
Coding Chats
On Coding Chats, John Crickett interviews software engineers of all levels from junior to CTO. He encourages the guests to share the stories of the challenges they have faced in their role and the strategies and tactics they have used to overcome those challenges providing actionable insights other software engineers can use to accelerate their careers.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 47min
Building HPC software with CUDA
Coding Chats episode 26 - John Crickett talks to Dennis Kennetz about:the world of High Performance Computing (HPC), exploring its definition, differences from traditional development, and the significance of batch scheduling. They discuss the role of CUDA and GPUs in enhancing computational efficiency, the challenges of data movement, and the importance of correctness in software development. The conversation also highlights the balance between developer time and compute time, emphasizing the need for effective resource management in HPC applications. Finally, they provide insights into resources for learning more about HPC and CUDA programming.Dennis's Links:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-kennetz/Newsletter - https://substack.com/@dkennetzGithub with CUDA Examples - https://github.com/drkennetz/cuda_examplesJohn'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.

Apr 17, 2025 • 51min
Using your network and posting on LinkedIn to find a job and the impact of AI on software engineers
Coding Chats episode 25 - Eric Mariasis and John Crickett discuss the challenges faced by individuals entering the software engineering field, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. He highlights the significance of networking, building genuine relationships, and leveraging past interview experiences for future opportunities. Eric also shares insights on the value of sharing knowledge on platforms like LinkedIn, the benefits of freelancing, and the role of mentorship in career development. The discussion touches on the impact of AI on job roles and the future of work, particularly in the context of remote collaboration.GUEST's Links:Eric's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/careercodeproEric's Substack - https://substack.com/@ericmariasis1?r=5h4vvxEric's Website - https://careercodepro.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.

Apr 10, 2025 • 7min
How to create your own luck as a software engineer to get more job opportunities or promotions
Coding Chats episode 24 - how do you create your own luck so you get more job opportunities and promotion opportunities as a software engineer? In this episode John discusses how software engineers can create their own luck in their careers. He introduces the concept of 'luck surface area,' which suggests that the more passionate and active you are in your field, the more opportunities will arise. He emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, sharing expertise, and networking to enhance career growth and seize serendipitous opportunities.TakeawaysYou can create your own luck as a software engineer. The amount of serendipity is directly proportional to your passion and communication. Luck is equal to doing multiplied by telling. Building a personal brand is essential for career growth. Engaging with your audience can clarify your thoughts and improve your skills.Networking both online and offline increases your luck surface area.Sharing original content can resonate with your audience and create opportunities.Internal communication within your organization can promote your personal brand.Maintaining relationships with knowledgeable individuals raises your own expertise.Documenting achievements helps in career advancement and job applications.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.socialNewsletters:Check 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.

Apr 3, 2025 • 52min
Transitioning to tech leadership and the importance of soft skills for software engineers
Coding Chats Episode 23 - Anemari Fiser and John Crickett explore the software engineering mindset, the importance of asking questions, the differences between consultancy and product companies, the significance of soft skills in tech, and the challenges of making work visible. The Engineering Mindset: An Overview The Importance of Asking Questions Consultancy vs. Product Companies: A Comparative Insight The Transition from Technical to Non-Technical Roles Building High-Performing Teams: The Role of Leadership Navigating the Challenges of Leadership Transitions Visibility and Impact in Work Navigating Career Paths: IC vs Management The Importance of Soft Skills Coaching vs Mentoring: Finding Your Path Developing Soft Skills: Starting Points and Strategies Courage to Change: Adapting to New EnvironmentsAnemari's Links:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anemari-fiser/O’Reilly book - Leveling Up as a Tech Lead (Early release version) - https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/leveling-up-as/9781098177508O’Reilly online course - Soft Skills for Tech Leads - https://learning.oreilly.com/course/soft-skills-for/0642572043995/Level up as a Tech Lead Newsletter - https://anemarifiser.substack.comCoaching 1-1 - https://anemarifiser.substack.com/p/1-1-coachingJohn'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.

Mar 27, 2025 • 41min
How to find a software engineering job by using LinkedIn to network with hiring managers.
Coding Chats Episode 22 - John talks to Anna Miller about: finding a job as a software engineer and how you can use LinkedIn to network with hiring managers treating your job hunt and career like a business using data to identify and overcome the bottlenecks to finding your next role overcoming the fear of rejection- creating an effective LinkedIn profileAnna's Links:https://tinyurl.com/ccm-trainingJohn'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.

Mar 20, 2025 • 60min
Mentoring, learning multiple programming languages, multiple databases and advent of code.
Coding Chats episode 21 - John talks to Arnab Deka about: the benefits of mentoring in software engineering learning multiple programming languages learning multiple databases doing advent of code in a different programming language each yearArnab's Links:Metacast App - https://metacast.app/Arnab's Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/arnab.metacast.appJohn'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.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
The impact of AI on Software Engineering, writing courses, testing software and big tech vs startups
Coding Chats episode 20 - John talks to James Willett about the impact of AI on Software Engineering, his experience working in big tech and the lessons he's learned creating courses about software engineering and testing. Links:James's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@james-willettJames's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willettjames/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.

Mar 6, 2025 • 55min
Learn how to grow beyond Senior Software Engineer and thrive in an engineering leadership role
Coding Chats episode 19 - John talks to Gregor Ojstersek about how software engineers can become great engineering leaders. Topics covered include:- How to build credibility in the engineering industry- How to let your manager know about your goals and aspirations- How to keep a brag list of all the wins that you achieve- How to become the go-to person or considered an expert in a certain engineering domain- How to manage up as an engineer- How to become a team player and a great engineer to work with- How to become business and product-minded engineer- Real world examples on how Gregor and others have grew from engineers to lead rolesLinks:Gregor's Twitter: https://x.com/gregorojstersekGregor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorojstersek/Gregor's newsletter: https://newsletter.eng-leadership.com/Gregor's course: https://maven.com/gregor-ojstersek/senior-engineer-to-leadJohn'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.

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
How to prepare for and ace behavioural interviews with Austen McDonald
Coding Chats episode 18 - John talks to Austen McDonald about behavioural interviews with actionable tips for software engineers to apply in a job interview both at FAANG and other organisations. Links:Austen's newsletter: https://thebehavioral.substack.com/Austen's behavioral interview sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wSAVK3926jRLd8aWMIx_nadqdm9Yy9ecu93kBdty2Fw/edit?gid=0#gid=0Austen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austenmc/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.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
Cloud servers, personal branding and soft skills for software engineers with Pedro Gil Carvalho
Coding Chats Episode 17 - John talks to Pedro Gil Carvalho about cloud servers, personal branding and soft skills for software engineers. Links:Pedro's links:https://pedrogilcarvalho.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrogilcarvalhoJohn's LinkedIn: / johncrickett John’s YouTube: / @johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett...Check 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.