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Leigh Newsome

Partner @ Hoola Hoop | CTO & CPO Coach | Expert in Tech Diligence

Professional Background

Leigh Newsome stands out as a seasoned technology executive and leadership coach with over 20 years of extensive experience in both startup environments and established public corporations. With a remarkable career as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Product Officer (CPO), Leigh has honed a comprehensive skill set that enables her to guide fellow technical leaders toward excellence in their roles. Her approach uniquely combines operational expertise with a deep understanding of product development and engineering, making her a sought-after mentor for CTOs and CPOs looking to elevate their performance and impact.

During her impressive career, Leigh has held pivotal roles in various organizations, including being a Partner at Hoola Hoop, Chief Executive Officer at Targetspot, and Chief Technology Officer at littleBits. Her leadership in these capacities reflects her commitment to driving innovation, fostering team collaboration, and developing robust organizational strategies. Leigh's unique blend of strategic visioning and tactical execution empowers senior executives to navigate the challenges of rapidly evolving technology landscapes.

Education and Achievements

Leigh Newsome's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. This educational foundation has played a significant role in her ability to understand team dynamics and human behavior, which she seamlessly applies in her professional endeavors. With her deep understanding of psychological principles, Leigh has been able to effectively mentor and coach technical leaders, enhancing their leadership capabilities and executive presence.

Among her most notable professional achievements are her roles as Senior Vice President of Technology and Product at Kantar Millward Brown, where she led critical technology initiatives, and as Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at AirSpun, Inc., where she played a key role in emerging innovations in the technology sector. Leigh’s extensive consulting experience also includes working with renowned organizations such as Apple, contributing her expertise to high-stakes projects.

Leigh's commitment to education is evident in her past role as an Adjunct Professor at New York University, where she shared her knowledge and experience with the next generation of technology leaders. This focus on education demonstrates Leigh's dedication to developing talent within the industry and highlights her belief in the importance of mentorship.

Notable Achievements

  1. Leadership Development: Leigh specializes in coaching existing CTO and CPO leaders, focusing on accelerating their professional growth and enhancing their impact within their organizations. Her personalized coaching methodology has empowered numerous leaders to realize their full potential.

  2. Strategic Vision and Tactical Execution: One of Leigh’s key areas of expertise is helping technical leaders balance long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational execution. This essential skill is crucial for fostering effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment.

  3. Communication Skills Enhancement: Leigh emphasizes the importance of executive presence and clear communication in articulating a compelling vision. By working on these skills, her clients achieve greater influence and success in their roles.

  4. Organizational Design Strategies: Her experience helps organizational leaders design resilient and high-performing product engineering teams, positioning them to thrive in competitive markets.

  5. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leigh excels at aligning product and engineering leaders with their executive teams, promoting a shared vision and cross-functional collaboration that maximizes organizational performance.

  6. Risk Mitigation: With a strong focus on developing comprehensive security and compliance plans, Leigh aids organizations in mitigating risks and navigating complex regulatory environments, further enhancing their operational resilience.

  7. Product Roadmapping: Defining strategic product roadmaps that align with business objectives and meet customer needs is another hallmark of Leigh's coaching services. This skill is crucial in an era of rapid technological advancement.

  8. Technical Due Diligence: Leveraging her extensive experience, Leigh conducts thorough technical due diligence audits, acting as a critical resource for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or investment opportunities. This provides key stakeholders with an informed perspective on technological assets and capabilities.

Leigh Newsome's multifaceted career, distinguished by her executive roles and profound insights into technology leadership, uniquely positions her as an essential asset for organizations striving for growth and innovation. Whether guiding established leaders or coaching emerging talent, her dedication to nurturing operational excellence and extraordinary leadership within the tech industry remains unwavering.

By working with Leigh, organizations can expect to build resilient structures that foster innovation and prepare for successful M&A or IPO events, ensuring their sustained success in a competitive digital landscape.

Related Questions

How did Leigh Newsome develop her expertise in leadership development for technology executives?
What strategies does Leigh Newsome implement to enhance communication skills among CTOs and CPOs?
In what ways has Leigh Newsome contributed to the growth of product engineering teams in her previous roles?
How does Leigh Newsome balance strategic vision with tactical execution in her coaching?
What techniques does Leigh Newsome use to align product and engineering leaders with their executive teams?
Leigh Newsome
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Location

New York, New York, United States