185: Andrea Goulet on Redefining Someone Who Codes

Andrea Goulet is the CEO of Corgibytes, a software development shop dedicated to maintaining and modernizing software applications. Named by LinkedIn as one of the top ten professionals in software under 35, Andrea is the founder of LegacyCode.Rocks, and hosts a podcast dedicated to changing the way we think about legacy code. She keynotes frequently about building a business based on balance, empathy, and trust; the perils of the technical/non-technical divide; and the technical philosophies around working with legacy code. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys helping other people learn how to code, and writing about the intersection of empathy and software. She loves watching her kids explore the world, and is a sucker for a good physics documentary. You can recognize her by the JavaScript tattoo on her wrist. Playing Small Moment Andrea says she still plays small sometimes, and she feels the anxiety that accompanies her fear may always be there for her. She finds herself focusing on the negative comments about her work, so she welcomes positive feedback about the impact she is making. The Wake Up Call After hearing her husband describe her as non-technical, Andrea realized she was the person who had been holding herself back. He had used the exact words to describe her as she had used to describe herself just days before. Style of Leadership Andrea encourages her team members to go outside of their comfort zones. She considers herself a gardener who sets seeds and lets them grow, and tries not to get in the way. What Are You Excited About? Andrea is ready to dedicate her time to writing a book and getting it published. She is also excited about the community of LegacyCode.Rocks. Current Business Challenge As Corgibytes continues to grow, Andrea is challenged with embracing the growth, while maintaining her original vision. Your Support System Andrea's business partner Scott, who is also her husband, provides her with amazing support. Scott's parents provide child care which gives them freedom to run their business. All of the team members are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Leadership Practice Shared daily journals have been a transformative practice. Book to Develop Leadership Daring Greatly, by Dr. Brene Brown Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office, by Dr. Lois Frankel Advice For Younger Self "Recognize no matter what you do, you are gaining an important lesson you can use later." Inspirational Quote "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ― Eleanor Roosevelt Links Website: Corgibytes.com Website: LegacyCode.Rocks Twitter: @AndreaGoulet LinkedIn: AndreaMGoulet GitHub: AndreaGoulet   Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com