So, You Want to Be an Architect...

Architects serve as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, but the skills that make an exceptional architect often go beyond technical expertise. In this session, we will explore the unique soft skills that architects need to thrive—skills that differentiate them from developers and managers.

Through this talk, we will address common misconceptions about the architect’s role by comparing the differences between architects, developers, and managers. From this, we'll outline the essential soft skills every architect must master. Topics include simplifying complex ideas for diverse audiences, building stakeholder consensus, navigating trade-offs, and maintaining vision amidst ambiguity. Real-world tales from experience highlight the impact of these skills and demonstrate scenarios where their absence led to challenges.

Attendees will leave with practical tips, including techniques for active listening, decision-making under uncertainty, and continuous improvement. Whether you are a developer aspiring to grow into an architectural role, an architect refining your craft, or a manager seeking insight into the architect’s responsibilities, this session will empower you with actionable strategies to bridge technical and business domains effectively.