Many years ago, I had someone on my team—let’s call him Raj. Raj was one of the sharpest software architects I’ve ever worked with. He designed elegant systems, solved the gnarliest problems, and quietly earned deep respect from his peers. When promotion season came, I was confident he was ready. But in the leadership review, …
Recently, a former Amazon GM posted a sarcastic message on LinkedIn outlining six “best practices” to get promoted in tech. His list included the following advice: Not everyone on LinkedIn immediately recognized the satire in this post. Some were offended, while others—perhaps uneasily—acknowledged that these tactics, unfortunately, can be effective. Climbing the Ladder: At What …
As of early 2025, 6.8 million people in the U.S. are unemployed, with a 4.0% unemployment rate (BLS.gov). In technology sector, unemployment increased to 2.9%, up from 2.0% at the end of 2024 (HR Dive). That means many of us have friends, former colleagues, or acquaintances reaching out for help with their job search. We’re …
Are you worried about your future in tech? You’re not alone. In 2024, over 150,000 tech workers lost their jobs across more than 500 companies, according to Crunchbase News. The rise in layoffs across the tech industry has many professionals questioning what steps they can take to safeguard their careers. If you’re feeling uncertain, know …
I’ve wanted to write about skip-level meetings for a while now. Let’s starting with a definition. A skip-level meeting is a one-on-one interaction between a senior leader and an employee who is two or more levels below them in the organizational hierarchy. Throughout my leadership career, these conversations have been more than just a management …
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection and forward planning. Many people take stock of the months gone by and set their sights on new beginnings. This is why New Year’s resolutions remain a popular tradition year after year. However, there’s an inherent challenge: most New Year’s resolutions fail to stick. …
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the joy of sharing warm and festive greetings with friends and family. This time of year also offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with people we may have drifted apart from, including those in our professional networks. You might be wondering, “Why would I want …
As a coach, I frequently meet ambitious leaders looking to understand how coaching can enhance their effectiveness and help them achieve their goals. In this post, I will clarify what coaching is, share my personal journey with a coach, and discuss the nuances of finding the right coach for your needs. What is Coaching? Coaching …
If you’re reading this, you’ve already grasped a crucial truth: when it comes to advancing your career, you can’t go it alone. Congratulations! This realization puts you ahead of many of your peers. But now comes the pivotal question: who do you turn to for help? In the realm of professional development, two key figures …
At some point in my career, I started to feel that my leadership skills needed a booster. I was managing a rapidly growing team. For the first time, I couldn’t be directly involved in every customer project and internal initiative, which required my attention. I didn’t have time for regular check-ins or career development conversations …
