Using Self-Selection to Create Journey Teams at Avvo

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil

1
How To Pitch Yourself (And Get A Yes) | 300 27:52

4 gün önce27:52

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27:52

We made it— 300 episodes of This Is Woman’s Work ! And we’re marking this milestone by giving you something that could seriously change the game in your business or career: the skill of pitching yourself effectively. Whether you’re dreaming of being a podcast guest, landing a speaking gig, signing a client, or just asking for what you want with confidence—you’re already pitching yourself, every day. But are you doing it well? In this milestone episode, Nicole breaks down exactly how to pitch yourself to be a podcast guest … and actually hear “yes.” With hundreds of pitches landing in her inbox each month, she shares what makes a guest stand out (or get deleted), the biggest mistakes people make, and why podcast guesting is still one of the most powerful ways to grow your reach, authority, and influence. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we all need to pitch ourselves—and how to do it without feeling gross ✅ The step-by-step process for landing guest spots on podcasts (and more) ✅ A breakdown of the 3 podcast levels: Practice, Peer, and A-List—and how to approach each ✅ The must-haves of a successful podcast pitch (including real examples) ✅ How to craft a pitch that gets read, gets remembered, and gets results Whether you’re new to pitching or want to level up your game, this episode gives you the exact strategy Nicole and her team use to land guest spots on dozens of podcasts every year. Because your voice deserves to be heard. And the world needs what only you can bring. 🎁 Get the FREE Podcast Pitch Checklist + Additional Information on your Practice Group, Peer Group, and A-List Group Strategies: https://nicolekalil.com/podcast 📥 Download The Podcast Pitch Checklist Here Related Podcast Episodes: Shameless and Strategic: How to Brag About Yourself with Tiffany Houser | 298 How To Write & Publish A Book with Michelle Savage | 279 How To Land Your TED Talk and Skyrocket Your Personal Brand with Ashley Stahl | 250 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

1 yıl önce 47:43

MP3•Bölüm sayfası

In this insightful episode of The It Depends Podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith, seasoned CTO and author, takes listeners behind the scenes of his first CTO role at Avvo, a legal tech company. Kevin shares his real-world experience in transforming the organizational structure by introducing journey teams—an innovative approach influenced by, but distinct from, Spotify’s model. He discusses the challenges of managing small teams, the necessity of fostering team autonomy while maintaining accountability, and the crucial role of leadership in balancing top-down constraints with bottom-up ownership.

Kevin dives into the process of moving from a traditional hierarchy to a matrix organization and ultimately to journey teams. He explains how self-selection played a key role in empowering teams, fostering engagement, and driving sustainable growth in a fast-scaling company. Listeners will gain practical insights into building adaptable organizational structures tailored to company culture, evolving leadership styles, and scaling strategies for tech teams.

If you’re a technology leader navigating team scaling, culture transformation, or thinking of adopting self-selection and journey teams in your organization, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6
The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/using-self-selection-to-create-journey

34 bölüm

#Tech #MBA #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Kevin Goldsmith

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

Using Self-Selection to Create Journey Teams at Avvo

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

published 1 yıl önce

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MP3•Bölüm sayfası

Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6
The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/using-self-selection-to-create-journey

34 bölüm

#Tech #MBA #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Kevin Goldsmith

Tüm bölümler

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
The Myth of the Startup in a Large Company with Kevin Stewart 1:05:45

7 gün önce1:05:45

1:05:45

In this special episode, Kevin Goldsmith is joined by longtime friend and peer Kevin Stewart, SVP of Engineering at Splice, to challenge the familiar but flawed narrative: that a team inside a big company can "operate like a startup." Drawing on their shared experiences at Adobe and divergent paths through startups, they explore why innovation often stalls inside large organizations and what makes real startup environments fundamentally different. This wide-ranging conversation touches on culture, risk, incentives, and why resource contention, not imagination, derails corporate innovation. Whether you lead a startup or a legacy company trying to move faster, this episode offers valuable perspective. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The Guest: Kevin Stewart This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/the-myth-of-the-startup-in-a-large-5c7…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Lessons From Creating The Spotify Technology Career Steps 44:42

