Dave Anderson, a former Engineering Manager and Director at Amazon, offers a fascinating insider's perspective on the tech giant's engineering culture. He discusses the rigorous hiring processes, the role of bar raisers, and the unique promotion paths for software engineers. Dave elaborates on Amazon's extreme frugality and how teams enjoy significant autonomy in choosing their technology stacks. He also shares insights on navigating performance evaluations and maintaining strong relationships with managers, all while reflecting on his transition to writing creatively after retirement.