Coding Chats

Coding Chats episode 48 - John Crickett and Gilad Naor explore the differences between working at startups and big tech companies, discussing the pros and cons of each environment. They delve into career growth, the importance of mentorship, and the balance between specialization and generalization in tech careers. The discussion also covers the management track versus individual contributor roles, the role of managers in creating positive change, and the significance of interview preparation. Additionally, they highlight the value of side projects and the necessity for managers to build empathy through understanding various roles within their organizations. The conversation concludes with advice on taking ownership of one's career and the importance of continuous personal development.Chapters00:00 Startups vs. Big Tech: A Comparative Overview03:19 Navigating Career Growth in Tech06:08 The Reality of Big Tech Work09:06 Specialization vs. Generalization in Tech Careers11:39 The Management Track: Leadership vs. Management14:28 Creating Positive Change as a Manager17:14 Interview Preparation for Managers20:33 Choosing the Right Stories for Interviews26:59 Navigating Conflict in Technical Leadership29:12 Addressing Gaps in Management Experience32:15 Interview Strategies for Senior Roles35:17 Demonstrating Depth of Experience in Interviews38:52 The Role of Side Projects in Personal Development42:02 The Importance of Technical Empathy in Management47:32 Taking Ownership of Your CareerGilad's Links:Gilad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giladnaorGilad's Website: https://managementdeltas.com/ John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysWorking at startups allows for a broader range of experiences.Big tech offers more mentorship opportunities for career growth.The term 'startup' can encompass a wide range of company sizes and structures.Career growth in tech often requires navigating internal mobility.Specialization can provide a competitive advantage in tech careers.Management and leadership are distinct roles that require different skill sets.Interview preparation is crucial for both managers and individual contributors.Building empathy as a manager involves understanding various roles in the organization.Side projects can help maintain technical skills and foster personal development.Taking ownership of your career is essential for success.

Coding Chats episode 47 - Warren Beazley shares his extensive experience in recruiting CTOs and outlines a five-step process designed to help tech leaders navigate the job market effectively. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's value proposition, building a strong network, creating engaging content, and actively engaging with potential employers. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by traditional job searching methods and the impact of AI on recruitment, while offering practical strategies for candidates to stand out in a competitive landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Five-Step Process10:53 Understanding the Job Market Dynamics19:08 The Importance of Value Proposition27:57 Building Your Network Effectively36:17 Creating Engaging Content on LinkedIn42:46 Leveraging Personal Experiences for Content Creation45:32 The Importance of Storytelling in Professional Growth48:20 Detailing Achievements for Interviews50:12 Building a Library of Personal Stories52:49 Understanding LinkedIn's Algorithm and Engagement54:26 Ethical Stalking: Engaging with New Connections58:16 The Power of Meaningful Comments01:00:50 Recap of Five Steps for LinkedIn Success01:03:39 Transforming Your LinkedIn Profile into a Landing Page01:08:04 Creating Value Through Content and NetworkingJohn's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysThe traditional job search process is broken and needs a new approach.Understanding your value proposition is crucial for job seekers.Networking is essential; aim to connect with relevant individuals daily.Quality content creation is more important than quantity.Engaging with your network can lead to new opportunities.AI screening tools often miss qualified candidates due to keyword matching.Your LinkedIn profile should serve as a landing page, not just a CV.Consistency in posting content on LinkedIn can enhance visibility.Building relationships through meaningful comments is key to networking.Candidates should view themselves as a solution to potential employers' problems.

Coding Chats episode 46 - John Crickett and Fernando Villalba delve into the concept of Developer Experience (DevEx) and its significance in software engineering. They discuss how optimizing for flow state can enhance productivity, the importance of effective tooling, and the role of a supportive work environment. The conversation also touches on team dynamics, the necessity of regular retrospectives, and the impact of meetings on developer flow. Ultimately, they emphasize that improving developer experience is not just beneficial for developers but is also a strategic advantage for companies.Chapters00:00 Understanding Developer Experience03:14 Optimizing for Flow State in Development05:56 The Importance of Tooling in Developer Experience08:36 Creating a Supportive Work Environment11:34 The Role of Developer Experience in Team Dynamics14:10 The Business Case for Investing in Developer Experience16:53 Improving Team Retrospectives for Better Developer Experience26:56 The Role of Daily Standups in Agile Teams32:36 Effective Meeting Practices and Rituals36:26 Understanding Scrum and Its Misinterpretations42:50 Optimizing Developer Experience for Flow StateFernando's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nandoit/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysGreat developer experience is about how easy it is for developers to get into a flow state.Optimizing for flow state can lead to better productivity and code quality.Tooling should allow developers to perform tasks in the least number of steps possible.A well-structured office environment can enhance developer focus and reduce distractions.Companies should invest in their developers' experience to improve overall output and satisfaction.Team dynamics and communication significantly impact developer experience.Regular retrospectives can help teams identify and eliminate friction points.Meetings should be purposeful and well-structured to avoid wasting time.Adapting methodologies to fit the team's needs is crucial for success.Creating a culture of care and support can enhance developer engagement.

