For engineering managers
Start with operating systems, delegation, 1:1s, and the habits that keep teams calm as scope expands.
Essays, notes, and topic guides on engineering leadership.
My writing focuses on engineering leadership, execution systems, platform and integration design, developer productivity, and career growth. This page is the best index for navigating the ideas rather than browsing chronologically.
Reading Paths
Different ways into the archive
For platform and integration work
Read the essays on reusable architecture, delivery design, platform thinking, and long-term leverage.
For growth and judgment
Go to the writing on mentoring, technical credibility, public writing, and building better decision-making.
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The engineering manager's second architecture
A good manager shapes not just software architecture, but the operating architecture around a team.
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Writing as a force multiplier for engineering leaders
Public writing creates leverage far beyond personal expression. It sharpens judgment, attracts talent, and compounds credibility.
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Platform thinking for smaller teams
Small teams benefit from platform thinking earlier than they think, as long as they avoid platform theater.
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AI for engineering managers without magic thinking
A practical guide to using AI as an engineering manager without outsourcing judgment, coaching, or accountability.
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Manager and staff engineer partnerships that actually work
Strong manager and staff engineer partnerships reduce noise, sharpen technical direction, and create healthier team execution.
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Developer velocity without metric theater
A practical view on engineering velocity metrics that improve decisions instead of incentivizing noise.
Topics
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Notes
All notes Short-form thinking
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Meeting design checklist
A short checklist for making recurring team meetings lighter and more useful.
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What good 1:1s look like
A few signals that a manager-IC 1:1 is creating real value rather than just consuming time.
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Three levels of execution risk
A simple lens for identifying why delivery feels harder than expected.