Irina Stanescu, a former manager at Uber and Google, shares insights on achieving impact through influence in tech. Topics include balancing IC and management duties, training influence skills, applying influence in specific roles, and being a helpful EM.
A manager's success is linked to the team's success, emphasizing the importance of strong team dynamics.
Irina Stanescu emphasizes the power of influence in driving change by building strategic relationships
Deep dives
Success as a Team is Linked to Manager's Success
The importance of a manager's success being tied to the team's success is emphasized in the podcast. It is highlighted that the team's delivery of their best work stems from the relationship established by the manager. The guest, Irina Stanescu, shares insights from her experience in Silicon Valley and high-growth startups, emphasizing the significance of building strong team dynamics for achieving success and delivering impactful results. The critical role of the manager in fostering a positive team environment to encourage peak performance is underscored.
Evolution of Irina Stanescu's Tech Journey
Irina Stanescu delves into her tech journey, tracing back to her high school years in Romania and her decision to pursue computer science. She recounts her transition to the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and her subsequent entry into Google as a software engineer. Irina reflects on her challenges and successes at Google, highlighting the impact of effective leadership and mentorship in her career growth. Her journey showcases the importance of perseverance, adapting to new environments, and seeking opportunities for personal and professional development.
Navigating the Transition to Tech Lead Manager Role
The podcast explores the challenges and evolution of transitioning into a Tech Lead Manager (TLM) role at companies like Google and Uber. Irina elaborates on the strategic steps she took to progress from a Tech Lead to a Tech Lead Manager, emphasizing the significance of gradual skill development and prototyping leadership responsibilities. She discusses the unique dynamics of balancing technical duties with managerial responsibilities, underlining the value of gaining diverse experiences and building a strong foundation before advancing to higher management roles.
Impactful Influence Through Relationship Building
The conversation shifts towards the theme of impact through influence, with Irina sharing insights on the power of building strategic relationships and driving change through collaboration. She highlights the key components of influence, including mindset, personal branding, and fostering strong connections to enhance one's ability to effect change. Irina stresses the importance of establishing credibility, demonstrating expertise, and cultivating a network of support for driving successful outcomes through effective influence tactics.
Today's guest is Irina Stanescu!
Irina is a full-time engineering coach, course instructor, and former manager at Uber and Google.
With Irina, we talked about her journey through Silicon Valley, big tech, and high growth startups, balancing IC and management duties, and achieving impact through influence.
Here is what we talked about:
(01:21) Introduction
(02:02) Irina’s first steps
(06:10) Joining Google
(08:15) From Google to Uber
(10:16) Being a young TLM
(14:34) The restraints of a TLM
(18:14) Uber vs Google
(22:01) Impact through influence
(28:09) Training your influence skills
(35:42) Applying influence in specific roles
(38:04) How to be an helpful EM
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