Coding Chats

Coding Chats episode 41 - Julianna Messineo shares her journey with John Crickett, from being a math teacher to transitioning into the tech industry, particularly focusing on educational technology (EdTech). She discusses her experiences with various educational software, the challenges she faced in the job market, and the importance of building projects to enhance her skills. Julianna also emphasizes the significance of networking and personal branding in her job search, as well as the role of AI and podcasts in her learning process. The conversation concludes with Julianna's aspirations for the future and her ongoing projects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to EdTech and Personal Journey

03:17 Challenges in Educational Software and UX

06:02 Transition from Teaching to Tech

08:40 Navigating the Job Market in Tech

11:11 Building Projects and Learning by Doing

13:47 Networking and Community Engagement in EdTech

20:48 Building Connections and Networking

22:45 The Importance of Personal Branding

25:09 Learning Through Projects

27:15 Utilizing Podcasts for Learning

29:24 The Role of AI in Learning

33:00 Exploring Coding Challenges and Projects

Julianna's Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-messineo/

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

EdTech encompasses a wide range of educational technologies.

User experience (UX) in educational software is often lacking.

Transitioning from teaching to tech can be challenging due to job market conditions.

Building projects is a crucial part of learning software development.

Networking and personal branding are essential for job seekers in tech.

Podcasts can be a valuable resource for learning on the go.

AI can assist in coding but requires critical evaluation of suggestions.

The job market for junior developers is currently very competitive.

Creating educational tools can help bridge the gap in learning.

Engaging with the community can lead to job opportunities.

Coding Chats episode 40 - David Weiss shares his journey from being a Spanish teacher to a software engineer, highlighting the transferable skills that educators bring to tech. He discusses the importance of teaching in reinforcing knowledge, the challenges of building SaaS applications, and the significance of personal branding in today's job market. David also introduces his initiative, Build to Give, which connects early career tech professionals with non-profits, providing them with real-world experience while helping organizations in need.

Chapters

00:00 From Teaching to Tech: A Journey of Transition

04:10 Transferable Skills: Bridging Teaching and Software Engineering

07:38 The Power of Teaching in Tech

11:14 Side Hustles and Newsletters: Building a Personal Brand

16:42 Building SaaS Apps: Lessons Learned

20:11 The Importance of Personal Branding

23:42 Navigating the Job Market: Insights on AI and Tech

27:08 Build to Give: Connecting Tech Professionals with Nonprofits

David's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bydavidweiss

Besides Code: https://www.besidescode.com

Resume: https://www.useresume.app

John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

David transitioned from teaching to tech by self-learning coding.

Teaching skills like communication and collaboration are valuable in tech.

Teaching reinforces knowledge and helps fill gaps in understanding.Building side projects can enhance personal growth and skill.

A newsletter can provide accountability and community engagement.

Marketing is crucial for the success of SaaS applications.

Validating ideas with potential customers is essential before coding.

Personal branding is important for career stability in tech.

The tech job market is challenging for early career professionals.

Build to Give connects early career professionals with non-profits for mutual benefit.

Coding Chats episode 39 - Tom Elliott discusses his startup - Ocuroot - which aims to simplify the developer experience by automating the management of complex production environments. He shares insights on the challenges faced by software engineers, the importance of customer feedback, and the lessons learned during his journey as a founder. Tom also delves into the competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and the technical aspects of building Ocuroot, including his tech stack and the complexities of implementing features like dark mode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ocuroot: The Startup Journey

03:10 The Developer Experience: Automating Complex Environments

06:15 Navigating Competition: Positioning Ocuroot in the Market

08:49 Lessons Learned: Insights from a Year as a Founder

11:57 Customer Conversations: Validating Business Ideas

14:35 Understanding CI/CD Challenges in Enterprises

17:10 Regulatory Complexities: The Impact on Software Development

20:05 Bridging the Gap: Communication Between Tech and Business

22:58 Engaging with Customers for Better Solutions

26:33 Simplifying Complex Use Cases

28:12 Avoiding Overengineering in Product Development32:26 Balancing Building and Marketing

34:26 Tech Stack and Development Insights

38:34 The Challenges of Dark Mode

40:57 Future Plans for Ocuroot

Tom's Links:

Ocuroot: https://www.ocuroot.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telliott1984/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/telliott.me

Substack: https://thefridaydeploy.substack.com

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Ocuroot aims to automate the management of production environments.

