Beyond The Tech; where IQ meets EQ!
Welcome to Beyond the Tech, a Bryan and Alex production. Beyond the Tech is a brand new podcast where we talk to some of the world's most inspirational tech leaders who are today helping shape and influence the future of business through both innovation and exceptional change leadership.
Our hope is that through these talks we can learn some of their secrets while exploring their journey from their early beginnings and hearing some of the bold moves they made to become the prominent leaders they are today.Beyond The Tech, Episode 4: EQ + IQ = XQ
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex discuss The Digital Board’s EQ/IQ assessment framework. This robust tool, honed over two decades with input from leading academic institutions including Harvard and MIT alongside interviews with over seven thousand senior tech leaders, finely discerns the intricate balance of deep technical skills and the more expansive leadership qualities crucial for senior technology leadership roles. Bryan expands on the relationship between IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), proposing an equation where EQ + IQ drives XQ (execution quotient). Bryan’s thesis is that achieving a harmonised balance between cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence is key to driving effective execution. This balance facilitates engagement and alignment, leading to execution at scale and speed.
Beyond The Tech, Episode 3: The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer
In this latest episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex discuss the emergence of the new role of Chief AI Officer, exploring the challenges and opportunities that this role presents within organisations (and whether or not organisations actually need one). The conversation explores the potential pros and cons of appointing a Chief AI Officer, emphasising the importance of clarity, collaboration, ethical governance and the interplay between data and generative AI. They discuss the need for a strategic focus on AI, organisational readiness, and the considerations around integrating of this pivotal role into the C-suite. Listen now to see is the Chief AI Officer really is the new kid on the block, tasked with future proofing business, or if is just another role vying for attention in an ever-expanding “C-Suite.”
Beyond The Tech, Episode 2: Securing Tomorrow: Micah McCrary Shares his Insights on the Evolving Role of the Modern CISO
In this episode, Bryan and Alex are joined by Micah McCrary. Micah is one of the most respected leaders in Global Security and until recently was the Global Head of Offensive Security for UBS. Within the conversation, Micah offers invaluable insights to the evolving nature of the Chief Information Security Officer role, including a deep dive into the optimal reporting structures of a CISO as well as their relationship with the Board. Micah offers valuable insights on the future of cybersecurity, geopolitical dynamics, and the role of technology that are sure to inspire both cyber security professionals and wider business leaders alike. Throughout the conversation, Micah shares some incredible stories from his career, including how he took advantage of the opportunities presented by the pandemic at UBS and the challenging experience he had conducting a strategic transformation whilst consulting for a major Asian manufacturer.
Beyond The Tech, Episode 1: C = Lonely; a provocative discussion with Bryan MacDonald & Alex Alexander on leading change at the C-level!
In this episode, join us for a unique conversation as Bryan MacDonald interviews Alex Alexander, a seasoned CTO with over two decades of experience at global brands like Walmart, YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Emirates Group. Alex shares captivating stories from his pioneering days in internet banking at Egg, emphasising the importance of boldness and seizing early opportunities. From leveraging innovation at Walmart Labs to navigating cultural landscapes in Italy at YOOX NET-A-PORTER, Alex delves into the challenges of influencing leaders, highlighting the value of aligning IT actions with business objectives. His insights on change management underline the significance of relationship-building, emotional connections and offer invaluable advice for current as well as aspiring tech leaders. Ultimately, Alex's focus remains on fostering a work environment where teams thrive, highlighting the crucial role of storytelling in influencing leadership and implementing transformative changes.