Developers:After Dark

Developers After Dark Episode 16: The Journey of a HubSpot Template MasterIn this episode of Developers After Dark, we welcome a special guest, Nathan Gifford, the Director of Website Services at Growth Operations Firm. Join us as Nathan shares his journey from his early days in music to becoming a leading HubSpot template provider. Learn about his transition from PHP to HubSpot, the challenges of managing a business, and his pivotal moments in the industry. Discover the secrets behind his top-ranked themes on the HubSpot marketplace and his philosophy on providing consistent quality and customer-focused designs. Nathan also touches on his work as a mentor in the HubSpot community, sharing invaluable advice on navigating both tech and non-tech aspects of career development. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you on your professional journey.00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter00:45 Welcome to Developers After Dark01:09 Promoting HubSpot and Developer Community04:22 Upcoming Events and Collaborations06:34 Guest Introduction: Nathan Gifford06:54 Nathan's Background and Interests08:06 Life on the Farm and Unplugging from Tech23:52 Transitioning to Web Development31:18 The AOL CDs and Early Internet Accounts31:49 Transitioning to HubSpot Development33:19 Challenges and Benefits of HubSpot CMS39:34 The Importance of Quality in Theme Development54:38 Mentorship and Career Advice01:01:08 Current Projects and Future Plans

In this episode, Nick, Dennis, and AJ welcome special guest Teun Rutten, a prominent figure in the HubSpot developer community and the head of development and design at Bright Digital. Teun shares insights into his career journey from intern to lead developer, breaking common stereotypes about developers, and balancing leadership responsibilities. The conversation also delves into personal hobbies like gardening and aquascaping, highlighting the importance of having non-techie interests. Tune in to learn more about community involvement, mentorship, and staying updated in the ever-evolving tech landscape.00:00 Chicken Gym: A Hilarious Start00:36 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest Introduction00:55 HubSpot Updates and Resources02:34 Guest Spotlight: Teun Rutten's Journey03:48 From Intern to Leader: Teun's Career Path08:28 Balancing Design and Development10:34 Technical Challenges and Solutions17:30 Mentorship and Team Leadership27:11 Staying Updated in Tech31:00 The Value of Mentorship Programs35:05 Reflecting on Mentorship and Community36:27 Balancing Tech and Personal Hobbies38:08 Aquascaping and Gardening Passion45:46 Breaking Developer Stereotypes52:56 Surprises in the Developer Journey59:29 Closing Thoughts and Shoutouts

In episode 15 of Developers After Dark, Branden Rogers, Technical Lead at HubSpot, joins the podcast to discuss his educational path, career milestones, and pivotal moments in technology. From humorous recounts of college life to insights into work-life balance, Branden shares valuable advice on mentorship, career progression, and the importance of continual learning. Tune in for a memorable conversation that combines industry expertise with personal anecdotes and practical tips.00:00 Introduction and Banter00:43 Episode 15 Kickoff02:56 Housekeeping and Announcements07:17 Guest Introduction: Branden09:24 Branden's Journey into Tech16:25 College Experience and Early Career18:51 Internship Insights and Learning28:44 Milestones and Pivotal Moments39:23 Balancing MVP Building and Overplanning40:15 Transitioning to a Team Lead Role40:56 Challenges of a Tech Lead43:28 Navigating Meeting Loads and Remote Work45:09 Mentorship and Career Growth49:09 Unwinding with Hobbies49:43 Golf Obsession During COVID55:43 Gaming as a Stress Reliever58:39 Work-Life Balance Tips01:03:35 Best Mentorship Advice01:07:49 Valuable Resources for Career Growth01:11:40 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode, the hosts discuss the pressures and expectations young professionals face as they transition from college to career. Special guest Brooke, a developer advocate at HubSpot, shares her journey from aspiring journalist to tech educator. She talks about the importance of finding fulfillment in one's career, irrespective of societal expectations, and offers invaluable advice for students and young professionals. The episode also delves into the importance of staying updated with rapidly changing tech landscapes, balancing work and personal disciplines, and leveraging tools like AI responsibly. Tune in for a deep dive into career development, teaching, and finding happiness in the ever-evolving world of tech.

Join us for Episode 12 of Developers After Dark as we dive into the unique and organic journey of BJ Szyjakowski , an incredible HubSpot developer. In this engaging conversation, BJ shares his experiences navigating the early stages of his career, the importance of mentorship, and tips for tackling imposter syndrome. Discover how his passion for climbing, swing dancing, and coding led him to become a self-taught developer, eventually landing roles in agencies and at HubSpot. He also discusses the significance of technologies like React and TypeScript, the potential of AI tools in development, and crucial advice for aspiring developers on following their excitement and finding their niche. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with practical advice and motivational stories to inspire your developer journey.

