Software Developers Journey

Let's set off on an awe-inspiring journey with our guest, Cecilia Martinez, who, armed with self-awareness and an appetite for growth, has carved out a successful career in software development. Starting from her high school days, designing layouts for myspace pages, Cecilia's trajectory includes journalism, web development, and a self-discovery of her place in tech communities. Her story of growth and transformation, nurtured by her battles with ADHD, the trials and triumphs of a software development boot camp, and her blossoming career as a community lead at Replay, is nothing short of inspiring.What role can tech communities play in launching and shaping your career? Listen as Cecilia shares her experience exploring various local tech groups and the profound impact they had on her career. We examine the role of multi-channel outreach in creating diverse and representative communities and discuss how these communities can act as springboards for newcomers to the industry. Cecilia's narrative underlines the importance of aligning work with passion, the power of self-awareness, and the necessity to take calculated risks.From being a people pleaser to learning to push back when necessary, Cecilia shares the invaluable lessons she's picked up navigating her career paths. We discuss the decision-making processes involved in considering the next career move, the advantages of early-stage startups, and how she's grown to identify the most valuable work to do with her time. Cecilia also shares insights from her deep involvement with open source development tools and the influence these experiences have had on her career. Join us as she takes us through her journey of discovery and growth in the tech space.Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan.Support the show

From the moment his father handed him an IBM PC with the simplest of instructions - "Play with it, don't be afraid" - Aral Balkan's worldview was forever changed. Our chat with this developer, professional speaker, consultant, and serial entrepreneur takes us on an enlightening journey through his life, shaped by his early immersion in technology's limitless potential. Aral's deep-seated passion for programming, his dedicated commitment to simplicity, and his advocacy for the internet as a tool for personal empowerment and democratized communication are nothing less than inspiring.Aral reflects on the evolution of the internet, once perceived as a decentralized entity, now understood as a client-server system molded partly by venture capitalists who recognized its potential. He emphasizes the need for coding education, applauding initiatives like Code Club and the involvement of Google, Raspberry Pi, and Coder Dojo in promoting coding. But our conversation doesn't stop there. Aral urges us to confront the systemic inequality in the digital space and the pressing need for simple articulation of the problem to spur action. He introduces us to the concept of small web and the empowering idea of owning and controlling one's own means of communication.Our dialogue extends to the importance of alternative funding methods for initiatives that serve society. Aral shares his views on the limitations of relying on political institutions for funding and the absolute necessity for communication tools to be accessible to all. We tackle the issue of arrogance in the open source community and its impact on software usability, and discuss 'kitten', a framework and server for building small websites, with its innovative security measures and potential as a learning tool. Join us for this essential conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, empowerment, and democracy. This episode promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire.Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan.Support the show

Can one's fascination with technology begin with a childhood story of a laptop reward? For our guest Sophie Obomighie, that was indeed the case. From there, Sophie describes her journey through the tech world, from building a website on halitosis to participating in Google developer group events. Despite her medical background, she found a way to marry her interests in tech and medicine, proving that multiple passions can coexist and even compliment each other.Sophie's path wasn't without its hurdles, as she navigated the world of programming education and sought out job opportunities in the tech field. From her time at a transcript processing company to her stint at Hotels.ng, Sophie was continually challenged. Yet, she rose to the occasion, learning and growing with every new experience. She is a testament to the importance of embracing challenges on the path to success. In the final chapters of the episode, Sophie recounts her experience as a Quality Assurance person. She openly shares about her struggles and her triumphs. Her story is a reminder to us all that sometimes, our greatest passions and career paths can be discovered in the most unexpected of places. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Sophie Obomighie.Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan.Support the show

