People & CulturePeople & Culture
Quickie15min
BEGINNER

It Works on My Machine: Why Engineers Are Misunderstood (and What They Can Do About It)

This talk examines common misconceptions about engineers and their impact on collaboration and influence. It explores the origins of these myths, their effect on cross-team relationships, and offers actionable strategies for engineers to build trust and increase their influence. Attendees will gain insights into engineering perceptions and myth reinforcement.

Zaharenia Atzitzikaki
Zaharenia AtzitzikakiThe 10x Manager Academy

talkDetail.whenAndWhere

Friday, September 26, 12:10-12:25
Αndreas & Maria Kalokairinou
talks.description
“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
collaboration
trust
myths
perceptions
talks.speakers
Zaharenia Atzitzikaki

Zaharenia Atzitzikaki

The 10x Manager Academy

Greece

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.

talkDetail.rateThisTalk

talkDetail.ratingExpired

talkDetail.ratingWindowExpired

occupancy.title

occupancy.votingClosed

occupancy.votingWindowExpired

comments.title

comments.speakerNotEnabledComments