What It's Like To Be...

Tracing mysterious errors to their source, jousting with product managers, and rolling out new features (without breaking the old ones) with Taylor Hughes, a software engineer. How did one failed software fix ruin Christmas for kids around the country? And what is "spaghetti code"?Taylor is currently a co-founder and the CTO at Hypernatural.ai.NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I’ve written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I’ve got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What’s Not Working. It’s a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We’ll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What’s a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

Mediating pickleball noise disputes, shepherding communities through thorny decisions, and practicing radical pragmatism with Martha Bennett, city manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon. What is it that makes public hearings so noxious? And what's the difference between "Big P" and "Little P" politics? NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I’ve written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I’ve got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What’s Not Working. It’s a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We’ll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What’s a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

Join seasoned barman Brian Wynn, who has spent three decades in Dublin's pub scene, as he shares engaging stories from behind the bar. From mastering the art of bartending to creating a lively atmosphere, Brian dives into the nuances of customer interactions and the culture of 'craic' that defines Irish pubs. Hear about the hilariously bizarre moment a customer threw a dog at him and discover the adrenaline rush of navigating busy nights. Brian's insights reveal the interconnectedness of community and camaraderie within the bar world.

Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a pioneering brain surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, shares his inspiring journey from migrant farm worker to neurosurgeon, as detailed in his book, "Becoming Dr. Q." He reveals the intricate preparation that goes into performing surgeries, likening the operating room to a symphony where teamwork is crucial. Dr. Q discusses the emotional weight of life-or-death decisions, advancements in brain surgery, and how family influences shaped his career. His insights highlight the delicate balance between personal life and the demands of surgery.

Chris Chowda Hill, the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, shares riveting insights from his naval career. He delves into the unique culture of Navy aviators, including the fun and personal process of assigning call signs. Hill discusses the strategic advantages of aircraft carriers and the intense operational pressures pilots face. He emphasizes the crucial role of morale in leadership, detailing how effective communication and compassion can inspire crew performance, especially during challenging deployments.

Brenda Hawkins, a dedicated daycare owner from Maryland with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights into the world of early childhood education. She discusses the evolution of childcare, the importance of playful learning, and the bonds formed with children. Brenda humorously tackles the 'dope and drop' stereotype and recounts transformative experiences with kids, from meltdowns to joyful moments. Her passion for creating a nurturing environment shines through as she reflects on building trust with families and the challenges of maintaining care amidst health outbreaks.

Sean Pratt, an experienced audiobook narrator with over 1,200 titles to his name, shares fascinating insights into the art of storytelling. He discusses the unique challenges of perfecting accents and character voices, while illustrating the emotional nuances required for captivating performances. Sean also highlights the impact of AI on narration and the personal struggles narrators face with ambient noise. His tips for aspiring narrators cover the importance of preparation and the often-overlooked logistical hurdles in this creative profession.

Discover powerful insights on leveraging change with actionable goal-setting strategies. Experience a relatable tale of misguided customer feedback at a dealership, revealing the flaws in prioritizing metrics over service. Dive into unique approaches to wellness, highlighting the humorous journey of an Australian mother. Uncover the 'miracle question' technique to enrich family and professional relationships. Explore transformative goals through the lens of veterans benefiting from simplified processes, showcasing the power of thoughtful decision-making.

In this engaging conversation, John Lamberti, a dedicated homicide detective from the LAPD known for his work on cold cases and crime dramas, shares riveting insights from his career. He discusses the emotional toll of delivering devastating news to families and the challenges of tracking down suspects. Lamberti reveals how technology has transformed homicide investigations, especially in solving old cases. He even highlights unique terminologies like '415' and emphasizes the delicate balance between personal life and the demanding world of law enforcement.

Alan Bass, a third-generation distributor at Stevens International, shares insights from his family's toy and hobby business. He discusses the intricate logistics of forecasting demand for 40,000 products and overcoming customs challenges. Discover why small shops rely on distributors instead of direct orders from factories. Alan reflects on nostalgic moments when he realized his childhood toys were marketing samples, along with the importance of relationships built over generations in the industry. He also touches on adaptations made during the pandemic.