Join us on an enlightening tech odyssey with Coleen Shane, a trans woman who's made her mark in the realm of information security and networking. From the humble beginnings of tinkering with a Texas Instruments TI-99 in the 80s to a successful career at the VA hospital in Indianapolis, Coleen's journey is an inspiring tale of determination and passion. She shares insights from her experience and illuminates us on the delicate equilibrium between convenience and security.Ever wondered how to strike the right balance between ease of use and ensuring your digital world is secure? This is a key challenge we dissect with Coleen. We also delve into the murky waters of phishing attempts, exploring how to identify and mitigate them. Coleen's vast experience lends a wealth of knowledge on this pertinent issue. As our digital landscape evolves, the importance of security continues to heighten, a reality that Coleen emphasizes repeatedly.In the wake of the AI boom, concerns about privacy and security are more significant than ever. We dissect the pros and cons of AI, its potential for good, and the inherent security risks that come with it. We further explore the importance of prioritizing security in software development. Wrapping up with an insightful comparison of Apple and Google's differing approaches to security and privacy, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on the complexities of the digital world and the importance of security. Tune in for a captivating conversation packed with nuggets of wisdom from the tech world.Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan.Support the show

Who says a childhood dream can't shape your adult career? Dr. Jodie Burchell would undoubtedly argue it can. As a data science advocate at JetBrains, she's living proof that a meandering career path can lead to extraordinary places. Join us for a heartwarming journey that starts with her fascination for paleontology, travels through studying psychology and German in university, and ends up leading data science teams in Europe. Enjoy a chuckle with us as she recalls her forgotten German skills and a high school art project that sparked her interest in psychology.Making a career transition can be daunting, but Jodie provides valuable insights into how these shifts can lead to unexpected fulfillment and purpose. With engaging tales from academia, she elaborates on how her experiences shaped her understanding of the significant role of data science and the real-world impact it can have. The conversation doesn't stop there as we explore the ever-evolving world of data science, its specializations, and the shift towards a greater emphasis on developers with computer science and engineering backgrounds.Have you ever wondered how to transition from academia to industry? Jodie shares her candid experiences and lessons learned, proving the journey isn't always straightforward but worth it. She opens up about facing her fear of the command line, overcoming insecurity about her engineering skills, and how this journey expanded her appreciation for the work of engineers. Bonus: we delve into her journey from academia to developer advocacy and the importance of multidisciplinary skills in data science. Whether you're already in the thick of data science or considering it as a career, this episode is a goldmine of insights and reflections.Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan.Support the show

What does it take to transition from a life in pharmacy, business, and PR to becoming a successful software developer and business owner? Alexandra Spalato, our guest for this episode, has done just that. Her unconventional journey, fueled by a passion for learning, has led her through many roles - from actress to Developer Relations (DevRel) Engineer - and eventually brought her into the realm of software development.Alexandra's story is as inspiring as it is educational, shedding light on the fascinating journey of becoming a developer. Starting as a self-taught developer, she delved into WordPress and immersed herself in a JavaScript boot camp to upgrade her skills. She credits many of her accomplishments to her friend and mentor, Zac Gordon, whose impactful course in JavaScript for WordPress helped set the foundation for her success.Alexandra wasn't content with just being a software developer; she started her own business and faced all the challenges that come with it. From dealing with imposter syndrome to managing toxic projects, Alexandra's experiences provide valuable insight for anyone considering a similar path. Despite the bumps along the way, she turned her passions into a successful product, ending up with a career at Storyblok. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that guarantees to inspire and educate.Support the show

What happens when a gaming enthusiast transitions into the world of tech, data science, and community management? That's the intriguing journey we explore with Chuck Ting Hall, a Community Manager at OpenSSF and prolific contributor to various tech libraries. From her early love for gaming, Chuck's passion for technology took a unique turn, leading her down a path that merges both the worlds of academia and business. Chuck Ting's story begins where most of us find ourselves, at crossroads. Trying to choose a career path is never easy, and her decision to delve into either Physics or Computer Science was no different. Listen in as she navigates the pressure of academia, shares her struggles of being a scientist in a business-centric place like Hong Kong, and candidly discusses how family expectations factored into her choices. Chuck also takes us through her experiences of working in odd places like an ad company and a theme park, before ultimately finding her niche in the tech world.As Chuck's narrative unfolds, she candidly discusses her first conference talk proposal, her battle with imposter syndrome, and the importance of community in honing professional skills. From submitting conference talk proposals, to transitioning her career from data science to community management, the challenges of visa applications, and becoming an active contributor in the tech community - Chuck's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a student caught between choices, or someone seeking to transition careers, let Chuck Ting Hall's journey inspire and guide you to embrace your passion in technology.Support the show

