Eight years ago, I was a junior developer writing my first console.log("Hello World"). Today, I’ve led engineering teams, mentored dozens of developers, and built products across industries.
Along the way, I had the privilege of interviewing Kent C. Dodds and Nadia Makarevich: two developers whose work has shaped how thousands of us learn, grow, and lead in tech.
Those conversations, combined with my own journey, became the foundation of my new e-book: From Hello World to Team Lead.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways!
Kent C. Dodds: Leadership Through Teaching
Kent’s courses, TestingJavaScript & EpicReact, not only sharpened my technical skills, but they also changed how I think about solving problems and helping others grow.
When I asked Kent how developers can start giving back to the community, his advice was refreshingly simple:
"Look at the communities you are already involved in and see areas where you can help lift."
He stressed that leadership isn’t about status: it’s about service. And that starts with building things that are useful, answering questions, and being intentional about becoming “someone who’s good to work with.”
Nadia Makarevich: Ask “Why” Until You Get the Truth
Nadia, author of Advanced React and creator of Developer Way, is known for her thoughtful deep dives into how and why software works the way it does.
Her advice for juniors was deceptively powerful:
"Always ask ‘why’ and don’t let go until you have a clear answer… and start by asking what problem we’re trying to solve."
She also pointed out that moving from mid-level to senior is also about business skills: understanding product priorities, creating roadmaps, identifying stakeholders, and respecting the non-engineering roles that give your code meaning.
My Journey: From Junior to Lead
Hearing these perspectives made me reflect on my own growth:
- As a junior, I struggled with confidence and burnout.
- As a medior, I learned to own features, communicate with stakeholders, and unblock others.
- As a senior, I discovered that mentorship and leadership are more about mindset than title.
The biggest lesson? Career growth is intentional! You can drift from project to project, or you can deliberately build the skills (technical, human, and strategic) that get you where you want to go.
The Book That Brings It All Together
From Hello World to Team Lead is my roadmap for that growth. Inside, you’ll find:
- Exclusive interviews with Kent C. Dodds, Nadia Makarevich, and other top developers.
- Actionable frameworks for every career stage.
- Templates for better code reviews, mentorship, and visibility.
- Strategies to grow without burning out.
🚀 Level up your developer career, without burning out!
Get From Hello World to Team Lead today and learn from developers like Kent C. Dodds and Nadia Makarevich, plus real-world frameworks you can apply immediately.
💛 Every purchase supports initiatives like TechMeUp, HackYourFuture, SheSharp, and GirlCode: helping the next generation of developers grow.
👉 Grab your copy here and start designing the career you actually want.
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