When it comes to tech leadership you can have all of the technical expertise in the world, but when all is said and done it’s actually people that make the industry tick. With that in mind, our industry’s most successful leaders know that you’ve got to navigate complex challenges by fostering collaboration and leading people with empathy. Luckily we had some top-drawer leaders on the panel of our final Tech Leaders Forum of 2024, held last Thursday at our Edinburgh headquarters.

Below we’ve highlighted some of the key takeaways from the latest session.

The Strength in Vulnerability

For tech leaders, vulnerability may not seem like an obvious leadership quality, but the panel highlighted its crucial role in building trust and collaboration. Cameron Lepper, Head of Platform Engineering at Tribal, shared a story about a challenging team discussion. “Sometimes, leadership means admitting you don’t know and seeking guidance,” he said, recounting how reaching out to a trusted peer helped resolve a complex issue. For tech leaders managing distributed teams or scaling operations, creating a culture of openness can significantly improve team dynamics.

Our very own Emma Nicol, COO here at CreateFuture, highlighted how vulnerability enhances alignment during uncertain times. Reflecting on her experience leading through an acquisition, she said, “We focused on controlling what we could control and leaned into each other for support. Being aligned as a leadership team is key to weathering uncertainty.”

Vulnerability, the panel agreed, is not a weakness. For tech professionals, it fosters innovation by encouraging teams to take calculated risks in a supportive environment.

Balancing People and Performance

Part of the on-the-night discussion centred around the need to balance commercial pressures with team wellbeing via empathy. Haley Glass, Head of Sector at Telefónica Tech, underscored the importance of this point. “When you show genuine care for your team, you unlock their full potential,” she explained. Understanding what motivates individual team members is key for retaining top talent in a competitive job market.

Andrew Smith, Chief Digital Officer at Nucleus Financial, emphasised the need for tech leaders to set clear boundaries. “Modern work blurs the lines between the professional and the personal, but it’s crucial to create those barriers. Ultimately, these are work colleagues, not friends,” he said. This advice is especially relevant for tech leaders working in hybrid or remote environments, where the risk of burnout is high.

The panel shared practical tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, with Haley recounting her deliberate decision to disconnect during a family holiday. “Not only was it a reset for me, but it showed my team that it’s okay to step away,” she said.

Lessons for the Future of Tech Leadership

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the panel discussed the evolving demands on senior tech leaders. Emma Nicol highlighted the importance of transparency within leadership teams, especially during times of transformation. “Your business is only as strong as your people,” she said, advocating for alignment and trust at all levels of an organisation.

Cameron Lepper added that honesty about leadership challenges creates a more inclusive workplace culture. “Sometimes, the best way to lead is to admit you’re finding it hard too,” he said. For senior tech leaders, this level of openness fosters psychological safety and helps teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.

The forum also emphasised the need for adaptability and continuous learning. In an industry where emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are reshaping business landscapes, CTOs and tech leaders must view change as an opportunity to innovate.

The Human Touch in Tech Leadership

Empathy and adaptability emerged as recurring themes throughout the forum. Beyond strategy and technical expertise, the panel stressed that successful tech leadership is about understanding people and creating a culture where they can thrive. Haley encapsulated this sentiment: “Leadership isn’t just about guiding your team today—it’s about preparing them for the future.”

The discussion touched on mentorship and the importance of empowering the next generation of tech leaders, with practical advice on fostering trust, promoting creativity, and supporting team wellbeing. For tech leaders, these qualities are vital for building resilient, high-performing teams in an environment that is constantly changing at pace.

Conclusion: Leading with Purpose

As the evening concluded, one clear message emerged: leadership in tech is about more than strategy and technical expertise—it’s about harnessing people’s potential by offering supportive and empathetic leadership. Whether it’s embracing vulnerability, fostering trust, or prioritising team wellbeing, the best tech leaders lead with authenticity and purpose.

As 2025 fast approaches, these lessons will be critical for navigating the opportunities and challenges a new year will no doubt throw at us.

Check out the insights from our previous Glasgow and Edinburgh events.