TechTuesday - A Developer's Guide to Leadership

Description

TechTuesday - 

A Developer's Guide to Leadership: Going from individual contributor to team lead

In this month's TechTuesday, our focus is on software developers aspiring to transition into leadership roles and the nature of tech managerial roles. We'll cover the essential strategies for moving from an individual contributor to a team lead, focusing on skill development, leadership techniques, and effective team management.

Catered lunch provided.

About the Panel

Moderator - Adam Loftin

Adam Loftin is an Engineering Manager at Fleetio and an Auburn University alum. As a software professional since 2010, Adam has made significant contributions as an engineer and a manager at Birmingham companies like Daxko, RxBenefits, and Fleetio, showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence in software development. Recognized for his impact on team efficiency and technology best practices, he received the 2018 Top Gear Award from Daxko as a software engineer. Adam is dedicated to continuous learning and putting team members first.

Ben Branch

Ben Branch received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Auburn University in 1991, and shortly thereafter had the incredible opportunity to work for NASA on the space shuttle. While music was his dream, the bills had to be paid. He has been in HR and IT staffing for the last 33 years.

Ben sits on numerous boards, such as Tech Birmingham Board and Executive Committees, as well as with many startups in the Birmingham ecosystem. Ben is also an entrepreneur, and invests and supports many local startup businesses in pre- and post-revenue funding. Helping new companies gain traction, and assisting under-skilled youth into new careers in technology is his passion.

Ben joined ITAC in 2003.  As an owner and partner, he is active in the overall strategic leadership of ITAC. Ben has managed sales and recruiting, and even waters the plants when needed.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Brazil, or possibly a small town on the gulf coast.

What do you like to do for fun? Playing music, and playing ‘sit & rest’ at the beach.

What’s your superpower of choice? Connecting people. Giving advice.

Jamey Taylor

Mary Hendon Yelverton

Mary Hendon, often called “MH”,  began her career as a Recruiting Partner with Rezult Group Nashville in 2014. In 2016, she transferred to the Birmingham office where her experience across multiple markets made her a valuable and distinctive asset. While in her Business Development role, MH was the top producer for 7 years. As a result of her dedication and skill, the Birmingham office accounts have grown by 2400%.  In 2021, Mary Hendon was promoted to Director of Operations, and in that position, she leads and mentors Recruiting and Business Development team members to expand, grow and develop Birmingham market business opportunities.

MH holds a Bachelors Degree in Business & Interdisciplinary Studies  from the University of Alabama in Business with a focus in Corporate Communications and Leadership.  She loves to spend time with friends and family, especially her husband and 2 children (Hamp, 4 & Mary Mac, 2) and paints whenever she has the chance. For the past 6 years, MH has served on the Jr Boards of Oasis Counseling Center for Women (VP of Membership) and Birmingham's Exceptional Foundation. 

Praise Daramola

My name is Praise Daramola. I am currently working as a Software Research and Development Engineer at Harmony Venture Labs. My journey in tech officially began at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I studied Electrical and Computer Engineering through which I got my first Engineering internship working with a great team Fledging. However, I have always been interested in tinkering with, building, and designing systems to solve problems.

At Harmony Venture Labs, I've been fortunate to work with another set of great team members on a variety of projects, mainly focusing on web, desktop, and mobile application development. Getting to work on the early stage of several products has allowed me to constantly learn, iterate on, and experiment with new tools across various industries.