EP10 From Chef to Engineering Director: A Journey of Adaptability, Resilience & Vision

Guest: ⁠Dennis Hui⁠, Director of Software Development Host: ⁠Yufei Qian⁠ Master's student in AI at the University of Auckland Dennis began his career in hospitality before transitioning to IT. Studied commerce, then computer science at the University of Auckland. Progressed from developer → senior developer → team lead → manager → director. His life experience and people skills gave him an edge in leadership roles. Focused on identifying team gaps and driving process/technical improvements. Expanded technical scope beyond mobile to backend and DevOps. Learned to make strategic decisions and communicate effectively with global stakeholders (US, Singapore, Southeast Asia). Developed adaptability to navigate cultural differences and shifting business needs. Emotional Management – Stay composed under pressure and handle interpersonal challenges with resilience. Let Go of Perfectionism – Leadership involves trade-offs and compromises. Resilience – Stand firm in decisions despite conflicting demands. Soft Skills & Influence – Especially for introverted developers, communication and influence are essential. Future roles will focus more on persuading others to accept your solution than building it yourself. AI reduces the need for deep technical memorization. Developers should shift focus to:✅ High-level solution design✅ Business understanding✅ Communication and influence AI will handle execution; humans will lead strategy. Leaders must be highly adaptable as AI accelerates change in tech stacks, consumer needs, and global dynamics. Networking is key: Attend meetups, build connections—even indirect ones can help get your CV to the right hands. Showcase soft skills: Interviews now focus more on cultural fit and communication than technical depth. Understand the company/team: Tailor your interview responses to show alignment with their values and work style. Leverage referrals: Collaborate on projects to demonstrate your skills and earn endorsements. 📬 Connect with DennisFind him on LinkedIn: Dennis HuiHe’s open to offline meetups and passionate about giving back to the community that supported his journey. 🧑‍🍳 From Chef to Tech Leader🧭 Leadership Journey & Challenges💡 Key Leadership Insights🤖 AI’s Impact on Software Development🎓 Advice for Job Seekers