Tech Waka Podcast

Sometimes it feels like senior leadership in New Zealand tech isn’t recognised at the level it should be , especially when big roles come up, and decision-makers look offshore for “proven experience”.In this episode, Jakub is joined by Paul Meyrick and Stuart Collins from Wires Uncrossed to unpack what’s really going on. Drawing on leadership experience across Silverstripe, MetService, BNZ, and Xero, they explore the hidden step-change from being an excellent engineer to becoming a system leader — shifting from “building solutions” to “designing the conditions where solutions can happen repeatedly”.They talk about why success feels harder to claim in leadership, how humility can turn into invisibility, and why the right language matters when you’re asking for investment or influencing boards and exec teams. They also share practical signals that you’re ready for the next step, how to make imposter syndrome work for you (without letting it crush you), and why community and mentorship are critical — because leadership can be lonely.In this episode we cover:Why NZ tech leadership can be under-recognised (and what to do about it)The shift from technical leader to system leaderVisibility vs humility: claiming impact without egoHow to build the language to influence senior stakeholdersSignals you’re ready for the next step in leadershipCommunity, mentorship, and frameworks that help when leadership feels lonelyThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

What do high-performing engineering teams really need to thrive?In this episode, I talk with Myles Henaghan, Managing Director at Wires Uncrossed and former GM of Engineering at Xero. Myles shares the backstory and structure of the Hierarchy of Engineering Needs — an open-source framework inspired by Maslow’s pyramid and grounded in real-world delivery challenges. We unpack how this model helps tech leaders identify systemic bottlenecks, enable effective ownership, and make smarter strategic trade-offs.Whether you’re leading one team or many, this conversation will give you a fresh lens for diagnosing delivery constraints and unlocking flow.🔗 Explore the model: engineeringneeds.io

In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, host Jakub sits down with Clarissa Côrtes Pires, Decision Science Capability Lead at Mercury NZ, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, and strategy. With a PhD in innovation management and a career spanning academia, startups, and large enterprises, Clarissa shares her journey into decision science, her experience leading a team of brilliant minds, and what it takes to turn complex research into actionable business outcomes.You’ll hear about: • Why innovation is more than just good ideas — it’s about impact. • The difference between data science and decision science. • How to manage PhDs and researchers in commercial environments. • Career paths in decision science — and why everyone can be a scientist.Whether you’re a tech leader, a data geek, or just AI-curious, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how decisions are made — and how teams can thrive at the edge of research and real-world impact.The Career Journey Framework mentioned in the episode.

In this episode of Tech Waka, we talk with Saif Ali, Engineering Manager at Gentrack, about his fascinating transition from developer to people leader across cultures and continents. Saif shares honest reflections on the challenges of early leadership, the power of mentorship, and why listening is a superpower in tech management. He also offers practical advice for aspiring engineering managers and insights on supporting teams through change. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about what leadership in tech really looks like—beyond the job title.

In this episode, Brad Terpstra shares his fascinating journey from managing IT for American Magic during the America's Cup in Auckland to leading tech initiatives at Halter, an ag-tech startup transforming agriculture.Brad discusses the reality behind the cutting-edge technology of America's Cup racing, emphasizing the importance of precision, strategic decision-making, and continuous improvement. He reflects on how crisis moments—like saving a sinking race boat—can strengthen teams and reveals insights into effective prioritization and managing innovation within resource constraints. It's a a must-listen for tech leaders who value teamwork, innovation, and making every second count.

Leadership in tech is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we introduce the Tech Waka Mentoring Program—a 5-month journey connecting aspiring tech leaders with world-class mentors. Learn why mentorship is a game-changer, what you’ll gain from the program, and how to apply.🎧 Spots are limited—tune in now and take the next step in your leadership journey!👉 https://www.techwaka.co.nz/mentorship

