“I wish people would ask ‘Why?’ more frequently. This question is fundamental. We’re not puppets; the reasons behind our actions should resonate with us.”
We are thrilled to welcome Mike Lueck, a seasoned engineer who spent 16 years at Google, as our newest Inovia Executive in Residence.
Mike envisioned a career in mathematics until he stumbled into computer science at the University of Waterloo in the early 1990s. Attending the co-op program opened up new horizons for the budding software engineer, who went on to work for several tech companies in Canada and the US, including a wireless startup that was acquired by Google.
Mike’s career included four years focusing on the Google ads infrastructure, ensuring it could support thousands of engineers simultaneously running experiments. He was tech lead on several projects, encompassing a broad range of responsibilities, from mentoring to quality assurance.
After leaving Google, Mike spent two-and-a-half years with software company Datadog. His breadth of experience makes him a valuable resource to founders who have questions about their tech strategies, from hiring to infrastructure.
We recently sat with him to discuss the challenges of life after Google, why good leaders should delegate, and the importance of asking “Why?”
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU
I love construction. During Covid, after moving into a new house, I took on the project of finishing the basement and building a big back deck. I really enjoy working with wood, using power tools, and the process of building things.
CAN YOU SHARE ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OR FAILURES THAT YOU LEARNED FROM?
After 16 years at a company where I had fully internalized the culture and processes, my transition to Datadog brought about some challenging experiences from which I learned a lot. Stepping into a new environment, I realized the difficulty in meeting people where they are, mentoring effectively, being pragmatic, and giving team members space to grow. This journey underscored the importance of communication. I am now more focused on refining my communication skills, recognizing their essential role in effective coaching and fostering professional growth.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED IN YOUR CAREER?
It was a statement that stood out in a leadership presentation: ‘Don’t be there.’ It reminds you to recognize your strengths and where you’re most needed. The idea is to look for opportunities to step back when you have someone you trust to handle the task at hand. This approach frees you to focus on what only you can do as a leader. For example, I might draft a design and then delegate its implementation to a junior engineer, allowing them to develop their skills and allowing me to concentrate on areas where my expertise is crucial.
WHAT’S A QUESTION YOU WISH PEOPLE ASKED YOU MORE OFTEN?
I wish people would ask ‘Why?’ more frequently. This question is fundamental. We’re not puppets; the reasons behind our actions should resonate with us. A significant part of my role involves mentoring junior engineers, and I believe in empowering them to inquire and grasp the motivations behind different approaches. This practice of questioning and understanding not only aids their personal growth but also makes the entire team work more effectively. It’s about fostering a culture of meaningful engagement and thoughtful collaboration.
WHAT ENERGIZES YOU? HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?
I do a lot of outdoor activities. I enjoy walking, cycling, hiking, and camping — really, just being out and getting some sunshine.
IN YOUR ROLE AT INOVIA, WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD FOUNDERS ASK YOU?
I am more of a back-end than a front-end person, so questions about technology, databases, design, and architecture are right up my alley. I also have extensive knowledge of setting up effective processes, scaling an engineering team, prioritizing tasks, and conducting productive conversations.
Want to benefit from Mike’s expertise? Get in touch!