Summary Join us in this engaging episode to explore the tech leadership world of Vaishali Patel, currently the Head of Software Engineering at Zopa Bank. Vaishali shares her journey from a technical expert to a leader in agile management and team dynamics. Delve into her approach to overcoming challenges in Agile implementation, empowering diverse tech teams, and balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities. Takeaways Find your niche in the technology sector and stay up-to-date with emerging trends. Cultural diversity in tech teams brings different perspectives and ways of working. Trust, transparency, and effective communication are essential for a positive company culture. Decentralized decision-making empowers teams and allows for better problem-solving. Empowering teams to make decisions and choose their collaborators can lead to a healthier and more engaged work environment. Leadership evolution involves learning from difficult experiences, seeking feedback, and continuously improving oneself. Imposter syndrome can be overcome by recognizing one's value, seeking validation from trusted peers, and embracing continuous learning. Barriers preventing women from entering and staying in tech include self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a lack of diverse role models. The future of the banking industry involves digital currency, enhanced security measures, and a customer-centric approach. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:20 Education and Career Progression 04:17 Transition to Web Development 06:02 Advice for Getting into Tech 08:24 Career Challenges and Learning Opportunities 10:26 Exploring Agile and Scrum 12:39 Challenges in Implementing Agile 14:45 Successful Implementation of Agile 18:23 Cultural Diversity in Tech Teams 21:41 Cultural Background and Career Expectations 22:44 Influence of Cultural Background 28:28 Company Culture and Decentralized Decision-Making 32:33 The Role of Technical Background in Decision-Making 39:40 Hiring Process and Decentralized Decision-Making 41:24 Decision-making and Team Empowerment 41:58 Evolution as a Leader 42:45 Becoming an Engineering Manager 43:43 Learning from Difficult Times 44:46 Coaching and Mentoring 45:15 Dealing with Pressure and Stress 46:40 Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement 49:28 Encouraging Women in Tech 52:08 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 54:14 The Future of the Banking Industry ______________ PS: interested in a FREE Strategy Call to discuss how these trends could impact your company's hiring? Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ OR Visit Out Website ⁠⁠⁠HERE