Allie_p
@alliep.bsky.social
Engineering leader. Former VPE QuotaPath. Former DEV & GitHub. Mom. Dev. Speaker. Ruby Central board member.
I finally reached my breaking point. The "let's always call the mom first" or, more often, "let's only call the mom" thing. So frustrating, and we deal with this all the time. Watch my video on LinkedIn to find out what I did.
www.linkedin.com/posts/apmcmi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/apmcmi...
Allison McMillan posted on LinkedIn
Allison McMillan posted a video on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I finally reached my breaking point. The "let's always call the mom first" or, more often, "let's only call the mom" thing. So frustrating, and we deal with this all the time. Watch my video on LinkedIn to find out what I did.
www.linkedin.com/posts/apmcmi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/apmcmi...
"Everything is important" is a prioritization problem. When everything's a priority, nothing is. Prioritizing well means really talking through trade-offs. Then saying no, even to good things. As you plan for 2026, make a list of what to stop doing or delay. That's where real prioritization happens.
December 17, 2025 at 5:46 PM
"Everything is important" is a prioritization problem. When everything's a priority, nothing is. Prioritizing well means really talking through trade-offs. Then saying no, even to good things. As you plan for 2026, make a list of what to stop doing or delay. That's where real prioritization happens.
There's a loneliness epidemic at work. People on teams for years who don't know much about each other. Work doesn’t need to be entertaining and we’re not camp counselors, but people who have fun and enjoy their peers do better work. It's not about playtime, it’s about helping people connect.
December 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
There's a loneliness epidemic at work. People on teams for years who don't know much about each other. Work doesn’t need to be entertaining and we’re not camp counselors, but people who have fun and enjoy their peers do better work. It's not about playtime, it’s about helping people connect.
The flip side of AI nobody wants to talk about? AI can't read nuance like humans, can't build relationships, can't handle truly novel situations, and definitely can't replace institutional knowledge teams build over years. Orgs getting AI right are using it to augment their teams, not replace them.
December 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The flip side of AI nobody wants to talk about? AI can't read nuance like humans, can't build relationships, can't handle truly novel situations, and definitely can't replace institutional knowledge teams build over years. Orgs getting AI right are using it to augment their teams, not replace them.
Now is the time to think about setting your team up for success for the new year. A great place to start is recognizing unsuccessful patterns to learn from them and not repeat the same mistakes. Here are the top 5 mistakes I see orgs make over and over.
open.substack.com/pub/seasoned...
open.substack.com/pub/seasoned...
Organization Disorganization
What mistakes are you still making?
open.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Now is the time to think about setting your team up for success for the new year. A great place to start is recognizing unsuccessful patterns to learn from them and not repeat the same mistakes. Here are the top 5 mistakes I see orgs make over and over.
open.substack.com/pub/seasoned...
open.substack.com/pub/seasoned...
Most orgs miss out on big time savings because they don't know how AI actually helps. Teams doing this well identify specific repetitive tasks and experiment until it works (meeting summaries, data cleanup, etc). So, if you're saying “I could be using my time in so many better ways," start there.
December 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Most orgs miss out on big time savings because they don't know how AI actually helps. Teams doing this well identify specific repetitive tasks and experiment until it works (meeting summaries, data cleanup, etc). So, if you're saying “I could be using my time in so many better ways," start there.
New to fractional work in tech? I want to help! I'm hosting a week-long AMA on Filament where aspiring and early-stage fractional professionals can ask me ANYthing about building a successful fractional business + brand. No stupid questions! Sign up here: form.typeform.com/to/UlG0lH3B
Mentee sign-up
Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.
form.typeform.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
New to fractional work in tech? I want to help! I'm hosting a week-long AMA on Filament where aspiring and early-stage fractional professionals can ask me ANYthing about building a successful fractional business + brand. No stupid questions! Sign up here: form.typeform.com/to/UlG0lH3B
I'm on the SUPER conference circuit! From JFNA's General Assembly to NATA to present an AI workshop for nonprofits AND today presenting remotely at JS Nation on facilitating technical conversations! Why? Because I want to help people accomplish their work better in tangible, actionable ways.
November 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I'm on the SUPER conference circuit! From JFNA's General Assembly to NATA to present an AI workshop for nonprofits AND today presenting remotely at JS Nation on facilitating technical conversations! Why? Because I want to help people accomplish their work better in tangible, actionable ways.