21 gün önce44:42

44:42

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith discusses the lessons learned from creating Spotify's Technology Career Steps framework. Kevin shares insights from his experience leading the effort to build a structured career path for Spotify's technology team, discussing the process's challenges and successes. The episode covers key topics such as balancing behaviors versus achievements in career growth, the importance of aligning career pathing systems with company culture, and the complexities of integrating the framework with compensation. Kevin also reflects on how Spotify's technology-driven culture influenced the approach and how the company's evolution affected the longevity of the framework. Tune in to hear Kevin's thoughts on what he would do differently today and how his experiences continue to shape his approach to career pathing in leadership roles. Plus, Kevin offers advice for technology leaders who are looking to develop similar frameworks within their own organizations. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/things-we-learned-creating-technology…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Spotify Technology Career Steps 50:40

5 weeks önce50:40

50:40

In this episode of "It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership," host Kevin Goldsmith discusses Chapter 33 of his book, which details the career framework he helped develop at Spotify. Kevin emphasizes that a career pathing framework is the most critical document for engineering leaders. It serves as the backbone of organizational culture by reinforcing desired behaviors through promotion and performance management. Kevin explains how the Spotify framework was carefully designed to: Emphasize team over individual contribution (reflecting Swedish vs. American cultural differences) Focus on behaviors and professional maturity rather than achievements Define spheres of impact that expand with seniority Align individual success with company success Provide flexibility in career choices He describes the careful considerations that went into creating the framework, including being conservative with the number of levels and keeping step designations private to avoid embarrassing employees. Kevin also shares personal experiences from Microsoft that influenced his approach. This episode is part of a trio on career pathing, with the next episode covering lessons learned from implementing the framework. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/spotify-technology-career-steps…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Building a technical career path at Spotify 44:29

7 weeks önce44:29

44:29

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith shares his unique experience designing Spotify's engineering career framework. As the leader of this initiative, Kevin provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Spotify's distinct career pathing system was developed, a system that reinforced its unique engineering culture rather than undermining it. Kevin explains the delicate balance of timing when implementing a career framework. Waiting too long (as Spotify did) can cause problems, but implementing too early can stifle a growing organization. He emphasizes how career pathing must align with company values, as it directly influences what behaviors get rewarded and ultimately shapes your culture. The episode covers Spotify's collaborative approach to creating its "Career Steps" framework, involving representatives from across the organization rather than simply adopting another company's model. Kevin shares their guiding principles, including the crucial shift from focusing on achievements to behaviors, supporting specialists and generalists, and defining career growth by expanding spheres of influence. Whether you're a tech leader contemplating how to structure growth paths for your team or an individual contributor wondering how career frameworks influence company culture, this episode is a must-listen. It offers valuable insights into one of the most foundational aspects of engineering leadership, insights that are relevant and beneficial for both roles. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/building-a-technical-career-path ELC Seattle meetup: https://elc.community/home/clubs/seattle-kcr/events/elc-x-airbnb-seattle-meetup-7oxyok5u0d…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Changing Hiring Practices to Build a More Diverse Technology Organization 36:17

9 weeks önce36:17

36:17

Are your hiring practices unintentionally limiting diversity in your organization? In this episode of It Depends host Kevin Goldsmith explores the critical changes that can help technology companies build more inclusive and high-performing teams. Drawing on his experience scaling engineering teams, Kevin challenges conventional hiring biases—such as prioritizing certain universities or requiring excessive pre-interview work—and offers actionable steps to reduce bias in the hiring process. If you're a tech leader, hiring manager, or aspiring executive, this episode is packed with insights on creating a fairer, more equitable hiring pipeline—without lowering the bar. Tune in to learn how intentional changes can lead to stronger, more diverse teams, benefiting your company and the industry. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/changing-hiring-practices-to-build…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
A diversity challenge: tech start-ups have a great opportunity 21:17

