Developer's Journey

Three hundred episodes in, and here we stand at the precipice of a momentous pause – a time to reflect on the profound connections and conversations that have shaped this podcast's journey. From the early days of syncing episodes with the first iPod Nano, I've walked a path of personal and professional evolution alongside DevJourney. Each recording session has been an opportunity to craft a space for honest storytelling, where my guests and I ventured beyond mere interviews, engaging in a heart-to-heart discussion that resonated with the pulse of storytelling – a dance of words that leaves us all richer in understanding and shared wisdom.Michael Chan helps me -Tim Bourguignon- navigate the rich tapestry of developer experiences gathered on the show. We talked about the compelling narratives of career transitions and the joys of mentoring; we've underscored the significance of diversity and the importance of acknowledging each individual as a 'senior human being' with valuable life exp

Ever found yourself at the crossroads of passion and profession, wondering if your varied experiences could weave into a successful career tapestry? John Chan's story is a testament to that possibility. From a high school enthusiast tinkering with CSS to a Taekwondo black belt with international laurels, John's eclectic background illustrates the vibrant intersection where hobbies and professional skills collide, offering fresh perspectives on product development and marketing narratives. His journey is one of embracing diverse talents to carve out an innovative path in web and UX design before venturing boldly into the entrepreneurial world of digital marketing.My conversation with John is a deep dive into the essence of career evolution, where the unlikeliest of experiences from video gaming to martial arts inform leadership abilities and shape one's professional ethos. The discussion shifts to John's metamorphosis from a web admin to a UX design authority, unveiling the creative strateg

Have you ever wondered how a symphony of ones and zeros harmonizes with the delicate touch of piano keys? Our latest guest, Denzil Eden, an MIT and Harvard alum with a storied tenure at Microsoft, bridges this seemingly vast chasm with grace. In a heart-to-heart, she illuminates the intricate dance between her love for AI and the creative pulse of her personal passions. From writing fiction to composing melodies, Denzil unveils the magic of weaving AI into the fabric of our hobbies, crafting a tapestry of enhanced learning and mastery that's as beautiful as it is functional.The curiosity that drives a child to dismantle toys for a glimpse into their workings is the same that propelled Denzil through the ranks of academic and professional prestige. She takes us through the meticulous practice of honing computer science skills, and the culture shocks of campus life that shape more than just academic careers. In Denzil's story, there's a lesson for the scholarly and the aspirational alike: that fi

Meet Brit Myers, VP of Engineering at System Initiatives, who turned her late start into a celebrated career in software engineering. She swaps stories about the self-doubt she wrestled with, the internship that fueled her passion, and how she discovered that forging ahead and tempering expectations can unearth success. Brit's insights are a treasure trove for anyone standing before the maze of a tech career, searching for that elusive entry point or the next turn.If you've ever wondered whether luck is something you can cultivate, let Brit and I guide you through the alchemy of reputation and opportunity. Brit tears down the traditional networking concept, advocating for a sincere interest in others as the cornerstone of meaningful industry relationships. She shares her battles with social anxiety and imparts the wisdom of a grandparent on meeting the expectations of those in charge to carve out a positive path forward.Finally, we chart the rich tapestry of a tech career from the perspective of a m

Have you ever wondered what it takes to shatter the mold and passionately pursue a career in tech? Katherine Lewis joins us to share her extraordinary journey in software engineering, offering a candid look at the trials and triumphs that have defined her path. From overcoming gender stereotypes to the pivotal advice that changed her career trajectory, Katherine's story is not just about coding—it's about finding one's place in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Her commitment to writing accessible code and her roles as an entrepreneur, engineer, podcast host, and philanthropist shine a light on the multifaceted nature of success in the tech world.Navigating the tech industry can seem like a labyrinth, but Katherine reveals how a proactive approach to job searching and the power of serendipity can lead to remarkable outcomes. She discusses the strategies that put her ahead of the game, from connecting with alumni to immersing herself in developer communities. Katherine's decision to

