Strategic Leadership in Tech Management! In the modern realm of technology, the role of software engineers stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. Naz Delam, a Software Engineer Manager at LinkedIn Media, embodies this ethos through a journey rooted in academic excellence and fueled by a passion for human-centric technology solutions. With a master’s degree in computer science, Naz embarked on a transformative path that led her to the forefront of the tech industry. With over 10 years of experience in web applications development, architecture, and engineering, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her passion for creating innovative and scalable solutions enhances user experience and engagement, positioning her as a leader in the field. As a Software Engineer Manager, Naz’s responsibilities extend far beyond code and algorithms. She conducts the development and execution of software projects at LinkedIn, aligning them with strategic objectives and user-centric values. Her leadership philosophy revolves around fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. By nurturing her team’s technical skills and professional development, she strives to inspire a culture of excellence and purposeful innovation. In addition to her role at LinkedIn, Naz’s influence extends to the broader tech community as an international speaker, career coach, and contributor to naz.dev. Through her diverse engagements, she imparts insights on leadership, prioritization, and diversity, shaping the future of the industry while empowering aspiring engineers, especially women, to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to the constantly evolving tech world. Let’s delve deeper to learn more: Journey From Engineer to Manager Naz’s journey into the tech industry began with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, which laid the foundation. Seeking to explore deeper into the realms of technology, she pursued a master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Data and AI. It was a decision that would set the course for her future endeavors. In 2014, she made a significant leap, relocating to the bustling tech hub of the Bay Area in the United States. Here, she took her first steps into the industry as a backend software engineer. Over the ensuing years, her career trajectory saw her navigating the vast landscape of tech, gaining expertise across various domains from backend and frontend development to data science and AI, and even exploring the intricacies of self-driving technologies and distributed systems. Yet, amidst the expanding tech landscape, she found herself increasingly drawn to the human aspects of the job rather than the technical aspects. As she progressed in her career, her focus shifted from the intricacies of code to the dynamics of leadership and team management. This pivotal realization sparked Naz’s transition into a technical leadership role in 2018, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey. From Curiosity to Connection For Naz, a career in software engineering was not initially marked by passion but rather by curiosity and exploration. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, the subject failed to ignite a spark within her. However, a pivotal moment changed everything when she first time explored coding. It was a seemingly simple task like developing a program to greet individuals by name. Yet, the impact of seeing her name echoed back from the console, as if the machine itself acknowledged her presence, was profound. In that instant, her perception of software engineering shifted irreversibly. It wasn’t just about lines of code anymore; it was about the power of technology to evoke personal connections and responses. This moment, etched in her memory for 17 years, laid the groundwork for Naz’s enduring passion for software engineering. As technology evolved, particularly with advancements in AI, she became increasingly fascinated by the potential for computers to interact intimately with humans. Today, as a seasoned leader in the tech industry, her motivation transcends code. It’s the limitless possibilities of creating impactful features for people worldwide that drive her. Leading cross-functional teams, Naz believes in the transformative power of technology to enrich lives and shape the future. Navigating Success as a Software Engineering Manager As a Software Engineering Manager, she holds a vital role in ensuring the success of her team and their projects. Her primary focus is to align these endeavors with the company’s strategic objectives while delivering value to users. Naz’s responsibilities encompass more than just oversight. She cultivates an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive, guiding his team through challenges to maintain high-quality results. Dedicated to the growth of her team, she invests in their professional development, nurturing their skills and fostering a culture of excellence. Through her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of software development, she inspires her team to reach new heights. Together, they strive to create solutions that not only enrich the lives of users but also redefine industries, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Strategic Leadership in Cross-Functional Team Management Leading a cross-functional team that drives all on-platform media at LinkedIn involves a strategic and inclusive approach: Clear Communication: She prioritizes clear and open communication to ensure every team member understands the team’s goals, strategies, and individual roles. This involves regular meetings, detailed briefings, and transparent feedback mechanisms. Goal Alignment: Aligning the diverse objectives and metrics of different functions with the overarching business goals is crucial. She works closely with team leads to set unified, measurable targets that motivate everyone toward common achievements. Empowerment and Autonomy: Empowering team members by delegating authority and encouraging decision-making at various levels helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This autonomy boosts motivation and creativity, which is essential for driving innovative media strategies. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitating cross-functional workshops and collaborative sessions not only helps in problem-solving but also promotes understanding and respect among different disciplines. It’s important for team members to appreciate how their work intersects and contributes to broader company goals. By employing these approaches, She aims to create a cohesive, innovative, and highly effective team capable of driving impactful media strategies on LinkedIn’s platform. Speaking Engagements As an international speaker, Naz finds profound inspiration