In this episode of the IF/THEN Podcast, host Debo Ray speaks with Cate Huston, Director of Engineering at DuckDuckGo, about her leadership philosophy and practical insights from her book The Engineering Leader. They explore the challenges of web browser development, optimizing team structures, and using the right metrics to drive performance while improving the developer experience.Cate shares actionable advice on building high-performing teams, aligning engineering efforts with business goals, and fostering a culture of empathy and accountability. She also emphasizes the importance of clear communication—especially in distributed teams—and the mindset shifts required when scaling teams and leadership responsibilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Cate’s leadership approach emphasizes empathy, accountability, and self-management—all essential for building effective, autonomous teams.
• Clear communication is critical for decision-making and team cohesion in both remote and in-office setups.
• Squad-based team structures, like those at DuckDuckGo, encourage collaboration and efficiency across projects.
• Metrics should focus on progress and outcomes, rather than personal data, to guide decisions.
• Enhancing developer experience involves simplifying processes, boosting productivity and satisfaction.
• Scaling teams requires a shift in leadership responsibilities, with an emphasis on empowering teams to operate independently.

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