The Engineering Leadership Podcast

Michael Grinich, the founder and CEO of WorkOS, shares his innovative approach to product development where engineers take on responsibilities usually held by product managers and designers. He discusses the advantages of a flattened organizational structure and direct communication between developers and users. Grinich emphasizes the importance of user-centric thinking, adaptability, and cultivating curiosity within teams. Additionally, he highlights the role of tools like Model Context Protocol in revolutionizing software development, making coding more accessible to everyone.

Srinath Kuruvadi, a globally recognized cybersecurity executive and Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, shares his insights on influencing without authority in engineering leadership. He discusses the importance of empathy, trust, and shared goals in building stakeholder relationships. Srinath highlights strategies for navigating challenges in collaborative environments and emphasizes the trend of integrating AI in security. His innovative ideas on operationalizing curiosity through The Innovation Lab show how to inspire teams and drive meaningful change in technology.

Join John Amaral, CTO and co-founder of Root.io, a veteran leader in cybersecurity, as he discusses the evolving role of engineering leaders in today’s tech landscape. He introduces the concept of 'Shift Out' in development strategies and the transformative potential of AI in enhancing developer productivity. John emphasizes empowering teams with a vision-first approach and the importance of innovative thinking while tackling software vulnerabilities. He also highlights using creativity and AI to streamline workflows and redefine the future of software development.

This week, the focus is on an exciting upcoming event for engineering leaders. Expect over 1,000 top professionals, including CTOs and VPs, coming together for two days of invaluable leadership breakthroughs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of curated networking opportunities and peer learning. Don’t miss the chance to secure early bird tickets and be part of this transformative experience in San Francisco!

Dhruv Parthasarathy, CTO at Commure and expert in healthcare AI, shares insights on optimizing decision-making in tech. He highlights the need for rapid prototyping to foster innovation, especially in fast-paced startups. Dhruv discusses structuring teams for efficiency, emphasizing the value of clear roles and independence. He also explores the unique challenges of building effective healthcare engineering teams, advocating for passionate hires. Plus, he offers a creative perspective on personal growth and the importance of meaningful engagement in life and leadership.

Loïc Houssier, an engineering executive with 20 years of experience, currently leads engineering at Superhuman, optimizing productivity in email applications. He discusses building high-velocity engineering teams and the evolving playbook for achieving speed, particularly in the AI era. Loïc emphasizes the importance of a product mindset and strategies for adapting organizational culture. He also shares insights on enhancing user experience in product design and the role of effective communication in leadership during challenging decisions.

Nissim Lehyani, Vice President of Product at Life360, shares insights from over two decades in product strategy, emphasizing the blend of technical depth with business acumen. He explores the shift to rapid prototyping and AI-driven development, allowing for quicker iterations and enhanced collaboration between teams. The discussion highlights the innovative 'lightning pods' for agile teams, the significance of empathy in resolving conflicts, and the transformative potential of no-code solutions to empower small businesses.

Discover the exciting launch of a new forum dedicated to engineering leaders! This innovative space encourages discussion on real challenges and fosters peer support. Engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and look forward to upcoming AMAs with expert guests. It's a vibrant community where leadership and collaboration unite!

Prashant Ramarao, SVP of Engineering & Head of AI at Yahoo, discusses his journey from technical contributor to engineering leader while retaining his tech expertise. He shares insights on scaling leadership and effectively communicating with non-technical stakeholders. Prashant emphasizes the importance of humility and adaptability in leadership and explores personal learning strategies, like podcasts and AI tools, for ongoing education. Additionally, he delves into the concept of 'ambient AI' and its transformative potential, particularly in healthcare.

Craig McLuckie, Co-founder and CEO of Stacklok and Kubernetes co-creator, delves into the transformative role of AI in the startup landscape. He discusses the reduced barriers for innovation and the need for startups to pivot quickly in this evolving environment. McLuckie highlights community engagement as key to developing unique products and strategies. He reflects on the societal implications of automation, offering a hopeful perspective on the future of work. Emphasizing mistakes as learning opportunities, he champions a renewed spirit of innovation in entrepreneurship.