Beyond Coding

Patrick Akil

For software engineers ready to level up. Learn from CTOs, principal engineers, and tech leaders about the skills beyond coding: from technical mastery to product thinking and career growth

  1. AI Won't Replace Software Engineers, But This Might (CEO Perspective)

    1 DAY AGO

    AI Won't Replace Software Engineers, But This Might (CEO Perspective)

    If you think your value as a software engineer comes just from writing code, you're already at risk. In this episode, Outsystems CEO Woodson Martin reveals why AI isn't the real threat to your career. Irrelevance is. He explains that writing code is now only 20% of the job, and the engineers who thrive are the ones who master the other "80% that matters." We cover: The billions of lines of ungoverned code AI is creatingWhy the "Forward Deployed Engineer" model is changing team structuresThe 80% of engineering work that AI cannot replaceHow to shift from coder to problem solver who drives business revenueA CEO's advice for building a lasting engineering career This is a reality check for developers, tech leads, and architects who want to stay relevant as agentic AI reshapes the industry. Connect with Woodson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodsonmartin Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:56 - How Agentic AI keeps the human in the loop 00:01:55 - Real-world example: Automating the grunt work 00:04:17 - How engineers are using agents internally 00:05:52 - Blending Low-Code and High-Code for complex systems 00:08:28 - Is a Low-Code career a trap for engineers? 00:10:50 - Will AI make software engineering obsolete? 00:12:09 - The 80/20 Rule: Why code is only 20% of your job 00:13:14 - Layoffs vs. the rise of the solo entrepreneur 00:15:18 - Career advice for a volatile tech market 00:17:02 - How to retain top talent and keep them happy 00:20:10 - Why we radically changed our engineering team structure 00:24:33 - The "Forward Deployed Engineer" model explained 00:27:08 - Outsystems vs. OpenAI: The future of platform building 00:31:45 - The tech debt problem no one's talking about 00:34:23 - The one thing that keeps you from becoming irrelevant #SoftwareEngineering #CareerAdvice #AIAgents

    37 min
  2. How We Get More Done with Fewer Engineers

    26 NOV

    How We Get More Done with Fewer Engineers

    What if you could build a multi-million dollar software company where only 10% of your employees are developers? AFAS, a company with hundreds of millions in revenue, does exactly that with a lean team of just 70 engineers. In this episode, Engineering Manager Michiel Overeem pulls back the curtain on their unconventional strategies for achieving massive productivity with a surprisingly small team. In this episode, we cover: Why standardization is their secret weapon for efficiency.How they thrive without traditional Scrum ceremonies.The two distinct types of engineers they hire for success.The surprising details of their 4-day work week (paid for 5).This video is for engineering leaders and software developers who want to learn proven, counter-intuitive strategies to build hyper-effective teams and get more done, regardless of team size. Connect with Michiel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movereem Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:22 - The "10% Engineering" Paradox at a €100M+ Company 00:03:20 - How Standardization Allows a Small Team to Do More 00:04:27 - The Two Types of Engineers Every Successful Company Needs 00:06:46 - Why Feeling Responsible is More Powerful Than Being Responsible 00:09:33 - The Secret Sauce of High-Performing Engineering Teams 00:11:52 - A Simple Method to Keep Engineers Connected to Customers 00:14:22 - What We Look For When Hiring New Engineers 00:17:09 - The #1 Red Flag That Will Get You Rejected in an Interview 00:19:33 - Why We Don't Use Scrum (And What We Do Instead) 00:22:51 - The Power of Strong, Decisive Leadership 00:24:13 - How Our 4-Day Work Week Actually Works 00:26:55 - Our Approach to Adopting AI Tools like Copilot 00:28:19 - Final Advice: The Best Way to Grow Your Career #EngineeringCulture #Productivity #SoftwareDevelopment

    29 min
  3. How to Think About System Design (GitHub Engineer's Perspective)

    19 NOV

    How to Think About System Design (GitHub Engineer's Perspective)

