Frontmatter Max Guernsey, III, Co-Author of Ready: Why Most Software Projects Fail and How to Fix It
Sep 26, 2025
Max Guernsey, III, a seasoned software veteran and co-founder of PradoCore, shares insights from his book on why most software projects fail. He discusses his unconventional learning journey and the traits that make elite engineers stand out. Max reveals the shocking issues he encountered during a stalled bank project, emphasizing that deeper process problems often block progress. He introduces RMF as a way to enhance project readiness without reverting to outdated methods, ultimately showcasing the benefits of preparedness in software delivery.
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Early Hands-On Learning Path
- Max learned programming by doing and left college after an internship at Rogue Wave Software.
- He followed hands-on projects instead of formal schooling, which shaped his career entry into professional development.
Intelligence Shapes Elite Teams
- Elite teams are defined by the intelligence distribution of their members, not just by practices.
- High collective IQ lets teams dissect problems and encapsulate variation effectively.
Environment Determines Developer Impact
- A high-functioning environment prevents waste and preserves developers' decision-making power.
- When organizations reward short-term visible work, they erode long-term value and demotivate skilled engineers.
