Annie Vella
Annie is a lifelong computer enthusiast and self-professed nerd, with a particular interest in software development. As a backend software engineer, she's designed and built systems for a variety of industries across four countries. Nowadays, she leads technology teams and champions a culture of curiosity, learning and excellence in engineering.
From the fast-paced hustle of a startup to the structured processes of an established bank, adapting your leadership approach is crucial. What works well in one environment may not in another. In this talk, I'll share my journey navigating these contrasting environments and the pivotal experiences that shaped my technical leadership style. Prepare to dive deep into tailoring Staff Engineering roles to your company's DNA - exploring pragmatic strategies for reading the organisational heartbeat and crafting a resonant approach. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned veteran craving fresh perspectives, this talk will provide insights and practical advice to amplify your impact as a technical leader.
Are you a software engineer who is curious about career growth opportunities but aren't loving the idea of moving into management? The good news is that there is another option - Staff Engineering. In this talk, I'll explore what it means to be a Staff+ Engineer and how it differs from the more traditional Engineering Management roles. Learn how to use the Dreyfus Model to identify where you are on your journey and what you can do to get to the next level. I'll also share my personal experiences with the Engineer/Manager pendulum and how you can chart a course that's right for you.