Meena Venkataraman
@codetoleadership.bsky.social
Helping Engineering Managers in Tech get comfortable with leading | https://tidycal.com/meena/30-minute-coffee-chat
Reposted by Meena Venkataraman
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
January 18, 2026 at 2:09 PM
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
✨ Imagine starting this week with clarity about your role instead of questioning whether you're doing this leadership thing right.
✨ Imagine leading this week from your natural strengths
This can be your reality if you want it to be - we should talk.
Get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
✨ Imagine leading this week from your natural strengths
This can be your reality if you want it to be - we should talk.
Get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
January 26, 2026 at 10:03 AM
✨ Imagine starting this week with clarity about your role instead of questioning whether you're doing this leadership thing right.
✨ Imagine leading this week from your natural strengths
This can be your reality if you want it to be - we should talk.
Get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
✨ Imagine leading this week from your natural strengths
This can be your reality if you want it to be - we should talk.
Get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
When was the last time you asked your team for feedback on your leadership - not on the work, but on you?
Can't remember? You're not alone. You're already being evaluated. Every day. The question is whether you're brave enough to hear it.
Ready to lead openly? DM me. #EngineeringManager #Coaching
Can't remember? You're not alone. You're already being evaluated. Every day. The question is whether you're brave enough to hear it.
Ready to lead openly? DM me. #EngineeringManager #Coaching
January 25, 2026 at 12:38 PM
When was the last time you asked your team for feedback on your leadership - not on the work, but on you?
Can't remember? You're not alone. You're already being evaluated. Every day. The question is whether you're brave enough to hear it.
Ready to lead openly? DM me. #EngineeringManager #Coaching
Can't remember? You're not alone. You're already being evaluated. Every day. The question is whether you're brave enough to hear it.
Ready to lead openly? DM me. #EngineeringManager #Coaching
Happy Friday! I've written about professional identity before.
William Bridges in 'Transitions' explains it as, "Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological."
If you're a new manager feeling lost, this week's newsletter is for you.
#EngineeringLeadership #NewManager
William Bridges in 'Transitions' explains it as, "Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological."
If you're a new manager feeling lost, this week's newsletter is for you.
#EngineeringLeadership #NewManager
The Identity Vacuum
I’ve written about professional identity before.
meenavenkataraman.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Happy Friday! I've written about professional identity before.
William Bridges in 'Transitions' explains it as, "Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological."
If you're a new manager feeling lost, this week's newsletter is for you.
#EngineeringLeadership #NewManager
William Bridges in 'Transitions' explains it as, "Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological."
If you're a new manager feeling lost, this week's newsletter is for you.
#EngineeringLeadership #NewManager
Meet Rocky - our robot vacuum. Not usually a gadget person, but waking up to clean floors while I sleep? This feels like a win. Sometimes it's the small things that free up space for what actually matters. #leadership #worklifebalance
January 22, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Meet Rocky - our robot vacuum. Not usually a gadget person, but waking up to clean floors while I sleep? This feels like a win. Sometimes it's the small things that free up space for what actually matters. #leadership #worklifebalance
"Focus is a matter of deciding what things you're not going to do." - John Carmack
When I work with new engineering managers, I often hear them talk about everything they need to do. Improve 1:1s, give better feedback, team strategy, stay technical, support career development, stakeholders? 🧵👇
When I work with new engineering managers, I often hear them talk about everything they need to do. Improve 1:1s, give better feedback, team strategy, stay technical, support career development, stakeholders? 🧵👇
January 21, 2026 at 12:59 PM
"Focus is a matter of deciding what things you're not going to do." - John Carmack
When I work with new engineering managers, I often hear them talk about everything they need to do. Improve 1:1s, give better feedback, team strategy, stay technical, support career development, stakeholders? 🧵👇
When I work with new engineering managers, I often hear them talk about everything they need to do. Improve 1:1s, give better feedback, team strategy, stay technical, support career development, stakeholders? 🧵👇
A little over a week until the fireside chat. Hope to see you there.
www.linkedin.com/events/fires...
www.linkedin.com/events/fires...
January 20, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A little over a week until the fireside chat. Hope to see you there.
www.linkedin.com/events/fires...
www.linkedin.com/events/fires...
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
January 18, 2026 at 2:09 PM
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
I've written about the expertise trap before. Since then, I've written a book and had many more conversations with engineering managers.
