Deep Dive: Growing to Tech Lead

Remember when software architecture seemed like just boxes and arrows on a whiteboard? In this talk, we'll challenge that view and explore what really matters in modern software design. You will discover how successful architects think beyond tech specs, seeing architecture as a living story shaped by people, teams, and evolving needs. You'll gain fresh perspectives on building systems that last and learn why the best architectures are more about enabling people than enforcing technical decisions. Join me for a journey that might just change how you think about architecture forever.

What separates the top 1% of performers in tech from the rest? It’s not just talent or long hours – it’s how they think, lead, and operate daily. In this talk, I’ll break down the mindset shifts, micro-habits, and decision-making frameworks that set world-class engineers and leaders apart.Whether you’re an engineer aiming for staff level or a manager growing into executive leadership, you’ll learn:The 3 core philosophies top performers live by (with real-world examples)How to create leverage instead of just working harderWhy clarity beats hustle – and how to gain itHow to build your personal operating system for consistent growthThe surprising truth about confidence, visibility, and influenceBacked by coaching 100+ engineers and leading teams across LinkedIn, Netflix, and Salesforce, this session is packed with actionable insights for anyone ready to play at the next level.

The tech lead role is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked positions in the tech industry. Developers are promoted for their coding skills, yet success in this role is measured by leadership, not just technical ability. This shift can be disorienting because being a tech lead isn’t just about technology, it’s about people.Drawing from my experience as a tech lead at ThoughtWorks and coaching over 300 tech leads, I’ll explore why this role is uniquely complex. Positioned at the intersection of people, technology, and business, tech leads must develop critical soft skills like delegation, conflict resolution, and team alignment, yet most are thrown into the role without support.In this session, we’ll uncover why most tech problems are actually people problems and how to address them. We’ll discuss the three key mindset shifts tech leads need to succeed and the seven essential soft skills to develop, with practical steps to get started.Shifting from a technical role to leadership is difficult, uncomfortable, and often messy. But it’s also an opportunity for growth, not just as a leader, but as a person. Whether you're aspiring to be a tech lead, new to the role, or an experienced leader refining your approach, this talk will shed light on one of the most misunderstood roles in tech, by focusing on people.This session offers a glimpse into my upcoming O’Reilly book, Leveling Up as a Tech Lead, where I dive deeper into the challenges and strategies for mastering this role.