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Reducing Fatigue for On-Call SWEs with AI, Mentorship, & More with Dr. Sally Wabha
In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, recorded live at All Things Open in Raleigh, NC, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Dr. Sally Wahba, Principal Software Engineer at Splunk. Dr. Wahba shares her experience tackling on-call burnout, offering insights into reducing fatigue through better observability, automation, and thoughtful team practices. The conversation also touches on mentorship and growth in the tech industry, including practical advice for junior engineers navigating the transition from academics to professional roles and tips for companies to better support new talent. Chapters 00:00:13 - Introduction to Marketing This Dot 00:01:00 - Asking for Help Effectively 00:02:21 - Reducing On-Call Fatigue 00:04:42 - Observability Best Practices 00:07:07 - Balancing Alerts and On-Call Efficiency 00:09:30 - The Role of On-Call in Modern Engineering 00:11:29 - Insights from the Grace Hopper Celebration 00:13:56 - Mentorship and Team Dynamics 00:16:14 - Rapid Changes in Technology and Adaptation 00:18:39 - Automation, Observability, and Debugging Challenges 00:21:04 - Addressing the Talent Gap and Junior Engineer Growth 00:24:00 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn More Follow Dr. Sally Wahba on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/sallyky Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sallywahba/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 27, 2024
1 min
Generative AI in the Global Payments Industry: Insights from Dondi Black, CPO of TSYS
Dondi Black, Chief Product Officer of Issuer Solutions at TSYS, to explore the transformative journey of innovation, cultural shifts, and emerging technologies in the payments industry. Dondi shares her insights from three decades in the field, discussing how her organization leverages synergies, empowers teams, and implements measurable strategies to drive innovation and transformation. The conversation dives into the practical applications of generative AI, privacy-enhancing technologies, and a North Star approach to cultural transformation. Tracy and Dondi also touch on the importance of self-advocacy, honest feedback, and creating inclusive environments to foster innovation at every level. Chapters 00:00:04 Welcome & Introductions 00:00:34 Reflections on Transformation & Innovation 00:01:28 Synergies & Organizational Transformation 00:02:19 Measuring Success in Cultural Transformation 00:05:07 Empowering Individuals & Leadership Growth 00:08:07 Emerging Innovations: Generative AI in Fraud & Risk 00:10:15 Security Investments & AI's Industry Impact 00:12:28 The Future of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies 00:15:30 Sustaining Momentum in Transformation 00:18:28 The Industry’s Pragmatic Shift 00:20:39 Inclusive Innovation & Cultural Change 00:23:12 Advocating for Yourself & Your Ideas 00:25:27 Leaders as Coaches: The Power of Feedback 00:28:56 Sponsor Spotlight: This Dot 00:29:53 Where to Connect with Dondi 00:30:39 Closing Remarks Follow Dondi Black on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondi-black/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 25, 2024
1 min
AI Leadership: Data-Driven Decision Making & Avoiding "Analysis Paralysis" with Jerry Reghunadh
In this episode of Leadership Exchange, host Rob Ocel chats with Jerry Reghunadh, Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture at Data Nimbus, about leadership, AI adoption, and data-driven decision-making. Jerry shares his career journey, insights on leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, and strategies for building effective data pipelines. They explore how companies can avoid "analysis paralysis," adopt AI strategically, and evaluate new technologies to solve real-world problems. Tune in for practical advice on aligning innovation with business goals and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:31 – Jerry’s Leadership Journey 02:01 – Discussing AI in Leadership 03:59 – Experimenting with AI Tools 06:24 – Overcoming Analysis Paralysis 09:18 – Importance of Early AI Adoption 13:12 – AI’s Impact on Efficiency 14:30 – Sponsor Message 16:26 – Setting Realistic Goals for AI 19:41 – Data Management and AI 23:09 – Is AI Just a Fad? 27:22 – Testing New Technologies 29:56 – Final Thoughts on AI 30:25 – Connect with Jerry 30:44 – Closing Remarks 31:20 – Outro Follow Jerry on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrymannel/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 18, 2024
1 min
Fostering a Culture of Optimization and Continuous Improvement with Scott Roehrenbeck
In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, host Rob Ocel, VP of Innovation at This Dot Labs, sits down with Scott Roehrenbeck, CTO of Apptegy, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, process improvement, and the role of people in building effective teams. Scott shares insights from his 20+ years in tech, reflecting on the evolution of his leadership style, the importance of balancing process with flexibility, and how to support team autonomy while maintaining consistency. They also discuss the challenges of navigating turbulent times in tech and strategies for aligning team outputs with business goals. Perfect for anyone interested in tech leadership, process optimization, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Chapters - Introduction to the Leadership Exchange (00:00 - 00:23) - Scott’s Journey to CTO (00:23 - 02:15) - Cyclical Trends in Tech (02:15 - 03:27) - The Challenges of Leadership (03:27 - 06:07) - The Purpose of Process (11:43 - 14:09) - Process vs. Output: What Really Matters (14:09 - 17:20) - Building vs. Buying Process Frameworks (17:28 - 20:57) - The Role of Adaptation in Process Improvement (20:57 - 24:08) - Navigating ‘Religious’ Arguments in Process (24:08 - 27:02) - Defining a Team’s Unique Process (27:02 - 29:41) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts (29:41 - 30:40) - Thank You to Sponsors (30:40 - End) Follow Scott Roehrenbeck on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-roehrenbeck-5a573431/...
