In this episode of Engineering Quality, we sit down with Ali Feldman, a seasoned tech recruiter with experience across engineering, product, and leadership roles. Ali shares her insights on the evolving tech job market, how candidates can stand out, and practical strategies for navigating recruiting challenges in today’s competitive landscape.

We discuss:

• Current trends shaping tech recruiting, including AI in applications and interviews

• What makes a resume or LinkedIn profile stand out and what raises red flags

• Strategies for reaching out to recruiters without overdoing it

• How to navigate layoffs and pivot thoughtfully to your next role

• The value of video screens, in-person interviews, and understanding company culture

Whether you’re actively looking for a job, considering a career change, or just curious about how tech recruiting works today, this episode is packed with actionable advice from someone who’s seen it all.

Connect with Ali:

🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-feldman/ 

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💼LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

🎥 YouTube: @EngineeringQuality

🌐 Website: https://www.engineeringqualitypodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Engineering Quality, we’re joined by Shaquanna Brown, an experienced Agile coach and BizOps leader, to explore the connection between Agile maturity, team alignment, and software quality. Shaquanna shares her insights from leading Agile transformations and helping organizations embed quality as a shared responsibility.

We discuss:

• How Agile maturity correlates with sustainable, high-quality software

• The importance of fully integrating testers and quality engineers into cross-functional teams

• Common misconceptions about Agile, including “Agile means fast” and “Agile doesn’t require planning”

• The value of a strong Definition of Done and Definition of Ready

• How leaders’ actions impact Agile adoption and team effectiveness

Whether you’re a tester, developer, product manager, or engineering leader, this episode offers actionable strategies to improve collaboration, reduce rework, and ensure quality is baked into every stage of delivery.

Connect with Shaquanna: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquanna/ 

Follow us on social:

💼LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

🎥 YouTube: @EngineeringQuality

🌐 Website: https://www.engineeringqualitypodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Engineering Quality with a very special guest - Lisa Crispin, a true pioneer in agile testing and one of the most influential voices in the quality engineering community.

In this episode, Lisa joins Ale, Veronika, and Royalee to explore holistic testing - an approach that goes beyond “testing early” and looks at quality across the entire software development lifecycle.

We discuss:

• What holistic testing really means (and why it’s more than shift-left)

• Why quality is a shared responsibility across the whole team

• How to build shared understanding before code is written

• Practical techniques like risk storming, example mapping, and pipeline mapping

• How testers can influence change without authority

• The power of relationships in DevOps and modern teams

Whether you’re a tester, developer, product manager, or engineering leader, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you build better software - together!

Connect with Lisa:

🌐 Website: https://www.lisacrispin.com 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacrispin 

🦋 BlueSky: @lisacrispin.bsky.social

Follow us on social:

• 💼LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

• 🎥 YouTube: @EngineeringQuality

• 🌐 Website: https://www.engineeringqualitypodcast.com

• Email: [email protected]

References & People Mentioned in this Episode:

• Risk Storming by Beren Van Daele
• Mapping from Matt Wynne
• Ashley Hunsberger
• Abby Bangser
• Practical Guide to Testing in DevOps - By Katrina Clokie
• The Quality Coach's Handbook - Anne-Marie Charrett
• The Paradox of Choice
• XMind - Mind Mapping Tool

In this episode, we dive into the topic of tech layoffs and their wide-reaching impact on individuals, teams, and software quality. We explore why companies downsize, how layoffs are typically handled, and what the experience is like for those affected.

We also discuss the aftermath: shifting team dynamics, the toll on morale, and how leaders can respond with empathy. Finally, we share practical tips for navigating job loss, preparing for uncertainty, and maintaining a focus on quality through it all.

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• Website: ⁠⁠⁠engineeringqualitypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

• Email: [email protected]
  

In this episode, we explore the concept of quality leadership and how it goes beyond traditional testing roles. Quality leadership impacts the entire product lifecycle by driving continuous improvement and ensuring that quality is embedded from the start. We discuss the essential traits of effective quality leaders, such as strong communication, empathy, and technical expertise, and how these qualities help shape a culture of excellence within teams.

