How do you grow as a (Software) Engineering Manager?

When discussing their journey as engineers, managers, VP or CTO with my friends, colleagues, and peers, a striking observation always remains: there’s a vast diversity of journeys.

I used the word “journey” intentionally and not “career,” as I prefer that framing. I find it particularly restricting to picture progress as a “career ladder,” in which you’d have to tick the boxes to climb to the next level. A ladder is a possible way to visualise that journey, but I encourage everyone to question what their journey should be. The main issue…