Developer's Journey

Can one's fascination with technology begin with a childhood story of a laptop reward? For our guest Sophie Obomighie, that was indeed the case. From there, Sophie describes her journey through the tech world, from building a website on halitosis to participating in Google developer group events. Despite her medical background, she found a way to marry her interests in tech and medicine, proving that multiple passions can coexist and even compliment each other.Sophie's path wasn't without its hurdles, as she navigated the world of programming education and sought out job opportunities in the tech field. From her time at a transcript processing company to her stint at Hotels.ng, Sophie was continually challenged. Yet, she rose to the occasion, learning and growing with every new experience. She is a testament to the importance of embracing challenges on the path to success. In the final chapters of the episode, Sophie recounts her experience as a Quality Assurance person. She openly shares about

Join us on an enlightening tech odyssey with Coleen Shane, a trans woman who's made her mark in the realm of information security and networking. From the humble beginnings of tinkering with a Texas Instruments TI-99 in the 80s to a successful career at the VA hospital in Indianapolis, Coleen's journey is an inspiring tale of determination and passion. She shares insights from her experience and illuminates us on the delicate equilibrium between convenience and security.Ever wondered how to strike the right balance between ease of use and ensuring your digital world is secure? This is a key challenge we dissect with Coleen. We also delve into the murky waters of phishing attempts, exploring how to identify and mitigate them. Coleen's vast experience lends a wealth of knowledge on this pertinent issue. As our digital landscape evolves, the importance of security continues to heighten, a reality that Coleen emphasizes repeatedly.In the wake of the AI boom, concerns about privacy and security are

Who says a childhood dream can't shape your adult career? Dr. Jodie Burchell would undoubtedly argue it can. As a data science advocate at JetBrains, she's living proof that a meandering career path can lead to extraordinary places. Join us for a heartwarming journey that starts with her fascination for paleontology, travels through studying psychology and German in university, and ends up leading data science teams in Europe. Enjoy a chuckle with us as she recalls her forgotten German skills and a high school art project that sparked her interest in psychology.Making a career transition can be daunting, but Jodie provides valuable insights into how these shifts can lead to unexpected fulfillment and purpose. With engaging tales from academia, she elaborates on how her experiences shaped her understanding of the significant role of data science and the real-world impact it can have. The conversation doesn't stop there as we explore the ever-evolving world of data science, its specializations, a

What does it take to transition from a life in pharmacy, business, and PR to becoming a successful software developer and business owner? Alexandra Spalato, our guest for this episode, has done just that. Her unconventional journey, fueled by a passion for learning, has led her through many roles - from actress to Developer Relations (DevRel) Engineer - and eventually brought her into the realm of software development.Alexandra's story is as inspiring as it is educational, shedding light on the fascinating journey of becoming a developer. Starting as a self-taught developer, she delved into WordPress and immersed herself in a JavaScript boot camp to upgrade her skills. She credits many of her accomplishments to her friend and mentor, Zac Gordon, whose impactful course in JavaScript for WordPress helped set the foundation for her success.Alexandra wasn't content with just being a software developer; she started her own business and faced all the challenges that come with it. From dealing with imposte

What happens when a gaming enthusiast transitions into the world of tech, data science, and community management? That's the intriguing journey we explore with Chuck Ting Hall, a Community Manager at OpenSSF and prolific contributor to various tech libraries. From her early love for gaming, Chuck's passion for technology took a unique turn, leading her down a path that merges both the worlds of academia and business. Chuck Ting's story begins where most of us find ourselves, at crossroads. Trying to choose a career path is never easy, and her decision to delve into either Physics or Computer Science was no different. Listen in as she navigates the pressure of academia, shares her struggles of being a scientist in a business-centric place like Hong Kong, and candidly discusses how family expectations factored into her choices. Chuck also takes us through her experiences of working in odd places like an ad company and a theme park, before ultimately finding her niche in the tech world.As Chuck&ap

Ever wondered how a software developer's journey unfolds? Well, today, we have a story that is sure to inspire. Join us as we explore the life of Aleksandra Sikora, a software engineer based in Wrocław, who shares her journey from learning to code in primary school to becoming a full-stack developer. A poignant chapter of her journey delves into the power of patience, the art of listening, and the invaluable skill of delegation when leading a team. She also recalls an article about a young girl learning HTML, which ignited her passion for computer science.It wasn't all smooth sailing for Aleksandra. Her university years were filled with a spectrum of programming languages, some of which presented quite a challenge. Even confronting the complexities of Prolog and Algorithms and Data Structures, her resilience saw her through. Reflecting on these experiences, she discusses how her background and exposure to different functional languages played a crucial role in shaping her career choices.We've a

From humble beginnings to scaling the corporate ladder, Ori Keren's career in the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. His passion for software development and team dynamics shines through as he recounts the challenges and rewards of evolving in the ever-changing tech world. Ori’s experiences have shaped not only his professional life but also the very fabric of how he views the confluence of technology and business.Ori placed the start of his journey at the age of 13 when he discovered BASIC and the joy of seeing someone interact with a program he wrote. Fast forward a few years, and we discussed how development came back into his life while working a data-entry job. He then described how he sought a formal education, what he learned during his studies, and how it prepared him for the future. We then talked about fighting (at first) and then embracing management. We finished by talking about entrepreneurship, engineering leadership, and LinearB.In this episode, Ori dives deep into his transition

