Here’s a question that should make every tech CEO uncomfortable: What if the single biggest competitive advantage your company can build costs nothing and requires the opposite of what you’re currently doing? In this episode of the Signal to Noise Podcast, host Josh Narva is joined by Patrick Spence, former CEO of Sonos, for a masterclass in leadership, recruiting, and organizational clarity. Patrick shares battle-tested insights on hiring with intention, building trusted advisor relationships in recruiting, and why clarity fuels innovation.

Patrick Spence is an accomplished technology executive and board leader, best known for his tenure as CEO of Sonos from 2017 to 2025, where he guided the company through global expansion, major product innovation, and a successful IPO. Before joining Sonos, he spent 14 years at BlackBerry, rising to Senior Vice President and helping scale one of the most iconic consumer technology brands of its time. Patrick currently serves on the boards of Snap. and the Canadian Shield Institute, advising organizations at the forefront of consumer technology and digital experiences. He holds a B.A. in business administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University.

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