The CTO Playbook

Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew8bLgh5Jq0f2SgbWehRviJnQogAfo8CRW6_OQVzUXsIWnRA/viewform] to connect with other CTOs! What if the most complex part of your backend system... just vanished? In this episode, Adam sits down with Maxim Fateev, CTO and co-founder of Temporal, a platform quietly revolutionizing how distributed systems are built at companies like Stripe, Snap, and Netflix. With a career spanning Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Uber, Maxim brings a rare, battle-tested perspective to the chaos of modern infrastructure. This conversation unpacks why the old way of building event-driven systems is fundamentally broken—and how Temporal’s concept of durable execution makes reliability and scale feel effortless. You’ll learn why your devs are wasting thousands of hours on boilerplate, how workflows are being redefined by AI, and why most “modern” architectures are really just legacy spaghetti in disguise. If you care about developer velocity, rock-solid uptime, or building tech that doesn’t implode at scale, this one’s a must-listen. You’ll Learn: * How durable execution eliminates retries, race conditions, and orchestration chaos * Why event-driven systems create hidden coupling—and how to break it * How Amazon’s early monolith shaped a new paradigm for backend scale * What makes step functions a step backwards in modern architecture * How to write workflows that survive failures, restarts, and region-wide outages * Why most business logic doesn’t need YAML, queues, or 12 microservices * How to scale from prototype to production without rewriting core systems * What AI agents reveal about the future of workflow orchestration * How Temporal boosts developer productivity by 5–10x in real-world teams * Why durable execution is becoming the backbone of enterprise AI systems Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:37] Why durable execution matters in distributed systems [03:36] The pain of monoliths and the shift to microservices [05:19] Why events create tight coupling in architecture [07:00] Amazon’s early attempt at workflow orchestration [07:50] Why AWS step functions fall short [09:08] How durable execution actually works [10:44] Open-source vs cloud-hosted Temporal [12:48] Multi-region replication and total uptime [13:58] Write workflows in code, not configs [15:50] Is Temporal just for big companies? [16:37] 5–10x productivity gains with durable execution [18:26] Durable execution as a new middleware layer [20:03] Replacing bloated cloud architecture with one function [21:10] When not to use Temporal [23:03] Netflix’s switch from Spinnaker to Temporal [24:15] Language support and runtime challenges [25:03] New features: priority queues and fairness [26:36] Nexus: long-running RPC calls with full durability [28:34] Getting started with Temporal [30:19] Why Max stepped down as CEO [32:14] Durable execution powering AI workloads [35:18] Why AI agents need orchestration [37:03] Saving state between agent calls [39:34] Durable execution vs traditional AI workflows Resources Mentioned: Amazon Simple Workflow Service | Website [https://aws.amazon.com/swf/] AWS Step Functions | Website [https://aws.amazon.com/step-functions/] Temporal (Open Source) | Website [https://github.com/temporalio/temporal] Temporal Documentation and Courses | Website [https://docs.temporal.io/] Azure Durable Functions | Website [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/durable/durable-functions-overview?tabs=in-process%2Cnodejs-v3%2Cv1-model&pivots=csharp] Temporal Slack Community | Website [https://temporalio.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-358xvk634-RXs1lBob_t9pdWsLWBCvCg#/shared-invite/email] If you want to learn more about Max’s work, follow him on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fateev/]. Find more from Adam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhorner/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIBKIGGjsew2vGL3zVJQvw], and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech [https://www.synova.tech/].

Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew8bLgh5Jq0f2SgbWehRviJnQogAfo8CRW6_OQVzUXsIWnRA/viewform] to connect with other CTOs! Most CEOs hire the wrong CTO—not because of a talent shortage, but because they don't know what they're actually looking for.  In this episode, Adam sits down with returning guest Warren Beazley—known across the UK tech scene as The CTO Recruiter. With nearly 30 years in the industry and a track record of 96%+ retention rates, Warren specializes in helping founder-led and investor-backed companies make one of the most pivotal hires in their org: a world-class CTO. You’ll learn why most CTO searches fail before they begin, how top CEOs are quietly mapping their talent pipelines long before they’re hiring, and the exact behavioral tools Warren uses to identify true leadership fit—not just technical skill. Whether you’re a CEO hiring your first tech exec or a CTO positioning yourself for your next role, this episode reveals how high-stakes technical hiring actually works behind the scenes. Expect sharp insights on filtering through noise, diagnosing culture clashes before they happen, and why gut instinct is no longer enough. You’ll Learn: * How elite CEOs reverse-engineer their CTO hires for long-term fit * Why mapping your talent market beats relying on inbound candidates * How Warren’s “12-month success review” technique clarifies role expectations * What most CEOs get wrong about job specs—and how to fix it * How behavioral surveys predict executive compatibility before it’s too late * How to test for strategic thinking without asking cliché interview questions * What to do when you’re not the candidate’s first choice—and how to tell * How to spot red flags in resumes that even experienced recruiters miss * Why most hiring failures aren’t about skills—they’re about culture mismatches Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:37] Why the CTO hiring market is still tough in 2025 [05:07] What makes hiring CTOs more like poker than chess [07:15] The difference between founder-led vs investor-led hiring [10:18] Why great CEOs pivot and redefine their own role [12:16] Why most companies don’t know who their top candidates are [14:03] Employed vs. unemployed CTO hiring strategy [15:00] How to pitch your company to elite CTOs [16:13] Why money isn’t the main motivator for great candidates [17:41] The “12-month success review” for defining your ideal hire [20:00] Why job ads fail and how to create story-driven ones [22:03] Mapping the market to uncover passive candidates [25:00] The challenge of filtering hundreds of resumes [27:00] How structured interviews speed up good hiring [29:16] What your resume should reveal—but probably doesn’t [31:14] Culture and compatibility: the real reasons hires fail [33:00] How behavioral surveys predict long-term fit [36:03] Using personality data to shape interview questions [38:06] Why a 3-day decision window makes or breaks offers [40:01] Setting salary expectations early to avoid breakdowns [42:15] Open feedback channels that improve CTO retention [45:03] What really happens when a great hire walks away You can learn more about Warren's work on his website [https://edisonhillsearch.com/]. or you can book a FREE 10 Minute [https://calendly.com/warrenctosearch/10-minute-discovery-chat] call to understand if his hiring blueprint would work for you. Find more from Adam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhorner/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIBKIGGjsew2vGL3zVJQvw], and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech [https://www.synova.tech/].

Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew8bLgh5Jq0f2SgbWehRviJnQogAfo8CRW6_OQVzUXsIWnRA/viewform] to connect with other CTOs! What if the part of you causing burnout is the same one that got you where you are? In this episode, Adam sits down with Rob Kalwarowsky—executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Capitalizing on Chaos—to explore how high performers can stop white-knuckling their leadership journey and start transforming from within. Rob has helped tech execs and founders all over the world how to fast-track deep change through his FIRE method, a unique four-step framework that rewires how we lead, scale, and relate to chaos itself. If you’ve ever looked “successful” on the outside while feeling stuck, burned out, or quietly miserable on the inside, this conversation will hit home. You’ll hear Rob’s deeply personal journey from MIT engineer to global coach, how internal family systems reshaped his leadership philosophy, and why chaos might be the exact catalyst you need. Expect mindset rewiring, counterintuitive truth bombs, and tools to break through the next ceiling in your growth. This one’s not just about business. It’s about the human behind the title. You’ll Learn: * How Rob’s FIRE method rewires leadership by turning inner chaos into strategic clarity * Why imposter syndrome signals deeper misalignment, not personal failure * What Internal Family Systems reveals about the voices that shape executive behavior * How high achievers unknowingly sabotage themselves by clinging to “productive” masks * Why logical self-talk fails—and what actually works to shift emotional patterns * What guilt and overachievement often hide in leadership dynamics * How emotional check-ins create trust and coherence in your inner team * Why leaning into chaos can unlock innovation, not just survival * How to evolve your leadership identity without losing your edge Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [06:13] The cost of a “perfect” life [08:42] The role of coaching and therapy in real growth [11:41] What Internal Family Systems therapy reveals [13:21] Why mindset hacks don’t solve deep issues [15:11] Even destructive inner voices have a purpose [16:27] Rob’s 6-minute self-leadership exercise [16:53] Step 1 of the FIRE method: find your reason [17:32] Step 2: ignite the masks and uncover inner blocks [21:56] Step 3: rapidly transform your identity [25:04] Step 4: expand and evolve your leadership [26:17] Why fear shuts down innovation [28:00] How to lead teams through disruption [30:10] Chaos opens new possibilities for growth [31:33] Summary of the FIRE method [32:57] The importance of guided transformation [35:55] Why leadership growth is deeply personal Resources Mentioned: How to Handle a Bad Boss | TEDx Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1okVCyCJjdw&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD] Saboteur Assessment | Website [https://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/] Internal Family Systems by Dr. Richard Schwartz | Website [https://ifs-institute.com/] Movie: Inside Out If you want the first 2 chapters of Capitalizing on Chaos for FREE, sign up for Robs newsletter [https://www.robkalwarowsky.com/]! Find more from Adam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhorner/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIBKIGGjsew2vGL3zVJQvw], and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech [https://www.synova.tech/].

Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew8bLgh5Jq0f2SgbWehRviJnQogAfo8CRW6_OQVzUXsIWnRA/viewform] to connect with other CTOs! Ever wondered what it really takes to produce a high-quality tech podcast from scratch—while wrangling kids, late nights, and a studio in your basement? In this rare behind-the-scenes solo episode of The CTO Playbook, Adam pulls back the curtain on the exact gear, workflows, and production team that bring each episode to life. You’ll get a candid tour of his setup—from boom mics and soundproofing hacks to lighting rigs, software automation, and the husband-and-wife editing duo who shape the final sound. Whether you're a tech leader curious about content creation, or just a gear nerd wondering how to level up your own audio-video presence, this episode delivers a crisp, tactical walkthrough of what goes into building a professional podcast from the ground up. You’ll Learn: * How low-tech soundproofing methods can dramatically boost audio quality * Why lighting—not camera quality—is the secret weapon for pro-looking video * What Adam’s minimalist mic and soundboard setup reveals about smart gear investment * How in-ear monitors solve a hidden distraction problem in podcasting * How to repurpose MIDI buttons and OBS for seamless video scene control * What behind-the-scenes editing reveals about capturing a guest’s true voice * How a modular, portable gear setup enables studio-quality content on the road * Why recording late at night might be your best move for consistency and clarity * How to transform a standing desk into a high-performance media station * What working with a small production team unlocks in creativity and output quality Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:25] Purpose of this behind-the-scenes episode [01:27] Who produces the podcast [02:19] Why episodes are recorded at night [03:00] Microphone and audio gear overview [04:00] How the audio is routed and optimized [05:05] Acoustic treatment in the room [06:00] Webcam, monitor, and lighting overview [07:15] Lighting gear and why it's travel-friendly [08:25] Background lighting setup [09:25] Software used to control lighting [10:22] OBS setup and live scene switching [11:45] Using Riverside and production handoff [13:08] Desk setup and standing comfort [14:10] Music used and its personal connection [15:00] Using the setup for coaching calls Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here [https://bit.ly/3DC8av4]. Resources Mentioned: Shure SM7B Microphone | Website [https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm7b] Elgato Low Profile Wave Mic Arm | Website [https://www.elgato.com/ca/en/p/wave-mic-arm-lp] Sennheiser IE 200 In-Ear Monitors | Website [https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us] RØDECaster Duo | Website [https://rode.com/en/interfaces-and-mixers/rodecaster-series/rodecaster-duo?variant_sku=RCDUOW] Amaran 100X S | Website [https://aputure.com/en-US/products/amaran-100x-s?Title=Default+Title] Aputure Light Dome Mini III | Website [https://aputure.com/en-US/products/light-dome-mini-iii?Title=Default+Title] Keep It by Justin J. Moore and Mortiz Houwen | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/1YYIhydzEjdfhAALtTWu49] or Apple [https://music.apple.com/us/song/keep-it/1594168746] Find more from Adam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhorner/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIBKIGGjsew2vGL3zVJQvw], and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech [https://www.synova.tech/].

Join The CTO Playbook Slack Community [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew8bLgh5Jq0f2SgbWehRviJnQogAfo8CRW6_OQVzUXsIWnRA/viewform] to connect with other CTOs! Victor Nicollet is an expert in mechanical sympathy for software, focusing on how software design can better align with the hardware it runs on for smarter, faster systems. In this episode, you're going to learn what mechanical sympathy is and why understanding your hardware can massively improve software performance, how to predict when software should be optimized instead of waiting for users to feel pain, why abstraction layers can hurt performance and how to navigate escape hatches when needed, the importance of building broad but shallow systems to keep software fast and manageable, and when it makes sense to build your own tools instead of buying or using existing ones. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [02:00] What mechanical sympathy means for software [07:00] Building a custom language for supply chain optimization [09:00] Real-time analysis and scaling big data [11:00] When to optimize before pain shows up [13:00] Diagnosing hidden performance issues [15:00] How hardware understanding drives smarter software [17:00] Fighting abstraction layers to regain speed [20:00] Data size matters more than you think [23:00] Using smaller memory layouts for faster performance [26:00] Lossy compression vs real-time performance needs [29:00] Structuring broad but shallow systems [31:00] Using optimized black boxes the right way [34:00] Where glue code bottlenecks appear [37:00] Build vs buy decisions based on real needs [39:00] Why Lokad had to create its own data format [41:00] Storing petabytes for supply chain forecasting [44:00] Summarizing the 7-step optimization strategy Resources Mentioned: Lokad | Website [https://www.lokad.com/] If you want to learn more from Victor, follow him on LinkedIn [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fvictornicollet%2F&user_uuid=20bcd015-b05e-425a-8cec-4b0a4801ac24&stage=1&hmac=4c2d6d6cee9afb6c0fd092f87bf6b5011fc7feaf1898542a059dd163f55e949c]. Find more from Adam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhorner/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIBKIGGjsew2vGL3zVJQvw], and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech [https://www.synova.tech/].