Introduction

Starting Young

My journey started at the age of 15, when I was accepted into the Computer Academy, an institution that typically only admitted students aged 16 and up. They made an exception for me, and it was there that my passion for technology truly began to take shape. Initially, I had aspirations to be a Web Designer, drawn to the creative side of the tech world. However, after my first semester, I changed my major to Software Development. My programming teacher, with her inspiring approach to teaching, had a profound influence on me. The way she presented information and challenges opened my eyes to the potential of software development as a means to contribute more significantly to the tech world. I realized I could do much more than design static web pages—I could build dynamic, interactive, and functional systems.

Academic Success

Throughout my time at the academy, I was one of the top students in my class. I found myself constantly helping my classmates with difficult concepts and sharing my knowledge. Even students from other groups came to me for guidance, and I became well-respected among my peers. The principal of the academy even expressed a strong belief in my potential as a future specialist, which further fueled my motivation to excel.

Technological Focus

At the time, JavaScript technologies were seen as little more than fancy add-ons to HTML, so my primary focus was on C++ and C#. These languages formed the foundation of my programming knowledge, and I built on that as I grew in my career.

Freelancing and Digital Transformation

After graduating, I decided to dive into the real world by becoming a freelance web developer. I worked with various businesses, helping them embrace the digital world and transform their operations online. My role was crucial in guiding these companies through the digital transformation process, whether it was by creating their first website or developing more complex web applications that streamlined their business processes. This experience gave me invaluable exposure to the diverse needs of businesses and helped me understand how technology can drive growth and innovation.

The Shift

The Realization of Leadership Potential

As I continued working with clients, I found myself not just coding but also interacting with business leaders and stakeholders. This exposure made me realize how critical it was to understand the bigger picture—not just the technical side but also the business needs, challenges, and strategies. I saw how I could contribute more by helping teams collaborate more effectively, guiding them through technical challenges, and aligning their work with business goals. It was at that point that I recognized that leadership was something I could do, and it wasn’t just about being the best coder in the room; it was about empowering others to achieve success.

Pursuing an MSc in IT, Major in Management and Leadership

To gain a deeper understanding of leadership, I decided to pursue an MSc in IT, specializing in management and leadership. During those three years of studying, I began to shift my focus from simply developing software to developing people. My academic journey opened my eyes to how much more I could contribute not only through my technical skills but also as a leader. I dedicated my thesis to ‘Management of Virtual Teams in Startup Environments,’ a topic that I found both challenging and rewarding. This research emphasized that, in today’s fast-paced tech environment, soft skills—such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution—are the key ingredients for successful leadership, particularly in distributed teams.

The Challenges

Letting Go of Technical Work

One of the toughest challenges was letting go of the technical work that had been the core of my career. As a leader, I had to transition from being a hands-on engineer to overseeing the work of others, providing guidance and making high-level decisions that would steer the direction of the projects. This shift wasn’t always easy. I had to learn to trust my team and empower them to make decisions on their own, knowing that I couldn’t (and shouldn’t) be involved in every detail.

Managing People, Not Just Projects

Another challenge was navigating the dynamics of managing people. Being a leader meant that I had to juggle personalities, motivations, and expectations. Every team member had different needs, and understanding how to motivate, mentor, and guide them became just as important as the technical aspects of the job.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Like many new leaders, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I questioned whether I was truly capable of leading teams effectively. But with time, I learned to focus on my strengths, trust in my experiences, and embrace my leadership role.

The Tech Leadership Mindset

Empowering Others to Lead

As I evolved into a leadership role, I realized that being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about empowering others to come up with their solutions. My job became more about mentoring my team and providing them with the resources and confidence they needed to thrive.

Big Picture Thinking

I began seeing the bigger picture—how the technical work we were doing fit into the broader goals of the business. My focus shifted from just the immediate technical tasks to aligning the team’s work with the company’s strategic goals. This shift has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my leadership journey.

Key Lessons Learned in Leadership

Effective Communication

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the power of communication. Being transparent, setting clear expectations, and providing regular feedback have become central to my leadership style. I’ve learned to listen more, not just to solve problems but to understand what my team members are going through.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Empathy has become one of the cornerstones of my leadership. Understanding my team’s emotions, frustrations, and aspirations has helped me connect with them on a deeper level. This emotional intelligence has allowed me to build trust, improve collaboration, and ultimately drive better results.

Decision-Making

Leadership has taught me that decision-making is an ongoing process. It’s not always about making the right choice immediately but about learning from each decision and course-correcting along the way. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, but I’ve also come to value feedback from my team to inform my decisions.

Looking Back and Forward

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back on my journey from engineer to leader, I am grateful for the growth and experiences that have shaped me. From my early days as a freelance web developer to leading teams through complex technical challenges, each step has been a learning experience that has contributed to the leader I am today.

Looking Forward

I’m excited for the future of leadership in tech, as the industry continues to evolve. I know there’s always more to learn, and I am committed to growing as a leader—continuing to empower my teams, embrace new challenges, and help drive the future of technology.