5 to 9

Reoccurring dreams of Peter Gabriel urging her to pursue a career in music led Colette Alexander to play the cello at sold-out shows while touring with the likes of Josh Groban. But at a Madison Square Garden gig she had a solo epiphany: She wanted more. In this inaugural episode of 5 to 9, host and Jellyfish CEO Andrew Lau learns the finer points of touring with rock bands as a professional cellist direct from Colette Alexander. Colette shares how she stays in tune with music while making things work as a parent, a master’s student, and an engineering manager at Hashicorp.

Five Highlights:

• One: Musical Revelation: Ever had a surreal moment where music spoke to you in your dreams? Colette shares her mind-blowing experience of being urged by Peter Gabriel (or at least a dream version of him) to pursue a music career.
• Two: Balancing Act: Learn how Colette juggles being a mom of two, a director of engineering, and a master's student.
• Three: Behind the Scenes: Dive into the backstage world of professional cello-playing, from touring with renowned singers like Josh Groban to the electrifying energy of performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.
• Four: Classical Music Meets Tech: Uncover how Colette uses guitar effects pedals and live looping to create a wall of layered sound with one cello.
• Five: The Marriage of Art and Engineering: Discover how Colette draws upon her experiences in the music industry to inform her approach as an engineering manager.

Jump Into the Conversation:

[03:53] The pathway to becoming a professional cellist. 
[07:35] Colette’s life-changing epiphany. 
[19:12] How to produce professional music from a home studio. 
[21:20] What Colette learned about engineering management from touring with rock bands.

By day, engineering leaders craft innovative solutions with elegant strings of code. But when the work day ends, who do these keyboard warriors and people managers become? 5 to 9 gives an exclusive glimpse into the lives of software engineers and the minds who guide them, brought to you by Jellyfish CEO, Andrew Lau.