Coaching FAQs

How do you coach?

I generally rely on tools such as Socratic questioning and reflective listening, to guide my clients to uncover ways to improve their careers. I combine these tools with a variety of resources, gathered both from my years of experience as a SWE, and from a number of books that I’ve found helpful.

Around 10% of the time I prescribe specific improvements, but most of the time I gently lead clients, and provide alternative viewpoints and options for them to consider. This helps them arrive at actions that they like, that are likely to solve the problems they are facing.

I have a wide range of ‘exercises’ that I also like to use with clients, that prompt introspection and new approaches of thinking. These often take the form of 5-10 minute journaling exercises, that I use either live or as ‘homework’ for my clients.

Who do you coach?

  • Anyone working with software (SWEs, SREs, Developers, SDETs, ‘rockstars’, TLs, etc).

  • Whether you’ve been working in tech for a month, or a decade, there’s plenty of ways to improve.

  • I’ve coached college new hires (SDE-I) all the way up to Staff Engineers, at a variety of companies.

  • Managers: while I haven’t been a manager, my coaching style may still be of use to you. Feel free to reach out, and we can see what will help you.

Who is a good fit for this style of coaching?

  • SWEs who want to improve their careers, but don’t know what to improve, or how to improve it

  • SWEs looking to ‘level up’ their soft skills and improve their work relationships

  • SWEs hungry for promotion

  • SWEs struggling on a PIP

Who is not a good fit?

  • SWEs looking for a first job (things like interview prep, resume review, etc)

  • SWEs looking for technical advice or code review

  • SWEs looking for someone else to ‘take the reins’ of their career

  • SWEs who don’t want to put effort into improving their careers

What are some of the resources you pull from?

  • “Staff Engineer”

  • “First 90 days”

  • “Radical Candor”

  • “Nonviolent Communication”

  • “Crucial Conversations”

  • “Search Inside Yourself”

  • “Measure What Matters”

  • “Soft Skills”