Episode · The Peterman Pod · 2025-10-24

Books mentioned on Shopify Distinguished Eng (L10) on Principal+ Engineering, Career Story, Regrets

2 books · With Ilya Grigorik · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Ilya Grigorik grew to a Distinguished Engineer (VP-level role) at Shopify and I asked him what it took to get there. We covered his full career including the behind the scenes of his startup getting acquired by Google, his growth to Director at Google, and what it means to operate like a Distinguished engineer.

Ilya Grigorik discussed Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson and others and Creative Schools by Ken Robinson and others.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   Finding Your Element

   Sir Ken Robinson, PhD; Lou Aronica · at 45:09

   Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson, PhD, and Lou Aronica is a self-help and educational book designed to help individuals discover their personal passions and align their natural talents with fulfilling life paths.

   Discussed

   “The first thing that comes to mind and this is uh this not a book but an author uh Sir Ken Robinson. uh he has a series of books um on like finding your element, creative schools and the rest.”

   Ilya Grigorik Shopify Distinguished Eng (L10) on Principal+ Engineering, Career Stor… 2025-10-24 Listen at 45:09

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
2. 

   Creative Schools

   Ken Robinson; Lou Aronica · at 45:09

   Discussed

   “The first thing that comes to mind and this is uh this not a book but an author uh Sir Ken Robinson. uh he has a series of books um on like finding your element, creative schools and the rest.”

   Ilya Grigorik Shopify Distinguished Eng (L10) on Principal+ Engineering, Career Stor… 2025-10-24 Listen at 45:09

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon