The Priyanka Shinde Podcast | Strategy | Execution | Leadership

#11: Leadership Shift Tech Engineers Can't Ignore in 2025 | Irina Stanescu Ex-Google/Uber

• Priyanka Shinde • Season 2 • Episode 11

Master Tech Leadership for 2025: Learn key strategies for Engineering Management.
Building Influence in Software teams, navigating AI's impact, and fostering Team Growth.

In this episode of the Priyanka Shinde Podcast, Priyanka sits down with renowned tech leader, coach, and instructor, Irina Stanescu (author of the "Caring Techie" newsletter), to explore building influence, understanding AI's role, and cultivating high-performance teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Building genuine influence and career reputation.
- The role of emotional intelligence for "Caring Techies."
- Managing teams effectively, especially with remote/hybrid shifts.
- How AI is reshaping engineering roles and what leaders must do.
- Why investing in people skills is non-negotiable.

Are you an aspiring or current engineering leader looking to elevate your skills? Or perhaps an engineer aiming to grow your influence and navigate career challenges? This conversation is packed with actionable insights! Irina shares her powerful "Pyramid of Influence" framework, strategies for effective communication, and crucial mindset shifts needed to thrive in tech.

📌 Connect with Guest (Irina):
Website: https://irinastanescu.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinastanescu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironmissy/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/thecaringtechie

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:02 - Irina Stanescu: Journey into Tech and Leadership
6:44 - The Drive to Create Broader Impact Through Coaching
9:17 - Shaping Leadership Styles and Key Lessons
13:27 - Frameworks for High-Performance Teams and Influence
19:00 - Common Challenges for Engineers and Leaders
21:42 - Navigating the Evolving Tech Landscape for Managers
25:30 - The Power of Mindset Shifts
29:25 - Current Trends in Tech Team Operations and Management
36:51 - The Impact of AI and Automation on Engineering Teams
44:02 - Future Excitement and Evergreen Skills
47:07 - Final Advice for Aspiring Engineering Leaders
47:43 - Conclusion
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🌟 Join The host Priyanka Shinde and the guest Irina Stanescu

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Work with Priyanka Shinde
Read her Book - The Art of Strategic Execution

â–¶ About the Priyanka Shinde

I am an AI Product Leader and Execution Strategist with a proven track record of building, scaling, and delivering AI-powered innovations. With experience at Meta and Cruise, I have helped businesses leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and real-world impact. As an Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Author, I am passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and product teams to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
From developing cutting-edge AI solutions to mentoring the next generation of innovators, my mission is to bridge the gap between technology and execution—empowering businesses to thrive in the AI-driven future.

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