Dave Adsit, VP of Engineering SamCart: Coding Roots to C-Suite Insights
Jun 18, 2024
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Dave Adsit, VP of Engineering at SamCart, and Etienne reminisce about early computer experiences and discuss product management, lean software development, team productivity, and communication mediums' impact on company culture.
Exposure to diverse computer models in childhood fuels technical curiosity and learning.
Importance of delivering in small batches for faster feedback in software development.
Embracing failure, prototyping, and experimentation leads to learning and innovation in development process.
Deep dives
Exploring Computing Nostalgia and Childhood Memories
The podcast episode delves into childhood memories of computing, specifically focusing on the Atari 800XL and different computers used during that era. The hosts reminisce about their experiences with various computer models like the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari, highlighting how they explored different technologies and the impact of those experiences on their early development.
Effect of Diverse Computer Experiences on Technical Development
The discussion in the podcast reflects on the diverse range of computer models available during the early computing era, particularly emphasizing the importance of exposure to various technologies at a young age. The hosts recall how having access to different computers fueled their curiosity and learning, contributing to their technical knowledge and skills as they navigated through different systems.
Nostalgic Reflections on Computer Programming and Development Tools
The podcast episode evokes nostalgia around the programming tools and techniques used during the early days of computing, such as the challenges of cassette loading, code typing from magazines, and the transition to floppy disks. The hosts share anecdotes about coding mishaps, learning experiences, and the significance of early programming exposure in shaping their technical journeys.
Embracing Diversity in Computer Knowledge and Skills
The conversation in the podcast underscores the value of experiencing a wide range of computer models and technologies during childhood, enabling individuals to develop diverse knowledge and skills in computing. The hosts discuss how exposure to different systems, from Atari to Apple, contributed to their understanding of technology and fostered a passion for exploration and learning in the tech field.
Cultural and Technical Evolution in Computing Communities
The podcast explores how early computing experiences, such as coding magazines, cassette loading, and diverse computer models, influenced the hosts' technical growth and cultural perspectives. The discussion highlights the evolution of technical communities, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences in shaping a well-rounded approach to technology and innovation.
In this conversation, Etienne and Dave reminisce about their early experiences with computers and programming. They discuss the different computer models they had, the challenges of typing in code from magazines, and the evolution of technology. They then shift the conversation to their roles as VP of Engineering and CTO, and the differences between the two positions. They talk about the importance of product management and design in software development, and the value of delivering in small batches. They also discuss the concept of lean software development and the economic mindset behind it. The conversation explores the conundrum of developers being resistant to working on new features and instead over-engineering existing ones. The fear of the unknown and the comfort of familiarity play a role in this resistance. The conversation also delves into the importance of prototyping and experimentation in the development process. The concept of failure and its relationship to learning and psychological safety is discussed. The impact of different communication mediums, such as texting and video calls, on team culture and effectiveness is explored. The conversation concludes with a discussion on measuring team productivity and effectiveness through inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
Time Stamps
00:00 - Reminiscing about Early Computers and Programming
13:16 - The Differences Between VP of Engineering and CTO
24:23 - Delivering in Small Batches for Faster Feedback
26:47 - Embracing the Economic Mindset in Lean Software Development
35:50 - Developers' Resistance to New Features
38:10 - Prototyping and Experimentation
44:33 - Failure and Learning
51:20 - Impact of Communication Mediums
01:04:53 - Measuring Team Productivity and Effectiveness
