In this episode, Jan Meissner sits down with Markéta Willis, our Software Engineer and content creator, to explore her shift from languages into IT, and what she learned along the way. They discuss how breaking into tech is not just about learning to code, but managing the mental and emotional challenges that come with a complete career change. What started as sharing her journey online quickly evolved into a more intentional approach to building visibility. The conversation also dives into how expectations for engineers are changing. With AI making coding more accessible, companies now look beyond hard skills—valuing communication, presence, and the ability to represent ideas clearly. They wrap up with practical insights on creating content, thinking long-term about your digital footprint, and why stepping outside your comfort zone, whether online or on stage, is key to growing your career.
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To learn more about Jan and Markéta, go to:
Jan Meissner
Markéta Willis
Introduction
Jan:
Hello and welcome to another episode of R&D Check-In.
Today, I’m joined by Markéta Willis — software engineer and content creator helping people navigate the world of tech.
Markéta, welcome.
Markéta:
Hey — thank you for having me.
From Languages to Engineering
Jan:
You made the leap into engineering around 2020 or 2021.
Tell us a little about that transition.
Markéta:
Actually, it was around 2019–2020 when I switched careers.
My original field was languages. I was on track to become a teacher of English and Russian.
While I still enjoy teaching — and still do it in my free time — I never found that career path fully fulfilling.
Around 2019, I discovered programming courses, got really excited about the possibilities, and decided to make the transition into tech.
Why Start Creating Content?
Jan:
You mentioned teaching.
Do you think that’s where your online presence comes from — this drive to share knowledge?
Markéta:
Partly, yes.
I’ve always enjoyed teaching.
But another big factor was realizing that the reality of switching into tech was much harder than many people make it seem.
It’s challenging emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
The complete shift in mindset, the learning process, and the way people communicate in tech is very different from fields like academia or teaching.
When I started sharing honestly about that experience, it resonated with a lot of people.
That reaction motivated me to keep going.
Building an Online Presence
Jan:
Was it mainly LinkedIn and Instagram where that started?
Markéta:
Yes.
I’d say LinkedIn is non-negotiable for any professional.
That’s where people should have some presence.
Instagram was simply the platform I was already using.
In 2021, while I was between jobs, I started sharing what I had learned about transitioning into IT — especially the challenges people don’t often talk about.
A lot of people connected with that, particularly on LinkedIn.
How the Industry Has Changed
Jan:
You entered tech at a very different time.
Have you noticed changes in the industry and online communities since then?
Markéta:
Absolutely.
The changes over the last five years have been massive, especially with AI.
Back in 2020, online visibility was mainly important for junior developers trying to stand out.
It was a way to prove they offered more than just technical skills.
For senior engineers, being visible online wasn’t really necessary.
That’s no longer true.
Today, everyone should think strategically about what they put online.
AI has made coding more accessible and cheaper to automate in many contexts.
So if someone says, “I’m a good engineer, I write solid code, that should be enough,” that’s increasingly not the case.
Companies need more.
They want evidence of communication skills, strategic thinking, and professional presence.
Beyond Hard Skills
Jan:
There’s this growing idea that the difference between junior and senior engineers often comes down more to soft skills than technical ability.
Would you agree?
Markéta:
Absolutely.
Technical skills matter, of course.
But communication, persuasion, and the ability to present and justify decisions are what often distinguish more senior engineers.
Companies want confidence that engineers can represent ideas clearly — whether that’s internally, publicly, or even directly with clients.
Content Strategy: Intentional, Not Reactive
Jan:
At what point did your online presence become more strategic?
Markéta:
When people started asking for advice.
That made me realize content isn’t just about what I find interesting.
It’s also about understanding:
- What my audience needs
- What companies expect to see
- How I want to present myself professionally
On Instagram, I focus more on community-facing content.
On LinkedIn, I’m more intentional about how I present myself to potential collaborators or employers.
The Temptation of “Hot Takes”
Jan:
The spicier the post, the more engagement it gets.
How do you balance that?
Markéta:
It’s true — controversial takes tend to perform better.
But there’s a tradeoff.
Everything you post becomes part of your professional footprint.
Companies look people up.
Clients do too.
And what they find shapes how they perceive both you and the company you represent.
That’s why it’s important to think strategically.
You can be bold.
You can talk about under-discussed topics.
But you should always ask:
Am I building credibility, or am I chasing engagement?
Owning Your Digital Footprint
Jan:
That reminds me of something we talked about while preparing for this.
