How to lead when you just don't know the tech

As a Staff Engineer, uncertainty is a given. But sometimes, it lands right where it stings the most—on the expectation that you’re the technical expert. This talk is about my own experience leading initiatives where I didn’t have expertise in the tech at hand and how, despite that, a team can still be inspired, empowered, and deliver great results. I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons I’ve carried forward about leading without always being “the expert.” Whether you’ve been in this position before or just want to be ready when it happens, this session will give you a candid look at turning uncertainty into strength.

Key takeaways:

• Confidence that effective leadership doesn’t require mastering every technical detail.
• Strategies to empower teams and foster collaboration in unfamiliar technical domains.
• Techniques to turn uncertainty into an opportunity for growth and innovation.
• Insights into building trust and credibility while navigating new challenges.