We Chat Tech

In this episode of the We Chat Tech podcast, host Vytas Jelinskas welcomes Lydia Ray, a Solution Architect formerly with AWS, and now at DataBricks, to discuss her journey in tech, the importance of AI, and her advocacy for women in technology. Lydia shares her unique path from disliking programming in high school to finding her passion in data and analytics. She emphasizes the significance of building a strong data foundation for AI and the evolving role of AI in the workplace, arguing that while AI will augment jobs, it will not replace humans entirely. Lydia also highlights the importance of responsible AI, urging organizations to focus on ethical practices and the human element in AI development.

In this episode of the WeChat Tech podcast, host Ben Whitmarsh speaks with Brian Bensky, Head of DevOps at Move.ai. Brian shares his unique journey from a music career to the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. He discusses his experiences in sales, the significance of asking questions, and the role of AI in modern DevOps practices.Brian also delves into the shift left mentality, the challenges of being a solo DevOps engineer, and his preferences for cloud providers and CI/CD tools. The conversation highlights the value of community engagement and the importance of understanding business priorities in tech roles. Takeaways Brian Bensky is currently running DevOps for Move.ai, focusing on data for traffic and road conditions. He transitioned from a music career to tech, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. Sales experience taught him valuable lessons about communication and understanding customer needs. He believes in the importance of asking questions and being curious in tech roles. Infrastructure as code and GitOps are key practices he advocates for in DevOps. AI tools have become integral to his daily work, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Shift left mentality is crucial for ensuring quality and security in software development. Being a solo DevOps engineer can be challenging but also rewarding in terms of impact. He prefers using GCP for data analytics and Kubernetes, citing its strong product offerings. Conferences like KubeCon provide invaluable networking and learning opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business priorities in tech roles. Brian encourages juniors to confidently ask questions and not fear looking uninformed. He advises new DevOps engineers to understand existing systems before making changes.

In this episode of the WeChat Tech Podcast, Vytas Jelinskas interviews Bogdan Grigorescu, a seasoned technology expert with a diverse background in various industries. Bogdan spent more than a decade with Apple, had a stint with Ebay, and now works at Direct Line Group. They discuss Bogdan's journey into technology, the principles of DevOps, and the importance of automation. Bogdan shares insights on the risks of bad automation practices, the significance of understanding processes, and the mindset leaders should adopt in tech. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in DevOps and the future of technology, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation and practicality.Follow Bodgan: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat... / bogdan-g

In this conversation, Lauren Sears, a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wushu Studios, shares her unique journey from HR to recruitment in the gaming industry. She discusses the challenges of breaking into gaming, the importance of soft skills, and the cultural differences between gaming and other sectors. Lauren also highlights the significance of a positive work culture, the implementation of a direct sourcing model, and the role of automation in recruitment processes. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of gaming and the evolving landscape of recruitment.

SummaryIn this episode, Jon Goodall shares his journey from banking to becoming a principal cloud engineer specializing in AWS and DevOps. He discusses the challenges of breaking into the tech industry, the importance of community engagement, and how AI is transforming development practices. John also reflects on his personal interests, including karate, and emphasizes the need for simplicity in tech solutions. He highlights the evolving nature of cloud roles and the importance of fostering community growth in tech hubs.TakeawaysJon Goodall is a principal cloud engineer with extensive experience in AWS and DevOps.He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in tech, particularly through user groups.Breaking into DevOps is challenging due to high expectations for experience and skills.Jon balances his tech career with hobbies like karate, which helps him manage stress.He believes AI is transforming the tech landscape, particularly in coding and development practices.Jon advocates for simplicity in tech solutions, warning against over-engineering.The future of cloud roles will require a blend of skills across architecture, development, and operations.Community support is crucial for fostering growth in tech hubs like Brighton.Jon's recent achievements include speaking at major conferences and winning a national karate championship.He sees a potential gap in junior talent due to the evolving nature of tech roles.Sound bites"I won my event, both of them.""AI is hot. It's going to be hot forever.""I want more people in the community."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jon Goodall02:59 Jon's Journey into Tech06:06 The Challenges of Breaking into DevOps09:13 Balancing Tech and Personal Life11:56 Becoming an AWS Community Builder14:45 Experiences in the AWS Community17:57 Current Role and Responsibilities at Logicata20:54 Common Issues in AWS Implementations24:02 The Rise of AI in Tech27:11 Future Predictions for AI34:01 The Evolution of Testing and AI Tools35:51 Understanding the Limitations of AI37:53 The Impact of AI on Job Roles39:59 Navigating Overengineering in Tech Solutions43:43 The Future of Cloud Engineering Roles46:23 Community Engagement in Tech55:28 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

In this conversation, Jeff Foster discusses the challenges of Developer Experience (DevEx) and the limitations of AI tools in software development. He emphasizes that simply providing developers with tools does not solve the underlying systems problems. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the entire development process, including the CI/CD loop, and how AI tools can sometimes complicate rather than simplify workflows. Takeaways: DevEx is a complex systems problem. AI tools do not magically improve productivity. The CI/CD loop remains a significant bottleneck. Speed in coding does not equate to speed in feedback. Understanding the entire development process is crucial. Tools must integrate well with existing workflows. Feedback loops are essential for effective development. AI can assist but cannot replace fundamental processes. Developers need more than just tools to succeed. The focus should be on holistic improvements in DevEx.

