Climbing into senior engineering leadership isn’t always a matter of following fixed rungs—it can be more like scaling a rugged, ever-shifting mountain. You know there might be a path somewhere on the south face but for some reason the North face has more appeal. Even though there are no clear routes, no guaranteed footholds, and often, no one ahead of you to follow. For engineers who want to grow outside of the typical route, the climb can feel isolating and unclear.

In this talk, I’ll share how I navigated an unconventional ascent from working in a video game store to becoming Head of Engineering. Along the way, I learned to lead often without formal authority, gaining traction through impact, and building diverse teams. My journey included traversing different industries, cultures, and roles—all without losing grip on what mattered most: autonomy, authenticity, and trust.

This session is for engineering leaders who want to keep climbing without compromising who they are. You’ll learn:

• How to chart your own route into technical leadership
• Ways to support underrepresented voices while growing team strength
• Why building inclusive, empowered teams is the most rewarding summit
• Whether you’re just eyeing the next ridge or leading from high altitude, this talk will help you climb with purpose—and bring others up with you