    System design interviews often focus on theoretical complexity, but how do Senior Engineers at GitHub actually approach scaling? In this episode, Bassem Dghaidi breaks down how to think about system design when real business impact is on the line. We discuss why "simple is complicated enough," the dangers of premature scaling, and why vertical scaling often beats complex distributed systems. If you want to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and understand how to design software that actually serves the business, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: - The "Order of Magnitude" rule for scaling systems - Why GitHub often runs millions of requests on simple architecture - How to communicate technical constraints to non-technical stakeholders - Why 90% of Bassem's code is now written by AI agents Connect with Bassem Dghaidi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bassemdghaidy Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:48 - Theory vs. Practice in System Design 00:02:06 - The Startup That Almost Failed via Kubernetes 00:03:33 - How GitHub Scales (It's Simpler Than You Think) 00:05:20 - The Underrated Power of Vertical Scaling 00:08:23 - Why Big Tech Interviews for Scale You Don't Need Yet 00:10:39 - Software Evolves, It Isn't Just "Built" 00:11:53 - Only Design for the Next Order of Magnitude 00:15:39 - Stop Building Generic Frameworks 00:18:17 - "Hacking" the System Design Interview 00:21:29 - Translating Tech Problems to Business Risks 00:27:37 - Layoffs & Engineering Efficiency 00:29:41 - Proving Your Impact with Numbers 00:31:00 - Professional Engineering vs. Hobby Coding 00:32:19 - "Simple is Complicated Enough" 00:35:03 - The Rise of AI Coding (The Motorcycle Analogy) 00:37:30 - "90% of My Code is Written by AI Agents" 00:41:04 - How to Become a Great Engineer #SystemDesign #SoftwareEngineering #GitHub

    46 min
  4. From Backend Engineer to Head of Mobile (Lessons from Uber)

    12 NOV

    From Backend Engineer to Head of Mobile (Lessons from Uber)

    What does it take to build a career as a mobile engineer when AI is changing everything? Pasha Mazurin shares how he went from Java backend engineer to Head of Mobile, why he only joins mobile-first companies, and how AI-assisted development brought the joy back to his work. This isn't theory, it's real lessons from 15+ years in the field and now learning Android at a senior level. In this episode, we cover: AI-assisted mobile development workflow (the four-window tmux setup) Why mobile-first companies operate completely differently Hiring for strengths, not lack of weaknesses (lessons from Uber) Leading as a hands-on engineer who stays in the trenches Why React Native doesn't feel native and when to go fully native Whether you're building your mobile engineering career or figuring out how AI changes your workflow, this conversation offers practical perspectives on staying effective and making intentional career choices. Connect with Pasha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kovpas TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:13 - Using AI as Your Junior Engineer Teammate 00:02:33 - The Four-Window Tmux Setup for AI-Assisted Development 00:04:29 - Managing Multiple Features with Git Worktrees 00:05:52 - Why AI Makes You a Better Code Reviewer 00:08:07 - Setting Up Markdown Files for AI Context 00:11:54 - Small Teams vs Big Companies: Where Mobile Engineers Thrive 00:16:26 - The Mobile-First Company Filter That Shapes Every Career Move 00:18:31 - Being Nice: The Underrated Career Skill 00:20:29 - Pick Your Battles: When to Disagree and Commit 00:22:52 - Hire for Strengths, Not Lack of Weaknesses 00:25:16 - Is Software Engineering Still a Good Career Choice? 00:28:19 - How I Accidentally Became a Mobile Engineer 00:31:41 - Why I Only Work on Apps That Matter to People 00:35:08 - Joining Uber During the Big Mobile App Rewrite 00:39:12 - Leading Without Rank: Managing as a Hands-On Engineer 00:43:01 - How AI Changed Mobile Development in 12 Months 00:46:09 - The Communication Skills That Make or Break Engineers 00:49:59 - It's Okay to Say You Don't Understand 00:51:30 - Working on Payments: Building Critical App Infrastructure 00:53:25 - Why React Native Doesn't Feel Native (And What Works Better) 00:55:36 - Can You Switch Specializations Without Taking a Pay Cut? 00:57:02 - How Learning Android Brought the Joy Back

