TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting

Craig Whiting

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/21d. Total Eps: 12

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast is a deep dive into the world of hiring, recruitment, and career growth, exploring the strategies, challenges, and trends that shape how companies attract, hire, and retain top talent.

Hosted by Craig Whiting, this series brings together tech leaders, recruiters, and industry experts to share their insights on what it really takes to build high-performing teams in today’s evolving job market.

What to Expect in Each Episode:

🔹 The Hiring Landscape – How companies find, assess, and secure top talent.
🔹 Recruitment & Industry Insights – The evolving role of recruiters, agencies, and internal hiring teams.
🔹 Leadership & Culture – How company culture and leadership styles impact hiring and retention.
🔹 Career Growth & Development – How candidates can stand out and advance in their careers.
🔹 Future of Work – The impact of remote work, AI, and new hiring trends on the job market.

Whether you're a business leader, recruiter, or job seeker, The Top 10% Podcast will challenge your thinking and provide practical, real-world insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of work.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderunterrainer/
1 share
https://uk.linkedin.com/company/defconq
1 share

https://defconq.substack.com/
1 share

https://www.defconq.tech/
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 42%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.13: Remi Bernal on Global Talent and Building Careers

Season 1 · Episode 13

Thursday, September 4, 2025 • Duration 48:09

In this episode of The Top 10% Podcast, host Craig Whiting sits down with Remi Bernal, a global recruitment leader with a career spanning multiple industries and continents. From starting out in Paris and carving his path through New York and London, to building teams and advising top-tier financial institutions, Remi shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

They discuss the realities of moving countries to chase opportunity, how resilience and adaptability shaped his career, and what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive talent market. From cultural challenges to leadership insights, Remi’s story offers a candid look at building a career without borders.

Whether you’re a recruiter, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in international careers, this episode is full of practical lessons and inspiring takeaways.

🎙 Key Topics:
🔹 How Remi built a career across Paris, New York, and London
🔹 The role of resilience and adaptability in global recruitment
🔹 Lessons from advising top-tier banks and financial institutions
🔹 The cultural challenges of moving countries for work
🔹 Why mentorship and curiosity fuel long-term growth
🔹 Building teams and careers without borders

📄 Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction & Early Career
Craig introduces Remi Bernal and his journey from Paris into recruitment.
First steps into financial services and early lessons.

[07:00] – Moving Abroad & Building Resilience
Why Remi chose to move to New York and later London.
Adapting to new markets, cultures, and client expectations.

[15:00] – Recruitment at a Global Scale
Working with major banks and financial institutions.
How recruitment dynamics shift across regions.

[25:00] – Leadership & Building Teams
What Remi looks for in top talent.
How to balance cultural awareness with business demands.

[35:00] – Lessons in Growth & Adaptability
The role of mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Why resilience defines long-term success in recruitment.

[45:00] – Final Takeaways
Advice for recruiters looking to build international careers.
Why careers without borders are more possible than ever.

Read moreCollapse

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Ep.9: Adri Purkayastha on AI Risk, Talent & Strategy

Season 1 · Episode 9

Thursday, July 31, 2025 • Duration 47:21

In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Adri Purkayastha, AI risk expert, product strategist, and former big four data scientist for a deep conversation about the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, governance, and business value.

Adri shares his unconventional journey from building early ML products as a student entrepreneur to overseeing AI technology risk across financial services, wealth management, and investment banking. The conversation dives deep into how institutions can responsibly adopt AI, what they often get wrong, and why speed, structure, and talent will separate the winners from the rest.

If you work in tech, hiring, engineering leadership, or innovation strategy, this episode offers a rare look at the infrastructure and human decisions behind AI adoption. Plus the risks no one talks about.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 What AI “hallucination” means—and why it’s more dangerous than most realize
🔹 The future of engineering teams in an AI-native environment
🔹 Why curiosity and speed of learning will define top tech talent
🔹 The shift from cost centers to value centers in enterprise technology
🔹 How AI changes org design, governance, and product ownership
🔹 The rise of the modern IC (individual contributor) as a key strategic asset
🔹 What financial institutions can learn from product-led tech orgs
🔹 Why failing fast is essential—and why waiting to act is the bigger risk

📄 Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Adri’s Background
Entrepreneurial beginnings → AI in education → big four → enterprise risk & governance

