Software Developers Journey

Timothée Bourguignon

Becoming a software developer is a journey. The Software Developers Journey show is an inspirational podcast for software developers. Every week, a successful software engineer shares their journey and tells us what they learned.

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#272 Anna Sala Mercade from graphic design to saying yes to development
6d ago
#272 Anna Sala Mercade from graphic design to saying yes to development
From graphic design to coding, Anna Sala's foray into software development was anything but conventional. Anna's initial curiosity was sparked by a chance conversation with a tennis player who shared insights about the world of development. This unexpected interaction set Anna on a transformative career journey, combining her unique design background with the ever-evolving world of software.Anna placed the start of her journey three years ago on a tennis court when a joke involving a Testla, an unexpected mentor, and a pandemic put her world upside down. From there on, we followed the story of her Bootcamp. We then discussed her role as an assistant professor in the same boot camp and her first dev role. We talked about learning, feeling like an impostor, and much more.In this episode, Anna delves deep into her diverse career path, from her time as a graphic designer to her decision to dive headfirst into the world of software development. She talks about the importance of continuous learning in the tech field, her experiences mentoring and teaching others, and the ever-present feeling of imposter syndrome faced by many professionals.If you are interested to learn more about the seamless blend of design and development and get inspiration from Anna's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Gain insights into how a diverse background, like graphic design, can uniquely shape and enrich a software developer's approach to problem-solving.Learn about the value of soft skills in the tech industry and how they can complement technical knowledge to foster better communication and collaboration.Understand the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of technology and how embracing a learning mindset can alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome.Support the show
#271 Una Kravets joining bleeding edge design and coding at Google
Sep 19 2023
#271 Una Kravets joining bleeding edge design and coding at Google
Una Kravets's journey in the tech world has been nothing short of captivating. From her dedication to creating and enhancing the user interface space to her insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving challenges of web development, Una's story is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Her experiences span a wide range of tech endeavors, from her involvement in the W3C community and standards to her unique insights into the intricate world of web design.Una placed the start of her journey in her young childhood with Neopets, AIM, MySpace, and the Sims. She described how her passion for design slowly merged into the Web. We discussed her college studies and how she stumbled upon communities at 18. We talked about learning in the open, internships, and learning some more. We discussed how she landed at Google, got into DeveloperRelations, and came to work on the CSS Working Group and OpenUI Community Group.In this episode, Una discusses the complexities of navigating the vast web development landscape and how she has found her perfect spot in the CSS and UI space. She touches upon her involvement in working groups, the challenges of backward compatibility on the web, and the joys of Developer Relations (DevRel). Moreover, Una shares her wisdom on the importance of community involvement, whether by joining, creating, or discovering one, and the impact of documenting one's learning journey through blogging.If you want to learn more about the challenges of backward compatibility on the web and get inspiration from Una's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episodeGain insights from Una's unique journey, blending her arts background with technology showcasing how diverse experiences can lead to innovative outcomes in the tech world.Dive deep into the importance of community involvement, feedback, and continuous learning, essential takeaways for anyone looking to grow in their tech career.Learn about the challenges and intricacies of web development, including backward compatibility and web standards, which are crucial for anyone keen to delve deeper into web tech.Support the show
#270 Tejas Kumar between hemophilia, learning and digging deeper
Sep 12 2023
#270 Tejas Kumar between hemophilia, learning and digging deeper
From facing unexpected challenges in his school days to rising to the occasion as a software developer, Tejas Kumar's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He candidly speaks about facing adversity and how those experiences shaped his perspective, even leading him to unexpected avenues in the world of tech.Tejas placed the start of his journey when he discovered HTML. We then followed the story of his childhood, juggling between a life-threatening medical disease called hemophilia and surfing his desire to understand how things work. Our discussion then centered itself on learning and how it slowly became the core of his work, his business, and his life.In this episode, Tejas Kumar delves deep into his experiences, from the unique way his brain processes learning to the importance of shocking the system post intense