Coding Chats

John Crickett

On Coding Chats, John Crickett interviews software engineers of all levels from junior to CTO. He encourages the guests to share the stories of the challenges they have faced in their role and the strategies and tactics they have used to overcome those challenges providing actionable insights other software engineers can use to accelerate their careers.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    How curiosity can accelerate your career in tech

    Coding Chats episode 42 - Joe Woodhouse shares his journey with John Crickett - from a young software enthusiast to a non-executive director. He discusses the importance of customer engagement in software development, the balance between customer needs and technical solutions, and how he navigated his career without traditional management titles. Joe emphasizes the value of diversity in boards and the 'jobs to be done' theory, illustrating how understanding the underlying needs of customers can lead to better solutions and business outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Software Development 05:55 Customer-Facing Roles and Solution Architecture 11:56 Soft Skills in Tech 17:52 Transitioning to Non-Executive Director 37:36 The Impact of Diversity on Board Performance 41:44 Disagree and Commit: A Misunderstood Concept 47:09 The Importance of Being Heard and Understood 52:56 Building Trust Through Authenticity Joe's Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouseengineer/ John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Joe's passion for software began in primary school. He transitioned from individual contributor to non-executive director through diverse experiences. Customer engagement is crucial for effective software solutions. Balancing customer needs with technical capabilities is essential. Management roles are not the only path to leadership. Diversity in boards can enhance company performance. Understanding the 'jobs to be done' theory is vital for effective sales and marketing. Soft skills are critical for success in technical roles. Curiosity and understanding others can lead to better collaboration. Disagreeing constructively can foster innovation and trust.

    56 min

  2. 21 AUG

    How to transition into tech - Julianna's journey from classroom to coding.

    Coding Chats episode 41 - Julianna Messineo shares her journey with John Crickett, from being a math teacher to transitioning into the tech industry, particularly focusing on educational technology (EdTech). She discusses her experiences with various educational software, the challenges she faced in the job market, and the importance of building projects to enhance her skills. Julianna also emphasizes the significance of networking and personal branding in her job search, as well as the role of AI and podcasts in her learning process. The conversation concludes with Julianna's aspirations for the future and her ongoing projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EdTech and Personal Journey 03:17 Challenges in Educational Software and UX 06:02 Transition from Teaching to Tech 08:40 Navigating the Job Market in Tech 11:11 Building Projects and Learning by Doing 13:47 Networking and Community Engagement in EdTech 20:48 Building Connections and Networking 22:45 The Importance of Personal Branding 25:09 Learning Through Projects 27:15 Utilizing Podcasts for Learning 29:24 The Role of AI in Learning 33:00 Exploring Coding Challenges and Projects Julianna's Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-messineo/ John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways EdTech encompasses a wide range of educational technologies. User experience (UX) in educational software is often lacking. Transitioning from teaching to tech can be challenging due to job market conditions. Building projects is a crucial part of learning software development. Networking and personal branding are essential for job seekers in tech. Podcasts can be a valuable resource for learning on the go. AI can assist in coding but requires critical evaluation of suggestions. The job market for junior developers is currently very competitive. Creating educational tools can help bridge the gap in learning. Engaging with the community can lead to job opportunities.

    36 min

  3. 14 AUG

    Using a side hustle and Build in Public to advance your software engineering career

    Coding Chats episode 40 - David Weiss shares his journey from being a Spanish teacher to a software engineer, highlighting the transferable skills that educators bring to tech. He discusses the importance of teaching in reinforcing knowledge, the challenges of building SaaS applications, and the significance of personal branding in today's job market. David also introduces his initiative, Build to Give, which connects early career tech professionals with non-profits, providing them with real-world experience while helping organizations in need. Chapters 00:00 From Teaching to Tech: A Journey of Transition 04:10 Transferable Skills: Bridging Teaching and Software Engineering 07:38 The Power of Teaching in Tech 11:14 Side Hustles and Newsletters: Building a Personal Brand 16:42 Building SaaS Apps: Lessons Learned 20:11 The Importance of Personal Branding 23:42 Navigating the Job Market: Insights on AI and Tech 27:08 Build to Give: Connecting Tech Professionals with Nonprofits David's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bydavidweiss Besides Code: https://www.besidescode.com Resume: https://www.useresume.app John's Links:John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways David transitioned from teaching to tech by self-learning coding. Teaching skills like communication and collaboration are valuable in tech. Teaching reinforces knowledge and helps fill gaps in understanding.Building side projects can enhance personal growth and skill. A newsletter can provide accountability and community engagement. Marketing is crucial for the success of SaaS applications. Validating ideas with potential customers is essential before coding. Personal branding is important for career stability in tech. The tech job market is challenging for early career professionals. Build to Give connects early career professionals with non-profits for mutual benefit.

