Tools for Tech Leaders

MIT Principal Research Scientist Dr. Keri Pearlson reveals why traditional cybersecurity approaches fail and how organizations can build true cyber resilience beyond technical solutions. Drawing from her extensive research with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, she shares practical frameworks for creating a security-conscious culture, conducting effective tabletop exercises, and rebuilding customer trust after incidents. C-suite executives and technology leaders will gain actionable strategies to transform cybersecurity from an IT problem into an organizational advantage.

Your customer success strategy might be creating more problems than it solves. Customer success veteran Pete Oelschlaeger, who has led CS teams at Tanium, Contrast Security, and now Ambient AI, reveals why traditional organizational structures create dangerous blind spots where customer issues fall through the cracks. Learn how to identify when your organization is just talking about customer-centricity versus actually delivering it, build teams with professionals who have both the capability and motivation to solve problems across boundaries, and implement measurement frameworks that drive meaningful action before renewal conversations begin. A must-listen offering concrete solutions for executives who need their organizations to stop passing responsibility around and start delivering genuine customer outcomes.

Meirav Oren, co-founder and chairwoman of Versatile, left Intel to build a company that's transforming the construction industry through data-driven innovation. Crane-mounted sensor and vision systems are revolutionizing job site safety and efficiency, while delivering pivotal insights on operational success. Meirav delves into practical leadership tools and frameworks, "open by default" communication, impactful performance reviews, and how to accelerate startup agility as organizations grow. Learn how Merav approaches challenging situations like hiring decisions, managing remote teams, and creating a culture of learning from mistakes. She also shares her unique perspective on fundraising, offering it as a growth opportunity rather than a necessary challenge. Follow Tools for Tech Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14406502/ Find Ian Tien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantien/ Learn about Mattermost: https://mattermost.com/

In this episode, Dr. Carole Robin, renowned for leading Stanford's famous "Interpersonal Dynamics" course, shares powerful insights on building exceptional relationships in tech leadership. Known as the "Queen of Touchy Feely," Dr. Robin breaks down why interpersonal skills are often more challenging—and more crucial—than technical expertise in building successful organizations. The conversation offers concrete tools for improving professional relationships and team dynamics. Learn practical frameworks like the "Net Model" for giving feedback, managing conflicts before they escalate, and balancing vulnerability with leadership. Dr. Robin explains how to create cultures of trust and open communication, drawing from her experience teaching thousands of Silicon Valley leaders and her work with tech executives through the Leaders in Tech program. Whether you're leading a startup or managing teams at scale, these insights will help you build stronger, more effective organizations through better interpersonal dynamics. Follow Tools for Tech Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14406502/ Find Ian Tien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantien/ Explore Mattermost here: https://mattermost.com/

In this episode of Tools for Tech Leaders, Ian sits down with Oscar, Emmy, and Peabody-winning filmmaker Bill Guttentag to explore the art of drawing out meaningful stories and insights from leaders. Bill shares his experience conducting compelling interviews, sharing techniques to help create the right environment to ask questions that reveal genuine, illustrative moments. They discuss how his work interviewing leaders for Stanford Business School and his documentary filmmaking inform each other, and examine techniques for helping people share their wisdom in authentic ways. Bill offers practical guidance on preparation, building trust, and creating space for vulnerability. His insights on Silicon Valley and Hollywood's converging but distinct cultures also illuminate how different leadership styles can thrive across industries. Whether you're looking to improve how you conduct interviews, lead discussions, or create environments where people can do their best work, this conversation offers valuable tools for your interviewing and leadership toolkit. Follow Tools for Tech Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14406502/ Find Ian Tien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantien/ Explore Mattermost here: https://mattermost.com/

Jerry Perullo, former Chief Information Security Officer at Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career in cybersecurity, including his experiences at Silicon Valley Bank and his current venture, Adversarial Risk Management. Jerry offered practical advice on conducting effective red team exercises, managing critical infrastructure security, and adapting to the ever-changing nature of cyber risks. His unique perspective on the FDIC's role during bank receiverships and the concept of "adversarial risk management" provided eye-opening lessons for tech leaders navigating today's complex security landscape. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for C-suite executives and technology decision-makers looking to enhance their organization's cybersecurity posture. Follow Tools for Tech Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14406502/ Find Ian Tien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantien/ Explore Mattermost here: https://mattermost.com/

In this episode of Tools for Tech Leaders, Ian speaks with Mark Leslie, the founding CEO of Veritas Software and a legendary figure in Silicon Valley. Mark shares invaluable insights from his remarkable journey scaling Veritas from a $64 million valuation at IPO to over $64 billion. The conversation delves into Mark's strategic approach to business transformation, his philosophy on leadership and trust-building, and the lessons he's learned from serving on over 50 company boards, offering practical advice on navigating corporate lifecycles, fostering innovation, and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit in large organizations. This far-reaching conversation provides counsel to founders, C-suite executives, and aspiring leaders looking to build and scale successful technology companies in today's ever-changing landscape. Follow Tools for Tech Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14406502/ Find Ian Tien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantien/ Explore Mattermost here: https://mattermost.com/