The Laravel Podcast Leading Engineering Teams with Empathy
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Jun 23, 2025 André Valentin, Director of Engineering at Laravel, shares his fascinating journey from customer support to engineering leadership. He discusses the importance of empathy and strong relationships in team dynamics, along with the challenges of managing remote teams. André emphasizes effective communication and the significance of hiring well to enhance team success. He also dives into Laravel’s balance between open source and commercial work, and shares insights on flexible methodologies that boost collaboration. A must-listen for aspiring engineering leaders!
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André's Unconventional Career Path
- André Valentin started his career in customer support and transitioned into engineering without formal education.
- A front-end developer introduced him to Laravel, which sparked his deep involvement with the framework.
Landing Laravel Head of Engineering
- André experienced major layoffs at his company before COVID, which influenced his career move.
- He applied to be Laravel's Head of Engineering after seeing Taylor Otwell's tweet, encouraged by his wife.
Prioritize Team Listening Early
- When joining a new team, schedule one-on-one meetings to understand individual goals and concerns.
- Use early days for listening and learning to build strong relationships and identify team needs.