[08:00] – What AI Risk Really Means
How hallucination, uncertainty, and infrastructure gaps create business risk

[16:00] – Cost vs. ROI of AI Adoption
Why the expense of AI infrastructure changes how businesses scale

[22:00] – The Human Layer of AI Deployment
Impact on job design, talent strategy, and upskilling across tech teams

[30:00] – Tech as a Value Driver, Not a Cost CenterWhere banks, hedge funds, and tech firms differ—and what they’re getting right[36:00] – Structural Shifts in Tech TeamsThe rise of the IC, shortening the distance between tech and revenue, and rebuilding orgs to move faster[41:00] – What to Look for in Modern Tech TalentCuriosity, adaptability, and evidence of experimentation[44:00] – What’s Next in AI GovernanceWhere Adri sees the biggest risks—and the most potential—over the next 2–3 years

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 10: Nirav Shah on AI’s Impact on Developers.

Season 1 · Episode 10

Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 47:39

In this episode of the TTP Podcast, Craig Whiting sits down with Nirav Shah, engineering leader at JP Morgan Asset Management, for a deep dive into how AI is fundamentally changing the life of a developer, and what the next generation of engineering talent needs to thrive.

Nirav shares his journey from hands-on coder to global team leader, and explains why staying close to the code still matters in a leadership role. They explore the rise of T-shaped engineers, the evolving expectations around communication, and the critical mindset shift required to succeed in an AI-augmented tech world.

Whether you're a senior engineer, hiring manager, or tech leader navigating change. This episode is full of sharp insights on staying relevant, building hybrid skillsets, and leading with both strategic and technical depth.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 Why AI is the most foundational shift in 20+ years of software engineering
🔹 What “batteries-included” developers really look like in an AI-native future
🔹 The T-shaped skillset: balancing deep technical roots with broad leadership scope
🔹 How to stay hands-on as you scale up in leadership
🔹 Communication as a key differentiator: with colleagues and with AI
🔹 Why org structures must evolve if they want tech leaders to thrive
🔹 Coding as creativity and why output still matters at every level

📄 Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction & Nirav’s Background
Career journey from developer to global engineering leader
The art of translating business needs into code

[06:00] – Staying Technical While Leading
Why Nirav still codes every week — and how to make time for it
The importance of staying close to the product

[10:00] – AI as a Paradigm Shift
Why co-pilot and agentic tools are changing how engineers work
Delegation, oversight, and new ways of thinking

[16:00] – The T-Shaped Engineer Model
Why you need both breadth and depth to scale in tech
How technical leaders lose their edge—and how to get it back[22:00] – Adaptability, Learning & Talent StrategyWhat Nirav looks for when hiring engineers in an AI-native worldThe traits that matter more than specific languages or tools[29:00] – Engineering Growth Inside Large OrgsWhy “coding leadership” still matters at enterprise scaleThe problem with paper titles and fake technical progression[36:00] – Changing the Culture of Tech LeadershipCreating space for creativity and codeWhy business still misunderstands tech—and how leaders can fix it[40:00] – Career Advice & LinkedIn StrategyCraig shares 5 tactical tips for building a recruiter-proof LinkedInWhy outcomes, clarity, and recruiter-friendly language matter[46:00] – Final ThoughtsThe role of curiosity, communication, and partnership in thriving as an engineer today

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 8: Connor White on Hedge Funds & Tech's Future

Thursday, June 19, 2025 • Duration 47:27

In this episode, Craig Whiting sits down with Connor White, veteran technologist and hedge fund leader, for a deep dive into the evolution of engineering within financial services and what it really takes to succeed in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hedge funds.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Connor shares how he went from coding in risk systems to leading global teams at elite hedge funds. They discuss the striking differences between sell-side and buy-side tech cultures, why many engineers struggle with the transition, and how the hedge fund environment shapes sharper, more well-rounded developers. The conversation also explores what hiring managers really look for, the traits that separate the top 10%, and how AI is already reshaping the job of the software engineer.

Whether you're an engineer thinking about making the leap to the buy side or a founder trying to build a top-tier team, this is an unmissable masterclass in modern technical leadership.

