Being an engineering manager is so much more than just leading teams. Navigating AI-driven transformations, shifting generational expectations, and expanding emotional labour in leadership are just a fewer of the challenges that managers face while trying to keep the team's motivation, well-being, and performance, juggling business priorities, managing tech debt, application performance, scalability, and reliability, and taking care of a bunch of another things (ofter forgetting to take care of themselves!)
In this talk, I'll discuss the challenges of modern engineering management, including the tension between method expertise and strategical leadership, the risks of burnout and boredom, and the increasing request for empathy-driven leadership. I'll share my learnings and insights into managing "the engineering leg," including AI adoption and integration, fostering multi-generational squad collaboration, and maintaining individual resilience. Whether stepping into management or refining your leadership style, this session aims to do a "reality check" of the manager's function and to equip engineering leaders with the tools to adapt, inspire, and lead without losing themselves.
