Newsletters

From Software Engineer to CTO

January 17, 2021

In this issue, explore the journey from Software Engineer to CTO, lessons learned in leadership, insights on hiring great product managers, and the impact of new technologies on our work. Dive in for inspiration and growth.

Maximizing Developer Effectiveness

January 10, 2021

This week’s issue explores developer effectiveness through feedback loops, shares leadership lessons from a Product Design Manager, examines incident management strategies, discusses team responsibility patterns, and offers tips for presenting to executives.

Why Google Cloud Platform lost to AWS despite having better tech

January 03, 2021

In this issue, explore why Google Cloud faltered against AWS, learn timeless coaching lessons from Vince Lombardi, and discover engineering principles for success. Plus, insights from Facebook's CTO and tips for effective engineering management.

Tech Lead Management roles are a trap

December 27, 2020

In this issue, we explore the challenges of tech lead manager roles, reflect on organizational growth, discuss the legacy of Google’s 20% time policy, and highlight the importance of using OKRs for team success over individual goals.

What makes a good remote team?

December 20, 2020

This week, we explore the dynamics of remote teams, common leadership pitfalls, the challenges faced by promoted developers, the evolving role of CTOs, and the complexities of measuring developer productivity.

Dealing with Remote Team Challenges

December 13, 2020

This week’s newsletter dives into remote team dynamics, effective onboarding strategies, the use of OKRs in product management, and insights on impactful 1-on-1s. Discover how to enhance productivity and foster team connection.

How to measure and improve success in your engineering team

December 06, 2020

This week, explore how to enhance your engineering team's success, effectively scope new projects, foster meaningful connections, recognize performance review biases, and learn the art of saying no during a busy season.

Being Glue

November 29, 2020

This week, explore the importance of glue work in leadership, discover effective virtual onboarding strategies, rethink meetings, and learn why good engineering strategy is often seen as boring but is essential for success.

A primer on managing remotely

November 22, 2020

This week’s issue covers essential insights for remote engineering managers, effective frameworks, empowering teams, driving cultural change through software, and tips for renegotiating vendor contracts.

Engineering strategy

November 15, 2020

This week’s issue dives into engineering strategy, empathetic leadership in remote work, salary benchmarking, and the shift from project to product thinking, plus structuring teams for better software. Explore insights that drive growth.

Onboarding to a new team as an engineering leader

November 08, 2020

In this issue, explore insights on effective onboarding as an engineering leader, the power of systems thinking, mastering management with the Basic Boss Formula, learning through experience, and personal reflections on startup burnout.

1-on-1 Meetings: More Important than Ever

November 01, 2020

In this issue, we explore the importance of 1-on-1 meetings in fostering connections, share insights on transitioning to engineering management, and discuss handling grief in the workplace. Plus, we delve into managing technical quality and the realities of becoming an engineering manager.

Less status updates, more coaching

October 25, 2020

In this issue, we explore effective one-on-ones, tackle work-in-progress challenges, and highlight leadership opportunities beyond titles. Plus, insights on product prioritization and the essential role of an Engineering Manager.

Delegation creates career progression

October 18, 2020

This week's issue explores career progression through delegation, feedback strategies, the challenges of scaling beyond 25 employees, and insights on transitioning from manager to director. Plus, a free resource for crafting standout tech resumes.

Don’t make yourself redundant

October 11, 2020

This week’s issue explores key management insights, from rejecting candidates thoughtfully to embracing asynchronous communication in development. Plus, tips on effective product management and avoiding decision traps.

The Most Productive Teams Have These 5 Dynamics

October 04, 2020

This week, explore the dynamics that make teams productive, learn from management mistakes, discover how to engage remote employees, and get tips to keep your busy team organized and on track. A must-read for leaders.

The 13 best questions to ask during the remote onboarding process

September 27, 2020

This week’s issue highlights key insights on remote onboarding, effective visibility in organizations, the hidden costs of constant shipping, the concept of Jugaad, and breaking free from management ruts.

A Practical Approach to Engineering Leadership

September 20, 2020

This week’s issue dives into engineering leadership, exploring the balance between coding and management, delegation strategies for CTOs, the importance of software quality, and fostering future leaders in dynamic teams.

Attention is your scarcest resource

September 13, 2020

This week, explore the importance of focused attention in management, effective onboarding strategies, leading senior engineers, prioritizing meaningful work, and genuine motivations for becoming a manager.

The Investment into Quality

September 06, 2020

This week’s issue dives into investing in quality for Agile success, effective management of feature toggles, the traits of good tech leads, nurturing engineering skills, and the challenges of managing multiple teams.