I had a fun chat with my 7 year old about how I approach teams and staffing different projects. She goes “this is such a hard problem to solve!” She's right. It's a complex puzzle where every piece affects multiple others. How do we staff for headcount AND project success and individual growth?
November 18, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I had a fun chat with my 7 year old about how I approach teams and staffing different projects. She goes “this is such a hard problem to solve!” She's right. It's a complex puzzle where every piece affects multiple others. How do we staff for headcount AND project success and individual growth?
November highlights are here! You'll find questions to consider as you’re making and planning for changes, plus some cool products and a few great articles worth reading.
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/whats-your...
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/whats-your...
What’s Your Communication Conundrum?
And what are you willing to lose?
seasonedleadership.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:11 PM
November highlights are here! You'll find questions to consider as you’re making and planning for changes, plus some cool products and a few great articles worth reading.
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/whats-your...
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/whats-your...
It’s that time again…performance review time! Need some helpful tips? Look for my performance review posts here: daydreamsinruby.com/blog/
Tavlin Consulting: Empowering Leaders, Transforming Companies
Musings, thoughts, and services for leaders
daydreamsinruby.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:37 PM
It’s that time again…performance review time! Need some helpful tips? Look for my performance review posts here: daydreamsinruby.com/blog/
Yes, friends. It’s the end of October. Time to get your team organized for 2026. When I go into an organization, I look for 2 things: What is everyone saying and what isn't being said? So, what issues are your team avoiding? And how will you tackle them in a positive way to move the group forward?
October 29, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Yes, friends. It’s the end of October. Time to get your team organized for 2026. When I go into an organization, I look for 2 things: What is everyone saying and what isn't being said? So, what issues are your team avoiding? And how will you tackle them in a positive way to move the group forward?
Feedback I received during a training: "You're facilitating around something instead of through it." I was avoiding the real tension rather than helping the group work through it. True facilitation creates the right container for groups to navigate complex challenges together. #Facilitation
October 28, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Feedback I received during a training: "You're facilitating around something instead of through it." I was avoiding the real tension rather than helping the group work through it. True facilitation creates the right container for groups to navigate complex challenges together. #Facilitation
I've been busy... Chiefx in NYC, The Linux Foundation’s JSConf and Chiefx in DC. Women are claiming our multi-hyphenate identities as strategists, educators, fractional executives, fixers, all at the same time. We re-imagine, create, and impact positive change and forward momentum.
October 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I've been busy... Chiefx in NYC, The Linux Foundation’s JSConf and Chiefx in DC. Women are claiming our multi-hyphenate identities as strategists, educators, fractional executives, fixers, all at the same time. We re-imagine, create, and impact positive change and forward momentum.
So far October has been a SPRINT, but I'm in it for the marathon. This month's highlights include a post on post-reorgs from me, a few great book recommendations, and blog highlights from other great thought leaders. Give it a read here:
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/sprinting-...
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/sprinting-...
Sprinting through October
What are you running towards?
seasonedleadership.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
So far October has been a SPRINT, but I'm in it for the marathon. This month's highlights include a post on post-reorgs from me, a few great book recommendations, and blog highlights from other great thought leaders. Give it a read here:
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/sprinting-...
seasonedleadership.substack.com/p/sprinting-...
Yesterday's post was about what to do as a leader of a new business area post-reorg. Today we look from the other perspective. What happens when you’re a manager reporting to a new senior leader? Read my recs here: 5 things every manager should do after a reorg daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-10...
5 Strategic Things Every Manager Should Do After a Reorganization
Middle managers often get overlooked during reorganizations, receiving information haphazardly while scrambling to understand what changes mean for their teams rather than positioning themselves for s...
daydreamsinruby.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Yesterday's post was about what to do as a leader of a new business area post-reorg. Today we look from the other perspective. What happens when you’re a manager reporting to a new senior leader? Read my recs here: 5 things every manager should do after a reorg daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-10...
Reorgs… There’s no escaping them, there’s just getting really good at figuring out what to do when they happen. Here's what I often see, what you should do, and what I hope I see more of. Read on for tips to setting a strong foundation for moving forward.
daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-08...
daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-08...
5 Essential Things Every Leader Should Evaluate After a Reorganization
When you're suddenly leading a new department after a reorganization, you need to quickly assess the landscape without the usual onboarding grace period. This guide outlines five critical areas to eva...
daydreamsinruby.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reorgs… There’s no escaping them, there’s just getting really good at figuring out what to do when they happen. Here's what I often see, what you should do, and what I hope I see more of. Read on for tips to setting a strong foundation for moving forward.
daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-08...
daydreamsinruby.com/blog/2025-08...