Nov 11, 2024
1 min
The “Bottom-Up” Roadmap to Leadership with Ty Allen, Fractional CPO at Neso Advisors
Ty Allen, Founder and Fractional CPO at Neso Advisors, discusses his product management journey, from his early days at Georgia Tech and a successful startup to leading teams across various industries. Ty shares valuable insights on building adaptable roadmaps, balancing tech debt with feature development, and connecting product strategy to company vision. He also highlights the importance of a “bottom-up” roadmap approach and maintaining flexibility while ensuring strategic alignment. Chapters - 00:00 - 01:32 — Introduction to Leadership and Product Management - 01:33 - 04:16 — The Early Days: From Georgia Tech to Startup Success - 04:17 - 08:03 — Product Strategy and Roadmap Essentials - 08:04 - 12:23 — The Power of Adaptable Roadmaps - 12:24 - 16:30 — Managing Tech Debt and Security in Roadmaps - 16:31 - 19:52 — The Commercial Lens: Monetizing Features and Value Creation - 19:53 - 23:23 — Balancing Innovation and Maintenance - 23:24 - 27:29 — Aligning Product Teams with Company Goals - 27:30 - End — Final Thoughts: Roadmap Wisdom and Career Advice Follow Ty Allen on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerallen/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 4, 2024
1 min
How a First Reddit Engineer Builds Strong Engineering Cultures with Jeremy Edberg
In this episode of the Leadership Exchange, host Tracy Lee welcomes Jeremy Edberg, CEO of DeVos and former first employee at Reddit, to discuss leadership, engineering culture, and team building. They review Jeremy's career journey from Reddit to Netflix and beyond, sharing insights on scaling engineering teams, the impact of culture on development practices, and hiring strategies. Jeremy reflects on the evolution of his management style, emphasizing the importance of human connection in leadership, while also sharing lessons learned from his time at companies with strong engineering cultures. Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome - 00:48 - Jeremy’s Background and Career Journey - 01:51 - Introduction to DeVos and Its Founders - 02:30 - Throwback: Reddit Meetups and "Chad Berg" Chanting - 03:05 - Rebuilding the Reddit Engineering Team - 05:16 - Challenges of Scaling and Maintaining Reddit's Culture - 07:08 - The Role of Code in Driving Team Culture - 08:14 - Differences in Team Dynamics at Reddit and Netflix - 09:07 - Working at Netflix vs. Cloudflare - 09:38 - The "Sports Team, Not a Family" Philosophy at Netflix - 11:21 - Understanding the Keeper Test at Netflix - 14:27 - Evolving Netflix's Culture to Support Diversity and Inclusion - 16:05 - Misconceptions About Netflix's Work Environment - 17:17 - Work-Life Balance at Netflix: High Performance in a Chill Setting - 20:28 - Key Elements of a Good Engineering Culture - 23:09 - How Jeremy's Leadership Style Has Evolved - 24:34 - Advice for Building Successful Engineering Teams - 25:26 - Closing Remarks and Sponsor Thanks - 26:13 - Where to Follow Jeremy Online Follow Jeremy Edberg Twitter: https://x.com/jedberg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedberg/ Sponsored by Wix Studio: wix.com/studio...
Oct 15, 2024
2 mins
The Future of Healthcare Delivery Models with Anita Ballaney, Founder of MyHealthQ
In this episode of the Leadership Exchange, Tracy Lee welcomes Anita Ballaney, Founder of MyHealthQ, to discuss the future of healthcare delivery models and the impact of technology. Anita discusses the evolution of care, from its community-driven roots to today's telemedicine and AI-driven advancements, while emphasizing the need for change in payment models that have long been stuck in outdated practices. They explore how AI can revolutionize healthcare by eliminating inefficiencies, improving risk prediction, and reducing costs. Chapters - [00:00 - 00:25] Introduction - [00:26 - 01:11] Challenging the Healthcare Status Quo - [01:12 - 03:17] The Evolution of Healthcare Delivery Models - [03:18 - 06:30] Technology’s Role in Revolutionizing Healthcare - [06:31 - 10:19] Breaking Free from Outdated Coding Systems - [10:20 - 12:16] AI and Risk Prediction in Healthcare - [12:17 - 15:36] Enhancing Care Through Technology and Telemedicine - [15:37 - 19:02] The Future of Telemedicine and Sustainable Models - [19:03 - 22:37] Innovating Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability - [22:38 - 26:56] People Problems: The Biggest Barrier to Healthcare Innovation - [26:57 - End] Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Follow Anita Ballaney on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitab/ MyHealthQ: https://myhealthq.com/about-us/ Sponsored by This Dot...
