Keynote shared at MICWIC 2013 about what a career path really looks like and the lessons along the way.

1. My Public Apology
Put the
Ladder Away!
2013

2. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
TRICIA BRODERICK
• 16 years of professional experience
• 7 years of Agile experience
• B.S. Computer Science & Engineering
• Passion for Coaching & Mentoring
Director of Development
TechSmith
t.broderick@techsmith.com,
@t_broderick

3. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
Developer
Senior Dev
Lead Dev
Manager
Executive

4. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
I’m not interested…
that’s basically a
lateral move
Unfortunate Perspective

5. Reality:
Potential:
Opportunity:
One size does not fit all (people, goals,
environment): Our disciplines are crafts!
Demonstrate pattern of ability to learn,
adapt and succeed
Pulled into new positions due to
increased experiences and trust
The chances of an invaluable
lateral move are minimal

6. Making lateral moves valuable:
Learn Focus Engage!

7. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
I’m recognized by
promotions and
titles
Unfortunate Perspective

8. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y

9.  “She is experienced and her teams
deliver results.“
 “She coached, she prodded, she led, and sometimes
she even followed.”
 “She makes my life harder by pushing me out of my
comfort zone to face my fears and see if I might just
become a better leader myself.”
 “Tricia is always full of genuine energy & excitement.”
What your team says matters:

10. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
I have to choose
between technical
or management
Unfortunate Perspective

11. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
Security
Strengths
Recognition
Opportunities

12. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y

13. P u t t h e L a d d e r Aw a y
I have to do it
on my own
Unfortunate Perspective

14. Internally:
Perceptions:
Very Grateful For:
I trusted only myself. I had no expectations of
others to help me. I wasn’t willing to be vulnerable.
The not desired ones: stubborn, not a team
player, unapproachable, political
People who coached & mentored me.
They saw my potential and understood
what was behind my behavior.
Transitioning into the workforce:
what was really happening

15. M y t h b u s t i n g C o a c h i n g a n d M e n t o r i n g

16.  Will you engage out of your comfort zone?
 Will you embrace learning?
 Will you deliver on your responsibilities?
 Will you grow both technical and people skills?
 Will you respond to recognition by people over titles?
 Will you be vulnerable and seek and give help?
 Will you have fun?
Will you impact your career?

17. THANK YOU!