11 weeks önce21:17

21:17

As major tech companies retreat from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, startups can lead the way. In this episode, Kevin Goldsmith explores why diverse teams consistently build better products and create stronger, more effective workplaces. He reflects on personal experiences in leadership, shares insights on how startups can leverage the "law of small numbers" to make a meaningful impact, and explains why prioritizing diversity isn't just the right thing to do—it’s also smart business. Tune in to hear why building an inclusive team can be a competitive advantage and get a preview of the next episode’s discussion on practical strategies for hiring a diverse tech team. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/a-diversity-challenge-tech-start…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Building a Management Training Curriculum at Avvo 29:58

13 weeks önce29:58

29:58

In Episode 27 of It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership , Kevin Goldsmith explores the process of creating a management training curriculum at Avvo. Reflecting on his journey as a manager and lessons learned from his early days at Microsoft and Adobe, Kevin highlights the importance of intentional training for engineering managers. This episode delves into the innovative approach used at Avvo, including collaborative exercises to identify training priorities and designing tailored development programs to support technology leaders. Discover actionable insights on fostering a strong management culture, balancing technical and managerial responsibilities, and creating effective learning experiences for teams. Whether you're an aspiring manager, an experienced leader, or part of a team looking to improve, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration. Tune in to learn how to build a management training framework that elevates your organization! Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/building-a-management-training-curriculum…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Using Self-Selection to Create Journey Teams at Avvo 47:43

15 weeks önce47:43

47:43

In this insightful episode of The It Depends Podcast , host Kevin Goldsmith, seasoned CTO and author, takes listeners behind the scenes of his first CTO role at Avvo, a legal tech company. Kevin shares his real-world experience in transforming the organizational structure by introducing journey teams—an innovative approach influenced by, but distinct from, Spotify’s model. He discusses the challenges of managing small teams, the necessity of fostering team autonomy while maintaining accountability, and the crucial role of leadership in balancing top-down constraints with bottom-up ownership. Kevin dives into the process of moving from a traditional hierarchy to a matrix organization and ultimately to journey teams. He explains how self-selection played a key role in empowering teams, fostering engagement, and driving sustainable growth in a fast-scaling company. Listeners will gain practical insights into building adaptable organizational structures tailored to company culture, evolving leadership styles, and scaling strategies for tech teams. If you’re a technology leader navigating team scaling, culture transformation, or thinking of adopting self-selection and journey teams in your organization, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith This chapter in the newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/using-self-selection-to-create-journey…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Thoughts on emulating Spotify’s matrix organization in other companies 44:06

17 weeks önce44:06

44:06

In this episode of It Depends , host Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned technology leader and CTO, explores the intricacies of Spotify's famed matrix organization model and its applicability to other companies. Drawing from his firsthand experiences at Spotify during its formative years, Kevin delves into the successes and challenges of implementing the Spotify model, addressing common misconceptions and the cultural nuances that influence its effectiveness. Kevin recounts how the model's flexibility and autonomy transformed team dynamics and how its structure has been adapted (or misapplied) by other companies. He also discusses how the U.S. workplace culture, rooted in individualism, impacted the adoption of Spotify’s collaborative team-oriented practices. The episode is filled with insights on organizational scaling, the benefits of full-stack teams, and the pivotal role of company-specific cultural alignment in applying the model. Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith Interviews with Kevin (about the Spotify model and other things): https://www.kevingoldsmith.com/resume.html#interviews For your start of year planning: The Personal Strategy Off-site , Own your Calendar The newsletter issue with the text of this chapter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-emulating-spotifys-matrix The Spotify Model Whitepaper: https://blog.crisp.se/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SpotifyScaling.pdf…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
The Spotify model: how to create, dissolve, and remix teams to be more dynamic and more innovative 30:22

