Tech Leaders to Know: A Conversation with Mark Pearl, Engineering Coach at Serko

At Dev Day Aotearoa 2025, we’re lucky to be joined by some of New Zealand’s most forward-thinking tech leaders and Mark Pearl is no exception.

As an Engineering Coach at Serko, Mark works with teams to unlock their full potential, drawing on a career that spans software engineering, tech startups, and leadership coaching. We caught up with him to talk about leadership, AI, productivity hacks, and what keeps him grounded outside the office.

You don’t need a title to lead.

Mark’s biggest advice to developers aspiring to move into leadership? Start leading now  regardless of your job title.

“Leadership isn’t about having an official role; it’s about influence,” he says. “If you can inspire and support others, you’re already leading.”

He encourages engineers to step up by offering to help with team rituals like stand-ups or planning sessions — small but essential leadership tasks that often go unnoticed. The key, he says, is being someone others want to follow: dependable, supportive, and genuinely invested in team success.

He also emphasises continuous growth: reading, seeking feedback, and finding mentors.

“There’s a strong tech community in New Zealand, and many leaders are happy to share what they’ve learned. Tap into that.”

Keeping a close eye on agentic AI

When it comes to emerging tech, Mark’s focus is firmly on AI — specifically the fast-evolving world of agentic software development.

“The potential of AI agents to semi-autonomously assist with real engineering work is what excites me most right now,” he shares.

He believes we’re approaching a pivotal shift in how software is built, and he’s already exploring how these tools could change engineering practices at Serko.

A tech journey rooted in curiosity

Mark’s path into tech started early — writing his first lines of code in junior school and launching a software product business straight out of high school.

That mix of hands-on experience and natural leadership shaped his unique approach to tech: balancing deep individual contribution with team guidance. These days, his focus is almost entirely on coaching and leadership, but he’s stayed close to the code throughout his career.

Productivity, streamlined

Mark’s work setup is next-level. He’s all about creating identical high-performance workspaces at home and in the office — complete with duplicate Streamdecks and custom programmable keyboards.

“It’s a bit of an investment,” he admits, “but it keeps my productivity and flow state consistent no matter where I’m working.”

His other go-to habits? Inbox Zero and Vim keystrokes, for starters.

Recharging outside the code

When he’s not building teams or exploring new tech, you’ll likely find Mark sea kayaking, one of his favourite ways to unwind and reconnect with nature. He also prioritises quality time with family, which he says is key to recharging and staying grounded.

Meet Mark at Dev Day Aotearoa 2025

Catch Mark live as he shares insights on developer-led leadership, AI in engineering, and building high-performing teams.

👋 And don’t forget to visit the Serko Networking Station to meet the team and learn how they’re shaping the future of travel tech.

Mark Pearl, Engineering Coach at Serko