The stereotypes say that sports and tech don’t go well together, but the reality is, that tech has taken all sports to the next level. From gathering game data to performance analysis all the way to getting insight into what’s happening on a field – the marriage between sports and tech has been rather spectacular. In this episode, I talked with Ben Burdsall, CTO of one of the biggest sports technology companies in the world, Sportsradar – and we talked about it all: from his beginnings, through his learning process, and how he was shaped as a leader, all the way to what he does now with Sportsradar.

Key takeaways from the podcast are:

• Why putting people first will help reduce potential depersonalization in big companies 
• How the concept of “mean time to innocence” can actually help businesses locate issues and respond faster
• Why diversity in all its forms can help growth and well-being at workplaces

Our Guest: Ben Burdsall 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-burdsall-6ba2bb/ 
Website: https://sportradar.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 115: Digitizing Sports Through Data With Ben Burdsall

In this captivating episode, TC Gill engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nick Peddy, the Chief Technology Officer at CLEAR, exploring the dynamic realm of technology leadership and the intriguing biometric security industry. With a wealth of experience and wisdom, Nick delves into the essence of servant leadership, stressing the significance of trust, open communication, and cultivating team growth. Amidst the challenges of company growth and compliance, Nick shares valuable advice on optimizing the hiring process, encouraging tech leaders to embrace challenging roles for personal growth. This episode is a true gem, empowering tech leaders to view software engineering as an art and inspiring teams to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.  

Key takeaways: 

- Embrace Challenges & Growth Opportunities - Tech leaders should fearlessly take on challenging roles to foster personal and professional growth, driving innovation and discovering new solutions. 

- Foster Trust & Open Communication - Cultivate a culture of trust and open communication within the team to encourage collaboration, idea-sharing, and support. 

- Prioritize Face-to-Face Connections - Recognize the value of in-person interactions, even in remote work environments, as they enhance creativity, team dynamics, and meaningful connections. 

Our Guest: Nick Peddy 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpeddy/ 
Website: https://www.clearme.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 141: From Biometrics to Team Dynamics with Nick Peddy

In this captivating episode of CTO Confessions, host TC Gill sits down with Paul Dorney, CTO at BOSSCAT an inspiring tech leader, to delve into a remarkable journey filled with startup experiences, both challenging and triumphant. Paul's unwavering passion for problem-solving and servant leadership shines through as he shares invaluable insights on building a collaborative and inspiring work environment. 

Join them as they explore how Paul's team at BOSSCAT is revolutionizing the home ownership experience, leveraging technology to simplify maintenance and renovation tasks. Discover how they empower homeowners and contractors alike to save time and enhance productivity. 

Key takeaways: 

- Foster Open Communication: Cultivate a culture of open communication and idea sharing among team members. Stay connected to the team, encourage asking questions, and seek input from diverse perspectives to fuel innovation and creativity. 

- Cultivate Servant Leadership - Be a leader who values and supports the team's growth and excitement. Find intriguing projects and problems for them to tackle, fostering a collaborative and engaged environment. 

- Build Strong Foundations - Tackle growing pains in companies by implementing robust systems and thorough documentation. Maintain meeting discipline in Agile practices, focusing on concise and effective sessions for increased efficiency and communication. 

Our Guest: Paul Dorney 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldorney/ 
Website: https://bosscathome.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 143: Empowering AI for Positive Impact with Paul Dorney

In this enlightening episode of CTO Confessions, Alessio Garofalo, the CIO/CTO of Oxagon at NEOM, delves deep into his multifaceted journey from the NATO military fields to the forefront of tech innovation. Drawing from his rich experiences in defense, tech giants like Amazon, and his entrepreneurial ventures, Alessio shares invaluable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the rapid evolution of technology.

Key takeaways from the podcast are: 

- Hands-On Leadership - Delving one level deeper and understanding the intricacies of tasks can foster better decision-making and team understanding. 

- Focus on What Matters - In the whirlwind of innovation and tasks, prioritizing core objectives and reducing dependencies can lead to more impactful results. 

- Complementary Team Dynamics - Instead of seeking like-minded individuals, finding team members with diverse skills and perspectives can lead to a more holistic and effective team.

Our Guest: Alessio Garofalo 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessiogarofalo1985/ 
Website: https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/oxagon 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 150: Crafting the Future: From Military Precision to Tech Vision With Alessio Garofalo

Madalina Tanasie, CTO of Collibra, shares her insights on AI governance, data intelligence, and SaaS evolution. She highlights how advancements in AI have democratized technology and emphasizes the need for solid data governance. Tanasie also stresses the importance of meaningful work for engineers to drive innovation. Her perspectives offer valuable guidance in navigating the tech industry's rapid changes.