19 weeks önce30:22

30:22

In this episode of It Depends , host Kevin Goldsmith dives into Chapter 26 of his book It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012–2022 . Kevin shares his firsthand experiences with the Spotify model—a revolutionary approach to team organization designed to foster agility, innovation, and collaboration. Drawing on his years at Spotify, Kevin explains how the model allows teams to dynamically form, dissolve, and remix based on company needs. He also addresses some common misconceptions about its application and reflects on lessons learned from the Spotify model and how to adapt its principles to other organizations. Don’t forget to subscribe to the accompanying newsletter and share your thoughts via the linked listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast! Links to things mentioned in the podcast: Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter issue with the text of this chapter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/the-spotify-model The Spotify Model Whitepaper: https://blog.crisp.se/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SpotifyScaling.pdf The Spotify Model videos: https://blog.crisp.se/2014/03/27/henrikkniberg/spotify-engineering-culture-part-1 Spotify Q3 2024 Numbers (640 MAU): https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/spotify-q3-2024-earnings-premium-subscribers-1236207771/…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Transcript of my speech from OPEX Week Summer 2018 24:23

21 weeks önce24:23

24:23

Kevin Goldsmith, Chief Technology Officer and author of It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership (2012–2022) , shares a unique chapter from his audiobook in this episode of It Depends. Recorded on the road in Chicago, Kevin reflects on his unexpected journey into the Operational Excellence (OpEx) community, a world rooted in Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Kevin recounts his experiences speaking at OpEx conferences and collaborating with leaders in industries where quality is critical, such as manufacturing and hardware. He highlights the contrasts between OpEx's failure-averse approach and Agile's embrace of learning through small, manageable failures. Through engaging anecdotes and lessons learned, Kevin emphasizes stepping outside your comfort zone to engage with professionals in different fields. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders in technology and beyond. It explores how diverse perspectives can challenge assumptions and foster growth. Tune in to learn how principles of operational excellence can complement tech leadership while avoiding the pitfalls of over-applying rigid frameworks. Don’t forget to subscribe to the accompanying newsletter and share your thoughts via the linked listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast! Links to things mentioned in the podcast: Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Hiring Agile Coaches 35:14

23 weeks önce35:14

35:14

In this episode of The It Depends Podcast , host Kevin Goldsmith dives into the intricacies of hiring agile coaches—a role he discovered while working at Spotify and which has been transformative in his approach to building high-performing teams. Kevin shares personal stories of successes and challenges with agile coaches across different companies, reflecting on how this role can dramatically boost productivity and collaboration, although sometimes misunderstood. He also explores the current state of Agile and muses on what might come next for the industry. Tune in to learn about the nuances of agile coaching, the evolution of Agile, and strategies for demonstrating the value of agile practices beyond the engineering team. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: The Humanizing Work Show: https://www.humanizingwork.com/kevin-goldsmith/ Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 This chapter in the newsletter Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Management and Systems Thinking 30:50

25 weeks önce30:50

30:50

In this episode of It Depends host Kevin Goldsmith dives into the art of management through the lens of systems thinking. Using the metaphor of gardening, Kevin explores how leaders can “plant the seeds” for success by setting up the right environment, empowering teams, and stepping back to let growth happen organically. He shares practical insights on Kanban boards, the power of autonomy, and the challenges of fostering alignment across teams with different goals. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into management, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you cultivate high-performing teams. 🌱 Links to things mentioned in the podcast: Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/JVeKHsHJKhEM3dvK6 The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter Management 3.0 Thinking in Systems Architecture and Organization…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Delivering the Review 37:21

27 weeks önce37:21

37:21

In this episode of It Depends , Kevin Goldsmith wraps up his insightful series on crafting and delivering effective performance reviews. Drawing from his extensive experience as a CTO and tech leader, Kevin discusses the challenges and nuances of giving feedback, especially for senior leaders who might not receive regular performance reviews themselves. He shares practical strategies for self-evaluation and growth, including the importance of building a personal advisory board and seeking feedback from direct reports. Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating performance reviews at all levels of leadership. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter "How do you keep growing when you are the leader of the organization" - my talk from LeadingEng 2022 My "Management Books" Goodreads shelf The newsletter issue with this chapter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Making a Raise Recommendation 38:41

