Episode 2
EMBRACE THE FUZZ: LEADING PEOPLE IN A TECH-DRIVEN WORLD
In this episode, hosts Anthony Piccolo and Dr. Chi-Chi Anyanwu sit down with Itari Ighoroje, Chief Architect at Rackspace, to explore the messy—and necessary—intersection between human behavior and leadership in tech.
From building trust and navigating cultural fit, to making strategic decisions and leading distributed global teams, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead people—not just projects.
This isn’t a talk about leadership theory. It’s real stories from the field, the codebase, and the conference room—where clarity, communication, and trust collide.
May 20, 2025
50min
Episode Highlights
-
Why trust must be given before it’s earned
-
The difference between managing tasks and leading people
-
How to balance results with humanity
-
Why “embracing the fuzz” might be your greatest leadership advantage
Episode 2: Embrace the Fuzz: Leading People in a Tech-Driven World
Episode Summary
In Episode 2 of Between the Ones and the Zeros, hosts Anthony Piccolo and Dr. Chi-Chi Anyanwu sit down with Itari Ighoroje, Chief Architect at Rackspace, to explore what it truly takes to lead people in a tech-driven world. From building trust before it’s earned to managing global teams with cultural sensitivity, Itari shares the challenges and insights of transitioning from technical expert to people-first leader. Together, they unpack the importance of delegation, transparency, and emotional intelligence—offering a candid, practical conversation about why the best leaders learn to “embrace the fuzz.”
Special Guest
Itari Ighoroje
Itari Ighoroje is a seasoned technology leader and Chief Architect at Rackspace, where he bridges the gap between complex systems and the people who build and run them. With a background in application architecture and strategic problem-solving, Itari brings a unique blend of technical precision and human-centered leadership to global teams. His leadership style emphasizes results, cultural awareness, and trust—balancing structure with flexibility to empower people and drive performance. Known for his clarity, humility, and instinct for strategy, Itari helps organizations navigate uncertainty with confidence and lead with both logic and heart.