Leaders in Tech Spotlight
As of 2021, there are approximately 152 thousand tech-related companies in the UK, which means that there are a large number of distinguished leaders in the field. Here at Humand, we’ve decided to shine the spotlight on some of these technology leaders and hope that they can impart their wisdom!
First up we have Robert West
Robert is a highly experienced tech leader who has spent twenty years in the web development industry. He’s worked on projects for household names like – Pepsi, Carlsberg, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Sky. He’s highly proficient in Microsoft technologies including C~, .NET, ASP.NET MVC, Azure, Azure DevOps and Xamarin. Recently, he’s been spending more time with JavaScript, React and Gatsby.
Robert loves the challenge of explaining complex technologies and solutions to non-technical people and is a passionate communicator of digital technologies.
With a growth mindset and the determination to keep striving for personal improvement, Robert learns from his mistakes and believes that we shouldn’t put up with the status quo, things can always be better and that we should strive to enable people to do their best work.
When he’s not coaching Robert is a competitive time trial and track cyclist. He’s the current Masters European Champion, World silver medallist and former National Champion in the Individual Pursuit. He rides for AeroCoach, provider of aerodynamic testing, cycling equipment and coaching.
On the top step of the podium at the European Masters Track Championships in 2017. Photo credit to Rachael Elliott
Q) How would you describe your leadership style?
A) I have a coaching leadership style, which means developing others and turning their thinking on rather than telling them what to do.
Q) Biggest ever leadership lesson you have had?
A) Recognising that I needed to let go of the work and skills that previously made me successful. A good manager finds satisfaction in helping others to be productive, not being the most productive person on the team. I took far too long to realise this!
Q) Your no.1 tip to any inspiring Tech Leader?
A) Listen to your team members. Really listen, don’t interrupt them, and make sure you understand what they are saying. Get curious and ask questions from that place. I have learnt from my coaching training that active listening is a superpower. You should always listen more than you speak. Try it for a day and see what you notice.
Q) Where will tech leadership be in 10 years’ time?
A) I have no idea, but I hope we will have more adaptive and human ways of working. Work should be a source of purpose and fulfilment for people, not stress and burnout.
Q) Your favourite thing about being a tech leader?
A) There is always something new to learn.
Rob is currently training to be a workplace coach accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. He is particularly keen to coach those from poorly represented or disadvantaged backgrounds in tech. If you are interested in finding out how coaching could help your career development, then get in touch with Rob on LinkedIn!
