Tech Talk: Adrian x Damian: A Day in the Life of a Head of Development at J Labs

In our recent episode of our ‘Day in the Life of’ series, host Adrian Duffy, Head of Software Development Recruitment at Cavendish Professionals, sits down with Damian Tworzydlo, the Head of Development at J Labs. It was an inspiring conversation about leadership, mindset and the evolving landscape of technology.

From System Analyst to Head of Development

Damian’s journey to leading a 200-strong engineering team wasn’t defined by a single turning point, it was built on instinct, drive and a willingness to take risks.
“I’ve always followed my gut,” he shares. “There wasn’t one big decision that shaped my career, it was more about mindset and attitude.” Starting as a system analyst, Damian steadily climbed the ladder by focusing on people and processes as much as technology. His internal motivation and curiosity guided him to leadership, a role where he now helps others unlock their own potential.

Early Passion for Tech and the Human Side of IT

Damian’s fascination with technology started young. He was the go-to ‘tech support’ for his family, spending hours tinkering with computers and figuring out how things worked. That natural curiosity led him to study IT at university, a decision he says gave him the structured foundation he needed to succeed later on. But his real passion, he admits, lies in understanding people. ‘I always wanted to connect the dots between technology, business and humans’, Damian says ‘That’s where real innovation happens’.

Managing 200 Engineers: People Before Process

Leading a massive engineering team could easily become a management nightmare, but not for Damian. He believes in a people-first philosophy. ‘I focus on people and let the processes follow’, he explains that ‘If you empower the right leaders and build trust, the system runs itself’. Rather than micromanaging, Damian works indirectly, observing communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. His goal, surprisingly, is to make himself unnecessary ‘The best sign of success is when the team runs without me’.

Building an Agile Framework That Delivers

At J Labs, Damian helped develop an Agile delivery framework that goes beyond the standard Scrum model. It’s designed to ensure clarity and consistency across projects, structured into four key phases: discovery, setup, delivery and finalisation. ‘This framework helps us deliver quality software efficiently while keeping the client experience seamless’, he hints that he may share more about the framework in future discussions, creating a potential goldmine for Agile enthusiasts.

Balancing Leadership with Hands-On Experience

Although he no longer writes code daily, Damian stays close to the action, ‘I’m not hands-on in delivery, but I’m very involved in growth, of both the business and the people’ he says. He frequently collaborates with sales teams, participates in audits and helps craft technical proposals for clients, ‘That’s my version of staying hands-on now, finding the balance between technology, business and people’.

The Future: AI and the Evolution of Tech Leadership

As the conversation turns to the future, Damian’s enthusiasm for AI shines through. While he acknowledges the uncertainty it brings, he sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat. ‘AI shouldn’t replace people, it should empower them’, he says that ‘it’s about using technology to make us more effective, not redundant’. That forward-thinking mindset is exactly what has made Damian such an influential leader at J Labs.

Advice for Aspiring Developers and Leaders

For junior and mid-level developers eager to move into leadership, Damian offers practical advice:

• Master your technical skills, but don’t stop there.
• Seek mentorship, by finding people who can challenge and guide you.
• Ask for help and communicate your development goals with your manager.
• Take on harder tasks, growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Adrian thanks Damian for sharing his insights and teases an upcoming live mentoring session in Krakow this November. For listeners, the conversation is a reminder that success in tech leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers, it’s about curiosity, courage and connection. Damian concludes, ‘Follow your gut, stay open, keep learning and focus on people. That’s how you build something that lasts’.

Listen to the full episode here