GOTO - The Brightest Minds in Tech

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.

Join Marcin Moskala, a Fullstack Kotlin Developer and author of "Effective Kotlin," alongside Nicola Corti, a Staff Android Engineer at Meta. They dive into the evolution of Kotlin, discussing how it contrasts with Java and the importance of community contributions. Key topics include optimizing software efficiency, exploring advanced Kotlin features, and promoting educational initiatives for accessible programming. Marcin's commitment to empowering developers shines through as they share insights on their initiatives and the future of Kotlin education.

Tom Johnson, Co-Founder and CTO of Multiplayer, and Julian Wood, Serverless Developer Advocate at AWS, delve into the complexities of modern software development. They discuss the importance of simplifying processes through automation, particularly in documentation and debugging. Emphasizing collaboration and transparency, they explore the role of visual tools in understanding software architecture. The conversation also touches on evolving practices, the impact of AI on accessibility for developers, and the future of infrastructure abstraction in driving innovation.

Jacqui Read, a software architect and author of "Communication Patterns," teams up with Gregor Hohpe, an expert on platform strategy. They dive into the pivotal role of effective communication in tech, emphasizing the need for clear visuals and structured documentation. Jacqui discusses her upcoming ACED Model, aimed at aligning software development with business needs. The pair also explore the collaborative nature of writing and the significance of accessibility, especially for neurodiverse individuals, enhancing clarity in complex ideas.

Kent Beck, the creator of Extreme Programming, teams up with Daniel Terhorst-North, known for Behavior Driven Development. They discuss the evolution of XP and its profound impact on agile practices. Key topics include short feedback loops for improved adaptability and the innovative Test && Commit || Revert method. They highlight the psychological safety crucial for high-performing teams, emphasizing collaboration and learning from failure as essential for innovation. Kent envisions a future of real-time scaling in software development, promoting faster experimentation.

Stephen Fishman and Matt McLarty, co-authors of "Unbundling the Enterprise," share their insights on enhancing business success through digital transformation. They discuss the transformative power of APIs and the importance of optionality in fostering innovation, allowing organizations to capitalize on unexpected opportunities. Emphasizing the synergy between digital strategies and traditional models, they reveal how flexible systems enable rapid experimentation. With real-world examples, they advocate for aligning technology with business objectives for sustainable growth.

Hannah Foxwell, an Independent Consultant and founder of "AI for the Rest of Us," teams up with Charles Humble, a freelance techie and consultant. They discuss the human side of tech transformations, emphasizing methodologies like pair programming and inclusive team environments. Foxwell introduces her "three-teams model" for new managers, stressing equitable leadership for underrepresented groups. The duo highlights AI's potential in software development while advocating for thoughtful adoption, experimentation, and prioritizing psychological safety in innovation.