Easier Said Than Done (And How to Do it)

Zubin Pratap
Easier Said Than Done (And How to Do it)

I synthesise tens of thousands of dollars of Personal Transformation And Development into this podcast where I show you how to do the things that are "easier said than done". While set against the backdrop of my transition from 37 year old corporate lawyer to Big Tech software engineer, I cover meta-skills and habits that are necessary for all personal development.

  1. Is Zuck's AI Prediction For Real? Ep #32

    FEB 12

    Is Zuck's AI Prediction For Real? Ep #32

    Zubin and Brian dive deep into the current coding and tech landscape, discussing the impact of AI on various professions, the challenges new coders face, and the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced job market. They also share insights on how career changers can leverage their existing skills to transition into tech successfully.  💥 🤯Some really great nuggets dropped on this one!   ☎️ Contact Zubin & Brian: - Parsity Inner Circle Program (https://parsity.io/inner-circle) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney - https://www.instagram.com/brianjenneycode - https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap      👋👋👋 See also 👋👋👋 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Webinar at https://matchfitmastery.com 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 This podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WMi6AmVFjpmCpF95XjaBJ ✅ Key Discussion Points: - AI and Job Market Realities: - The hype and reality of AI replacing mid-level engineers. - The importance of understanding the broader context of AI advancements. - The role of AI in augmenting rather than replacing human jobs.    ✅ Automation is everywhere: - Observations from Zubin's trip to Japan on automation in airports, supermarkets, and more. - The inevitability of automation across various sectors, including legal, accounting, and even farming. ✅ Career Adaptability: - The necessity of learning how to learn and adapt to market changes. - The importance of workplace maturity and leveraging past experiences for career changers. - Strategies for staying employable and competitive in the tech industry. ✅ Job Market Misconceptions: - Addressing the fear-mongering around the tech job market. - The reality of job opportunities in tech and the importance of genuine data over clickbait. - The historical context of job market challenges for fresh graduates. ✅ Action Points: - Embrace continuous learning and adaptability to stay relevant in the tech industry. - Leverage your existing skills and experiences when transitioning into a new career. - Focus on becoming employable by understanding the job market and how to compete effectively. - Avoid getting discouraged by fear-mongering and seek out genuine data and insights.

    29 min
  2. Algoexpert Founder and I Compare Notes on the Coding Industry and Bootcamps in 2025 | Ep #31

    FEB 4

    Algoexpert Founder and I Compare Notes on the Coding Industry and Bootcamps in 2025 | Ep #31

    How to become a software engineer in 2025 is different from any other period in the past. Learn why, from two ex Google engineers. On this episode I discuss the coding industry and coding bootcamps with Clement Mihailescu from algoexpert.io * ** SHOW NOTES *** Breaking into your first coding role - 2025 and beyond: Key Takeaways: • The coding bootcamp landscape has evolved significantly since 2016-2017, shifting from a niche offering to an established educational path alongside CS degrees and self-teaching • Current market challenges stem from fewer available positions and increased competition, and also a higher technical bar as more people enter into this highly desirable lifestyle • AI tools are becoming essential skills but won't replace software engineers - the core value is in human-centered design decisions and product strategy Action Points: • Focus on networking and relationship building in addition to technical skills • Learn to leverage AI tools effectively while building fundamental programming knowledge • Be prepared to be proactive in job hunting - mass applying won't work in this market • Don't rely solely on coding skills - develop product thinking and business acumen • Be resilient and avoid victim mentality - everyone faces the same market conditions My View: The tech industry is unchallenged as one of the best and more well paid industries for career changers. But requires more strategic positioning than during the 2016-2020 boom years. Success depends on combining technical competence with strong relationship building and business understanding. 👋👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋 💥 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 Be personally coached for 12 months by Brian Jenney and me: https://www.parsity.io/inner-circle 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Webinar at https://matchfitmastery.com 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ Most of the people who ask me for help in becoming professional coders spend way too much time learning too many things rather than getting deep skills in a few things.

