareerjourneys.com/

In this episode Viktor Farcic shares how he explains really complicated things really well.  Viktor is a Developer Advocate at Upbound and also runs the excellent YouTube channel DevOps Toolkit with over 74K subscribers.   The Tech World Human Skills Podcast is all about developing the professional skills and soft skills that help you fly in your career.  In each episode we share the top tips, failures and lived experiences of people thriving in the technology sector.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com DevOps Toolkit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfz8x0lVzJpb_dgWm9kPVrw DevOps Paradox - https://www.devopsparadox.com/  Viktor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktorfarcic/

In this episode Leke Sholuade talks through the fundamentals of how startups and scaleups are funded.  Leke is CEO of Black Valley, an organisation focused on supporting black led startups to access funding to start and scale their business Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Leke LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leke-sholuade-74042875/  Black Valley Home - https://www.blackvalley.co.uk/

In this episode Ethan Sumner talks about the benefits of Tech Community and how to get involved.  Ethan is the Chief Executive of DevEx Connect, is a passionate community leader and has founded and run many great communities over the years.     Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Ethan Sumner LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethansumner404/  Tech Community Speaker - www.elevatedyou.live/techcommunityspeaker

In this episode Luke Smith talks about the reality of hiring apprentices into your team.  Luke was once an apprentice and is now the Co-Founder and Technical Director of Microsoft partner Elysian:IT who regularly hires apprentices.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Luke Smith LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukedavidsmith/  Elysian:IT - https://www.elysianit.com/

In this episode Lisette Sutherland talks about remote working and how you get the best out of it.  Lisette authored the Work Together Anywhere Handbook, is a TEDX speaker and runs the company Collaboration Superpowers.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com  Lisette LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisettesutherland/  https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/

In this episode, Jason C. McDonald discusses the challenges of estimating how long it will take to complete a task and a better way to do it. Jason is a business analyst, former principal software engineer and author of the book "Dead Simple Python."    Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com  Jason LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codemouse92/ https://www.quantifiedtasks.org/ https://codemouse92.com/

In this episode we're talking about Personas.  We're talking about what they are, why they're useful and how you use them.  Alex Stuart is our guest.   He's a Senior Solutions Engineer at Confluent, and regularly contributes to the community at conferences and online.   Show Links Ben LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - www.techworldhumanskills.com Alex LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajfstuart/