Exalto Consulting brings you Culture Corner with Adrian Prodger.
We have conversations with senior tech leaders about fostering great culture in their organisations and teams.
Building High-Performing Engineering Teams with Andrew Bohanna
Building High-Performing Engineering Teams with Andrew Bohanna
In this episode, Adrian sat down with Andrew Bohanna - Head of Technology at Cubic Transportation Systems to talk about his own journey from engineering into senior technology leadership, and what he's learned about building and leading high-performing teams along the way.
Andrew has spent more than 17 years working across engineering and technology, progressing through technical and management roles at Cubic and ultimately leading large, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
They also discussed:
• The role mentorship and relationships have played in Andrew's career progression
• Why visibility and learning how to manage upwards matter as you become more senior
• How leaders can create clarity when teams are dealing with competing priorities
• Why trust is built by owning mistakes rather than trying to hide them
• How to communicate complex technical issues effectively to senior stakeholders
• Dealing with imposter syndrome as your leadership responsibilities grow
• Why diversity of experience matters when building high-performing teams
• What Andrew has learned about empowering people without slipping into micromanagement
Andrew's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewbohanna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbohanna/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B3yo%2BOCN8Q7Wa6137MW2m7w%3D%3D)
Adrians LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BIrrOEq9%2FT1mc6oRELE0IAg%3D%3D)
www.exalto-consulting.com (http://www.exalto-consulting.com)
www.youtube.com/@ExaltoConsulting (http://www.youtube.com/@ExaltoConsulting)
25 Aug 2026
Moving AI From Hype to Practical Impact
Moving AI From Hype to Practical Impact
In this episode Adrian chats with Dileep Marway - VP of Engineering at Pebblepad.
There’s no shortage of conversation about AI.
But for technology leaders, the more important question is becoming: where is AI actually making a difference?
In the latest episode of Culture Corner, Adrian sits down with Dileep to explore how engineering teams can move beyond the hype and take a more practical, considered approach to AI adoption.
One of the points Dileep makes early in the conversation sets the tone for the episode:
“Ask yourself what problem you’re solving with AI.”
It sounds obvious, but it is an important distinction. Rather than introducing AI simply because the technology is available, Dileep talks about starting with the problem, considering where AI can genuinely add value and being clear about what success should look like.
The conversation explores where AI is having a practical impact across engineering, including development, testing and quality assurance, as well as the security considerations and guardrails organisations need to think about as adoption increases.
Adrian and Dileep also discuss the question every organisation eventually has to answer: is it actually working?
Dileep shares his thoughts on measuring ROI through meaningful data points and metrics, rather than relying on assumptions about productivity, and explains why human judgement remains such an important part of the equation.
As he puts it:
“AI is best when it complements human judgment.”
The episode also explores some of the common mistakes organisations are making with AI, its potential to support creativity and innovation, and what technology leaders need to consider as they prepare their teams for an increasingly AI-driven future.
For anyone leading engineering or technology teams and thinking about how to turn AI experimentation into genuine business value, Dileep shares some valuable and practical insights throughout the conversation.
Topics covered:
Practical AI adoption in engineering teams
A reflective approach to AI implementation
AI’s impact on testing and quality assurance
Security considerations and guardrails for AI
Measuring ROI and success in AI projects
AI’s role in boosting productivity and innovation
Challenges and misconceptions around AI
Dileep's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dileepmarway/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dileepmarway/)
Adrian's LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bb3yvvCiDQC2tTFmXCSaFug%3D%3D)
exalto-consulting.com (http://exalto-consulting.com)
24 Jul 2026
Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, with Darren Smith
In this episode Adrian chats to Darren Smith
Darren is an experienced technology leader who has spent his career helping organisations build high-performing teams, lead large-scale transformation, and create cultures built on trust.
Drawing on leadership experience across multiple organisations, he shares practical lessons on vulnerability, communication, organisational change, and the growing impact of AI on today's workplace.
What separates good leaders from great leaders? Darren believes the answer starts with trust.
In this episode, Adrian and Darren explore why vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership strengths, how trust becomes the foundation of high-performing teams, and the practical behaviours leaders can adopt to build stronger cultures, navigate change successfully, and lead with authenticity.
In this episode:
Darren's career journey and the experiences that shaped his leadership approach
Why vulnerability is a leadership strength rather than a weakness
How leaders build trust through credibility, reliability, authenticity and transparency
Creating psychological safety by leading through openness and honest conversations
The importance of having a clear North Star to align teams and drive performance
Adapting communication styles to different people, cultures and situations
How reverse mentoring helps leaders gain valuable insight from every level of an organisation
Recognising healthy and unhealthy organisational politics
Practical advice for making an impact during your first 90 days in a new leadership role
How AI is changing leadership, organisations and the future of work
Building a culture where trust, collaboration and continuous improvement thrive
Darren is participating in this podcast in a personal capacity. The views, opinions and experiences he shares are his own and do not necessarily represent those of any employer, client, company or organisation with which he is associated.
Darren's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-smith-60919031/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-smith-60919031/)
Adrian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianprodger/)
www.exalto-consulting.com (http://www.exalto-consulting.com)
Reach and audience
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766
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5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
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Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
0
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Adrian Prodger host the show. Published by Adrian Prodger.
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