logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
25m 27s

Episode 364: EMs doing technical tasks a...

JAMISON DANCE AND DAVE SMITH
About this episode

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions:

  1. Do you think an EM should only be involved with management tasks, and let the members handle the technical stuff, or should they have some technical expertise to manage things like architecture reviews or handle urgent incidents?

  2. Hello! Love the show, thank you both for all the knowledge. I discovered this podcast when I was struggling as a newbie who was learning on the job at a tech firm two years ago. By applying your advice for fellow listeners to my own situations, I now find myself a well-regarded senior frontend engineer in fintech. I’ve noticed that a big reason for this is my communication, organizational, and soft skills (English major and former operations manager). What really sets me apart is my effective and friendly collaboration with junior devs, tech leads, and product managers alike. As I work towards becoming a principal engineer, should I lean into extending and displaying these aforementioned skills, or are they actually “time sucks” since they are more fitting of a managerial track?

Up next
Nov 24
Episode 488: How do I survive in a culture of optics and jira slacker
<p>In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Hey Dave and Jamison,</p> <p>Big fan of the show — listening from Portugal! (Proof that even across the Atlantic, software politics are universal.)</p> <p>I’m a tech lead, and lately I’ ... Show More
30m 38s
Nov 17
Episode 487: My manager ignores me during 1:1's and I am required to work in an empty office
<p>In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions:</p> <ol> <li> <p>“My manager insists on a weekly 1:1 with me, but he rarely pays attention. He’s often on his laptop, texting, checking email — basically anything but listening. I’ve tried sending agendas, resche ... Show More
36m 18s
Nov 10
Episode 486: No one on my team talks and skip level meetings
In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I work at a big tech company on a remote team of about 10 people, and most of them have been here for 5+ years. I’m in the “newer” half of the team with 4 years here. My problem is, in group meetings, absolutely NO ONE tal ... Show More
29m 19s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Tech Workers Are Stressed Out
<p>tech companies seemed immune to large-scale layoffs, and as their profits skyrocketed, those cushy jobs became highly sought-after. But economic headwinds, and the looming influence of AI, are leading to some tumultuous changes in the tech industry.</p><p>In just the first sev ... Show More
31m 38s
Apr 2024
Special Series: Tech at Work
Managing technology has never been more challenging. HBR IdeaCast’s new special series, Tech at Work, offers research, stories, and advice to make technology work for you and your team. Listen every other Thursday starting May 2 in the HBR IdeaCast feed, after the regular Tuesday ... Show More
2m 26s
Feb 2021
How do I learn new tech as a software engineer
<p>In this video I discuss my approach of learning new technology and how I break it down so I understand it. Hope it helps</p> 
18m 57s
Nov 2019
Bonus Episode: How to Level Up Your AI Skill Set Without Learning to Code
This is a special bonus episode of AI in Industry about advancing your career in the era of AI, specifically for non-technical professionals. If you don't want to learn to code but still make yourself tremendously valuable in the era of AI, this episode is for you. We put togethe ... Show More
20m 55s
Apr 2018
Ep. 1: Introduction to the Workplace Innovator Podcast | Mike Petrusky
<p>Mike Petrusky (Host of "The FM Innovator Podcast") introduces you to this newly rebranded podcast that takes a more strategic, holistic view of the workplace with a focus on new technologies and leadership strategies that can help your organization attract and retain the talen ... Show More
9m 29s
May 2024
Tech at Work: How to Get the Most Out of Digital Collaboration Tools
Managing technology has never been more challenging. HBR IdeaCast’s new special series, Tech at Work, offers research, stories, and advice to make technology work for you and your team. This week: how your team can get the most out of digital collaboration tools. 
38m 6s
Nov 2023
Engineering Management vs Individual Contributor, Travel, and Inflation with Taylor Poindexter
<p>Being a great engineer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a great engineering manager. So how do you know if a leadership role is right for you? Taylor Poindexter, Software Engineering Manager at Spotify, believes you have to try before you can decide and also know when to wal ... Show More
59m 56s
Oct 2022
E21 - Engineering in the Arab World vs Europe & USA
<p>How does software engineering in Europe or the USA defer from the work we do in the Middle East and North Africa region? What are some of the biggest challenges preventing the Middle East and North Africa from becoming technology hubs? What’s the caliber of the talent availabl ... Show More
1h 15m
Mar 2023
What does it take to be a Scrum Master and land that first interview?
<p>There is a lot of information out there about how to prepare for a Scrum Master interview. But, how do you land that interview? What are the qualities, mindset and personality traits needed to be a Scrum Master? In this episode of the Scrum.org Community podcast, career transi ... Show More
34m 36s
Apr 2022
E2 - What does it take to be an Engineering Manager?
<p>In the fireside chat, I explore with Joe his perspective on engineering management and the qualities of a great manager. We also discuss how you could make the transition from engineering to management and what to expect.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Joe has entered the tech world as a ... Show More
56m 30s