Your online presence is really your digital footprint.
It becomes the story others tell about you.
Markéta:
Exactly.
A personal brand isn’t something artificial.
It’s simply your reputation.
When someone hears your name, what comes to mind?
There are really three possibilities:
1. Nothing comes up
You’re a blank slate.
2. Something unintended surfaces
An old post or forgotten comment defines your narrative.
3. You’ve shaped the story intentionally
This is what people should aim for.
You want to own the narrative.
LinkedIn vs Instagram
Jan:
Do you intentionally create different kinds of content for different platforms?
Markéta:
Not in a rigid way — it’s more intuitive.
On LinkedIn, people are willing to engage with longer, more thoughtful posts.
The audience is usually already in the professional space.
Instagram is faster, lighter, and reaches a broader audience.
It’s more about quick sparks of information.
Why Not TikTok?
Jan:
So when can we expect you on TikTok?
Markéta:
Probably never.
If someone wants to start creating content, I’d tell them:
Don’t pick a platform just because everyone else is there.
Choose the platform that feels natural to you.
Staying Consistent
Jan:
A lot of people post once and then run out of ideas.
How do you stay consistent?
Markéta:
It goes back to strategy.
If you’ve done the deeper work — understanding who you are, what you care about, what problems you solve — content becomes much easier.
I’d actually recommend doing this without AI.
Sit down with a coffee or tea.
Spend real time reflecting:
- What have I done?
- What am I good at?
- What have I overcome?
- What do I enjoy solving?
That clarity becomes your content foundation.
Public Speaking and Building Confidence
Jan:
Your personal brand also extends beyond social media.
You speak at conferences and meetups.
How does that feel?
Markéta:
It’s absolutely outside my comfort zone.
And honestly, I think public speaking is outside almost everyone’s comfort zone.
Very few people naturally enjoy standing in front of hundreds of people.
But it’s a skill.
And like any skill, it gets better with practice.
You can’t learn it theoretically.
You have to do it.
“You Need 20 Years of Experience” — A Myth
Jan:
A common perception is that only highly experienced people belong on stage.
What would you say to that?
Markéta:
That’s simply not true.
It’s rarely the most experienced person who gets on stage.
It’s the person willing to:
- Choose a topic
- Prepare deeply
- Practice repeatedly
- Put themselves out there
That’s what matters.
And yes — the polished speakers you admire probably rehearsed that talk dozens of times.
What looks natural usually comes from a lot of deliberate effort.
Learning to Speak Better
Jan:
You’ve attended speaking trainings at Mews.
Did they help?
Markéta:
Massively.
I’d recommend public speaking training to anyone — especially engineers.
Many companies offer learning budgets, and investing that into presentation or speaking coaching is incredibly valuable.
At Mews, I attended two different trainings.
Both were eye-opening.
They reinforced how essential communication is in today’s professional world.
As engineers, we need to explain decisions, justify tradeoffs, and communicate across audiences.
That’s a core skill.
Advice for Building a Personal Brand
Jan:
If someone wants to start building their personal brand, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give?
Markéta:
Don’t start by opening LinkedIn.
Start by thinking.
Ask yourself:
If someone introduced me on a podcast tomorrow, what would I want them to say?
What skills are you proud of?
What do you want to be known for?
Once you know that, creating content becomes much easier.
And don’t worry about being completely original.
No one is.
What matters is your perspective.
Your human experience is what makes content valuable.
Women in Tech and Visibility
Jan:
You’re also very vocal about supporting women in tech.
Do you feel that visibility is still something we need to actively encourage?
Markéta:
Absolutely.
Whenever I speak with event organizers, one recurring challenge comes up:
Women often turn opportunities down.
A lot of that comes from impostor syndrome — feeling like they need to be the smartest person in the room or have every answer.
But many brilliant women are holding back because of that.
And it’s a real loss for the community.
That’s why I actively encourage women to step forward.
Public speaking and visibility are powerful ways to challenge those doubts.
Closing Thoughts
Jan:
Markéta, thank you for joining us.
For those who don’t follow you yet, where can people find you?
Markéta:
You can find me on:
Jan:
Perfect.
And as always — if you’re at Mews, feel free to reach out internally.
If you’re outside Mews, connect with us on LinkedIn.
One final question:
Do you reply?
Markéta:
Yes, of course.
Jan:
There you have it.
Thanks again.
Markéta:
Thank you for having me.