Coding Chats episode 45 - Guy Allen and John Crickett discuss the dynamics between software engineers, hiring managers, and recruiters and how they can work together to recruit the best software engineers. They explore effective strategies for collaboration, the importance of clear communication, and the impact of recruitment models on candidate experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for engagement, the significance of tailored job specifications, and the value of building long-term relationships with recruiters. Additionally, they touch on the role of AI in recruitment and the necessity of maintaining a human touch in the hiring process.Chapters00:28 How hiring managers can work effectively with recruiters10:37 What else can a hiring manager do to work effectively with a recruiter?17:39 How important is a clear job spec and sharing details with the recruiter?Guy's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/futura-talent/https://futura-talent.com/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysSoftware engineers should engage actively with recruiters.Hiring managers need to provide clear job specifications.More recruiters do not guarantee better results.Building relationships with recruiters is essential.Engagement leads to better candidate experiences.Quality over quantity in job applications is crucial.Clear communication improves recruitment outcomes.Understanding different recruitment models is important.Human interaction enhances the recruitment process.AI should not replace the human element in hiring.

Coding Chats episode 44 - Joe Woodhouse shares his unique journey from software to non-executive director roles, emphasizing the importance of building skills, networking, and understanding board dynamics. He discusses the concept of 'luck surface area' and how being open to opportunities can lead to success. Joe highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the value of experience in non-profit boards. He also addresses the role of training and education in career advancement and the importance of diversity in board composition.Chapters00:00 Developing Skills for Non-Executive Roles04:50 The Role of Non-Executive Directors05:33 Luck Surface Area: Creating Opportunities10:50 Understanding Cash Flow in Decision Making16:27 The Value of an MBA in Business Understanding19:51 Understanding Reputational Damage in Security20:21 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Business21:34 Engagement in Community Projects22:42 Diversity in Perspectives and Decision Making24:22 Conflict Resolution in Community Committees24:54 Financial Planning and Resource Allocation27:45 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society28:42 Profitability in Not-for-Profit Organizations30:30 Emotional Decision Making in Business32:09 The Journey to Board Membership33:07 The Value of Experience Over Formal Training34:07 The Industry of Self-Help and Career Advancement36:30 The Path to Board Roles41:09 The Importance of Volunteer Experience43:51 Big Tech's Perspective on Board Experience45:57 Influence vs Authority in Leadership49:26 Diversity and the Wisdom of Crowds52:08 The Value of Soft Skills in Business53:07 Encouragement to Volunteer and EngageJoe's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouseengineer/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysJoe Woodhouse's journey showcases a unique path to non-executive roles.Building skills for board positions requires deliberate effort and experience.The concept of 'luck surface area' emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities.Networking and curiosity are key to creating professional connections.Understanding board dynamics is crucial for effective decision-making.Non-executive directors play a vital role in governance and strategy.Cash flow considerations are essential in business decision-making.Experience in non-profit boards can provide valuable insights and skills.Emotional intelligence is critical for influencing and leading teams.Diversity in board composition enhances decision-making and innovation.

Coding Chats episode 43 - Guy Allen and John Crickett discuss how software engineers can effectively work with recruiters to find a job. They explore the importance of building relationships, understanding different types of recruiters, crafting an effective CV, leveraging AI in job applications, and maximizing LinkedIn for job searches. The discussion emphasizes empathy, visibility, and the need for clear communication in the recruitment process.Chapters00:00 Building Relationships with Recruiters04:22 Understanding Different Types of Recruiters12:13 Crafting an Effective CV19:45 The Role of AI in Job Applications21:49 Leveraging LinkedIn for Job SearchGuy's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/company/futura-talent/https://futura-talent.com/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysBuilding relationships with recruiters is crucial for candidates.Candidates should follow up on applications to stand out.Empathy towards recruiters can improve communication.Tailor applications for different types of recruiters.Providing clear context in CVs is essential.Candidates should highlight their achievements and impact.AI can assist in job applications if used wisely.A detailed LinkedIn profile increases visibility to recruiters.Networking on LinkedIn can enhance job search opportunities.Understanding the recruitment market dynamics is important.

