GOTO - The Brightest Minds in Tech

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.

Andrew Harmel-Law, a Technical Principal at Thoughtworks and author, teams up with Sonya Natanzon, Senior Director of Software Engineering at Guardant Health. They dive into fostering decentralized sociotechnical systems and highlight the importance of embracing imperfections in decision-making. The conversation explores psychological safety as essential for innovation and emphasizes adaptability and small iterations. They discuss the balance between creativity and structure in building resilient systems that thrive amid complexity, ensuring accountability and collective ownership.

Join Tudor Girba, a Software Environmentalist and CEO of feenk, alongside Julian Wood, a Serverless Developer Advocate at AWS, as they unpack the groundbreaking concept of moldable development. Girba emphasizes creating flexible tools that streamline interaction with complex systems and legacy code, utilizing the Glamorous Toolkit for enhanced developer engagement. The duo also discusses the role of generative AI in software development, not just as a summarizer but as a partner in exploration. Finally, they touch on making software 'habitable,' akin to designing comfortable living spaces for users.

This interview was recorded for the GOTO Book Club.http://gotopia.tech/bookclubRead the full transcription of the interview hereEvelyn van Kelle - Behavioral Change Consultant at XebiaGien Verschatse - Senior Consultant at AardlingKenny Baas-Schwegler - Collaborative Modeling Facilitator at Weave ITXin Yao - Independent Consultant Contextualizing DDD & Sociotechnical ArchitectureRESOURCESEvelynhttps://bsky.app/profile/evelynvankelle.bsky.socialhttps://evelynvankelle.comGienhttps://bsky.app/profile/selketjah.bsky.socialhttps://www.gienverschatse.comKennyhttps://bsky.app/profile/kenny.weave-it.orghttps://weave-it.orgXinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/xinxinhttps://bsky.app/profile/settling-mud.bsky.socialLinkshttps://collaborative-software-design.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/collaborative-software-design.comDESCRIPTIONIn a spirited discussion on collaborative modeling and decision-making, the the authors of “Collaborative Software Design: How to Facilitate Domain Modeling Decisions”—Evelyn vVan Kelle, Gien Verschatse, and Kenny Baas-Schwegler—explored the power of inclusive decision-making, shared understanding, and how to navigate social dynamics like bias, ranking and conflict in teams together with Xin Yao.They highlighted the importance of facilitating not just through structured methods, but by empowering everyone in the team to contribute and lead decisions. Drawing from their experiences, they shared insights into the process of making better decisions through collaboration, the impact of "Deep Democracy", and the value of being able to step back and allow teams to thrive independently. Their conversation also touched on resources like Thinking, Fast and Slow, Jam Cultures, and Sitting in the Fire—tools to help teams make smarter decisions and grow together.RECOMMENDED BOOKSvan Kelle, Verschatse &Baas-Schwegler • Collaborative Software DesignJitske Kramer • Jam CulturesDanielle Braun & Jitske Kramer • The Corporate TribeArnold Mindell • Sitting in the FireDaniel Kahneman • Thinking, Fast and SlowGeBlueskyTwitterInstagramLinkedInFacebookCHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUSJoin this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/joinLooking for a unique learning experience?Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket: gotopia.techSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - new videos posted daily!

Barbara Oakley, a Professor of Engineering and author known for her insights on learning, teams up with Charles Humble, a tech podcaster and consultant. They dive into the brain's modes of operation—focused and diffuse thinking—and how balancing them enhances learning. Topics include the importance of exercise, sleep, and healthy habits for cognitive function. They discuss psychological safety in teams, effective memory strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, and the promising role of AI in education, urging educators to embrace new methods for better learning.

Diana Montalion is a Systems Architect and the founder of Mentrix, while Kris Jenkins is a skilled Developer Advocate and podcast host. They discuss the complexities of the software architect's role, emphasizing the need for systemic thinking and collaboration over hierarchical structures. The conversation navigates the challenges of organizational dynamics, the importance of knowledge flow, and the evolution of digital information systems. They highlight how effective communication and intentional architecture can drive innovation and improve outcomes in tech.