Summary:

In this episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Ben Whitmarsh and Vytas Jelinskas interview Dave Vered, a DevOps lead/manager at Simply Business, who shares his journey from IT support to DevOps, emphasizing the importance of leadership, personal growth, and mental health. Dave discusses the evolution of DevOps, the integration of AI, and the future of technology in the workplace. He also highlights the significance of following one's passion and the challenges faced in the tech industry, particularly regarding mental health.

Takeaways:

• Dave is a DevOps lead at Simply Business with a varied career path.
• He transitioned from IT support to DevOps to get more hands-on with technology.
• Leadership for Dave is about enabling others to excel and grow.
• He emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership and personal growth.
• Dave has a passion for mental health and has spoken openly about his journey.
• He believes in the importance of following what you love in your career.
• AI is transforming DevOps, particularly in automation and log analysis.
• Dave has implemented AI tools like Slackbots to improve efficiency in his team.
• He sees the future of DevOps as increasingly integrated with AI technologies.
• Dave encourages aspiring engineers to master a specific area before transitioning into DevOps.

00:00 Introduction to DevOps and Career Journey

08:59 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth

11:00 Passions Beyond Tech: Travel and Mental Health

22:22 The Evolution of DevOps and AI Integration

51:47 Future of DevOps and AI Collaboration