

Developer Tea
Jonathan Cutrell
Developer Tea exists to help driven developers connect to their ultimate purpose and excel at their work so that they can positively impact the people they influence.
With over 17 million downloads to date, Developer Tea is a short podcast hosted by Jonathan Cutrell, engineering leader with over 15 years of industry experience. We hope you'll take the topics from this podcast and continue the conversation, either online or in person with your peers. Email: developertea@gmail.com
With over 17 million downloads to date, Developer Tea is a short podcast hosted by Jonathan Cutrell, engineering leader with over 15 years of industry experience. We hope you'll take the topics from this podcast and continue the conversation, either online or in person with your peers. Email: developertea@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 21min
Shift Your Locus of Control to Take Charge of Your Engineering Career
Explore the powerful concept of Locus of Control and how shifting towards an internal perspective can enhance your career. Understand the differences between internal and external mindsets and why taking ownership of outcomes is crucial. Learn practical exercises to identify your influence in various situations and recognize your strengths. This enlightening discussion encourages you to rethink your approach and understand that you have more control over your life than you might believe.

Sep 24, 2025 • 12min
Resumé Driven Development - Your Career is In Your Hands
Explore the concept of Résumé Driven Development as a powerful framework for career success. Learn how to focus on measurable impact rather than just tasks. Discover the importance of having goal-oriented conversations with your manager to set clear, impactful objectives. Understand how to connect your work to business value and manage risks by proposing alternative success metrics. Take control of your career by proactively tracking accomplishments, ensuring you can effectively narrate your value.

21 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 16min
Forced and Unforced Errors
Explore the intriguing concept of forced vs. unforced errors, using sports to shed light on the differences. Discover why successful engineers concentrate on reducing avoidable mistakes, like poor communication and missed deadlines. Learn to identify your own unforced errors and why conducting regular self-audits can enhance your reliability. By focusing on what you can control, you can dramatically improve your career performance.

19 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 14min
View Your Productivity Through the Lens of Values and Priorities
Discover the power of thought experiments to clarify your true priorities and values. Engage in a '5% exercise' to sift through your to-do list and identify what truly matters. Experience an 'abundance exercise' to reveal your core values in a state of autonomy. Delve deeper to challenge surface-level responses, uncovering unique insights that guide your decisions. Finally, learn how aligning your daily actions with these values can lead to a more fulfilling career and life.

44 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 14min
This One Skill Signifies Seniority For Software Engineers
The podcast explores a crucial skill that sets senior software engineers apart: the ability to synthesize multiple factors in decision-making. It emphasizes the dangers of single-factor thinking, often seen in junior engineers, which can impede overall solutions and teamwork. Listeners learn how to demonstrate their seniority during interviews by addressing trade-offs effectively. The discussion encourages engineers to think critically about what they give up in decisions and to seek solutions that balance various important factors.

7 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 14min
Backup Plans and Risk Reward Curves
The discussion dives into the crucial need for backup plans in careers, emphasizing their importance in mitigating human error. It contrasts incremental successes with the severe repercussions of failures, showcasing how one mistake can overshadow numerous achievements. The hosts explore the volatility of career paths and the advantages of being prepared for unforeseen disruptions, urging listeners to reassess their risk strategies. This proactive mindset not only fosters resilience but also helps maintain long-term career stability.

11 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Second Order Consequences and Forcing Functions
Explore the fascinating world of second and third-order consequences, revealing how initial actions can lead to unexpected ripple effects. Discover the concept of forcing functions, which focus on starting with desired outcomes and working backward. Effective goal-setting becomes a tool for clarity and strategic focus, essential for career growth. Learn practical strategies to enhance team dynamics and leadership while avoiding pitfalls of unintended consequences. Dive into the nuances of ownership and autonomy, and their profound impact on productivity.

13 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 16min
Don't Try to Solve Hyperobject Problems Once
Dive into the intriguing concept of hyperobjects – problems like technical debt that are too complex for permanent solutions. Discover why a 'one-time fix' is ineffective and how continuous interaction is key. Learn to manage these persistent issues by focusing on specific outcomes and taking snapshots of their current state. The discussion emphasizes the role of language in framing these challenges and the importance of adaptability in product development.

10 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 20min
Behavior Change 101: Trigger, Incentive, and Ability
Explore the transformative model of behavior change focusing on Triggers, Incentives, and Abilities. Discover how effective management isn’t about mandates but understanding what motivates action. Learn why clear incentives are crucial for decision-making and how simplified tasks can foster new habits. Understand the significance of having an explicit Trigger for actions and reducing friction to enhance Ability. The insights provided challenge common management styles, emphasizing a more effective approach to inspire both personal growth and team dynamics.

31 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 26min
Goal of the Goal - Using Goals As A Prioritization Clarifying Tool
Discover how well-positioned goals can clarify your career direction. The discussion highlights the importance of relevance in setting goals, challenging the notion that specificity alone guarantees effectiveness. Learn to prioritize what truly matters to you and embrace small, actionable steps towards your objectives. Engage in proactive conversations with management to pave clearer paths for growth. The podcast also emphasizes using milestone goals as stepping stones to larger achievements, ensuring a sustainable approach to career success.