Quality Talks Podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day and guest Megan Ozanne discuss the pitfalls of an automation-first approach in software testing. They explore the importance of team communication, identifying pain points, and building a capable team. Megan shares her insights on developing an automation-first maturity model, engaging with stakeholders, and measuring impact. The conversation also touches on improving communication through techniques like the Three Amigos approach, capturing conversations in tickets, and navigating pushback from leadership. Megan emphasises the need for empathy in leadership and the challenges of remote work, concluding with key takeaways for listeners.TakeawaysStart with the conversations, not the test suites.Fix the conversations that the teams are having.It's all about conversations.Engage with stakeholders to drive change.Everyone's opinion is valid, even if it's not the path you want to go down.Gather as much data as you can beforehand.Visibility and communication are key.Develop an automation first maturity model.Measure impact through storytelling, not just metrics.Empathy is crucial in leadership. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quality Talks Podcast01:49 Understanding the Automation First Trap04:06 Challenges in Automation Implementation06:00 The Importance of Team Communication10:14 Gathering Insights from Team Members11:35 Using Maturity Models for Team Development14:20 Engaging with Stakeholders Effectively17:35 Measuring Impact and Metrics18:28 Improving Communication with Three Amigos23:21 Navigating Remote Work Dynamics27:26 Building Empathy in Leadership31:20 Conversations with Senior Leadership35:02 The Challenges of Remote Conversations38:55 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts40:45 End

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson reflect on the year 2025, discussing the growth and engagement of the podcast, the challenges of mental health in the workplace, and the evolving role of AI in shaping careers. They emphasise the importance of community support and effective communication in navigating these changes, while also exploring emerging trends in quality engineering and testing for 2026.Takeaways2025 has been a year of significant growth for the podcast.Engagement from listeners has remained high throughout the year.Mental health challenges in the workplace are prevalent and need addressing.Control the controllables to navigate mental checkouts.Metrics should tell a story, not just be numbers.AI is a tool, but community will shape our careers.Human interaction will be crucial in the tech industry moving forward.Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in a rapidly changing environment.Effective communication is key to influencing teams and driving change.Leadership in quality requires a broad understanding of various disciplines.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review21:44 Navigating Mental Checkouts in the Workplace28:26 The Role of Metrics in Quality Assurance34:38 AI vs Community: The Future of Careers36:02 Embracing AI: The Community's Role46:30 The Future of Work: Human Interaction and AI56:51 Trends in Quality Engineering: Skills for 202601:07:19 Closing out 2025

SummaryIn this episode Stu Day and special guest James Lawther (author of ‘Managed by Morons’) discuss the intricacies of leadership and management, drawing from personal experiences and insights from James's book. They explore the importance of learning from bad leadership, the need for psychological safety in organisations, and the balance between effectiveness and efficiency. The discussion emphasises the significance of understanding systems within organisations, the impact of bonus-driven development, and the necessity of a customer-centric approach. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of building trust and fostering a culture that encourages open communication and continuous learning.TakeawaysLeadership is about creating a culture of trust.You learn more from bad experiences than good ones.Management is straightforward but often poorly executed.Focus on effectiveness, not just efficiency.Psychological safety is crucial for open communication.The system must be managed, not just the people.Long-term thinking leads to better outcomes.Measurement can drive the wrong behaviours.AI should be used to solve real problems, not just for the sake of it.What kind of legacy do you want to leave as a leader?Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and the Book03:02 The Journey of Writing and Blogging05:57 Learning from Bad Leadership08:47 The Importance of Systems in Leadership11:33 Case Studies and Real-World Examples14:28 The Impact of Incentives on Team Dynamics17:15 Psychological Safety in the Workplace21:34 Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication22:40 The Swiss Cheese Model: Learning from Mistakes27:01 Connecting Experiences Across Industries29:11 Admitting Failure: A Key to Improvement31:46 Understanding Purpose in Business36:55 The Dangers of Target-Driven Culture41:05 The Importance of Systems Thinking45:44 Optimising Systems Over Individual Performance48:23 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Operations51:30 The Cost of Short-Term Thinking53:45 The Balance Between Efficiency and Effectiveness56:36 Learning from Failures in Organisations01:01:33 Building Trust in Leadership01:03:14 Legacy and Leadership: What Will You Be Remembered For?01:05:07 Show Close

