Software Defined Interviews

Software Defined Talk

Deep discussions about technology, enterprise IT, and the like

  1. AI, open source, talent, and more, live at cfgmgmtcamp 2026, with Andrew Clay Shafer

    10 HR AGO

    AI, open source, talent, and more, live at cfgmgmtcamp 2026, with Andrew Clay Shafer

    Spotting talent, getting innovation adoption and driving use, open source, AI, and developing taste - those are the major topics Coté and Andrew discussed this week at the live reading. Also, a framework for creating the perfect burger. This was recorded at cfgmgmtcamp 2026, in Ghent, Belgium. Thanks to the staff for making it happen! You can watch the video recording of this episode as well, if you're into that kind of thing. If you missed cfgmgmtcamp this year, keep an eye on cfgmgmtcamp for next year - it's a great conference to start the year with. Check out Andrew in LinkedIn. Special Guest: Andrew Clay Shafer.

    53 min
  2. AI Doesn’t Fix Bad DevOps: Lessons from 15 Years of DORA Data, with Nathen Harvey

    21 JAN

    AI Doesn’t Fix Bad DevOps: Lessons from 15 Years of DORA Data, with Nathen Harvey

    Coté and Whitney talk with Nathen Harvey, who leads the DORA research program at Google Cloud. They talk about what 15 years of DevOps and delivery data actually says about AI. The answer feels something like "it makes you even better at what you're already good at." High-performing teams get better, while struggling teams just move faster into bottlenecks. They talk about AI-assisted software development, why throughput is rising while stability drops, how culture still beats tools, and why “user-centric” work remains stubbornly hard despite being obvious. You can watch the video version of this episoode in YouTube, if you prefer that kind of thing. Check out Nathen in LinkedIn. Special Guest: Nathen Harvey.

    1h 15m
  3. From Platform Engineering to Stand-Up Comedian, with Lian Li

    7 JAN

    From Platform Engineering to Stand-Up Comedian, with Lian Li

    In this episode, Whitney and Coté talk with Lian, a "cloud-native human" with a 15-year career in tech. Lian discusses her transition from tech to performance art, her experiences in amateur musical theater, stand-up comedy, and improv theater. She talks about platform engineering, the importance of community building in tech, and balancing professional life with personal projects. They also cover her unique improv workshops for engineers at conferences and the popular KubeCon karaoke parties she organizes. If you prefer video, you can watch that. Mentions: Lian's home page on the World Wide Web. Lian's LinkedIn. One of Lian's talks discussed: "Many Cooks, One Platform: Balancing Ownership and Contribution for the Perfect Broth," Lian Li, KubeCon EU 2025. Kuberoke. Lian's workshops. Also, Coté on a magazine cover. Special Guest: Lian Li.

    1h 10m
  4. The Octopus Organization, with Jana Werner

    24/12/2025

    The Octopus Organization, with Jana Werner

    The Octopus Organization is a great collection of organization anti-patterns. This week, one of the co-authors, Jana Werner talks with Whitney and Coté about those patterns and her own experiences. They go over topics like reading habits, the role of business books, decision making, ownership, curiosity in organizations. practical steps to avoid common corporate anti-patterns, the importance of clear communication and leadership principles, and rubber pigs. You can also watch the video version of this episode if you prefer that kind of thing. Check out the book, The Octopus Organization. Also, an HBR overview article on the book. And find Jana Werner in LinkedIn. She's also talked with Coté a couple of other times, back in 2020 and then in 2024. Special Guest: Jana Werner.

    1h 14m
  5. The AI Tools Lab, conferences, devrel, with Jason Hand

    10/12/2025

    The AI Tools Lab, conferences, devrel, with Jason Hand

    Whitney and Coté chat with Jason Hand. They discuss the challenges and rewards of organizing conferences, the impact of the pandemic on in-person events, and the nuances of developer relations. Jason shares his experiences with AI Tools Lab, vibe coding, and personal projects such as developing his own tools to replace commercial SaaS products. They also talk about devrel differences at large vs. mid-sized companies, and how to maintaining personal energy and sanity in high-demand roles. Check out just about everything Jason Hand related at his home page on the World Wide Web. If you prefer video, check out the video of this episode. Special Guest: Jason Hand.

    1h 15m
  6. Whitney goes to KubeCon

    26/11/2025

    Whitney goes to KubeCon

    This week, Whitney Lee joins us to discuss KubeCon news, Coding Assistants, and conference tips. Plus, vegan food and note-taking recommendations. Watch the YouTube Live Recording of Episode 547 This is a cross-over episode with Software Defined Talk.

    1h 9m
  7. Transformation, DevOps, Open Source, and Fast Food Operations, with Andrew Clay Shafer

    15/11/2025

    Transformation, DevOps, Open Source, and Fast Food Operations, with Andrew Clay Shafer

    Whitney and Coté talk with Andrew Clay Shafer, co-founder of Puppet and principal at an advisory firm, about the nuances of DevOps transformation, open source dynamics, and running his burger restaurant, All American Burger. They talk about the challenges of integrating social and technical systems, managing metrics and KPIs, and the evolving ecosystem of open source software. Also, they go over Andrew's experience in running a fast food restaurant and the parallels between managing a tech company and a food business. You can also watch the video version of this episode if you're into that kind of thing. Links Andrew in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewclayshafer/ Ergonautic: https://www.ergonautic.ly All American Burger: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgNturR3jf76u5EHA Special Guest: Andrew Clay Shafer.

    1h 11m
  8. The World Wide Web, Content, Work, Blogging Adventures, Short Videos, etc., with Russell Davies

    30/10/2025

    The World Wide Web, Content, Work, Blogging Adventures, Short Videos, etc., with Russell Davies

    We talk with Russell Davies this episode. He has done many things, above all else made lots of interesting content and messed around with producing content. Advertising, blogging and the World Wide Web of the 2000's, interesting conferences (call exactly that: interesting), books, and of late, he's been mastering the short video format. I am a big fan of Flora and his ("he's"?) recent podcast, WIP. Here is a fantastic episode. All of Russell's stuff is to be found on his home page on the World Wide Web, those his photos take some time tracking down. Also, Coté wears plaid on plaid. This was not done unknowingly. Here is the video version of this episode, if you prefer that kind of thing. Special Guest: Russell Davies.

    1h 17m
See All (124)

About

Deep discussions about technology, enterprise IT, and the like

Information

  • Creator
    Software Defined Talk
  • Years Active
    2005 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Software Defined Talk
  • Show Website
    Software Defined Interviews