I’ll admit to overusing two analogies: bowling alleys (a post for another day) and icebergs. Tech initiatives, especially the ones I refer to as Momentum Builders, Debt Paydowns, and Risk Reducers (see: Gambler or Scientist), often resemble icebergs. Only the part above the waterline is visible to the business. This makes selling and celebrating them … Continue reading Shipping Icebergs: The Quiet Triumph of User Merging
Win or lose? I prefer experiment and learn. 3 things occurred: 1. CTO Coachings on “Bets” – Learning to break work into plays (business cases) that I can sell to the business. Every initiative falls into one (or more) of four categories: Momentum Builders (iterative improvements, process gains) Debt Paydown (tech debt, foundational work) Revenue … Continue reading Gambler or Scientist
A car that forced Ferrari to evolve, influenced the McLaren F1, and was fine-tuned by Senna himself. I had the chance to get behind the wheel of one, and it didn’t disappoint. Silky ride quality, precise balance, and an analogue experience that feels as special today as it must have 30 years ago. Read my full article on the Collecting … Continue reading What’s it like to drive the original Honda NSX?
A team member asked if our strategy and approach was lifted from the Phoenix Project. They wondered if that’s why I split our engineers into two squads: one focused on features, owning our frontend repos, and the other on platform, owning the backend and cleaning up the “messy middle”. We have a learning budget at … Continue reading The Phoenix Project?
I’ve always been a strong advocate for remote work, especially in the tech world. It offers flexibility, allows people to work from where they’re most productive, and makes a lot of sense for our industry. With Amazon forcing everyone back to the office, I can’t help but disagree with a one-size-fits-all approach. That said, our … Continue reading Remote, first
Last night, I went to a talk by Oliver Burkeman, for the launch of his new book, Meditations for Mortals. It was a brilliant evening, and his ideas hit home. He made a point that stuck with me: we all have problems, and they never fully go away. Some people’s problems are a lot worse … Continue reading Problems & Finitude
Two years in feels like a good moment to reflect on the journey so far and the road ahead. Just after my 1-year on post, things escalated as I became Head of Engineering and joined the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at The Collecting Group (TCG), Collecting Cars and Watch Collecting. I’ve survived my first board … Continue reading Changing Gears: Navigating the Road to Executive Tech Leadership
The best way to enjoy your newly purchased dream car? Upgrade the driver. Learn from the unfortunate fate of my Elise (S2 Sport Tourer). I took guidance from a friend and enrolled at Andrew Walsh Driver Training.
1 year ago, I left my 22 year IBM career to join a startup. Everything changed and nothing changed. I've learnt a lot about myself.
This isn't a post I thought I would be writing. After 22 years, I'm leaving IBM. I have loved my career and the people I worked with! I want to thank all my managers, mentors, coaches, leaders and teams. Without you and your support, I would not have had the opportunities I enjoyed at IBM. To say I will miss you would be an understatement.
Olly Brand 