In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at Atlassian Team '26 in Anaheim, California, Janet Khoshaba sits down with James Coller, Director of Strategic Programs at Treetown Tech, a product development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.James came to Treetown Tech while finishing his PhD in naval architecture, looking for extra cash. A single conversation with the founder flipped his perspective entirely and he never left. He talks about learning to lead across different communication styles, why trusting his team was the shift that changed everything, and how building machines that make crystal clear artisanal ice ended up on grocery store shelves across the country.Key takeaways:

• Why a founder's one question made James rethink his entire career direction
• What it actually takes to lead a team with completely different communication styles and personality types
• How learning to trust the people around him freed James to focus on the bigger picture
• Why taking opportunities outside your wheelhouse is where the most growth happens
• How Treetown Tech approaches product development as a mountain climbing journey

If you are an engineering leader or someone trying to figure out what kind of work actually fulfills you, James's story is a grounded and energizing listen.
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