Software Defined Talk Episode 518: It Is What It Is
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May 9, 2025 This week, the conversation dives into Uber's bold move on employee benefits and how it affects corporate culture. The hosts humorously reminisce about rice cakes, blending childhood memories with cultural insights. They also explore the complex world of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation and its challenges amid innovation. Plus, they provide a networking tip involving stickers and share anticipation for the next season of 'Andor,' digging into themes of rebellion and nostalgia. It's a blend of tech, humor, and relatable anecdotes!
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Coté's Ashram Rice Cake Memory
- Coté shares a childhood memory of visiting an ashram with unflavored rice cakes and bland food, describing it as flavorless and reminiscent of cardboard.
- He connects this early experience to his current surprising fondness for rice cakes despite their blandness.
"It Is What It Is" Signals Resignation
- Uber's CEO's statement "it is what it is" signals a resignation about tough company decisions, implying acceptance rather than optimism.
- This phrase can harm company culture, as it suggests a lack of vision or drive to improve conditions.
Leadership "It Is What It Is" Impact
- Saying "it is what it is" as a leader signals the end of ambition and sparks a cultural shift to seeing work as just a job.
- It undermines motivation by conveying employees are interchangeable and the mission is no longer inspiring.