The developer experience is a key focus for Ocuroot.

Customer feedback is crucial for validating business ideas.

Not all companies face the same challenges with CI/CD.

Regulatory requirements can complicate software deployment.

Building a simple tool can be more effective than over-engineering.

Engaging engineers with customers can lead to valuable insights.

Dark mode implementation can be complex and time-consuming.

A strong tech stack is essential for startup success.

Continuous learning is vital for founders.

Coding Chats episode 38 - John Crickett and Ryan Varley explore the distinctions between data science and software engineering, the impact of AI on these fields, and the current job market dynamics. They discuss the challenges of scaling start-ups, the importance of clear communication in software development, and the transition from leadership roles back to individual contributor positions. Ryan emphasizes the need for curiosity and seizing opportunities for career growth.

Chapters

00:00 Data Science vs. Software Engineering

05:41 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning

10:52 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Jobs

16:11 The Challenges of Requirements Gathering in Software Development

23:11 Current Job Market Insights

24:47 The Changing Landscape of Job Applications

27:04 Navigating the Interview Process

30:22 The Impact of AI on Hiring

33:42 Scaling Startups: Challenges and Strategies

39:51 Transitioning from Leadership to Individual Contributor

44:25 Advice for Career Growth

Ryan's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvarley/Brilliant People, Exceptional Teams

Newsletter: newsletter.ryanvarley.com

Website: ryanvarley.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rvarley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rvarley

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Data science and software engineering have distinct roles and challenges.AI is reshaping the landscape of software development and data science.

The job market is currently competitive, requiring applicants to stand out.AI-generated CVs can complicate the hiring process.

Scaling startups presents unique challenges that require careful management.

Transitioning from leadership to individual contributor roles can be refreshing.

Curiosity and taking opportunities are key to career growth.

Effective communication is crucial in understanding project requirements.

The importance of adapting to changes in the job market.

Learning to say no is essential for effective management.

Coding Chats episode 37 - John Crickett and Simon Copsey explore the intricate relationship between technology, management, and leadership in software engineering. They discuss the limitations of technology, particularly AI, emphasizing that while it can be a powerful tool, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The importance of soft skills, situational leadership, and understanding organizational dynamics is highlighted as essential for effective management. They also delve into the significance of learning from mistakes and the need for psychological safety in decision-making processes.

Chapters

00:00 Technology: Necessary but Not Sufficient

02:49 AI: The Shiny Object Syndrome

05:38 The Role of Collaboration in Software Engineering

08:09 Management vs. Engineering: A Different Skill Set

10:33 Understanding Team Dynamics and Cooperation

13:28 The Importance of Systems Thinking

16:13 Identifying Underlying Causes in Organizations

18:58 Creating Paths of Least Resistance

21:37 The Impact of Metrics on Team Behavior

23:54 The Role of Systems in Organizational Success

26:00 Balancing Individual Uniqueness and Organizational Needs

31:53 Leadership Models and Situational Context

34:20 Bureaucracy vs. Creativity in Leadership

37:37 Command and Control vs. Intent-Based Leadership

42:35 The Importance of Psychological Safety

45:18 Learning from Mistakes and Decision-Making

48:51 Sociocratic vs. Democratic Leadership

53:11 The Role of Assumptions in Decision-Making

56:37 Adapting Leadership Styles to Team Contexts

01:00:49 The Importance of Asking Why in Leadership

01:04:34 Summary of Key Insights

01:09:37 Outro Final Coding Chats.mp4

LINKS

Talk by Simon: From Diapers to Delivery: Parenting Lessons for Management - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBCLoklUZMg

References:

The Goal (Book, Eli Goldratt)Necessary But Not Sufficient (Book, Eli Goldratt)

Technical debt is a myth (Article, Noah Cantor)

Management in Small Doses (Book, Russell Ackoff)

The New Economics (Book, W. Edwards Deming)

Thinking for a Change (Book, Lisa Scheinkopf)

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Technology is necessary but not sufficient for success.AI should be applied to specific problems, not as a blanket solution.

Management is a distinct career path from engineering.

Soft skills are crucial in software engineering.

Mistakes are essential for learning and growth.

Situational leadership adapts to the context and team dynamics.

Understanding the system is key to solving organizational problems.