    42 min

  4. 7 AUG

    Revolutionizing Developer Experience with Ocuroot

    Coding Chats episode 39 - Tom Elliott discusses his startup - Ocuroot - which aims to simplify the developer experience by automating the management of complex production environments. He shares insights on the challenges faced by software engineers, the importance of customer feedback, and the lessons learned during his journey as a founder. Tom also delves into the competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and the technical aspects of building Ocuroot, including his tech stack and the complexities of implementing features like dark mode. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ocuroot: The Startup Journey 03:10 The Developer Experience: Automating Complex Environments 06:15 Navigating Competition: Positioning Ocuroot in the Market 08:49 Lessons Learned: Insights from a Year as a Founder 11:57 Customer Conversations: Validating Business Ideas 14:35 Understanding CI/CD Challenges in Enterprises 17:10 Regulatory Complexities: The Impact on Software Development 20:05 Bridging the Gap: Communication Between Tech and Business 22:58 Engaging with Customers for Better Solutions 26:33 Simplifying Complex Use Cases 28:12 Avoiding Overengineering in Product Development32:26 Balancing Building and Marketing 34:26 Tech Stack and Development Insights 38:34 The Challenges of Dark Mode 40:57 Future Plans for Ocuroot Tom's Links: Ocuroot: https://www.ocuroot.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telliott1984/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/telliott.me Substack: https://thefridaydeploy.substack.com John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Ocuroot aims to automate the management of production environments. The developer experience is a key focus for Ocuroot. Customer feedback is crucial for validating business ideas. Not all companies face the same challenges with CI/CD. Regulatory requirements can complicate software deployment. Building a simple tool can be more effective than over-engineering. Engaging engineers with customers can lead to valuable insights. Dark mode implementation can be complex and time-consuming. A strong tech stack is essential for startup success. Continuous learning is vital for founders.

    43 min

  5. 31 JUL

    AI's Role in Software Development & Navigating the Divide: Data Science vs Software Engineering

    Coding Chats episode 38 - John Crickett and Ryan Varley explore the distinctions between data science and software engineering, the impact of AI on these fields, and the current job market dynamics. They discuss the challenges of scaling start-ups, the importance of clear communication in software development, and the transition from leadership roles back to individual contributor positions. Ryan emphasizes the need for curiosity and seizing opportunities for career growth. Chapters 00:00 Data Science vs. Software Engineering 05:41 The Evolution of AI and Machine Learning 10:52 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Jobs 16:11 The Challenges of Requirements Gathering in Software Development 23:11 Current Job Market Insights 24:47 The Changing Landscape of Job Applications 27:04 Navigating the Interview Process 30:22 The Impact of AI on Hiring 33:42 Scaling Startups: Challenges and Strategies 39:51 Transitioning from Leadership to Individual Contributor 44:25 Advice for Career Growth Ryan's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanvarley/Brilliant People, Exceptional Teams Newsletter: newsletter.ryanvarley.com Website: ryanvarley.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rvarley Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rvarley John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Data science and software engineering have distinct roles and challenges.AI is reshaping the landscape of software development and data science. The job market is currently competitive, requiring applicants to stand out.AI-generated CVs can complicate the hiring process. Scaling startups presents unique challenges that require careful management. Transitioning from leadership to individual contributor roles can be refreshing. Curiosity and taking opportunities are key to career growth. Effective communication is crucial in understanding project requirements. The importance of adapting to changes in the job market. Learning to say no is essential for effective management.

    51 min

  6. 24 JUL

    AI, management and situational leadership in software engineering

    Coding Chats episode 37 - John Crickett and Simon Copsey explore the intricate relationship between technology, management, and leadership in software engineering. They discuss the limitations of technology, particularly AI, emphasizing that while it can be a powerful tool, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The importance of soft skills, situational leadership, and understanding organizational dynamics is highlighted as essential for effective management. They also delve into the significance of learning from mistakes and the need for psychological safety in decision-making processes. Chapters 00:00 Technology: Necessary but Not Sufficient 02:49 AI: The Shiny Object Syndrome 05:38 The Role of Collaboration in Software Engineering 08:09 Management vs. Engineering: A Different Skill Set 10:33 Understanding Team Dynamics and Cooperation 13:28 The Importance of Systems Thinking 16:13 Identifying Underlying Causes in Organizations 18:58 Creating Paths of Least Resistance 21:37 The Impact of Metrics on Team Behavior 23:54 The Role of Systems in Organizational Success 26:00 Balancing Individual Uniqueness and Organizational Needs 31:53 Leadership Models and Situational Context 34:20 Bureaucracy vs. Creativity in Leadership 37:37 Command and Control vs. Intent-Based Leadership 42:35 The Importance of Psychological Safety 45:18 Learning from Mistakes and Decision-Making 48:51 Sociocratic vs. Democratic Leadership 53:11 The Role of Assumptions in Decision-Making 56:37 Adapting Leadership Styles to Team Contexts 01:00:49 The Importance of Asking Why in Leadership 01:04:34 Summary of Key Insights 01:09:37 Outro Final Coding Chats.mp4 LINKS Talk by Simon: From Diapers to Delivery: Parenting Lessons for Management - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBCLoklUZMg References: The Goal (Book, Eli Goldratt)Necessary But Not Sufficient (Book, Eli Goldratt) Technical debt is a myth (Article, Noah Cantor) Management in Small Doses (Book, Russell Ackoff) The New Economics (Book, W. Edwards Deming) Thinking for a Change (Book, Lisa Scheinkopf) John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Technology is necessary but not sufficient for success.AI should be applied to specific problems, not as a blanket solution. Management is a distinct career path from engineering. Soft skills are crucial in software engineering. Mistakes are essential for learning and growth. Situational leadership adapts to the context and team dynamics. Understanding the system is key to solving organizational problems. Effective decision-making requires psychological safety. Disagree and commit fosters a culture of learning. Assumptions should be documented to facilitate learning.

