Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche take a deep dive into one of the most uncomfortable—but—essential parts of being a developer: developer feedback. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, they revisit their past topics and uncover new insights on how feedback, communication, and mindset shape stronger, more collaborative developers. AI's Perspective: Developer Feedback as a Growth Tool Rob kicks off the episode by sharing how they asked ChatGPT to structure a show around developer feedback. The AI delivered a simple but powerful reminder: Feedback isn't criticism. It's a tool for growth. Key Takeaway: "Professionals seek feedback. Amateurs avoid it." By reframing feedback as data rather than a personal critique, developers can use it to refine their skills, just as they would when debugging their code. Rob emphasizes that real-time, in-person code reviews often reveal more than written comments. They provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-training, and discovering undocumented project details. Creating a Safe Space for Developer Feedback Michael reminds listeners that developer feedback works best in a safe and collaborative environment. Taking a breath before reacting allows you to absorb feedback objectively. Pro Tip: Treat feedback as input to improve — not a personal attack. However, Michael cautions against over-relying on constant feedback. While it's essential for growth, too much can erode confidence. Effective developers seek feedback purposefully and filter out noise. Code Reviews: The Most Overlooked Feedback Tool Both hosts stress the value of regular code reviews as an essential form of developer feedback: They catch errors early Enforce coding standards Reduce duplication and dead code Provide cross-training for the team Michael's Advice: "If your code changes are too big to review efficiently, your process needs adjusting." Regular, focused code reviews keep teams aligned, enhance code quality, and enable developers to learn from one another. Beyond Code: Communicating with Non-Developers Rob reminds us that actual growth comes not just from technical feedback but from communicating effectively with non-developers. Whether it's labeling input fields clearly or translating technical issues for business stakeholders, every interaction shapes project success. Developer Feedback in Action: Understanding your users' language makes your product better — and prevents avoidable frustration. How to Process Developer Feedback Without Ego The hardest part of handling developer feedback? Managing your emotions. Rob and Michael outline how to stay grounded: Don't react — review, digest, reflect Ask clarifying questions without defensiveness Look for patterns across multiple feedback sources By approaching feedback with curiosity rather than ego, developers grow faster and foster stronger teams. Final Thoughts: Winning Through Listening Rob closes with timeless advice: "The person who talks the least in a meeting often wins." Listening more — to peers, customers, and users — leads to better feedback, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger products. Developer Feedback may be uncomfortable, but it remains one of the fastest, most effective ways to grow as a developer. Combined with AI tools, code reviews, and intentional communication, feedback turns everyday frustrations into long-term success. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Breaking into freelancing can be daunting, but winning your first project is crucial. Shift your mindset from coder to problem-solver for clients. Specializing in areas you excel at, like web development or automation, can boost your success. Start with simple solutions like landing pages or bug fixes. Emphasize client relationships and choose projects that align with your strengths. Establishing a customer-centric approach is essential for long-term success as a self-employed developer.

Exploring the significance of updating developer tools, the hosts highlight how outdated technology can hamper efficiency and profitability. They discuss key warning signs indicating it's time for an upgrade, like frequent crashes and poor integration. Emphasizing the benefits of modern integrated development environments, they advocate for experimentation with new tools. The conversation also touches on balancing innovation with stability, cautioning against potential pitfalls of AI integration in development. Valuable insights on improving collaboration and performance make this a must-listen!

Explore how AI-driven insights can elevate collaboration in software development. Discover the importance of defining efficiency not just by speed but by value, reducing miscommunication and technical debt. Solo developers also benefit from structured collaboration with their tools, automation, and meaningful code commits. Learn how Agile methodology can enhance team communication and tackle challenges like testing paralysis, ensuring a more focused and productive environment for developers.

Explore the intricate world of software methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and DevOps. The hosts dive into the complexity developers face when switching between these techniques, emphasizing the mental toll of context switching. They discuss how misaligned expectations can hinder productivity and highlight the need for effective tools to facilitate transition. Prioritizing project goals takes center stage, along with the role of AI in streamlining project management and maintaining clarity amidst shifting dynamics.

In this discussion, the hosts highlight the critical difference between motion and progress in software development. They examine how teams often focus on fixing symptoms rather than addressing root causes, leading to wasted effort and technical debt. Insights on prioritizing the Minimum Viable Product reveal the essential balance between features and user needs. The importance of Agile methodologies is emphasized for effective problem-solving, along with the art of thoughtful planning and collaboration to enhance project outcomes.

Explore the powerful shift from coding to developing by embracing problem-solving mindsets. Discover how understanding business value transforms project outcomes and enhances communication. Learn the significance of defining requirements upfront to avoid pitfalls. Delve into various software development approaches and the role of user acceptance testing. Hear insights on collaboration, the importance of embracing constraints for creativity, and the continuous cycle of debugging as a path to improvement.

A new season explores how AI can revolutionize the development journey. The hosts embrace AI as a collaborative tool, using ChatGPT to brainstorm topics that resonate with mid-level developers. They discuss practical tips for effectively engaging with AI, ensuring it's accessible and user-friendly. The conversation also highlights the importance of using AI responsibly in coding, validating outputs, and treating suggestions with caution. Expect insightful discussions around AI's role in enhancing developer skills and making tech more fun!

Building better businesses is the focus of this season of the Building Better Developers podcast. As the show wraps up, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche reflect on what it truly takes to grow and sustain a successful business. With episodes packed full of real-world advice, the season offered an honest look at the balance between managing operations and planning for long-term growth. Whether you're running a startup or scaling a consulting firm, the challenges discussed this season are highly relatable, and the insights are actionable. Smart Strategies for Building Better Businesses This season delivered a broad spectrum of ideas—from improving customer support systems to deciding when to hire or outsource. Rob and Michael emphasized both short-term wins and longer-term initiatives that can set a business on a more sustainable path. "It's all about making your business better—whether that's better processes or better planning." – Rob Broadhead By encouraging listeners to apply lessons week by week, the season became a roadmap for identifying and fixing critical business gaps. Automation and Resetting for Business Focus One of the season's strongest messages came from Michael's personal experience: getting stuck in the day-to-day grind. Like many tech-focused founders, he spent so much time coding and serving clients that back-office responsibilities were pushed aside. "You have to reset. I was doing the work, but I wasn't taking care of the business." – Michael Meloche Turning off notifications and eliminating distractions helped him reclaim time and focus on strategic areas, such as hiring, finances, and operations. Challenge-Based Insights for Better Growth Each episode featured a unique challenge—practical steps like refreshing your website or reviewing your marketing channels. Rob noted that simply blocking calendar time to work on these areas made a noticeable difference. These challenges weren't theoretical—they were tools for building structure and momentum in a growing business. By applying even one challenge a week, listeners could steadily improve their systems and habits. Work-Life Balance and Building Better Businesses Another theme that resonated strongly was the need for rest and recovery. Michael shared his struggle with feeling guilty for taking time off, only to find that stepping away actually increased his productivity. "If you don't take care of yourself, it's like skipping oil changes—eventually the engine gives out." – Michael Meloche This conversation reinforced that health and mindset are just as crucial to a business as any product or service. Remote Work and Office Culture As businesses shift post-pandemic, the debate over remote vs. in-office work persists. Rob and Michael explored the trade-offs of both environments, acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. "You need to do what's right for the business, the team, and the customer." – Michael Meloche Balancing flexibility with connection is an ongoing challenge that every business must navigate in alignment with its mission and culture. Final Thoughts: Keep Building Better Businesses Every Day Rob closed the episode with a powerful reminder: every business is a living system with competing demands. Just like software, it requires constant attention, updates, and realignment to continue functioning properly. "There's a business-business balance too—not just work-life balance. Find your 'why,' and let it guide your decisions." – Rob Broadhead Not every episode will apply to every business stage, but together, they form a comprehensive guide for those committed to growth and leadership. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Have feedback or questions? Reach out at info@develpreneur.com—the team would love to hear from you! 