15 Insightful Tech Leadership Podcasts for 2024
I've always got my ear to the ground for the next game-changing idea, and podcasts are a great resource for staying up-to-date. I've rounded up some of the best tech leadership podcasts for 2024, where seasoned leaders and innovative thinkers share the experiences, challenges, and visions that are shaping the future of technology.
Do you want to level up your leadership skills, make informed decisions, or simply find inspiration during your commute? These podcasts have you covered. Let's tune into the voices that are leading the way in tech.
15 Best Tech Leadership Podcasts
Dive into these top 15 tech leadership podcasts for expert insights:
- The CTO Advisor Podcast with Keith Townsend
- The Tech Leader Talk Podcast with Steve Sponseller
- Gartner ThinkCast with Karen Lockhart
- Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) with Marco Arment, Casey Liss & John Siracusa
- The Cloudcast with Aaron Delp & Brian Gracely
- Leading Women in Tech with Toni Collis
- Tech Leaders in Action with Stephen Robinson
- HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard & Curt Nickisch
- CIO Leadership Live with Cathy O’Sullivan
- Compiler with Angela Andrews & Brent Simoneaux
- Technovation with Peter High
- How Leaders Lead with David Novak
- IoT Podcast: Over the Air with Ryan Prosser
- Thoughtworks Technology with Multiple Hosts
- The Tech Leaders Podcast with Gareth Davies
Best Tech Leadership Podcasts
1. The CTO Advisor Podcast with Keith Townsend
Summary:
Hosted by Keith Townsend, this podcast covers a range of topics relevant to Chief Technology Officers, including cloud infrastructure, enterprise IT strategy, and data center technology.
What You'll Learn:
Explore strategies for IT infrastructure, engage with interviews from industry experts, and analyze tech trends and their impact on business.
Why You Should Listen:
Gain a deeper understanding of tech leadership challenges and stay informed on the latest in enterprise technology.
Best Episode:
“Broadcom and VMware at VMware Explore EU” - In this week’s episode, Dan Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, joins Keith Townsend, President of the CTO Advisor, for an in-depth analysis of VMware's current status, amidst the anticipation of the Chinese government's approval of their $61B deal, recorded at VMware Explore 2023 EU.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Keith Townsend, known for his expertise in IT strategy and enterprise technology, brings years of experience and insightful discussions to the podcast. Find Keith Townsend on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Listener Review:
“Keith puts technology in perspective. Highly recommend for strategic technologists!” - Pwnsmack
2. The Tech Leader Talk Podcast with Steve Sponseller
Summary:
Steve Sponseller interviews technology leaders and innovators, sharing insights on tech trends, leadership strategies, and the challenges of leading tech teams. This podcast is a treasure trove for tech entrepreneurs and leaders, focusing on innovation and startup growth.
What You'll Learn:
Discover tips for tech startups, gain insights into innovation and growth, and learn strategies for successful tech leadership.
Why You Should Listen:
Learn about scaling startups and discover innovative approaches to tech leadership.
Best Episode:
“The Future of AI for Innovation and Productivity – Kevin Surace” - In this insightful episode, Kevin Surace, CTO of Appvance.ai, joins the conversation to share his extensive knowledge on using Artificial Intelligence for disruptive innovation. With a pioneering background in AI since the 1990s and experience in scaling startups to $1B valuations, Kevin discusses AI's transformative impact on industries and the importance of a culture that fosters innovation.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Steve Sponseller, an innovation strategist and attorney, helps tech leaders and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of startup growth and innovation. Find Steve Sponseller on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
Listener Review:
“Tech Leader Talk is one of my favorite podcasts! The conversations are engaging, insightful, and actionable. I truly learn something every time I listen!” - Dan1777999877
3. Gartner ThinkCast with Karen Lockhart
Summary:
Gartner's official podcast offers a deep dive into the latest technology trends and leadership challenges, featuring interviews with Gartner analysts and industry leaders.
What You'll Learn:
Engage with in-depth analysis of tech trends, gain cybersecurity insights, and learn strategies for digital transformation.
Why You Should Listen:
Understand complex tech topics and stay ahead in cybersecurity and tech trends.