In this conversation on the We Chat Podcast, Katie Martocchio shares her journey from aspiring healthcare professional to a key player in recruitment within the healthcare sector. She discusses her experiences in healthcare staffing, the transition to startups, and the importance of candidate experience in recruitment. Katie emphasizes the need for empathy in communication, the challenges faced by recruiters, and the role of technology in streamlining the hiring process. She also highlights the significance of internal mobility and offers advice for candidates navigating the job market. In this conversation, Katie Martocchio and Ben Whitmarsh discuss the critical aspects of recruitment, focusing on communication, partnerships, and the candidate experience. They explore the dynamics between internal and external recruiters, the importance of empathy and feedback, and the ideal interview process for engineering roles. Katie shares insights on the growth of her employer, Prompt, and the qualities she looks for in talent professionals. The discussion also touches on advice for job seekers, emphasizing the significance of preparation and punctuality in interviews.TakeawaysKatie's journey into healthcare began with a desire to help others.She transitioned from agency recruitment to internal recruitment for more human interaction.Empathy is crucial in the recruitment process to enhance candidate experience.Communication with candidates is essential, even if it's just to provide updates.Automation in recruitment should still maintain a personal touch.Internal mobility is prioritized at Prompt to foster growth within the company.Technology, like ATS systems, can significantly improve recruitment efficiency.Candidates should advocate for themselves if they feel ghosted during the hiring process.Recruiters should manage their time effectively to handle high volumes of applications.Building a culture of internal mobility can enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Communication is key in recruitment and sets the tone for candidate experience.Building strong partnerships with external recruiters enhances the hiring process.Empathy and understanding are crucial for internal recruiters to succeed.Feedback is essential to avoid wasting time in the recruitment process.The interview process should be streamlined, ideally no more than four interviews.Assessments should be relevant to the actual work candidates will do.Candidate experience should be a top priority for talent acquisition teams.Job seekers should focus on intention and authenticity in their applications.Punctuality and preparation are critical for making a good impression in interviews.Finding a mission-driven company can lead to greater job satisfaction than chasing a paycheck.Chapters00:00 Katie's Journey into Healthcare and Recruitment03:01 The Importance of Candidate Experience05:58 Challenges in Recruitment and Communication08:56 The Role of Technology in Recruitment12:08 Internal vs External Recruitment14:54 Building a Recruitment Team and Culture23:48 Transitioning from Agency to In-House Recruiting30:19 The Importance of Internal Mobility36:13 Enhancing Candidate Experience42:49 Building Effective Partnerships in Recruitment48:08 Assessment and Decision-Making Process49:42 Enhancing Candidate Experience50:39 Understanding Prompt's Role in Healthcare52:33 Growth and Hiring Plans53:37 Qualities of a Talent Acquisition Professional55:28 Advice for Job Seekers58:09 Interview Preparation Tips01:00:56 Punctuality and First Impressions01:04:17 Final Thoughts and Future Questions

In this conversation on the We Chat Tech Podcast, Matteo De Ponti shares his journey from a software engineer to an engineering manager at Prima, discussing the importance of collaboration, the challenges of managing a tech team, and the evolving landscape of DevOps and platform engineering. He emphasizes the significance of work-life balance, the role of AI in engineering, and the necessity of measuring success through both technical metrics and team satisfaction. Matteo also offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and reflects on the importance of curiosity and communication in the tech industry.TakeawaysMatteo's nickname is Depo, and he has a strong background in tech.He transitioned from a software engineer to a DevOps engineer and then to an engineering manager.The importance of collaboration in DevOps culture is crucial for success.Work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout in tech roles.AI can significantly aid in coding and infrastructure management but should not be solely relied upon.Measuring success involves both technical metrics and team satisfaction.Curiosity is key for engineers to adapt and grow in their careers.Effective communication is vital for team cohesion and success.Platform engineering is the future of managing complexity in DevOps.Data-driven decisions can help influence and convince stakeholders. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Matteo De Ponti05:58 Transitioning to Engineering Management11:42 Managing Team Wellbeing and Burnout17:40 Choosing the Right Tools for Development46:57 Navigating the Transition to Kubernetes51:42 The Future of DevOps and Platform Engineering01:12:34 Challenges in Engineering Management01:19:00 Defining Success in Engineering Teams