From graphic design to coding, Anna Sala's foray into software development was anything but conventional. Anna's initial curiosity was sparked by a chance conversation with a tennis player who shared insights about the world of development. This unexpected interaction set Anna on a transformative career journey, combining her unique design background with the ever-evolving world of software.Anna placed the start of her journey three years ago on a tennis court when a joke involving a Testla, an unexpected mentor, and a pandemic put her world upside down. From there on, we followed the story of her Bootcamp. We then discussed her role as an assistant professor in the same boot camp and her first dev role. We talked about learning, feeling like an impostor, and much more.In this episode, Anna delves deep into her diverse career path, from her time as a graphic designer to her decision to dive headfirst into the world of software development. She talks about the importance of continuous learning in the

Una Kravets's journey in the tech world has been nothing short of captivating. From her dedication to creating and enhancing the user interface space to her insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving challenges of web development, Una's story is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Her experiences span a wide range of tech endeavors, from her involvement in the W3C community and standards to her unique insights into the intricate world of web design.Una placed the start of her journey in her young childhood with Neopets, AIM, MySpace, and the Sims. She described how her passion for design slowly merged into the Web. We discussed her college studies and how she stumbled upon communities at 18. We talked about learning in the open, internships, and learning some more. We discussed how she landed at Google, got into DeveloperRelations, and came to work on the CSS Working Group and OpenUI Community Group.In this episode, Una discusses the complexities of navigating the vast web devel

From facing unexpected challenges in his school days to rising to the occasion as a software developer, Tejas Kumar's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He candidly speaks about facing adversity and how those experiences shaped his perspective, even leading him to unexpected avenues in the world of tech.Tejas placed the start of his journey when he discovered HTML. We then followed the story of his childhood, juggling between a life-threatening medical disease called hemophilia and surfing his desire to understand how things work. Our discussion then centered itself on learning and how it slowly became the core of his work, his business, and his life.In this episode, Tejas Kumar delves deep into his experiences, from the unique way his brain processes learning to the importance of shocking the system post intense focus sessions. He discusses the vital importance of sleep and offers practical advice to young learners to prioritize learning in their early years.If you are interested to learn more abou

From humble beginnings working on a spreadsheet application to grappling with the rapid transformations in the developer industry, Lilly Chen's journey through the software realm has been nothing short of fascinating. With experiences ranging from the challenges of being a first-time manager to the profound influence of mentors who "lifted as they climbed," Lilly offers a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and paving the way for others.Lilly placed the start of her journey in high school, where she spent more days out than in high school. She told us about her health problems and how she spent a year as a monk in a monastery in China. We spoke of people lifting her and how she returned to the USA. We discussed her college studies and the people who made a long-lasting impact on her. We talked about how she became a developer, her first memorable interview, and how she slowly entered the world of startups. We finally talked about Contenda, the company she created.In this episode, Lilly ta

Stepping into the tech world is one thing, but embracing it with a passion for teaching and enhancing the way technology is learned represents a calling of a different order. Felienne Hermans' life has been a vibrant blend of software development, advocating for better ways of teaching coding and recognizing the importance of guiding the young generation into the programming world. Her journey from receiving her first computer and experiencing unique educational opportunities to her innovative software projects speaks volumes of her dedication.Interestingly, Felienne placed the start of her journey right when she got her Ph.D. in Computer Science and faced the "now what?" She told us how she enrolled as a high-school computer science teacher and failed flat on her face, teaching 12 years old kids the same way she used to teach 18 years olds. We then explored how we learn, becoming less and less terrible at teaching 12-year-olds and gradually building Hedy, a programming language designed for ki

In the ever-evolving realm of software development and testing, it's rare to encounter someone with as vast and varied an experience as Steve Upton. From his early foray into quality assurance to his insights on teamwork and agile methodologies, Steve's journey offers a lens into the nuanced world of development from a quality-first perspective.Steve placed the start of his journey coding in YABASIC on a PS2 and creating the infamous program "Insultor." Fast forward a few years, he graduated with a CS degree, and having worked as an intern at IBM; he applied for a graduate program. We discussed how he was given a "tester" role, which incidentally defined the rest of his career. We talked about testing practices at IBM, adversarial relationships with devs & moving to the polar opposite in a high-performing team Here. We discussed what "quality" really means, and then we talked about the hiring process, biases, working in the open (and writing blogs about backpacking

