40% Better - Engineering Leadership

In this episode, Bill Lennan and Zach Wills explore the organic journey into leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning from role models and the necessity of a business value orientation in decision-making. They discuss the significance of quantitative thinking in engineering, creating a positive team culture, and the practice of radical candor in feedback. The dialogue also touches on...

This episode of 40% Better with Bill Lennan explores the journey of Tim Sublette, a software engineer, who transitioned into leadership roles.Both share insights on the challenges they faced, the importance of storytelling, and the evolution of communication skills.Tim reflects on his unconventional path, the significance of building a competency framework, and the lessons learned from both...

This episode of 40% Better delves into the challenges of crisis management in a high-pressure environment, focusing on the emotional toll of dealing with system failures and customer dissatisfaction. Bill Lennan and Bradley Friemel highlight the importance of teamwork, decision-making, and maintaining composure under stress, ultimately showcasing how effective communication and a supportive team...

This episode explores the importance of being true to oneself in a competitive environment, particularly regarding extroversion and individual contributions to team success. Bill Lennan and Ricardo Torres highlight the challenges faced by introverts and the societal pressures to conform to extroverted norms, while also acknowledging the value of unique contributions from individuals who may not...

This conversation explores the journey of leadership, focusing on the challenges and philosophies that shape effective leaders in the tech industry. Bill Lennan and Ken Pickering discuss their personal experiences with micromanagement, the importance of psychological safety, and the value of diverse skills in startups. They emphasize the need for effective feedback and intrinsic motivation, while...

This conversation explores the evolution of battery technology, the importance of leadership stories, and the critical role of communication in effective leadership. Bill Lennan and Nick Woodward discuss their personal journeys in leadership, emphasizing the need for continuous coaching and self-development. They highlight the significance of promoting internal growth and retention within...

This conversation explores the journey of leadership through personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience, trust-building, and systems thinking. Bill Lennan and Sherwin Socaransky reflect on their career paths, the challenges faced in team management, and the significance of creating a culture of ownership. They discuss the dual career track in tech, the power dynamics...

In this conversation, Bill Lennan and Sunil Jagani delve into various themes surrounding modern living, work dynamics, and technological advancements. They explore the concept of tiny home communities as a solution for affordable living and the hybrid work model that allows for flexibility. The discussion transitions into the digital nomad lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of work-life...

In this conversation, the Bill and Sanjay discuss their experiences with technology, leadership in software teams, and the dynamics of remote work. They explore the importance of fostering a cohesive team environment, the value of serendipity in collaboration, and the role of risk-taking in personal growth. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of intrinsic motivation, psychological...

In this conversation, the Bill and Steven delve into the nuances of effective communication, particularly in the context of pitching ideas and building relationships in both the technology and film industries. They explore the importance of understanding one's audience, the art of storytelling, and the necessity of networking. The discussion highlights how to empower others by making them the...