SummaryIn this episode of the We Chat Tech podcast, Vytas Jelinskas interviews Jack Beauchamp-Stansfield, the DevOps manager at Formula One. Jack shares his unique career journey into tech, starting from a background in Science, to becoming a key player in the DevOps space. He discusses the multifaceted nature of DevOps, the importance of leadership, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Jack also delves into the application of DevOps within the high-pressure environment of Formula One, the role of AI in tech, and offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers. The conversation highlights the evolution of tech culture and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.TakeawaysJack's journey into tech began with a passion for computing despite a background in science.Transitioning to leadership can provide a refreshing perspective and help avoid burnout.Work-life balance is crucial, especially in high-pressure environments like F1.Setting clear expectations can help manage burnout and maintain a healthy work culture.AI is a powerful tool but should be used with caution to avoid over-reliance.Simplicity in system design is key to avoiding complexity and chaos.Regular introspection is necessary to prevent organic sprawl in tech environments.Hands-on tinkering with technology is essential for growth and learning in tech.Success in DevOps is measured by the reliability and efficiency of systems. Sound bites"We're sort of force multipliers.""I think everyone faces burnout at some point.""Tinker. Just tinker with things."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jack Beauchamp-Stansfield00:58 Jack's Unique Career Journey04:16 Understanding DevOps: A Multifaceted Role09:10 Transitioning to Leadership in Tech15:55 Balancing Work and Family Life21:07 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance24:21 Applying DevOps in Formula One29:18 Simplicity in Tech: Avoiding Overcomplication31:22 Managing Complexity in Tech Stacks33:07 The Role of AI in Modern Engineering43:42 A Day in the Life of a DevOps Engineer at F149:48 Defining Success in a High-Stakes Environment54:46 Advice for Aspiring DevOps Professionals

Summary:In this episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Ben Whitmarsh and Vytas Jelinskas interview Dave Vered, a DevOps lead/manager at Simply Business, who shares his journey from IT support to DevOps, emphasizing the importance of leadership, personal growth, and mental health. Dave discusses the evolution of DevOps, the integration of AI, and the future of technology in the workplace. He also highlights the significance of following one's passion and the challenges faced in the tech industry, particularly regarding mental health.Takeaways: Dave is a DevOps lead at Simply Business with a varied career path.He transitioned from IT support to DevOps to get more hands-on with technology.Leadership for Dave is about enabling others to excel and grow.He emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership and personal growth.Dave has a passion for mental health and has spoken openly about his journey.He believes in the importance of following what you love in your career.AI is transforming DevOps, particularly in automation and log analysis.Dave has implemented AI tools like Slackbots to improve efficiency in his team.He sees the future of DevOps as increasingly integrated with AI technologies.Dave encourages aspiring engineers to master a specific area before transitioning into DevOps.00:00 Introduction to DevOps and Career Journey08:59 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth11:00 Passions Beyond Tech: Travel and Mental Health22:22 The Evolution of DevOps and AI Integration51:47 Future of DevOps and AI Collaboration

In this episode, Neil Cresswell, CEO of Portainer, shares his journey from a technologist to a CEO, discussing the challenges and evolution of containerization technology. He emphasizes the importance of community feedback in product development and the need for a balanced approach to enterprise architecture. Neil also reflects on the challenges of remote work, building company culture, and the personal sacrifices that come with entrepreneurship. He provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the future of containerization and AI integration.takeawaysNeil's journey from technologist to CEO highlights the importance of adaptability.Portainer was born from a need for simplicity in container management.Community feedback is crucial for product development and improvement.The evolution of containerization technology is making it more complex.AI will play a significant role in the future of technology.Building a strong company culture is essential for remote teams.Navigating time zones is a major challenge for remote work.Personal sacrifices are often necessary for entrepreneurial success.Effective leadership requires balancing technical and business strategies.The future of containerization may involve more user-friendly interfaces.Quotes from this podcast:"You either love it or you hate it.""Buy Bitcoin.""I am definitely not corporate."Chapters00:00Introduction to Neil Cresswell and Portainer05:52The Journey to Building Portainer11:47Challenges in Containerization and Kubernetes17:23The Future of Containerization and AI Integration23:28Balancing Roles as CEO and CTO29:19Company Culture and Community Engagement30:04Building a Culture of Transparency35:01Challenges of Remote Work38:25Navigating Time Zones and Cultural Differences44:02Balancing Work and Family Life47:43Lessons in Leadership and Business Building