If you're a new manager, this is for you. Here's what might be keeping you stuck and why it's so difficult to spot.
The Expertise Trap Revisited 👇
If you're a new manager, this is for you. Here's what might be keeping you stuck and why it's so difficult to spot.
The Expertise Trap Revisited 👇
The Expertise Trap Revisited
I’ve written about the expertise trap before.
meenavenkataraman.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:19 PM
I've written about the expertise trap before. Since then, I've written a book and had many more conversations with engineering managers.
If you're a new manager, this is for you. Here's what might be keeping you stuck and why it's so difficult to spot.
The Expertise Trap Revisited 👇
If you're a new manager, this is for you. Here's what might be keeping you stuck and why it's so difficult to spot.
The Expertise Trap Revisited 👇
Gallup published research yesterday on optimal team size for managers. Median is 5-6 people, but 13% manage 25+ employees. How does anyone manage 40 people effectively? Are they managing managers at that point? www.gallup.com/workplace/70...
Span of Control: What's the Optimal Team Size for Managers?
The ideal span of control isn't universal. Gallup research shows that a manager's talent and how they spend their time affect performance when managing larger teams.
www.gallup.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Gallup published research yesterday on optimal team size for managers. Median is 5-6 people, but 13% manage 25+ employees. How does anyone manage 40 people effectively? Are they managing managers at that point? www.gallup.com/workplace/70...
I understand how exhausting the constant inner dialogue becomes. Should I have stepped in? Did I stay quiet too long? You can't tell if you're helping or hindering their growth. This is normal. Try asking your team directly - their answers might give you the clarity you need. #TechLeadership
January 12, 2026 at 5:32 PM
I understand how exhausting the constant inner dialogue becomes. Should I have stepped in? Did I stay quiet too long? You can't tell if you're helping or hindering their growth. This is normal. Try asking your team directly - their answers might give you the clarity you need. #TechLeadership
Happy Friday and welcome to 2026.
First article of the year. If you're a new leader confused about what goals to set for 2026. This is for you.
What you need are leadership transition goals. Read my full article 👇
(Don't forget to hit subscribe)
First article of the year. If you're a new leader confused about what goals to set for 2026. This is for you.
What you need are leadership transition goals. Read my full article 👇
(Don't forget to hit subscribe)
Setting Leadership Goals When You've Never Led Before
January is an interesting time.
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Happy Friday and welcome to 2026.
First article of the year. If you're a new leader confused about what goals to set for 2026. This is for you.
What you need are leadership transition goals. Read my full article 👇
(Don't forget to hit subscribe)
First article of the year. If you're a new leader confused about what goals to set for 2026. This is for you.
What you need are leadership transition goals. Read my full article 👇
(Don't forget to hit subscribe)
I feel very strongly about something that's still being said to new engineering managers.
You already know the team and the codebase inside out, you'll be fine." This is misleading. It confuses familiarity with readiness. 60% of first-time managers get no training. 🧵👇 #TechLeadership
You already know the team and the codebase inside out, you'll be fine." This is misleading. It confuses familiarity with readiness. 60% of first-time managers get no training. 🧵👇 #TechLeadership
January 8, 2026 at 5:56 PM
I feel very strongly about something that's still being said to new engineering managers.
You already know the team and the codebase inside out, you'll be fine." This is misleading. It confuses familiarity with readiness. 60% of first-time managers get no training. 🧵👇 #TechLeadership
You already know the team and the codebase inside out, you'll be fine." This is misleading. It confuses familiarity with readiness. 60% of first-time managers get no training. 🧵👇 #TechLeadership
Your impact as a leader isn't about being the go-to person or what you personally deliver.
Your impact is indirect - it shows up in your team's work. When they solve problems without you, handle conflicts constructively, take on stretch projects.
That's your impact multiplying.
#NewManager
Your impact is indirect - it shows up in your team's work. When they solve problems without you, handle conflicts constructively, take on stretch projects.
That's your impact multiplying.
#NewManager
January 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Your impact as a leader isn't about being the go-to person or what you personally deliver.
Your impact is indirect - it shows up in your team's work. When they solve problems without you, handle conflicts constructively, take on stretch projects.
That's your impact multiplying.
#NewManager
Your impact is indirect - it shows up in your team's work. When they solve problems without you, handle conflicts constructively, take on stretch projects.
