Why Some Developers Get Equity: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable

November 17, 2024

Most developers can earn a paycheck, but only a select few ever secure a seat at the table. So, what sets them apart? My journey from employee to co-owner at Equalize Digital wasn’t about being the best coder or mastering every framework; it was about adopting a mindset that made me irreplaceable.

Why Being the Best Coder Isn’t Enough

Many developers believe that being the best coder is the key to career advancement. But here’s the reality: technical skills are just the entry ticket. Companies don’t offer equity to the best coder; they offer it to those who make the greatest impact on the business. When owners decide to hire, they are taking a risk that could have either a positive or a negative impact on their business. To truly make a positive impact as an employee, you need to adopt an owner’s mindset and treat the business as if it were your own. You need to align yourself with the company goals and make every effort within your power to help achieve those goals. Yes, solid coding skills are crucial, but code is merely a tool to achieve business goals. When owners seek solutions, you want to be the first person that comes to mind because they trust your insights, skills, and tenacity to deliver results. This is what sets you on the path to becoming irreplaceable.

The Key Traits of Developers Who Get Equity

So, how can you demonstrate this owner’s mindset in your work? Here are the key traits that set equity-earning developers apart.

Taking Ownership of the Product’s Success

Treat every project like you’re already an owner. Project scope doesn’t always detail every aspect of a project and can benefit from a developer’s technical perspective and going above and beyond the requirements. I approach projects as if the success or failure of the company depends on it. It shifts your focus from simply getting the job done to thinking about how to truly move the needle.

Understanding the Business Impact of Your Work

Focus on the company’s goals, not just your code. Understanding company metrics like customer retention, revenue growth, or cost savings can make your contributions more valuable. Proactively suggesting improvements to products or processes can position you as a thought leader who aligns with the company’s objectives.

Building Relationships and Trust with Leadership

Equity is earned, not given. Building trust with leadership takes time, consistency, and genuine actions. For me, it wasn’t just about delivering great work—it was about demonstrating, over several years, that I could think and act like a partner. This trust must be built authentically and organically, without any conditions or expectations.

After years of demonstrating my commitment to the company’s success, this is what our CEO, Amber Hinds, had to say:

“I knew it was time to bring Steve in as an equal partner when I found myself needing his input before making important business decisions. His commitment went beyond just development; it was clear he was invested in the company’s success.”

— Amber Hinds, CEO of Equalize Digital

This realization came after years of proving my ability to think beyond the code and align my work with the company’s long-term vision. Regularly communicating your progress, challenges, and wins to leadership builds trust and shows that you’re committed for the long haul.

Constantly Innovating and Adding Value

Companies value people who bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. Our company started as a web agency and over time embraced the niche of accessibility. By adopting web accessibility and improving my development skills in the area, I proved my ability to adapt and help position the company as an industry leader in this new area. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what skills to learn next. Identify emerging areas that align with your company’s strategic direction and invest in mastering them.

Actionable Takeaways

To recap, here are the key traits to focus on:

• Take ownership of outcomes beyond your immediate responsibilities.
• Understand the business impact of your work, not just the code.
• Build trust with decision-makers through consistent, authentic actions.
• Be proactive and continually innovate to bring fresh solutions to the table.

Start by adopting one of these strategies in your current role. It may seem like a small shift, but it could be the first step toward transforming your career. Go beyond just writing code—focus on creating real value for your company. This change in mindset could lead to not just earning a paycheck, but securing a seat at the table. Who knows? Equity might be the next milestone in your journey.