Aliza Carpio (Director of Product Management Data Platform at JLL Technologies) discusses with Etienne open source communities, codes of conduct, and the relationship between product management and engineering. She emphasizes the importance of open source as a team sport and the benefits of collaboration and problem-solving in the open source community.

Aliza also highlights the value of open source for businesses, including cost savings and access to tried and true solutions. She emphasizes the need for clear communication and inclusive documentation in open source projects, as well as the importance of psychological safety in remote work environments. In this conversation, Aliza and Etienne discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between product managers and engineers as well as emphasizing the need for product managers to understand the 'why' behind their products and for engineers to understand the customer problem.

They also highlight the value of experimentation and failure in the product development process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential impact of language models like ChatGPT on communication and trust.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Introduction and Overview

00:40 - Aliza’s Background and Role in Product Management

06:47 - The Value of Open Source for Businesses

13:31 - Creating Safety and Inclusivity in Open Source Communities

25:11 - The Importance of Reflection and Intentional Connection

29:38 - Invitation to Join 7CTOs Growth Program

31:20 - The Importance of Understanding the 'Why' in Product Management

36:08 - The Role of Engineers in Understanding the Customer Problem

39:46 - The Value of Experimentation and Failure in Product Development

44:32 - Creating a Culture of Experimentation and Discovery

51:53 - The Potential Impact of Language Models on Communication and Trust

58:55 - Effective Communication and Collaboration in Product Development

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Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Aliza: Website /LinkedIn

In this conversation, Etienne interviews Maria Flynn, the Founder and CEO of AmbioLogix, about her new book Make Opportunity Happen. They discuss the importance of carving your own path as an entrepreneur, the challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs, and the methods and templates outlined in the book to help entrepreneurs navigate their journey. They also touch on topics such as team dynamics, perseverance, and the role of mindset in entrepreneurship.

Maria, the author of Make Opportunity Happen: How to Build a Culture of Innovation in Your Organization, discusses her experience as the CEO of Orbis Biosciences and shares insights on leadership and building successful teams. She emphasizes the importance of staying the course and not getting caught up in frenzy pivots.

Maria also highlights the significance of having a clear vision and setting goals to drive progress. She discusses the role of the CEO and CTO in a tech company and the importance of mutual respect and communication between the two. Maria provides valuable advice for founders and shares her thoughts on accountability and appreciation in a team.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:06 - Carving Your Own Path as an Entrepreneur

09:40 - Methods and Templates for Success

13:59 - The Importance of Team Dynamics, Perseverance, and Mindset

37:31 - The Role of the CEO and CTO

38:25 - Knowing Where You Want to Go

46:29 - The People and Business Aspect of the CTO Role

47:56 - The Importance of Different Skill Sets and Personalities

53:47 - Accountability and Appreciation in Building a Strong Team

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Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Maria: Website /LinkedInMaria's Book: Make Opportunity Happen: How to Build a Culture of Innovation in Your Organization

In this conversation, Etienne and Dave reminisce about their early experiences with computers and programming. They discuss the different computer models they had, the challenges of typing in code from magazines, and the evolution of technology. They then shift the conversation to their roles as VP of Engineering and CTO, and the differences between the two positions. They talk about the importance of product management and design in software development, and the value of delivering in small batches. They also discuss the concept of lean software development and the economic mindset behind it. The conversation explores the conundrum of developers being resistant to working on new features and instead over-engineering existing ones. The fear of the unknown and the comfort of familiarity play a role in this resistance. The conversation also delves into the importance of prototyping and experimentation in the development process. The concept of failure and its relationship to learning and psychological safety is discussed. The impact of different communication mediums, such as texting and video calls, on team culture and effectiveness is explored. The conversation concludes with a discussion on measuring team productivity and effectiveness through inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Reminiscing about Early Computers and Programming

13:16 - The Differences Between VP of Engineering and CTO

24:23 - Delivering in Small Batches for Faster Feedback

26:47 - Embracing the Economic Mindset in Lean Software Development

35:50 - Developers' Resistance to New Features

38:10 - Prototyping and Experimentation

44:33 - Failure and Learning

51:20 - Impact of Communication Mediums

01:04:53 - Measuring Team Productivity and Effectiveness

The CTO Podcast is honored to be featured among Feedspot's top 45 C-suite podcasts.

We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video

Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Dave: LinkedIn / Website