Talk given at The Lead Developer conference, London, June 2017. Focusing on making websites is bread and butter for many, but what happens when you start to think beyond frameworks and APIs and into the realms of strategy? Switching from day to day development to a higher level can be hugely rewarding, but is also not without its challenges, both in terms of personal identity and emotional hurdles, as well as knowledge gaps. In this talk we’ll look at: The different levels of focus that we can work at Why you might want to begin to focus more strategically The challenges that you might face on the way Examples of how having a technical brain in more strategic activities can be beneficial.

1. Making the leap
from execution to strategy
The Lead Developer, June 2017
Sally Jenkinson
@sjenkinson
recordssoundthesame.com

2. Hello!
@sjenkinson

8. Placement student
Junior developer
Developer
Lead developer
Head developer (dev & manager-y bits)
Technical architect (dev & architect & manager-y bits)
Solutions architect (architect & strategy & manager-y bits)
Head of Technology (sales, consultancy, management, strategy)
Self-employed

9. @sjenkinson
Working at different levels

10. Seniority
Time

11. How experienced a
developer you are
How much you ask
for responsibility
How well you can
speak to people
Whether you enjoy
detective work and thinking,
or doing
How much people like,
respect, and trust you
Your changing interests
and passions

13. @sjenkinson
Why move to
management or strategy?

14. A specific opportunity

15. The lure of different
types of focus

16. More power to make
things better

17. Better benefits

18. Seniority
Time
DEMANDS ON

19. Seniority
Time
DEMANDS ON

21. @sjenkinson
What can make it difficult?

22. New responsibilities and challenges

23. Embracing a new identity

24. Coming to terms with your own
prejudice

25. Cutting yourself some slack

26. Not burning out

27. @sjenkinson
The best of both worlds

29. Experience of day-to-day
development has helped me
become better at my strategic work

30. Experience of working non-
technically and strategically has
helped my developer brain

32. http://recordssoundthesame.com/blog/2017/01/27/a-practical-guide-to-pwas/

34. splasho.com/upgoer5/

36. @sjenkinson
Advice for anyone
making the leap from execution to
strategy

37. Gradually expand your responsibilities.
Make new friends in different circles.
Learn to communicate to different people in
different ways

38. Stupid side projects are good.

39. recordssoundthesame.com/labs/teatracker/

40. recordssoundthesame.com/labs/teatracker/

41. Bin day reminders

42. Smash the technical/non-technical boxes.
Teach others the basics.
Watch for burn out.

43. Sally Jenkinson
@sjenkinson
sally@recordssoundthesame.com
recordssoundthesame.com
sallyjenkinson.co.uk
Thank you!
Credits: Swing photo by Peter Dutton CC BY 2.0
flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/2384490016