    59 min
  5. How to Stay Relevant in Tech (25+ Years of Lessons)

    5 NOV

    How to Stay Relevant in Tech (25+ Years of Lessons)

    Worried about staying relevant as AI and new tools keep changing tech? The answer isn't chasing every new framework, it's treating your career like an engineering problem you can solve. In this episode, we cover: Why staying relevant isn't about the tools (and what it's really about)The 3 essential career management tools: Brag Doc, Competency Framework, and MentorsHow to get promoted when you're already doing the workNavigating salary negotiations and knowing when to leaveBuilding a career plan that gives you permission to relax If you're an engineer who wants to take control of your career instead of letting it happen to you, this episode gives you the frameworks and tactics to do it. Connect with Özgen Güngör: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozgengungor Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:46 - The Biggest Challenge for Tech Careers Today 00:01:33 - How to Stay Relevant in the Age of AI 00:03:46 - The Coming Commoditization of Coding 00:05:29 - How to Move Up the Value Stream as an Engineer 00:07:35 - Your First Tech Job is a Throwaway (And That's OK) 00:09:24 - The Power of Breaking Down Your Career Plan 00:11:44 - You Work 13% of Your Life: Why Intentionality Matters 00:13:56 - I Have Too Many Career Options. What Do I Do? 00:15:34 - The "5 Whys" Exercise for Your Career 00:19:38 - How to Get Your Manager to Be Your Ally 00:22:15 - The Truth About Big Tech's Broken Promotion Process 00:24:43 - The #1 Person Who Cares About Your Career 00:28:48 - Why You MUST Keep a "Brag Doc" 00:34:08 - How to Avoid Falling Behind in Promotions 00:37:33 - What is a Competency Framework? 00:40:34 - How to Map Out Your Own Career Ladder 00:44:35 - The Silent Factor That Kills Engineering Performance 00:48:31 - Your Career Transcends Your Company 00:52:40 - The 5-Year Plan That Changed My Career 00:56:18 - 3 Essential Tools for Total Career Management #TechCareer #SoftwareEngineering #CareerAdvice

    1 hr
  6. Promotions, Salary & Leadership: I Answer Your Toughest Tech Career Questions

    29 OCT

    Promotions, Salary & Leadership: I Answer Your Toughest Tech Career Questions

    You asked, I answered. In this Q&A episode, I tackle the toughest career questions you submitted: from getting promoted when the process feels political, to negotiating salary, to leading projects as an IC. In this episode, we cover: * Holding peers accountable when you're not their manager * Navigating promotions when the process is political or unclear * Increasing your salary with strategic job offers * Building real authority and getting noticed by leadership * Staying relevant in the age of AI without burning out This is for software engineers who want practical strategies to level up their careers, increase their earning potential, and make real impact without the fluff. Join me at React Advanced and Tech Lead Conf in London: https://ti.to/gitnation/react-advanced-london-2025/discount/CODING20 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:19 - Holding Peers Accountable When Managers Won't Help 00:03:58 - The Surprising Truth About Code "Quality" 00:05:43 - Scaling Accountability Across Large Teams 00:07:50 - When Climbing the Career Ladder Feels Political 00:12:37 - How to Stay Relevant in Tech Without Burning Out 00:14:49 - The Key to Learning Without Feeling Overwhelmed 00:15:18 - The Real Difference for Engineers Working Globally 00:17:44 - What to Do When You Get a Better Job Offer 00:20:51 - Finding Motivation Beyond a Higher Salary 00:21:41 - How to Build Real Credibility and Authority 00:25:31 - The Advice I'd Give My Junior Developer Self 00:29:05 - The Art of Effective Delegation 00:31:47 - Why Delegation Is Really an Act of Trust 00:32:21 - Team Player vs. Individual Star: A False Choice? 00:34:43 - The #1 Personal Development Skill for Engineers 00:37:11 - The Hidden Dangers of Relying on AI Tools 00:40:08 - Is Volunteering at Tech Conferences Worth It? 00:42:50 - My Personal Struggle with Embracing Change 00:45:32 - The Career "Regret" I Don't Actually Regret 00:46:45 - How to Stay Productive While Dealing with Grief 00:49:08 - My Process for Finding Great Podcast Guests 00:50:48 - The Secret to Making Guests Feel Comfortable 00:52:06 - How Podcasting Transformed My Communication Skills 00:53:35 - Handling Guarded or Difficult Podcast Guests 00:56:11 - Final Thoughts & How to Support the Channel Got questions for the next Q&A? Drop them in the comments 👇 #SoftwareEngineering #CareerGrowth #TechLeadership