Ever wondered how a software developer's journey unfolds? Well, today, we have a story that is sure to inspire. Join us as we explore the life of Aleksandra Sikora, a software engineer based in Wrocław, who shares her journey from learning to code in primary school to becoming a full-stack developer. A poignant chapter of her journey delves into the power of patience, the art of listening, and the invaluable skill of delegation when leading a team. She also recalls an article about a young girl learning HTML, which ignited her passion for computer science.It wasn't all smooth sailing for Aleksandra. Her university years were filled with a spectrum of programming languages, some of which presented quite a challenge. Even confronting the complexities of Prolog and Algorithms and Data Structures, her resilience saw her through. Reflecting on these experiences, she discusses how her background and exposure to different functional languages played a crucial role in shaping her career choices.We've all had those moments of self-doubt and feelings of not quite belonging. Aleksandra openly discusses her early career encounters with impostor syndrome and how she navigated those stormy seas. Her story takes us through her transition from programming to management, sharing the lessons learned and obstacles faced. Learn from her experiences, gain from her insights, and join us in this episode that promises to be an illuminating guide for anyone in a similar position. From coding to managing teams, Aleksandra's journey will inspire and motivate you.Support the show

From humble beginnings to scaling the corporate ladder, Ori Keren's career in the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. His passion for software development and team dynamics shines through as he recounts the challenges and rewards of evolving in the ever-changing tech world. Ori’s experiences have shaped not only his professional life but also the very fabric of how he views the confluence of technology and business.Ori placed the start of his journey at the age of 13 when he discovered BASIC and the joy of seeing someone interact with a program he wrote. Fast forward a few years, and we discussed how development came back into his life while working a data-entry job. He then described how he sought a formal education, what he learned during his studies, and how it prepared him for the future. We then talked about fighting (at first) and then embracing management. We finished by talking about entrepreneurship, engineering leadership, and LinearB.In this episode, Ori dives deep into his transition from a developer to a managerial role and eventually the establishment of his company, Linear B. He discusses the importance of maintaining company culture amidst growth, the lessons he learned about team building and his advocacy for achieving a work-life balance.If you want to learn more about the intricacies of scaling a tech company and getting inspiration from Ori's incredible journey, tune in to this episode.Three reasons why you should listen to the full episodeGrowth Insights: Ori delves into his journey from a software developer to a leader, offering invaluable insights into the transitions and challenges faced in the tech industry.Beyond Technical Skills: The episode emphasizes the importance of soft skills, work ethics, and the dynamic of teamwork, crucial areas often overlooked in the tech world.Practical Business Acumen: Combining tech with business, Ori's experiences provide a rare perspective on how software development intertwines with business strategies, ideal for those looking to venture beyond just coding.Support the show

From graphic design to coding, Anna Sala's foray into software development was anything but conventional. Anna's initial curiosity was sparked by a chance conversation with a tennis player who shared insights about the world of development. This unexpected interaction set Anna on a transformative career journey, combining her unique design background with the ever-evolving world of software.Anna placed the start of her journey three years ago on a tennis court when a joke involving a Testla, an unexpected mentor, and a pandemic put her world upside down. From there on, we followed the story of her Bootcamp. We then discussed her role as an assistant professor in the same boot camp and her first dev role. We talked about learning, feeling like an impostor, and much more.In this episode, Anna delves deep into her diverse career path, from her time as a graphic designer to her decision to dive headfirst into the world of software development. She talks about the importance of continuous learning in the tech field, her experiences mentoring and teaching others, and the ever-present feeling of imposter syndrome faced by many professionals.If you are interested to learn more about the seamless blend of design and development and get inspiration from Anna's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Gain insights into how a diverse background, like graphic design, can uniquely shape and enrich a software developer's approach to problem-solving.Learn about the value of soft skills in the tech industry and how they can complement technical knowledge to foster better communication and collaboration.Understand the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of technology and how embracing a learning mindset can alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome.Support the show