    50 min
  3. Junior Devs Can Outcompete Experienced Devs with These Secret Weapons | Ep #30

    JAN 9

    Junior Devs Can Outcompete Experienced Devs with These Secret Weapons | Ep #30

    **Show notes below**  👋👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋  💥 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 Be personally coached for 12 months by Brian Jenney and me: https://www.parsity.io/inner-circle 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Webinar at https://matchfitmastery.com 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ Most of the people who ask me for help in becoming professional coders spend way too much time learning too many things rather than getting deep skills in a few things.   SHOW NOTES Actually getting hired as a coder when I was a 37yo lawyer was hard AF - even though I was good at code. But once I figured out the structure of the hiring market I was able to get 4 offers in a few weeks and less than a year later joined Google as a software engineer. Here are my key takeaways on how to outcompete experienced software engineers as a career changer: Leverage Your Unique Background • Craft a compelling "Why Tech?" story that demonstrates authentic passion and commercial value • Use domain expertise from your previous career to stand out in relevant tech sectors Demonstrate Enhanced Soft Skills • Excel at clear communication and explaining complex concepts to non-technical audiences • Show strong problem-solving abilities beyond just coding - focus on solving real business challenges • Highlight adaptability and resilience gained through your career transition   Build a Strategic Portfolio • Focus on 1-3 high-quality projects that tell a personal story, rather than many basic projects • Create projects that solve real problems you've encountered, not just tutorial clones • Ensure your work demonstrates problem-solving abilities and technical depth Network Strategically • Build genuine relationships with both developers and recruiters over time • Earn the right to informational interviews through meaningful connection-building • Focus on quality over quantity in your networking efforts Accept the Reality The reality is that competing against experienced engineers requires a systematic, long-term approach. It's not about being better than CS graduates, but rather demonstrating your unique value proposition to hiring managers. Remember: Just like a startup entering a crowded market, you need to identify your niche and showcase how you can satisfy customer needs better than the competition. This requires careful strategy, persistence, and a growth mindset. Action Points: • Identify your commercially valuable differentiators • Focus on strategic continuous learning rather than trying to learn everything • Build credibility before applying for roles • Never repeat the same mistake twice • Target roles where your unique background adds specific value • Plan for a 40-52 week systematic career transition journey Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any of these points. Success in changing careers to tech requires dedication, strategy and patience - but it's absolutely achievable with the right approach.

    30 min
  4. Is The Anti-Bootcamp The Way Forward in 2025? Ep #29

    12/26/2024

    Is The Anti-Bootcamp The Way Forward in 2025? Ep #29

    Want to learn to code AND build a future-proof career starting in 2025?  Announcing the Anti-Bootcamp: The Parsity Inner Circle personalised coaching program (https://parsity.io/inner-circle) - where we personally guide and mentor you on ALL the steps to learn to code and develop a coding career you can be truly proud of. Check out a previous episode with Brian wjere we explored the usual models - College Vs Bootcamps Vs Coaching Vs DIY. https://youtu.be/ji7RdLfMf7w   Key Takeaways: • Getting hired is harder than learning to code • Coding skills alone are not enough in today's market • Career transformation requires long-term commitment • Success depends more on grit than technical background • Program focuses on sustainable career development Action Items: • Visit parsity.io/inner-circle for program details • Book a call with Brian or Zubin to discuss fit • Check out Brian's "Develop Yourself" podcast • Watch Zubin's "Easier Said Than Done" podcast • Consider whether you're ready for a 12-month commitment   Program Overview: • Get personally coached and trained Zubin Pratap and Brian Jenny • 12-month individualized coaching program • Risk Free Alternative to traditional coding bootcamps • Focus on career transformation beyond just coding skills   Key Differentiators from Bootcamps: • Personalized attention and customized curriculum • Longer timeline (12 months vs. 3-5 months) • Emphasis on long term career growth and impact • Extremely small numbers of students for 12 months   Target Audience: • Career changers with some work experience • People who have dabbled in coding • Those with grit and realistic expectations • Musicians (noted as particularly successful) • Individuals ready for long-term focus and commitment    Value Proposition: • Comprehensive career transformation • Personalized guidance from experienced professionals • Focus on long-term success vs. quick wins • Support throughout the entire journey • Access to real industry insights and expertise    🫡 🫡 🫡 Connect With Brian 🫡 🫡 🫡  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney https://www.instagram.com/brianjenneycode https://parsity.io/  👋 👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋 💥 Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Webinar at https://matchfitmastery.com 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ Most of the people who ask me for help in becoming professional coders spend way too much time learning too many things rather than getting deep skills in a few things.

