In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Genghis Philip, an engineering manager at Kipsu, who shares his journey from archaeology to tech, his passion for coaching (both in ultimate frisbee and engineering teams), and his thoughtful approach to career growth and team building.

Genghis discusses the importance of building high-performing teams by aligning incentives, fostering autonomy, and creating a culture where engineers thrive. He highlights the value of succession planning—not just for individual careers but as a critical strategy across teams and organizations. From enabling junior developers to embrace problem-solving without over-relying on AI tools, to guiding senior engineers toward impactful roles, Genghis offers practical insights for every stage of a developer's career.

We also explore his three-pronged framework for career growth: management, architecture, and technical sales, and the often-overlooked potential of solutions architecture roles. Genghis emphasizes the importance of engineers understanding the "why" behind their work, aligning their personal goals with business needs, and fostering inclusivity in tech.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for developers, managers, and anyone passionate about growing their career or supporting their teams. Plus, hear Genghis' inspiring call to action for fostering community and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.

Where to Find Genghis:

• Blog: MilkyWayFarers.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genghisphilip/
• X/Twitter: https://x.com/Hawksfire
• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genghis.bsky.social

Tune in for an insightful conversation that bridges tech, leadership, and the human side of building impactful careers and teams.