> I think it depends way more on the individual than whether they are technical or non-technical.

yep, exactly.

I think your anecdote about the engineer turned VP is fairly typical. imo it's generally more difficult for engineers to become _good_ leaders because it means moving from an environment where you have complete control to one where you don't and a lot of engineers can't bridge that divide successfully and become terrors like you described.

non-technical managers never had that control. They have their own challenges, but generally speaking, it's easier for them in terms of control.

in my opinion, of course.