This podcast examines the contrasting "wartime" and "peacetime" operating modes in tech companies, drawing on the author's experiences at Uber and observations across the industry. It defines these modes in terms of leadership styles, employee behaviours, and organisational priorities, highlighting the differences in approaches to project management, performance reviews, and tech debt. The text explores the transitions between these modes, identifying common triggers and observable signs, and offers advice for employees and managers on thriving in each environment. Finally, it discusses the counterintuitive relationship between extended "wartime" periods and tech debt accumulation.