Why some engineers never get promoted (and how communication fixes it) with Ivett Ördög

Distributed.

On this episode of Distributed, host Jack Hannah sits down with Ivett Ördög, a 35-year software veteran and creator of Lean Developer Experience (aka Lean Poker), to talk about what it really takes for engineers to grow their impact. Ivett argues that communication, continuous delivery, and delivering value early are not soft add-ons but essential engineering skills that determine how far developers can go.

Together, they break down how remote work can create better environments for deep focus and well-being, why strong communication skills often determine the jump from mid-level to staff, and how developers at any stage can begin practicing them. Ivett also shares when rewrites actually make sense, how to communicate them to management, and why continuous delivery gives teams the feedback they need to build the right thing.

The episode offers clear, tactical guidance for any engineer looking to level up, advocate for better ways of working, and deliver value earlier and more often.

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Where to find Ivett Ördög:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivett-%C3%B6rd%C3%B6g-03aa9035/

• Website: https://www.ivettordog.com

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Where to find Jack Hannah:

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hannah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tuple.app/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) The philosophy behind the Lean Developer Experience

(02:24) Why Ivett now believes remote work produces better outcomes

(06:45) Why people overlook the benefits of remote work

(08:20) How remote work is customizable for needs and deep focus

(11:48) Why communication is essential for developer career growth

(14:52) Two communication struggles engineers face and how to begin improving

(18:46) Where to find speaking opportunities

(19:30) Tips for eager speakers with no stage experience

(21:15) When rewrites make sense

(28:14) How to communicate a rewrite to management

(32:15) Ivett’s definition of continuous delivery

(34:02) Examples of continuous delivery that show its value

(36:54) How to drive change in a slow-moving organization

(40:15) How Lean Developer Experience helps teams practice continuous delivery

(42:45) The value of hands-on learning

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Referenced:

• Lean Developer Experience: https://www.ivettordog.com/leandeveloperexperience

• Ted Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking: https://www.amazon.com/TED-Talks-Official-Public-Speaking/dp/1328710289

• How to sell a big refactor or rewrite to the business? - Ivett Ördög - NDC Oslo 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdz90PQ2Ak4

• Emily Bache’s Samman coaching website: https://sammancoaching.org

• Jez Humble on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jez-humble

• Dave Farley’s Weblog: https://www.davefarley.net