From Engineer to Executive Coach: How Conversations (Not Code) Drive Success | The Making of Me

What if the real driver of success in tech isn’t writing better code—but having better conversations?In this insightful episode of The Making of Me, Douglas Squirrel — CTO-turned-executive coach with 40+ years of software engineering experience — shares how decades in tech led him to a powerful realization: technical skill alone doesn’t create great teams or great companies. Communication does.He explains how shifting from purely technical problem-solving to collaborative dialogue transformed the way he helps leaders build stronger, more profitable, and more aligned teams.🚀 In this episode, you'll discover:Why technical skill alone is not enough for leadershipHow conversations shape team performance and outcomesLessons from 40+ years in engineering and leadershipThe power of asking better questionsHow Action Science improves workplace communicationWhy great engineering teams are built through dialogue, not just codeThis conversation is for engineers, founders, and tech leaders who want to move beyond execution into real leadership impact. Douglas’s journey is a reminder that the most important tool in any organization isn’t code—it’s communication. Better conversations build better systems.🔗 Connect with Douglas Squirrel:Douglas Squirrel WebsiteDouglas Squirrel LinkedIn📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if you believe communication drives success🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — what’s one conversation that changed your career?#TheMakingOfMe #DouglasSquirrel #Leadership #TechLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #CommunicationSkills #Agile #SoftwareEngineering #Teamwork #CareerGrowth #Mindset #BusinessLeadership #MakingOfMePodcast