Introduction
Over the course of more than 20 years in software development, I have grown from an IT/Web Administrator working on web applications to a strategic leader in software engineering. My career trajectory has been driven by a passion for technology, a strong commitment to process improvement, and the ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives. From my early days working in infrastructure management to my current role leading geo-dispersed development teams, I have embraced every opportunity to innovate, mentor, and drive meaningful change in software engineering.
The Early Years: Laying the Foundation
My career began at a national education organization, where I worked as an IT and Web Administrator (2005-2013). During this period, I developed and maintained web applications using ASP.Net and VB.Net, ensuring that the organization had efficient and reliable software systems. In addition to coding, I took on responsibilities in server and infrastructure management, supporting the organization’s IT operations and ensuring technical stability. This role provided me with the foundation for understanding software development, database management, and IT support—all crucial skills for my later career.
During this time, I also gained experience in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), generating statistical reports that provided key business insights. These reports helped drive informed decision-making and demonstrated my ability to leverage data for business benefit.
As I developed my technical skills, I became more interested in software engineering best practices and the impact of well-architected applications. This passion led me to seek out a more development-focused role.
Advancing to Software Development
In 2013, I transitioned into a Software Developer role at a leading utilities solutions provider (2013-2015), where I took on larger software projects within the utilities sector. My work primarily involved developing CRM billing solutions using .ASP.Net, VB.Net, and MS Dynamics CRM. This role expanded my experience in designing and implementing solutions that directly impacted business efficiency.
At a leading utilities solutions provider, I honed my ability to analyze requirements, design scalable solutions, and implement new features efficiently. I also focused on refining the user interface (UI) of the CRM billing software, improving user experience and functionality. Working on full-cycle software development allowed me to see projects through from inception to delivery, reinforcing my understanding of best practices in software engineering and agile methodologies.
I also took on testing and quality control responsibilities, ensuring that the applications met client expectations before deployment. These experiences helped me develop a keen eye for software reliability, maintainability, and security, skills that would later become integral to my leadership approach.
Stepping into Leadership: Development Manager
In 2015, I joined a financial software company as a Mid-Level Developer and worked my way up into a Development Manager position. This transition was a defining moment in my career, as it required me to go beyond coding and take on broader technical and leadership responsibilities.
As a Mid-Level Developer, I focused on building technical expertise and mastering the core applications used within the company. I took every opportunity to understand the business logic, architecture, and key workflows that powered the software solutions. By proactively engaging with senior engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders, I was able to expand my knowledge beyond just writing code. I made it a priority to learn the entire ecosystem of the applications, from database structures to API integrations and front-end functionality.
Recognizing the need to enhance application performance and maintainability, I took the initiative to introduce code refactoring efforts, optimize queries, and implement best practices for maintainability. My ability to identify and resolve technical inefficiencies quickly gained the attention of leadership, leading to more opportunities to contribute to architectural decisions and mentor junior developers.
As I progressed, I began to take ownership of key projects, coordinating development efforts and collaborating across departments. My growing influence in technical decision-making naturally led to my promotion into Development Manager, where I assumed responsibility for leading a geo-dispersed engineering team spread across different time zones.
Managing remote teams required a strong leadership approach, where I had to ensure engagement, collaboration, and effective delivery. Some key responsibilities included:
- Driving Agile Development: I embedded Agile principles into the team’s workflow, improving collaboration and efficiency through daily SCRUMs, sprint planning, and design workshops.
- Aligning Technical Strategy with Business Goals: I worked closely with senior leadership, including the CTO, to ensure that engineering efforts supported the company’s growth and customer needs.
- Enhancing Product Quality and Scalability: By embedding scalable architecture and security best practices, I helped future-proof applications and ensure that they met industry benchmarks.
- Process Optimization: I led process improvements, including standardizing documentation, refining testing protocols, and streamlining development workflows for increased efficiency.
- Mentoring and Team Growth: One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been mentoring developers and supporting their professional growth. Building a high-performing team required not just technical guidance, but also fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
During my tenure at Aryza, I successfully delivered multiple projects that improved application scalability, security, and overall performance. Leading a development team in the Microsoft technology stack (C#, .NET, React, Azure, SQL Server) also enabled me to stay on the cutting edge of modern development trends.
Key Lessons and Leadership Philosophy
Throughout my career, I have learned that technical leadership goes beyond writing code. It’s about building high-functioning teams, aligning development work with business value, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Here are some key principles that have shaped my leadership approach:
1. Lead with Vision and Clarity
Developers perform best when they understand how their work contributes to broader business goals. Communicating a clear technical vision ensures that teams stay aligned and motivated.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning
Technology is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to learning. Encouraging teams to explore new tools, attend conferences, and upskill fosters innovation and adaptability.
3. Optimize for Scalability and Maintainability
Building software that works today is not enough; it needs to scale for future demands. I advocate for clean architecture, proper testing strategies, and maintainable codebases.
4. Prioritize Collaboration and Communication
Great software development is a team effort. Promoting cross-functional collaboration, conducting design reviews, and encouraging open discussions lead to better outcomes.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset
Investing in people is just as important as investing in technology. Mentorship, coaching, and career development help create resilient, motivated engineering teams.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations
As I continue my journey in software engineering leadership, I remain committed to:
- Driving innovation by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and best practices.
- Mentoring the next generation of software engineers to build strong, high-performing teams.
- Enhancing software scalability and security, ensuring that applications remain robust and adaptable to industry changes.
- Aligning technology with business growth, making informed decisions that maximize value for companies and end users.
My career has been a journey of continuous learning, problem-solving, and leadership. From my early days coding in ASP.Net to leading engineering teams in FinTech and SaaS, I have embraced each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Looking ahead, I am excited to explore new opportunities, refine technical strategies, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of software development.
Leave a comment