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 futureShow Notes & Timestamps[00:00] – Opening & IntroductionsConnor’s journey from quant developer to hedge fund tech leader“Your money is the byproduct of success.”[03:00] – Life Inside the BankFrom giant tech teams to rigid frameworksHow institutional structure limits learning[07:00] – Transition to the Hedge Fund WorldCulture shock, speed, and personal accountabilityIterative development in the real world[12:00] – Leadership by DeliveryHow Connor organically stepped into leadership rolesWhy performance beats politics[17:00] – The Buy-Side MindsetUnderstanding the business problem is not optionalWhy 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.”

Ver todos los episodios