augustwenty podcast

In this podcast episode, DJ and Mary Kaufmann discuss key insights from August 20's journey and its approach to building a world-class consulting company. The hosts reflect on their hiring and onboarding processes, including how they strive to create a human-centered experience rather than a transactional one. With Scott Houston, a key player in recruitment, they unpack the intricacies of their hiring philosophy, which focuses on relationship-building rather than solely technical expertise.

The conversation touches on the importance of balancing technical skills with soft (or "power") skills, emphasizing that collaboration, problem-solving, and communication are at the heart of the team's success. They explore how August 20 nurtures talent by identifying potential and guiding individuals through a thoughtful process that allows them to grow, evolve, and take on new challenges.

Scott shares his perspective on their technical interview process, which is designed to be flexible and empowering for candidates. Rather than focusing on high-pressure tests, August 20 focuses on assessing problem-solving abilities and cultural fit.

They also discuss the onboarding process, which immerses new hires in the company's core philosophy, built on continuous improvement and client-centered work. It provides structure and support through a collaborative, guided journey, helping new employees feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and contribution right from the start.

Overall, the podcast gives an inside look at how August 20's approach to hiring and onboarding goes beyond the typical corporate processes by focusing on meaningful engagement, mentorship, and long-term growth for both the company and its team members.

In this conversation, DJ and Mary discuss their caffeine preferences, with DJ favoring Mountain Dew and Mary enjoying a vitamin-infused drink called Spark. They both express a dislike for coffee. The dialogue shifts to exciting developments in their company: they've recently landed a new client and successfully hired four new employees, bringing their team size to 36 after four years in operation. Mary is set to lead the onboarding session for the new hires.

The main focus of their discussion centers on the relationship between risk-taking and innovation. DJ introduces the topic by mentioning SpaceX's recent achievements, highlighting how taking significant risks can lead to groundbreaking advancements. Mary emphasizes that the purpose behind taking a risk is crucial; a strong mission can inspire people to put aside personal reservations for a greater cause.

They explore the idea that everyone takes risks daily, such as driving a car, and how what once seemed risky—like air travel—has become routine over time. This leads them to reflect on their own business decisions, acknowledging that hiring new staff is a risk but one that is necessary for growth and innovation.

Mary introduces the concept of reframing failure as a "First Attempt In Learning," encouraging a mindset that values learning from mistakes. She shares an anecdote about how expertise in a specific domain can make daunting tasks achievable, illustrating the importance of confidence and experience in overcoming challenges.

Together, they conclude that innovation doesn't always require monumental changes; small, consistent efforts can lead to significant impact over time. They stress the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, embracing calculated risks, and continually seeking ways to improve both personally and professionally.

The podcast episode discusses the integration of agile methodologies and improving estimation practices for software development. DJ, Jason Duffy, and Mary Kaufmann delve into the insights Jason gained from reading When Will It Be Done? by Daniel Vacanti. The book introduces techniques for better forecasting and predictability in project timelines using data and statistical models.

Jason introduces concepts like using data from previous work to predict the completion time of tasks, the pitfalls of using story points, and the importance of focusing on actual time (cycle time) for estimates. The conversation touches on the concept of regularly updating forecasts (just like meteorologists tracking hurricanes) and applying probabilities to predictions.

Key takeaways include how to improve communication with clients by delivering transparent, data-backed forecasts. Jason emphasizes how small amounts of data can still provide valuable insights early in a project, allowing for continuous improvement over time. The trio discusses practical ways to collect this data using tools like JIRA, and the importance of defining when a task truly starts, which helps in improving overall cycle time and predictability.

Overall, the podcast highlights how the principles from Vacanti’s book could transform how teams estimate and manage software development projects. They stress the importance of educating teams and clients about these methods to align expectations and create a shared understanding of project timelines.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

In episode five of Caffeine with DJ, DJ is joined by Matthew Righter and Beth Shaheen to discuss the creative journey behind their company’s logo. They kick off the conversation with some lighthearted banter about caffeine choices—DJ opting for Dr. Pepper, Matt sipping on a "Leder Cola," and Beth choosing Spark, which leads to a funny exchange about its energizing effects.

