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 doe...
Apr 29, 2026•39 min
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 operati...
Apr 15, 2026•42 min
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 ...
Apr 01, 2026•51 min
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 ...
Mar 18, 2026•45 min
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...
Mar 04, 2026•45 min
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 lea...
Feb 18, 2026•44 min
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.techw...
Feb 04, 2026•49 min
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 - h...
Jan 21, 2026•48 min
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 Link...
Jan 07, 2026•44 min
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 ...
Dec 10, 2025•41 min
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://...
Nov 26, 2025•42 min
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 ...
Nov 12, 2025•44 min
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...
Oct 29, 2025•40 min
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 Hu...
Oct 15, 2025•41 min
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.l...
Oct 01, 2025•50 min
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 Datab...
Sep 17, 2025•41 min
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 ...
Sep 03, 2025•38 min
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...
Aug 20, 2025•45 min
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/be...
Jul 23, 2025•40 min
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...
Jul 09, 2025•42 min
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/be...
Jun 25, 2025•47 min
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.techworl...
Jun 11, 2025•45 min
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...
May 28, 2025•35 min
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 tip...
May 14, 2025•44 min
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.li...
Apr 30, 2025•48 min
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...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min
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...
Apr 02, 2025•45 min
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 Lin...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min
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/ ...
Mar 05, 2025•39 min
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 Li...
Feb 19, 2025•45 min
