Guest: ⁠Dennis Hui⁠, Director of Software Development

Host: ⁠Yufei Qian⁠ Master's student in AI at the University of Auckland

• Dennis began his career in hospitality before transitioning to IT.
• Studied commerce, then computer science at the University of Auckland.
• Progressed from developer → senior developer → team lead → manager → director.
• His life experience and people skills gave him an edge in leadership roles.

• Focused on identifying team gaps and driving process/technical improvements.
• Expanded technical scope beyond mobile to backend and DevOps.
• Learned to make strategic decisions and communicate effectively with global stakeholders (US, Singapore, Southeast Asia).
• Developed adaptability to navigate cultural differences and shifting business needs.

• Emotional Management – Stay composed under pressure and handle interpersonal challenges with resilience.
• Let Go of Perfectionism – Leadership involves trade-offs and compromises.
• Resilience – Stand firm in decisions despite conflicting demands.
• Soft Skills & Influence – Especially for introverted developers, communication and influence are essential. Future roles will focus more on persuading others to accept your solution than building it yourself.

• AI reduces the need for deep technical memorization.
• Developers should shift focus to:✅ High-level solution design✅ Business understanding✅ Communication and influence
• AI will handle execution; humans will lead strategy.
• Leaders must be highly adaptable as AI accelerates change in tech stacks, consumer needs, and global dynamics.

• Networking is key: Attend meetups, build connections—even indirect ones can help get your CV to the right hands.
• Showcase soft skills: Interviews now focus more on cultural fit and communication than technical depth.
• Understand the company/team: Tailor your interview responses to show alignment with their values and work style.
• Leverage referrals: Collaborate on projects to demonstrate your skills and earn endorsements.

📬 Connect with DennisFind him on LinkedIn: Dennis HuiHe’s open to offline meetups and passionate about giving back to the community that supported his journey.

🧑‍🍳 From Chef to Tech Leader🧭 Leadership Journey & Challenges💡 Key Leadership Insights🤖 AI’s Impact on Software Development🎓 Advice for Job Seekers