Learning What I Thrive In
About 5 months ago, I accepted a new job as CTO of FiveToNine. In the past, I have held mainly software engineer focused roles, or roles where I have been a tech lead. This slightly different experience has been fantastic and taught me a lot. One big thing I have learned is what my strengths are.
I had a side door entrance into Tech. I studied Economics and Communications in college, and briefly worked in sales before doing a coding bootcamp and becoming a full time engineer shortly after. I have always approached coding and technology from a “What benefit can it provide” standpoint.
I also have been fortunate to have traveled around the world, and have had many different experiences with many different types of people. I think because of this I have strong sensing and observational skills. My approach to tech and my background has really helped a core tenant of my role as CTO - speaking about tech things with non technical people. This part of the role has come natural to me and I very much enjoy it. I love translating tech to non technical people and having them realize the power tech is able to unleash.
Meanwhile, a large part of my role is still coding. I have found I enjoy getting to work on many different parts of a code base, and getting to work on different types of problem. This helps me understand how all of the parts are interconnected, become an expert in all aspects of the code and get to sharpen all of the tools in my toolbox. To help enable this, I have often let me team choose what they wish to work on - allowing me to be a utility player and “clean up the rest”. This has helped keep everyone engaged and increased our productivity and chemistry.
Another part of my role is managing the product process, and managing my team. I have had bits and pieces of management experience in my career, but never on this scale. It was the part of the role I was most scared for, but have come to love. I enjoy by being more in a manager role, it increases the social aspect of my job. As an engineer, you are given ample time to do deep work, and at times, this almost loneliness has hurt my motivation when I haven’t found meaning in the work. Getting to more constantly interact with other members of a team has given a bolt to my energy, and my motivation.
I also have loved the managing piece. It is the most rewarding thing ever getting to work closely with my team to help develop their skills, goals, and have a more direct impact on people’s careers.
I have loved this role so far and am anxious to keep growing and thriving.