Clojure in Product. Would you do it again?

Episode 4. Is it easy to manage team of such highly qualified engineers? with James Trunk, Griffin

Jan 6, 2025

In this engaging discussion, James Trunk, VP of Engineering at Griffin and co-creator of the Polylith architecture, shares insights from his extensive experience in the banking sector using Clojure. He highlights how skilled Clojure engineers can foster creativity and autonomy in their teams. James talks about the journey from skepticism to success with Clojure, the advantages of Bazel for testing, and the importance of values-driven engineering. He also explores team dynamics and the challenges of using data specification tools in a high-stakes environment.

01:02:07

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Episode guests

James Trunk

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Clojure enhances productivity in high-stakes environments through its unique features, enabling quick iteration and stable software solutions.

Effective communication and decision-making processes, like RFCs, foster creativity, transparency, and collaboration within highly skilled engineering teams.

Recruiting skilled Clojure engineers involves targeting candidates with functional programming backgrounds to ensure cultural fit and development efficiency.

Deep dives

Navigating Challenges in Team Management

Managing a team of highly qualified engineers involves addressing various challenges, especially when starting a new leadership role. Concerns often include the complexity of existing technology and the need for effective communication among team members. For example, decisions about technology choices can be daunting, particularly with Clojure's unique features which may confuse new team members. Additionally, recruiting and scaling the team while maintaining a cohesive culture is a critical challenge that requires ongoing attention.

Intro

2min

From Skepticism to Success: The Clojure Journey

14min

Navigating the Complexities of Bazel and Spec in Development

4min

Values-Driven Engineering in Clojure

10min

Navigating Clojure's Complexities

24min

Navigating REPL Connections and Team Dynamics

6min

Navigating Data Specification Challenges in Engineering Teams

2min

In the 4th episode, meet James Trunk, VP of Engineering at Griffin and co-creator of the Polylith architecture, sharing his experience using Clojure in the banking sector. Discover the benefits of using Clojure in fast, high-stakes environments and how it fits Griffin's banking-as-a-service strategy.

Hosts Vadym Kostiuk and Artem Barmin discuss leadership dynamics with James, such as how a skilled team of Clojure engineers encourages creativity and autonomy through smart decision-making. Tune in to learn about the challenges and successes of navigating the Clojure ecosystem and its potential to shape the future of technology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_cMdqqaPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmQujxmZBck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdOUGdseq4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShEez0JkOFw
Learning ClojureScript: https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/learning-clojurescript-9781785887635?srsltid=AfmBOorki4i1f8d7KoBtKYxNDE34D10rkvHHocC40XFbhQJNQcwfp7dh
Building a thoughtful engineering culture: https://griffin.com/blog/thoughtful-decision-making-is-the-key-to-high-performing-engineering-teams
Freshcode Clojure team: https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company

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