Best Episode:
“Inside the Gartner Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2024” - In this keynote from the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™, Chris Howard, Global Chief of Research and Distinguished VP Analyst, unveils the 2024 Gartner Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends. He focuses on how these trends can significantly influence businesses in the coming years, emphasizing the protection of investments, creating tailored solutions, and delivering both internal and external value.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Karen Lockhart, former Vice President of Finance at Newell Brands, offers a unique perspective as a tech journalist, providing insightful commentary and interviews with industry experts. Find Karen Lockhart on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
“Love getting into the minds of Gartner experts. The topics are spot on for what matters today. It’s like a quick take of the latest Gartner research.” - bizleader5
4. Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) with Marco Arment, Casey Liss & John Siracusa
Summary:
Hosted by Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa, ATP discusses tech news with a focus on Apple and related technologies, often diving into broader tech leadership topics.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into managing tech burnout, DevOps's intricacies, and the nuances of being a Chief Production Officer in the tech industry.
Why You Should Listen:
Discover how industry experts tackle career challenges and get practical advice for your tech journey.
Best Episode:
“567: macOS Uranus” - In this episode, the discussion covers various technical topics, from public sound running and auto-mixing using Sound Devices Mix Pre-10 II and Zoom F8n, to the practicality of gift memberships. The show also focuses on iCloud login nuances, the Apple Store experience, Joanna Stern’s unique prison interview, and shifts from Beeper to Beeped, alongside exploring macOS virtualization options like UTM and insights from Steve Troughton-Smith.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa blend developer experience and tech industry knowledge, offering a unique perspective on technology topics.
- Find Marco Arment on his website
- Find Casey Liss on LinkedIn and his website
- Find John Siracusa on Twitter
Listener Review:
“Been listening for years. The only podcast that I give money to for extra content. Each week I can’t wait for the new episode!” - farfromrest
5. The Cloudcast with Aaron Delp & Brian Gracely
Summary:
Aaron Delp and Brian Gracely host this podcast exploring the convergence of cloud computing, mobile computing, and social media, focusing on how these technologies impact tech leadership.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the evolving landscape of cloud technology, strategies to combat burnout in tech, and insights into becoming a Chief Product Officer.
Why You Should Listen:
Stay ahead in the rapidly changing field of cloud technology and learn how to navigate career challenges.
Best Episode:
“Technology Shifts vs. Drifts” - This episode explores the concepts of Shift and Drift, examining whether these changes offer clear financial benefits, potentially save or make money, or introduce new methods for replacing old ones. It also tackles the significance of their economic impact, questioning the value of obvious versus subtle financial advantages.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Aaron Delp and Brian Gracely, with their extensive experience in cloud computing and technology, provide in-depth discussions and expert insights into the cloud domain.
Listener Review:
“Enjoy listening…. Brian and Aaron are very knowledgeable on the cloud industry and provide helpful insight into where it is going.” - Scroll over
6. Leading Women in Tech with Toni Collis
Summary:
This podcast highlights the experiences and insights of female leaders in the tech industry, discussing challenges, successes, and strategies for thriving in tech leadership roles.
What You'll Learn:
Discover strategies for leading engineering teams, insights into the fast-paced world of e-commerce, and tips for women aiming for leadership roles in tech.
Why You Should Listen:
Hear inspiring stories from successful women in tech and gain practical advice for career advancement in a fast-paced industry.
Best Episode:
“183: The Cost of Failure with Debbie Levitt” - This episode addresses the fine line between fostering innovation through embracing failure and the potential negative impacts of a "fail fast" culture on businesses and careers. Featuring Debbie Lovett, MBA and CFO of Delta CX, it challenges the glorification of failure in company cultures that may lead to overlooking customer needs and incurring significant costs.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Toni Collis is a passionate advocate for women in tech, offering guidance and inspiration through her experiences and those of her guests. Find Toni Collis on LinkedIn and her website.
Listener Review:
“Toni shares great insights as an engineering leader with a great diverse perspective. Check it out!” - selfrescuingprincess
7. Tech Leaders in Action with Stephen Robinson
Summary:
Offering a mix of interviews and discussions, this podcast provides insights into the strategies and experiences of various tech leaders, focusing on how they drive innovation and success.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about the challenges and successes of leading fast-paced engineering teams and the intricacies of e-commerce in a leadership role.
Why You Should Listen:
Get direct access to experiences and advice from seasoned tech leaders, providing valuable lessons for your career journey.
Best Episode:
“Mattison Asher - Crypto Portfolio Manager” - The episode features Mattison Asher, the author behind the esteemed crypto newsletter Rapture, known widely among top degens, investors, and builders in the cryptocurrency sector. With a professional background in crypto since 2016, Mattison brings profound insights into the technology that powers this dynamic field.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Stephen Robinson is the CEO of East Rock Software and was awarded his Ph.D. in the UK for the design and development of a neural network-controlled autonomous robot. Find Stephen Robinson on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
“Refreshing to hear how people solve real-world problems for both rails and other languages!” - Technohag
8. HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard & Curt Nickisch
Summary:
The HBR IdeaCast podcast features thought leaders in business and management, offering valuable insights for technology leaders and those in technology leadership positions.
