The Confident Commit Unprecedented industry turbulence: leading through change ft. Pat Kua, author of LevelUp newsletter
Engineering leadership has never been more challenging, or more critical. In this episode, Rob sits down with Pat Kua, seasoned technology leader, author of three books including Building Evolutionary Architectures, and creator of the popular Level Up newsletter for technical leaders.
Pat reveals how today's engineering leaders are navigating unprecedented industry turbulence: from AI disruption and talent shifts to economic uncertainty and constant organizational change. Drawing from his 20+ years coaching CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and emerging tech leads, he shares practical strategies for making decisions without perfect information and building resilient, adaptable teams.
Key insights include:
- Why embracing uncertainty is a defining leadership skill, not a weakness
- How to apply agile principles beyond code—from team structures to strategic decisions
- The critical importance of creating "forcing functions" that drive continuous learning
- Why exposure to high-performing teams transforms your entire worldview
- Practical approaches for leading through AI adoption and industry shifts
From small startups to global enterprises, Pat's guidance helps leaders focus on what they can control while building systems that thrive in constant change. Whether you're a first-time manager or seasoned executive, discover how to turn uncertainty into competitive advantage.
Have someone in mind you'd like to hear on the show? Let us know on X at @CircleCI!