Beyond The Build

Uma Abu and Ope Osunkoya

Beyond The Build is a podcast about the real, unfiltered experiences of being a software engineer. Hosted by two seasoned engineers, Uma and Ope, we dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from career growth and technical challenges to work-life balance and industry insights. Whether you're an aspiring developer or a seasoned pro, join us as we explore the parts of tech that don’t get talked about enough. Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)  Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast)  TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    EP18: Amazon Leader Reveals What Separates High Performers from Leaders

    Send us a text Ask us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9 In this episode of Beyond the Build, we sit down with Felix Ekwueme, Technical Advisor to the VP of International Sellers at Amazon, to talk about the real drivers of career growth that go way beyond just “doing good work.” We unpack why comfort and growth don’t coexist, the dangers of being the silent high performer, and what it really takes to rise through the ranks—especially as an immigrant or underrepresented voice in tech. Felix also shares hard-earned lessons from his military background, how he made the leap from IC to Executive roles, and why writing is one of the most underrated career tools. You’ll learn how to make your work more legible, influence without authority, and make decisions with speed—not perfection. Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into leadership, this episode is packed with gems on navigating hierarchies, capturing your value, and growing with intention. Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast) Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/) 00:00 – Intro & Setup 02:42 – Felix’s Role at Amazon 03:20 – Military Background & Lessons 07:23 – From IC to Executive 12:29 – Speed of Decision-Making 19:16 – Writing as a Growth Tool 29:59 – Disagree & Commit 39:30 – Serendipity & Networking 43:07 – Career Transitions 1:07:49 – Technology & Utility (Crypto vs. Real Value) 1:08:30 – Generative AI & Adoption Cycles 1:09:15 – Fast Learning Cycles 1:11:18 – Roadmap Accountability Challenges 1:11:35 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

    1h 27m

  2. 14 SEPT

    EP17: The Layoff Signals Everyone Ignores (Until It's Too Late)

    Send us a text Ask us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9 In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable reality of tech layoffs that every software engineer needs to understand. Drawing from our own experiences of surviving cuts while watching teammates get let go, we break down the harsh truths about what really determines who stays and who goes. We explore the critical difference between working in cost centers versus revenue-generating teams and why your org chart position might matter more than your code quality. You'll learn to spot the early warning signs of layoffs - from leadership musical chairs to the dangerous allure of experimental projects that seem exciting until budget cuts hit. We also discuss how your life phase and responsibilities should influence your career decisions, why being unable to measure your impact is a massive red flag, and how toxic team dynamics can drag down even the best performers. Whether you're a junior dev or a senior engineer, this episode will change how you think about job security and career strategy in tech. This isn't just another layoff story - it's a tactical guide for navigating the realities of modern tech careers. Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/) Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)

    30 min

  3. 1 SEPT

    EP16: From Lagos to South Africa to a US Tech Giant - Career Lessons From A Digital Nomad

    Send us a text Ask us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9 In this episode of Beyond the Build, we sit down with Fola, a Senior Security Engineer whose career has taken him from Nigeria to South Africa and now the United States. We unpack what it means to build a career across countries and cultures. Fola opens up about his journey out of Nigeria, the culture shocks he faced moving to Cape Town, and how he learned to navigate both corporate and social environments that were radically different from what he knew. We talk about the mindset it takes to thrive when you're constantly adapting, the invisible codes of workplace culture, and how he’s built strong relationships across borders. Whether you’re thinking about working abroad, already navigating a new environment, or just curious about how tech looks in different parts of the world, this conversation is full of honest reflections and actionable insights. Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast) Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)

    1h 9m

  4. 17 AUG

    EP 15: Focusing On Solving the Right Problems (and Ignoring the Wrong Ones)

    Send us a text Ask us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9 What if the secret to making an impact at work isn’t solving every problem—but knowing which ones to ignore? In this episode of Beyond the Build, we dive into one of the most overlooked but critical parts of being a software engineer: identifying the right problems to solve, at the right time, in the right way. It’s not about doing more work—it’s about doing the work that actually moves the needle. We explore the strategic art of letting things fail (on purpose), why clearly articulating a problem is sometimes more valuable than jumping to a solution, and how to assess whether a problem is worth solving before you invest weeks into fixing it. We also get into the political layer of engineering: how to build buy-in, how timing can make or break good work, and why aligning with company KPIs and leadership priorities matters more than technical perfection. From navigating town halls to choosing visibility over perfection, we break down the soft skills and unspoken dynamics that separate senior engineers from the rest. If you’ve ever felt like your most meaningful work goes unnoticed—or wondered why someone else got credit for something you quietly saved—this episode is for you. Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast) Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)

