120. Give People A Chance. Reflections On Team Building.

I've been deeply immersed in the technology world for the last 5 years of my career.

I am not an engineer myself, but I work with engineers daily, and I've interviewed quite a few technology leaders to learn more about their story and their path in this industry.

I always learn something new. Most stories are not a simple straight line. There is a beginning, a spark, there's lots of hard work, there are opportunities and paths taken, decisions, there are mentors, there are lessons learned, discoveries by chance and preparation alike.

Today, we will dive deep into the story of Jeff Bridwell, a seasoned technologist and software engineering leader with over three decades of experience building systems and leading high-performing teams across fintech, ecommerce, and supply chain. Jeff is not only passionate about the craft of engineering, but also about growing people, fostering clarity, and making systems work for real-world impact.

In this episode, we explore Jeff’s journey into tech, his leadership philosophy, what he values in team members and how to foster high performing teams, how technology has evolved since he got started, and what he sees coming next. We’ll also touch on what keeps him grounded outside of work.

Whether you’re an engineer, a leader, or just someone thinking about the future of tech and teams, this conversation is packed with practical insights and thoughtful reflections.

Enjoy!