In this episode, Amir Bormand is joined by Jake Peters, co-founder, CTO, and CPO of Fora, a modern travel agency platform. Together, they delve into the art of customer-centric engineering, the balance between business and technology, and how Fora is revolutionizing the travel industry. Jake shares his unique journey through tech, from 90s coding to leading dual roles in product and engineering, and the lessons he’s learned about prioritization, collaboration, and adaptability. Key Takeaways: Balancing Business and Technology: Jake explains the importance of focusing on business outcomes without losing sight of technical quality and long-term maintainability. Reprioritization as a Strength: The ability to adapt priorities based on market needs, customer feedback, and internal goals is critical for success. Customer-Centric Innovation: Building products that resonate with users involves active engagement, feedback loops, and iterative design. Efficient Problem Solving: The balance between cutting corners and creating sustainable solutions is a cornerstone of engineering leadership. The Emerging CTPO Role: Jake reflects on the evolving Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO) title and its potential scalability for startups and larger companies alike. Timestamped Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction: Meet Jake Peters and learn about Fora’s vision. [00:02:20] Jake’s Early Tech Journey: The 90s, Netscape, and learning the ropes of engineering and business. [00:05:16] Engineering vs. Business: The constant tug-of-war between technical perfection and delivery speed. [00:07:53] Common Pitfalls in Engineering: When and how to prioritize flexibility versus hard-coded solutions. [00:12:22] Time-to-Market Challenges: Navigating product delivery within tight windows of opportunity. [00:16:13] Starting with a Blank Page: How Fora ideates and designs new solutions. [00:18:00] The CTPO Role: Balancing technical strategy and product innovation across multiple product lines. [00:26:34] The Future of Engineering Leadership: Integrating business acumen into technical roles. Memorable Quote: "If you want to be an effective CTO, you cannot do that without a strong foundation in understanding where the business is." – Jake Peters Contact Jake: Learn more about Fora: Foratravel.com Connect with Jake Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakep/ Join the Conversation: Enjoyed the episode? Share it with a colleague, leave a comment, or follow The Tech Trek for more insightful discussions on the intersection of technology and leadership.