    57 min
  7. What Separates Good Engineers from Great Ones

    22 OCT

    What Separates Good Engineers from Great Ones

    What's the real difference between a good software engineer and a truly great one? It’s more than just coding skill. It's a specific mindset, a disciplined approach to technology, and a deep understanding of core principles. This is the roadmap to leveling up your career. In this conversation with Sander Mak, Director of Technology at Picnic, we discuss the methods they use to train world-class engineers. You will learn: The "under the hood" knowledge that truly matters. Why great engineers often choose "boring," proven technology. The critical transition from being a coder to a product-focused engineer. The most common pitfall that holds good developers back. If you're a software developer looking to move beyond "good enough" and achieve greatness in your craft, this is the episode for you. Connect with Sander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandermak Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:30 - Building Picnic's Tech Academy for New Engineers 00:04:37 - The Key Mindset of a Successful Junior Engineer 00:08:01 - A Look Inside the Engineering Training Curriculum 00:12:19 - The Common Pitfall of Copying Without Understanding 00:14:10 - How Deep "Under the Hood" Knowledge Should Go 00:17:41 - Why Great Engineers Value "Boring" Technology 00:21:44 - Improving Developer Experience and Team Productivity 00:30:02 - The Transition from Coder to Product Engineer 00:34:18 - Key Advice for Self-Taught Developers 00:35:41 - Using AI for Learning vs. for Code Generation #SoftwareEngineering #DeveloperCareer #Coding

    38 min
  8. From 6 Engineers to 2: Why Product and Engineering Are Merging

    15 OCT

    From 6 Engineers to 2: Why Product and Engineering Are Merging

    What if the standard 6-person software team is now obsolete? AI tooling isn't just a productivity booster; it's fundamentally blurring the lines between product and engineering, enabling smaller, more powerful teams to achieve what once took an entire department. We're joined by Kate Ivanova, a Product Manager with years of experience building AI products at Big Tech companies, to discuss this tectonic shift. She explains why the traditional handoff between disciplines is breaking down and what the new, merged "product-engineer" role looks like. In this episode, we cover: - Why AI enables smaller teams to have a massive impact - The merging roles of Product, Engineering, and Design - What skills make you one of the indispensable "2 engineers" - How to structure and manage a hyper-efficient, AI-native team This is a must-watch for founders building lean companies, and for engineers and PMs who want to understand their evolving role in the age of AI. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:57 - Are Agile Processes Obsolete in the Age of AI? 00:02:46 - Why Product Managers Are Redefining Team Processes 00:04:35 - The Mindset You Need for AI Product Development 00:07:54 - How AI Is Forcing Product and Engineering Closer Together 00:11:26 - Using AI as Your Personal Feedback Co-Pilot 00:15:23 - The Critical Mistake to Avoid When Using AI for Product 00:20:45 - The Ideal AI Product Team Composition of the Future 00:26:10 - The New Expectations for Software Engineers in the AI Era 00:32:05 - A Better Way to Manage Tech Debt and Developer Happiness 00:34:46 - What Truly Makes Developers Happy at Work 00:37:43 - Co-Creating a Vision That Actually Motivates Your Team 00:40:59 - How to Receive Tough Feedback as a Growth Opportunity 00:45:37 - The Painful Decision to Kill a Failing Project 00:48:44 - The Most Important Skill for the AI Era

    49 min
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About

For software engineers ready to level up. Learn from CTOs, principal engineers, and tech leaders about the skills beyond coding: from technical mastery to product thinking and career growth

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Akil
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patrick Akil
  • Show Website
    Beyond Coding

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