Embark on a remarkable tech odyssey with Elise Carmichael, whose formative years tinkering with a Commodore 64 paved the way to her influential tenure as CTO at Lakeside. Throughout our conversation, Elise's melodious passion for music intertwines with her tech expertise, illustrating how harmonious blends of interests can propel one's career trajectory. With anecdotes that stretch from the magic of early programming to the tough decisions that shaped her path, our chat with Elise is a compelling narrative of embracing change with open arms and the profound growth that comes from facing new challenges head-on.Navigating the tech industry's unpredictable waves, Elise candidly shares the lessons she learned when thrust into a management role at a youthful age and how she countered workplace toxicity with resilience and determination. Her tale is a vibrant tapestry, weaving threads of love-driven relocation, a brief dalliance with the medical field, and an eventual passionate return to the tech wo

When his father cracked open the case of a Vic-20 computer, little did he know he was setting the stage for a lifelong tech odyssey. Fast forward, and here he is, sharing laughs and wisdom, demystifying the tech world one byte-sized lesson at a time. This episode peels back the layers of computer operation, programming, and the inestimable value of an engineering mindset. With his blend of expertise and approachability, Erik doesn't just talk tech; he embodies the joy of embracing your inner nerd and the camaraderie that comes with being a techie.  Ever had a 'come to Jesus' moment that made you reevaluate your life's direction? That happened to Erik post-Thanksgiving, leaving his wife and him reflecting on his transformation from high school slacker to Navy Nuclear Power trainee. It's an episode of revelations as Erik and I dissect the challenges and triumphs of his military training days and how those experiences forged the resilience and work ethic that propelled his tech career fo

Have you ever wondered how a passion for video games might ignite a career in the high-stakes world of tech? Joshua Duffney, Microsoft's cloud advocate extraordinaire, joins us to share his incredible transformation from teenage gamer to industry expert. Our conversation delves into the nuances of his technical odyssey, starting with a Christmas gift that launched his journey into computer networking and the significance of mentorship in carving out a successful path in technology.This episode takes you through the trenches of tech support to the cutting-edge of DevOps, as Joshua recounts the shift from help desk to system engineering. He opens up about the game-changing impact of PowerShell scripting on his career trajectory and provides candid insights into the art of translating tech-speak for the everyday user. We revel in tales of networking challenges and server upgrades, and the pivotal moments that propelled him from daily user frustrations to orchestrating the complex ballet of system automation

Picture this: a high schooler with a lawnmower turns his grass-cutting gig into a landscaping empire, only to sell it all and jump headfirst into the tech ocean, without even a floatie of coding knowledge. That's the story of Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, who joins us to share the gripping tale of his entrepreneurial metamorphosis. Bryan's journey echoes the audacious spirit of the startup pioneers before him, and in this episode, we trek alongside him as he recounts the early, hand-cranked days of GreenPal, paralleling the grit shown by the likes of DoorDash and Instacart founders. It's a narrative that reverberates with the heart-pounding excitement of embracing the unknown and the sheer tenacity needed to transform a vision into a viable tech enterprise.    Ever heard of someone teaching themselves to swim by jumping into the deep end? That's precisely what Bryan did in the tech world's vast coding pool. We peel back the curtain on the struggle of being a non-techn

Unlock the secrets to thriving in tech leadership with the insights of Mark Herschberg, whose own leap from physics aficionado to influential CTO unveils the vast scope of skills beyond engineering might. As Mark joins us, he lays bare the complex tapestry of success in the tech industry, pointing to the indispensable value of capabilities like leadership, networking, and communication. His own pivot from MIT to the startup world and beyond serves as a beacon for those charting their course through the tech sector, highlighting the merit of understanding company-wide goals and the impact of one's individual role.    Venturing through Mark's transition from the trenches of coding to the strategic vistas of management during the tech boom of '99, we uncover the strategies that bridge effective teamwork and the essence of recognizing the human component in software projects. Mark's reflection on his progression, akin to outgrowing childhood's Lego structures, showcases the enriching chal

