Nate Emerson is both a self-taught developer and a computer science university grad. How is that possible? In this episode, Nate talks about his unusual career trajectory, and what it has taught him about the differences between being self-taught vs. formal education in software development. Along with Tracy Lee and Jason Torres, he discusses leadership principles, such as extreme ownership, the value of confidence in engineering, and how humility and teamwork contribute to organizational success. They also highlight the importance of solving practical problems in tech and how this mindset can lead to innovation.
Here are the chapter titles with timestamps:
1: Setting the Stage – The Importance of Practical Skills in Engineering (00:00)
2: Engineering Management and Leadership Culture (04:36)
3: Extreme Ownership – A Leadership Superpower (09:12)
4: Confidence and the Developer's Journey (13:37)
5: Hiring Smarter and Building Stronger Teams (18:27)
6: Problem-Solving and Technology's Real-World Impact (23:13)
7: Leadership, Humility, and Long-Term Success (30:20)
8: Wrapping Up – Final Thoughts on Leadership and Ego (41:58)
Follow Nate Emerson on Social Media
Twitter: https://x.com/nateemerson
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-emerson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0K8hu90G3iV6327ymEViNw