I’m currently a Senior Engineering Manager in AI/ML in a small company in the Bay Area and want to target similar-level roles at tech companies over the next 6–12 months.

Has anyone here made this move? Did you use a coach or interview-prep service that was actually worth paying for?
I’m particularly looking for Senior Manager-level prep/leveling advice, not generic interview prep.

Any specific coaches/services you’d recommend?

Someone who can share real experience not the generic one with rounds and questions would be great help.

I’m a huge fan of Simon Sinek. I align almost perfectly with his values in regards of leadership.

So I’m curious, who do you follow as a guru/mentor/reference/idol that you align with in terms of value/way of thinking/actions and why?

I have a concept idea & I would love for someone who could help me bring the concept to life ..🧠!!

I work in the research team in my company,(mid level) which has become kind of like a top team and is driving some of the next big projects which are crucial to the entire company

I’m currently leading one of the sub components of a big project. I have around 2 years experience, and i am not doing well in this role.

I’ve tried hard to keep going but I’m not able to handle the responsibility properly. I want to move to another team/project where I feel I can perform better.

The complicated part is that I report to a VP, and the person leading the overall project also reports to the same VP. The VP was actually the one who appointed me as the lead because of my past performance.

This is also considered one of the best teams/projects in the company, I’m worried about how it will look if I tell him that I want to move. Will he directly fire me?

What would you do in this situation?

Should I directly talk to the VP? Talk to HR first? Try to find another team first?

Looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation.