In today’s episode, our co-founder Anthony chatted with Alvar Lumberg. Alvar was one of the Founding Engineering Team leaders at Wise (formely TransferWise), now he is an investor, and the CTO, and co-founder at Grünfin. Alvar shared how he uses coaching to help engineering and first-time managers succeed in their roles. He also discussed what makes leading an engineering team and succeeding as a manager at the same time a tough balance to achieve. From learning how to navigate the transition from individual contributor to manager, to understanding how the definition of leadership has changed over time, and what does it take to be a successful leader today. Alvar also shared his top book recommendations, what he is still trying to grow in and why it is essential to understand emerging technologies to plan ahead.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How you can be a leader even if your job title doesn’t necessarily imply it
Being an engineering lead at a big company vs. a startup - tricks, tips, and best strategies to succeed
Why it is important for leaders to take a step back, and revisit the broader picture regularly
What are the biggest challenges engineering managers face today, and how you can overcome those
Best practices to discovering your unique leadership style as a new manager
Timecodes:
1:10 - how and where Alvar’s journey began
6:40 - why passion was the key to kick-starting Alvar’s career and setting him up for success
11:25 - what was it like joining an early-stage startup as an engineering lead
16:00 - Alvar’s leadership style and what would he advise to first time managers
17:00 - your job as a leader is not to tell people what to do, it’s to align on goals and support them with achieving those
21:30 - leadership through coaching - how does Alvar lead his teams
26:50 - the biggest challenge engineering leaders and managers face today
29:20 - why you need to understand emerging technologies to be able to plan ahead
30:05 - Alvar’s books recommendations
33:50 - what it truly means to be a leader and a role model (hint: it’s not about your title)
35:10 - how would Alvar define leadership
36:00 - what Alvar is still trying to grow in
40:00 - what would Alvar advise to his younger self and all first time managers out there
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