What You'll Learn:
Gain knowledge from global thought leaders about strategies in technology leadership, and how to apply these insights to become a more effective technology leader.
Why You Should Listen:
For a broad perspective on leadership and management, with actionable advice tailored for technology leaders.
Best Episode:
“Best of IdeaCast: Behaviors of Successful CEOs” - Elena Botelho, a partner at ghSMART and co-leader of the CEO Genome Project, reveals through her research that the success of top-performing CEOs is less about charisma and more about four key behaviors: making quick decisions, engaging for impact, adapting proactively, and delivering reliably. This groundbreaking analysis shifts the narrative on what truly sets successful CEOs apart.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Alison Beard and Curt Nickisch, through their journalism experience at Harvard Business Review, bring a wealth of knowledge and facilitate engaging discussions with leading experts.
Listener Review:
“I agree that to improve decision-making capabilities, one needs to be well informed. Finding trustworthy persons who could brainstorm ideas, and give pointers to widen one’s vision and perception is said to be one of the key secrets of successful CEOs.” - Savings Angel
9. CIO Leadership Live with Cathy O’Sullivan
Summary:
CIO Leadership Live is tailored for IT executives, offering valuable insights and experiences from fellow technology leaders and CIOs.
What You'll Learn:
Discover trends in IT leadership, strategies for success in technology management, and firsthand experiences from top CIOs and tech leaders.
Why You Should Listen:
For an insider's view into the challenges and successes of leading IT professionals, and to gain practical tips for your leadership journey.
Best Episode:
“Wayne Broekhals, Tonkin + Taylor Executive Leader for IT” - In this episode, Wayne Broekhals of Tonkin + Taylor shares his career progression from IT service desk support to CIO, discussing how the organization weaves sustainability into its IT strategy and highlighting the qualities he looks for in external partners on projects.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Cathy O’Sullivan, with her extensive experience in IT journalism, engages with top IT leaders to explore the evolving landscape of technology leadership. Find Cathy O’Sullivan on LinkedIn.
10. Compiler with Angela Andrews & Brent Simoneaux
Summary:
The Compiler podcast brings together a range of voices from the tech world to discuss pivotal topics and challenges faced by technology leaders today.
What You'll Learn:
Listen to diverse perspectives on technology leadership, understand emerging trends, and hear valuable insights from leaders in the field.
Why You Should Listen:
To get a comprehensive view of the technology landscape and practical advice from those at the forefront of tech innovation.
Best Episode:
“APIs And The Modernization Dilemma” - Efforts by governments, companies, and organizations to enhance healthcare IT infrastructure for a faster, more intuitive experience emphasize the role of APIs. This initiative, while crucial, underscores that the greatest challenges often lie not in the technology, but in the people who orchestrate, oversee, and interact with it.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Angela Andrews and Brent Simoneaux bring their unique tech backgrounds to facilitate discussions that unpack the complexities of technology leadership.
Listener Review:
“I like the length, topics covered, and speakers’ approach to the discussions, often keeping their opinions candid and realistic.” - Kami619
11. Technovation with Peter High
Summary:
Technovation is a must-listen podcast for those interested in the inner workings of tech companies, especially in the SaaS and social media sectors.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about strategies and leadership in top tech companies, the evolution of SaaS, and the impact of social media on the tech industry.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast offers a deep dive into the strategies that drive successful tech companies and provides insights into industry trends.
Best Episode:
“Developing a Digital Thread: Northrop Grumman CIO John Russell on Collaborating Across the Product Development Process” - In this interview, Northrop Grumman's CIO John Russell introduces the "digital thread," a strategy designed to synchronize stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle to avoid misalignment and its associated costs.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Peter High, a renowned technology strategist, interviews world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives, providing listeners with knowledge and guidance. Find Peter High on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Listener Review:
“Phenomenal podcast for anyone interested in business and technology. They have some of the best guests ranging from technology executives to AI experts, and you learn about the digital strategies of some of the largest organizations. A must-listen for IT and tech executives!” - TheTechExec
12. How Leaders Lead with David Novak
Summary:
How Leaders Lead offers a unique perspective on leadership within tech companies, focusing on the role of AI and its impact across industries.
What You'll Learn:
Explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and business strategies in tech companies, and understand how AI is reshaping the tech landscape.
Why You Should Listen:
It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to grasp the role of AI in business and how leaders are navigating this dynamic field.