    26 min

  5. 3 AUG

    EP14: How to Ask for Help Without Feeling Dumb (Engineer's Guide)

    Send us a text Ask us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9 Asking for help might seem like a basic skill, but in software engineering, how you ask can impact everything from your productivity to your team’s trust. In this episode of Beyond the Build, we break down the underrated art of asking for help at work. We talk about: The mental shift engineers need to make when reaching outWho to ask, and whenHow to show you've done your due diligenceCreating team cultures where asking for help is safeWays to ask without technically asking, like requesting unblockersWhy “not asking” can actually slow down your entire teamWhether you're early in your career or years in, this is the episode that’ll change how you think about asking for help—and maybe even how you give it. Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/) Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)

    33 min

  6. 20 JUL

    EP13: Inside the Mind of a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft

    Send us a text Product managers wear a lot of hats—but what do they actually do? In this episode of Beyond the Build, we sit down with our first-ever guest: Thien-Y Le, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, to get the unfiltered truth about one of tech's most misunderstood roles. Thien-Y walks us through the real work of a PM—from balancing customer demands with business goals to managing relationships with engineers. We dig into what it takes to build a roadmap, why product managers are sometimes called “mini-CEOs,” and whether PMs really need to know how to code. We also talk about the joys of bringing a product to life, the pain of navigating conflicting priorities, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that rarely get airtime. Whether you’re an engineer curious about what PMs do in all those meetings, or a PM looking to feel seen, this episode gives you a candid look at product management inside one of the world’s biggest tech companies.

    1h 34m

  7. 6 JUL

    EP12: We’ve been to 20+ Tech Conferences - Here's What Actually Matters

    Send us a text In this episode of Beyond the Build, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of tech networking and collaboration. We share our personal experiences from dozens of conferences and meetups, revealing which events actually moved the needle for our careers and which ones were just free pizza and swag. You'll discover why general networking events are often a waste of time, how to identify the specific meetups that align with your goals, and the art of finding collaborators who complement your skills. From navigating your first tech conference to building a network that opens doors you didn't even know existed, we break down the strategies that have worked for us and the mistakes we've made along the way. Whether you're a junior developer looking to break into the industry or a seasoned engineer seeking your next big opportunity, this episode will change how you think about professional relationships in tech.

    30 min

  8. 22 JUN

    EP11: The Tech Hype Trap: Why 90% of Developers Are Wasting Their Time (And How to Be in the 10%)

    Send us a text Every developer faces the same exhausting question: Should I learn this hot new technology everyone’s talking about—or is it just another flash in the pan? In this episode of Beyond the Build, we tackle the tech trend dilemma head-on. Some believe staying on top of the latest frameworks, tools, and AI models is essential to stay relevant in the job market. Others argue it’s all hype—what really matters will stick, and you’ll learn it when you actually need it. We dive into both sides of the debate: the "stay current at all costs" crowd vs. the "ignore the noise" philosophy. We talk about how chasing every new announcement can lead to burnout and FOMO, and why blindly tuning it all out might leave you behind in important conversations. You’ll hear: When it actually pays to follow trendsHow to spot transformative tech before it becomes mainstreamA framework for deciding what’s worth your timeWhere to find unbiased takes in a world of vendor hypeHow to stay informed without being overwhelmedWe also explore why certain technologies last while others fade, and how to use judgment, curiosity, and timing to build a career that grows with the industry—without being ruled by it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your career, this episode will help you build a sustainable strategy for keeping up with tech without losing focus on what really matters.

    28 min
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About

Beyond The Build is a podcast about the real, unfiltered experiences of being a software engineer. Hosted by two seasoned engineers, Uma and Ope, we dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from career growth and technical challenges to work-life balance and industry insights. Whether you're an aspiring developer or a seasoned pro, join us as we explore the parts of tech that don’t get talked about enough. Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/ Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)  Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast)  TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)

Information

  • Creator
    Uma Abu and Ope Osunkoya
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Beyond The Build
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Build

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