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and special guest Vernon Richards delve into the complexities of language and terminology in the field of quality. They discuss the importance of understanding context, the impact of personal experiences on language interpretation, and the need for intentional communication. The conversation highlights common triggering phrases, the role of active listening, and the significance of reframing language to foster better discussions. Listeners are encouraged to be mindful of their words and to engage in open dialogues to navigate misunderstandings effectively.Useful Links:Credibility Playbook for TestersCrucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third EditionSituation Behaviour Impact model: TakeawaysLanguage in quality is complex and varies across organisations.Misunderstandings often arise from different interpretations of the same terms.Active listening and open questions can enhance communication.Context is crucial in understanding the meaning behind words.Reframing triggering language can lead to more productive conversations.Intent behind words can change their impact significantly.Quality is a shared responsibility among all team members.Feedback loops are more effective than rigid quality gates.Personal experiences shape how we interpret language.Difficult conversations are necessary for growth and understanding.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Energy Boost01:13 The Importance of Language in Quality03:07 Navigating Misunderstandings in Quality Terminology10:44 Understanding Different Perspectives in Quality Conversations14:35 Influencing Change Through Effective Communication19:13 Reframing Language to Reduce Triggers25:38 The Role of Context in Quality Discussions30:08 Feedback Loops vs. Quality Gates36:05 Navigating Difficult Conversations39:08 Understanding Triggers in Communication43:53 The Complexity of Language and Intent49:10 Identifying Triggering Words55:54 Mindfulness in Language Use

SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day welcomes Yulia Sharabi, a seasoned QA manager, to discuss her journey in the field of Quality Assurance. Yulia shares her experiences transitioning from manual to automated testing, the challenges of leading teams, and the importance of adapting to change in the tech industry. The conversation delves into the evolution of QA education, the significance of building trust within teams, and the emotional aspects of implementing change. Yulia emphasises the need for patience, understanding, and preparation when introducing new processes and tools in a workplace. The episode concludes with Yulia's advice to embrace opportunities and say yes to new challenges.TakeawaysYulia has over a decade of experience in QA across various industries.She transitioned from manual testing to leading distributed teams in the crypto domain.Education in QA often lacks focus on practical testing methodologies.Adapting to change is crucial in QA roles, especially with evolving technologies.Building trust within teams is essential for successful change management.Understanding the audience is key when introducing new tools or processes.Emotional aspects play a significant role in how teams respond to change.Patience is necessary when implementing new methodologies in teams.Yulia's personal experiences have influenced her approach to QA leadership.Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:56 Career Journey in QA and Tech11:19 Education and the Importance of QA13:36 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leadership19:18 Managing Change and Resistance25:11 Navigating Leadership Challenges30:27 The Role of QA in Startups32:20 Transforming Testing Methodologies35:01 Navigating Change with Patience37:10 Understanding Team Dynamics39:32 Choosing the Right Tools41:37 Considering Stakeholders in Change44:16 Building Trust Across Departments45:51 Preparing for Change48:39 Challenges and Learning Moments52:45 Recruitment and Team BuildingLinks:Yulia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yulia-sharabi/Yulia's MoT Profile: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/p/yudit?s_id=19028979Yulia’s Blog: https://medium.com/@yudit77091

SummaryIn this live in person episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and James Milner explore the evolving landscape of leadership in technology. Joined by guests Rachael Morgan and Cleveland Henry, they discuss personal journeys into leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the critical role of respect and authenticity in effective leadership. The conversation delves into creating a culture of safety and innovation, learning from failure, and the inspirational moments that shape leaders. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the episode highlights the multifaceted nature of leadership and the continuous growth required to navigate the challenges of the tech industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of leadership, emphasising the importance of resilience, confidence, and adaptability in navigating challenges. They discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in a tech-driven world, particularly with the rise of AI, and the critical role of mentorship and community in personal and professional growth. The dialogue highlights the significance of learning from experiences and the necessity of addressing societal challenges as leaders.Chapters00:00 Personal Journeys into Leadership10:15 Defining Leadership Traits and Skills14:05 The Importance of Respect in Leadership18:10 Management vs. Leadership: Key Differences25:16 Creating a Culture of Innovation and Mistakes28:59 The Privilege of Leadership29:58 Coaching and Problem Solving30:57 Practicing Failure in Technology31:54 Creating a Safe Environment for Failure32:52 The Role of Leadership in Failure33:23 Learning from Failures36:18 Moments of Inspiration in Leadership40:52 The Power of Simple Beliefs43:55 Finding Confidence in Leadership49:08 The Nature of Confidence52:59 Taking Action and Moving Forward53:13 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World56:05 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership59:25 Navigating the Digital Leadership Landscape01:01:48 The Role of Mentorship and Community in Growth01:04:51 Defining Success Beyond Titles and Wealth01:08:39 Addressing Current Challenges in Leadership01:12:08 The Impact of Technology on Society and Leadership01:19:09 The Human Element in Leadership Challenges01:22:09 EndTakeawaysLeadership is ever-evolving and requires adaptability.Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.Respect is fundamental in building effective leadership.Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and risk-taking.Learning from failure is essential for growth.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect.Leadership is about empowering others, not just managing tasks.The best leaders are those who can inspire belief in others.Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.Effective communication is key to successful leadership. You can't expect to be the person that makes everything right.Confidence is often mistaken for the loudest voice in the room.The only thing that is constant is change.Success is being happy, not about money.Surround yourself with a diversity of voices.Experience compounds; time is the best lesson.Mentors are unbelievable; they challenge you.It’s important to have different perspectives.AI could be really dangerous if not managed well.

