Today is my last day as VP of Engineering at Duco, closing out a little of 2 years in this role. I’ll be jumping pretty much straight into my next challenge – I’ll start a new role on Tuesday next week (27 April). I’ll write more about that new chapter soon.
Looking back at my two years at Duco (and thinking about my own contributions) I’m especially proud of these things:
- Our leadership team responded especially well to the Covid pandemic and the ensuing year of lockdown-induced remote working. We were decisive and clear in our decision-making and communications, with an initial focus on protecting everyone’s jobs. Once it was clear that we’d be able to do that, without running out of cash, we turned our attention to growing the company as we managed through the rest of 2020 and into 2021.
- We built a brand new Engineering team in Wrocław (in Poland). That team delivered a completely new product (from concept to early adopter customers) in less than 9 months, with a GA release about 6 months later.
- I had a personal positive impact on many people across the company and I’m confident that impact will be a lasting legacy after I’ve left. Here are a few of the comments I received as I was leaving:
- “I was fortunate to have been interviewed by you, and right from the very first encounter you left an indelible impression. Every interaction we have had has been insightful, uplifting and sincere.”
- “You brought a completely new perspective to Engineering and business processes and problem solving, inspired people and shared a lot of wisdom.”
- “I greatly appreciate the support you’ve given the team and me over these years. I also want to thank you for the mentorship and guidance you have given me personally.”
- “You’ve made an incredibly positive difference on everything I’ve seen your influence on, including my own experience at Duco.”
- “You may be going, but your great advice and help over the last two years will stay with us.”
- “It’s been an absolute joy working with you. I’ve learned so much that I’ll take with me throughout my career.”
- “I don’t think we can begin to estimate the difference you have made to the company, both in terms of your immense technical and professional capabilities and the sheer kindness, warmth and decency you’ve always displayed.
- “I was fortunate to have been interviewed by you, and right from the very first encounter you left an indelible impression. Every interaction we have had has been insightful, uplifting and sincere.”
As a leader, those kinds of comments are inspiring and gratifying. That small sample comes from Engineering, Product, Customer Success, InfoSec, and Sales. I love having the opportunity to mentor and coach and advise colleagues across the organization, in every department.
I’m looking forward to doing that again, with new colleagues, in a new org, facing new challenges!
PS: You may notice that this is my first post on this blog in several years. I’m hoping to keep this more up-to-date!