Tech Lead Journal

• #211 - Back to the Future: Lessons from My 42-Year Career in Tech - Paula Paul

  (03:43) Brought to you by Swimm.io.⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change?How do you not just survive, but thrive through decades of major changes in the tech industry?With 42 years experiencing the tech industry’s biggest transformations, Paula Paul (Distinguished Engineer, Technical Advisor, OpenJS Foundation Board Member) has seen it all. Hear her hard-won lessons on navigating massive technology shifts, from mainframes to modern AI and cloud. This episode explores why embracing change and building a healthy relationship with technology are crucial for a fulfilling career.Key topics discussed:Insights from a 42+ year career spanning mainframes, CAD, the web, cloud, and AIA refreshing perspective on AI: Is it taking jobs away or creating choices?Why technology is often the “easy part” compared to managing changesHow to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and avoid overwhelmTimeless advice for building a successful and fulfilling tech career you loveNavigating career pivots and embracing a non-linear path (“canvas vs. ladder”)The latest challenges of open source software, e.g. licensing and security risksThoughts on diversity, inclusion, and meritocracy in the tech industryTune in for practical advice and deep reflections on building resilience, embracing curiosity, and finding your place in the ever-changing world of technology.  Timestamps:(02:10) Career Turning Point(05:59) How to Approach AI and Rapid Technology Change(07:27) Long Feedback Loop in Software Development(10:35) Importance of Building the Right Things(13:35) The Fear of AI and Technology Changes(16:46) Timeless Tech Career Advice(19:34) Navigating Career Decisions(23:03) Every Company is a SaaS Company(26:22) The Huge Impact of Open Source(28:59) Open Source’s Security Challenge(31:04) Managing a Healthy JavaScript Ecosystem(33:11) Recent Trend of Open Source Licensing Change(35:46) Choosing Open Source vs. Commercial Software(37:18) Challenges of AI Model Training Based on Open Source(41:46) Recent Challenges with DEI Programs(45:05) The Value of Diversity(47:34) AI as Learning Tool(48:46) Creating Healthy Relationship with Technology(51:45) Dealing with Tech Anxiety(55:03) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Paula Paul’s BioPaula is a trusted technical advisor and distinguished engineer who has served as a fractional CTO in multiple organizations. Paula championed API, Identity, and platform strategies as a Distinguished Engineer with ThoughtWorks and led cloud adoptions on AWS, GCP, and Azure through her company, Greyshore. Paula is passionate about Open Source; she has been a multi-year speaker and co-chair of Open Source Day for the Grace Hopper Celebration and currently serves as a board member with the OpenJS Foundation and the Brookline Music School.Follow Paula:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/paulapaulMedium – @paulapaulWebsite – http://greyshore.com_____Our SponsorsManning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/211.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

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• #210 - Creator of WireMock: Building a Successful Open Source Project and The Art of API Mocking - Tom Akehurst

  (05:29) Brought to you by Swimm.io⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.Tired of API dependencies slowing down your development and testing?Dive into my conversation with Tom Akehurst, creator of WireMock, and discover the art of using API mocking to build successful software in complex distributed environments.Key topics discussed:The origin story of WireMock, born from integration challenges at DisneyHow WireMock became a leading API mocking tool with millions of monthly downloadsInsights on building and maintaining successful open-source projectsThe key benefits of API mocking for developer productivity and experienceThe shift from the traditional testing pyramid to a “testing trophy” approachLeveraging API mocking for API-first design and rapid prototypingThe distinction between API mocking and contract testingThe future of API testing and development in the age of microservices and AIWhether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out your journey in API development, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of API mocking and the journey of building a successful open-source project.  Timestamps:(02:11) Career Turning Points(08:08) WireMock OSS Success Story(15:15) Welcoming & Aligning with Contributors(18:05) Benefits of WireMock & API Mocking Tools(19:59) API Mocking & Testing Pyramid(22:05) API Mocking vs Contract Testing(25:25) The Economics of API Mocking(27:27) API First Design(32:32) Impact to the Developer Experience & Productivity(35:32) Working More Effectively with Distributed Systems(38:15) API Virtualization/Simulation(41:13) AI Advancement in API Development(44:25) Building API for AI Agents(47:25) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Tom Akehurst’s BioTom Akehurst is the creator of WireMock, the open source API mocking tool, which he’s now been working on for well over a decade. Lately he’s also the CTO and co-founder of WireMock, Inc., where he’s helping complex engineering organisations effectively adopt API simulation techniques in order to build better software faster.Tom has been developing software for over 20 years. He’s built large-scale web systems for media, travel, hospitality, retail and government, applying lean, eXtreme Programming, Continuous Delivery and DevOps principles along the way.Follow Tom:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/tomakehurstEmail – tom@wiremock.orgWireMock – wiremock.org_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/210.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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• #209 - How I Retired Early in Tech: My Journey to Financial Independence - Kristine Howard

