Calms Will Larson on how to build a technical leadership career

Overview
Will Larson, author of "Team Topologies" and former senior engineering leader, discusses how technical professionals can shape a career in leadership without necessarily becoming a traditional manager. The conversation explores alternative paths, the skills required to influence teams, and practical steps for engineers who want to grow their impact.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is a set of habits and mindsets, not just a title.
• Engineers can build influence through coaching, architecture, and community building.
• Understanding team topologies helps design effective collaboration structures.
• Career progression should be personalized; consider "technical lead" or "staff engineer" routes.
• Continuous learning and mentorship are critical for long-term growth.

Who Would Benefit

• Software engineers aspiring to move into leadership roles.
• Current engineering managers looking for alternative career paths.
• Technical leads, staff engineers, and senior developers.
• HR and talent development professionals in tech companies.
• Anyone interested in modern engineering management practices.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Team Topologies
• Servant Leadership
• Coaching and Mentoring Models
• Career Lattice Model