#299 John Chan is building on his learning superpower

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 experiences. This celebration of unity and mutual growth, akin to the heartwarming philosophy of "Ted Lasso," has been a recurring theme, inspiring us to build bridges and foster community within the ever-changing landscape of technology.Closing this chapter with episode 300, I'm filled with gratitude for the guests who've graced this platform, the listeners who've followed along, and the stories that have left an indelible mark on us all. As I prepare for a new chapter with my family in France, the values of discovery and connection remain my guiding beacons. Though the microphone will rest for a season, the journey is far from over. To all who've accompanied me thus far, thank you for the honor of your time and engagement, and here's to the future encounters that await us all on the other side of this interlude.Support the show

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 strategies that led to his role at 37 signals. His unconventional approach to a job application, driven by a strong sense of design and the desire to impact user experience, is nothing short of inspiring. For anyone who's ever contemplated a daring career move or considered how their distinctive blend of skills could set them apart, John's insights are an invaluable guide.Rounding out our exploration, John shares his pivot to growth marketing and the strategic decision to apply his coding, design, and marketing prowess to scale existing businesses. His agency's transformation from a conversion rate optimization service to a thriving growth marketing agency underscores the power of innovative thinking and adaptability. Moreover, John's ability to draw out untapped potential by asking the right questions demonstrates the importance of a personalized approach, whether interviewing potential hires or developing marketing strategies. Join us for this compelling narrative that not only champions the unconventional but also sheds light on the multidimensional paths to success.Support the show

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 finding a cultural home in our educational and professional environments is as crucial as the talents we cultivate there.Venturing into the entrepreneurial tides, Denzil recounts the creation of her brainchild, Smarty.ai, amidst the rigorous landscape of an MBA at Harvard. As we peel back the layers of launching a startup, our conversation turns to the dynamic interface of Smarty.ai, setting a new bar in the tech ecosystem. It's a tale of lessons learned, opportunities seized, and the quintessential drive to bring AI literacy to the forefront of professional growth. Join us in discovering the pivotal role AI can play across diverse industries, an invitation to both the curious novice and the seasoned technophile looking to enrich their career trajectory.Support the show

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 math major who climbed the ladder to Associate VP of Cloud Engineering. Brit's story isn't just about career growth; it's a narrative that encompasses the humanity behind DevOps and the symbiosis between engineering and business prosperity. Her decision to pursue an executive MBA and the fulfillment found in empowering pioneers paints a picture of the tech world as a market and a complex, ever-evolving community where continuous learning is the most valued currency. Join us for a conversation that's as much about heart as it is about hard skills.Support the show

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 transition from a startup to an apprenticeship at LinkedIn exemplifies the resilience and adaptability that are hallmarks of a thriving tech career. Her experiences underscore that there's no single path to success in tech, but rather a wealth of avenues for those bold enough to explore them.At the heart of Katherine's narrative lies the undeniable influence of networking and mentorship. She discusses the doors that were opened thanks to her extensive network, resulting in a multitude of job offers. Yet it was the organic mentorships and the genuine human connections that left the deepest imprint on her career progression. Katherine also speaks to her involvement with the LinkedIn Reach Apprenticeship program and her dedication to accessibility in technology, providing insights invaluable to aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals. If you're seeking inspiration on how to grow your career while staying true to your values, this episode promises to enlighten and motivate.Support the show

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 world, reigniting her fervor for innovation. This episode promises to be a rich mosaic of experiences, highlighting how even the most unexpected journey can lead to profound professional fulfillment.As we round off our insightful discussion, Elise underscores the transformative power of mentorship and her brainchild, On Ramp. This training initiative not only refueled her confidence but also marked her rise as a mentor and educator in the AI and machine learning arenas. Elise's transition from product strategy to becoming the face and voice of a company post-merger encapsulates a compelling argument for the intrinsic value of lifelong learning and the boldness required to step into the unknown. Her story is a masterclass in career evolution, decision-making, and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge in the fast-paced tech landscape.Support the show

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 forward. We're also pulling back the curtain on those unexpected, defining moments that nudge us toward paths less traveled but rich with opportunity.    Imagine being part of someone's journey from novice to tech maven. That's the heart-swelling reality Erik and I explore in our final musings, where mentoring and genuine investment in others' success take center stage. We recount the uplifting narrative of a student turned CTO of an AI startup and ponder the beauty of collaboration in the tech sphere. This isn't just a tech talk—it's a tribute to the shared successes and the profound impact of leaving things and people better than we found them. All while grappling with the nuances of what 'better' truly means from one person to the next. So, plug in, and let's get inspired together.Support the show

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.As Joshua reflects on his career pivots—from a senior role at Stack Overflow to technical writing and advocacy at Microsoft—we explore the delicate balance between deepening technical knowledge and having a broader influence through mentoring and creation. We navigate the ambiguous waters of senior positions and uncover strategies for handling the restlessness that comes with them. The conversation also illuminates the intricate dance of online teaching and content creation, combining personal anecdotes with practical advice for those looking to make an impact in the tech community. Join us for an inspiring episode that charts the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the ever-evolving tech landscape.Support the show

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-technical founder in the tech space, where outsourcing development led to more headaches than solutions. Bryan's frank account of these challenges underscores a pivotal moment: the decision to learn to code and rebuild the GreenPal platform personally. His story is a powerful reminder of how perseverance and a willingness to take control can catalyze growth, from a mere 10 users to over 300,000. It's an episode brimming with valuable insights into the transformative power of rolling up your sleeves and learning by doing.    As Bryan transitions from the nitty-gritty of coding to the strategic vistas of CEO, he emphasizes the harmony between delegation and understanding the core of web development. We explore the nuances of front-end and back-end work, and why grasping these concepts is crucial for quality control and effective leadership. Bryan's narrative is an inspirational rallying cry, highlighting the builder's mindset as the cornerstone for any entrepreneur. We dissect the Lean Startup methodology and the sometimes counterintuitive lessons that come with it, providing an unvarnished look at the importance of validating your business idea through real-world customer interactions and the iterative learning that underpins the startup odyssey. Join us for a session that is as much a masterclass in startup resilience as it is a heartening story of entrepreneurial pluck.Support the show

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 challenges found in leading people and shaping business strategies. His candid anecdotes from the frontline narrate the hard-won lessons on the importance of adapting communication styles to foster robust team dynamics, even in the most remote of working environments.    The episode culminates with a deep dive into the innovative strides made by MIT's skills training program, where Mark's collaboration has been pivotal. He shares how marrying industry experience with academic rigor equips the next wave of professionals with the tools for career success. Through this narrative, listeners glimpse the continuous interplay between evolving educational methods, like role-playing, and the real-world demands of the tech industry, encapsulating the journey of professional efficacy from classroom to boardroom.Support the show