Key takeaways from the podcast are: 

Embrace change and new technologies. Stay ahead by welcoming advancements, especially AI. Instead of fearing it, integrate AI into your operations enthusiastically and make it a core part of your strategy. 

Connect work to meaningful outcomes. Ignite passion in your leadership and team. Ensure that engineering work is tied to meaningful customer results, keeping your engineers motivated and engaged. 

Accept failure as part of the process. Focus on moving forward and view failure as a learning opportunity. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey to continuous improvement and problem-solving.

Our Guest: Madalina Tanasie 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madalina-tanasie/  
Website: https://www.collibra.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 156: A Conversation on Metadata, Meaningful Work, and Embracing Change with Madalina Tanasie

In this episode, our host, TC Gill sits down with Catherine Miller, the Chief Technology Officer of Flatiron Health. Catherine shares her passion for using data and technology to improve cancer treatment and drug development - a truly purposeful mission. We dive into Catherine's journey to the CTO role, the challenges of leading through different growth phases, and her authentic, empowering approach to leadership. If you're an aspiring tech leader, get ready for insights that will inspire you to make a real difference.

Key takeaways from the podcast are: 

Passion for using technology can be a huge driver in improving lives, especially when it comes to innovation in healthcare.  

Exploring different ways to navigate the evolving challenges of leading through startup growth and into a mature enterprise, with a critical focus on technical debt management. 

The gifts that a transparent leadership style gives to your team members.  How it becomes a model for others to emulate, invites autonomy while also providing clear direction and constraints.

Our Guest: Catherine Miller 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-miller-0177142/ 
Website: https://flatiron.com/

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 157: Mastering the Art of Empowering High-Performing Teams with Catherine Miller

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hodges, the CTO of Live Oak Bank, a digital-only small business bank. Jeremy shares his passion for customer-centric technology, his approach to balancing innovation and compliance, and the importance of addressing organizational weaknesses. Hear how Jeremy cascades his audacious vision throughout the company and empowers his teams to drive real impact. This is a must-listen for any tech leader looking to elevate their leadership game.

Key takeaways from the podcast are:

Jeremy’s unwavering focus on delivering technology that truly serves the customer’s needs is a masterclass in putting the user first. His team’s deep dive into the voice of customer research – a model all tech leaders should emulate. 

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of banking is no easy feat, but Jeremy has found a way to enable his teams to innovate within the guardrails, keeping roadblocks at bay. 

Jeremy’s willingness to confront the “shadows” in his organization, both at the individual and team level, demonstrates a level of self-awareness and courage that all leaders should aspire to.

Our Guest: Jeremy Hodges 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrmyhdgs/ 
Website: http://www.jeremyhodges.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 160: Confessions of a Tech Maverick with Jeremy Hodges

In this CTO confession session, we get insights from a VP of Engineering on Building High-Performing Teams. Join us as we dive into the mind of Farzona Pulatova, a seasoned tech leader who has navigated the industry’s complexities with grace and innovation.

Key takeaways from the podcast are: 

- Farzona emphasizes the importance of creating a transparent, empathetic work environment where teams are empowered to focus on what matters most, fostering high performance and innovation. 

- Farzona's insights on ruthless prioritization and embracing change equip leaders with strategies to navigate uncertainty, modernize systems, and position their organizations for sustainable growth. 

- Farzona's passion for mentoring women in tech and addressing systemic inequities inspires us to act and create a more inclusive, equitable future for underrepresented groups in the industry.

Our Guest: Farzona Pulatova 
LinkedIn: Farzona Pulatova 
Website: https://www.earnest.com/  

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 159: Cracking the Code of Tech Leadership with Farzona Pulatova

In this episode of CTO Confessions, host TC and Tim Vasil, CTO of LeanTaaS, explore humble leadership, discussing Tim’s journey from solo contributor to leading high-performing teams, his approach to feedback, building a human-centric culture, and knowing when to delegate.

Episode 163: Humble Leadership in Practice with Tim Vasil

In this episode of CTO Confessions, host TC Gill chats with Ivan Kusalic, CTO of green tech organization Enpal. Ivan’s diverse career has shaped his unique approach to tech leadership, rooted in curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to transparency and growth. He shares candid insights on leading in the renewable energy industry, inspiring tech leaders of all levels.

Key takeaways from the podcast are:

Curiosity and empathy: Drive innovation and connection.

Transparency: Encourage feedback and learning from mistakes.

Tech alignment: Bridge tech and business effectively.

Our Guest: Ivan Kusalic 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikusalic/ 
Website: https://www.ivankusalic.com/ 

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 162: The Human Side Of Tech Leadership With Ivan Kusalic

On this episode of CTO Confessions, our host, TC Gill, is joined by Yaron Inger, Founder of Lightricks, who reveals the unfiltered story behind scaling an AI-driven company. Yaron shares the lessons learned during their growth, emphasizing the importance of managing cashflow, deciding to change their business model and navigating all major growth challenges while staying humane and making difficult decisions.