This episode is a little different. Instead of a guest, I’m taking a moment to reflect on Tech Waka’s second year — and how it grew from a podcast into a community for New Zealand tech leaders.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Transformations don’t fail because of slide decks – they fail in the messy middle, where people are stressed, alignment drifts, and hard problems finally make their way to the top.In this episode, Jakub sits down with Allan Sampson, Executive General Manager – New Zealand at Gentrack, who has spent more than two decades leading large-scale software and business transformations in the energy and utilities sector.Allan shares what really makes transformation programmes hard: complex vendor–client dynamics, misaligned expectations, fragile governance, “watermelon” reporting, and the human reactions to sustained pressure. He talks through how he thinks about leaders, steady “followers”, and detractors on a programme, and what it takes to build trust and psychological safety without turning work into a comfort zone.You’ll hear practical ways to:Read what’s really going on beneath the project reportsBuild authentic leadership that people trust under pressureNavigate escalations, conflict, and clashing personalitiesUse the forming–storming–norming–performing model in real teams (including the often-ignored “adjourning” stage)Recognise and manage stress in yourself and your teams, and help people find what’s actually in their controlClose out a big programme in a way that captures learning and honours the relationships you’ve builtThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

What makes a retro actually useful—and why do so many senior devs stall out? Craig Bensemann brings sharp insights and real-world fixes.Too many teams are “doing agile” without improving. And too many senior devs are stuck, unsure what’s next. Craig Bensemann—senior developer, mentor, and author of Retros Don’t Suck—joins Jakob to unpack both.With two decades in tech, Craig has led teams, mentored developers, and experienced firsthand what happens when retros become venting sessions and careers lose momentum. In this conversation, he explains why rigid scrum can be today’s waterfall, how to shorten feedback loops in real ways, and how to bring intentionality to career growth.They dig into practical ways to fix retrospectives (hint: fewer action items, more ownership), signs a senior dev might be coasting, and how to lead without a formal title. Craig shares why he stepped back into an IC role—and why that was exactly the right move for him.Whether you’re a team lead trying to reboot agile or a senior engineer feeling stuck, this episode offers both insight and next steps.Key topics: agile theatre, retrospective anti-patterns, career plateaus, developer mentoring, modern leadership without the title.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

1 in 4 New Zealanders live with a disability. Maia Miller says it’s time our tech reflected that, and she shows how leaders can start today.In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, we sit down with Maia Miller, founder of Aleph Accessibility, to unpack the why, how, and impact of building accessible tech. Maia shares her own journey from frontend dev to Aleph Accessibility founder, and breaks down:What accessibility really means in digital productsThe NZ-specific landscape: what’s working, what’s brokenHow accessibility benefits all users, not just disabled usersPractical steps tech leaders can take next weekHow good accessibility makes your AI, codebase, and customer experience betterWhether you’re an engineering manager, product leader, or platform owner, this episode will expand your perspective and give you tangible ways to lead better.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

From no tech background to leading a cybersecurity startup — Ankita Dhakar is reshaping how NZ does pentesting.What happens when you have no tech background, no network, and still decide to start a cybersecurity company? Ankita Dhakar did exactly that — and today she’s the founder and CEO of Capture The Bug, helping listed companies rethink penetration testing.In this episode of Tech Waka, Ankita shares her journey from moving to NZ as a student to building a platform-first pentesting company. We talk about what it’s like being an immigrant woman in a male-dominated industry, how she built credibility without a technical background, and what traditional vendors get wrong about security.We also unpack:How she managed mental health in the lonely early daysWhat makes Capture The Bug’s approach different (and more useful)Why community, kindness, and consistency are her biggest assetsWhether you’re a founder, leader, or security professional — this conversation offers insights and inspiration in equal measure.This episode is sponsored by Wired Uncrossed.

Andrea Magnorsky joins Jakub to pull back the curtain on BEACON — a tech leadership off-site in Auckland on Mon 13 October 2025. Morning: six 20-minute talks + panels across people, product, and architecture. Afternoon: an unconference to tackle your real problems with peers. Theme: Sustainable Evolution — practical change without the theatre. Small room (~30 leaders), no sponsors, curated connections.Beacon website: https://beaconconf.comThis episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

A mid-year pit stop for Tech Waka. In this short solo episode, Jakub wraps the first ten episodes and what the community built together—mentoring, meetups, and a new conference on the horizon.A big thank-you to our first sponsor, Wires Uncrossed, who are uplifting engineering maturity across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.