Great leaders know: it’s the people who define culture & do the work. Yet we often underinvest in them. Workshops, trainings & offsites give space for learning, connection & fun—without the pile of work waiting after vacation.
October 3, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Great leaders know: it’s the people who define culture & do the work. Yet we often underinvest in them. Workshops, trainings & offsites give space for learning, connection & fun—without the pile of work waiting after vacation.
Recipe for an offsite
4.5 tablespoons strategic planning or reviewing of the plan
2 cups celebration
2 cups learning
A heavy pour of mindfully curated and planned togetherness
A dash of manufactured magic
1 cup clear outcomes and next steps
4.5 tablespoons strategic planning or reviewing of the plan
2 cups celebration
2 cups learning
A heavy pour of mindfully curated and planned togetherness
A dash of manufactured magic
1 cup clear outcomes and next steps
September 30, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Recipe for an offsite
4.5 tablespoons strategic planning or reviewing of the plan
2 cups celebration
2 cups learning
A heavy pour of mindfully curated and planned togetherness
A dash of manufactured magic
1 cup clear outcomes and next steps
4.5 tablespoons strategic planning or reviewing of the plan
2 cups celebration
2 cups learning
A heavy pour of mindfully curated and planned togetherness
A dash of manufactured magic
1 cup clear outcomes and next steps
Last call for Extraordinary Machines apps! Deadline - Oct 6 + $500 “procrastinator discount."
You’ll walk away with:
• Strategic insights to use right away
• A network that actually responds
• Upgraded leadership toolkit
• Clarity on what’s next
shorturl.at/G6OhL
You’ll walk away with:
• Strategic insights to use right away
• A network that actually responds
• Upgraded leadership toolkit
• Clarity on what’s next
shorturl.at/G6OhL
The Secret to Creating Professional Development Experiences That Actually Matter
This guide reveals what separates truly transformative professional development experiences from the forgettable ones, exploring the five essential elements that make leadership retreats and conferenc...
shorturl.at
September 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Last call for Extraordinary Machines apps! Deadline - Oct 6 + $500 “procrastinator discount."
You’ll walk away with:
• Strategic insights to use right away
• A network that actually responds
• Upgraded leadership toolkit
• Clarity on what’s next
shorturl.at/G6OhL
You’ll walk away with:
• Strategic insights to use right away
• A network that actually responds
• Upgraded leadership toolkit
• Clarity on what’s next
shorturl.at/G6OhL
In preschool, my daughter played “someone’s missing”—one hid, the rest guessed who was missing.
How often do we hide instead of allowing ourselves to be seen?
Extraordinary Machines helps women step out, connect & leave with real takeaways.
Apps close Oct 1. Link in comments, DMs open.
How often do we hide instead of allowing ourselves to be seen?
Extraordinary Machines helps women step out, connect & leave with real takeaways.
Apps close Oct 1. Link in comments, DMs open.
September 24, 2025 at 11:02 PM
In preschool, my daughter played “someone’s missing”—one hid, the rest guessed who was missing.
How often do we hide instead of allowing ourselves to be seen?
Extraordinary Machines helps women step out, connect & leave with real takeaways.
Apps close Oct 1. Link in comments, DMs open.
How often do we hide instead of allowing ourselves to be seen?
Extraordinary Machines helps women step out, connect & leave with real takeaways.
Apps close Oct 1. Link in comments, DMs open.
Investing in Yourself
Are you ready to do something for you?
open.substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Part 3 company offsite concerns: We’ve always gotten good feedback, why change?
Good is relative. Most teams haven't experienced a great offsite. A great offsite shifts team dynamics, speeds up decisions & creates momentum that lasts or years.
You’re investing the time & money; why settle for good?
Good is relative. Most teams haven't experienced a great offsite. A great offsite shifts team dynamics, speeds up decisions & creates momentum that lasts or years.
You’re investing the time & money; why settle for good?
September 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Part 3 company offsite concerns: We’ve always gotten good feedback, why change?
Good is relative. Most teams haven't experienced a great offsite. A great offsite shifts team dynamics, speeds up decisions & creates momentum that lasts or years.
You’re investing the time & money; why settle for good?
Good is relative. Most teams haven't experienced a great offsite. A great offsite shifts team dynamics, speeds up decisions & creates momentum that lasts or years.
You’re investing the time & money; why settle for good?