Key takeaways from the podcast are:

- Drive meaningful transformation by anchoring your efforts to clear, purpose-driven goals rather than change for its own sake. Prioritize initiatives that align with the business’s strategic vision to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure resources are allocated effectively.  
- Begin with a deep understanding of what the business needs to achieve. This clarity is much needed to inform the design and implementation of the supporting technology. 
- Examine past actions and learn from the experiences of other organizations. Many valuable insights are hidden in previous efforts, offering opportunities to drive transformational change by leveraging what has already been tried and tested. 

Our Guest: Yaron Inger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaroninger/
Website: https://www.lightricks.com/

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw) 


Episode 165: How to Structure a Growing AI Company with Yaron Inger

In this episode, we explore how emotions and technology work together to support employee growth. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on what happens when technology meets emotions within the context of an organization.

Key takeaways from the podcast are:

- Aligning executive vision with employee execution fosters a unified direction.
- Unstructured company survey language reveals emotions and intent, now decipherable with technology.
- Encouraging risk-taking empowers employees to experiment and grow.
- Balancing uniqueness with shared experiences enhances relevance and appeal.

Our Guest: Armen Berjikly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armenb/
Website: https://www.betterup.com/

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)

Episode 170: The Intersection of Emotion and Technology with Armen Berjikly

In this episode of CTO Confessions, Dan Van Tran shares how AI and tech power the authentication of collectibles, from cards to video games. We explore AI-driven pricing, scaling tech teams, and servant leadership in a unique industry.

Key takeaways:

- AI’s role in authenticating and valuing collectibles
- Why emotions matter in price estimation
- The challenges of scaling and leading with transparency

Our Guest: Dan Van Tran 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantran/  
Website: https://www.collectors.com/  

Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw) 

Episode 171: Servant Tech Leadership in the Realm of Collectors with Dan Van Tran

What makes great tech solutions truly effective? It’s not features, it’s outcomes. In this episode, TC Gill speaks with Drew Morrell, Head of Engineering at Workiva, about why user-centered design, agile thinking, and purposeful product development matter more than feature counts.

Tune in for insights that cut through the noise and get to the core of what product teams should focus on.

Episode 176: Why Purpose Beats Features: Designing for Outcomes with Drew Morrell

This week, TC Gill is joined by Oleg Korenfeld, CTO at CMI Media Group, to unpack how technology transforms health and wellness marketing. From traditional media to data-driven strategies, Oleg shares insights on building scalable solutions that deliver real campaign value.

Expect stories on innovation, strategic tech adoption, and the evolving role of marketing tech leaders.

Episode 177: Building End to End Solutions for Health & Wellness Marketing with Oleg Korenfield

What makes great software truly customer-centric? 

In this week’s episode, Chris Huff, former CTO at Rent Group, joins TC Gill to break down the real secret behind building products that actually serve users. Spoiler: it’s not about adding more features.

Episode 180: The Secret to Great Customer-Centric Software with Chris Huff

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Finnegan, Chief Technology Officer at Cognosos, to rethink what’s possible with RTLS (Real-Time Location Services) in the AI era.

Michael shares how he’s achieving more with less data, offering a fresh perspective on crafting smarter, scalable tech solutions. From reimagining product development to embracing real-time insights, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for tech leaders.

Tune in now and discover how to flip the script on traditional tech thinking.


Episode 181: Rethinking RTLS: Achieving More with Less Data in the AI Era With Michael Finnegan

What happens when deep technical knowledge meets real-world domain expertise?

In this episode, TC Gill is joined by James Long, CTO at Palomar, to explore what it takes to lead with clarity in a high-stakes environment. From modeling risk to building strong, cross-functional teams, this conversation is packed with practical insights for tech leaders.

If you're looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this episode delivers.

Episode 182: A CTO's Career Guide: Blending Tech and Business with James Long

How can we separate real innovation from hype? 

In this episode, Joel Krooswyk, Federal CTO at GitLab, joins TC Gill for a thoughtful deep dive into the evolving role of AI in development, hiring, and leadership. Joel brings 25+ years of experience across private and public sectors and this conversation hits that perfect balance of vision and pragmatism. 

Tune in now and explore the full story!


Episode 183: An AI Give-and-Take with Joel Krooswyk

Can good leadership be taught or does it come down to who you are?

In this episode, we sit down with Wes Bailey, Founder at Par Not Far, for a refreshingly honest conversation about leadership, bureaucracy, and why some of today’s sacred practices might need to go.

If you’re tired of corporate speak and want something real, this is the episode for you.

