Succeeding as an Introverted Leader in Technology

Episode Summary

Being an introvert is NOT a barrier to being in leadership - and we’re sitting down with Shahzad Zafar, CTO of Trualta, to discuss why. Shahzad discusses his journey over the years to become a leading figure in the tech industry, highlighting the transitions, challenges, and lessons learned along the way

He shares his insights on navigating the complexities of remote work, the intricacies of leading teams in varying company sizes, and the unique challenges of integrating introversion into effective leadership. His expertise is especially valuable for those grappling with the nuances of building and managing tech teams in today's fast-paced environment.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of modern leadership strategies, team building in remote settings, and the evolving role of a tech leader in today's corporate landscape.

Resources

https://www.trualta.com/ - Learn more about Trualta!

Episode Chapters

1. Introduction to Shahzad Zafar and Trualta (00:00 - 00:02:17)
2. Introduction of Shahzad Zafar, his roles, and a brief on Trualta.
3. Early Career and Overcoming Introversion (00:02:23 - 00:06:30)
4. Discussion about Shahzad's early career choices, initial struggles with introversion, and the strategies he used to overcome them.
5. Adapting to Leadership Roles (00:06:31 - 00:11:45)
6. Insights into Shahzad's transition to leadership roles, including the challenges he faced and how he adapted his approach to leadership over time.
7. Effective Leadership and Team Building (00:11:45 - 00:18:06)
8. Insights into effective leadership, building trust within teams, and managing conflicts.
9. Networking and Professional Growth (00:18:06 - 00:24:04)
10. Discussing the importance of networking, particularly for introverts, and strategies for professional growth.
11. Technical Hiring and Outsourcing (00:24:04 - End)
12. Shahzad's perspective on the balance between hiring in-house engineers versus outsourcing and the role of advisors in startups.