GOTO - The Brightest Minds in Tech

Anne Currie, a seasoned tech veteran and co-author of 'The Cloud Native Attitude,' joins independent consultant Sarah Wells to dissect cloud-native transformation. They emphasize that embracing cloud-native is about more than just technology—it's a cultural shift. Key topics include the importance of CI/CD, the rise of Kubernetes, and the role of sustainability in tech practices. They offer practical advice on identifying bottlenecks and securing organizational buy-in, ensuring a successful transition into the cloud.

In this engaging discussion, James Phoenix, a software engineer and indie hacker, and Mike Taylor, an expert in prompt engineering since 2020, dive into the intriguing world of generative AI. They explore the evolution and importance of prompt engineering for leveraging large language models. Topics include the five core principles of effective prompting, the balance between specificity and creativity, and advanced query handling techniques. Their insights reveal how AI can transform workflows and the challenges of bridging technical understanding for all audiences.

Eli Holderness, a Research Software Advocate known for his expertise in data science, joins Hannes Lowette, a Principal Consultant and whiskey lover, to discuss the innovative OpenSAFELY initiative. They delve into how this system allows researchers to safely access sensitive patient data through code execution in a secure environment, ensuring privacy. The conversation also covers the creation of EHRQL, a specialized query language for healthcare research, and highlights the ethical challenges of maintaining patient trust while advancing medical research.

In this engaging conversation, Randy Shoup, SVP of Engineering at Thrive Market and seasoned tech veteran, shares insights on transitioning from a monolithic architecture to microservices. He highlights Thrive Market's commitment to sustainability and unique online model. Randy discusses the importance of domain-driven design, aligning software with business needs, and fostering team collaboration. He also contrasts mandated platforms versus flexible adoption strategies, drawing on experiences from eBay to illustrate modern engineering productivity and scaling challenges.

Nat Pryce and Duncan McGregor, both renowned authors and experts in software development, share their insights on the evolution of software practices over the past 15 years. They discuss the origins of test-driven development at the Extreme Tuesday Club, and the shift from object-oriented to functional programming. Key topics include testing strategies using mock objects, the rise of microservices, and the impact of modern development tools. Their conversation explores whether contemporary practices have genuinely enhanced productivity.

Adrienne Braganza Tacke, a Senior Developer Advocate at Viam Robotics, and Saša Juric, a renowned Elixir mentor, dive into code reviews and their transformative power. They discuss how smaller, organized pull requests lead to better feedback and cohesive codebases. The importance of comment classification and collaborative discussions is emphasized, along with the balance between AI assistance and human judgment in code review processes. Together, they explore the future of reviews in the evolving tech landscape, stressing the need for effective communication and knowledge transfer.

Russ Miles, Engineering Manager and Chaos Engineering Practitioner, teams up with James Lewis, Software Architect at Thoughtworks, to dive into Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs). They explore the importance of teamwork between security and development, emphasizing decision-making through OODA loops. Russ highlights the future of platform engineering as a strategic commercial entity, predicting AI’s role in augmenting decision-making and fostering creativity in tech development. They also discuss the value of user-centric design and essential guardrails in platform evolution.

Simon Wardley, the inventor of Wardley Mapping and a Thought Lord with a background in genetics and economics, joins Charles Humble, a freelance techie and podcaster. They dive into the limitations of traditional storytelling in business, championing mapping as a superior method for strategic communication. The conversation covers the shift from products to utility models, the influence of AI on technology, and the critical need for open-source principles. They also highlight the importance of fostering critical thinking in education to combat misinformation.

Simon Rohrer, Co-author of "Better Value Sooner Safer Happier" and Senior Director at Saxo Bank, joins Eduardo da Silva, an Independent Consultant, to delve into transformative organizational practices. They discuss the shift from output-driven to outcome-focused thinking, emphasizing stakeholder satisfaction and continuous improvement. The conversation highlights the importance of technical excellence, decentralized decision-making, and balancing smaller incremental changes with larger innovations for effective transformation.

Manuel Pais, co-author of "Team Topologies," teams up with Julian Wood, a Serverless Developer Advocate at AWS, to explore the evolution of organizational design in tech. They discuss how cognitive load impacts team performance and the necessity of aligning teams with value streams. The conversation highlights the growing role of AI in development, the importance of product management in platform engineering, and strategies for navigating change. Their insights offer a roadmap for fostering innovation and adaptability within teams.