
Beyond Coding
Beyond Coding is a weekly podcast with conversations that go "beyond coding" in a fireside chat format.
Common topics are tech, entrepreneurship, and career journeys.
Authentic, informative and inspiring. That's the aim for each episode.
New episodes every Wednesday 🎙
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 41min
Can AI Really Replace Human Customer Support?
In this episode, Dennis de Reus, co-founder of Stellar and former Head of AI at ABN Amro, reveals how AI-driven voice technology is redefining customer interactions. We discuss practical experiences, real customer feedback, and the capabilities of AI compared to human support agents.Topics include:✅ How Stellar uses AI to improve customer support experiences.✅ Real-world scenarios where customers prefer AI over human interactions.✅ The strengths and limitations of AI in customer service.✅ Building a successful AI startup from the ground up.Discover where AI excels, where human interaction is still essential, and how technology is reshaping customer service. 🎧Connect with Dennis de Reus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisdereusFull episode on YouTube ▶️https://youtu.be/M_iqxMVB_vsBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

May 14, 2025 • 53min
Leadership, Burnout & Building Global Teams with Ray Bogman
Great leaders don’t manage—they inspire, coach, and build trust.In this episode, Ray Bogman (Head of Innovation at Alumio) shares his experience leading a global team of 75 people and discusses why traditional management doesn’t work in today’s diverse, remote-driven world. We dive into how empathy, psychological safety, and relationship-building are essential leadership tools that prevent burnout and create highly productive, happy teams.Topics covered:✅ Leading through empathy and coaching rather than traditional management.✅ Identifying and addressing burnout before it's too late.✅ Creating psychological safety in diverse and global teams.✅ Effective strategies for building trust and long-lasting relationships remotely.Whether you're currently leading a team or aspiring to, this episode provides practical guidance on how to lead with authenticity, empathy, and effectiveness. 🎧Connect with Ray Bogman:https://raybogman.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raybogmanFull episode on YouTube ▶️https://youtu.be/fm7nui9WUcQBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

May 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
What is Vibe Coding? The New Way Developers Build Software with Zowie Langdon
Zowie Langdon, a tech innovator and co-founder of Integrate.fyi, introduces the concept of vibe coding, a groundbreaking approach that enhances software development by integrating AI tools like GPT-4 and Claude. He shares his experiences in rapidly accelerating coding processes and experimenting freely. The discussion also touches on the evolving roles in development, the balance between risk and innovation, and the significance of collaboration in project development. Listeners are inspired to embrace the future of coding with AI support.

May 1, 2025 • 53min
Public Speaking, Networking & the Role of Architects with Bert-Jan Schrijver
Ever considered speaking at a tech conference but felt unsure or overwhelmed?In this episode, Bert-Jan Schrijver, CTO at OpenValue, shares invaluable insights on why public speaking is one of the most powerful ways developers can grow their careers, sharpen their skills, and expand their professional networks. Bert-Jan provides practical advice for overcoming common hurdles, selecting impactful talk topics, and explains the broader benefits of community involvement and knowledge sharing.What you'll learn:✅ Why public speaking accelerates career growth.✅ How to choose compelling conference topics and prepare talks effectively.✅ The surprising benefits of networking at industry events.✅ The evolving role of architects and the importance of communication skills in tech.✅ Strategies to overcome the fear of speaking in public.This episode is a must-listen for any tech professional looking to step up their career game through public speaking and community engagement. 🎧Connect with Bert-Jan Schrijver:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjschrijverBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

