Second Year as Datavalet’s Engineering Leader

Growth, Challenges, and Insights

As I mark my second year as an Engineering leader at Datavalet, I find myself in a moment of reflection. This past year has been a journey of growth, filled with challenges, learnings, and personal development. Unlike my previous reflection, this time I’ll focus more on my personal growth, team interactions, and the experiences that have shaped me both professionally and personally.

Professional Growth: Evolving Leadership Style

In this second year, my leadership style has undergone significant evolution. I’ve learned to focus more on what I can control and where I can make the most impact. A key realization came from listening to “The Diary of a CEO” podcast, particularly Michael Franzese’s insights on micromanagement:

“You can’t micromanage because when you micromanage, you’re taking yourself away from your best talent and the thing that you can contribute to the best in your business. Do what you do best, delegate the rest.”

This perspective resonated deeply with me, as I amplify my delegation practices throughout the year. I’ve also rediscovered the power of feedback. Ensuring that teams know when they’re performing well and when course corrections are needed has become a cornerstone of my leadership approach.

To foster collaboration and productivity, I implemented two key strategies:

1. Regular metric analysis workshops: We now hold regular sessions to examine comprehensive department metrics as a team. This practice has improved our collective understanding of our performance and areas for improvement.

2. Optimizing deep work periods and meeting management: I’ve put a strong emphasis on evaluating the utility of each meeting, reducing their number and duration through timeboxing, and ensuring active participation from all attendees

Navigating Challenges: A Case Study in Crisis Management

One of the most significant challenges we faced this year was managing unexpectedly high data traffic in production. Our infrastructure wasn’t fully prepared to support this load, putting our production environment under severe strain. However, the experience we’d gained as a team, our increased maturity, and the trust we’d built allowed us to handle this crisis effectively.

Instead of pointing fingers, we quickly collaborated to:

1. Implement immediate measures to support the unexpected traffic load.

2. Define a list of actions to upgrade our infrastructure.

3. Collaborate with other company stakeholders to understand the problem and improve communication.

This experience highlighted the importance of quick action planning, infrastructure upgrades, and effective stakeholder communication in crisis management.

In the next section, I’ll delve into my personal development journey and how it has influenced my leadership approach.

Personal Development: The Power of Continuous Learning

My journey of personal development this year has been significantly shaped by various resources, particularly podcasts and books. These have not only influenced my leadership approach but also my overall well-being and productivity.

The Diary of a CEO: Insights on Sleep and Performance

One of the most impactful resources for me this year has been “The Diary of a CEO” podcast. Several episodes focusing on sleep and its relationship to performance have been game-changers in how I approach my work and leadership:

1. Dr. Cheri Mah’s insights on sleep and elite athlete performance
2. Professor Guy Leschinzer’s discussion on sleep disorders and their impact
3. Kristen Holmes’ episode on the effects of alcohol on health and sleep

These episodes have fundamentally changed my perspective on the importance of sleep for daily performance. I’ve come to treat my workdays like an athlete preparing for a match, recognizing the crucial role that quality sleep plays in mood, decision-making, and overall effectiveness.

Uptime: Mastering Productivity

Laura Mae Martin’s book “Uptime” has been a fantastic resource on productivity. It’s provided me with practical strategies to optimize my work processes and manage my energy more effectively throughout the day.

The First 90 Days: Navigating Leadership Transitions

Michael D. Watkins’ “The First 90 Days” has offered valuable insights into leadership transitions. Although I’m not new to my role, the principles in this book have helped me reassess and refine my leadership approach, particularly in how I onboard new team members and manage organizational changes.

Holistic Approach to Performance and Well-being

My personal development journey has extended beyond just professional skills to encompass a more holistic approach to performance and well-being:

1. Fitness Tracking: I’ve taken my use of fitness trackers to the next level, closely monitoring metrics like daily calorie burn, water intake, and sleep patterns. Joining the Whoop community has been particularly motivating in this regard.

2. Morning Walks: I’ve incorporated daily walks of 7-12 km before starting my workday. This practice has significantly boosted my energy levels and mental clarity.

3. Swimming for Relaxation: Regular swimming sessions have become a crucial part of my routine, offering both physical exercise and a meditative space to clear my mind.

4. Intermittent Fasting: Adopting intermittent fasting has been a revelation, noticeably enhancing my energy levels and focus.

5. Family Time: I’ve continued to prioritize quality time with my family, engaging in sports activities, music, and meals together. This balance has been crucial for my overall well-being and perspective.

Impact on Leadership Approach

These personal development practices have profoundly influenced my leadership style:

1. Enhanced Energy and Focus: The combination of better sleep, regular exercise, and intermittent fasting has dramatically improved my energy levels and focus during work hours. This has allowed me to be more present and effective in my interactions with team members.