The realm of software development is as vast as it is intricate. For Cory O'Daniel, it's been a journey marked by coding and understanding the deeper nuances of being a software developer. Cory took a detour, discovering that there's more to the world of tech than just writing code – there's a profound beauty in problem-solving, connecting with peers, and carving out personal space in a rapidly evolving remote work landscape.Cory placed the start of his journey in high school, modding Duke Nukem 3D. He then described how working a data-entry job in a hospital to make ends meet got him to automate his work through coding. He talked about his college physics major and the dire future it promised and how he chose to major in Networking and Computer Science instead. We then went from one job to the next. Ditching the first job requiring a suit and tie (but where he was caught reading the D&D reference manuals during his work) for Californian startups where he could wear shorts & teeshi

Unfolding the story of a truly diverse career trajectory, Mirjam Aulbach joins us to share her captivating journey from pursuing an accounting career and dog training to evolving into a full-fledged software developer. Mirjam's tale isn't just about career changes; it's about her lifelong passion for coding and how she kept it alive while juggling multiple roles in different domains, highlighting the power of persistence and dedication in shaping one's career.In this episode, Mirjam opens up about her unconventional journey into software development, her experiences working with different teams, and her transition to remote work during the pandemic. She also talks about her perspective on testing and her side project, 'Conference Buddy'. Mirjam's unique experience enables her to bring invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of social sciences, understanding emotions, and software development.If you want to learn more about the dynamics of transitioning careers and ma

Nnenna Ndukwe is a seasoned software developer who profoundly understands the essence of community and its value in shaping one's career journey. In a world often dictated by individual prowess, Nnenna's story is a testament to the power of shared wisdom and the transformative capacity of communal learning in the tech industry. With a passion for continuous growth and a heart to impact others, her story reverberates the truth that one's journey can indeed inspire the journeys of many others.Nnenna placed the start of her journey in a tanning salon, where she spent her breaks and quiet time on Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp. From there, she spoke about her one-way ticket to Boston, how she immersed herself in communities and followed her insatiable curiosity. She talked about her boot camp and how she found a job. She discussed working in the open and how it led to her dev advocacy role.In this episode, Nnenna discusses her journey from curiosity to proficiency in the world of coding and how being

Phil Alves, founder of DevSquad and LiveStats, is a software entrepreneur driven by building impactful solutions. From his humble beginnings, coding at age 12, to becoming a leader of development teams, his path has been marked by curiosity, determination, and a desire to improve developers' lives.Phil placed the start of his journey with Flash and ActionScript and then with PHP, with which he created his first business at the age of 16. We then discussed learning in the open, growing and selling his business. Moving to the USA, returning to school, and taking his first (and last) "job." We talked about his side business, which became DevSquad, his company of 100 people now. We talked about product developers vs. software developers. We discussed development cycles and customer relations. And we finished talking about the SaaS business he is creating, DevStats, and how to create hyper-performing teams.In this episode, Phil discusses his journey from a self-taught developer to an entrepreneur cr

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Chris Zimmerman, the co-founder of Sucker Punch Productions, the powerhouse behind globally successful games like Infamous and Ghost of Tsushima. Chris started his journey as a software developer and evolved into a trailblazer in the gaming industry, showing the same resilience and innovation in his career as the characters in his games do.Chris placed the start of his journey in the mid-70s, programming games for an Apple II computer. During childhood, he was passionate about games and programming and enrolled in a CS Degree at Princeton. After his degree, he worked at Microsoft for ten years before leaving with other Microsoft alumni to create the Sucker Punch game studio. We then discussed what he took from this career into the next. An excellent discussion ensued about what makes Sucker Punch a unique place, Chris' vision and leadership, his philosophy, and the book he wrote to help 22 years old passionate developers grow.In this episode, Chris shares hi

Chelsea placed the start of her journey in undergrad with the insightful tale of an introduction to programming class involving a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. We then discussed how one teacher cut her wings by telling her she "lacked the intellectual firepower" to become a dev. She went on to study to become a spy instead. Just before entering this world, she realized she had missed the feeling she had had during this first programming class and decided to embrace development in a boot camp. We talked about her learning habits and how they helped her get a job at Pivotal Labs; we talked about legacy code and how those learning habits helped her become excellent at gaining context.Here are the links from the showhttps://www.twitter.com/HeyChelseaTroy@heychelseatroy@social.clawhammer.nethttps://chelseatroy.com/Peter Michael Oseara https://osera.cs.grinnell.edu/https://chelseatroy.com/2014/10/03/pairing-with-the-pros-a-day-at-pivotal-labs/https://chelseatroy.thinkific.com/collectionsOn September

Sev placed the start of her journey back in China as a child passionate about maths and logic. She then described how she struggled to find her way through education after losing her hearing. She talked about how she could go to the USA and study Information Technology at Gallaudet University. She then spoke about the Microsoft Explorer Program, which allowed her to dip her toes into software development and realize she was unprepared for more. We discussed how she enrolled in a Computer Science Master's degree at Washington State University and how different her curricular and extracurricular experience was compared to Gallaudet's. We finally talked about her returning to Microsoft, being part of a team, how teamwork makes diversity, working on Loop, and the future of collaboration.Here are the links from the showsevhuffman@gmail.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sev-huffman-87404295/https://www.deafspotlight.org/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-loopCreditsCover Legends by HoliznaCC0 is licen