Today's episode delves into the journey of transitioning from an individual contributor to an engineering leader. Our guest, Evan Niedojadlo, shares invaluable insights from his rich experience, beginning at a consulting firm and eventually breaking into the tech industry. Register for AutomationGuild 25 to see Evan's session: https://testguild.com/ag-2025/ As someone who has navigated various roles, Evan offers practical advice for those considering leadership positions, emphasizing the importance of resources. He discusses the delicate balance between maintaining technical skills and embracing management responsibilities, sharing his personal routines and favorite learning tools. Throughout our conversation, we delve into career path considerations, financial progression, and the potential fear of skill erosion when stepping into management. Drawing from his experiences with high-tier engineers and industry dynamics at companies like Meta and Google, Evan discusses the flexible and diverse career landscapes within tech. We also explore the benefits and challenges of using AI and chatbots in management processes and touch upon the macroeconomic factors influencing tech industry hiring. For those looking to transition to (or excel in) leadership roles, Evan's journey is packed with lessons on effective communication, stakeholder management, and personal growth. Listen up!