Coding Chats episode 42 - Joe Woodhouse shares his journey with John Crickett - from a young software enthusiast to a non-executive director. He discusses the importance of customer engagement in software development, the balance between customer needs and technical solutions, and how he navigated his career without traditional management titles. Joe emphasizes the value of diversity in boards and the 'jobs to be done' theory, illustrating how understanding the underlying needs of customers can lead to better solutions and business outcomes.Chapters00:00 Journey into Software Development05:55 Customer-Facing Roles and Solution Architecture11:56 Soft Skills in Tech17:52 Transitioning to Non-Executive Director37:36 The Impact of Diversity on Board Performance41:44 Disagree and Commit: A Misunderstood Concept47:09 The Importance of Being Heard and Understood52:56 Building Trust Through AuthenticityJoe's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouseengineer/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysJoe's passion for software began in primary school.He transitioned from individual contributor to non-executive director through diverse experiences.Customer engagement is crucial for effective software solutions.Balancing customer needs with technical capabilities is essential.Management roles are not the only path to leadership.Diversity in boards can enhance company performance.Understanding the 'jobs to be done' theory is vital for effective sales and marketing.Soft skills are critical for success in technical roles.Curiosity and understanding others can lead to better collaboration.Disagreeing constructively can foster innovation and trust.

Coding Chats episode 41 - Julianna Messineo shares her journey with John Crickett, from being a math teacher to transitioning into the tech industry, particularly focusing on educational technology (EdTech). She discusses her experiences with various educational software, the challenges she faced in the job market, and the importance of building projects to enhance her skills. Julianna also emphasizes the significance of networking and personal branding in her job search, as well as the role of AI and podcasts in her learning process. The conversation concludes with Julianna's aspirations for the future and her ongoing projects.Chapters00:00 Introduction to EdTech and Personal Journey03:17 Challenges in Educational Software and UX06:02 Transition from Teaching to Tech08:40 Navigating the Job Market in Tech11:11 Building Projects and Learning by Doing13:47 Networking and Community Engagement in EdTech20:48 Building Connections and Networking22:45 The Importance of Personal Branding25:09 Learning Through Projects27:15 Utilizing Podcasts for Learning29:24 The Role of AI in Learning33:00 Exploring Coding Challenges and ProjectsJulianna's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-messineo/John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysEdTech encompasses a wide range of educational technologies.User experience (UX) in educational software is often lacking.Transitioning from teaching to tech can be challenging due to job market conditions.Building projects is a crucial part of learning software development.Networking and personal branding are essential for job seekers in tech.Podcasts can be a valuable resource for learning on the go.AI can assist in coding but requires critical evaluation of suggestions.The job market for junior developers is currently very competitive.Creating educational tools can help bridge the gap in learning.Engaging with the community can lead to job opportunities.

David Weiss, a former Spanish teacher turned software engineer, shares his inspiring journey and emphasizes how educators bring valuable skills to tech. He discusses the significance of personal branding in the industry, offering insights into navigating the job market. David highlights the challenges of building SaaS applications and validates the importance of user feedback. He also introduces 'Build to Give,' an initiative connecting early career tech professionals with nonprofits, enhancing their skills while making a positive impact.

Coding Chats episode 39 - Tom Elliott discusses his startup - Ocuroot - which aims to simplify the developer experience by automating the management of complex production environments. He shares insights on the challenges faced by software engineers, the importance of customer feedback, and the lessons learned during his journey as a founder. Tom also delves into the competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and the technical aspects of building Ocuroot, including his tech stack and the complexities of implementing features like dark mode.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocuroot: The Startup Journey03:10 The Developer Experience: Automating Complex Environments06:15 Navigating Competition: Positioning Ocuroot in the Market08:49 Lessons Learned: Insights from a Year as a Founder11:57 Customer Conversations: Validating Business Ideas14:35 Understanding CI/CD Challenges in Enterprises17:10 Regulatory Complexities: The Impact on Software Development20:05 Bridging the Gap: Communication Between Tech and Business22:58 Engaging with Customers for Better Solutions26:33 Simplifying Complex Use Cases28:12 Avoiding Overengineering in Product Development32:26 Balancing Building and Marketing34:26 Tech Stack and Development Insights38:34 The Challenges of Dark Mode40:57 Future Plans for OcurootTom's Links:Ocuroot: https://www.ocuroot.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telliott1984/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/telliott.meSubstack: https://thefridaydeploy.substack.comJohn's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.socialCheck out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.TakeawaysOcuroot aims to automate the management of production environments.The developer experience is a key focus for Ocuroot.Customer feedback is crucial for validating business ideas.Not all companies face the same challenges with CI/CD.Regulatory requirements can complicate software deployment.Building a simple tool can be more effective than over-engineering.Engaging engineers with customers can lead to valuable insights.Dark mode implementation can be complex and time-consuming.A strong tech stack is essential for startup success.Continuous learning is vital for founders.