Leading Beyond Code: My Journey as a Staff Engineer
summary
Starts as a Java engineer in 2008, moves to France in 2011, hits burnout in 2019, stops managing and returns to code, then becomes committer and PMC on Apache Camel while using Java and Quarkus for integrations. Uses career coaching to set 3–6 month SMART goals, keeps a daily journal of incremental code steps, runs mentorship and sponsorship programs, and drives cross‑team advocacy. Claims these concrete practices—ownership of initiatives, visible contributions, and measured goals—lead to promotion to Principal/Staff and sustained impact.
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chapters (7)
- 0:00Introduction and journey
- 2:33What is a Staff Engineer
- 5:52Imposter syndrome and growth
- 12:23Career over comfort zone
- 18:53Strategic impact and leadership
- 24:41Small steps to big goals
- 27:05Q&A and advice for newcomers
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