Effective decision-making requires psychological safety.

Disagree and commit fosters a culture of learning.

Assumptions should be documented to facilitate learning.

Coding Chats episode 36 - Rob Morgan shares his journey from being a traditional software developer to becoming a successful freelancer and eventually launching his own SaaS product. He discusses the importance of client interaction, the challenges of freelancing, and how he identified a niche market in the window cleaning industry. Rob emphasizes the significance of networking, understanding user needs, and the iterative process of product development. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs, including tips on pricing and customer engagement. In this conversation, Rob shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the successes and challenges of his first SaaS business, Cleaner Planner, and the lessons learned from its eventual sale. He discusses the importance of timing, customer engagement, and the pull demand in business success. Rob also delves into his transition to a fractional CTO role after selling his second venture, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a software product and the need for effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he expresses his interest in starting a podcast focused on the journeys of SaaS founders, aiming to create a community for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Freelancing

05:40 The Transition to Freelance Work

12:40 Navigating the Freelance Landscape

20:00 Challenges of Freelancing

26:46 The Shift from Freelancing to Startups

30:30 Finding the Right Startup Idea

38:12 Building a Community Around a Niche Problem

51:23 Navigating the Challenges of Growth and Exit

57:42 Reviving Skills and Embracing New Technologies

59:30 The Journey of Rebuilding Software

01:02:26 Understanding Customer Needs and Market Dynamics

01:05:22 Navigating Marketing Challenges

01:06:55 Transitioning to a Fractional CTO Role

01:10:12 Exploring Future Opportunities and Podcasting

01:13:17 Building a Community for Founders

Rob's Links:

https://trialtopaid.iohttps://linkedin.com/in/rbdmorgan/

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Rob transitioned to freelancing after feeling stifled in traditional roles.

He values client interaction for understanding user needs.

Freelancing can be a rollercoaster of feast and famine.

Rob's first freelance project came from a connection in affiliate marketing.

Sales for Rob is about consultative problem-solving, not traditional selling.

Freelancers should network to find clients and opportunities.

Rob's SaaS idea emerged from identifying a niche problem in the window cleaning industry.

Engaging potential customers early can validate a product idea.

Pricing should reflect the value provided and be competitive. Rob reflects on his first business success and the lessons learned.

The importance of timing and recognizing opportunities in business.

Customer engagement and understanding needs are crucial for success.

Rob's experience with the challenges of marketing a new product.

The significance of having a pull demand rather than push in business.

Rob discusses the natural end of his first business and the decision to sell.

The transition from being a business owner to a fractional CTO role.

Rob's insights on rebuilding a software product and the challenges faced.

Rob's plans for a podcast focused on the journey of SaaS founders.

Coding Chats episode 35 - John Crickett and Brian Feister explore the journey of becoming a software engineer, discussing the value of self-taught skills versus formal education, the impact of boot camps, and the importance of community in tech. They delve into their experiences with the Go programming language, sharing insights on learning, challenges faced, and the advantages of Go in modern software development.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Computer Science Degrees

05:46 Self-Taught vs. Formal Education in Software Engineering

08:32 The Reality of Bootcamps and Career Expectations

14:21 Approaches to Learning Go Programming

18:03 Navigating Technical Challenges in Web Development

20:22 Transitioning to Go: Experiences and Insights

26:06 The Power of Go's Toolchain and Compiler Speed

28:40 Learning Go: Tips and Resources

32:06 Building with Go: Frontend and Backend Integration

34:45 Understanding Go Routines and Concurrency

39:28 Final Thoughts on Community and Connection

Brian's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeister/

Meet Near Me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/meet-near-me

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Self-taught engineers often excel due to passion and curiosity.

Formal education can provide useful fundamentals but isn't always necessary.

Boot camps can mislead students about job prospects and salaries.

Community support is crucial for growth in software engineering careers.

Learning Go can be a rewarding experience with the right approach.

Go's simplicity and efficiency make it a powerful tool for developers.

Understanding concurrency in Go can enhance performance in applications.

The tech industry is evolving, and adaptability is key for success.

Remote work presents unique challenges for social interaction.

Building a supportive network can help navigate the tech landscape.