Una Kravets's journey in the tech world has been nothing short of captivating. From her dedication to creating and enhancing the user interface space to her insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving challenges of web development, Una's story is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Her experiences span a wide range of tech endeavors, from her involvement in the W3C community and standards to her unique insights into the intricate world of web design.Una placed the start of her journey in her young childhood with Neopets, AIM, MySpace, and the Sims. She described how her passion for design slowly merged into the Web. We discussed her college studies and how she stumbled upon communities at 18. We talked about learning in the open, internships, and learning some more. We discussed how she landed at Google, got into DeveloperRelations, and came to work on the CSS Working Group and OpenUI Community Group.In this episode, Una discusses the complexities of navigating the vast web development landscape and how she has found her perfect spot in the CSS and UI space. She touches upon her involvement in working groups, the challenges of backward compatibility on the web, and the joys of Developer Relations (DevRel). Moreover, Una shares her wisdom on the importance of community involvement, whether by joining, creating, or discovering one, and the impact of documenting one's learning journey through blogging.If you want to learn more about the challenges of backward compatibility on the web and get inspiration from Una's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episodeGain insights from Una's unique journey, blending her arts background with technology showcasing how diverse experiences can lead to innovative outcomes in the tech world.Dive deep into the importance of community involvement, feedback, and continuous learning, essential takeaways for anyone looking to grow in their tech career.Learn about the challenges and intricacies of web development, including backward compatibility and web standards, which are crucial for anyone keen to delve deeper into web tech.Support the show

From facing unexpected challenges in his school days to rising to the occasion as a software developer, Tejas Kumar's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He candidly speaks about facing adversity and how those experiences shaped his perspective, even leading him to unexpected avenues in the world of tech.Tejas placed the start of his journey when he discovered HTML. We then followed the story of his childhood, juggling between a life-threatening medical disease called hemophilia and surfing his desire to understand how things work. Our discussion then centered itself on learning and how it slowly became the core of his work, his business, and his life.In this episode, Tejas Kumar delves deep into his experiences, from the unique way his brain processes learning to the importance of shocking the system post intense focus sessions. He discusses the vital importance of sleep and offers practical advice to young learners to prioritize learning in their early years.If you are interested to learn more about the intricacies of effective learning techniques and get inspiration from Tejas's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episodeDiscover Tejas Kumar's unique approach to learning and how it can drastically change the way you grasp new concepts. Understand the science and technique behind the "90 minutes of intense attention" method.Unearth the significance of sleep in human cognitive functions. Tejas draws a relatable analogy between saving a code file and the human need for sleep.Dive deep into the anecdotes and lessons from Tejas's personal and professional journey. Get inspired by his resilience in facing adversity and using it as a foundation for his successful career in tech.Support the show

From humble beginnings working on a spreadsheet application to grappling with the rapid transformations in the developer industry, Lilly Chen's journey through the software realm has been nothing short of fascinating. With experiences ranging from the challenges of being a first-time manager to the profound influence of mentors who "lifted as they climbed," Lilly offers a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and paving the way for others.Lilly placed the start of her journey in high school, where she spent more days out than in high school. She told us about her health problems and how she spent a year as a monk in a monastery in China. We spoke of people lifting her and how she returned to the USA. We discussed her college studies and the people who made a long-lasting impact on her. We talked about how she became a developer, her first memorable interview, and how she slowly entered the world of startups. We finally talked about Contenda, the company she created.In this episode, Lilly takes us from her first steps into software development to her present-day leadership role at Contenda. She delves into the challenges and triumphs she has faced, highlighting the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. With a focus on mentorship and the pivotal role early managers play in shaping a career, Lilly stresses the significance of receiving guidance and providing it to the next generation of developers.If you want to learn more about the ethos of "lifting as you climb" and get inspiration from Lilly's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three Compelling Reasons to Listen to the Full Episode:Lilly's vast experience, from starting coding at 8 to becoming a CEO, offers unique insights into the ever-changing tech landscape, perfect for anyone at any stage of their tech career.The episode delves deep into the importance of mentorship. Hearing about the roles a monk and many people played in Lilly's journey underscores the value of guidance in a developer's path.Lilly emphasizes "lifting as you climb", shedding light on the critical responsibility that comes with growth and leadership in tech, making it a must-listen for aspiring tech leaders.Support the show

Stepping into the tech world is one thing, but embracing it with a passion for teaching and enhancing the way technology is learned represents a calling of a different order. Felienne Hermans' life has been a vibrant blend of software development, advocating for better ways of teaching coding and recognizing the importance of guiding the young generation into the programming world. Her journey from receiving her first computer and experiencing unique educational opportunities to her innovative software projects speaks volumes of her dedication.Interestingly, Felienne placed the start of her journey right when she got her Ph.D. in Computer Science and faced the "now what?" She told us how she enrolled as a high-school computer science teacher and failed flat on her face, teaching 12 years old kids the same way she used to teach 18 years olds. We then explored how we learn, becoming less and less terrible at teaching 12-year-olds and gradually building Hedy, a programming language designed for kids to learn programming.In this episode, Felienne discusses her foray into the world of tech and how she transformed from perceiving herself as a genius child to realizing the privileges she was afforded. She delves into the importance of teaching, her six-year tenure as a high school teacher, and her involvement in the Headey software project. She emphasizes understanding one's interests and skills to find a sustainable and impactful career path.If you are interested to learn more about the evolution of tech education and get inspiration from Felienne's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover Felienne's unique perspective on the importance of recognizing early privileges and their pivotal role in one's professional journey.Gain insights into the art of adaptable teaching and how pushing students beyond their comfort zones can lead to significant growth and understanding.Learn the importance of aligning passion with skills and sustainability, guiding principles that Felienne believes are key to forging a successful and impactful career.Support the show

In the ever-evolving realm of software development and testing, it's rare to encounter someone with as vast and varied an experience as Steve Upton. From his early foray into quality assurance to his insights on teamwork and agile methodologies, Steve's journey offers a lens into the nuanced world of development from a quality-first perspective.Steve placed the start of his journey coding in YABASIC on a PS2 and creating the infamous program "Insultor." Fast forward a few years, he graduated with a CS degree, and having worked as an intern at IBM; he applied for a graduate program. We discussed how he was given a "tester" role, which incidentally defined the rest of his career. We talked about testing practices at IBM, adversarial relationships with devs & moving to the polar opposite in a high-performing team Here. We discussed what "quality" really means, and then we talked about the hiring process, biases, working in the open (and writing blogs about backpacking trips with a GPS), the transition, and what he learned Here. We finally talked about his current work as a consultant for ThoughtWorks and how he would advise learning more about quality.In this episode, Steve shares his thoughts on the significance of agile testing and recommends foundational books. He delves into his experiences, highlighting the importance of a whole-team approach and the continuous pursuit of better, alternative software development and testing methods.If you want to learn more about agile testing methodologies and get inspiration from Steve's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Get insights from Steve Upton's journey, from quality assurance to deepening into software development. Learn the importance of focusing on the end user's needs and overall usability.Understand the value of the Agile methodology, particularly the "whole team approach." This episode delves into the strong interdependency of development and testing, highlighting the need for seamless communication and collaboration.Discover invaluable resources and books Steve recommends for anyone venturing into software development and testing. Benefit from foundational knowledge and practical advice to propel your career forward.Support the show