SummaryIn this live in person episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and James Milner explore the evolving landscape of leadership in technology. Joined by guests Rachael Morgan and Cleveland Henry, they discuss personal journeys into leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the critical role of respect and authenticity in effective leadership. The conversation delves into creating a culture of safety and innovation, learning from failure, and the inspirational moments that shape leaders. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the episode highlights the multifaceted nature of leadership and the continuous growth required to navigate the challenges of the tech industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of leadership, emphasising the importance of resilience, confidence, and adaptability in navigating challenges. They discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in a tech-driven world, particularly with the rise of AI, and the critical role of mentorship and community in personal and professional growth. The dialogue highlights the significance of learning from experiences and the necessity of addressing societal challenges as leaders.Chapters00:00 Personal Journeys into Leadership10:15 Defining Leadership Traits and Skills14:05 The Importance of Respect in Leadership18:10 Management vs. Leadership: Key Differences25:16 Creating a Culture of Innovation and Mistakes28:59 The Privilege of Leadership29:58 Coaching and Problem Solving30:57 Practicing Failure in Technology31:54 Creating a Safe Environment for Failure32:52 The Role of Leadership in Failure33:23 Learning from Failures36:18 Moments of Inspiration in Leadership40:52 The Power of Simple Beliefs43:55 Finding Confidence in Leadership49:08 The Nature of Confidence52:59 Taking Action and Moving Forward53:13 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World56:05 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership59:25 Navigating the Digital Leadership Landscape01:01:48 The Role of Mentorship and Community in Growth01:04:51 Defining Success Beyond Titles and Wealth01:08:39 Addressing Current Challenges in Leadership01:12:08 The Impact of Technology on Society and Leadership01:19:09 The Human Element in Leadership Challenges01:22:09 EndTakeawaysLeadership is ever-evolving and requires adaptability.Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.Respect is fundamental in building effective leadership.Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and risk-taking.Learning from failure is essential for growth.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect.Leadership is about empowering others, not just managing tasks.The best leaders are those who can inspire belief in others.Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.Effective communication is key to successful leadership. You can't expect to be the person that makes everything right.Confidence is often mistaken for the loudest voice in the room.The only thing that is constant is change.Success is being happy, not about money.Surround yourself with a diversity of voices.Experience compounds; time is the best lesson.Mentors are unbelievable; they challenge you.It’s important to have different perspectives.AI could be really dangerous if not managed well.

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day engages with Dora Chatzinaki, a seasoned tech professional, host of the Verified Geek podcast and advocate for women in tech. They discuss Dora's journey in the tech industry, her experiences in leadership roles, and the challenges of influencing change within organisations. The conversation emphasises the importance of confidence, patience, and understanding organisational dynamics while advocating for diversity and learning from failure. Dora shares her insights on building trust as a leader and the significance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.TakeawaysDora has been in tech for 17 years, starting as a junior engineer.She emphasises the importance of women in tech and advocates for diversity.Influencing change requires understanding why it's needed within an organisation.Confidence comes from experience and learning from failures.Patience is crucial when trying to implement change in organisations.Building trust is essential for effective leadership.Change can come from any level within an organisation, not just leadership.Diversity of ideas enhances problem-solving and innovation.Understanding organisational structures is key to influencing change.Collaboration and support from others are vital for successful change initiatives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quality Talks Podcast01:15 Dora's Journey in Tech02:37 Influencing Change in Organisations05:05 Challenges of Being a Woman in Tech08:13 Driving Diversity and Inclusion10:47 Building Confidence in the Workplace14:17 Navigating Influence Without Authority16:58 Learning from Failure19:55 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership21:50 Perseverance and Patience in Change24:57 Adapting to Change in Tech28:39 Consulting and Learning from Others31:12 Building Support Networks for Change36:14 The Power of Diverse Perspectives41:43 Challenges of Influencing Change in Organisations48:00 Understanding Organisational Dynamics54:09 Earning Trust as a Leader01:00:35 Closing Things Out