Coding Chats episode 34 - John Crickett and Brian Feister explore the journey from working in big tech to building startups, the evolution of mentorship in tech, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the intricacies of test-driven development. They discuss cognitive differences in software development, the importance of clear requirements, and the role of AI in the future of software engineering. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning from each other and the diverse paths in the tech industry.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Dual Roles: Tech and Entrepreneurship

03:12 From Mentorship to Startup: Building Together

05:56 The Challenges of Team Dynamics and Testing

08:40 Agile Development: Balancing Requirements and Flexibility

11:48 Function Size and Cognitive Load in Coding

14:18 The Art of Requirements Gathering

17:15 The Future of AI in Software Engineering

26:40 The Limitations of AI in Software Engineering

30:29 Learning from Each Other in Software Development

35:43 The Role of Domain Knowledge in Software Engineering

39:52 Education Paths in Software Engineering

BRIAN'S LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeister/

Meet Near Me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/meet-near-me

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickettJohn's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickettJohn's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways:

Brian is currently working at Salesforce while building a startup.

Mentorship has evolved into a community-driven project.

Balancing a day job and a startup is challenging.

Test-driven development has its pros and cons.

Cognitive differences affect how developers approach problems.

Requirements gathering is often more complex than coding.

AI is unlikely to replace software engineers due to communication challenges.

Learning from peers, regardless of experience, is valuable.

The tech landscape is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability.

Self-taught programmers face unique challenges in their learning journey.

Coding Chats episode 33 - John Crickett and Robert Roskam explore the significance of open source involvement, the critical nature of effective onboarding, the myth of 10x engineers, and the challenges of transitioning into management.

They discuss how soft skills and community engagement are essential for software engineers, the importance of creating a supportive onboarding experience, and the misconceptions surrounding high-performing engineers.

Additionally, they reflect on the realities of management and the emotional dynamics that influence decision-making within organizations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to FastAPI and Starlette

01:50 Involvement in Django and Open Source Events

04:17 Understanding the Python Software Foundation

07:02 The Journey to Software Engineering

09:43 The Importance of Onboarding

12:09 Measuring Developer Experience and Impact

15:03 The Honeymoon Period in New Employment

17:52 Empathy in Leadership and Management Decisions

22:49 The Importance of Team Commitment

24:30 Onboarding and Documentation: The Foundation of Care

26:33 Debunking the Myth of 10x Engineers

29:48 Collaboration vs. Isolation in Software Engineering

33:00 Effective Knowledge Sharing in Large Teams

37:17 Transitioning to Management: Surprises and Realities

44:06 The Value of an MBA for Software Engineering Leaders

Robert's Links:

robertroskam.com

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters:

Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways:

Many software engineers are not involved in open source or community events.

Soft skills are crucial for making projects successful.

Onboarding is a critical period for new hires to learn and integrate into the company culture.

Organizations often underestimate the time it takes for new hires to become productive.

The concept of 10x engineers is often misunderstood; true value comes from collaboration and team dynamics.

Effective onboarding can significantly reduce the time to first meaningful contribution.

Emotional factors often drive organizational decisions more than rationality.

An MBA can provide useful insights, but it's not necessary for all management roles.

The best engineers are those who elevate their teammates and foster collaboration.

All departments within an organization must work together for overall success.

Coding Chats episode 32 - John Crickett and Loris Cro discuss the Zig programming language, its community, and various ways to learn and apply Zig. Loris emphasizes the importance of project-based learning, the unique features of Zig, and how it is being used in production by various companies. Loris also shares insights on how to get involved with the Zig community and contribute to its growth.

Chapters

00:00 Learning Zig Through Projects

04:58 Community and Learning Resources

06:49 Zig in Production: Real-World Applications

12:23 Understanding Zig's Unique Features

18:07 Getting Involved with the Zig Community

Loris's links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristoff-it/

Jonathan Marler's talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWFLkHRIAQ

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Zig is a simple language that emphasizes debugging applications over language complexity.

Project-based learning is effective for mastering Zig.

Ziglings offers a hands-on approach for beginners to learn Zig.

Companies like Tiger Beetle and BUN are using Zig in production.

Zig's unique features include first-class support for no standard library.

Zig allows for cross-compilation, making it versatile for different architectures.

Community involvement is crucial for learning and contributing to Zig.

Zig promotes a bottom-up approach to software development.

Events like Zig Days foster collaboration and community building.

Software You Can Love conference highlights innovative software development perspectives.