The realm of software development is as vast as it is intricate. For Cory O'Daniel, it's been a journey marked by coding and understanding the deeper nuances of being a software developer. Cory took a detour, discovering that there's more to the world of tech than just writing code – there's a profound beauty in problem-solving, connecting with peers, and carving out personal space in a rapidly evolving remote work landscape.Cory placed the start of his journey in high school, modding Duke Nukem 3D. He then described how working a data-entry job in a hospital to make ends meet got him to automate his work through coding. He talked about his college physics major and the dire future it promised and how he chose to major in Networking and Computer Science instead. We then went from one job to the next. Ditching the first job requiring a suit and tie (but where he was caught reading the D&D reference manuals during his work) for Californian startups where he could wear shorts & teeshirts. We talked about the colorful startups he experienced and the crazy technical contraptions some of those required. We talked about becoming a Digital Nomad before iPhones were a thing. And finally, we touched on Massdriver, Cory's current company.In this episode, Cory O'Daniel invites us into his world, sharing his unique transition from hands-on coding to leadership and his candid thoughts on the art of balancing remote work. He touches upon the necessity of asynchronous communication, the serenity in pacing during calls, and the sometimes underrated joy of turning off video feeds. Through his journey, we see a reflection of modern-day work challenges and how passion, adaptability, and a dash of humor can make all the difference.If you want to learn more about the intricacies of remote work and derive inspiration from Cory's remarkable journey, this episode is a must-listen!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover Cory's Unique Journey: Understand Cory's non-traditional path into software development, offering inspiration for those overwhelmed by the learning curve.Insights on Remote Work: With remote work becoming the norm, Cory's pioneering experience offers invaluable advice on effective communication, multitasking, and cultivating team camaraderie.Evolution in Tech Career: Dive deep into Cory's transition from hands-on coding to leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of soft skills, continuous learning, and adaptability in the tech world.Support the show

Unfolding the story of a truly diverse career trajectory, Mirjam Aulbach joins us to share her captivating journey from pursuing an accounting career and dog training to evolving into a full-fledged software developer. Mirjam's tale isn't just about career changes; it's about her lifelong passion for coding and how she kept it alive while juggling multiple roles in different domains, highlighting the power of persistence and dedication in shaping one's career.In this episode, Mirjam opens up about her unconventional journey into software development, her experiences working with different teams, and her transition to remote work during the pandemic. She also talks about her perspective on testing and her side project, 'Conference Buddy'. Mirjam's unique experience enables her to bring invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of social sciences, understanding emotions, and software development.If you want to learn more about the dynamics of transitioning careers and maintaining a balance between diverse roles and get inspiration from Mirjam's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:This episode offers an intriguing perspective on how understanding human behavior and emotions can positively impact software development and team dynamics.Mirjam's career changes offer valuable insights into career shifts, the importance of community support, and the role of continuous learning in personal growth.Her emphasis on the importance of software testing and her experiences with open-source development offer valuable insights, particularly for developers interested in these areas.Support the show

Nnenna Ndukwe is a seasoned software developer who profoundly understands the essence of community and its value in shaping one's career journey. In a world often dictated by individual prowess, Nnenna's story is a testament to the power of shared wisdom and the transformative capacity of communal learning in the tech industry. With a passion for continuous growth and a heart to impact others, her story reverberates the truth that one's journey can indeed inspire the journeys of many others.Nnenna placed the start of her journey in a tanning salon, where she spent her breaks and quiet time on Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp. From there, she spoke about her one-way ticket to Boston, how she immersed herself in communities and followed her insatiable curiosity. She talked about her boot camp and how she found a job. She discussed working in the open and how it led to her dev advocacy role.In this episode, Nnenna discusses her journey from curiosity to proficiency in the world of coding and how being part of tech communities played a crucial role in her growth. Her emphasis on skipping lessons that others have already learned, and the value of listening to the stories of others, offers profound insights into learning and career growth. She also touches upon the joy she derives from mentoring and the sense of fulfillment she gets from seeing newcomers progress in their tech careers.If you want to learn more about the influential role of communities in career development and get inspiration from Nnenna's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Nnenna's journey into tech is inspiring, and it serves as a reminder that patience, persistence, and curiosity are vital elements to succeeding in coding and programming.Nnenna shares practical insights on the power of community engagement, mentorship, and self-advocacy in tech, which can guide newcomers in navigating their tech careers.The conversation offers concrete advice for overcoming common hurdles such as self-doubt, which could resonate with many individuals at different stages of their tech journey.Support the show

