Head of Software Engineering
Hi, I'm Joseph
Award-winning Full-stack Developer turned Engineering Leader. Building high-performance teams and shipping world-class software.
Welcome to Coder to Corner Office, a collection of insights on the journey from software engineer to business leader. With over a decade in commercial software development, I've navigated the path from writing code to leading engineering organisations, and I'm sharing everything I've learned along the way.
The Journey
I was a self taught software developer, starting my career in 2014 after leaving university with a background in English and History. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills across various domains of software development, from full-stack web applications to cloud-native solutions. I approached my learning with a practical mindset, realising that by being self-taught, I lacked the theoretical foundation others gained through formal education. I worked hard to address these gaps during my early career and I’m grateful I did, as it set me up for success in later years. Understanding the ‘why’ we do things as software engineers is just as important as the ‘how’.
Over the years I transitioned into leadership roles, where I found a passion for mentoring and guiding teams to deliver high-quality software. My journey from ‘coder to leader’ has been marked by continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. I am also realistic about the challenges of leadership, understanding that it requires empathy, strategic thinking, and effective communication. You can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself first. Clichéd, but true.
From Code to Leadership
Today, I serve as Head of Software Engineering, where I lead an Engineering Chapter managing senior leaders, developers, DevOps engineers, and Test Analysts.
Strategic Planning
Aligning technology decisions with business objectives.
Agile Excellence
Fostering environments where teams can deliver continuously.
Quality & Security
Ensuring robust, secure, and maintainable applications.
Mentorship
Developing the next generation of engineering leaders.
Beyond the Day Job
Outside of my corporate role, I founded Dev in a Box Limited, a venture dedicated to creating high-quality Windows Desktop Applications and SaaS products. It’s where I get to stay hands-on with code while exploring new technologies and delivering great user experiences.
When you become a software developer, you never really stop being one. It’s a mindset and a passion that drives continuous learning and growth. You always strive for those “aha” moments that make you better at what you do. For me, that’s what being a software developer is all about and why I love this profession.
Tech Stack & Expertise
Languages & Frameworks C#, .NET, Azure Native Development, SQL Server, Xamarin, MAUI, Modern Frontend Frameworks
Cloud & Infrastructure Azure Services, DevOps Pipelines, Container Orchestration
Methodologies Scrum, Agile Development, Defensive Programming, Secure Engineering Practices
Leadership Technical Strategy, Team Building, Mentoring, Organizational Design
Recognition & Certifications
Awards
UK IT Industry Awards 2017 Award-Winning Microsoft Full-stack Developer
Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce 2018 Technology Excellence Award
Certifications
- Professional Agile Leadership (PAL I)
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
- …and more
Education
| Qualification | Institution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Digital and Technology Solutions | Henley Business School | In Progress |
| HND Operations/Departmental Manager | Staffordshire University | Completed |
| MRes History | Keele University | Completed |
| BA English and History | Keele University | Completed |
Let's Connect
Interested in technology, leadership, or the intersection of both? I'd love to hear from you.