The Tech Leadership Playbook

Hi–I’m Leo.

I help tech people become better managers and lead high-performance teams.

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My Story

It was 2008, and there I was—21 years old—starting my career as a software tester.


Fresh out of university, I thought I had everything figured out.


But I didn’t know that this first step would set me on a journey of discovery and growth that I could have never imagined.


Fast-forward a few years, and I’m no longer just testing code—I’m automating it, building frameworks, and leading teams.


By 24, I was managing people older and more experienced than me, and that’s when the imposter syndrome kicked in.


Who was I to lead?


But instead of retreating, I leaned into the discomfort.


I realized leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about empowering those around you to be their best.


Still, something was missing.


While I excelled in leading teams, I was beginning to feel the itch for something bigger.


I had built a technical foundation, sure, but I craved the business acumen to back it up.


I wanted to sit at the table where real decisions were being made—the strategic conversations that shaped the direction of companies.


So, I earned my PMP certification, read hundreds of books, and started focusing more on the business side.


By 38, I was a Technology Director at Deloitte, leading a team of developers, creating technology strategies, and driving product innovation in tax technology.


I was no longer just managing projects—I was shaping the vision for how technology could drive business value.


But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t about technology. It was about the people behind the technology.


That’s when it clicked for me.


Leadership isn’t just about:

  • hitting KPIs
  • leading projects
  • developing cutting-edge software.

It’s about building and leading teams that believe in something bigger than themselves.


It’s about creating a culture where people thrive—where they feel supported, challenged, and excited to come to work every day.

The Breaking Point

But getting here wasn’t easy.


There were several days when I almost threw in the towel.


I had spent years leading technical teams and driving technology projects, but I felt stuck.


I wasn’t fulfilled, and I was spending too much time in the weeds of technical details when I knew my real passion was leadership and business strategy.


I remember a specific day in my career when everything felt overwhelming.


My team was in the middle of a high-pressure product launch, and nothing was going as planned.


I had hit a wall.


It felt like no matter what I did, I couldn’t catch up.


I was in the office late every night, micromanaging the details that I knew I shouldn’t be focusing on—but I didn’t trust myself to let go.


The stress was taking its toll on me both physically and mentally. I wasn’t living up to my potential.


That’s when I made a decision that changed everything.


I realized I needed to stop trying to do everything myself and start trusting the amazing people around me.


I needed to lean into my strengths—vision, strategy, and leadership—and let go of the technical minutiae that were holding me back.


So, I took a step back. I started to focus on the bigger picture, on the business outcomes we were trying to achieve, and I empowered my team to take ownership of the details.


It wasn’t easy, and I still catch myself slipping into old habits sometimes.


But once I let go, everything changed.


My team thrived, the project succeeded, and I rediscovered my passion for leadership.

The Turning Point

Now, I’m focused on where I truly excel:

  • building teams
  • driving innovation
  • shaping strategies

I’m not just interested in technology for technology’s sake—I’m interested in how technology can solve real business problems and create lasting value.


And most importantly, I’m interested in how I can help others step into leadership roles, just as I’ve done.


That’s what inspired me to create The Modern Leadership Playbook.


I want to share the lessons I’ve learned from my journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—with other leaders who are navigating the complex world of tech and business.


I believe that leadership in today’s world is about more than just managing—it’s about creating a vision, inspiring teams, and driving meaningful change.


So here I am, sharing my story in the hopes that it resonates with you.


Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, I’m here to help you navigate the challenges of modern leadership and build a team and a life that you’re proud of.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. And I’m excited to share everything with you.


The Modern Leadership Playbook is more than just a newsletter—it’s a community of leaders who believe in the power of people, strategy, and innovation to shape the future.

Leo Alexandru

The voice behind The Tech Leadership Playbook