    44 min
  5. Ep #28 Is AI Changing Code? Conversation with AI Ph.D and Author, Emmanuel Maggiori

    11/14/2024

    Ep #28 Is AI Changing Code? Conversation with AI Ph.D and Author, Emmanuel Maggiori

    AI and coding - the big questions! Looking to Change Careers? Want to be part of the next generation of coders? Get the insider perspective from my FREE Coding Career Strategy Training at https://www.matchfitmastery.com/vsl/2/register And DEFINITELY absorb every nugget dropped by Emmanuel Maggiori in this episode. After all, Emmanuel Maggiori, PhD, is a 10-year AI industry insider. He has developed AI for everything from processing satellite images to packaging deals for holiday travelers. Emmanuel Maggiori is the author of Smart Until It's Dumb and Siliconned. 👋👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Coding Career Strategy Training at https://www.matchfitmastery.com/vsl/2/register 💥 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1WMi6AmVFjpmCpF95XjaBJ 💥 APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easier-said-than-done-and-how-to-do-it/id1735263970 👋👋👋 Connect With Emmanuel! 👋👋👋 https://www.linkedin.com/in/emaggiori/ Engineer's pocked guide to surving AI: https://mng.bz/9o8a Siliconned: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7MRG775 Smart Until It's Dumb: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSR6QZRS

    58 min
  6. Ep#27 Future Coders Inner Circle - What is it?

    11/06/2024

    Ep#27 Future Coders Inner Circle - What is it?

    Become a Coder - The Inner Circle Mentorship Program is a no BS, no nonsense approach. It's not easy but if you stick the plan you will get to your destination. Full Stop. In this episode of the Easier Said Than Done podcast I dive deep into my Future Coders Inner Circle program. I explain its purpose, methodology, and unique approach to mentoring career changers in coding. With a direct and no-nonsense attitude, I highlight why traditional bootcamps often fall short and emphasize the importance of personal transformation, strategic planning, and realistic expectations in achieving career goals. I stress the value of individualized coaching over standardized courses and share insights on navigating the coding landscape, especially for busy professionals. I also discuss the significance of long-term commitment, tailored guidance, and avoiding common pitfalls in the journey to becoming a professional coder. 👋👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Coding Career Strategy Training at https://www.matchfitmastery.com/vsl/1/register 💥 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1WMi6AmVFjpmCpF95XjaBJ 💥 APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easier-said-than-done-and-how-to-do-it/id1735263970

    34 min
  7. Ep #25 The UK's Most Influential Engineering Voice  - An Interview with John Crickett

    10/10/2024

    Ep #25 The UK's Most Influential Engineering Voice - An Interview with John Crickett

    What Is The Reality of Software Engineering? Who better than my guest John Crickett to break down almost 3 decades of engineering experience for you in this eye-opening podcast chat.    💥 Key Insights: 💥 -👉🏼 Beyond Coding Skills: Software engineering is more than just writing code; it involves problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. -👉🏼 The Importance of Real-World Projects: Build projects that simulate real-world scenarios to demonstrate your skills. -👉🏼 Focus on Soft Skills: Develop strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. -👉🏼 The Value of Coding Challenges: Use coding challenges to practice your skills, learn new languages, and prepare for interviews.   💥Key Action Items:💥 -👉🏼 Build meaningful projects: Focus on projects that solve real-world problems. -👉🏼 Develop soft skills: Practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. -👉🏼 Use coding challenges: Incorporate coding challenges into your learning journey. -👉🏼 Understand the industry: Learn about different career paths and the skills required for each.  💥REMEMBER:💥 Software engineering is a multifaceted field. Focus on developing a well-rounded skill set. Stay curious and continue learning throughout your career.     👋👋👋 Connect With John! 👋👋👋 💥 https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ - Coding Challenges, real-world projects to help you become a better software engineer. 💥 https://read.developingskills.fyi/ - Soft skills for software engineers who want to make it past senior. 💥 https://johncrickett.me/p/build-your-personal-brand-on-linkedin How to build your personal brand on LinkedIn  💥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/  💥 https://x.com/johncrickett 👋👋👋 Connect With Me! 👋👋👋 💥 Career Change to Code - FREE Coding Career Strategy Training at https://www.matchfitmastery.com/vsl/1/register 💥 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/zubinpratap 💥 https://www.instagram.com/zubinpratap/ 💥 Before You Learn To Code -- Where to start? What to do? https://matchfitmastery.com/lifesaver 💥 Podcasts:, Blogs and Resources https://linktr.ee/zubinpratap 💥 Twitter: http://twitter.com/zubinpratap 💥 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1WMi6AmVFjpmCpF95XjaBJ 💥 APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easier-said-than-done-and-how-to-do-it/id1735263970

    39 min

About

I synthesise tens of thousands of dollars of Personal Transformation And Development into this podcast where I show you how to do the things that are "easier said than done". While set against the backdrop of my transition from 37 year old corporate lawyer to Big Tech software engineer, I cover meta-skills and habits that are necessary for all personal development.

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