In this episode of the WeChat Tech podcast, the Founder & CEO at MySafeTherapy, Sana Fatima, shares her extensive journey in HR and mental health, discussing her transition from software development to human resources and eventually founding MySafeTherapy. She emphasizes the importance of making therapy accessible and the impact of cultural differences on HR practices. Sana also addresses the challenges of burnout in high-pressure environments and the evolving landscape of counseling, particularly post-COVID. The conversation highlights the role of technology, including AI, in modern therapy while underscoring the necessity of human connection in counseling. Sana's passion for mental health and her mission to create a supportive platform for individuals seeking help are central themes throughout the discussion. Key takeaways: Sana Fatima has over 15 years of experience in HR and mental health.She founded MySafeTherapy to make therapy more accessible.Sana's early life in Allahabad shaped her values and career choices.Transitioning from software development to HR was driven by her interest in people.Burnout is a common issue in startups, and self-monitoring is crucial.Cultural differences significantly impact HR practices across countries.COVID-19 has normalized discussions around mental health.AI can assist in counseling but cannot replace human connection.MySafeTherapy aims to provide a safe space for self-reflection and therapy.Sana emphasizes the importance of passion over profit in her work.

In todays episode, Ben Whitmarsh sits down with Steph Thommen, a People Operations leader. Steph is a seasoned people operations and culture expert, with over 20 years of experience spanning both corporate and high-growth startup environments. She has been instrumental in helping startups scale effectively, building strong teams, and developing dynamic people operations strategies. Her work focuses on creating the systems that preserve and enhance a company’s unique culture while ensuring rapid and sustainable growth. Having worked with fast-growing startups, she empowers founders to align their business goals with a strong people-first approach, fostering environments where both the team and business thrive.This podcast should give aspiring people leaders in tech some outstanding insights from somebody who has transformed multiple tech business and created highly effective teams that thrive. There are some good bits in here too for tech founders! Steph's LinkedIn profile is here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephthommen/Ben's socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwhitmarsh/DevOps Society LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/devops-society/DevOps Society Youtube Channel - https://youtube.com/@devopssociety

In today's episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Vytas Jelinskas and Ben Whitmarsh chat with Fernando Villalba. Fernando is a charismatic Principal Engineer at Civo who is a friend of the podcast and DevOps Society Ambassador for DevEx!We capture the personality of Fernando, his journey, what he was doing before technology, tech meetups, and much more. This podcast was over an hour long, but Fernando's audio didn't save from 42 minutes onwards. (blame the podcast recording platform we use!!) This is a relaxed chat between three people who know each other well, so get ready for some great insights along with some laughs too. Thank you to Fernando for his time - we hope he enjoys his travels across Asia!Fernando's socials can be found on the links below -https://www.linkedin.com/in/nandoit/Vytas' socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vytasdevops/Ben's socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwhitmarsh/DevOps Society LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/devops-society/DevOps Society Youtube Channel - https://youtube.com/@devopssociety#tech #technology #engineering #community

In today's episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Ben Whitmarsh chats with Romano Roth, the Global Chief of DevOps at Zuhlke Group, a Globally recognised technology consultancy. Romano gives us his thoughts, experience, and insights into the world of DevOps, cultural shifts, coaching, mentoring, and more!Romano is a well-respected figure in the DevOps landscape. He is a thought leader, trainer, speaker, lecturer, and organizer of DevOpsDays Zurich & DevOps Meetup Zurich.Romano's socials can be found on the links below -https://www.romanoroth.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanoroth/https://twitter.com/RomanoRothhttps://www.youtube.com/c/RomanoRothhttps://fosstodon.org/@romanorothhttps://leanpub.com/u/romanorothBen's socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwhitmarsh/DevOps Society LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/devops-society/

In today's episode of the We Chat Tech Podcast, Vytas Jelinskas and Ben Whitmarsh chat with Steve Wade about all things cloud-native, Kubernetes, his journey, work-life balance, contracting, and more. Steve Wade was one of the founding engineers at KSOC, a Kubernetes security startup. Before this, Steve held Platform leadership roles at UnderWrite Me and Mettle. During these roles, he leveraged the concept of GitOps to provide self-service platforms to developers. He has also provided Kubernetes consultancy and training worldwide as a Consultant at Apprenda. Steve has held leadership roles in many verticals, including real estate, gaming, and the UK parliament. Steve has a BSc in Computer Science and is passionate about cloud-native software development and distributed computing. Please follow our podcast for more episodes weekly on Mondays!Steve's socials can be found on the links below - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendavidwade https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cloud-native-club https://x.com/cloudnativeclub https://www.youtube.com/@thecloudnativeclub Vytas' socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vytasdevops/ Ben's socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwhitmarsh/ DevOps Society LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/devops-society/