In this episode, our host, TC Gill sits down with Catherine Miller, the Chief Technology Officer of Flatiron Health. Catherine shares her passion for using data and technology to improve cancer treatment and drug development – a truly purposeful mission. We dive into Catherine’s journey to the CTO role, the challenges of leading through different growth phases, and her authentic, empowering approach to leadership. If you’re an aspiring tech leader, get ready for insights that will inspire you to make a real difference.
“I am very comfortable letting people solve their own problems. And I think that’s because I’ve seen how often they solve those problems better than I would have done.”
Key Takeaways:
- Passion for using technology can be a huge driver in improving lives, especially when it comes to innovation in healthcare.
- Exploring different ways to navigate the evolving challenges of leading through startup growth and into a mature enterprise, with a critical focus on technical debt management.
- The gifts that a transparent leadership style gives to your team members. How it becomes a model for others to emulate, invites autonomy while also providing clear direction and constraints.
TLDR: Straight to the point
(Quick Links)
Introducing the guest Tamás Petrovics
The journey to becoming a tech leader
What is the problem that XUND is solving?
How Tamás roles as a leader
As a leader, what keeps Tamás up at night?
How to create the best performing teams
Engineering challenges
Book recommendations by Tamás
Tamás’ wish to the tech genie
Tamás’ key takeaways for aspiring tech leaders
TC’s key takeaways from the podcast
“I absolutely loved Catherine’s passion for using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives, especially in healthcare and cancer treatment. Her thoughtful insights on leading a company through its growth phases were incredibly valuable, and I was truly inspired by her balanced, authentic leadership style. Something I see in very few leaders.
And to add, there was Catherine’s wish to the Tech Genie. Her wish was for the tech industry to find a healthier, more sustainable balance between the cost of engineering talent and the business models that support technology companies. She pointed towards periods of time where capital was “free flowing” and engineering salaries became very high, leading to an unsustainable situation. Her hope is for the industry to land in a more “balanced place” – one where there is a better understanding of how technology should be leveraged and what a reasonable expectation is around the cost of engineering resources. Thus instilling a more pragmatic, sustainable approach. Catherine’s wish was for the tech community to find an equilibrium that works for both the businesses and the people providing the technical expertise – a balanced model that is healthier in the long run.”
TC Gill, CTO Confessions Host
