Hi, I’m Lydia.
As a seasoned leader of product-centric engineering teams, I thrive at the crossroads of software, design, product development, data, and people. I'm eager to collaborate on intricate challenges that demand a holistic approach.
Leadership Philosophy:
I am a staunch advocate for authentic leadership, grounded in data-driven insights and a commitment to meticulous execution. I'm hands-on and dedicated to crafting solutions that have a genuine impact.
Decade of Expertise:
Over the past decade, I've partnered with Fortune 500 companies, steering the creation of software solutions that foster data democratization across massive organizations. From fundraising demos to global enterprise implementations, I've witnessed the evolution of both platforms and teams, supporting millions of users along the way.
Adaptability and Wisdom:
My journey involves navigating diverse challenges, from in-person to remote team management, periods of scarcity to explosive growth, acquisitions, and global pandemics. I've cultivated wisdom through missteps, studying successful strategies, and experimenting with various team structures, tech stacks, and processes.
Inclusive Team Culture:
I am dedicated to building inclusive teams where proximity or distance doesn't hinder collaboration. Regardless of experience level, everyone is integral, contributing, growing, and valued. I believe that fostering an open culture cultivates security and innovation.
Empathy-Driven Work:
My leadership encourages teams to develop deep empathy for customers and approach their work through the end user's lens. In software engineering, I recognize the importance of serving multiple audiences – buyers, end users, future engineers, and the business. My focus is on advancing value across these dimensions through intentional effort, prioritization, advocacy, and a culture of high standards.
Strategic Visionary:
Balancing optimism with pragmatism, I excel at aligning opportunities with growth potential. Using the scientific method, I prove hypotheses, showcase possibilities, and inspire teams to carry projects across the finish line. I am a rapid prototyper, analytics enthusiast, process architect, and a guide on career paths.
Versatility and Business Fluency:
With a diverse background spanning roles from tech sales to design, I've honed the ability to speak the many languages of business fluently. This versatility enables me to forge connections across teams, systems, and customers, driving tangible business outcomes.
Roll-Up-the-Sleeves Mentality:
Whether it's writing code, strategizing with customers, fostering relationships, or even assembling office furniture, I am always ready for the most crucial task at hand.
Hand me the Allen wrench, and let's build something extraordinary together.
What my collaborators say
“While I worked at data.world, there was no shortage of folks who inspired me every day to do better. At the top of that list is Lydia. She's one of those quantum leaders that is equally excellent at the top-level strategic thinking and at the tactical level of where her team is at in their work.
She is relentless in pretty much everything, including being a powerful collaborator. Some of my best ideas have either come from a conversation with Lydia, or from me wondering what Lydia would do in my situation. If you want to have an inspired, empowered and happy team, you hope you can get Lydia to lead it.”
— Scotty Loewen
Director of Engineering,
data.world
“There is no doubt that Lydia left an indelible mark during her time at CSD. She rekindled efforts in front-end development with her knowledge of Ember.js and immediately elevated our approaches to design and user experience. She was instrumental in steering product direction, setting goals, and prioritizing features. Under tough circumstances, her positive spirit and unwavering belief in the great potential of everything around her shined through and lifted up everyone. Lydia has a unique combination of strong technical skill and a keen design sense, but it’s her ability to look beyond code and design towards product, user, and (business) value that sets her apart. I am incredibly grateful for her tireless commitment to the mission, to making an impact, and to creating the real change we wanted to see in the world at CSD.”
— Rick Benevides
Director of Software Development,
Communication Service for the Deaf
“My real definition of a director in an engineering org is "someone who takes problems and solves them" - that can be through a mix of direct and indirect management, through thought leadership and "showing the way", through collaboration with other departments, or by just plain old rolling up your sleeves and doing the work. Lydia does all of these things and makes problems melt away - one of the very best engineering directors I've ever worked with.”
— Bryon Jacob
Chief Technology Officer,
data.world