What separates a good team from a truly great one? In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham sits down with Sean Riches, founder and managing director of Erskine Nash Associates, to explore the science and psychology behind high-performing teams.   With over 20 years’ experience in leadership, organisational psychology, and consultancy, Sean has worked with global giants like Vodafone, Oracle, Microsoft, and TCS. Through his CAB model — Clarity, Alignment, Behaviour — he helps leaders and teams move beyond competence to excellence.   Together, Zoe and Sean unpack the real drivers of team effectiveness, from psychological safety to behavioural alignment, and share practical ways to measure and improve performance across thinking and feeling dimensions.   In this episode, discover: The five key traits of high-performing teams (from Google’s Project Aristotle) How to measure both the cognitive and emotional sides of team effectiveness Why clarity, alignment, and behaviour are the foundation of lasting performance How leaders can overcome fear, complexity, and disengagement Real-world techniques for assessing and improving team dynamics If you enjoy this episode, please follow The Digital Lighthouse and we'd appreciate a quick rating or review. Your feedback helps us continue bringing you expert insights on leadership, technology, and the future of work.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham talks with Clare Sudbery — independent technical coach, consultant, and international speaker with over 25 years in software engineering. Clare has worked across healthcare, insurance, and travel, and now helps technical teams boost performance through clarity, alignment, and collaboration. Together they explore ensemble working — also known as mob programming or software teaming — and why it’s a powerful shift from solo coding to true collective problem-solving. Clare explains how ensemble working speeds up delivery, reduces risk, and builds stronger, kinder teams that learn faster and work better together. Discover: What ensemble working is and how it extends pair programming Why complex systems demand collaboration, not heroics How agile and XP principles shape ensemble practices The hidden costs of handoffs and meetings — and how to remove them Why onboarding, training, and new features are ideal starting points How kindness and fast feedback drive high performance See Clare live on 16 October at Outpace Conf Manchester → outpaceconf.com

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham speaks with Catherine Stagg-Macey, executive coach, advisor, and host of the Unsaid At Work podcast. After more than 20 years in consulting and operations, Catherine has seen how traditional command-and-control leadership fails in fast-moving tech environments. Together they explore why authenticity and vulnerability are not weaknesses but core strengths for today’s technology leaders. Catherine shares how letting go of the illusion of control, acknowledging challenges, and treating teams like adults can transform culture, build trust, and unlock better performance—even in turbulent times. Discover How to show vulnerability without oversharing: sharing “scars” rather than open wounds Why authenticity builds stronger teams and reduces the burden on leaders  Why “motivation” isn’t something leaders can inject, but a balance of clear direction and the right people The difference between acknowledgement and toxic positivity—and why it matters Strategies for motivating self-driven teams without micromanagement How to handle difficult conversations when budgets tighten or uncertainty looms Practical ways to co-create solutions with your team while retaining decision-making authority If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. We would also appreciate a few moments of your time to rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; we value all feedback from our listeners to deliver the best content and experience.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse - The Software Podcast, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Ben Bilsland, a Partner and Head of Technology Industry at RSM UK, to dive into a wide-ranging conversation about the future of UK tech and macro trends shaping it.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse - The Software Podcast, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Ann-Marie Gallacher, Chief Information Officer at NHS 24 Scotland, to explore how AI and digital transformation are revolutionizing healthcare delivery while maintaining clinical safety and patient care standards.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse - The Software Podcast, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Simon Wardley, Owner of Swardley Maps, to share how business leaders can better navigate digital transformation through visual mapping techniques.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse,, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Shaukat Ali Khan, Executive Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at NHS, to explore the future of digital healthcare, including the importance of leveraging AI in healthcare, balancing innovation with governance, and creating patient-centric digital transformations.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Kamales Lardi, CEO at Lardi & Partner Consulting, to discuss The Brain Code, how leaders can use neuroscience to break through resistance, foster trust, and build a truly human-centric approach to digital transformation.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse - The Softwire Podcast, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Richard G Brown, Founding CTO and Advisor to the CEO at R3. Together, they explore the practical applications of enterprise blockchain, digital currencies, and confidential computing. From scaling high-performance tech teams to navigating emerging technologies, Richard shares invaluable insights on how businesses can evaluate and integrate blockchain solutions for maximum value.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, host Zoe Cunningham explores the challenges and opportunities for women career switchers in tech with Sasha Burgoyne and Esme Chant from Softwire. Join them as they discuss: Why women career switchers need additional support in tech Creating supportive workplace environments for career switchers The value career switchers bring to tech organisations The structure and benefits of the TechSwitch program About Guests Sasha Burgoyne is the co-founder of TechSwitch, an award-winning software development training programme for career switches looking to move into tech, as well as people looking to return to the workplace. She is also Head of Academy at Softwire which delivers training in DevOps and software development and has been part of Softwire’s DEI Working Group since its inception. Esme Chant is the D&I Lead and a People Advisor at Softwire. She has played a key role in enhancing inclusivity within the company by implementing practical solutions, such as neurodiversity awareness training, facilitating reasonable adjustments, and creating a D&I calendar to ensure that various identities are recognised and celebrated. Episode Highlights: [00:00:01] Introduction and welcome [00:00:32] Esme's background and DE&I role [00:00:48] Sasha's role in TechSwitch program [00:01:11] Discussion on supporting women career switchers [00:02:30] Overview of TechSwitch program [00:06:49] Career switchers' value in the workplace [00:08:38] Softwire's workplace support initiatives [00:10:42] LevelUp program details [00:16:11] How to prepare for TechSwitch [00:17:30] TechSwitch application process Resources: TechSwitch- www.techswitch.co.uk Softwire - https://www.softwire.com/ Codecademy - https://www.codecademy.com/ Code Wars - https://www.codewars.com/

In this episode of Softwire Tech Talks, host Zoe Cunningham is joined by Nick Bates, COO of CTO Craft, and Yemi Olegbaiye, Client Portfolio Director at Softwire. Together, they discuss the importance of building strong tech leadership communities, navigating digital transformation, and fostering meaningful connections in the technology sector.

It can sometimes feel like people are just born to network, schmooze and hold court. For others, it’s this big, forced, uncomfortable thing that they’d happily avoid forever - especially when some people dominate the room. It doesn’t have to be that way - nor should it be. Because, at its heart, networking is about connection and community. And everyone deserves the opportunity to get involved, get value, and feel part of something. In our latest episode, Helen Jackson (Principal Technical Consultant) and Laura Phillips (Delivery Director), share their experiences and provide sage advice on how you can rethink and reapproach networking: - Key ways to make networking more inclusive at events - How to apply the C-shape (Pac-Man technique) - Other ways to network outside of events - Top tips for being a better networker

User research is the linchpin behind the core services we rely on in every part of our lives. A fundamental part of the work is inclusive design (also known as universal design) to ensure all products and services work for everybody - regardless of age, ability or circumstance. In our latest episode of The Digital Lighthouse, Softwire’s Research Principal, Callum Bates, delves into all the moving pieces that ensure no stone is left unturned when creating exceptional experiences for everyone.

Modernising legacy software and infrastructure is hard. Really hard. Nobody wants to be lumbered in a clunky inefficient system. But “slaying the monolith” is easier said than done. Just ask Anthony Nolan. Increasingly hampered by its existing technology, the stem cell transplant charity was struggling to iterate and facing increasingly high levels of friction. So what do you do? Build a totally new piece of technology? Or rewire the existing system? Turns out, it’s a bit of both. In our latest episode, Softwire’s Ben Below details how the organisation successfully embarked on a modernisation journey.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, Zoe Cunningham is joined by Monal Sangvhi, an experienced technology leader in investment banking technology, Adept a leading high-performing, cross-functional teams—most recently at Tray.ai—Monal shares her invaluable insights on how highly-regulated organisations can innovate safely. In this episode, Monal explains how: The importance of encouraging risk Giving teams the freedom to embrace innovation initiatives How agility doesn’t mean “fragility” Practical approaches to organising your teams

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, Zoe Cunningham is joined by Glen McCracken, the Head of Data and Analytics at ION, a leading firm in automation solutions for the financial sector. With a rich background in corporate finance and applied statistics, Glen delves into the pivotal role of data analytics in shaping business strategies and enhancing operational efficiency. His unique perspective, born from years of experience and a passion for innovation, offers invaluable insights into harnessing technology for better decision-making.

In this enlightening episode of the Digital Lighthouse, we sit down with Denholm Hesse, Chief Data Officer at BDO. With a rich background spanning over a decade in data management, including pioneering roles at Deloitte and Prudential, Denholm brings unparalleled insights into leveraging data as a strategic asset. Our conversation dives into the evolving role of data governance, the innovative concept of a data marketplace, and the critical importance of data quality and trust in driving business efficiency. Join us as Denholm shares his visionary approach to harnessing data's potential in turbulent times, illuminating the path for businesses aiming to thrive in the information economy.

In this special episode of The Digital Lighthouse, we are thrilled to host Rajani Rao, a luminary in the tech industry and a staunch advocate for the role of women in technology. As a principal technologist at Aveva and director of Women Who Code, Rajani shares her inspiring journey and the transformative work her organization does to break barriers for women in tech. Through her story, we explore the importance of diversity for innovation, the power of challenging assumptions, and how Women Who Code is shaping the future of technology by empowering women with the skills and confidence to succeed. Join us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in technology, and shine a light on the path to a more inclusive and innovative future.

In this episode of "The Digital Lighthouse," Zoe Cunningham welcomes Thomas Harris from MasterCard, delving into the transformative currents of digital innovation. Thomas shares the strategic intricacies of MasterCard's journey, and the broader impact on global markets, in a conversation that lights the way through the complex landscape of digital transformation, offering invaluable insights on navigating change with agility and foresight.

Back in 2008, Herb Kim founded the Thinking Digital conference series. Little did he know that 15 years on, the event would still be going, having established itself as a popular fixture in the north-east tech calendar. Herb joins Zoe Cunningham to talk about the importance of events, both for networking, and as powerful and serendipitous learning and development opportunities for anyone in the sector. The discussion then moves on to tech leadership, with Herb explaining why he believes putting yourself at risk of genuine personal failure is one of the best ways to learn critical leadership traits.