On Becoming a VP of Engineering, Part 1: The Path to VP

In a reflective account of their journey to becoming the Vice President of Engineering at Honeycomb, the author outlines the evolution from an engineering role to a leadership position, highlighting the unexpected nature of this trajectory and the lack of candid discourse about such career paths. Emphasizing the influence that VPs of Engineering have on company culture and policy, the author advocates for more diverse representation in these roles to benefit the tech industry at large. Initially joining Honeycomb as an engineer, the author did not anticipate ascending the management ladder but was drawn to the company's smart team, appealing product, and the opportunity to learn. As Honeycomb grew, the author found alignment with co-founder Charity Majors in management philosophy, despite differing backgrounds, which allowed for a natural shift into more management responsibilities. The transition involved managing both individual contributors and managers, requiring a deep understanding of the organization and the development of new skills. The narrative underscores the importance of holistic thinking, a generalist approach, and strong interpersonal relationships as crucial traits for the role, while also acknowledging the role of luck and the support of a capable team in enabling the author's success. Finally, the author reflects on the contextual nature of the VP of Engineering role, noting that its requirements can vary significantly depending on the company's current challenges and existing leadership.