29 weeks önce38:41

38:41

In this episode of the It Depends podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith, an experienced CTO and technology leader with over 30 years in the industry, dives into the intricacies of making raise recommendations as part of performance reviews. Drawing from his book "It Depends: Writings on Technology Leadership" and a talk he delivered at Lead Dev Berlin in 2019, Kevin unpacks the often misunderstood processes behind salary budgeting and recommendations. He shares insights on how companies allocate salary budgets, manage compensation, and the importance of understanding cross-functional dynamics for CTOs and tech leaders. This episode is part three of a four-part series on writing performance reviews. It is essential listening for managers, leaders, and anyone navigating the complexities of pay raises and team performance in a corporate setting. Listeners will also gain valuable advice on preparing for job interviews, understanding the broader aspects of company leadership, and Kevin's reflections on alternative compensation systems like those used by GitLab and Buffer. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned CTO, this episode offers a unique perspective on a crucial aspect of leadership that is often left unexplored. Tune in for actionable insights, real-world examples, and practical advice for anyone involved in making raise recommendations or leading a technology organization. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter How Does Salary Work? (LeadDev Berlin 2019 The newsletter issue with this chapter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Evaluating the data and writing the review 34:34

31 weeks önce34:34

34:34

In this insightful episode of The It Depends Podcast , host Kevin Goldsmith delves into a critical aspect of leadership: writing effective and fair performance reviews. Kevin, an experienced CTO and author of It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership , shares lessons from his own career spanning over 30 years, including his time at Adobe, Spotify, and Microsoft. This episode, part of a four-part series on performance reviews, focuses on how to take the data you've gathered and craft meaningful, actionable feedback for your team. Kevin also reflects on his personal experiences with both successful and flawed review systems, offering advice on how to navigate various company processes. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with practical advice and cautionary tales to help you master the review process. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Writing Useful Performance Reviews: Assembling the data 26:22

33 weeks önce26:22

26:22

Join Kevin Goldsmith on the "It Depends" podcast as he explores the nuanced world of performance reviews in technology leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience and his book, Kevin offers actionable insights on making performance reviews more effective and less burdensome. This episode guides listeners through assembling relevant data and providing feedback that genuinely aids employee development. Tune in to transform how you approach performance reviews, making them a powerful tool for leadership and growth. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a new leader, this podcast promises valuable lessons in nurturing talent effectively. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter The Assembling the data newsletter issue LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Twenty Questions For Your One-on-Ones 23:24

35 weeks önce23:24

23:24

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned Chief Technology Officer, explores the importance of effective one-on-one meetings between managers and their direct reports. Drawing from his extensive experience, Kevin offers practical tips for making these meetings more productive and engaging, such as taking walks during the meetings or using tactile objects to encourage conversation. He emphasizes the need for consistency in holding one-on-ones, particularly in remote work settings, and discusses how these meetings are crucial for building trust and ensuring that employees feel valued. This episode is a must-listen for managers looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster better communication with their teams. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: Manager Tools Podcasts on one-on-ones The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The It Depends Newsletter LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Addressing the challenges of partially distributed engineering teams 33:05

37 weeks önce33:05

33:05

In this episode of the It Depends podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into the complexities of managing partially distributed engineering teams. Kevin discusses the nuances of communication, collaboration, and culture in partially distributed teams, emphasizing the unique challenges that arise when some team members work remotely while others remain in the office. He highlights his experiences at companies like Adobe, Microsoft, and more, offering valuable lessons on effective management strategies and the importance of maintaining human connections in a digital work environment. Whether you're a tech leader navigating the post-COVID landscape or simply interested in the future of work, this episode provides actionable insights and practical advice for fostering successful distributed teams links: Video and slides from Leading Distributed Teams The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
A Resignation Can Be an Opportunity 30:39