The main topic of the episode is the evolution of their company's logo and the thought process that went into its design. DJ recalls how the design process started with no clear idea of what they wanted, except for the company name: August 20. They share how various designs were proposed, starting with a square logo, which eventually evolved into a round one to symbolize unity and collaboration—an equal seat at the table for everyone involved. They also discuss the significance of the logo's crescent shape, reminiscent of the August moon, and how the logo's "A" extends beyond the circle, representing thinking outside the box.

Matt, who led the design process, recounts how they tested different versions of the logo with various color palettes and stylescapes, working with DJ and Angela to capture the company’s values of integrity and excellence. Beth highlights how the logo has not only remained visually appealing over time but also symbolically reinforces their company's story and mission.

The episode concludes with a reflection on how the logo has stood the test of time, even after four years, and how its simple yet meaningful design continues to resonate with both clients and the company team members.

In this podcast episode, DJ and Mary Kaufmann host Mark Tremayne, the Director of Innovation and Extended Learning for Hilliard City Schools, to discuss the school's efforts in fostering technology education. They highlight the importance of STEM learning, problem-solving, and student engagement. Mark shares his insights on providing students with real-world experiences, emphasizing the need for early exposure to technology and collaborative learning. He also touches on various programs within Hilliard City Schools, including Tech Day and the Innovation Campus, aimed at preparing students for future workforce demands.

Mark mentions the goal of offering credentials to students during high school, allowing them to access high-paying job opportunities early on. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of resilience, empathy, and teamwork in education. Mary praises the transformative impact of these initiatives on students and the community, emphasizing that technology and problem-solving skills are relevant to everyone, regardless of their career interests.

The episode concludes with a focus on inspiring young people to embrace opportunities in technology, even if they don't feel naturally inclined toward STEM fields. Mark, DJ, and Mary reflect on the power of personalized learning, industry partnerships, and the importance of fostering a growth mindset.

In episode four of Caffeine with DJ, DJ kicks off the conversation by welcoming guests Michael Hall and Gabriel Sheeley, as the trio launches into a laid-back discussion about their morning beverage choices. While DJ confesses he's sipping on a caffeine-free orange Sunkist, Michael and Gabriel opt for more traditional brews—a pour-over coffee and a trusty French press. The light-hearted banter continues with relatable talk of broken French presses, multitasking while parenting, and the challenges of remote work life.

The episode quickly shifts to the tech world as the group dives into the complexities of software development. A significant portion of the conversation centers around the grievances they have with various programming practices and tools. Michael shares his initial resistance to omitting semicolons in JavaScript, only to find freedom once he let them go—until a new team brought them back into his workflow. The discussion evolves into the pros and cons of team-wide coding standards and formatting preferences. DJ chimes in, emphasizing the importance of editor consistency to avoid unnecessary code conflicts during pull requests.

The developers then explore a broader range of topics, from the merits of different coding languages to the tools they use to streamline their work. Michael and Gabriel debate the differences between IntelliJ and VS Code, touching on their respective strengths in terms of built-in functionality, code quality suggestions, and testing integration. They also share their frustrations with opinionated linters that enforce strict formatting rules and how that can sometimes hinder creativity during the development process.

Gabe humorously calls out a colleague for having an absurd number of browser tabs open, which leads to a broader discussion about productivity and workflow management in the remote work era. As the conversation unfolds, the team finds humor in the everyday challenges of software development, from debugging quirks to navigating complex tech stacks.

Throughout the episode, DJ, Michael, and Gabriel keep the tone casual and relatable, often veering into humorous side notes about life as developers and parents. Their authentic, real-world experiences make this episode a must-listen for anyone in the tech industry, especially those who find themselves nodding along to the shared grievances about code, browsers, and caffeine choices. The mix of humor, tech talk, and relatable life experiences makes this episode a perfect blend of entertainment and insight.

In this episode of the "Focusing on the Success of Others" podcast, we're joined by Meri Kullberg, Executive Consultant, whose career is rooted in driving impact through empowering teams and individuals. Meri shares her journey from early childhood education to over two decades of consulting, where her passion for helping others achieve their potential has been a defining factor. Throughout the episode, she unpacks the power of a growth mindset, the importance of selflessness in leadership, and how focusing on the success of others enriches not just team dynamics but also company culture. Whether you’re leading a team or striving to grow in your own career, Meri’s insights on empathy, resilience, and collaboration provide a roadmap to success that resonates both personally and professionally.

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Caffeine w/ DJ : episode 3

Innovation