Additionally, we dive into the core responsibilities of quality leaders, from setting quality standards and advocating for necessary resources to guiding teams toward delivering high-quality products. We also touch on how quality leadership fits within Agile environments. Finally, we offer practical advice for aspiring quality leaders who want to grow in their roles and impact their organizations meaningfully.

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In this episode of Engineering Quality, we explore essential testing strategies for software engineers, focusing on shift-left testing and the automation pyramid. We break down what it means to shift testing earlier in the development process, how engineers can integrate quality into their workflows, and the role of different types of automated tests.

You'll learn:

• How shifting testing left improves software quality and speeds up development

• The fundamentals of the automation pyramid and how to apply it effectively

• Common pitfalls like the “ice cream cone” and “cupcake” anti-patterns—and how to avoid them

• Practical steps engineers can take to build a strong testing mindset

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• Website: ⁠engineeringqualitypodcast.com⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠Engineering Quality⁠
• Email: ⁠[email protected]

Episode Resources can be found ⁠here⁠ (https://www.engineeringqualitypodcast.com/resources).

Regression testing is one of the pillars of software quality, ensuring that new changes don’t break existing functionality. In this episode, we break down what regression testing is, why it’s crucial, and where it fits into a broader testing strategy.

We explore real-world scenarios where regression testing is essential, from bug fixes to feature updates, integrations, and system changes. There’s a deep dive into different types of regression testing, how to build an effective regression suite, and strategies for balancing automation with efficiency.

The discussion also covers common challenges, including time constraints and test maintenance, and how modern architectural patterns like microservices, API-first development, and feature toggles can reduce the risk of regression bugs.

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• Website: engineeringqualitypodcast.com

• LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into Continuous Integration (CI) and the crucial role testing plays in the process. We break down different environments—local, development, testing, staging, and production—exploring how CI helps streamline code integration, catch issues early, and improve development efficiency.

We also discuss popular CI tools like GitHub Actions, CircleCI, and Jenkins, highlighting their strengths and use cases. Beyond the tools, we cover best practices for managing code propagation, deployments, and release strategies. 

Whether you're new to CI or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you optimize your software development workflow.

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• IG: engineeringquality_podcast

• X: EngineeringQual

• LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

• Email: [email protected]
  

In this episode, we explore the key roles of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship and how they can accelerate your career in engineering. We break down the differences between mentors, who provide long-term guidance, and coaches, who focus on improving specific skills or achieving certain goals. We also discuss the often-overlooked role of sponsorship, where influential advocates help propel your career forward.

Listeners will learn how to find the right mentor or coach, how to be an active mentee, and how to maintain strong, meaningful relationships. We also highlight the importance of sponsorship in breaking career barriers and provide tips on how to seek out sponsors who will champion your growth. 

If you're looking to enhance your skills, boost your visibility, or take your career to the next level, this episode provides practical advice to help you succeed.

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• IG: engineeringquality_podcast

• X: EngineeringQual

• LinkedIn: Engineering Quality

• Email: [email protected]

In part 2 of our two-part series on careers in testing, we explore key topics like manual vs. automated testing, mentorship, and the future of the testing profession. 

We discuss the role of automation as a tool, not a separate career path, and the evolving skills testers need to stay relevant. We also dive into common myths about testing, such as the misconception that testing is easy or that automation will replace manual testing. Plus, we share tips for those transitioning from manual to automated testing and the importance of continuous learning. 

Whether you're just starting in testing or looking to level up your skills, this episode offers valuable insights and advice.

Check out here for the resources we mentioned during this episode.

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• LinkedIn: ⁠Engineering Quality⁠
• Blue Sky: @engineeringquality.bsky.social
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• X: EngineeringQual
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• Email: [email protected]