Executive Runtime Meet Will Larson
Jun 9, 2025
Will Larson, Chief Technology Officer at Imprint and acclaimed author, dives into the essence of engineering leadership. He shares insights from his latest book, discussing the gaps in current engineering management literature. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face when transitioning roles and the nuances of executive job negotiations, including how to identify red flags in job opportunities. Larson emphasizes the importance of contextual leadership and the transformative power of writing as a tool for growth and effective management.
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Need for Executive-Focused Book
- Engineering executives need specialized knowledge that isn't well-covered by existing management books.
- Writing a focused guide for executives can improve engineering environments and leadership impact.
Middle Management's Conflicting Roles
- Middle managers face conflicting expectations between coding and management roles.
- Transitioning to executive roles requires unlearning compliance and embracing first-principles thinking.
Empowering Senior ICs at Stripe and Carta
- At Stripe, Will created pillar tech lead roles to empower senior ICs alongside managers for technical coordination.
- At Carta, navigators serve a similar role with direct communication channels for senior ICs.
