The Tech Expert to Leader Playbook

Most people are promoted because they are excellent technical experts, only to find that lead roles require a completely different set of skills. This transition can feel overwhelming when you are trying to balance high technical standards with the needs of a growing team. This 4-hour workshop provides structured frameworks to handle management responsibilities with the same confidence you bring to technical projects. We avoid complicated theories in favor of practical tools that help you move from being involved in every small detail to helping your team operate independently. Who this is for This workshop is for technical experts or engineers who have recently moved into a lead role. It is designed for senior team members being groomed for promotion who want to prepare for the shift in responsibilities. It is a fit for those who have been managing a team for a while and are looking for more structure in their daily leadership. We welcome leads who want to move away from the small details and focus on helping their team operate independently. What We’ll Cover We will look at how to step back from individual execution to focus on team-level oversight. You will learn practical ways to manage your personal bandwidth and protect your mental energy. We will bring simple frameworks to help you navigate the transition into management. We will use exercises to help you practice moving from an effective contributor to a transformational leader. What’s Included A printed leadership workbook with frameworks you can apply immediately. A lightly catered networking lunch with other West-End tech leaders. Tech Week Special: A shorter, high-impact format designed to fit into your busy schedule. About Instructor Karen Wonders is an engineer and Certified Executive Coach with over two decades of experience in technical leadership. Holding an Executive MBA, she specializes in the pivotal transition from effective contributor to transformational leader. Karen combines deep practical experience with coaching expertise to empower technical professionals to lead with confidence and impact. Toronto Tech Week is a citywide celebration of the people building what’s next. From May 25–29, 2026, founders, investors, and builders come together for hundreds of community-led events across Toronto, connecting tens of thousands of people around Canadian tech. Torontotechweek.com