    1h 10m

  7. 3 JUL

    From freelance software engineer to exited SaaS business owner.

    Coding Chats episode 36 - Rob Morgan shares his journey from being a traditional software developer to becoming a successful freelancer and eventually launching his own SaaS product. He discusses the importance of client interaction, the challenges of freelancing, and how he identified a niche market in the window cleaning industry. Rob emphasizes the significance of networking, understanding user needs, and the iterative process of product development. He also provides valuable insights for aspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs, including tips on pricing and customer engagement. In this conversation, Rob shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the successes and challenges of his first SaaS business, Cleaner Planner, and the lessons learned from its eventual sale. He discusses the importance of timing, customer engagement, and the pull demand in business success. Rob also delves into his transition to a fractional CTO role after selling his second venture, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a software product and the need for effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he expresses his interest in starting a podcast focused on the journeys of SaaS founders, aiming to create a community for early-stage entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Freelancing 05:40 The Transition to Freelance Work 12:40 Navigating the Freelance Landscape 20:00 Challenges of Freelancing 26:46 The Shift from Freelancing to Startups 30:30 Finding the Right Startup Idea 38:12 Building a Community Around a Niche Problem 51:23 Navigating the Challenges of Growth and Exit 57:42 Reviving Skills and Embracing New Technologies 59:30 The Journey of Rebuilding Software 01:02:26 Understanding Customer Needs and Market Dynamics 01:05:22 Navigating Marketing Challenges 01:06:55 Transitioning to a Fractional CTO Role 01:10:12 Exploring Future Opportunities and Podcasting 01:13:17 Building a Community for Founders Rob's Links: https://trialtopaid.iohttps://linkedin.com/in/rbdmorgan/ John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Rob transitioned to freelancing after feeling stifled in traditional roles. He values client interaction for understanding user needs. Freelancing can be a rollercoaster of feast and famine. Rob's first freelance project came from a connection in affiliate marketing. Sales for Rob is about consultative problem-solving, not traditional selling. Freelancers should network to find clients and opportunities. Rob's SaaS idea emerged from identifying a niche problem in the window cleaning industry. Engaging potential customers early can validate a product idea. Pricing should reflect the value provided and be competitive. Rob reflects on his first business success and the lessons learned. The importance of timing and recognizing opportunities in business. Customer engagement and understanding needs are crucial for success. Rob's experience with the challenges of marketing a new product. The significance of having a pull demand rather than push in business. Rob discusses the natural end of his first business and the decision to sell. The transition from being a business owner to a fractional CTO role. Rob's insights on rebuilding a software product and the challenges faced. Rob's plans for a podcast focused on the journey of SaaS founders.

    1h 20m

  8. 26 JUN

    The Debate: Self-Taught vs. Formal Education in Tech. Part 2 of 2 with Brian Feister.

    Coding Chats episode 35 - John Crickett and Brian Feister explore the journey of becoming a software engineer, discussing the value of self-taught skills versus formal education, the impact of boot camps, and the importance of community in tech. They delve into their experiences with the Go programming language, sharing insights on learning, challenges faced, and the advantages of Go in modern software development. Chapters 00:00 The Value of Computer Science Degrees 05:46 Self-Taught vs. Formal Education in Software Engineering 08:32 The Reality of Bootcamps and Career Expectations 14:21 Approaches to Learning Go Programming 18:03 Navigating Technical Challenges in Web Development 20:22 Transitioning to Go: Experiences and Insights 26:06 The Power of Go's Toolchain and Compiler Speed 28:40 Learning Go: Tips and Resources 32:06 Building with Go: Frontend and Backend Integration 34:45 Understanding Go Routines and Concurrency 39:28 Final Thoughts on Community and Connection Brian's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeister/ Meet Near Me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/meet-near-me John's Links: John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/ John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills. Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track. Takeaways Self-taught engineers often excel due to passion and curiosity. Formal education can provide useful fundamentals but isn't always necessary. Boot camps can mislead students about job prospects and salaries. Community support is crucial for growth in software engineering careers. Learning Go can be a rewarding experience with the right approach. Go's simplicity and efficiency make it a powerful tool for developers. Understanding concurrency in Go can enhance performance in applications. The tech industry is evolving, and adaptability is key for success. Remote work presents unique challenges for social interaction. Building a supportive network can help navigate the tech landscape.

    45 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

On Coding Chats, John Crickett interviews software engineers of all levels from junior to CTO. He encourages the guests to share the stories of the challenges they have faced in their role and the strategies and tactics they have used to overcome those challenges providing actionable insights other software engineers can use to accelerate their careers.

Information

  • Creator
    John Crickett
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Crickett
  • Show Website
    Coding Chats

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