Foundations of Tech Leadership

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a technical leader requires more than just technical expertise—it demands a new set of leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to empower a team. This half day interactive workshop is designed to help new and aspiring technical leaders build a strong foundation in technical leadership.

We’ll start with the basics: What do Engineering Managers actually do? From there, we’ll explore the principles of purposeful leadership, time management, and prioritization to help leaders stay focused on what truly matters. Participants will learn how to empower their teams, build a strong team vision, and navigate career conversations, coaching, and effective 1:1s to support their team’s growth.

The workshop will also cover strategic leadership and relationship-building, providing insights into how to balance technical execution with long-term planning and cross-functional collaboration. Through interactive exercises, real-world scenarios, and group discussions, attendees will leave with practical frameworks and tools they can immediately apply to their teams.

Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will give you the skills and confidence to lead effectively in a fast-paced technical environment.

About Kate Wardin

Kate Wardin is an Engineering Manager at Netflix and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She enjoys exploring the psychology of happiness at work and is passionate about building inclusive and high performing teams via people-first leadership. She believes in the power of humor to bring people together to create a positive and cohesive workplace. In her free time, Kate enjoys unwinding by watching The Office or chasing her toddler and dog.

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