Frontmatter

Rich Allen, an independent consultant and author of User Needs Mapping, shares his journey from coding to organizational change. He discusses the importance of systems thinking and Team Topologies in scaling teams effectively. Rich explores whether a university degree is still valuable in today's world, touching on the critical-thinking benefits it offers. He also reflects on how martial arts enhances mindfulness and presence in his work. Lastly, Rich simplifies Wardley Mapping and illustrates it with a fascinating cinema example of user needs.

Max Guernsey, III, a seasoned software veteran and co-founder of PradoCore, shares insights from his book on why most software projects fail. He discusses his unconventional learning journey and the traits that make elite engineers stand out. Max reveals the shocking issues he encountered during a stalled bank project, emphasizing that deeper process problems often block progress. He introduces RMF as a way to enhance project readiness without reverting to outdated methods, ultimately showcasing the benefits of preparedness in software delivery.

Luniel de Beer, a seasoned software product and delivery systems architect with over 15 years of experience, joins to discuss pivotal insights from his book. He shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S., critiquing the dangers of blindly following tech practices. Luniel dives into the importance of understanding requirements, illustrating how even simple tasks can miss crucial context. He elaborates on the Requirements Maturation Flow, emphasizing shared understanding and custom definitions that can make or break software projects.

Klaus Haller, a Senior IT security architect and author of The Definitive Guide to Cloud Security Architecture, shares his fascinating journey from math and physics to cloud security. He debates formal education versus online learning in the IT field and explores the nuances of cloud security roles. Haller discusses the influence of advanced AI on jobs and ethics, as well as the importance of quality assurance in cloud security. Finally, he reveals his writing journey and how AI can personalize reading experiences for a new generation.