On Coding Chats, John Crickett interviews software engineers of all levels from junior to CTO. He encourages the guests to share the stories of the challenges they have faced in their role and the strategies and tactics they have used to overcome those challenges providing actionable insights other software engineers can use to accelerate their careers.
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Coding Chats episode 50 - Lou Franco discusses the concept of technical debt, its implications for software development, and the importance of quantifying it. He emphasizes that technical debt is not just a financial metaphor but a real issue affecting developer productivity and team dynamics. The discussion also covers the role of managers in understanding and addressing technical debt, the importance of metrics, and the eight questions that can help teams evaluate their technical debt. Additio...
John Crickett and Kev Milne explore the multifaceted world of cybersecurity, from understanding basic protections to advanced red teaming techniques. They discuss the persistent threat of social engineering, the surprising ongoing relevance of mainframes in global transactions, and how AI is rapidly transforming both offensive and defensive strategies. The conversation also highlights diverse career opportunities and the undeniable imperative for businesses to prioritize continuous security investment.
Coding Chats episode 48 - John Crickett and Gilad Naor explore the differences between working at startups and big tech companies, discussing the pros and cons of each environment. They delve into career growth, the importance of mentorship, and the balance between specialization and generalization in tech careers. The discussion also covers the management track versus individual contributor roles, the role of managers in creating positive change, and the significance of interview preparation. A...
Coding Chats episode 47 - Warren Beazley shares his extensive experience in recruiting CTOs and outlines a five-step process designed to help tech leaders navigate the job market effectively. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's value proposition, building a strong network, creating engaging content, and actively engaging with potential employers. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by traditional job searching methods and the impact of AI on recruitment, while offering...
Coding Chats episode 46 - John Crickett and Fernando Villalba delve into the concept of Developer Experience (DevEx) and its significance in software engineering. They discuss how optimizing for flow state can enhance productivity, the importance of effective tooling, and the role of a supportive work environment. The conversation also touches on team dynamics, the necessity of regular retrospectives, and the impact of meetings on developer flow. Ultimately, they emphasize that improving develop...
Coding Chats episode 45 - Guy Allen and John Crickett discuss the dynamics between software engineers, hiring managers, and recruiters and how they can work together to recruit the best software engineers. They explore effective strategies for collaboration, the importance of clear communication, and the impact of recruitment models on candidate experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for engagement, the significance of tailored job specifications, and the value of building long-term rel...
Coding Chats episode 44 - Joe Woodhouse shares his unique journey from software to non-executive director roles, emphasizing the importance of building skills, networking, and understanding board dynamics. He discusses the concept of 'luck surface area' and how being open to opportunities can lead to success. Joe highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the value of experience in non-profit boards. He also addresses the role of training and education in career adva...
John Crickett and Guy Allen discuss how software engineers can effectively collaborate with recruiters to find their next role. They delve into building empathetic relationships with various recruiter types, crafting CVs that highlight impact and achievements, and wisely leveraging AI in applications. The conversation also emphasizes optimizing LinkedIn profiles for visibility, networking, and standing out in a competitive job market.
Coding Chats episode 42 - Joe Woodhouse shares his journey with John Crickett - from a young software enthusiast to a non-executive director. He discusses the importance of customer engagement in software development, the balance between customer needs and technical solutions, and how he navigated his career without traditional management titles. Joe emphasizes the value of diversity in boards and the 'jobs to be done' theory, illustrating how understanding the underlying needs of customers can ...
Coding Chats episode 41 - Julianna Messineo shares her journey with John Crickett, from being a math teacher to transitioning into the tech industry, particularly focusing on educational technology (EdTech). She discusses her experiences with various educational software, the challenges she faced in the job market, and the importance of building projects to enhance her skills. Julianna also emphasizes the significance of networking and personal branding in her job search, as well as the role of ...
Coding Chats episode 40 - David Weiss shares his journey from being a Spanish teacher to a software engineer, highlighting the transferable skills that educators bring to tech. He discusses the importance of teaching in reinforcing knowledge, the challenges of building SaaS applications, and the significance of personal branding in today's job market. David also introduces his initiative, Build to Give, which connects early career tech professionals with non-profits, providing them with real-wor...
Coding Chats episode 39 - Tom Elliott discusses his startup - Ocuroot - which aims to simplify the developer experience by automating the management of complex production environments. He shares insights on the challenges faced by software engineers, the importance of customer feedback, and the lessons learned during his journey as a founder. Tom also delves into the competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and the technical aspects of building Ocuroot, including his tech stack and the comp...
Coding Chats episode 38 - John Crickett and Ryan Varley explore the distinctions between data science and software engineering, the impact of AI on these fields, and the current job market dynamics. They discuss the challenges of scaling start-ups, the importance of clear communication in software development, and the transition from leadership roles back to individual contributor positions. Ryan emphasizes the need for curiosity and seizing opportunities for career growth. Chapters 00:00 Data S...
Coding Chats episode 37 - John Crickett and Simon Copsey explore the intricate relationship between technology, management, and leadership in software engineering. They discuss the limitations of technology, particularly AI, emphasizing that while it can be a powerful tool, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The importance of soft skills, situational leadership, and understanding organizational dynamics is highlighted as essential for effective management. They also delve into the significa...
Coding Chats episode 36 - Rob Morgan shares his journey from being a traditional software developer to becoming a successful freelancer and eventually launching his own SaaS product. He discusses the importance of client interaction, the challenges of freelancing, and how he identified a niche market in the window cleaning industry. Rob emphasizes the significance of networking, understanding user needs, and the iterative process of product development. He also provides valuable insights for asp...
