Front End Happy Hour

This is a special episode featuring an interview with Shirley Wu from a brand-new podcast series, Portraits of an Artist. In this new series, Ryan Burgess explores the creative journeys of artists—diving deep into their process, inspirations, and the stories behind their work.In this conversation, Shirley shares her transition from software engineering to full-time data visualization artist, what it means to balance structure and creativity, and how moving to Tokyo has influenced her artistic perspective.If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Portraits of an Artist on Spotify & Apple Podcasts to follow along for more conversations with incredible artists.

Karen Catlin, a former tech leader and leadership coach known for her insights on workplace inclusion, joins the discussion. She emphasizes actionable steps for promoting allyship in tech, advocating for supportive daily actions and constructive dialogue. The conversation delves into the evolution of advocacy, including the impact of social media and the importance of empathy over shame. Karen also reflects on the challenges of diversity and inclusion initiatives and the need for a sustained commitment to allyship amidst evolving societal dynamics.

Sherman Chen, a Senior Software Engineer at LinkedIn, shares his expertise on Server-Driven UI, focusing on enhancing user experience in large applications. He discusses the complexities and benefits of implementing this approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration among diverse teams. Sherman highlights the importance of avoiding over-engineering and maintaining clarity during development. The conversation also reflects on the evolution of tech trends and the balance between flexibility and safety in design, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts!

Taylor Desseyn, a seasoned recruiter with over 13 years of experience, shares his journey from recruitment to leadership at TORC. He discusses the importance of building global communities and partnering with engineering leaders to attract top talent. Taylor emphasizes the evolution of content creation in recruitment, highlighting the balance between virality and genuine connections. His insights on mentorship and collaborative hiring relationships shed light on nurturing talent and fostering community engagement in the tech industry.

Join Emre Baran, Co-founder and CEO of Cerbos, as he shares his wealth of experience in tech, including building Turkey’s largest social network and contributing to Google. He dives into the intricacies of scaling startups, discussing the balance between technical and business challenges. Emre emphasizes the importance of effective communication within remote teams and the evolution of permission management. He provides invaluable insights on navigating product-market fit and crafting a solid go-to-market strategy for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ryan Burgess shares insights on Amazon's recent mandate to return to the office five days a week, sparking debates on its effects on workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Jem Young discusses the challenges of remote work in corporate settings, questioning the productivity myths tied to physical presence. Stacy London adds to the conversation about the future of work in tech, exploring the shift away from flexibility. The trio also delves into personal media picks, blending light-hearted recommendations with serious industry impacts.

Ken Wheeler, a tech industry trailblazer hailing from an unconventional background, shares his candid insights on navigating the evolving landscape of tech. He discusses the staggering rise in salaries for new engineers and reflects on his journey from butchering to Silicon Valley. The conversation covers AI's transformative role in development, his experiences with web evolution, and the importance of authenticity in tech culture. With humor and wisdom, they also touch on personal struggles and the impact of connection in the industry.

Jason Torres shares his remarkable journey from a 15-year film career to software development. He highlights surprising similarities between the film and tech worlds, emphasizing collaboration and creativity. Jason discusses how his skills transitioned into tech, and the emotional hurdles of navigating career changes. They explore AI's impact on creativity and the evolving landscape of both industries. Listeners get a taste of Jason's unique whiskey preferences, adding a flavorful twist to the conversation.

Join Jem Young, a seasoned tech promoter, Augustus Yuan, a career advancement expert, and Ryan Burgess, a voice on technical skills, as they unravel the truth about promotions in the tech industry. They clarify misconceptions around career advancement, emphasizing visibility and self-advocacy. The discussion tackles the balance between technical prowess and political navigation in promotions. Tips on engaging with managers and handling career transitions make this insightful for anyone eyeing the next step on the tech ladder.

Join Ryan Burgess, expert in developer growth, Jem Young, seasoned coder, Brian Holt, advocate for continuous learning, and mentor Dan DiGangi as they explore the struggles new developers face. They discuss the crucial role of curiosity and non-technical skills in bridging the gap between education and real-world success. Insights on tackling 'LinkedIn-itis,' the importance of mentorship, and the value of accurate work estimates take center stage. Plus, personal experiences and a focus on meaningful connections in the tech community add depth to the conversation.