that isn’t mutually exclusive with leadership. ICs lead by example and mentorship. the fact that they’re not managing people doesn’t preclude being a leader at a company. the way i’ve heard it put for staff+ engs that i like is that they’re managers without reports.

but to speak to GP’s point, they are being a bit overly sensitive. “leadership” in the context of the article likely means C-suite or director level, which usually IS mutually exclusive with an IC role. (and maybe that’s what you meant, sorry for ‘splaining if so)