In the World of Tech and Trees: Chronicles of an Engineering Lead- Part 2

The anticipation thickens as Nat’s journey unfolds. In the upcoming installment, the elusive answer to the lingering question will finally be unveiled, drawing readers deeper into the tapestry of mystery and discovery!

Probably one of our Java engineers! It would be fun to spend the day coding.

6. Can you describe a typical day or week in your role?

Let me walk you through a day in my role, as delving into an entire week would take quite a while. I like to structure my day into distinct blocks for meetings and focused work. Typically, I kickstart my day by tackling some administrative tasks, which include responding to emails and messages, approving timesheets, and taking care of smaller items on my to-do list.

Following this, I often engage in one-on-one meetings with members of my teams or participate in sprint ceremonies. There might also be client calls and meetings with other project leads for various collaborative initiatives. After a well-deserved lunch break, I might have a mentoring session scheduled, and then I make a conscious effort to dedicate the remainder of my day to focused work.

I do find myself dipping in and out of meetings and conversations, as the need arises. During my focused work time, I typically concentrate on whatever is currently a priority, such as recruitment, promotions, TLC, Internships, and more. Now, my focus is on looking into re-creating our old Google Script automation.

7. What has been one of your greatest challenges?

One of my most significant challenges has been overcoming the fear of not knowing everything. When I transitioned into a leadership role, I often grappled with a sense of imposter syndrome, worrying that I wouldn’t have all the answers and might not be able to lead effectively.

However, my journey as a leader has taught me a vital lesson: it’s perfectly acceptable not to know everything. What truly matters is having the skills to collaborate with your team, leveraging their collective knowledge and expertise to find solutions. As a leader, my role is not to have all the answers but to empower my team with the tools, guidance, and resources they need to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

8. What is your favorite food, football team, favorite color?

I could eat peanut butter and watermelon forever! I come from a family of Arsenal supporters, so I’m a gunner for life. My favorite color is red however, I’m usually seen wearing black.

9. Can you share any advice or tips for someone who might be interested in pursuing a similar career path?

One piece of advice I’d like to share with anyone considering a similar career path is to embrace opportunities, even if they initially seem intimidating. Throughout my career, I’ve often been presented with opportunities to give talks, and presentations, take on teaching roles, or own projects that I’ve never tackled before, and at times, they felt overwhelming.

The key is to have confidence in your ability to apply your existing knowledge and skills and to recognize that you have a supportive network around you. So, when these opportunities come knocking, don’t hesitate to say ‘yes.’ By pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, you’ll experience substantial personal and professional growth. It’s remarkable how much you can learn and achieve when you step into uncharted territory, and these experiences will ultimately shape you into a more versatile and resilient professional.

10. What do you like to do outside of work to relax or pursue your interests?

Since my work primarily involves sitting at a computer, I find it essential to engage in physical activities to maintain a balance. Keeping fit is a priority for me, so I’m actively involved in weightlifting, practicing yoga, and going on walks or hikes. I’m currently pursuing these hobbies further and am undergoing training to be a qualified yoga instructor.

I’m also deeply passionate about social causes, particularly those related to animal welfare and the environment. I dedicate my time to volunteering with animal organizations, participating in activities like tree planting, and supporting various charities that work towards the betterment of these causes.

When it comes to my proper downtime, I indulge in playing video games. It’s a great way for me to unwind and immerse myself in different narratives. As of now, I’ve spent an impressive 300 hours playing the latest Zelda game!

11. How is it being a female software engineer? Do you face imposter syndrome?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have always been surrounded by talented and supportive colleagues throughout my career as a female software engineer. While it is important to encourage more women to pursue STEM fields and strive for better representation, I find it empowering to be a woman in the industry and hope to inspire others to enter this field, even if it is traditionally male-dominated.

Imposter syndrome has been something I have grappled with for most of my career. Software engineering is a constantly evolving and fast-paced environment, with new technologies emerging all the time. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind or that other engineers possess more talent or knowledge. However, I often remind myself that I have reached this point in my career through my abilities and dedication, not mere luck (one of the common thoughts associated with imposter syndrome). I also find inspiration in learning from and connecting with engineers who may appear to have everything figured out. It’s important to remember that we are all constantly learning and growing in this dynamic industry.

12. Let’s play a game

PC or Mac? Mac forever!

iOS or Android? IOS… I think Android is better but I like to have everything synced with my Mac.

Twitter or Instagram? Instagram. I wish I spent less time on it though.

Rihanna or Beyonce? Rihanna!

Manchester United or Chelsea? Manchester United… just because I’ve been watching the David Beckham documentary!

13. A favorite statement you like to say?

It is our predicament that we live in a finite world, and yet we behave as if it were infinite — Naomi Klein

Written by Natalia Sharon