Getting promoted to Tech Lead should feel like a step forward. So why do so many great engineers struggle when they get there?

In this episode of Build Your Edge, Jack Cole is joined by engineering leadership coach and former N26 CTO Pat Kua to explore one of the biggest career transitions in software engineering: moving from being a technical expert to becoming someone who helps others succeed.

Drawing on 25 years in technology, including leadership roles at ThoughtWorks and N26, Pat explains why technical excellence alone isn’t enough, why many new Tech Leads become bottlenecks without realising it, and how shifting from a “maker” mindset to a “multiplier” mindset can transform your impact.

You’ll learn:

• Why the move from Software Engineer to Tech Lead is so difficult.

• The mindset shift every Engineering Manager and Tech Lead needs to make.

How to stop becoming the bottleneck for your team.

• Why meetings, coaching and communication become some of your most valuable work.

• Practical ways to develop leadership skills without giving up your technical credibility.

• How to measure your impact by the success of your team, not just your own output.

Whether you’re a Senior Software Engineer preparing for your first leadership role, a new Tech Lead, an Engineering Manager, or an experienced technical leader looking to increase your impact, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.

Pat has also created a free downloadable worksheet to help you assess whether you’re thinking like a maker or a multiplier. You’ll find the link in the description.

If you enjoy the episode, subscribe to Build Your Edge for practical conversations, free tools and actionable insights to help you think smarter, lead better and deliver more.

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