🎙️ Key Topics

🔹 The sell-side vs. buy-side tech culture shock
🔹 Why traders don’t care about your code, they care about delivery
🔹 The hiring red flags and green flags Connor looks for in interviews
🔹 Why domain curiosity beats academic perfection every time
🔹 How AI is transforming software engineering today and in the near future

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Opening & Introductions
Connor’s journey from quant developer to hedge fund tech leader
“Your money is the byproduct of success.”

[03:00] – Life Inside the Bank
From giant tech teams to rigid frameworks
How institutional structure limits learning

[07:00] – Transition to the Hedge Fund World
Culture shock, speed, and personal accountability
Iterative development in the real world

[12:00] – Leadership by Delivery
How Connor organically stepped into leadership roles
Why performance beats politics

[17:00] – The Buy-Side Mindset
Understanding the business problem is not optional
Why good tech = business value, not cool tools[23:00] – Hiring the Right PeopleThe “tell me about a project you’re proud of” litmus testHow depth, curiosity, and communication separate top candidates[30:00] – The Role of RecruitersWhat good recruiters do—and what most get wrongWhy less is more when it comes to CVs[36:00] – Breaking In from the OutsideAdvice for candidates in banks looking to pivotHow to show curiosity, research, and long-term mindset[38:00] – AI’s Impact on EngineeringProductivity boosts, hidden risks, and future shiftsCould developers become the next business analysts?[45:00] – Final ThoughtsWhy the top 10% mindset is about delivery, not ego“You focus on being really good at your job—and the rewards follow.”

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 6: Richard Jacobs on Tech Leadership, Hiring & Teams

Season 1 · Episode 6

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 48:09

In this episode, Craig sits down with Richard Jacobs, Head of Engineering at Thinkfolio (S&P Global), to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring, recruitment, and leadership in financial technology. With over 25 years in tech and deep experience in financial services, Richard shares his journey from hands-on development to leading high-performing teams.

They explore why being a great technologist doesn’t always translate to great leadership, how hiring processes can be refined to identify true talent, and the challenges of technical assessments in recruitment. Richard also shares insights on hiring in buy-side vs. sell-side finance, building teams that thrive, and how hybrid work is reshaping company culture.

Whether you're a hiring manager, recruiter, or tech professional, this episode dives into the nuances of tech hiring, leadership, and how companies can attract and retain top talent.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 The transition from software engineer to engineering leader
🔹 Why hiring for finance requires a different approach
🔹 How to refine technical assessments & avoid hiring bias
🔹 The impact of remote & hybrid work on career growth
🔹 Retention strategies: What keeps top talent engaged?

Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, leadership, and the future of hiring in financial technology.

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Opening & Introduction

Richard’s background in software engineering & leadership.
The evolution from technologist to Head of Engineering.

[05:00] – What Makes a Great Tech Leader?

Why technical expertise doesn’t always equal strong leadership.
The shift from problem-solving to team empowerment.
How leaders can create environments where teams thrive.

[12:00] – The Challenges of Hiring in Financial Services

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & Teams

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 46:10

Ep. 3: Donal McCarthy on Recruitment, Tech Hiring & Teams

In this episode, Craig sits down with Donal McCarthy, a seasoned leader in the tech financial industry, to explore the recruitment landscape from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why hiring should be about more than just checking boxes on a CV, how recruiters can add real value, and the importance of understanding company culture when making hiring decisions.

Donal, who has led hiring at energy trading firms, buy-side institutions, and sell-side banks, shares his candid thoughts on the state of recruitment today. He discusses the common pitfalls in tech hiring, why recruiters often miss the mark, and what companies can do to improve their talent acquisition strategies.

Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will challenge your thinking on recruitment, candidate engagement, and building high-performing teams.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 Why most recruiters fail to understand hiring managers' needs
🔹 The importance of deep recruiter-hiring manager relationships
🔹 How centralized recruitment can slow down hiring
🔹 Why hiring for culture is just as important as technical skills
🔹 How candidates can stand out in the hiring process

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of hiring, how recruitment should evolve, and what really makes a great hire.

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Opening & Introduction

Donal’s first thought when hearing the word “recruiter.”

[01:00] – The Role of Recruiters in Tech Hiring

Why hiring is about more than just filling a role.
The biggest mistakes recruiters make when engaging with hiring managers.
Why relationship-building is key to successful recruitment.