  Discover the secrets to early retirement and financial independence from a tech industry veteran!In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Kristine Howard, who transitioned from a dynamic career in tech to a life of early retirement, reaching financial independence and personal fulfillment along the way.Key topics discussed:Learn why tracking your expenses is the key to financial freedomMaster the balanced money formula for budgeting successUncover smart investing strategies, including the power of index funds and diversificationUnderstand how aligning your career with personal values can lead to greater satisfactionLearn the “4% rule” and how it can help determine your retirement readinessGain insights into the emotional journey of transitioning to early retirementHear the unexpected benefits of early retirement, including more time for personal growthDiscover the three keys to staying healthy in retirement: staying active, engaged, and contributingWhether you’re just starting your career or dreaming of early retirement, don’t miss out on these valuable lessons for achieving financial independence and living life on your own terms!  Timestamps:(02:07) Career Turning Points(07:01) Getting into Early Retirement(09:16) Financial Independence vs Early Retirement(10:13) Can We Reach Financial Independence?(11:56) The Shares/Equity Lever(15:43) Working in Startups vs Corporates vs Big Tech(18:34) The Importance of Financial Tracking(23:36) Building Automation & Doing Periodic Reviews(29:17) Focus on the Spending Rather than Income(30:43) Budgeting(33:12) Trade CapEx for OpEx(35:36) Saving & Investing(38:53) On Diversification(41:17) The Importance of Emergency Fund(43:12) How Did it Feel Getting Closer to Retirement?(48:19) The Feeling of Significant Income Drop(51:01) Things Anyone Can Do Even Before Retirement(56:00) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Kristine Howard’s BioKristine Howard is an American-Australian residing in Sydney, Australia. Her extensive career features significant roles within technical teams at prominent companies such as Channel 9, Canva, and AWS. She is married to the Snook, and together they share a passion for global travel and culinary exploration. Kristine also expresses her creativity through knitting and sewing, finding joy in crafting handmade items. Notably, she has shared her expertise and insights at over 100 tech meetups, conferences, and events worldwide.Follow Kristine:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/kristinehowardBlog – web-goddess.org_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/209.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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• #208 - Navigating Tech Leadership Transitions: From Engineer to Executive - Norman Noble

  (07:37) Brought to you by Lemon.io⁠⁠⁠Lemon.io⁠⁠⁠ is your go-to platform for hiring top-tier, pre-vetted software engineers from Europe and Latin America. You'll get matched with your developer in just 48 hours.Tech Lead Journal listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of work at ⁠⁠⁠lemon.io⁠⁠⁠.Ever wondered what it takes to climb the tech leadership ladder from engineer to executive?In this episode, we follow the journey of Norman Noble, CTO of Mindvalley, as he shares his insights and experiences navigating these challenging transitions.Here’s what you’ll discover:How to successfully transition from an individual contributor to a manager, and ultimately to an executiveEffective hiring strategies to attract and retain top talentStrategies for building high-performing teams, including creating the right team architectureInsights into Mindvalley’s unique culture and diversity that foster personal growth and transformationThe importance of mindfulness and well-being for effective leadershipTimestamps:(02:06) Career Turning Points(09:59) Transitioning From an IC to a Manager(12:10) Learning From Psychology & Management Books(15:36) Becoming a Better Manager(17:32) Building High-Performing Teams(20:23) Hiring Strategy & Philosophy(24:06) Engineering Interview Strategy(28:19) Transitioning From a Manager to an Executive(32:09) Upskilling Across Domains(36:03) Mindvalley Culture(38:41) The Power of Diversity(40:46) Practising Mindfulness(43:48) Making Space for Thinking(45:50) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Norman Noble’s BioNorman Noble is the CTO of Mindvalley. He is a people-focused technology leader, lean/agile practitioner and systems thinker. He focuses on strategic outcomes that deliver real value to organisations and their customers, whilst building high-performing technology teams that move quickly and get things done.Follow Norman:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/normannoble_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/208.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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  48:54
• #207 - The Art of Storytelling: Effective Communication and Data Visualization - Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

  (04:44) Brought to you by Lemon.io⁠⁠Lemon.io⁠⁠ is your go-to platform for hiring top-tier, pre-vetted software engineers from Europe and Latin America. You'll get matched with your developer in just 48 hours.Tech Lead Journal listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of work at ⁠⁠lemon.io⁠⁠.Want to communicate more effectively and get your work the attention it deserves? Learn how to harness the power of storytelling in a business setting with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, the bestselling author of "Storytelling with Data" and "Storytelling with You"!In this episode, Cole joins me to dive into the art of storytelling and explore how we can use it to communicate data, insights, and our work more effectively.You'll learn:- Storytelling in business: Why it's crucial for making your work stand out.- The "Plan-Create-Deliver" framework: The 3 steps to creating compelling stories.- Low-tech planning: Why pen and paper beats jumping straight to slides.- The power of the "Big Idea": Craft one impactful sentence that captures your message.- Storytelling with data: Present data that is both informative and engaging.- Crafting a powerful intro: Grab your audience's attention from the start.- AI for storytelling: How AI can enhance your data analysis and communication.- Teaching kids about data: Empower the next generation to be critical thinkers and storytellers.Timestamps:(00:02:17) Career Turning Points(00:06:22) What is Storytelling?(00:09:55) Why Become Better Storytellers(00:12:25) Storytelling in Business Settings(00:15:51) Plan-Create-Deliver Framework(00:24:01) Low Tech Planning(00:28:57) The 3-Minute Story and The Big Idea(00:33:06) TLDR and BLUF(00:37:09) Creating Slides(00:41:43) Storytelling with Data(00:44:39) Pie Charts(00:46:42) Data Visualization Tools(00:49:00) Teaching Kids about Data(00:55:04) Giving a Powerful Intro(00:59:13) How AI Can Help in Data & Storytelling(01:02:02) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic’s BioCole Nussbaumer Knaflic tells stories with data. She is founder and CEO of storytelling with data (SWD) and author of Storytelling With Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals and Storytelling with Data: Let’s Practice! SWD’s well-regarded workshops and presentations are highly sought after by data-minded individuals, companies, and philanthropic organizations all over the world. Learn more at storytellingwithdata.com.Follow Cole:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/colenussbaumerWebsite – storytellingwithdata.com📚 Storytelling with Data – https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-Data-Visualization-Business-Professionals/dp/1119002257📚 Storytelling with You – https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-You-Deliver-Stellar-Presentation/dp/1394160305📚 Daphne Draws Data – https://www.daphnedrawsdata.com/🎥 Storytelling with Data YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/storytellingwithdata_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/207.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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