In the ever-changing landscape of technology, career paths are rarely linear. My journey from a technical lead to a senior leader is a testament to this. It’s a story of growth, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the past 16 years, I’ve transitioned from hands-on technical work to directing cross-functional teams and providing strategic leadership for complex, enterprise-level initiatives. Along the way, I’ve picked up invaluable lessons that have shaped my leadership style and approach to technical program management. In this article, I’m sharing my experiences, the skills that fueled my transition, and actionable advice for anyone aspiring to follow a similar path.
Starting My Technical Lead Years
I began my career immersed in the heart of technology. As a technical lead, I was deeply involved in software development and system integration - coding in Core Java, leveraging the Spring framework, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring our solutions met both technical and business needs. I thrived on solving problems, collaborating with diverse teams, and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
During those early years, I sharpened a few foundational skills that later became the bedrock of my leadership journey:
- Technical Expertise: A deep understanding of technology, particularly in Core Java and Spring, was my cornerstone. It gave me credibility with my teams and the confidence to make informed decisions.
- Problem-Solving: I guided my team through unique project challenges, fostering a culture of creative solutions.
- Team Collaboration: Working alongside developers, designers, and business analysts taught me the value of clear communication and mutual respect.
These skills were essential back then, and they laid the groundwork for leading larger teams later. But as I moved forward, I realized that technical know-how alone wouldn’t carry me to the next level. Leadership demanded a shift in perspective I hadn’t yet fully grasped.
The Turning Point: My First Steps Into Leadership
The leap from technical lead to a leadership role didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual evolution, one that began when I was tapped to lead a small team on a high-stakes project. Suddenly, my role expanded beyond code and systems. I was responsible for guiding and developing a team, engaging stakeholders, and driving strategic planning. It was exhilarating—and honestly, a little intimidating.
One defining moment came when I empowered my team to take ownership of their roles while providing direction to deliver a multi-million-dollar initiative on time. That experience was a crash course in leadership, teaching me lessons I still carry today:
- Clear Communication Is Everything: With team members from engineering, marketing, and operations, I had to ensure everyone was aligned on our goals and their roles. A single misstep in communication could’ve thrown us off track.
- Strategic Thinking Counts: I learned to align our work with the bigger picture, balancing immediate wins with long-term impact.
- Empathy Builds Trust: Creating a space where my team felt valued and supported wasn’t just nice—it was essential to our success.
That project flipped a switch for me. Leadership wasn’t just about managing tasks; it was about inspiring people, fostering collaboration, and driving results through others. I was hooked.
Growing Into Leadership: The Skills I Built
Stepping into a senior leadership role meant leveling up my skill set. My technical roots gave me a solid foundation, but I had to cultivate new strengths intentionally to thrive in this broader capacity. Here’s what I focused on—and what carried me forward:
- People Management: Leading a team meant understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, while mentoring them to excel and grow. One of my proudest moments? Watching a mentee I’d guided step into a leadership role of their own.
- Stakeholder Engagement: I started interacting with executives, clients, and partners regularly. Explaining complex technical ideas to non-technical folks became a daily task, so I sharpened my listening skills, tailored my messages, and worked hard to build trust.
- Strategic Vision: I shifted my focus from daily tasks to the bigger picture—aligning projects with business goals, anticipating trends, and making decisions that set us up for long-term success.
- Change Management: I guided my teams through transformations like Agile adoption, using empathy and transparency to turn resistance into momentum.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: Leadership often means making tough calls with incomplete info. I got comfortable weighing risks and rewards, keeping my team’s morale steady even when the stakes were high.
Facing the Challenges: Balancing Tech and Leadership
The transition wasn’t all smooth sailing. One of my biggest struggles was letting go of the technical reins. As a technical lead, I loved diving into the nitty-gritty of Java. But as a senior leader, I learned to delegate effectively, empowering my team to innovate and deliver while I focused on strategic oversight. It wasn’t easy. I often fought the urge to jump in and fix things myself. Over time, though, I saw that micromanaging killed innovation. So, I focused on setting clear expectations, offering guidance, and trusting my team to shine.
Another hurdle was steering through organizational shifts. I’ve steered my team through restructurings and strategic pivots, keeping them motivated with clear vision and open communication. Those moments tested my adaptability, but I learned that transparency and a steady presence can carry a team through even the roughest patches.
My Key Takeaways: Advice for Aspiring Technical Program Managers
Looking back, here’s what I’ve distilled from my journey—practical insights I’d share with anyone aiming to step into technical program management:
- Build a Strong Technical Base: Your tech skills, whether in Java, Spring, or other frameworks, are your foundation. They give you credibility and help you understand your team’s challenges. Stay curious and keep learning, even as your role evolves.
- Develop Your Team’s Potential: As a leader, your success hinges on your team’s growth. Use empathy and active listening to inspire and elevate them.
- Seize Leadership Opportunities: Step up to guide projects or mentor peers. Those moments build your foundation for leading at scale.
- Never Stop Learning: Tech moves fast, and you should too. Certifications like PMP and Scrum Master have kept me sharp. Find what works for you and dive in.
- Master Clear Communication: Whether it’s your team or execs, clarity is key. Tailor your message to your audience and tie it back to the goal every time.
- Stay Adaptable and Tough: Change is a constant in tech. Embrace it, learn from setbacks, and keep your eyes on the long game. Resilience sets leaders apart.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Today
My path from technical lead to senior leader wasn’t a straight line, but every twist and turn made me the leader I am now. If you’re eyeing a similar shift, here’s my take: Your technical skills launch you, but inspiring and empowering a team drives lasting impact.
Start where you stand. Seek out growth opportunities. Keep learning. The leadership journey never really ends—each step just brings you closer to where you’re headed. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what challenges are you tackling in your career? What’s pushing you to grow as a leader? Let’s keep this conversation alive!