2. Empathy and Balance: Prioritizing family time has reinforced the importance of work-life balance, making me more empathetic to my team members’ needs for flexibility and personal time.

3. Continuous Improvement Mindset: My commitment to personal growth has fostered a culture of continuous improvement within my team. I encourage team members to invest in their personal development and bring new ideas to our work.

4. Data-Driven Approach: The practice of tracking personal metrics has translated into a more data-driven approach in my professional decision-making, emphasizing the importance of measurable outcomes and continuous monitoring.

5. Stress Management: The relaxation techniques I’ve adopted, particularly swimming and walking, have improved my stress management skills. This has enabled me to remain calm and focused during challenging situations, setting a positive example for my team.

By investing in my personal development, I’ve not only improved my own performance but also become better equipped to lead and inspire my team. This holistic approach to leadership, combining professional skills with personal well-being, has been a key factor in navigating the challenges and opportunities of this past year.

Community Engagement and Professional Visibility

My commitment to the tech community has remained strong throughout this second year. Engaging with the broader tech ecosystem has not only contributed to my personal growth but has also allowed me to give back to the community that has supported my journey.

Continued Involvement with Google Developer Experts

Being part of the international community of Google Developer Experts has been a constant source of inspiration and learning. This platform has allowed me to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and share my expertise with a global audience.

Speaking Engagements at DevFest Events

I had the privilege of speaking at several DevFest events, including those at McGill, Concordia, and Boston. These conferences provided invaluable opportunities to:

• Connect with passionate developers and aspiring tech professionals
• Share insights from my experiences in the field
• Mentor future developers and contribute to their growth

Each interaction with curious students and professionals from diverse backgrounds has been a humbling experience. It reconnects me with the core of what makes our field exciting: the joy of continuous learning and progress.

The Power of Mentorship

This year, I continued my commitment to mentorship, guiding an individual outside my immediate team and company. Our discussions, spanning topics from economics and personal development to technology and politics, reinforced a crucial lesson:

We learn even more when we attempt to explain concepts to others. There are no foolish questions; each inquiry is an opportunity for mutual growth.

This mentorship experience has not only benefited my mentee but has also sharpened my own understanding and communication skills.

Challenges and Learnings: Building and Maintaining High-Performance Teams

One of the most significant challenges I faced this year was in team building and retention. Like in sport, as a Senior Director, I often find myself playing multiple roles:

1. Team Coach: Guiding and developing the skills of team members
2. Captain: Leading by example and setting the direction
3. General Manager: Responsible for “transfers” during our industry’s equivalent of transfer windows

The difficulty lies not just in recruiting top talent but in retaining them. This year taught me a valuable lesson:

The most important aspect isn’t the individuals who come and go, but the team culture and how we perform as a unit.

Much like in sports, great players may come and go, but it’s the enduring culture that makes the difference. This realization has led me to place a stronger emphasis on building a team culture where developers can find their place and thrive.

Looking Ahead: Future Priorities and Aspirations

As I look towards the future, my experiences this year have shaped several key priorities:

1. Data-Driven Decision Making: I plan to lean more heavily on data, metrics, and measurements to evaluate existing situations before making decisions. This approach will ensure more informed and effective leadership.

2. Personal Growth: Continuing the pursuit of becoming the best version of myself through reading, sports, music, and quality time with family.

3. Embracing AI in Software Development: As an early adopter of AI tools in software development, I’m excited to explore how we can leverage these technologies to improve our industry. I believe in AI’s potential to transform our daily work and am enthusiastic about integrating it effectively into our processes.

4. Community Impact: I aim to increase my involvement in projects supporting students and aspiring developers. Making a positive impact on juniors in the field is a key aspiration.

5. Expanding My Reach: Plans are in motion to launch a podcast where I can share my experiences and provide a platform for others to express themselves. This, along with continued training sessions, blog writing, and conference speaking, will allow me to engage more deeply with the tech community.

Conclusion

As I reflect on this second year as an Engineering leader at Datavalet, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth opportunities and challenges that have shaped my journey. The evolution in my leadership style, the personal development strides, and the deepened community engagement have all contributed to a year of significant progress.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie before us in the tech world. The rapid advancements in AI, the ever-growing importance of data-driven decision making, and the constant need for strong, culturally-rich teams present both challenges and opportunities.

As I step into my third year, I do so with renewed energy, armed with the lessons of the past and an eagerness to continue growing, learning, and contributing to our vibrant tech community. The journey of leadership is ongoing, and I look forward to the new experiences, challenges, and triumphs that await.