Kate Wardin
Senior Engineering Manager @ Netflix
Kate Wardin is an Engineering Manager at Netflix and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She enjoys exploring the psychology of happiness at work and is passionate about building inclusive and high performing teams via people-first leadership. She believes in the power of humor to bring people together to create a positive and cohesive workplace. In her free time, Kate enjoys unwinding by watching The Office or chasing her toddler and dog.
Presentations
Foundations of Tech Leadership Deep Dive
Monday, 9:00 AM EST
According to a CareerBuilder study, only 40% of new tech leaders receive formal training when they become a boss for the first time. The rest are forced to get scrappy to quickly equip themselves with new skills, techniques, and mindsets to effectively transition into their new roles.
This workshop was designed to fill this gap; providing tactical techniques and resources for both new and seasoned technical leaders!
In this full day workshop, you will learn how successfully navigate the complexities of Engineering Management. Topics include:
Purposeful leadership, emotional intelligence, self awareness, time management, prioritizing the right things, social styles, giving feedback, career conversations, 1:1s, psychological safety, recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, measuring team metrics, motivation, engagement, team building, and building sustainable relationships.
Interactive group exercises will help you practice these new ideas and techniques in a safe and engaging environment.
You will leave with new perspectives on Engineering Management, as well as handouts and plenty of resources to grow and further develop skills in your daily work.
Please download (and print if possible) the handout before joining this workshop! (located with session slides).
Adaptive Technical Leadership
Tuesday, 8:30 AM EST
Our software engineering teams are facing new challenges every day that come with the rapidly changing industry and recent events.
People don't seem to be motivated by the same things that they previously found compelling. Organizations are giving up glamorous office spaces and pivoting to remote teams. These changes require us to quickly pivot as leaders to learn new skills, frameworks, and techniques to continue supporting our teams while maintaining our own sanity.
In this workshop, you will learn and practice key skills to help your team propel through today's modern challenges and setbacks. The topics will be relevant to all Software Engineering leaders who wish to find ways to motivate and inspire their teams - regardless of their organization's existing circumstances.
Specific topics will include:
- Tips and tricks for leading remote teams - striking the right balance between productivity and flexibility
- Understanding unique motivational styles - catering your leadership style to maximize employee engagement
- Advanced communication techniques - communicating authentically, consistently, and purposefully to provide reassurance and clarity to your team
Adaptive Technical Leadership
Tuesday, 10:30 AM EST
Our software engineering teams are facing new challenges every day that come with the rapidly changing industry and recent events.
People don't seem to be motivated by the same things that they previously found compelling. Organizations are giving up glamorous office spaces and pivoting to remote teams. These changes require us to quickly pivot as leaders to learn new skills, frameworks, and techniques to continue supporting our teams while maintaining our own sanity.
In this workshop, you will learn and practice key skills to help your team propel through today's modern challenges and setbacks. The topics will be relevant to all Software Engineering leaders who wish to find ways to motivate and inspire their teams - regardless of their organization's existing circumstances.
Specific topics will include:
- Tips and tricks for leading remote teams - striking the right balance between productivity and flexibility
- Understanding unique motivational styles - catering your leadership style to maximize employee engagement
- Advanced communication techniques - communicating authentically, consistently, and purposefully to provide reassurance and clarity to your team