Oct 3, 2024
1 min
Aligning Product Teams and User Goals with Stacie Frederick, CPO at Stanza
Stacie Frederick, Chief Product Officer at Stanza, discusses how her engineering background informs her work in product management, particularly in understanding user needs and building solutions for Stanza, which focuses on improving reliability engineering for development teams. Stacie shares her approach to balancing the needs of current users with future growth, the importance of clear customer personas, and how friction can arise when product teams misalign with user goals. The conversation also touches on how technologists can develop a product mindset by staying connected with customers, and the unique challenges of working across different industries where technology intersects with non-tech domains. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Transition from CTO to CPO 03:00 - Understanding Users in Product Development 06:00 - Role of Personas in Building for Users 09:00 - The Balance of Serving Current and Future Users 11:30 - Challenges of Startups and Growing with Users 14:00 - Product vs. Engineering: The What and the How 17:00 - Blending Product and Engineering Roles 21:00 - Encouraging Product Mindedness in Engineers 24:00 - The Importance of Understanding Users in Tech 28:00 - Industry-Specific Challenges for Technologists 31:00 - Closing Remarks Follow Stacie Frederick on Social Media: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacie-frederick/ Sponsored by This Dot...
Sep 30, 2024
1 min
How User-Centric Design Motivates Developers with Paul McCollum
Paul McCollum, author of "Practical Salesforce Architecture", shares his journey from microbiology to tech, discussing his work at Nortel Networks, and his transition into enterprise architecture with Salesforce. They explore the importance of empathy in engineering, how user-centric design motivates developers, and the evolution of agile development. Paul emphasizes solving real user problems over technical tasks and how continuous learning keeps work exciting. Chapters 1. Introduction – [00:00:00] 2. Early Career & Transition into Tech – [00:00:58] 3. The Evolution of Technology Stacks – [00:03:15] 4. Learning Through Play & Empathy – [00:04:52] 5. Agile Development & Challenges – [00:18:51] 6. Value-Driven Software Development – [00:21:23] 7. Avoiding Burnout in Tech Careers – [00:25:42] 8. Conclusion – [00:36:17] Follow Paul McCollum on Social Media Paul McCollum Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realpaulmccollum/ Paul McCollum Twitter: https://x.com/uxaholic...
Sep 11, 2024
1 min
How to Take Extreme Ownership Over Your Engineering Efforts with Nate Emerson
Nate Emerson is a self-taught dev & a computer science university grad. In this episode, Nate talks about his unusual career trajectory, & what it taught him about the differences between being self-taught vs. formal education in software development....
Sep 10, 2024
1 min
How to Invest in New Software Engineering Talent with Shashi Lo
"In this Modern Web Podcast episode, Shashi Lo, Senior UX Engineer at Microsoft, shares insights on mentoring junior developers, bridging the gap from boot camps to tech jobs, & the role of mentorship, code reviews, and onboarding in nurturing new talent."...
Sep 5, 2024
2 mins
Challenges of Growing into a Software Leadership Role with Gant Laborde
In this episode, Rob Ocel sits down with Gant Laborde, CIO at Infinite Red, to explore Gant's journey in the tech industry, his transition into leadership, and his role as a Chief Innovation Officer. Gant shares insights into the challenges and rewards of innovation within a company, how to manage upward and downward effectively, and the importance of trust in leadership. They also discuss the evolving landscape of AI, the significance of experimentation, and the courage needed to make bold decisions. Chapters Introduction and Opening Remarks - 00:00 Gant's Background and Journey in Tech - 02:05 Transitioning to Leadership at Infinite Red - 05:08 Defining Innovation at an Agency - 07:28 The Role of AI in React Native - 09:39 Navigating the Hype and Troughs of Technology - 11:35 The Challenges of Middle Management - 15:12 Building Trust and Managing Upwards - 16:25 Empowering Teams and Passing the Torch - 19:40 Developing Courage and Taking Risks - 22:30 Why Leadership is Worth It - 30:28 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up - 31:53 Follow Gant Laborde on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/GantLaborde Github: https://github.com/GantMan Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gant-laborde/ Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@gantlaborde...
Aug 30, 2024
1 min
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