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day engages with special guest Mohammad Arif, the head of QA at FX Digital, to explore the unique challenges and innovations in the realm of connected TV testing. They discuss the evolution of FX Digital, the importance of client feedback, and the structure of QA and QE teams. Delving into the complexities of device fragmentation, the integration of AI in testing processes, and the growing emphasis on sustainability in technology. Arif shares insights into the device lab at FX Digital and the innovative solutions developed to address testing challenges, highlighting the future of connected TV and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.TakeawaysThe connected TV space is a niche but growing area in software testing.FX Digital specialises in testing for smart TVs and connected devices.Client feedback is crucial for continuous improvement in quality assurance.The structure of QA and QE teams can enhance collaboration and efficiency.Device fragmentation poses unique challenges in testing connected TVs.Innovative solutions are often required to address testing challenges in this field.Automation in testing connected TVs requires unique approaches due to device limitations.Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in technology testing environments.AI is being integrated into testing processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.The future of connected TV includes exploring new technologies and user experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:48 Exploring Connected TV and Its Challenges06:03 The Evolution of FX Digital08:58 Quality Assurance in Connected TV12:06 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement15:02 Team Structure and Collaboration18:02 Device Fragmentation and Testing Strategies20:26 The Role of Quality Engineering23:35 Navigating Client Needs and Device Support34:17 The Evolution of TV Technology36:48 Innovations in Automation for TV Apps40:42 Visual-Based Automation and Accessibility46:10 The Device Lab: Challenges and Innovations49:16 Sustainability in Testing Practices54:28 The Future of Automation and AI in TV Testing01:01:02 Exploring Streaming Devices and Their Challenges01:06:18 End

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu and Chris discuss the concept of superpowers in the context of their professional lives.They explore various superpowers suggested by their community, including vulnerability, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly.The conversation delves into how these superpowers can enhance leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. They also touch on the importance of community engagement and the value of difficult conversations in fostering understanding and connection.The episode concludes with reflections on the unique superpowers each individual possesses and how they can leverage them for personal and professional development.TakeawaysVulnerability can be a powerful tool in public speaking.Community engagement enhances the exploration of ideas.Personal superpowers can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.Customer feedback is crucial for product development.Time manipulation could help in project management.Comfort in one's own skin leads to better public speaking.Multitasking is a valuable skill in leadership roles.Energy and attitude of leaders influence team dynamics.Empathy is essential for understanding team members.Effective communication is key to successful relationships.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Superpowers03:01 The Impact of Vulnerability in Public Speaking06:31 Exploring Community Superpowers08:19 Personal Superpowers: Listening and Happiness11:09 The Power of Perspective and Leadership14:41 Community Insights: Future Vision and Feedback17:47 Time Travel: The Ultimate Undo Button20:48 Juggling Tasks and Leadership Challenges24:59 The Weather of Leadership: Energy and Communication28:39 Superpowers in Tech and Leadership30:58 The Importance of Empathy32:39 Navigating Communication Challenges35:58 The Value of Difficult Conversations38:40 Understanding Cybersecurity Mindsets41:50 Community Building and Connections46:55 The Dangers of Instant Solutions50:44 Knowledge Transfer and Learning55:07 Leveraging Community Superpowers58:10 End

SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks, Stu Day discusses the art of storytelling and its significance in conveying quality within teams and leadership. He emphasises the need for relatable communication and shares various techniques, including analogies, visuals, and interactive storytelling methods like using Lego. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and creativity in making quality concepts accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.TakeawaysStorytelling is essential for effective communication.Relatable stories help convey complex ideas.Empathy is crucial in understanding your audience.Using analogies can bridge gaps in understanding.Visual aids enhance storytelling effectiveness.Interactive methods engage teams in learning.Quality is subjective and context-dependent.Lego can be a powerful storytelling tool.Creativity fosters better engagement in discussions.Storytelling should be fun and experimental.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Quality02:59 Making Quality Relatable Through Empathy05:49 Using Analogies and Visuals to Explain Quality09:10 Interactive Storytelling with Lego11:59 Creative Approaches to Quality Education14:48 The Role of Games in Team Collaboration17:45 Balancing Speed and Quality in Software Development21:08 The Need for Context in Communication23:54 Practicing Storytelling for Better Engagement30:01 End

SummaryIn this episode, Stu Day discusses the challenges of performance management within organisations, particularly focusing on the concept of Bonus Driven Development (BDD), and the negative impact of individual performance metrics on team collaboration and quality culture. Stu advocates for aligning performance goals with a quality vision and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone is responsible for quality outcomes.The conversation explores the importance of shifting from individual accountability to team accountability, using analogies from the NFL to illustrate the necessity of every team member contributing to collective success. TakeawaysPerformance management often creates challenges within organisations.Bonus Driven Development can lead to unhealthy competition.Individual performance metrics disrupt team collaboration.Shifting focus to team accountability enhances quality culture.Everyone in a team must contribute to collective success.Aligning goals with the quality vision is crucial.Collaboration should be prioritised over individual achievements.Consistency in performance management across teams is essential.Setting community-focused goals can enhance team dynamics.Quality is a holistic responsibility shared by all team members.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Performance Management Challenges03:06 Understanding Bonus Driven Development06:27 The Impact of Individual Performance Metrics09:23 Shifting Focus to Team Accountability12:17 Aligning Goals for Quality15:14 Creating a Collaborative Culture18:13 The Role of Community in Quality21:06 Ensuring Consistency Across Teams24:29 Conclusion and Call to Action31:43 Close

SummaryIn this keynote talk from the National Software Testing Conference 2025, Stu Day explores the critical theme of self-care in leadership, emphasising the importance of emotional awareness, the distinction between self-care and self-indulgence, and the need for leaders to model healthy behaviours. It discusses creating supportive environments, implementing micro-self-care behaviours, and the significance of vulnerability in leadership. The dialogue encourages leaders to prioritise their well-being and foster a culture of support within their teams.Takeaways1. Self-care is essential for effective leadership.2. Emotional awareness helps in managing triggers and responses.3. Leaders must model self-care behaviours for their teams.4. Self-care should be a daily practice, not a one-time event.5. Vulnerability can enhance communication and trust in teams.6. Creating supportive environments is crucial for mental health.7. behaviours can lead to significant improvements in well-being.8. Regular check-ins among peers can foster a supportive culture.9. Self-care is about long-term health, not just immediate gratification.10. Time management and boundaries are key to maintaining self-care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Self-Care in Leadership03:54 The Cost of Neglecting Self-Care09:53 Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Care13:59 Modelling Self-Care as Leaders17:57 Building a Supportive Culture19:48 Micro-Self-Care Behaviours27:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways29:56 Q&A - Emotional Awareness and Self-Care Challenges32:53 Q&A - Leadership and Culture in Mental Health35:57 Q&A - Key Takeaways from Mental Health Training38:58 Q&A - The Importance of Self-Care Days39:57 Breath & Thank you

SummaryIn this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and Eamon Droko reflect on their experiences at the National Software Testing Conference. They discuss various talks and workshops, highlighting key insights on software testing, diversity in the industry, and the evolving role of testers in the face of new technologies like AI. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability, communication, and the need for a diverse workforce to drive innovation in software development.LinksSimon Prior Website: https://leadtestinclude.com/TakeawaysThe importance of taking notes during conferences.Diversity in teams fuels innovation and creativity.Testing practices should focus on quality, not just the illusion of it.The role of testers is evolving with technology.Communication and language are key in quality assurance.Frameworks and models can guide effective testing practices.It's essential to adapt to different contexts in testing.Empathy and critical thinking are vital skills for testers.The significance of storytelling in conveying testing outcomes.Conferences provide valuable networking and learning opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview07:43 Reflections on Keynote Speakers14:51 Workshops and Their Impact21:38 The Importance of Language in Quality Assurance28:45 The Role of Storytelling in Quality Assurance33:03 Diversity in Software Development35:58 Final Thoughts and Future Directions38:19 Leadership and Vulnerability44:02 Innovative Approaches to Mobile Advertising48:48 The Modern Tester: Evolving Roles and Skills54:38 From Performance Metrics to Purposeful Testing59:52 Adapting to AI: The Future of Testing01:01:49 Testing Beyond the Browser: Unique Challenges01:07:33 Reflections on the Conference and Closing Thoughts01:09:58 Close