focus sessions. He discusses the vital importance of sleep and offers practical advice to young learners to prioritize learning in their early years.If you are interested to learn more about the intricacies of effective learning techniques and get inspiration from Tejas's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episodeDiscover Tejas Kumar's unique approach to learning and how it can drastically change the way you grasp new concepts. Understand the science and technique behind the "90 minutes of intense attention" method.Unearth the significance of sleep in human cognitive functions. Tejas draws a relatable analogy between saving a code file and the human need for sleep.Dive deep into the anecdotes and lessons from Tejas's personal and professional journey. Get inspired by his resilience in facing adversity and using it as a foundation for his successful career in tech.Support the show
#269 Lilly Chen from high-school dropout to monk and tech-founder
Sep 5 2023
#269 Lilly Chen from high-school dropout to monk and tech-founder
From humble beginnings working on a spreadsheet application to grappling with the rapid transformations in the developer industry, Lilly Chen's journey through the software realm has been nothing short of fascinating. With experiences ranging from the challenges of being a first-time manager to the profound influence of mentors who "lifted as they climbed," Lilly offers a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and paving the way for others.Lilly placed the start of her journey in high school, where she spent more days out than in high school. She told us about her health problems and how she spent a year as a monk in a monastery in China. We spoke of people lifting her and how she returned to the USA. We discussed her college studies and the people who made a long-lasting impact on her. We talked about how she became a developer, her first memorable interview, and how she slowly entered the world of startups. We finally talked about Contenda, the company she created.In this episode, Lilly takes us from her first steps into software development to her present-day leadership role at Contenda. She delves into the challenges and triumphs she has faced, highlighting the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. With a focus on mentorship and the pivotal role early managers play in shaping a career, Lilly stresses the significance of receiving guidance and providing it to the next generation of developers.If you want to learn more about the ethos of "lifting as you climb" and get inspiration from Lilly's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three Compelling Reasons to Listen to the Full Episode:Lilly's vast experience, from starting coding at 8 to becoming a CEO, offers unique insights into the ever-changing tech landscape, perfect for anyone at any stage of their tech career.The episode delves deep into the importance of mentorship. Hearing about the roles a monk and many people played in Lilly's journey underscores the value of guidance in a developer's path.Lilly emphasizes "lifting as you climb", shedding light on the critical responsibility that comes with growth and leadership in tech, making it a must-listen for aspiring tech leaders.Support the show
#268 Felienne Hermans rethinking how to teach kids to program with Hedy
Aug 29 2023
#268 Felienne Hermans rethinking how to teach kids to program with Hedy
Stepping into the tech world is one thing, but embracing it with a passion for teaching and enhancing the way technology is learned represents a calling of a different order. Felienne Hermans' life has been a vibrant blend of software development, advocating for better ways of teaching coding and recognizing the importance of guiding the young generation into the programming world. Her journey from receiving her first computer and experiencing unique educational opportunities to her innovative software projects speaks volumes of her dedication.Interestingly, Felienne placed the start of her journey right when she got her Ph.D. in Computer Science and faced the "now what?" She told us how she enrolled as a high-school computer science teacher and failed flat on her face, teaching 12 years old kids the same way she used to teach 18 years olds. We then explored how we learn, becoming less and less terrible at teaching 12-year-olds and gradually building Hedy, a programming language designed for kids to learn programming.In this episode, Felienne discusses her foray into the world of tech and how she transformed from perceiving herself as a genius child to realizing the privileges she was afforded. She delves into the importance of teaching, her six-year tenure as a high school teacher, and her involvement in the Headey software project. She emphasizes understanding one's interests and skills to find a sustainable and impactful career path.If you are interested to learn more about the evolution of tech education and get inspiration from Felienne's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover Felienne's unique perspective on the importance of recognizing early privileges and their pivotal role in one's professional journey.Gain insights into the art of adaptable teaching and how pushing students beyond their comfort zones can lead to significant growth and understanding.Learn the importance of aligning passion with skills and sustainability, guiding principles that Felienne believes are key to forging a successful and impactful career.Support the show
#267 Steve Upton from adversarial relationships with devs to QA in high performing teams
Aug 22 2023
#267 Steve Upton from adversarial relationships with devs to QA in high performing teams
In the ever-evolving realm of software development and testing, it's rare to encounter someone with as vast and varied an experience as Steve Upton. From his early foray into quality assurance to his insights on teamwork and agile methodologies, Steve's journey offers a lens into the nuanced world of development from a quality-first perspective.Steve placed the start of his journey coding in YABASIC on a PS2 and creating the infamous program "Insultor." Fast forward a few years, he graduated with a CS degree, and having worked as an intern at IBM; he applied for a graduate program. We discussed how he was given a "tester" role, which incidentally defined the rest of his career. We talked about testing practices at IBM, adversarial relationships with devs & moving to the polar opposite in a high-performing team Here. We discussed what "quality" really means, and then we talked about the hiring process, biases, working in the open (and writing blogs about backpacking trips with a GPS), the transition, and what he learned Here. We finally talked about his current work as a consultant for ThoughtWorks and how he would advise learning more about quality.In this episode, Steve shares his thoughts on the significance of agile testing and recommends foundational books. He delves into his experiences, highlighting the importance of a whole-team approach and the continuous pursuit of better, alternative software development and testing methods.If you want to learn more about agile testing methodologies and get inspiration from Steve's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Get insights from Steve Upton's journey, from quality assurance to deepening into software development. Learn the importance of focusing on the end user's needs and overall usability.Understand the value of the Agile methodology, particularly the "whole team approach." This episode delves into the strong interdependency of development and testing, highlighting the need for seamless communication and collaboration.Discover invaluable resources and books Steve recommends for anyone venturing into software development and testing. Benefit from foundational knowledge and practical advice to propel your career forward.Support the show
#266 Cory O'Daniel from a suit and a tie to one startup after the other
Aug 15 2023
#266 Cory O'Daniel from a suit and a tie to one startup after the other
The realm of software development is as vast as it is intricate. For Cory O'Daniel, it's been a journey marked by coding and understanding the deeper nuances of being a software developer. Cory took a detour, discovering that there's more to the world of tech than just writing code – there's a profound beauty in problem-solving, connecting with peers, and carving out personal space in a rapidly evolving remote work landscape.Cory placed the start of his journey in high school, modding Duke Nukem 3D. He then described how working a data-entry job in a hospital to make ends meet got him to automate his work through coding. He talked about his college physics major and the dire future it promised and how he chose to major in Networking and Computer Science instead. We then went from one job to the next. Ditching the first job requiring a suit and tie (but where he was caught reading the D&D reference manuals during his work) for Californian startups where he could wear shorts & teeshirts. We talked about the colorful startups he experienced and the crazy technical contraptions some of those required. We talked about becoming a Digital Nomad before iPhones were a thing. And finally, we touched on Massdriver, Cory's current company.In this episode, Cory O'Daniel invites us into his world, sharing his unique transition from hands-on coding to leadership and his candid thoughts on the art of balancing remote work. He touches upon the necessity of asynchronous communication, the serenity in pacing during calls, and the sometimes underrated joy of turning off video feeds. Through his journey, we see a reflection of modern-day work challenges and how passion, adaptability, and a dash of humor can make all the difference.If you want to learn more about the intricacies of remote work and derive inspiration from Cory's remarkable journey, this episode is a must-listen!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover Cory's Unique Journey: Understand Cory's non-traditional path into software development, offering inspiration for those overwhelmed by the learning curve.Insights on Remote Work: With remote work becoming the norm, Cory's pioneering experience offers invaluable advice on effective communication, multitasking, and cultivating team camaraderie.Evolution in Tech Career: Dive deep into Cory's transition from hands-on coding to leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of soft skills, continuous learning, and adaptability in the tech world.Support the show
#265 Mirjam Aulbach accountant, dog trainer, and senior engineer
Aug 8 2023
#265 Mirjam Aulbach accountant, dog trainer, and senior engineer
Unfolding the story of a truly diverse career trajectory, Mirjam Aulbach joins us to share her captivating journey from pursuing an accounting career and dog training to evolving into a full-fledged software developer. Mirjam's tale isn't just about career changes; it's about her lifelong passion for coding and how she kept it alive while juggling multiple roles in different domains, highlighting the power of persistence and dedication in shaping one's career.In this episode, Mirjam opens up about her unconventional journey into software development, her experiences working with different teams, and her transition to remote work during the pandemic. She also talks about her perspective on testing and her side project, 'Conference Buddy'. Mirjam's unique experience enables her to bring invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of social sciences, understanding emotions, and software development.If you want to learn more about the dynamics of transitioning careers and maintaining a balance between diverse roles and get inspiration from Mirjam's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:This episode offers an intriguing perspective on how understanding human behavior and emotions can positively impact software development and team dynamics.Mirjam's career changes offer valuable insights into career shifts, the importance of community support, and the role of continuous learning in personal growth.Her emphasis on the importance of software testing and her experiences with open-source development offer valuable insights, particularly for developers interested in these areas.Support the show
#264 Nnenna Ndukwe driven by curiosity from a tanning salon to dev advocacy
Aug 1 2023
#264 Nnenna Ndukwe driven by curiosity from a tanning salon to dev advocacy
Nnenna Ndukwe is a seasoned software developer who profoundly understands the essence of community and its value in shaping one's career journey. In a world often dictated by individual prowess, Nnenna's story is a testament to the power of shared wisdom and the transformative capacity of communal learning in the tech industry. With a passion for continuous growth and a heart to impact others, her story reverberates the truth that one's journey can indeed inspire the journeys of many others.Nnenna placed the start of her journey in a tanning salon, where she spent her breaks and quiet time on Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp. From there, she spoke about her one-way ticket to Boston, how she immersed herself in communities and followed her insatiable curiosity. She talked about her boot camp and how she found a job. She discussed working in the open and how it led to her dev advocacy role.In this episode, Nnenna discusses her journey from curiosity to proficiency in the world of coding and how being part of tech communities played a crucial role in her growth. Her emphasis on skipping lessons that others have already learned, and the value of listening to the stories of others, offers profound insights into learning and career growth. She also touches upon the joy she derives from mentoring and the sense of fulfillment she gets from seeing newcomers progress in their tech careers.If you want to learn more about the influential role of communities in career development and get inspiration from Nnenna's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Nnenna's journey into tech is inspiring, and it serves as a reminder that patience, persistence, and curiosity are vital elements to succeeding in coding and programming.Nnenna shares practical insights on the power of community engagement, mentorship, and self-advocacy in tech, which can guide newcomers in navigating their tech careers.The conversation offers concrete advice for overcoming common hurdles such as self-doubt, which could resonate with many individuals at different stages of their tech journey.Support the show
#263 Phil Alves maker of product-developer teams
Jul 25 2023
#263 Phil Alves maker of product-developer teams
Phil Alves, founder of DevSquad and LiveStats, is a software entrepreneur driven by building impactful solutions. From his humble beginnings, coding at age 12, to becoming a leader of development teams, his path has been marked by curiosity, determination, and a desire to improve developers' lives.Phil placed the start of his journey with Flash and ActionScript and then with PHP, with which he created his first business at the age of 16. We then discussed learning in the open, growing and selling his business. Moving to the USA, returning to school, and taking his first (and last) "job." We talked about his side business, which became DevSquad, his company of 100 people now. We talked about product developers vs. software developers. We discussed development cycles and customer relations. And we finished talking about the SaaS business he is creating, DevStats, and how to create hyper-performing teams.In this episode, Phil discusses his journey from a self-taught developer to an entrepreneur creating high-performing development teams. He delves into the challenges of growing a company and transitioning from deep work to managerial tasks. He also shares insights on building a solid company culture, fostering efficiency, and promoting a balance between productivity and preventing burnout. The conversation further delves into the role of data in improving team performance and the importance of product mindset in developers.If you want to learn more about fostering high-performing development teams and get inspiration from Phil's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn from Phil Alves' journey from being a self-taught programmer to a successful entrepreneur. His experiences offer a unique perspective on the different paths one's career in tech can take.Understand the importance of strong company culture and the role of data in improving team performance. These are critical elements that can contribute to the success of any tech team.Gain insights into the importance of a product mindset in developers. This can help aspiring developers understand their work's broader impact and become more effective team contributors.Support the show
#262 Chris Zimmerman and his story of the Sucker Punch game studio
Jul 18 2023
#262 Chris Zimmerman and his story of the Sucker Punch game studio
Join us in this enlightening conversation with Chris Zimmerman, the co-founder of Sucker Punch Productions, the powerhouse behind globally successful games like Infamous and Ghost of Tsushima. Chris started his journey as a software developer and evolved into a trailblazer in the gaming industry, showing the same resilience and innovation in his career as the characters in his games do.Chris placed the start of his journey in the mid-70s, programming games for an Apple II computer. During childhood, he was passionate about games and programming and enrolled in a CS Degree at Princeton. After his degree, he worked at Microsoft for ten years before leaving with other Microsoft alumni to create the Sucker Punch game studio. We then discussed what he took from this career into the next. An excellent discussion ensued about what makes Sucker Punch a unique place, Chris' vision and leadership, his philosophy, and the book he wrote to help 22 years old passionate developers grow.In this episode, Chris shares his journey from his early years coding games on Apple II to pioneering Sucker Punch Productions. He talks about the fascinating process of game development, how it intertwines with storytelling, and the importance of adaptability in this ever-evolving industry. Chris also offers candid advice to aspiring game developers, emphasizing the importance of being self-starters and taking initiative to create and complete projects.If you are interested to learn more about the unique blend of storytelling and programming in game development and get inspiration from Chris's incredible journey, then tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Gain insights from Chris Zimmerman's vast experience, from starting with an Apple II to co-founding a successful game studio, Sucker Punch Productions. His story is a testament to the importance of passion, persistence, and creativity in the world of software development.Discover the behind-the-scenes process of developing popular games like Infamous and Ghost of Tsushima. Chris shares interesting details about the collaboration between developers and story writers, emphasizing the significance of creativity in game development.Get practical advice on how to break into the gaming industry. Chris offers invaluable tips, like being a self-starter and taking responsibility for your code, which can be beneficial for aspiring game developers.Support the show
#261 Chelsea Troy from ~lacking intellectual firepower~ to rocking at Mozilla
Jul 11 2023
#261 Chelsea Troy from ~lacking intellectual firepower~ to rocking at Mozilla
Chelsea Troy, an inquisitive software engineer, data scientist, and respected educator, passionately shares her story, from the impactful challenges she faced in the nascent stage of her journey to her growth into a successful developer and teacher. Chelsea found her love for software development and data science in a winding path full of determination and resilience. Her inspiring story is a testament to her belief in the importance of accessible education and the potential that can be unleashed when suitable teaching methods are employed.Chelsea placed the start of her journey in undergrad with the insightful tale of an introduction to programming class involving a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. We then discussed how one teacher cut her wings by telling her she "lacked the intellectual firepower" to become a dev. She went on to study to become a spy instead. Just before entering this world, she realized she had missed the feeling she had had during this first programming class and decided to embrace development in a boot camp. We talked about her learning habits and how they helped her get a job at Pivotal Labs; we talked about legacy code and how those learning habits helped her become excellent at gaining context.In this episode, Chelsea eloquently articulates her career path and educational philosophies. She talks about her experiences dealing with discouraging feedback, the importance of reframing such experiences as learning opportunities, and how she overcame hurdles to become a proficient developer. Chelsea also highlights her views on the importance of a holistic approach to teaching, emphasizing designing accessible pedagogy. Throughout the conversation, she presents various book recommendations for those interested in software development and data engineering.If you are interested in learning more about accessible education and pedagogy, and getting inspiration from Chelsea's incredible journey, tune in to this episode!Three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:You will gain invaluable insights into overcoming initial hurdles in your programming career from Chelsea Troy's personal experiences and her resolute determination to succeed.Chelsea's deep analysis of the tech industry culture, diversity, and inclusivity, paired with her pedagogical approaches, can provide an excellent perspective for those wanting to make a positive change.Her practical advice on dealing with imposter syndrome, continuous learning, and navigating the education landscape as a student or teacher can benefit both new and experienced tech professionals.Support the show