From Geek to Lead - by Sandy Molloy & Yousif Asfour (Paperback)

About the Book

An accessible and engaging book filled with illustrations, quotes, case studies, and fun facts.mastering the art of leading technical teams!

Book Synopsis

Are you a trusted "go-to" individual who's suddenly expected to lead people-not just projects? Moving from expert to manager is one of the toughest jumps in any tech career.

What this book gives you

From Geek To Lead is a practical, no-jargon guide for first-time (or first-few-times) leaders. You'll get clear frameworks, ready-to-use checklists, and real stories from teams we've led and coached across higher education, government, and industry.

You'll learn how to:

• Understand what's expected of modern teams-and of you as their leader
• Communicate with clarity (up, down, and sideways) without drowning in detail
• Build a high-trust team and develop people with different strengths and styles
• Set direction and priorities, even with limited data and shifting goals
• Establish healthy processes without killing creativity
• Navigate tricky moments: conflict, resistance, under-performance, and burnout

What's inside

• A practical "first 90 days" playbook for new tech managers
• Templates for 1:1s, feedback, and role clarity
• Checklists for meetings, decisions, and stakeholder alignment
• A capstone case study that ties it all together

Who this is for

• anyone stepping into leadership
• Team leads, new managers, and aspiring CIOs/CTOs
• Non-technical leaders who manage technical teams

About the authors

Yousif Asfour is Chief Innovation & Transformation Officer at the American University of Beirut; former founding CIO at NYU Abu Dhabi and President of the CIO Lebanon Association.

Sandra Molloy is a leadership development executive and neuroscience coach who has designed culture-change programs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Lead with confidence-not just code. This book shows you how.

Review Quotes

"The experience and expertise of these authors was invaluable in my career. This book is a treasure trove full of practical suggestions that I have frequently and still use.", Patrick Hemmaway, Chief Information Officer, University of Manchester

"This book adds a new dimension demonstrating that the true power in the modern business world sits in the IT department's leadership. Take note people!", Phil Renshaw, Co-author and Cofounder of Coaching On the Go

"I have known the coauthor Sandy for many years. Her coaching has been invaluable to both myself and my leaders. The experience and expertise of the authors has given us a useful guide for aspiring leaders.", Gagandeep Gadri

Managing DIrector frog, part of Capgemini invent