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Talent Stacks for Good Engineers

2025-12-23

Talent Stacks for Good Engineers by Anh Vu

Who are Good Engineers?

Those who can solve problems, build products, and deliver value.

Why are Good Engineers important?

  • Because they're essential parts of a team to build products that customers need.
  • Orgs are just a network of teams to create value at larger scale.
  • To achieve big things, solve big problems --> Orgs, teams & Good Engineers are required.

Scrum Team Roles

To solve problems at the lowest level, 3 categories of skills are necessary:

  • Know the business, customer very well to define problem to solve.
  • Have skills to build things, solve problems the right way.
  • Optimize the workflow, connect teams to wider business

Vietnam Example

Vietnam Example

  • Big Problem/ Goal to achieved: become an International Financial Center (IFC).
  • Solutions: need multi-levels, from Policy, Regulation, Partnership, Infrastructure, Technology & Engineers are must have.
  • The Journey is step by step, from small Pilot/ POC to scaling. & Engineers are the Frontline to drive success.

How to become a Good Engineer? Talent Stack concept

  • All orgs need talent. All have a specialized department to acquire talents.
  • Look at their job description, you will see the "Talent Stack" they need.
  • Good Engineers should have very good Tech Foundation. Build a Roadmap to achieve them 1st.

Double down on Tech Foundation

1st circle - What

  • 1st circle - What skills:

    • More than keywords in CV.
    • Need proven results: projects? demo projects?

  • Talent Stack?

    • You’re not the best in 1 skill.
    • You’ve the balance mix to fit the need.

  • The 1st circle keeps changing.

    • every 6 months.
    • it’s helpful for you to land a job.

Double down on Yourself

2nd circle - How

  • 2nd circle - How:

    • Your habits shape your skills.
    • Same for Good Engineers.
    • 10.000 hours.

  • Talent Stack?

    • Is the result of your daily habits.
    • Invest in your habits Today.

Discover Your WHY

3rd circle - Why

  • Central circle - Why:

    • Purpose to drive actions, habits...
    • It influences How & What.
    • Allow your Talent Stack to evolve with a clear direction.

  • Avoid shallow skill acquisition (quickly be replaced by AI).

  • I’m at the beginning too.

    • Read more: Start with Why - Simon Sinek.

Takeaway

  • Talent Stack is evolving quickly especially with AI.
  • Double down on you foundation & your core qualities will make differences.
  • Start Today with your habit & in the long run find a purpose/ bigger reason to pursue.
    • 1 option is: a 10-days Vipassana meditation course.