“Who leads when technology controls?” – Sopra Financial Technology presents provocative theories in the podcast “Tech und Tacheles”
News, 27/08/2025
Leadership requires more than strategic plans. It's about technological expertise, cybersecurity, and orchestrating complex ecosystems. This is precisely what René Zeitlberger (Senior Manager Banking, Sopra Steria) and Markus Neumann (CEO, Space and Lemon Innovations) discuss in the latest episode of Sopra Financial Technology's Tech & Tacheles podcast: “Who leads when technology controls?”
Nuremberg, August 27, 2025 – Technology is increasingly becoming a top priority. Current figures underscore the urgency: Two-thirds of German executives fear that their knowledge of artificial intelligence is no longer sufficient. Sixty-one percent even see a lack of knowledge about generative AI as a risk to their companies' competitiveness. The results of a study by Sopra Steria and the F.A.Z. Institute confirm what is already noticeable in many companies: without technological expertise, there can be no leadership.
“IT leadership today means orchestrating ecosystems” – this thesis kicks off the podcast debate on modern leadership in an increasingly networked world. Markus Neumann clearly agrees: “Technology shapes leadership today more than ever. The image of orchestrating ecosystems fits perfectly – like an orchestra in which many voices are brought together.” René Zeitlberger adds another dimension: "It's about much more than technology. Personal decision-making processes, sensitivities, and economic aspects shape leadership today at least as much.
Raising awareness of cyber risks
However, both guests emphasize that modern leadership is not possible without technical understanding. “That doesn't mean that everyone has to be able to program. But every manager needs to have the right people at the table to make decisions,” says Neumann. Zeitlberger adds: “Technology is essential, but leadership also requires economic understanding and strong communication skills – it's the mix that makes the difference.”
The question of whether cybersecurity is an IT issue or a management task is particularly controversial. “Cybersecurity is primarily a technology issue – a race between threats and the organization's response,” explains Zeitlberger. Neumann sees the responsibility as clearly broader: "The risks have increased massively. It is the task of management to get the organization on board, raise awareness, and demand responsibility. IT cannot do this alone.
The discussion makes it clear that technology is no longer just additional knowledge, but part of modern leadership skills. For Neumann and Zeitlberger, one thing is certain: technological competence is not just a question of competition, but the basis for sustainable leadership in the digital age.
A format with attitude
"Tech & Tacheles" is aimed at decision-makers at financial service providers. In each episode, guests draw cards with provocative statements from a “black box,” take a position, and engage in open and informed discussion. The podcast is hosted by Birgit Hass, Senior Marketing Manager at Sopra Financial Technology.
About the podcast
“Tech & Tacheles” is Sopra Financial Technology's podcast for the financial industry. External and internal experts talk about IT, technology, and banking—clearly, opinionatedly, and knowledgeably. No buzzwords, just attitude. If you're interested in learning more about "Tech & Tacheles", check out: https://www.sopra-financial-technology.com/de-de/insights/podcast
About Sopra Financial Technology:
Sopra Financial Technology GmbH offers regulatory-compliant operation of modular, scalable, and customizable applications in the financial services industry. The company combines traditional legacy systems with innovative products and services, incorporating modern cloud solutions in a high-performance operation and secure environment. With over 300 employees and headquarters in Nuremberg, the company is distinguished by its expertise in banking, regulatory affairs, solution orientation, and project management. Founded in 1983 as Sparda-Datenverarbeitung eG, Sopra Financial Technology GmbH has been part of the Sopra Steria Group since 2019, which has more than 50,000 employees in around 30 countries.
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Contact:
Sopra Financial Technology GmbH
Birgit Hass
Frankenstraße 146, 90461 Nürnberg
Telefon: +49 911 9291-0
E-Mail: communications.sft@soprasteria.com