🎧 Revisit episodes that speak to your current challenges Building Better Businesses: Introduction to Season 24 Business Finance Management: Building Better Businesses for Success Overcoming Barriers To Starting A Business: Why Haven't You Started Yet? Elevator Pitch Strategies: Perfect Your Pitch and Boost Your Brand Scaling with Contractors and Employees: A Strategic Guide to Business Growth Hiring Talent: Strategies for Building Strong Teams Business Automation and Templates: How to Streamline Your Workflow Leveraging AI for Business: How Automation and AI Boost Efficiency and Growth Business Growth Strategies: When and How to Scale Successfully Work-Life Balance Strategies: Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life Disaster Recovery Plan: Protecting Your Business from Unexpected Threats Business Continuity: Keeping Your Business Running When Life Happens Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Product Placement Strategy: How to Position Your Product or Service for Success Product Enhancement Strategies: How to Add Value Without Adding Bloat How to Build a Sustainable Business: From Idea to Execution Pitching Your Business: Start Conversations That Drive Growth Customer Communication Strategies: How To Improve Client Interactions Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend How to Build a Minimal Viable Product Without Blowing Your Budget Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking How to Demo Your Product and Get Feedback That Matters Reading the Room: The Leadership Skill That Sets You Apart Off the Rails in Business: Reclaim Your Time and Sanity Impostor Syndrome: Simple Ways to Reclaim Your Confidence Business Tune-Up Checklist: How to Refresh, Refocus, and Reignite Mid-Year Why Retrospectives Matter: Learning from the Past to Build Better Businesses Upgrading Your Business: Save Time And Improve Efficiency Remote vs In-Office: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business YouTube: Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the topic of remote vs in-office work. As workplace dynamics continue to shift, they discuss how leaders and employees alike can evaluate which setup—remote, in-person, or hybrid—best supports true productivity and team culture. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, they offer a balanced, actionable perspective for navigating this ongoing workplace debate. Remote vs In-Office Work and Company Culture: Collaboration at a Cost? The heart of the discussion centers around a key question: Which work model enables better results—remote or in-office? Rob explains that the answer isn't universal. While some workers thrive in a quiet home office, others are more engaged and effective in a collaborative, physical environment. Understanding which model best suits your team and role is the first step toward optimizing performance. Callout:"It's not about where you work—it's about how productive you are in that environment." Hybrid Solutions in the Remote vs In-Office Work Debate Michael highlights the benefits of remote work with a real-world example: a previous role where he managed automated testing over weekends. Working from home allowed him to complete more than 60 hours of productive work while avoiding commutes and unnecessary meetings. He notes that remote work supports flexibility and work-life balance—when paired with strong expectations. However, companies often struggle with remote operations due to poor policy implementation. Without clear rules for communication, availability, and professionalism, remote teams can quickly become disorganized. Key Insight:"Remote work only works well when you create structure around it." In-Office Work: Culture, Collaboration, and Spontaneity While remote work offers many benefits, Rob defends the value of being physically present in the office. He explains that office environments enable spontaneous collaboration, faster feedback, and a stronger sense of culture. These moments—like hallway conversations and impromptu brainstorming—are difficult to replicate remotely. Still, he warns that office settings aren't always efficient. Endless meetings, distractions, and "looking busy" can hurt productivity. The key is intentional use of in-person time to build relationships and align on priorities. Quote from Rob:"Sometimes being in the office just means more talking about work—not doing it." Hybrid Work: The Best of Both Worlds? The hosts discuss hybrid work as a potential compromise in the remote vs in-office work debate. Hybrid models allow team members to balance deep, focused work at home with occasional in-person meetings for collaboration. Michael notes that occasional in-office days—such as once per quarter—can be enough to build trust and team cohesion without draining productivity. However, they caution that hybrid setups require even more planning. Rules for attendance, virtual etiquette, and meeting structure must be clearly defined to prevent confusion and burnout. Leadership and Culture in Any Model Both Rob and Michael emphasize that strong leadership and a defined company culture are essential—regardless of where work takes place. Businesses must provide guidance on video etiquette, work schedules, and productivity expectations. Whether employees are remote, in-office, or hybrid, leadership must equip them to succeed in their specific environments. Callout:"Success comes from clear policies and consistent culture—location is just logistics." Final Thoughts on Remote vs In-Office Work: What Works for You? As the episode closes, the hosts challenge listeners to reflect on their own roles and teams. Make a list of pros and cons for both remote vs in-office work. Consider productivity, focus, communication needs, and personal obligations. You may discover that the best model for your business isn't either/or—but a mix that fits your goals and your people. Challenge: "Are you busy—or are you productive? That's the real question in the remote vs in-office work discussion." 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Have feedback or questions? Reach out at info@develpreneur.com—the team would love to hear from you! Additional Resources Building A High-Performance Remote Team Remote Work Benefits – The Positives Of Working Out Of Office High-Performing Culture Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content