Building for the Unknown: Why Calculated Risk Drives Transformation
Modernisation at scale isn’t just about migrating to the cloud – it’s about building for uncertainty. While many organisations chase shiny innovation and AI headlines, the real challenge is creating technology foundations resilient enough to evolve with constant change.
In this episode of CXO Secrets, David McClelland sits down with Antoine Jacoutot, CTO at Believe, to explore what it takes to modernise a global music tech platform powering more than 800 billion streams. From navigating technical debt and large-scale cloud migration to cutting through AI hype and avoiding “innovation theatre”, Antoine shares how calculated risk and resilient leadership drive transformation.
Antoine reflects on leading Believe’s major cloud transformation, integrating complex acquired technologies, and why building for the unknown is essential in fast-moving digital industries. He also shares his philosophy of embracing calculated risk, building high-performing teams, and ensuring AI delivers real value rather than empty promises.
Topics include:
- Modernising legacy platforms to support global scale
- Why calculated risk is critical to successful transformation
- Navigating technical debt across complex acquisitions
- Moving beyond AI hype to focus on measurable value
- Building teams that thrive in uncertainty
- Why great technology leaders build for the unknown
- Scaling innovation in the fast-moving music industry