Leading by Supporting: Beyond the Code

In my current role as a Senior Squad member, I’m navigating the balance between strategy and human support. Right now, I’m helping a squad that grew very quickly at a client’s request, while at the same time designing the program for the next group — with all the improvements and adjustments that every new team needs.

But beyond goals and planning, there’s something I always keep in mind: leadership isn’t about directing — it’s about supporting. It’s about understanding that every rookie who joins the team is stepping into a huge world full of possible paths, and they need close guidance to avoid getting lost in the process. That’s where I find the real value of this role. It’s not just about solving tickets or meeting deadlines — it’s about building a formative experience that leaves a positive mark.

Being present for those first steps, helping people get oriented, and watching them grow in confidence — that’s the most rewarding part of this stage.

The First Step Always Matters

Many underestimate how important the beginning is. But I truly believe that first experience can make the difference between a confident, forward-moving career and one that gets stuck before it even begins.

That’s why a big part of my motivation comes from being close to rookies when they first enter this world. They show up full of energy, but also with doubts, fears, and often no clear idea of where to start. That’s where I try to step in: to show the way, ease the anxiety, and create an environment where they can make mistakes, learn, and grow.

My goal isn’t just for them to learn technical skills — it’s for them to build confidence. I want them to feel like someone’s got their back, someone who understands their process and helps turn every obstacle into a learning opportunity.

A Challenge Tailored to Each Person

One of the biggest challenges in this role is designing a program that works for people who learn in completely different ways. Every rookie is unique — some prefer to read, others need to see examples, others only learn by doing, and many need a mix of all those things.

Identifying those differences and still creating a shared experience without losing the personal touch is probably the hardest part — but also the most meaningful. I don’t believe in magic formulas or one-size-fits-all approaches. I believe in listening, observing, testing, adjusting — and above all, being available. Whether it’s answering a question, suggesting a practice task, or simply offering that small push that makes all the difference.

Leading also means being flexible — and accepting that the process won’t always be linear. That’s why, with each new group, I take the time to adapt the content, pace, and challenges, always aiming to help everyone move forward in their own way, while still feeling part of something bigger.

Tools That Empower the Process

Personalized support requires tools that are up to the task. In that sense, Teamboarding has become a key part of how we work. It lets us centralize everything in one place — from task progress, to Git activity, to quizzes, internal notes, and automatic reports.

What’s most valuable is that it gives us real, real-time visibility into how each person is doing. That allows us to spot issues early, adjust strategies, and reinforce key concepts without waiting for things to go wrong. Plus, with AI support, we can consolidate that information to create personalized reports that help us make better decisions.

Combined with Scrum methodology, which gives us a flexible structure for iteration and adaptation, this tool has become an essential ally. Because if we want to nurture talent in a conscious, effective way, we need both solid processes and smart technology to support that mission.

Leaving a Mark

At the end of the day, what excites me most isn’t the code that gets written or the tasks that get completed — it’s seeing someone who doubted themselves yesterday, take a bold step today. It’s that “I got it” smile, that proud first demo, that message saying “thanks for being there.” Because when we truly choose to support others, we’re not just teaching — we’re leaving a mark. And that mark spreads. Today, many of those we once guided are doing the same with new teammates, multiplying that spirit of community, care, and shared growth. That, to me, is what makes it all worthwhile.