Episode Notes
The first 90 days in any new role are crucial—but as a new engineering manager, they can make or break your trajectory. In this episode, we dive into how to approach your first three months with intention and clarity. From building trust with your team to understanding your new responsibilities, setting expectations, and avoiding common pitfalls, we lay out a roadmap to help you start strong. Whether you're stepping into management for the first time or looking to reset in a new role, this episode is your essential onboarding guide.
01:22 Our first 90 days as EMs
13:58 Building a new team vs. taking over an existing team
20:34 Observing to learn
25:07 Understanding the business and tech strategies
26:02 Building influence
31:09 Common pitfalls
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44:50
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44:50
The Transition From Engineer To Engineering Manager
Episode Notes
Stepping into management for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the critical shift from individual contributor to engineering manager—what changes, what stays the same, and what new challenges emerge. We’ll discuss common misconceptions, the mindset shift required, and practical tips for navigating your first few months in the role. Whether you're considering the move or already in the thick of it, this episode offers guidance to help you lead with confidence and clarity.
03:30 Responsibilities of an IC vs. EM
09:05 Shifting to delegation
15:04 Conflict resolution
26:31 Team development vs. individual performance
37:31 Communication
Find out more at https://ladybug-podcast.pinecast.co
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47:49
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47:49
A Brief Introduction To Engineering Management
Episode Notes
02:52 What is engineering management?
05:27 Why are we qualified to discuss this?
12:20 What are EMs responsible for?
14:38 The difference between an EM and Tech Lead
24:15 Key skills of an EM
32:37 Challenges with engineering management
Resources
Crucial Conversations
The Making of a Manager
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41:25
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41:25
A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer
What is a typical day in the life like for a software engineer? To close out Season 6, we thought it’d be a great idea to give you some insight into our workdays, as we all have very different roles and are in different stages of our careers.
Show Notes
[02:54] Morning routines
[16:09] Beginning of the workday
[28:15] The rest of the workday
[49:03] Evenings and weekends
[53:57] Top 3 tools for productivity
Resources
Any.do
Fantastical
Canva
Things
Superhuman
Trello
Apple Watch
Markdown Notes
Asana
Resilient Management
Animedoro
Can Do writing
The Little Memory
Ali’s Trello Setup
Transcript
Here is this week's transcript
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1:01:32
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1:01:32
What is an API and How do You Use One?
APIs are part of our daily roles as software developers, but what are they? What different types are there? And how can you design a good one?
Show Notes
[01:53] What is an API?
[03:37] Types of APIS
[15:02] GraphQL
[19:49] REST
[28:25] API Design
[44:35] Shoutouts
Resources
The Happiness Project
Shopify developer community
BrainF**k
OneGraph
Scott Moss's YouTube
Transcript
Here is this week's transcript.
Back after a two-year hiatus, engineering leaders Emma Bostian and Kelly Vaughn return for Season 7 of the Ladybug Podcast, giving you a deep dive into all things engineering leadership.
With nearly 1 million total listens, Ladybug Podcast covers tech, career, and code, bringing unique viewpoints from a variety of guests and co-hosts.
Check out our website!