Join the ranks of tech aficionados and entrepreneurial spirits as we unpack the riveting tale of Dave van Beekum, the brain behind Tweeva. Dave's trajectory is nothing short of inspiring from dismantling household appliances as a curious kid in New Jersey to orchestrating the growth of a digital marketing empire in Florida. Through a nostalgic trip down memory lane, we journey with him from his first encounter with a 286 computer to establishing his personal studio—a testament to the relentless pursuit of one's passions.Embarking on a self-taught path at just 18, Dave's venture into the world of web design and digital marketing unfolds in our conversation, revealing the innovative and sometimes unorthodox strategies that propelled his business forward. Picture a car wrapped in brand imagery cruising the streets—an eye-catching tactic that drew in clients and highlighted the crux of visibility in business success. Dave's candid revelations about the misconceptions developers often harbor to

From the clattering coins of casino games to the complex coding at Netflix, our guest Sneha Inguva has a career narrative that's as unconventional as it is inspiring. Walking her cat Gatsby might be her quirky pastime, but it's her methodical approach to workplace challenges that sets Sneha apart. Tune in for a candid conversation where she unpacks her strategies for turning dissatisfaction into dialogue with management, and shares how jotting down thoughts, brainstorming solutions, and seeking second opinions can be transformative.Recounting the days when the startup sparkle caught my eye, I reflect on my own evolution from an electrical engineering and economics graduate to a software developer. The journey was anything but linear, with stints in casino gaming and a fact-checking news venture, before settling into the more stable harbors of Digital Ocean and Fastly. Sneha and I delve into economics's pivotal role in our career choices, and how embracing mentorship and a back-to-basics approac

Embark on a riveting odyssey with Steven Schkolne, a polymath whose professional course has been as diverse as it is deep. As he shares tales from his early days dabbling in BASIC and Logo, you'll find yourself immersed in the nostalgia of programming's past, drawing unexpected connections to the complex dance of modern development. Listen and be inspired by the transformative power of passion, whether it's in code, art, or the simple joy of gardening.Steven's journey is a reminder that the paths we tread often converge in unexpected places. From the mathematical allure of ray tracing to the epiphanies found in grad school, we uncover how a love for numbers and aesthetics can coexist harmoniously. Our conversation reveals the pivotal junctures where art meets technology - from GUI breakthroughs to creative digital art endeavors - charting Steven's evolution from an outsider to a pioneer in computer engineering and design.As we round off this insightful dialogue, Steven doesn't sh

Have you ever considered the human story behind the code that powers our daily digital experiences? I had the pleasure of sitting down with William A. Adams, whose journey from a 12-year-old self-taught programmer to a key player at Microsoft is as inspiring as it is instructive. As we traverse William's path, you'll be enthralled by tales of innovation, the birth of AI tools revolutionizing programming, and the foresight to see beyond the keyboard to a future where coding is an entirely new beast. His beginnings may resonate with many, but the trajectory of his career—marked by curiosity, resilience, and a drive to make technology more inclusive—is uniquely his own.Our conversation takes an intimate turn as William recounts his early entrepreneurial endeavors that hinted at the business mogul he was to become. The narrative flows into his strategic leap into Microsoft, navigating the choppy waters of legal battles and economic uncertainty. With two decades and a wealth of experience under his belt,

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of passion and professionalism, wondering if it's too late to change paths? Brian's story is a beacon of hope for career changers everywhere, as he shares his incredible shift from being an outdoor guide to a software engineering maven. With a candid discussion on the art of scaling impact, Brian's insights on mentorship, and his personal blueprint for knowledge dissemination through blogging and podcasting, this episode is a treasure chest of wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the tech terrain or amplify their own influence.As we unravel Brian's journey, you'll be inspired by his tenacity in tackling the tech industry head-on, sans a safety net. His proactive stance on moonlighting to gain experience, coupled with his relentless networking, showcases the grit required to transition successfully. Moreover, Brian's ascent to a leadership role as a fractional CTO and his strategies for influencing multiple companies unfold like a masterclass

Get ready for an engrossing episode, as we sit down with the remarkable Valarie Regas. Known for her passion in the tech industry, Valarie’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to a thriving DevOps engineer and full stack developer is a story that will leave you inspired. She opens up about her experiences navigating the tech world, the value in her unique background, and the game-changing role therapy played in her life.     Valarie also enlightens us on the trials and tribulations of job hunting and the significance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. As a Southern woman in tech, her experiences shed light on the influence of upbringing on leadership styles and the power of embracing one's unique strengths. Her story is a testament to the importance of recognizing the value of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the hiring process.     Rounding up our conversation with Valarie, we touch on a topic close to her heart - the well-being of engineers. Valarie advocates for more human

Imagine attending a summer camp at the tender age of six that sparks a lifelong love for software development. That's the journey our esteemed guest, Moriel, embarked on, leading her to explore the complexities of right-to-left language support and localization, and ultimately landing her a coveted position at Wikipedia. Moriel shares her gripping story that highlights the power of starting young and finding your tribe in the world of open source.    Buckle up as we navigate Moriel's unexpected switch from (Hollywood to) astronomy to physics and the unanticipated challenges she had to overcome as a woman in academia. Shining light on the importance of following your passion, no matter the hurdles, Moriel embodies the resilient spirit of a true trailblazer. Not only did she make strides in academia, but she also entered the vast arena of open source, discovering its wonders through an internship at Wikipedia.     We end our riveting conversation with an exploration of the messy, yet crucial aspects o

Have you ever wondered about the journey of a software developer from the early days of coding to launching successful startups? We delve into this intriguing topic with our guest, Chris Simon, a startup CTO coach who shares his rich and varied experiences in the tech industry. From his early days of coding on an Apple Fat Mac, Chris has always had a passion for programming. His deep understanding of technology, sharpened by scholarship in electrical engineering and years of working with complex systems, offers fascinating insights into the evolution of software development.We move beyond the technical aspect to delve into the human side of coding. Chris stresses the importance of writing code that is not just functional, but also comprehensible to others. As we navigate the complex landscape of modern technology, Chris's insights into the younger generation's potential lack of deeper understanding of the technology they use daily are both thought-provoking and relevant. But it's not all techni

Let's set off on an awe-inspiring journey with our guest, Cecilia Martinez, who, armed with self-awareness and an appetite for growth, has carved out a successful career in software development. Starting from her high school days, designing layouts for myspace pages, Cecilia's trajectory includes journalism, web development, and a self-discovery of her place in tech communities. Her story of growth and transformation, nurtured by her battles with ADHD, the trials and triumphs of a software development boot camp, and her blossoming career as a community lead at Replay, is nothing short of inspiring.What role can tech communities play in launching and shaping your career? Listen as Cecilia shares her experience exploring various local tech groups and the profound impact they had on her career. We examine the role of multi-channel outreach in creating diverse and representative communities and discuss how these communities can act as springboards for newcomers to the industry. Cecilia's narrative

From the moment his father handed him an IBM PC with the simplest of instructions - "Play with it, don't be afraid" - Aral Balkan's worldview was forever changed. Our chat with this developer, professional speaker, consultant, and serial entrepreneur takes us on an enlightening journey through his life, shaped by his early immersion in technology's limitless potential. Aral's deep-seated passion for programming, his dedicated commitment to simplicity, and his advocacy for the internet as a tool for personal empowerment and democratized communication are nothing less than inspiring.Aral reflects on the evolution of the internet, once perceived as a decentralized entity, now understood as a client-server system molded partly by venture capitalists who recognized its potential. He emphasizes the need for coding education, applauding initiatives like Code Club and the involvement of Google, Raspberry Pi, and Coder Dojo in promoting coding. But our conversation doesn't stop there