Talk

It Works on My Machine: Why Engineers Are Misunderstood (and What They Can Do About It)
Quickie (BEGINNER level)
“It works on my machine.” - Classic dev joke, but also a depiction of how engineers often show up at work. As a leadership coach working closely with team leads and engineering managers, I’ve seen first-hand how persistent myths about engineers get in the way of collaboration and influence. In this quick talk, I’ll unpack where these perceptions come from, how they affect cross-team relationships, and what engineers can do to bridge the gap.

Attendees will walk away with:
  • A fresh understanding of how engineers are perceived by other functions
  • Insight into how these myths are unintentionally reinforced
  • Actionable ways to build trust and increase influence
Zaharenia Atzitzikaki
The 10x Manager Academy
Zacharenia Atzitzikaki has almost 20 years of experience working in tech, with more than half of them focusing on product design and people management. Previously a VP Design at Workable, she now works as a management coach, training her clients to become better leaders at The 10x Manager Academy. She supports new managers and helps teams with providing clear, actionable feedback and conflict resolution.