112 - From Quiet Developer to Visible Leader. How introverts and quiet types can lead in tech without pretending to be loud.

In this episode, we have Jeff Barr, the Vice President and Chief Evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mike Fiedler, a PyPI Safety and Security Engineer at the Python Software Foundation and an AWS Hero, and Raphael Quisumbing, an AWS Hero, joining us to discuss the journey from quiet developer to visible leader.

When mentoring young devs, how do you reassure them that being ‘quiet’ doesn’t mean they can’t lead? (Generalization)

You can reassure them by redefining what leadership looks like. Emphasize that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice, but about influence, expertise, and impact. Highlight the value of their quiet strengths, such as being a deep thinker, a great listener, or a meticulous problem-solver. Give them specific examples of how their detailed insights or calm presence can guide a team more effectively than an extroverted style. Show them that true leadership earns respect through competence and consistency, not just charisma.

What’s one small action a quiet developer can take that shows leadership without needing to be loud?(Generalization)

One powerful, small action is to consistently write clear, concise documentation and detailed code comments. This act of "quiet leadership" shares knowledge and makes the codebase maintainable for the entire team, including their future selves. Another is to proactively offer help to a teammate who is stuck on a problem. By doing so, they demonstrate empathy, build trust, and establish themselves as a reliable and valuable resource without having to be the one presenting in a meeting.

How can someone advocate for themselves in meetings or promotions if they’re not naturally outspoken? (Generalization)

They can advocate for themselves by preparing in advance. Before a meeting, they can draft key points they want to make or questions they want to ask. In the meeting, they can wait for a natural pause to interject. For promotions, they should let their work speak for itself by meticulously documenting their accomplishments and the impact of their contributions. They can then share this information in one-on-one meetings with their manager, where they have more space to speak. This allows them to highlight their value without having to fight for airtime in a group setting.

Why does the tech industry often equate leadership with charisma or visibility? (Generalization)

The tech industry often equates leadership with charisma and visibility because these qualities are easy to see and measure in a fast-paced environment. An outspoken person may appear to be a decisive leader, and someone who gives a lot of public talks is seen as an expert. This creates a shortcut in a professional’s mind that equates visibility with competence. However, it's a flawed assumption, as many of the most impactful contributions to tech—like foundational code, systems architecture, and security protocols—are made by individuals who thrive on deep, focused, and often quiet work.