Episode 184: Do Good Leaders Get to the Top? A Discussion with Wes Bailey

In this episode of CTO Confessions, we sit down with Reinaldo Ynchaustegui, CTO in the asset management space, for an overview of what it really takes to lead in tech. From dissecting how to automate a tech team’s workflow without losing the human touch to exploring the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, Reinaldo shares insights from the frontlines. 

Tune in to hear the realities behind the role and the balance between tech and people.

Episode 185: Leading at the Intersection of Technology and Finance with Reinaldo Ynchaustegui

What can the Marines teach us about leading high-performing tech teams? A lot more than you might think.

In this episode, Bob Hackney, CTO at PerfectServe, shares how a mission-first mindset translates from the battlefield to the boardroom, delivering results without sacrificing your people. His “double win” approach is all about achieving objectives while growing and empowering teams.

Whether you’re scaling a tech org, running global teams, or simply looking to lead with empathy and impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Episode 186: Lessons from the Marines and Tech with Bob Hackney

Allen Cheung, SVP of Engineering at UJET.cx, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to explore how AI is reshaping the tech industry and why some programmers resist this transformation.


Whether you’re building teams, navigating the shift to AI-powered engineering, or simply looking to embrace growth through change, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Episode 187: Programmers' Resistance in the Age of AI with Allen Cheung

Naresh Singh, Partner and CTO at Lenox Advisors, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to discuss how technology is reshaping wealth management from AI-driven data systems to leadership grounded in both technical foresight and servant leadership.

Whether you’re navigating financial services, driving transformation through technology, or leading high-performing teams, this conversation will inspire and equip you with practical insights.

Episode 188: Wealth Management Driven by Technology with Naresh Singh

Aleksandra Gjinovska, Head of Technology at IT Labs, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to share her journey as a woman leading in a male-dominated industry and how mentorship, saying no, and organizational support shape future leaders.

Whether you’re scaling teams, mentoring future leaders, or striving to foster inclusive leadership, this conversation is full of insights that will inspire and challenge you.

Episode 189: Connecting the Dots in Tech Leadership with Aleksandra Gjinovska

Technology is advancing faster than ever, but what keeps it meaningful is the human side behind the solutions.

In this episode, Falko Buttler, CTO at Lantern, shares how he balances innovation with empathy, scaling tech platforms that support people through life’s most sensitive moments. From early iOS development to leading large-scale transformation, Falko brings insights on building tech that truly serves.

This conversation is a reminder that even in an age of AI, leadership must be anchored in human connection.

Episode 190: In a World of AI, Let’s not Forget the Human with Falko Buttler

How do you lead through culture shifts, acquisitions, and organizational change, without losing sight of people?

In this episode, Adan Pope, Senior VP at TAG, shares insights on leadership during high-stakes transitions. From building tension maps to understanding organizational dynamics, his perspective highlights how leaders can turn uncertainty into clarity and growth.

This conversation is a masterclass in leading with methodology, empathy, and foresight during times of change.

Episode 191: There Are No Mergers, Only Acquisitions with Adan Pope

In this thought-provoking episode, Wes Bailey returns for round two with TC Gill to explore one of the boldest questions in tech leadership today: what happens when innovation, AI, and adaptability redefine the very essence of a CTO?

This conversation is part wake-up call, part survival guide for the future of tech leadership and it might just make you rethink your next career move.

Episode 192: We Don’t Need CTO’s Anymore with Wes Bailey

From Hollywood special effects to cutting-edge AI - this episode covers it all.

Join Michael Natkin, Former SVP of Software Engineering at Glowforge, and TC Gill as they dive into why AI is imperative in today’s tech landscape, how creativity and innovation intersect, and what leaders can do to keep their teams inspired in the age of automation.

Episode 193: A Conversation about Terminators and Lasers with Michael Natkin

In this episode of CTO Confessions, TC Gill sits down with Eddie Pecker, CTO at APEXX, a payment orchestration platform trusted by enterprise companies worldwide. From comparing technical debt to mortgages to breaking down what “deploying with confidence” should look like in 2025, Eddie brings a refreshingly practical view of leadership, AI, and security in fast-moving tech teams.

Episode 194: How to Deploy with Confidence in 2025 with Eddie Pecker

Hosted by TC Gill, this podcast explores the dynamic world of technology leadership. Each episode explores the challenges, strategies, and stories that shape the lives of today’s CTOs and tech leaders.  

From navigating complex business issues to leading high-performing teams, CTO Confessions sheds light on the multifaceted role of technology executives, highlighting the critical decisions they make and the impact they have on organizations.  

Join us as we unpack the realities of tech leadership and share insights that rarely get the appreciation they deserve, all with a healthy dose of curiosity and candor. 

Brought to you by IT Labs.

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