From dysfunctionally functional to GenAI: Key takeaways from our C-Tech leaders event in Amsterdam
We recently hosted our first C-Tech Leaders Network event at the iconic Soho House in Amsterdam. With a packed room of 36 senior technology leaders, the evening brought together some of the brightest minds in tech for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.
Our panel of speakers – John Sillitoe (Wellcome Sanger), Claudia Vicol(Decathlon), Farooq Khader(Bright Bird), and Natalie Whittlesey (The IN Group) – covered everything from leading global transformations to the realities of burnout, the patience required to create long-term impact, and the ever-growing role of technology in the boardroom.
Lessons from across tech careers
Technical culture matters Every organisation has a “technical culture” that shapes how it makes decisions. Leaders need to identify what truly unites their teams and understand that what looks “dysfunctional” from the outside often has its own unique logic. John’s reflections on building the world’s largest genomic surveillance operation during COVID-19 highlighted the importance of aligning passion with purpose.
Preventing burnout through purpose With 12 billion lost workdays annually due to depression and anxiety (WHO), Farooq stressed the need for leaders to address intrinsic motivation as much as extrinsic rewards. Purpose, autonomy, and belonging are essential. His insights on gamification – celebrating daily small wins to keep teams engaged – resonated strongly with the room.
The long arc of impact Claudia reminded us that while early career wins often feel immediate and measurable, leadership impact is slower to reveal itself. Whether it’s a great hire or a long-term transformation programme, tech leaders must “bend the arc” of progress and ensure that their efforts are visible, even if results take months or years to materialise.
Tech leadership in the boardroom
Natalie shared findings from The IN Group’s Technology & the Boardroom survey, revealing how tech influence at board level is at an all-time high. The challenge? Communicating business impact rather than technical detail. Her closing words were a powerful call to action for tech leaders:“Step up. It’s your superpower.”
A community on the rise
The evening closed with a reflection on how Investigo Netherlandsand The IN Group are building this community to support C-Tech leaders as they navigate rapid change and future-proof their organisations. This was just the first of many C-Tech Leaders events in the Netherlands, and the energy in the room made it clear: the conversations are only just getting started.
👉If you’re a C-Tech leader looking to connect, share knowledge, or explore how our Netherlands team can support your growth, get in touch today. We’d love to continue the conversation.