Best Episode:
“Walter Driver, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Scopely – Make your organization a learning machine” - This episode dives into the pivotal role of learning and feedback in organizational success, discussing overlooked factors in professional growth, strategies to foster curiosity within teams, insights on smart partnerships, the challenges of founder-centric visions, and leadership practices for enhancing stability.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
David Novak brings his expertise in business research and innovation to provide listeners with insightful discussions on AI and leadership. Find David Novak on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
“I enjoy your annotations. During the podcast and following. I particularly enjoy when you highlight a point and relate it to one of your experiences or a point from one of your previous interviews.” - Jjkittie
13. IoT Podcast: Over the Air with Ryan Prosser
Summary:
A must-listen for anyone interested in the Internet of Things (IoT), this innovative podcast dives into the latest trends in IoT technology and its application in various sectors.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the current trends in IoT, its applications in different industries, and the impact of IoT on tech companies and society.
Why You Should Listen:
For those keen on staying updated with the rapidly advancing field of IoT and its implications in the tech world and beyond.
Best Episode:
“Digital Transformation: From Tractors to Autonomous Agriculture” - In this episode of IoT Podcast: Over the Air, Ryan Prosser, CEO of Very, engages with Jorge Heraud, VP of Automation and Autonomy at John Deere, to examine the revolutionary role of IoT and automation in modern agriculture. They discuss John Deere's advancements in autonomous tractors and precision farming technologies like See & Spray, highlighting their benefits in improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and promoting remote management of farming operations.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Ryan Prosser, with his expertise in IoT, offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, providing a comprehensive view of IoT's evolving landscape. Find Ryan Prosser on LinkedIn.
14. Thoughtworks Technology with Multiple Hosts
Summary:
This podcast brings together experts from Thoughtworks to discuss critical topics in technology, offering insights into the latest trends and innovations.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about cutting-edge technology developments, the impact of these advancements on businesses and society, and how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Why You Should Listen:
Ideal for tech enthusiasts and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of current tech trends and their real-world applications.
Best Episode:
“Asynchronous collaboration: Getting it right” - This episode of the Technology Podcast features Thoughtworkers Sumeet Gayathri Moghe, author of The Async-First Playbook, and Maya Ormaza, who discuss the nuances of asynchronous working beyond merely working remotely. With hosts Neal Ford and Ken Mugrage, they explore the significance of written communication, instances where synchronous work is essential, and the critical role of leadership in fostering effective async work practices.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Hosted by various experts from Thoughtworks, this podcast features a diverse range of voices and perspectives, offering a rich and comprehensive understanding of modern technology topics.
- Find Dr. Rebecca Parsons on LinkedIn
- Find Mike Mason on LinkedIn and his website
- Find Neal Ford on LinkedIn
- Find Scott Shaw on LinkedIn
- Find Alexey Boas on Twitter
- Find Ashok Subramanian on LinkedIn and Twitter
- Find Ken Mugrage on LinkedIn and his website
- Find Birgitta Böckeler on LinkedIn
- Find Prem Chandrasekaran on LinkedIn
15. The Tech Leaders Podcast with Gareth Davies
Summary:
The Tech Leaders Podcast by bedigital offers an in-depth look at the experiences and insights of top leaders in the tech industry.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about the journeys, challenges, and successes of tech leaders, and get insights into the strategies that drive tech innovation and leadership.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone aspiring to understand the nuances of tech leadership and to gain inspiration from leaders in the field.
Best Episode:
“#87: VP Strategic Initiatives @ Amazon Web Services, Brian Taptich: Transforming Cloud Computing” - In this engaging episode, Gareth hosts Brian 'Tap' Taptich, VP of Strategic Initiatives at AWS, who shares his transformative journey from an introspective motorcycle trip to leading roles in tech, including a pivotal stint as CEO of Bitcasa. They discuss the driving forces behind AWS's dominance in cloud computing, Taptich's approach to leadership, and his advice for CEOs navigating the balance between business imperatives and organizational culture.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Gareth Davies, a seasoned professional in the tech industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the podcast, engaging with guests to explore the depths of tech leadership. Find Gareth Davies on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Listener Review:
“This podcast gives great career advice for people starting in tech and hearing about the journeys of all of these successful technology leaders is so inspiring! I would 100% recommend it!” - CARW111
Want More?
Tech leaders build innovative products, lead successful teams, and contribute significantly to their organizations. There are many noteworthy resources available to learn more about the challenges leaders face, including CTO podcasts, tech conferences, leadership books, and more.
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