Welcome to the Engineering Success Podcast, Sundi! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role at Cars Commerce?
‍Absolutely! I'm Sundi, an Engineering Manager at Cars Commerce, based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Although I’ve spent most of my career in D.C., working primarily at startups. I have a deep passion for the Elixir programming language, which remains a big part of my life even though I no longer code daily. Now, I manage a team of engineers who work with Elixir, ensuring we continue to innovate and excel.

‍What drove your transition from software engineering to management?
‍My journey into management was greatly influenced by my love for Elixir and my desire to stay connected with the community. While I no longer write code, I lead a team that does, which keeps me close to the action. Additionally, I'm actively involved in the DC Elixir meetup and speak at various conferences, which allows me to stay engaged with the latest developments and share my knowledge.

‍How do you encourage engineers to take a more active role in decision-making at Cars Commerce?
‍It starts with fostering a strong partnership with each engineer. I believe in regular one-on-ones where engineers can express their desires to contribute more broadly. We have structures like leadership roundtables that allow engineers to voice their ideas and influence decisions that affect the entire engineering organization.

‍In managing your team, how do you balance technical goals with business objectives?
‍That’s a great question. I focus on setting clear outcomes for tasks, especially when it comes to exploratory or investigative work. It’s crucial that engineers understand what the business expects from them—not just in terms of project outputs but how these contribute to broader company goals. Aligning these expectations with individual contributions is key to ensuring everyone is working on the right things.

‍What strategies do you find most effective for managing remote or hybrid teams?
‍Consistent communication is vital. We hold regular synchronous standups and encourage ongoing dialogue through various channels to ensure everyone is aligned and no one is left struggling in silence. It’s about creating an environment where team members feel they can reach out for help without hesitation, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

‍Lastly, any advice for engineers looking to advance their careers into leadership roles?
‍Be proactive about your career growth. Engage in conversations with your manager about your aspirations, participate in cross-functional meetings, and take opportunities to lead projects or initiatives. Demonstrating your ability to think beyond the code and contribute to strategic discussions will set you apart as a potential leader.

- Sundi Myint