39 weeks önce30:39

30:39

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned CTO and tech executive, explores the valuable lessons that can be gleaned from employee resignations. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his book "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022," Kevin delves into how a resignation can actually present a unique opportunity for growth and improvement within a team. Kevin discusses the emotional and professional impacts of resignations, the pitfalls of unhealthy retention, and the importance of fostering a dynamic team environment. He shares anecdotes from his career, including experiences at Adobe and Spotify, highlighting how to handle resignations constructively and turn them into opportunities for positive change. Listen in to learn how to transform the challenge of losing a team member into a strategic advantage, improve your management skills, and create a more resilient and innovative team.…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
What do I look for when hiring an engineer? 33:53

41 weeks önce33:53

33:53

Welcome to the It Depends podcast with your host, Kevin Goldsmith! Kevin is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with over 30 years of experience in software development, having worked in both colossal companies and budding startups. In each episode, Kevin delves deeper into the chapters, offering more context and behind-the-scenes stories. This week, Kevin revisits a chapter from 2013: What Do I Look for When Hiring an Engineer? Tune in as he discusses the evolution of hiring practices in the tech industry, shares personal anecdotes from his days at Microsoft, and provides valuable advice on navigating the ever-changing landscape of job interviews. Links: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Every Decision Creates a Policy 30:44

43 weeks önce30:44

30:44

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into the complexities of decision-making in management and its implications on organizational policy. Titled "Every Decision Creates a Policy," this chapter is particularly significant, highlighting common managerial pitfalls and their long-term effects on company culture and consistency. Kevin shares his extensive experience to illustrate how seemingly simple approvals can set precedents, inadvertently shaping future policies. He explains scenarios where inconsistent decisions led to perceived favoritism and ultimately necessitated the imposition of strict, rigid policies that curtailed previously enjoyed freedoms. The episode emphasizes the importance of consistency and transparency in managerial decisions to maintain trust and morale within the team. Listeners will gain insights into the nuanced impact of their decisions and learn practical strategies for aligning individual managerial actions with broader organizational values. This episode is crucial for managers, leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the ripple effects of their choices in a corporate environment. Links: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter LeadingEng 2024…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Protecting Your Team From Layoffs 29:05

45 weeks önce29:05

29:05

This chapter discusses what you can do as a manager to protect your team from layoffs: Ensure the team is aligned with company goals. Raising the visibility of the good work of the individuals on the team. Managing performance. All of these things will help when someone is trying to decide if anyone from your team should be laid off. This episode adds more information for individuals and talks about how managers are judged more by the work of their team and less by their own individual contributions. Links: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter LeadingEng 2024…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
The P Word (Politics at work) 29:20

47 weeks önce29:20

29:20

Politics! The word has such a negative connotation when discussing work and corporate culture. Political tactics or maneuvers aren't inherently bad. It is the intent behind them that makes them so. You can leverage those same tactics for good instead of evil. In this episode, Kevin delves into 'The P Word' and discusses the good and bad sides of politics in the workplace based on his own experiences. Whether you're navigating corporate hallways or startup pathways, this one's packed with insights you don't want to miss. Links: The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022 Your host: Kevin Goldsmith The newsletter…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Creating a Vernacular With Your Engineering Team 21:20

49 weeks önce21:20

21:20

Teams create their own languages organically, which is essential to team bonding and belonging. Understand this and use it to improve how your team works together and to make it easier when onboarding new members. Links: The newsletter with the text of the chapter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/building-a-vernacular-with-your-engineering "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022" https://itdependsbook.net It Depends newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com Questions/comments: contact@itdependsbook.net…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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Becoming a CTO 34:22

51 weeks önce34:22

34:22

If you are on the technology management track, the final role is Chief Technology Officer. Still, the path to the role is not obvious because the role itself differs greatly from company to company. The episode includes chapter 10 from "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022," "Becoming a CTO." This chapter discusses the common skills needed for the CTO in almost any company and how the role differs between early-stage and mid-stage companies. More information about the book is at itdependsbook.net Questions/comments? contact@itdependsbook.net The newsletter: kevingoldsmith.substack.com Your Host: Kevin Goldsmith…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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How I Get My Focused Work Done / The Known Unknowns 23:36

