In this episode, Craig sits down with Richard Jacobs, Head of Engineering at Thinkfolio (S&P Global), to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring, recruitment, and leadership in financial technology. With over 25 years in tech and deep experience in financial services, Richard shares his journey from hands-on development to leading high-performing teams.

They explore why being a great technologist doesn’t always translate to great leadership, how hiring processes can be refined to identify true talent, and the challenges of technical assessments in recruitment. Richard also shares insights on hiring in buy-side vs. sell-side finance, building teams that thrive, and how hybrid work is reshaping company culture.

Whether you're a hiring manager, recruiter, or tech professional, this episode dives into the nuances of tech hiring, leadership, and how companies can attract and retain top talent.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 The transition from software engineer to engineering leader
🔹 Why hiring for finance requires a different approach
🔹 How to refine technical assessments & avoid hiring bias
🔹 The impact of remote & hybrid work on career growth
🔹 Retention strategies: What keeps top talent engaged?

Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, leadership, and the future of hiring in financial technology.

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00 ] – Opening & Introduction

• Richard’s background in software engineering & leadership.
• The evolution from technologist to Head of Engineering.

[05:00 ] – What Makes a Great Tech Leader?

• Why technical expertise doesn’t always equal strong leadership.
• The shift from problem-solving to team empowerment.
• How leaders can create environments where teams thrive.

[12:00 ] – The Challenges of Hiring in Financial Services

• The differences between hiring for buy-side vs. sell-side firms.
• Why the best engineers don’t always come from finance backgrounds.
• How to identify potential in candidates beyond their resume.

[20:00 ] – The Role of Technical Assessments in Hiring

• Why companies use coding tests like HackerRank & Codility.
• The challenge of balancing real-world assessments vs. standardized tests.
• How to minimize hiring bias through structured evaluations.

[30:00 ] – Remote & Hybrid Work: Pros & Cons

• Why hybrid work benefits senior engineers but challenges juniors.
• The impact of remote setups on mentorship & career growth.
• How companies can balance flexibility with team cohesion.

[40:00 ] – Talent Retention & Employee Growth

• Why most people leave jobs: money vs. role progression.
• How leaders can offer growth without constant promotions.
• The importance of clear career paths in retaining top talent.

[50:00 ] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

• The future of hiring in tech & financial services.
• How leaders can foster long-term career success.
• Why recruitment needs to evolve beyond just skills matching.