In this episode of CTO Confessions, TC Gill sits down with Eddie Pecker, CTO at APEXX, a payment orchestration platform trusted by enterprise companies worldwide. From comparing technical debt to mortgages to breaking down what “deploying with confidence” should look like in 2025, Eddie brings a refreshingly practical view of leadership, AI, and security in fast-moving tech teams.

From Hollywood special effects to cutting-edge AI - this episode covers it all. Join Michael Natkin, Former SVP of Software Engineering at Glowforge, and TC Gill as they dive into why AI is imperative in today’s tech landscape, how creativity and innovation intersect, and what leaders can do to keep their teams inspired in the age of automation.

In this thought-provoking episode, Wes Bailey returns for round two with TC Gill to explore one of the boldest questions in tech leadership today: what happens when innovation, AI, and adaptability redefine the very essence of a CTO? This conversation is part wake-up call, part survival guide for the future of tech leadership and it might just make you rethink your next career move.

How do you lead through culture shifts, acquisitions, and organizational change, without losing sight of people? In this episode, Adan Pope, Senior VP at TAG, shares insights on leadership during high-stakes transitions. From building tension maps to understanding organizational dynamics, his perspective highlights how leaders can turn uncertainty into clarity and growth. This conversation is a masterclass in leading with methodology, empathy, and foresight during times of change.

Technology is advancing faster than ever, but what keeps it meaningful is the human side behind the solutions. In this episode, Falko Buttler, CTO at Lantern, shares how he balances innovation with empathy, scaling tech platforms that support people through life’s most sensitive moments. From early iOS development to leading large-scale transformation, Falko brings insights on building tech that truly serves. This conversation is a reminder that even in an age of AI, leadership must be anchored in human connection.

Aleksandra Gjinovska, Head of Technology at IT Labs, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to share her journey as a woman leading in a male-dominated industry and how mentorship, saying no, and organizational support shape future leaders. Whether you’re scaling teams, mentoring future leaders, or striving to foster inclusive leadership, this conversation is full of insights that will inspire and challenge you.

Naresh Singh, Partner and CTO at Lenox Advisors, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to discuss how technology is reshaping wealth management from AI-driven data systems to leadership grounded in both technical foresight and servant leadership. Whether you’re navigating financial services, driving transformation through technology, or leading high-performing teams, this conversation will inspire and equip you with practical insights.

Allen Cheung, SVP of Engineering at UJET.cx, sat down with our host TC Gill for our podcast CTO Confessions to explore how AI is reshaping the tech industry and why some programmers resist this transformation. Whether you’re building teams, navigating the shift to AI-powered engineering, or simply looking to embrace growth through change, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

What can the Marines teach us about leading high-performing tech teams? A lot more than you might think. In this episode, Bob Hackney, CTO at PerfectServe, shares how a mission-first mindset translates from the battlefield to the boardroom, delivering results without sacrificing your people. His “double win” approach is all about achieving objectives while growing and empowering teams. Whether you’re scaling a tech org, running global teams, or simply looking to lead with empathy and impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

In this episode of CTO Confessions, we sit down with Reinaldo Ynchaustegui, CTO in the asset management space, for an overview of what it really takes to lead in tech. From dissecting how to automate a tech team’s workflow without losing the human touch to exploring the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, Reinaldo shares insights from the frontlines. Tune in to hear the realities behind the role and the balance between tech and people.

Can good leadership be taught or does it come down to who you are? In this episode, we sit down with Wes Bailey, Founder at Par Not Far, for a refreshingly honest conversation about leadership, bureaucracy, and why some of today’s sacred practices might need to go. If you’re tired of corporate speak and want something real, this is the episode for you.

How can we separate real innovation from hype? In this episode, Joel Krooswyk, Federal CTO at GitLab, joins TC Gill for a thoughtful deep dive into the evolving role of AI in development, hiring, and leadership. Joel brings 25+ years of experience across private and public sectors and this conversation hits that perfect balance of vision and pragmatism. Tune in now and explore the full story!

What happens when deep technical knowledge meets real-world domain expertise? In this episode, TC Gill is joined by James Long, CTO at Palomar, to explore what it takes to lead with clarity in a high-stakes environment. From modeling risk to building strong, cross-functional teams, this conversation is packed with practical insights for tech leaders. If you're looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this episode delivers.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Finnegan, Chief Technology Officer at Cognosos, to rethink what’s possible with RTLS (Real-Time Location Services) in the AI era. Michael shares how he’s achieving more with less data, offering a fresh perspective on crafting smarter, scalable tech solutions. From reimagining product development to embracing real-time insights, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for tech leaders. Tune in now and discover how to flip the script on traditional tech thinking.

What makes great software truly customer-centric? In this week’s episode, Chris Huff, former CTO at Rent Group, joins TC Gill to break down the real secret behind building products that actually serve users. Spoiler: it’s not about adding more features.

From cinematography to the C-suite? Yes, you read that right. In this episode, TC Gill talks with Chris Geiser, CTO at DCG ONE, about an unconventional leadership journey that blends creativity, marketing, and tech strategy. If you’re into leadership lessons with a personal twist, this one’s for you.

What happens when a company grows through acquisitions but wants to keep the startup spirit alive? In this episode, TC Gill sits down with Ed Frederici, CTO at Appfire, to explore how to build harmony in a scaling tech company, without crushing innovation. From preserving entrepreneurial culture to building strong, autonomous teams, this one’s packed with insight.

This week, TC Gill is joined by Oleg Korenfeld, CTO at CMI Media Group, to unpack how technology transforms health and wellness marketing. From traditional media to data-driven strategies, Oleg shares insights on building scalable solutions that deliver real campaign value. Expect stories on innovation, strategic tech adoption, and the evolving role of marketing tech leaders.

What makes great tech solutions truly effective? It’s not features, it’s outcomes. In this episode, TC Gill speaks with Drew Morrell, Head of Engineering at Workiva, about why user-centered design, agile thinking, and purposeful product development matter more than feature counts. Tune in for insights that cut through the noise and get to the core of what product teams should focus on.

In this episode, Eric Levin shares his journey to becoming CTO and how taking calculated risks shaped his leadership style, one that's purpose-driven and people-focused. Key takeaways: - Why calculated risks are essential for growth - How transparency can strengthen team dynamics - Why embracing hard, boring tasks matters for leadership Tune in for an honest look at leadership in action. Important Risk Information: GCM Grosvenor (NASDAQ: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. Investments in alternatives are speculative and involve substantial risk, including market risks, credit risks, macroeconomic risks, liquidity risks, manager risks, counterparty risks, interest rate risks, and operational risks, and may result in the possible loss of your entire investment. No assurance can be given that any investment will achieve its objectives or avoid losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendations or an offer to buy or sell securities by GCM Grosvenor. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, or political conditions. GCM Grosvenor® and Grosvenor® are trademarks of GCM Grosvenor and its affiliated entities. ©2025 GCM Grosvenor L.P. All rights reserved. Our Guest: Eric Levin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levin-eric/ Website: http://www.gcmgrosvenor.com Intro and background music: Craig MacArthur - Power Shutoff (www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74iB_jtauw)