Join Mike in the first part of his conversation with Rob Wade, Head of Group IT at Kuflink, for a deep dive into the dynamics of start-ups versus enterprises. They explore the challenges of managing people, ensuring quality, and navigating the world of hybrid work. Rob shares his insights from his unique journey, offering valuable lessons for anyone in the tech industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity and open communication are crucial for effective leadership, especially when managing teams across different settings.
Documenting processes and sharing knowledge helps mitigate the risk of single points of failure and ensures smooth operations.
Balancing the demands of various stakeholders requires clear prioritisation, transparent dialogue, and managing expectations.
Quality assurance goes beyond testing; QAs can add value by shaping requirements, improving user experience, and guiding the development process.
Automation is essential for efficiency, but manual testing and human insight remain invaluable for ensuring product quality and usability.
Navigating the trade-offs between speed and quality requires open discussions, clear priorities, and a commitment to addressing technical debt.
Effective communication and alignment among developers, QAs, and product owners are key to building the right product efficiently.
Embracing new challenges and continuous learning are essential for personal growth and career advancement in the tech industry.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you want the business to succeed because the people inside it are people you've, you kind of attach value to, you kind of resonate emotionally with that, that can be very kind of powerful as a motivator to kind of take you forwards." (8:56) Rob discusses how caring about the people you work with and wanting the business to succeed can be a strong motivator to push through challenges.

"I've always been quite happy to acknowledge where I don't know stuff." (12:21) Rob discusses the importance of being authentic and admitting when you don't have all the answers.

"The fun will come, but it's just that you have to kind of ride that period of chaos. You have to kind of go through that pain to then get to a point where you can kind of turn it into something fun” (24:29) Mike and Rob discuss the importance of persevering through the initial challenges and chaos when learning a new skill or taking on a new project, as it eventually leads to a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.

"You're doing them a disservice in the long run to kind of placate them in the short term." (34:33) Rob explains why it's important to have difficult conversations and provide honest feedback for the long-term benefit of team members.

"QAs have underserved potential to add value even before the code is written by making sure that you think about all the scenarios you want to run through, putting yourself in the frame of mind of a user." (01:04:56) Rob highlights the valuable role QAs can play in shaping requirements and improving the user experience.

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Navigating the Tech Landscape: Startups vs. Enterprises with Rob Wade - Part One

Mastering Tech Growth