Coding Chats episode 35 - John Crickett and Brian Feister explore the journey of becoming a software engineer, discussing the value of self-taught skills versus formal education, the impact of boot camps, and the importance of community in tech. They delve into their experiences with the Go programming language, sharing insights on learning, challenges faced, and the advantages of Go in modern software development. Chapters 00:00 The Value of Computer Science Degrees 05:46 Self-Taught vs. Formal...
Coding Chats episode 34 - John Crickett and Brian Feister explore the journey from working in big tech to building startups, the evolution of mentorship in tech, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the intricacies of test-driven development. They discuss cognitive differences in software development, the importance of clear requirements, and the role of AI in the future of software engineering. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning from each other and the diverse paths in...
Coding Chats episode 33 - John Crickett and Robert Roskam explore the significance of open source involvement, the critical nature of effective onboarding, the myth of 10x engineers, and the challenges of transitioning into management. They discuss how soft skills and community engagement are essential for software engineers, the importance of creating a supportive onboarding experience, and the misconceptions surrounding high-performing engineers. Additionally, they reflect on the realities of ...
Coding Chats episode 32 - John Crickett and Loris Cro discuss the Zig programming language, its community, and various ways to learn and apply Zig. Loris emphasizes the importance of project-based learning, the unique features of Zig, and how it is being used in production by various companies. Loris also shares insights on how to get involved with the Zig community and contribute to its growth. Chapters 00:00 Learning Zig Through Projects 04:58 Community and Learning Resources 06:49 Zig in Prod...
Coding Chats episode 31 - John Crickett interviews Loris Cro about the Zig programming language and the Zig Foundation. They discuss the innovative features of Zig, including its unique approach to metaprogramming with Comp time, its role as a C and C++ compiler, and the benefits of using Zig for cross-compilation. Loris explains the structure and mission of the Zig Foundation, emphasizing its independence from big tech and its commitment to fostering a vibrant community. The conversation also d...
Coding Chats episode 30 - Tom Hill and John Crickett discuss Tom's transition into technical advisory roles, exploring the concept of a portfolio career, the differences between fractional executives and board advisors, and the essential skills required for success in these positions. He emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding business dynamics, and navigating the complexities of the job market, particularly in the context of AI's impact on software engineering. Tom also shares...
Coding Chats episode 29 - John Crickett and Sarah Gruneisen delve into the complexities of leadership, particularly in the engineering field. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions, emphasizing the need for proper training and emotional intelligence. Sarah shares her insights on the importance of self-reflection, vulnerability, and understanding different personality types, including introverts as effective leaders. The discuss...
Coding Chats episode 28 - Jonathan Marler discusses his journey as a programmer, focusing on his experiences with the Zig and D programming languages. He shares insights into the philosophies behind these languages, their applications in software development, and the challenges of cross-compilation. The discussion also covers his transition from a large corporation (HP) to a small startup (Tuple), the importance of pair programming, and the handmade philosophy in software development. Jonathan e...
Coding Chats episode 27 - John Crickett and Lane Wagner discuss the inception and evolution of Boot.dev, a platform designed to teach backend development, particularly focusing on the Go programming language. He shares insights into the challenges of learning backend development compared to frontend, the appeal of Go for its simplicity and performance, and his experiences transitioning to TypeScript. Lane also addresses the role of Python in learning programming fundamentals and shares his thoug...
Coding Chats episode 26 - John Crickett talks to Dennis Kennetz about: the world of High Performance Computing (HPC), exploring its definition, differences from traditional development, and the significance of batch scheduling. They discuss the role of CUDA and GPUs in enhancing computational efficiency, the challenges of data movement, and the importance of correctness in software development. The conversation also highlights the balance between developer time and compute time, emphasizing the ...
Coding Chats episode 25 - Eric Mariasis and John Crickett discuss the challenges faced by individuals entering the software engineering field, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. He highlights the significance of networking, building genuine relationships, and leveraging past interview experiences for future opportunities. Eric also shares insights on the value of sharing knowledge on platforms like LinkedIn, the benefits of freelancing, and the role of mentorship...
Coding Chats episode 24 - how do you create your own luck so you get more job opportunities and promotion opportunities as a software engineer? In this episode John discusses how software engineers can create their own luck in their careers. He introduces the concept of 'luck surface area,' which suggests that the more passionate and active you are in your field, the more opportunities will arise. He emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, sharing expertise, and networking to enh...
Coding Chats Episode 23 - Anemari Fiser and John Crickett explore the software engineering mindset, the importance of asking questions, the differences between consultancy and product companies, the significance of soft skills in tech, and the challenges of making work visible. The Engineering Mindset: An Overview The Importance of Asking Questions Consultancy vs. Product Companies: A Comparative Insight The Transition from Technical to Non-Technical Roles Building High-Performing Teams: The Rol...
Coding Chats Episode 22 - John talks to Anna Miller about: finding a job as a software engineer and how you can use LinkedIn to network with hiring managers treating your job hunt and career like a business using data to identify and overcome the bottlenecks to finding your next role overcoming the fear of rejection- creating an effective LinkedIn profile Anna's Links: https://tinyurl.com/ccm-training John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https:...
John and Arnab discuss career growth, the despair that can come with senior roles, and the importance of mentors. Arnab shares his journey from Amazon to starting Metacast, a podcast app focused on searchable content. They also explore the value of learning multiple programming languages and adapting to industry changes.
