I recently had the opportunity to participate in the SWE Ignite Leadership Program this past fall. I applied and was accepted into the program, and what followed was weeks of immersive learning experiences that challenged me to define what leadership meant for me, and more importantly, how I wanted to grow into it.
Through interactive workshops, candid discussions with fellow early-career professionals across different industries, and structured peer coaching sessions, I began to craft a new definition of leadership. In my first peer group discussion, it became clear that leadership meant way more than “good qualities.” It means showing up intentionally, embracing influence, and making deliberate choices that shape not just your growth, but the growth of those you lead or work with.
The lessons that have stayed with me reflect the six leadership competencies emphasized throughout the program, and here is how they have shaped my thinking.
Leading Self
At the start of the program, I completed the SWE Leadership Competency Model self-assessment that allowed me to evaluate my current skills across six competency areas. The Leading Self category challenged me to reflect on how intentional I need to be in my daily communication, how I respond to situations, and how I make decisions even in ambiguous moments. Understanding my strength, values, and interests has helped me to define the kind of leader I want to become.
Communication and Developing Others
The two lessons that stood out to me in these categories were: knowing the difference between constructive and destructive conflict, and creating psychological safe spaces. My new knowledge reaffirmed that leadership is not just about wielding the wand of authority, but ensuring I am creating a space where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow and succeed. Even small actions like asking better questions can make a difference in how people perform.
Leading Change and DEI&B
Through Ignite, I have begun to understand the importance of embracing purposeful actions. Seeing change as an opportunity to shape direction and make an impact. I learned tools for thoughtful decision‑making, aligning actions with vision, and motivating others to see possibilities rather than obstacles. I have now learned to notice whose voices are heard, who feels included, and how and where I can actively advocate for equity.
Business Acumen
I have learned to connect the work I do to broader organizational goals, long-term planning, and resource considerations, because to lead also means to understand the impact individual contributions make to the wider ecosystem. Through the Ignite program, I have realized that the level of intentionality we put in leadership equals the quality of our impact. In addition to doing all the internal work to become a leader, we must also actively seek opportunities to lead thoughtfully — in conversations, collaboration, or everyday moments where influence may already exist. That, to me, is the true definition of leadership.
Interested in participating in the Ignite Leadership Program? Check out the program homepage to learn more.
