Resources That Helped Me Be A Better Leader

I was asked to collate resources I’ve used while moving from software engineering to engineering leadership (yes, it’s a career change, not a promotion), so I thought I’d share it publicly here for everyone’s benefit. I’ve consumed hundreds over the years; these are the ones that stuck. Hopefully they’ll help you too.

Books

I wish I were a more disciplined reader, but time and attention are scarce. Nonetheless, here are a few current favourites.

  • Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager — James Stanier. I absolutely loved this one and am now reading his next one... https://amzn.to/4ieobr7
  • Become a Great Engineering Leader — James Stanier. I’m about a third into this one and am enjoying it even more.  https://amzn.to/3LTV3JO James also has a good blog.
  • The Manager’s Path — Camille Fournier. I read this one quite early on in my career and I’m due a re-read. https://amzn.to/4oYAWZD
  • Engineering Management for the Rest of Us — Sarah Drasner. A non‑conventional book. I’m not 100% sure I’m the target audience, but I’ll take any new perspectives over hearing the same frameworks again. https://amzn.to/4ogtGXM

Podcasts

I don’t really have time in my life at the moment, but these are the ones I make time for. 

  • Soft Skills Engineering – https://softskills.audio/ – A talk show of two experienced leaders answering questions from their listener base. Just good to hear a humour filled by serious discussion on what to do in various situations.
  • DHow I Built This – https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/ – Not so much a leadership podcast, but every guest is a sucessful leader. They often drop little nuggest of wisdom along the way. What strikes me usually is the most successful ones are the most humble and who acknowledge luck a lot. 
  • Not one I’ve managed to listen to yet, but I think will be good: https://www.ladybug.dev/ - the hosts, Kelly and Emma, have made other great leadership reosurces in the past.

Blogs & Blog Posts

Talks

TikTokers

Yes… I’ll take education anywhere I can… even in between silly videos by Gen Z

Newsletters

Another very easy way to learn, if you have the discipline to open the email and read the links. Do I have that disicipline every time? No. But it’s worth trying.

Aggregators and Frameworks