The Dev Life S5 E8 | Nicole Oliver on Evolving from Developer to Program Leadership

Ready to stop watching the future happen and start building it yourself? In this powerhouse episode, Brooke & Matt sit down with Nick Smith, an entrepreneur and leadership coach who is proving that anyone can master the world of AI to scale their impact. Nick pulls back the curtain on the exact AI tools he’s using to build a thriving business, but more importantly, he reveals the "human" secret to his success: how mental, emotional, and physical health are the true foundations of a sustainable career. Whether you’re looking to launch a side project or find a better balance in your "dev life," Nick’s infectious energy and practical roadmap will show you how to turn your unique life experience into a technical superpower!CONNECT WITH US:Nick Smith - https://www.my12journeys.com/post/the-12-journeys-the-path-to-real-changehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Unlock the secrets of career longevity and technical mastery in this powerhouse episode of The Dev Life! Brooke & Matt are joined by Sander Elias, a Senior Principal Engineer and long-time GDE, to dissect the "Angular Renaissance" and what’s coming in v21. Sander pulls back the curtain on the move from coding in the trenches to driving strategy across entire organizations, sharing the exact skills you need to bridge the gap between mid-level and Staff or Principal Engineer. Whether you're curious about the true impact of AI on problem-solving or looking for a roadmap to technical leadership, this conversation is packed with the veteran wisdom you need to architect your ultimate career!CONNECT WITH US:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanderelias/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Stop being "just another dev" and start being the person your CEO can't live without!This week, Brooke & Matt sit down with serial entrepreneur Wyatt Ernst to bridge the gap between code and the boardroom. Wyatt breaks down exactly how to pitch your ideas to non-technical leaders, why understanding basic marketing can skyrocket your value, and the specific mindset shifts you need to make the jump from software engineer to founder.If you're ready to sharpen your "product sense" and navigate your career with a business owner's perspective, this episode is your secret weapon for professional growth!Connect with Us:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirwyatternst/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Are you stuck in a cycle of "work, crash, repeat"? This week, Brooke & Matt take to the skies with entrepreneur and world-traveling paramotor pilot Eric Farewell! Eric shares incredible parallels between the risks of flight and the pressures of the tech world, offering a fresh perspective on how to redefine success beyond just shipping code.You'll learn the secrets of somatic coaching to stay grounded, how to push through the fear of launching your side projects, and practical steps to reclaim your joy without losing your edge. Tune in for a high-flying conversation that will inspire you to build a life - and a career - that truly feels like an adventure!Connect with Us:https://ericfarewell.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Ever felt like you could make a bigger impact by solving the systems around the software? This week, Brooke & Matt sit down with Nicole Oliver from Nx to explore the bold transition from software engineer to Program Manager. Nicole opens up about her "aha" moment, how she overcame the fear of losing her identity as a dev, and the surprising ways her engineering background now helps her solve the frustrations that slow developers down. If you’ve ever been curious about a career pivot or just want to understand the "magic" behind project vs. program management, this episode is your roadmap to finding success in a whole new seat!Connect with Us:https://x.com/nixcodeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-salt-lake-city/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Ever wondered what it takes to become a Google Developer Expert or how the world’s biggest tech communities actually stay connected? In this episode, Brooke & Matt sit down with Magda Kustosz, the Angular Community Manager for Google, to explore the human side of the ecosystem. From practical tips for introverted engineers to stay involved, to a manager’s guide for spotting a toxic team culture before it starts, Magda breaks down how "community-first engineering" can skyrocket your career and your job satisfaction. If you’ve ever felt like just a gear in a machine, tune in to learn how to find your voice and make a real impact in the dev world!Connect with Us:https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdakustosz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Unlock a hidden superpower for your career in this high-energy episode of The Dev Life! Brooke & Matt sit down with Ben Hong, a core team member for both Angular and Vue, to reveal why great documentation is the ultimate game-changer for developers. Ben breaks down how to balance AI-generated docs with the irreplaceable "human touch," shares his secrets for contributing to massive open-source projects, and identifies the one habit you can start today to set yourself apart in the industry. Whether you're a documentation pro or a total skeptic, this episode will inspire you to write code that’s not just functional, but legendary!Connect with Us:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/https://bsky.app/profile/bencodezen.ioyoutube.com/bencodezenFollow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Lock down your code and level up your lifestyle in this high-stakes episode of The Dev Life! Brooke & Matt are joined by Alisa Duncan, Senior Developer Advocate at Okta, to demystify the rapidly shifting security landscape of 2026. From protecting your proprietary data in AI prompts to navigating the ethics of AI-generated code, this conversation is a masterclass in staying secure without slowing down. You'll walk away with practical strategies for fostering a security-first culture on your team and, of course, Alisa’s personal secrets for maintaining balance and happiness while working at the cutting edge of tech. It’s an essential watch for any developer looking to innovate boldly and safely!Connect with Us:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalisaduncan/https://bsky.app/profile/alisaduncan.devhttps://www.pluralsight.com/authors/alisa-duncanFollow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

In this powerful episode, Brooke & Matt tackle one of the most important topics in the industry today: navigating the job market when you're looking for a new position. Join the conversation as they dive into real-world strategies for bouncing back with fellow GDE Chris Perko, from leveraging your network and mastering the art of the pivot to using AI tools to make your resume stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a junior developer looking for your first big break or a seasoned pro facing an unexpected career shift, this episode is packed with actionable advice on staying motivated and finding a role that truly fits your "dev life." It’s an honest, high-energy look at how to turn a challenging season into your next great career move! Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-perko/Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5

Get ready for an inside look at the future of web development as Brooke & Matt welcome Minko Gechev, Lead of Angular Engineering and Product at Google! This episode breaks down everything you need to know about the massive Angular 20 release, from the game-changing stabilized Signals API to the high-speed potential of zoneless change detection and Vitest support. Minko also shares rare leadership insights on aligning engineering with product goals and reveals what his ultimate "dev life" looks like. If you want to stay on the cutting edge of the Angular ecosystem while picking up career tips from a top industry leader, you won't want to miss this!Follow us on X:@DevLifePodcastThe DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.JoinAttendXBluesky        ReadWatchStock media provided by JUQBOXMUSIC/ Pond5