Hi, I'm Thomas

I’m a Software Engineer turned Engineering Manager. I didn’t realize how big of a shift this transition would be, and I needed a space to process my learnings, reflect on challenges, and share insights along the way.

That’s how this Garden of Code was born.

This blog is my place to grow ideas—some technical, some personal, and many about leadership. By writing, I hope to better internalize what I’m learning while also helping others who are walking a similar path.

What You’ll Find Here

• Reflections on Leadership
  Thoughts and takeaways from books, conversations, and real-world management experiences.
• Technical Posts
  I still love the craft of software engineering, and I share lessons, tools, and experiments from my ongoing coding journey.
• Personal Growth
  Notes on self-confidence, imposter syndrome, and the mindset shifts that come with moving from “builder” to “enabler of builders.”

Why “Garden of Code”?

I love to garden, and in my mind leadership, like gardening, is about cultivating growth—not forcing it. Just as a garden needs patience, attention, and the right conditions to thrive, so do teams and individuals.

Who I’m Writing For

• Engineers considering a move into management
• New managers looking for relatable stories and lessons learned
• Seasoned leaders who still remember what it was like to take those first steps
• Anyone who enjoys seeing the human side of engineering work

A Few Things About Me

• Background: 10+ years in software engineering, working across systems design, DevOps, and leadership.
• Current Role: Engineering Manager, guiding a team through both technical and organizational challenges.
• Outside of Work: Husband, dad of three, gardener, and big believer in lifelong learning.