Years ago, I found myself in a team where decision-making felt chaotic. There were no managers, just “owners” of tasks and projects. It felt empowering until it didn’t. Deadlines slipped, no one seemed accountable, and team members quietly longed for someone to just decide. That experience made me curious: is flat …
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When I began managing engineers, I quickly realized that success wasn't just about solving technical problems it was about designing systems, enabling people, and managing complexity at scale. But with every new challenge, I felt like I was piecing together a puzzle with missing corners.

Will Larson’s An Elegant …

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Years ago, when I found myself managing an engineering team for the first time. The transition from being an individual contributor to a leader was filled with challenges and uncertainties. I wished for a guide that could provide practical advice and real-world examples to navigate this new role effectively. …
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In the world of technology, career paths often lead to management roles. However, many engineers prefer to remain as individual contributors while advancing their careers. "The Staff Engineer's Path: A Guide for Individual Contributors Navigating Growth and Change" by Tanya Reilly provides a roadmap for those …
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I remember vividly the chaos of my first leadership role in tech a mix of excitement, confusion, and imposter syndrome. You want to prove yourself immediately, yet everything seems like a moving target. That’s why The CTO Field Guide hit home in a powerful way. Written with raw honesty and practical wisdom, this …
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"Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon" by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr offers an insider’s perspective on the unique principles and processes that have driven Amazon's success. The authors, both former Amazon executives, provide a detailed account of how the company's culture and …
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Ego Free Leadership by Brandon Black and Shayne Hughes provides a powerful exploration into how ego-driven behaviours can derail leadership and organisational success. Through the story of Brandon Black’s tenure as CEO of Encore Capital and his collaboration with executive coach Shayne Hughes, the book offers profound …
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In "No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention," Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer explore the unique and unconventional management philosophies that have made Netflix one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. By prioritising freedom and responsibility over traditional corporate …
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In the digital age, businesses need to adapt quickly to remain competitive. "Ask Your Developer" by Jeff Lawson, the CEO of Twilio, provides a roadmap for leveraging software developers' expertise to drive innovation and success. Lawson emphasizes the importance of integrating developers into business …
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The Manager's Path by Camille Fournier is a comprehensive guide for those pursuing a career in engineering management. Fournier, drawing from her experiences, provides a structured roadmap for transitioning from an engineer to a manager and beyond. This book is a valuable resource not only for new managers but also for …
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