5 Executive Skills Schools Don’t Teach (But You Need)

These 5 skills are career game-changers, ready to learn?

Hey there,

Most schools teach you how to build technical skills, but few teach you the executive skills that sustain long careers in the tech world.

Here’s the thing: having technical skills gets you in the door, but executive skills help you stay, thrive, and grow.

Without these, you’ll wonder why your days slip by without the expected progress.

As someone who’s been in the tech trenches, I know these skills firsthand—they’re life-changing when it comes to reaching your career potential without burning out. 

So today, I’m covering the five executive skills you won’t find in your textbooks but need to master if you want to take charge of your career in tech.

What We’re Going to Talk About Today:

• Why setting boundaries matters more than ever

• How to manage up and align with leadership

• The power of time-blocking for a sustainable workload

Keep reading if you’re a tech professional looking to level up your career while keeping your health intact.

5 Skills to Master for a Tech Career that Thrives, Not Just Survives

To be successful in tech long-term, you’ll need more than just technical chops; you’ll need these five executive skills to navigate the highs and lows with resilience and clarity.

1. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Creating boundaries might sound like a luxury, but it’s the foundation for productivity and well-being.

Without boundaries, it’s easy for personal life and work to blur together, especially in tech, where projects are high-stakes and deadlines intense.

Why it matters: Protecting your personal time lets you recharge, helping you bring a fresh perspective and energy to work.

Start small—block off evenings or one day each weekend, and communicate this to your team. Your health and productivity will thank you.

2. Managing Up: Aligning Your Vision with Leadership

“Managing up” is all about syncing with your manager and understanding their priorities to drive your own career path.

Too often, people believe they can just focus on their work and promotion will come. But in reality, leaders look for those who align their work with company goals.

Why it matters: Building strong relationships with leadership not only accelerates your growth but also allows you to advocate for the roles and responsibilities you want. Ask yourself: How can I make my manager’s job easier?

 When you start thinking like this, opportunities open up.

3. Mastering Calendar & Time Blocking

Time-blocking isn’t just a productivity hack; it’s a form of self-care in tech. 

Blocking specific times for deep work, meetings, and even breaks can prevent your day from being swallowed by interruptions and distractions.

How to get started: Begin with blocking off time in the morning for your top priorities and let colleagues know about this “focus time.”

Gradually, build in breaks, personal time, and administrative tasks, so every aspect of your day has a place.

4. Start-Up & Shutdown Rituals

When you work in tech, it’s easy to start work as soon as you wake up and keep going till you can’t look at another screen.

But startup and shutdown rituals help signal to your brain when it’s time to focus and when it’s time to relax.

Try this: Create a simple morning checklist that primes you for work mode, like reviewing top tasks and clearing your workspace.

In the evening, try a 10-minute wrap-up to close open tasks, which helps signal to your mind that it’s time to transition out of work.

5. Unplugging Regularly: The Tech Professional’s Secret Weapon

In tech, where everything is constantly moving and changing, it can feel impossible to unplug.

Yet, regular breaks—whether a day each week or even a few minutes every hour—are essential for long-term productivity and avoiding burnout.

Pro Tip: Start with unplugging on weekends and during family meals, and gradually expand this.

It’s about creating a boundary that, ultimately, lets you return to work fully charged and more effective.

Here’s What We Covered Today:

• Setting Boundaries: They’re non-negotiable for a sustainable tech career.

• Managing Up: Aligning with leadership helps you carve out the career you want.

• Calendar & Time Blocking: Keeps you in control of your day.

• Start-Up & Shutdown Rituals: Create focus and help you transition smoothly in and out of work mode.

• Unplugging Regularly: Essential for maintaining long-term productivity and recharging effectively.

Apply these skills strategically to see a significant shift in both your career trajectory and personal well-being.

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078 🎙️ 5 Executive Skills to Advance Your Tech Career in 2025

Dig into the 5 Executive Skills Schools Don’t Teach

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the five executive skills that can transform your career. These are the practical, day-to-day skills you won’t find in a classroom but need to thrive in tech. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Setting Healthy Boundaries – Why it’s crucial to protect your time and energy

• Managing Up – The art of aligning with leadership to drive your career path

• Mastering Time-Blocking – A practical tool to own your day, not just survive it

• Start-Up & Shutdown Rituals – Simple practices to focus and reduce stress

• Unplugging Regularly – Essential strategies for recharging and avoiding burnout

Tune in to explore how these skills can help you excel, grow, and find balance in your career journey.

5 Executive Skills - Resource List:

Here are some books that helped me on my journey to building these skills and I know they can help you!

• "The Power of Full Engagement" (LINK) by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz (Reading Time: 6 hours) - A game-changer for energy management and productivity.

• "Managing Up" (LINK) by Mary Abbajay (Reading Time: 5 hours) - Essential strategies for building strong relationships with your superiors.

• "Deep Work" (LINK) by Cal Newport (Reading Time: 7 hours) - The ultimate guide to focused, distraction-free work.

• "The Power of Habit"(LINK) by Charles Duhigg (Reading Time: 8 hours) - Learn how to build effective start-up and shutdown rituals.

• "Digital Minimalism" (LINK) by Cal Newport (Reading Time: 6 hours) - Master the art of unplugging and reclaiming your time and attention.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.