[06:00] – Why Recruitment is Broken

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting-Ep.4: Alexander Unterrainer on KDB, Tech Hiring & Recruitment

Monday, March 10, 2025 • Duration 45:30

In this episode, Craig sits down with Alexander Unterrainer, a seasoned KDB developer, to discuss the complexities of tech hiring, the role of recruiters, and what it takes to succeed in the finance industry. Alex shares his journey from a graduate at Citigroup to working with major investment banks, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the field and the importance of networking and specialization.

They dive into the common frustrations with recruitment, how companies filter candidates, and why hiring managers often struggle to find the right talent. Alex also explains why niche expertise can be both a blessing and a challenge in today’s competitive job market.

Whether you're a developer, recruiter, or hiring manager, this episode offers insights into career growth, hiring practices, and the evolving nature of tech roles in finance.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 The reality of tech hiring in finance & investment banking
🔹 Why recruiters and hiring managers often misunderstand each other
🔹 How candidates can stand out in competitive job markets
🔹 The value of specialization vs. general skills in tech
🔹 How the finance industry is adapting to AI and automation

Tune in for a deep dive into recruitment, hiring challenges, and the skills needed to thrive in financial technology.

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Opening & Introduction

Alexander’s background in finance and tech hiring.

The competitive nature of investment banking graduate programs.

[01:00] – The Challenges of Breaking into Finance

Why investment banks filter heavily based on university prestige.

How candidates can improve their chances of landing top jobs.

The role of networking and personal projects in career growth.

[06:00] – Common Issues with Recruiters & Hiring Managers

Why recruiters often fail to understand technical roles.

The frustration of irrelevant job pitches.

The importance of recruiter-candidate relationships.[12:00] – The Candidate Experience & Feedback ProblemThe impact of ghosting in recruitment.Why detailed feedback matters for candidates.How better recruiter communication improves hiring outcomes.[20:00] – Specialization vs. Generalization in Tech CareersThe advantages and risks of being a niche specialist.Why KDB is highly valuable but has limited opportunities.How developers can future-proof their careers.[30:00] – The Role of AI & Automation in Tech HiringHow AI is changing recruitment and candidate evaluation.Why banks struggle to implement AI due to security concerns.The future of AI in financial technology roles.[40:00] – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysWhy companies need to rethink hiring strategies.The importance of fair recruiter-candidate relationships.How to navigate career growth in a competitive job market.Connect with Alexander Unterrainer:🔗 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderunterrainer/🔗 DefconQ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/defconqBlog: https://www.defconq.tech/ 📩 Free Newsletter: https://defconq.substack.com/

The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting - Ep. 2: Greg Osinaike on Culture, Hiring Challenges & The Role of Recruiters

Monday, February 10, 2025 • Duration 01:15:59

In this episode, Craig sits down with Greg Osinaike to dive deep into the hiring process from a hiring manager’s perspective. They discuss why recruitment is more than just a transactional process, the importance of understanding company culture, and how recruiters can truly add value beyond just sending CVs.

Greg, who has led hiring across various financial institutions and trading firms, shares his candid thoughts on the relationship between hiring managers and recruiters. He explains the common pitfalls in hiring, why culture should be a top priority, and what companies get wrong when they centralize recruitment.

Whether you’re a hiring manager, recruiter, or candidate, this episode will give you valuable insights into hiring strategies, candidate engagement, and why the best hires aren’t always the most obvious ones on paper.

🎙 Key Topics:

🔹 Why recruiters often struggle to understand hiring managers' needs
🔹 The importance of culture fit over technical skills
🔹 How centralizing recruitment can hurt hiring outcomes
🔹 Why relationships between hiring managers and recruiters matter
🔹 How candidates can stand out and transition to new industries

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of hiring, company culture, and how recruitment should evolve to meet modern challenges.

Show Notes & Timestamps

[00:00] – Opening & Introduction

What Greg looks for when hiring: "Conscientiousness and batteries included."

[01:00] – The Recruiter’s Role in Hiring

Why hiring is more than just filling roles.
The challenges recruiters face in understanding company needs.
How recruiters can add value beyond matching keywords on CVs.

[06:00] – The Disconnect Between Recruiters & Hiring Managers

Why most recruiters don’t understand company culture.

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

TTP - The Top 10% Podcast with Craig Whiting – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

LinkedIn2

Substack1

Other1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

LinkedIn2

Substack1

Other1

Apple Podcasts

Spotify