
Adam Jacob
Entrepreneur and software developer, known for his work on Chef and System Initiative. Passionate about automation and building tools that empower developers.
Top 10 podcasts with Adam Jacob
Ranked by the Snipd community

36 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 1h 28min
Rebuilding DevOps from the ground up (Interview)
In this engaging discussion, Adam Jacob, Co-founder and CEO of System Initiative, unveils his ambitious vision to reshape DevOps with an intelligent automation platform. He talks about the transformative power tool designed for building interactive simulations of infrastructure. Highlights include the evolution of DevOps since 2009, the need for innovative strategies, and the importance of community engagement. Adam also delves into software licensing in open source and the thrilling potential of collaborative cloud-based development.

26 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 43min
Story: Configuring Identity: Adam Jacob and the Search for Self in Software
Adam Jacob, Creator of Chef and former startup CEO battles self-doubt and finds his footing as a leader. He shares his identity crisis as a sysadmin turned CEO, the motivational speech that left him in tears, and the challenges faced by sysadmins. The podcast explores the success and challenges of Chef, the importance of vision and commitment in startups, and the growth and confidence that comes with becoming a professional in the field.

24 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 23min
Shootout at the CNCF Corral
Rachel Stephens, an analyst at RedMonk, and Adam Jacob, co-founder of Chef and venture partner at System Initiative, share their insights on the recent turmoil in the open-source landscape. They discuss the implications of the NATS trademark controversy and its impact on the CNCF. The conversation blends humor with critiques of project governance and financial scrutiny within industry consortia. Additionally, they reflect on the balance between community autonomy and foundation authority amidst trademark disputes, shedding light on the future of open-source collaboration.

19 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 40min
Open Source and Capitalism with Ashley Williams and Adam Jacob
Ashley Williams and Adam Jacob discuss various topics including open source anti-patterns, the fate of companies like Heroku and HashiCorp, open source as a tool for manipulating competition, challenges of open source monetization, and building sustainable businesses with open source software.

15 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 31min
Writing Code About Your Infrastructure? That's a Losing Race
Adam Jacob, Co-founder and CEO of System Initiative, dives into the future of enterprise automation. He discusses the shift from writing code to building models for quick simulations, likening it to Formula One racing for optimization. The conversation highlights how this approach enhances collaboration among engineers and simplifies complex tasks. Adam also touches on the role of digital twins in model accuracy and emphasizes the importance of evolving organizational culture to leverage these technologies effectively.

13 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 2h 23min
From Chef to System Initiative (remastered) (Interview)
Adam Jacob, an entrepreneur and software developer famous for creating Chef, shares his extraordinary journey from a young SysAdmin to launching System Initiative. He dives into the challenges of developer tools, especially around GitHub Actions, and the significance of open source in his life. Reflecting on the tech nostalgia of the early internet, he discusses the evolution of cloud computing and the ethical considerations in AI. The conversation weaves through innovation in coding tools, personal growth in leadership, and the future of user experience in software development.

12 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 2h 23min
From Chef to System Initiative (remastered) (Changelog Interviews #655)
Adam Jacob, founder of Chef and System Initiative, dives deep into his tech journey from an 8-year-old SysAdmin to launching the innovative Opscode. He shares insights on the transformative power of Linux and open source, reflecting on both personal anecdotes and industry evolution. The discussion also highlights the impact of AI on coding, touches on leadership dynamics, and explores the emotional aspects of tech communities. Jacob’s journey illustrates resilience, collaboration, and the ever-changing landscape of software development.

11 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 2h 23min
From Chef to System Initiative (remastered)
In this engaging discussion, Adam Jacob—entrepreneur and co-founder of System Initiative, known for his work with Chef—reminisces about his tech journey. He shares nostalgic tales from his early days as a SysAdmin and the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for open source. Jacob highlights the evolution of cloud and edge computing, and the innovative shift towards identity management in AI. He also reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of community in tech, and his transition from culinary arts to DevOps.

6 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 36min
Kubernetes is an anti-platform
In this engaging discussion, Adam Jacob, a veteran from Changelog, shares his optimistic vision for the future of infrastructure. He critiques the complexities of Kubernetes while emphasizing the need for innovation in cloud deployment. The conversation touches on the importance of reclaiming developer identity beyond specific technologies and highlights simpler alternatives like Fly.io. With a keen eye on emerging roles in tech, Jacob encourages listeners to embrace collaboration and pursue innovative projects in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

6 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 43min
The ol' hot & juicy (Friends)
Adam Jacob, founder of System Initiative and an open source expert, returns to tackle the latest drama where open source meets business. He discusses the implications of IBM acquiring HashiCorp and the ethical dilemmas it raises in the tech community. The conversation dives into the challenges of sustainable business models for open source projects and the complex dynamics of pricing strategies. Jacob also shares insights on enhancing developer workflows and emphasizes the need for collaboration and community ethics in the evolving tech landscape.