Phil Alves, founder of DevSquad and LiveStats, is a software entrepreneur driven by building impactful solutions. From his humble beginnings, coding at age 12, to becoming a leader of development teams, his path has been marked by curiosity, determination, and a desire to improve developers' lives.Phil placed the start of his journey with Flash and ActionScript and then with PHP, with which he created his first business at the age of 16. We then discussed learning in the open, growing and selling his business. Moving to the USA, returning to school, and taking his first (and last) "job." We talked about his side business, which became DevSquad, his company of 100 people now. We talked about product developers vs. software developers. We discussed development cycles and customer relations. And we finished talking about the SaaS business he is creating, DevStats, and how to create hyper-performing teams.In this episode, Phil discusses his journey from a self-taught developer to an entrepreneur creating high-performing development teams. He delves into the challenges of growing a company and transitioning from deep work to managerial tasks. He also shares insights on building a solid company culture, fostering efficiency, and promoting a balance between productivity and preventing burnout. The conversation further delves into the role of data in improving team performance and the importance of product mindset in developers.If you want to learn more about fostering high-performing development teams and get inspiration from Phil's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn from Phil Alves' journey from being a self-taught programmer to a successful entrepreneur. His experiences offer a unique perspective on the different paths one's career in tech can take.Understand the importance of strong company culture and the role of data in improving team performance. These are critical elements that can contribute to the success of any tech team.Gain insights into the importance of a product mindset in developers. This can help aspiring developers understand their work's broader impact and become more effective team contributors.Support the show

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Chris Zimmerman, the co-founder of Sucker Punch Productions, the powerhouse behind globally successful games like Infamous and Ghost of Tsushima. Chris started his journey as a software developer and evolved into a trailblazer in the gaming industry, showing the same resilience and innovation in his career as the characters in his games do.Chris placed the start of his journey in the mid-70s, programming games for an Apple II computer. During childhood, he was passionate about games and programming and enrolled in a CS Degree at Princeton. After his degree, he worked at Microsoft for ten years before leaving with other Microsoft alumni to create the Sucker Punch game studio. We then discussed what he took from this career into the next. An excellent discussion ensued about what makes Sucker Punch a unique place, Chris' vision and leadership, his philosophy, and the book he wrote to help 22 years old passionate developers grow.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from his early years coding games on Apple II to pioneering Sucker Punch Productions. He talks about the fascinating process of game development, how it intertwines with storytelling, and the importance of adaptability in this ever-evolving industry. Chris also offers candid advice to aspiring game developers, emphasizing the importance of being self-starters and taking initiative to create and complete projects.If you are interested to learn more about the unique blend of storytelling and programming in game development and get inspiration from Chris's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Gain insights from Chris Zimmerman's vast experience, from starting with an Apple II to co-founding a successful game studio, Sucker Punch Productions. His story is a testament to the importance of passion, persistence, and creativity in the world of software development.Discover the behind-the-scenes process of developing popular games like Infamous and Ghost of Tsushima. Chris shares interesting details about the collaboration between developers and story writers, emphasizing the significance of creativity in game development.Get practical advice on how to break into the gaming industry. Chris offers invaluable tips, like being a self-starter and taking responsibility for your code, which can be beneficial for aspiring game developers.Support the show