Join us in this exciting episode of Developers After Dark as our hosts welcome SJ Morris, leader of Developer Community at HubSpot's DevRel team. In this episode, SJ shares hilarious personal anecdotes, insights into the developer mentorship program, and her journey into the world of developer community building. Discover the importance of community, specific tactics for staying updated in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, and hear SJ's thoughts on career development and mentorship. We also touch on the impact of the pandemic on DevRel and the evolving role of developers in the tech industry. Stay tuned for authentic, community-driven advice and a fun back-and-forth with our hosts. Don't miss out on learning how to elevate your career with trusted resources like the HubSpot Academy and insider tips on community building!00:00 Hilarious Wood Chopping Fail00:37 Introduction to Developers After Dark01:21 Promoting HubSpot Academy02:57 Upcoming Developer Events03:43 Special Guest: S.J. Morris04:33 Developer Mentorship Program17:01 Community Building in Tech34:49 Developer Mentorship and Onboarding Challenges35:47 The Double-Edged Sword of Developer Specificity36:28 Community Engagement and Developer Support38:52 Incentivizing Community Participation40:38 Staying Updated in the Tech Industry44:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life53:21 The Importance of Mentorship57:03 Surprises in Developer Relations59:48 The Evolution of Developer Events01:04:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join hosts Nick, AJ, and Dennis in the 10th episode of Developers After Dark as they sit down with Isaac Takushi, the team lead for the ecosystem quality team at HubSpot. In this insightful conversation, Isaac shares his journey from studying environmental science to developing technical problem-solving skills at HubSpot. The discussion covers the importance of empathy in customer service, the integration of technical and strategic thinking, and maintaining quality in a dynamic ecosystem. Isaac also opens up about his hobbies, including hiking, birdwatching, and music, providing a well-rounded view of his approach to both professional and personal life. Don't miss this episode packed with great advice, humility, and some light-hearted moments!

In this episode of Developers After Dark, host Nick and co-host Dennis, AJ, and Steve are joined by a special guest, Jonna. With the absence of Dill, who is expected to return soon, the team embarks on an engaging conversation covering various topics. Jonna, a member of the ecosystem quality team at HubSpot, shares her fascinating journey into the tech world, starting from business management studies to working on a cruise ship, and ultimately finding her passion in technology and app quality reviews. The episode also dives into light-hearted debates, such as audiobooks versus reading, favorite ice cream flavors, and the challenges of balancing passion and data in making compelling cases. Packed with humor, heartfelt advice, and insightful discussions, this episode offers a deep dive into the unique journeys of tech professionals while emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and leveraging both passion and metrics in the professional world.

In episode 8 of Developers After Dark, hosts Nick and Dennis welcome Carter McKay, a HubSpot enthusiast and developer extraordinaire. They discuss Carter's journey into technology, starting from his early days of coding with Minecraft to running his own agency specializing in HubSpot solutions. The conversation includes the significance of community and mentorship, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the evolving role of React in HubSpot's ecosystem. Carter also shares personal insights into his hobbies, like playing pickleball and building custom keyboards. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with humor, wisdom, and invaluable advice for both new and seasoned developers.00:00 Introduction and Banter01:26 Meet Our Special Guest: Carter McKay02:26 Carter's Journey into Tech05:11 Diving Deep into HubSpot Development09:33 The Importance of Developer Community14:08 Exploring React and HubSpot Integrations24:28 Balancing Tech with Personal Interests37:52 The Power of Community in Problem Solving38:19 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing39:06 Challenges of Working in Isolation39:58 The Impact of Developer Communities44:22 Mentorship and Career Advice49:51 Common Misconceptions in Tech Roles56:08 Advice for New Tech Professionals58:09 The Role of Passion and Community in Tech01:00:20 The Future of Coding with AI01:02:30 Concluding Thoughts and Farewells

Welcome to Episode 7 of 'Developers After Dark.' In this episode, Nick and Dennis dive deep into tech careers, neurodiversity, and personal growth with special guest Chris Riley, a senior manager in DevRel at HubSpot. Chris talks about his journey from coder to manager, his experiences with autism and dyslexia, and the evolving world of developer advocacy. They explore the importance of being genuine, navigating career transitions, and the impact of AI on tech roles. Chris also shares insights on mental health, inner-child reparenting, and the importance of simplifying one's life. Join the insightful conversation to learn how to blend authenticity and tech while taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff00:43 Special Guest Introduction: Chris Riley01:27 Chris Riley's Career Journey03:48 The Evolution of Developer Advocacy07:07 The Role of Authenticity in Advocacy17:46 Impact of AI on Developer Advocacy22:38 Personal Stories and Career Reflections40:54 Understanding Dyslexia and Echolocation41:43 Challenges and Improvements in Education42:47 Managing Overstimulation and Tantrums43:56 Encouraging Passion and Taking Breaks45:00 The Importance of Environment and Adaptation46:30 Critique of IQ Tests and Embracing Uniqueness48:25 Empathy and Personal Growth in Management49:41 Optimizing Systems and Developer Experience50:19 The Future of AI in Development57:29 Personal and Career Aspirations01:01:05 Addressing Emotional Health in Society01:09:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life01:13:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts