In this episode, Vernon and Richard answer questions from their audience. They discuss what they would do if they weren't in software testing, the primary mission of a tester, advice for their younger selves, their stance on pineapple on pizza, and their preferences as trainers, mentors, consultants, and coaches. In this conversation, Vernon and Richard discuss various topics related to testing and quality.

They explore the meaning of quality and how it can vary depending on the context and individual perspectives. They also discuss the importance of testing and whether there are situations where testing may not be necessary. Additionally, they delve into the concept of a testing mindset and whether it is something that individuals are born with or can be developed. Finally, they reflect on what advice they would give to their younger selves, focusing on the themes of confidence, self-kindness, and self-care.

Links to stuff we mentioned during the pod:

• 01:42 - Joëlle Burkhardt
  • Joëlle's LinkedIn
• 06:41 - James Thomas
  • James' one liner on his blog
  • James' LinkedIn
• 09:15 - AJ Wilson
  • Aj's LinkedIn
• 14:32 - Kelsey's story about relating the impact of software problems to real humans
• 15:10 - Mark Gillott
  • Mark's LinkedIn
• 15:34 - Template letter for banning pineapple on pizza
• 17:10 - Olivier Banal
  • Olivier's LinkedIn
• 18:25 - Leigh Rathbone
  • Leigh's LinkedIn
• 22:30 - Deb Sherwood
  • Deb's LinkedIn
• 22:42 - Jerry Weinberg
  • Jerry's Wikipedia page (his books are highly recommended)
• 23:46 - Joep Schuurkes
  • Joep's blog
  • Joep's LinkedIn
• 28:36 - Mark Tomlinson
  • Mark's website
  • Mark's podcast
  • Mark's LinkedIn
• 32:45 - Anna Royzman
  • Anna's LinkedIn
• 38:42 - Melissa Fisher
  • Melissa's LinkedIn
• 38:42 - In case you need to know what the TARDIS is, please read this!
• 40:59 - David Goggins (definitely watch/listen to his stuff with headphones on or with no kids around because 🤬)
  • David's cookie jar philosophy
  • David's website
• 43:47 - End of year reflection resources
  • Dickie Bush & Nicolas Cole's Yearly Review Process

00:00 - Intro
01:42 - Joëlle Burkhardt: What would you do if you weren't in software testing?
06:41 - James Thomas: You have to summarise what a tester's primary mission for a team is in a snappy one-liner that applies across contexts. What's your one-liner?
09:15 - Aj Wilson: What advice would you give the version of yourself, that was 2 years into software testing if you could, what would older wiser Richard advise new blood Richard?
15:10 - Mark Gillott: Why is pineapple on pizza still not illegal?
18:25 - Leigh Rathbone: What do you prefer, being a trainer (providing instruction and direction), a mentor, a consultant, or a coach?
22:30 - Deb Sherwood: What does quality mean for you?
28:36 - Mark Tomlinson: To test, or not to test.
32:45 - Anna Royzman: Testing mindset - are you born with it?
38:42 - Melissa Fisher: If you could jump in a tardis and go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?