1 year önce23:36

23:36

Once again, two shorter chapters in this podcast from the book. How I get my focused work done: When you are a manager, constantly interrupted, how can you get focus time to devote to your projects? The Known Unknowns: Understanding the mastery curve. Links: Book/Podcast/Newsletter website: https://itdependsbook.net/ Questions/Comments/Suggestions contact@itdependsbook.net…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Own Your Calendar / Work Deliberately 27:12

1 year önce27:12

27:12

Two chapters from the book this week! Discussing a deliberate approach to managing your calendar and tracking how you actually are using your time, and then how to approach your work with thoughtfulness and decisiveness instead of just making decisions based on instinct. More information about the book: https://itdependsbook.net/ Ask a question or request a signed copy: contact@itdependsbook.net The newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
The Personal Strategy Off-site 22:31

1 year önce22:31

22:31

Taking a day, once, twice, or even four times a year to reflect on how things are going and think about where you want to go next is a valuable practice. This episode includes how to approach this practice and get value from it. This episode also includes Chapter 5 of the audiobook "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022" by Kevin Goldsmith. It Depends Book website: https://itdependsbook.net/ CTO Podcast link: https://pod.link/1356275803/episode/7a88eac00279eb4bd3172b9a59d21ab7 Jason Cavness Experience Podcast Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoUR0bj9BGQ&list=PLh4aquRHsHCZfVVGNO7IY9-5Z0IF8XgwZ Have a question you'd like me to answer? Send it to: contact@itdependsbook.net Buy the book on Amazon or bookshop.org…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
When, why, and how to stop coding as your day job 26:48

1 year önce26:48

26:48

One of the questions I most frequently get from engineering leaders or aspiring leads is "how much coding do you do?" or "How do you handle coding and managing?" One of the hardest things for me in my development journey was letting go of developing features on the products I worked on. This episode is all about that. I include Chapter 4 of the audiobook for It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022, which is all about this step in your development as a more senior engineering leader. Links: The book website: https://itdependsbook.net/ My talk on the same subject: https://www.kevingoldsmith.com/talks/when-why-and-how-to-stop-coding-as-your-day-job.html Have a question you'd like me to answer? Send it to: contact@itdependsbook.net Buy the book on Amazon or bookshop.org…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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Taking a thoughtful approach to the job search process 26:52

1 year önce26:52

26:52

Chapter 3 from It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022 In this episode, we discuss my experience building an exercise to help me better understand what is important to me in a role or company and then how I used the results to help prepare for job interviews. I also discuss some of the mistakes people make when interviewing for roles in a downturn with how they present themselves in job interviews. If you're currently looking for a job, or thing you will in the future (we all will), this episode will be helpful. Some links: It Depends book information: https://itdependsbook.net Newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com Questions/contact (I'll answer them in the podcast or newsletter): contact@itdependsbook.net Living in an Employer’s Market as a Developer article: https://blog.kevingoldsmith.com/2020/03/31/living-in-an-employers-market-as-a-developer/…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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The challenge of top-down change and the Microsoft layoffs 20:58

1 year önce20:58

20:58

How can top-down culture change be effective? Looking at Microsoft and Yahoo as examples. Links: It Depends book: https://itdependsbook.net Questions/comments: contact@itdependsbook.net

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

1
Fail Safe, Fail Smart... Succeed! 57:10

1 year önce57:10

57:10

We discuss how critical failure is to innovation and how to handle failure well. We talk about how software used to be written, Clippy and why it was bound to fail, how Spotify uses the Think It/Build It/Ship It/Tweak It framework to build fail-safe products, and more... links: Newsletter: kevingoldsmith.substack.com Book: itdependsbook.net Videos of the talk: kevingoldsmith.com/talks/fail-fast-fail-smart-succeed.html…

It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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Introduction 8:18

1 year önce8:18

8:18

Welcome to the podcast! This episode introduces the podcast and includes the introduction to the book "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022" by Kevin Goldsmith. Links: Book info https://itdependsbook.net/ Blog https://blog.kevingoldsmith.com/

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