Throughout 2024, CreateFuture’s Tech Leaders Forum brought together industry experts to discuss the evolving challenges of technology leadership in a supportive and positive environment. We’ve gained insight from tech leaders who work across a variety of different sectors, and who have all had very different journeys to becoming ‘tech leaders’. As a result, every forum has been packed with insight, practical advice and some actionable takeaways for everyone no matter where they are on their leadership journey. We’ve also had some laughs along the way, with our very own Darren Dalrymple eliciting some funny anecdotes and thoughts from our speakers.  

As we prepare for another year of transformative insights in 2025, let’s reflect on the standout themes that have shaped discussions across the UK this year.

Navigating post-pandemic leadership challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has indelibly transformed the tech industry, compelling leaders to adapt to hybrid work environments while maintaining team cohesion and productivity. Martin Burns, Director of Digital, Data & Technology at Registers of Scotland, shared his experience of joining a new organisation during this period, emphasising the importance of prioritising face-to-face interactions and leveraging initiatives like 'Coffee Roulette' to build relationships across the business. He noted, "Learning a new business, forming new relationships in an unfamiliar sector, and leading a team of 300+ colleagues in a 'hybrid' world has been an ongoing challenge."

Embracing vulnerability and authenticity

A recurring theme is the strength found in vulnerability. Leaders like Cameron Lepper, Head of Platform Engineering at Tribal, emphasised that admitting uncertainties and seeking guidance fosters trust and collaboration within teams. He shared, "Sometimes, leadership means admitting you don’t know and seeking guidance."

Our own COO, Emma Nicol, COO also highlighted that during periods of transformation, such as acquisitions, focusing on controllable factors and mutual support is crucial. She reflected, "We focused on controlling what we could control and leaned into each other for support."
This openness not only aligns leadership teams but also cultivates a culture where innovation thrives.

Balancing commercial pressures with team wellbeing

The forums underscored the importance of balancing organisational goals with employee welfare. Haley Glass, Head of Sector at Telefónica Tech, noted that genuine care for team members unlocks their full potential. She explained, "When you show genuine care for your team, you unlock their full potential."

Understanding individual motivations is vital for retaining top talent. Andrew Smith, Chief Digital Officer at Nucleus Financial, stressed the necessity of setting clear boundaries to maintain professionalism and prevent burnout, especially in hybrid work environments. He advised, "Modern work blurs the lines between the professional and the personal, but it’s crucial to create those barriers."

Fostering a people-centric approach

Empathy and adaptability have been identified as critical components of effective leadership. Elizabeth Hollinger, a Freelance Consultant with extensive experience in building data teams, emphasised the importance of "leading over managing," focusing on empowering team members and fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.

Kristina Philip, Director of Product at CreateFuture, discussed the power of curiosity and empathy in driving a growth mindset within teams. She advised, "Always try to lead with empathy—it means you can really unlock what your people are motivated by."

Scott Liddell, a veteran tech leader, also advocated for leaders to act as facilitators, providing space for teams to thrive without micromanaging, akin to a football manager who trusts players to perform on the pitch.

Prioritising effective leadership practices

The forums also explored essential leadership practices:

• Effective Prioritisation: Focusing on significant tasks ('rocks') rather than getting bogged down by minor ones ('sand') ensures impactful leadership. Ryan Kane, Head of UX at The Weir Group PLC, introduced the Rock/Stone/Sand analogy, urging leaders to focus on what truly matters.

• Strategic Decision-Making: Choosing battles wisely and maintaining perspective helps leaders invest energy where it matters most. Ryan Kane reminded us of the importance of perspective, asking, "Is this your hill to die on?"

• Succession Planning: Empowering teams through trust and autonomy reduces reliance on leaders for answers, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Kristina Philip focused on the importance of succession planning within a team, calling for leaders to "give trust" rather than telling people they need to earn it.

Where to in 2025?

As we step into 2025, CreateFuture’s Tech Leaders Forum will return, continuing to provide a platform for thought-provoking discussions and actionable insights from leaders. Stay tuned for another year of invaluable lessons and connections that will shape the future of tech leadership. Also, keep your eyes peeled as our Tech Leaders Forum will be hitting London and Manchester next year too. See you there!