In this deeply honest episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, Diego Nievas, CTO at Atturra, opens up about mental health in the tech industry — from personal struggles with depression to the pressures of leadership in a world of constant change.We explore:Why mental wellbeing is still a taboo topic in techThe concept of psychological sustainability and why it mattersPersonal stories of burnout, anxiety, and the turning points toward recoveryPractical tools to ground yourself during times of pressureHow to reframe stress, find joy, and protect your inner compassThis conversation is for every technologist who’s ever felt overwhelmed — and for every leader who wants to build healthier, more human teams.

episodeWhat happens when you give experienced mentors and ambitious tech professionals a space to connect, reflect, and grow together? In this episode, we hear from Barbara and James, two participants in the first Tech Waka Mentorship cohort. From overcoming self-doubt and navigating job transitions to finding clarity on their leadership paths, their stories highlight the true impact of mentorship. They share candid reflections on how structured support, community connection, and a bit of courage can unlock new opportunities. If you’re on the fence about joining the next cohort — this episode might be the nudge you need.This podcast episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed, Lifting the standard of software engineering in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.

In this episode of Tech Waka, host Jakub Jurkiewicz sits down with Ruth McDavitt, CEO of Summer of Tech — the platform that’s been helping thousands of students transition into paid tech internships across New Zealand since 2006.Ruth shares the story behind Summer of Tech’s founding, the evolution of the program beyond just code and Wellington, and why internships are still essential for both students and companies — especially in the age of AI and economic uncertainty.We discuss:​What companies gain from hosting interns​How AI is disrupting junior hiring — and where opportunities still lie​Tips for students to stand out and land roles​The role of mentorship in developing future tech leadersWhether you’re hiring, mentoring, or just curious about the future of NZ’s tech workforce, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.This episode was kindly sponsored by Wires Uncrossed.

Shadow AI is already in your organization — but can you see it?In this special Tech Waka episode, we share a live recording from a recent Tech Waka Leadership Collective meetup featuring Ben Mosier, a strategy teaming consultant who helps leaders align around complex challenges.Ben takes us deep into the world of Shadow AI — the unsanctioned, often invisible use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT inside organizations. You’ll also hear directly from meetup participants as they weigh in on:Why copy-paste AI use is not human judgmentWhere Shadow AI poses real risk to your brand, systems, and customersThe legal and ethical gray areas many teams are sleepwalking intoHow to map your organization’s value chain to identify where human oversight matters mostThe surprising pressure to automate — and why resisting it is leadershipThis is not your typical panel or interview. It’s a real-time, thoughtful community conversation — and part of our ongoing effort to make Tech Waka more dynamic, relevant, and grounded in real-world challenges NZ tech leaders face.🎧 Listen in — and ask yourself: Where is AI making decisions in your org without anyone noticing?Big thanks to Wired Uncrossed for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode of Tech Waka, we sit down with Joshua Arnold, a seasoned product and technology leader who’s worked across the UK, Europe, and New Zealand. Joshua dives deep into the concept of Cost of Delay and how it can transform the way we prioritize work — not just for efficiency, but for impact.We explore: • The CD3 method: Cost of Delay divided by Duration • Why most teams overestimate effort and underestimate value • Lessons from Maersk, Pearson, and Kiwi financial services • The reverse Anna Karenina effect in broken software teams • How GenAI is accelerating product discovery and prototypingIf you’re in product, engineering, or tech leadership — or you’re just tired of shipping features no one needs — this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by Wires Uncrossed — helping teams across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond untangle software delivery and build systems that truly perform.

Join Jakub as he celebrates 20 episodes of the Tech Waka podcast, reflecting on milestones, guest insights, and plans for 2025.

In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, I sit down with Annie Vella, Distinguished Engineer at Westpac, to explore the intersection of systems thinking, technical leadership, and the transformative impact of AI on software engineering. Annie shares how systems shape outcomes, the evolving role of AI coding assistants, and what it all means for the future of engineering.