In today’s fast-moving tech world, it’s easy to believe your next framework or coding skill is the key to success. But the truth is, your most valuable asset isn’t your code — it’s you.

In this talk, Gary Smart — a career software engineer, best-selling author, and award-winning speaker — shares the hard-won lesson he wishes he had known 25 years ago: that human skills, not technical expertise, ultimately shape your career growth, influence, and impact.

With over three decades of experience coding, engineering, and leading through every major tech wave, Gary shows how his biggest breakthroughs weren’t found in a compiler, but in investing in himself, learning to lead rooms with confidence, and building courage in everyday interactions.

You’ll discover why soft skills are the real “hard edge” that separate those who stall in their careers from those who thrive as leaders and innovators. With practical tools, engaging stories, and challenges you can apply right away, this session will help you see that your future — and your success — depends less on your technical stack and more on your human edge.

Perfect for developers and engineers from early career to senior level, this talk will challenge assumptions, open new doors, and leave you with the conviction that your humanness is your greatest advantage.