SummaryIn this episode, Quality Talks & The QA Hype Show come together for a special collaboration. Host Stu Day & Gary Shannon, welcome Rosie Sherry, CEO and Founder of Ministry of Testing to talk about all things TestBash.Together they discuss the upcoming TestBash conference in October sharing personal stories about how Test Bash has impacted their careers and lives in different ways.The conversations touches on the continued evolution of TestBash over more than 10 years emphasising the importance of community, learning, and engagement whilst introducing new initiatives, and the fun, gamified elements that make the event one of a kind.The hosts end by sharing their reasons to encourage listeners to attend and experience the vibrant atmosphere and valuable connections that Test Bash provides.TakeawaysTest Bash is not just a conference; it's a community.The event fosters personal and professional growth.Engagement and interaction are key components of TestBash.Quality engineering is a central theme of the upcoming conference.The community aspect of TestBash sets it apart from other conferences.Leadership initiatives are being introduced to support industry leaders.Gamification elements will enhance the attendee experience.Networking opportunities abound at Test Bash, making it easy to connect with others.The atmosphere at Test Bash is electric and welcoming.Attendees leave Test Bash feeling inspired and connected.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to TestBash and Community Engagement02:35 - The Evolution of TestBash: From Concept to Community05:26 - The Unique Atmosphere of TestBash08:22 - Building a Year-Round Community11:12 - Leadership Initiatives and Future Directions27:57 - Quality Mindset in Product and Engineering29:31 - Excitement for TestBash31:29 - Engaging with the Community33:08 - The Role of Sponsors35:16 - Innovative Swag and Gamification37:59 - Creating Lasting Memories40:08 - Why Attend Test Bash?44:01 - Closing Statements from Gary, Stu and Rosie52:00 - We Out!!

SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks, Stu Day discusses the essential tips for new leaders, particularly in the quality space. He emphasizes the importance of shifting one's mindset when transitioning into leadership, building strong relationships based on trust, collaborating on strategy development, investing in people, and prioritising self-care. These insights are drawn from his extensive experience in leadership roles and aim to provide guidance for both new and seasoned leaders.TakeawaysTransitioning into leadership requires a mindset shift.Building relationships is crucial for trust and team dynamics.Collaborative strategy development enhances buy-in and effectiveness.Investing in people is the foundation of successful leadership.Self-care is essential for maintaining leadership effectiveness.Understanding individual team members' needs fosters a supportive environment.Creating opportunities for others is a key leadership responsibility.Leadership can be lonely; building alliances is important.Inclusivity in strategy development leads to better outcomes.Reflection and self-awareness are vital for personal growth in leadership.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Context03:47 - Shifting the Mindset08:05 - Building Relationships as a Leader12:23 - Co-create the vision and strategy18:17 - Investing in People25:25 - Self-Care for Leaders32:19 - End

In this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day engages with Ayesha Saeed, a senior accessibility specialist and test lead, to discuss the importance of accessibility in software development. They explore Ayesha's journey into accessibility, the challenges of promoting it within teams, and the significance of empathy in understanding user experiences. The conversation also covers practical strategies for integrating accessibility into development processes, training teams, and measuring the impact of accessibility initiatives. Ayesha emphasises the need for incremental changes and community engagement, encouraging listeners to start small and build their knowledge over time.Links and Learning Resources:Connect with Ayesha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-saeed-946821155Get to know Ayesha - https://www.solirius.com/post/meet-the-team-ayesha-saeedArticle: https://www.solirius.com/post/unlocking-the-web-start-your-journey-into-digital-accessibilityChampions of Accessibility Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12499821TakeawaysAccessibility is a broad topic that impacts everyone.Empathy is crucial in understanding user experiences.Automated testing only catches a fraction of accessibility issues.Training teams on accessibility requires tailored approaches.Building a culture of accessibility is essential for success.Start small and gradually increase your knowledge of accessibility.Community engagement can enhance understanding and advocacy for accessibility.Accessibility should be integrated into all stages of development.Measuring the impact of accessibility training is challenging but necessary.You don't have to be an expert to advocate for accessibility.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Accessibility in Tech01:48 Ayesha Saeed's Journey in Accessibility13:01 Understanding Accessibility Beyond Tech16:25 The Importance of Empathy in Accessibility18:54 Engaging Teams Early in Accessibility29:51 Diverse Testing Approaches for Accessibility32:32 Understanding User Testing and Accessibility35:18 Common Accessibility Issues in Web Design40:06 Prioritising Accessibility Issues44:50 Educating Teams on Accessibility50:53 Measuring the Impact of Accessibility Training55:49 Future Trends in Accessibility Testing

SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day interviews Nesha Mistry, a senior recruiter with over six years of experience.They discuss the challenges recruiters face, including managing high volumes of applications and delivering feedback to candidates. Nesha shares insights on how candidates can stand out in their applications, the importance of personality in interviews, and the need for empathy in the recruitment process. The conversation emphasises the human side of recruitment and the importance of networking and authenticity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Recruitment Insights02:34 The Recruiter's Perspective06:57 Navigating Candidate Emotions10:34 Providing Constructive Feedback13:59 Standing Out in Applications18:19 The Screening Process23:45 Creating a Positive Interview Experience27:07 Final Thoughts on Recruitment30:15 Connecting with Nesha30:44 CloseConnect with Nesha:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nesha-mistry-95889a125Instagram - nesha_canvascreationsTakeawaysNesha Mistry has over six years of recruitment experience.Recruiters often deal with hundreds of applications for a few roles.Providing feedback to candidates is a challenging but necessary part of recruitment.Unconscious bias can affect hiring decisions and needs to be addressed.Candidates should tailor their CVs to the specific role and industry.Showing personality in a CV can help candidates stand out.Creating a comfortable interview environment is crucial for candidate performance.The ideal interview process should be concise and engaging.Candidates should research the company before interviews.Networking is essential for job seekers.

SummaryIn this live episode celebrating the first anniversary of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu and Chris reflect on their journey over the past year, share memorable moments, and engage with their live audience. They welcome special guest Vernon Richards, discuss future plans for live events, and highlight favourite episodes and guests, further reflections on their journey of building a podcast and community around quality discussions. They explore the challenges of engaging with their audience, the importance of creating a platform for sharing experiences, and the evolving expectations in quality roles. The conversation also touches on the significance of allyship and support within the industry, as well as celebrating their one-year anniversary of podcasting.Throughout this episode the conversation is filled with humour, insights, and a sense of community as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to what’s nextChapters00:00 Celebrating One Year of Quality Talks04:42 Special Guest Introduction: Vernon10:15 Reflections on the Podcast Journey15:52 Memorable Moments and Audience Engagement24:43 Engaging with YouTube Shorts26:46 This or That: Fun Debates35:43 Building a Community Around the Podcast49:54 The Grief of Change53:01 Navigating Change in the Industry54:44 The Lone Tester Experience58:59 Building Allyship in Quality01:02:56 Evolving Expectations in Quality Roles01:06:32 Finding Community and Support01:11:51 Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead01:34:47 WE OUT!!

SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, host Stu Day welcomes Dalbir Sehmbi, a seasoned professional in software testing, who shares his journey through job hunting and the strategies he employed to secure a new role. Dalbir discusses the importance of tracking job applications, building relationships with recruiters, and the lessons learned from various interview experiences. He emphasises the significance of networking and community engagement, offering valuable tips for job seekers navigating the challenging job market.Useful Links:Follow Dalbir on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Dalbir's articles: ⁠My Job Hunt – A Game of Rejections, Rewrites & Resilience ⁠& ⁠Why AI will not replace Software Testers⁠Join ⁠Ministry of Testing⁠Chapters00:00 Introductions04:26 Dalbir's Job Hunt Experience09:59 Data-Driven Job Applications15:58 Building Relationships with Recruiters21:57 Interview Preparation and Lessons Learned27:57 Final Tips for Job Seekers33:12 EndTakeawaysDalbir has nearly 20 years of experience in software testing.He applied for over 150 jobs during his job hunt.Tracking applications helped him stay organised and focused.He experienced a high rate of being ghosted by recruiters.Building rapport with recruiters can lead to better opportunities.Dalbir learned to customise his CV for each application.Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities.Celebrating small wins is crucial during job hunting.Engaging with the community can lead to unexpected opportunities.Dalbir emphasises the importance of giving back to others.