Apr 23, 2025 • 46min
Rust, Game Development & Career Growth with Stephan Dilly
Can learning Rust boost your software engineering career? Absolutely.In this episode, Stephan Dilly, Rust expert and seasoned game developer, discusses why Rust has quickly become a critical skill in the industry. He shares insights on Rust’s challenging learning curve, why it’s worth mastering, and how it positions you as a highly sought-after engineer. We also explore the world of game development, examining why Rust adoption in games is growing, yet still challenging.Key Takeaways:✅ How Rust can make you a better, more marketable software engineer✅ Why the game industry is uniquely challenging and rewarding✅ Rust’s potential in game development—and what’s holding it back✅ Leveraging open-source projects to advance your tech career✅ How side projects can give you a critical advantage in the job marketWhether you're an aspiring Rust programmer, curious about game development, or focused on career growth—Stephan’s insights offer clear, actionable advice for anyone in tech. 🎧Connect with Stephan Dilly:https://linkedin.com/in/stephandillyBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

Mar 16, 2025 • 1h
Why Your Org Chart is Breaking Your Software
Can bad team structures lead to bad software? The answer might surprise you.In this episode, André Borgonovo (Engineering Manager at GoodHabitz) joins me to discuss how team restructuring, Conway’s Law, and domain-driven design impact software development. We explore why engineering teams succeed or struggle based on how they’re structured—and what leaders can do to improve collaboration and efficiency.Key Topics:✅ How Conway’s Law affects software design in large companies.✅ The challenges of team restructuring & avoiding common pitfalls.✅ Why software complexity often reflects organizational complexity.✅ How to balance stable teams vs. adapting to business needs.✅ Lessons from real-world engineering leadership experiences.Whether you're a developer, engineering manager, or CTO, this episode provides valuable insights into building teams that actually work. 🎧Connect with André Borgonovo:https://linkedin.com/in/azborgonovoBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

8 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 45min
How to Stay Ahead as a Software Engineer - No Matter What Changes!
Top software engineers share secrets to staying relevant in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Mastering tools and adopting a mindset shift are key to adaptability. They discuss why incremental learning is essential and the growing role of AI, reassuring that it won’t replace skilled engineers. The conversation highlights balancing immediate work with continuous learning, the significance of effective communication, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Discover the underrated skills that elevate great engineers above the rest!

Feb 26, 2025 • 51min
How Elite Developers Think Differently (And How You Can Too)
What separates elite software engineers from the rest? It’s not just coding skills, it’s how they think, make decisions, and collaborate. In this episode, we dive deep into:🔥 The mindset shift that unlocks next-level engineering success🤝 How co-creation and transparency lead to better products🚀 Why top developers rethink roadmaps and challenge priorities🧠 The hidden power of A/B testing in decision-making📈 How to influence without authority and actually drive changeYou’ll walk away with actionable insights to level up your career—whether you're a junior dev or a seasoned engineer.Connect with Fardjad:https://www.fardjad.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fardjadFull episode on YouTube ▶️https://youtu.be/R31bfG0jYfABeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

Feb 20, 2025 • 49min
Breaking Into Tech Changed Everything. This Is Why | With Ornella Friggit-Konaté
Many think breaking into tech is just about learning to code—but the reality is far more complex. In this episode, I sit down with Ornella to dive into the unexpected lessons she learned from transitioning into tech. We talk about why mindset matters as much as technical skills, the power of feedback in career growth, and the surprising truths about working in diverse teams.🎧 Tune in to hear their journey—and what you can take away from it.Connect with Ornella:https://ornella.xyzhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ornellafFull episode on YouTube ▶️https://youtu.be/i_vXItYgsZcBeyond Coding Podcast with 🎙Patrick AkilPowered by Xebia!!

Feb 12, 2025 • 48min
Tech Leadership Hiring Secrets for Career Growth and Balance with John Müller
John Müller, IT lead at ING and a specialist in tech leadership hiring, shares his insights on navigating the tech career landscape. He discusses essential hiring strategies to attract the right leadership talent, emphasizing the balance between technical skills and team fit. John also highlights practical tips for maintaining work-life balance to prevent burnout and achieve career satisfaction. He sheds light on the emotional complexities of leadership, urging a focus on personal fulfillment alongside professional growth.