Distributed.
How former Apple and Google senior engineer thinks about code quality & remote work with Mike Bland
Mar 27, 2025
Mike Bland, a Developer Experience Platform Architect at EngFlow with a rich background at Google and Apple, shares his insights on forging effective remote work cultures. He discusses the grassroots origins of Google's Testing Grouplet and the quality culture initiative from Apple, revealing how these experiences inform his strategies today. Mike emphasizes the critical role of intentional communication and the power of trust within distributed teams. He also highlights the challenges of balancing autonomy and collaboration in remote environments.
46:58
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Quick takeaways
- Fostering grassroots initiatives and intentional communication is crucial for building trust and collaboration in remote teams.
- Adapting quality culture practices from previous organizations requires understanding unique workplace dynamics to drive effective change.
Deep dives
Embracing Remote Work Adaptation
Transitioning from traditional office settings to remote work presents unique challenges, such as feelings of isolation and uncertainty about productivity. Individuals often grapple with the question of whether they miss out on collaborative opportunities that naturally occur in physical office environments. The podcast highlights personal reflections on how some workers might feel bored or unproductive when alone at home, especially after completing their tasks without the social interactions that come from being physically present with colleagues. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that integrates both remote and social aspects of work.
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