What does it take to lead when you don't have the title? Julia Elliott, Director of Product Strategy and Operations at Google, shares her unconventional path from electrical engineering to enterprise product leadership.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How an engineering mindset translates to business leadership

• The art of influencing without authority across startups and big tech

• Why understanding motivations is the key to stakeholder alignment

• How to scale from 10 to 600 people without losing agility

• The role of purpose in building legendary leadership

Leadership isn't about the title on your business card—it's about the clarity you bring and the purpose you inspire. Julia Elliott proved that influence comes from understanding people, empowering teams, and leading with intention.

So here's the question: What's the one thing you bring to the table that no one else does? Once you know that answer, you're already leading.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Julia Elliott

01:18 - Leading Without Authority: What We're Covering Today

03:26 - From Engineering to Product Leadership

05:18 - Why Engineers Struggle with Communication (And How Julia Bridged the Gap)

07:12 - The Group Project Advantage: Organizing Chaos Early

08:29 - Influencing Without a Title: Finding Your Brand

10:07 - Taking Enterprise to Upwork: Convincing a Consumer Company

11:21 - Advice for Early Leaders: Know Yourself First

14:17 - The Google Transition: Startup Agility Meets Tech Giant

16:35 - Navigating the Sea of Stakeholders

18:20 - Understanding Motivations: The WIIFM Principle

21:03 - Shaping Your Leadership Identity Through Purpose

23:17 - Drive: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose

24:29 - Engaging Talent at Scale: Empowerment Through Clarity

26:18 - Growing Up in Hershey: The Immigrant Legacy

28:15 - Carrying Forward the Legacy of Gratitude

30:24 - Parenting with Purpose: Teaching Kindness and Community

31:17 - Final Takeaway: Lead with Purpose

32:58 - How to Connect with Julia Elliott

#Leadership #ProductManagement #GoogleCareers #CareerAdvice #TechLeadership