That's your impact multiplying.
#NewManager
Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with everything in your new leadership role?
January 6, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with everything in your new leadership role?
Trying to fake confidence by copying someone else's leadership style makes things worse. The most effective EMs aren't the ones who execute someone else's playbook - they've figured out what works for them, given who they are.
#EngineeringLeadership
#EngineeringLeadership
January 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Trying to fake confidence by copying someone else's leadership style makes things worse. The most effective EMs aren't the ones who execute someone else's playbook - they've figured out what works for them, given who they are.
#EngineeringLeadership
#EngineeringLeadership
Fresh learning budgets for 2026 are here. Many teams leave them too late or let them expire unused.
High-performing teams learn & grow through deliberate choices. My workshops are bespoke and highly engaging. If you would like to work with me get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
High-performing teams learn & grow through deliberate choices. My workshops are bespoke and highly engaging. If you would like to work with me get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
January 3, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Fresh learning budgets for 2026 are here. Many teams leave them too late or let them expire unused.
High-performing teams learn & grow through deliberate choices. My workshops are bespoke and highly engaging. If you would like to work with me get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
High-performing teams learn & grow through deliberate choices. My workshops are bespoke and highly engaging. If you would like to work with me get in touch - tidycal.com/meena/30-min...
Happy New Year, everyone! A new year brings new possibilities. It's a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead with fresh eyes. Here's to new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and the courage to keep growing. Whatever 2026 brings, remember you're not navigating it alone.
January 1, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Happy New Year, everyone! A new year brings new possibilities. It's a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead with fresh eyes. Here's to new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and the courage to keep growing. Whatever 2026 brings, remember you're not navigating it alone.
As a new engineering manager, do you wonder "Why does everyone else seem to have figured this out?" People curate what they share on social media - messy bits left out. You're comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else's highlight reel. You're not behind. #TechLeadership
December 30, 2025 at 4:40 PM
As a new engineering manager, do you wonder "Why does everyone else seem to have figured this out?" People curate what they share on social media - messy bits left out. You're comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else's highlight reel. You're not behind. #TechLeadership
You've discovered that being a good engineer doesn't automatically make you a good manager of engineers.The gap between technical excellence and leadership capability is real, and the data can shed some light on why that is.
Read the entire thread - 🧵👇
Read the entire thread - 🧵👇
December 29, 2025 at 8:33 PM
You've discovered that being a good engineer doesn't automatically make you a good manager of engineers.The gap between technical excellence and leadership capability is real, and the data can shed some light on why that is.
Read the entire thread - 🧵👇
Read the entire thread - 🧵👇
Working as a new engineering manager is a complex transition. It plays out differently for everyone.
📩 Recognise yourself here? Or perhaps you're seeing this play out with someone you manage? Send me a message and let's talk about how personalised support can make the difference.
📩 Recognise yourself here? Or perhaps you're seeing this play out with someone you manage? Send me a message and let's talk about how personalised support can make the difference.
December 27, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Working as a new engineering manager is a complex transition. It plays out differently for everyone.
📩 Recognise yourself here? Or perhaps you're seeing this play out with someone you manage? Send me a message and let's talk about how personalised support can make the difference.
📩 Recognise yourself here? Or perhaps you're seeing this play out with someone you manage? Send me a message and let's talk about how personalised support can make the difference.
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
December 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
🕒 New Engineering Managers, Are you drowning in meetings and tasks? Download my free guide and learn how to take back control of your calendar and focus on what truly matters in your new role.
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
You can find the link in the comments.
#EngineeringManagement #TimeManagement #LeadershipTips
What will you do differently as a leader in 2026?
Set better boundaries
Prioritise people over tasks
Build my team's capability
Say no more often
Set better boundaries
Prioritise people over tasks
Build my team's capability
Say no more often
December 26, 2025 at 8:58 PM
What will you do differently as a leader in 2026?
Set better boundaries
Prioritise people over tasks
Build my team's capability
Say no more often
Set better boundaries
Prioritise people over tasks
Build my team's capability
Say no more often
Our annual family tradition of seeing Central London's Christmas lights ✅
Never gets old, always feels magical!
Never gets old, always feels magical!
December 21, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Our annual family tradition of seeing Central London's Christmas lights ✅
Never gets old, always feels magical!
Never gets old, always feels magical!