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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Join the ranks of tech aficionados and entrepreneurial spirits as we unpack the riveting tale of Dave van Beekum, the brain behind Tweeva. Dave's trajectory is nothing short of inspiring from dismantling household appliances as a curious kid in New Jersey to orchestrating the growth of a digital marketing empire in Florida. Through a nostalgic trip down memory lane, we journey with him from his first encounter with a 286 computer to establishing his personal studio—a testament to the...

From the clattering coins of casino games to the complex coding at Netflix, our guest Sneha Inguva has a career narrative that's as unconventional as it is inspiring. Walking her cat Gatsby might be her quirky pastime, but it's her methodical approach to workplace challenges that sets Sneha apart. Tune in for a candid conversation where she unpacks her strategies for turning dissatisfaction into dialogue with management, and shares how jotting down thoughts, brainstorming solutions, and...

Embark on a riveting odyssey with Steven Schkolne, a polymath whose professional course has been as diverse as it is deep. As he shares tales from his early days dabbling in BASIC and Logo, you'll find yourself immersed in the nostalgia of programming's past, drawing unexpected connections to the complex dance of modern development. Listen and be inspired by the transformative power of passion, whether it's in code, art, or the simple joy of gardening. Steven's journey is a reminder that the...

Have you ever considered the human story behind the code that powers our daily digital experiences? I had the pleasure of sitting down with William A. Adams, whose journey from a 12-year-old self-taught programmer to a key player at Microsoft is as inspiring as it is instructive. As we traverse William's path, you'll be enthralled by tales of innovation, the birth of AI tools revolutionizing programming, and the foresight to see beyond the keyboard to a future where coding is an entirely new...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of passion and professionalism, wondering if it's too late to change paths? Brian's story is a beacon of hope for career changers everywhere, as he shares his incredible shift from being an outdoor guide to a software engineering maven. With a candid discussion on the art of scaling impact, Brian's insights on mentorship, and his personal blueprint for knowledge dissemination through blogging and podcasting, this episode is a treasure chest of wisdom for...

Get ready for an engrossing episode, as we sit down with the remarkable Valarie Regas. Known for her passion in the tech industry, Valarie’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to a thriving DevOps engineer and full stack developer is a story that will leave you inspired. She opens up about her experiences navigating the tech world, the value in her unique background, and the game-changing role therapy played in her life.       Valarie also enlightens us on the trials and tribulations of job...

Imagine attending a summer camp at the tender age of six that sparks a lifelong love for software development. That's the journey our esteemed guest, Moriel, embarked on, leading her to explore the complexities of right-to-left language support and localization, and ultimately landing her a coveted position at Wikipedia. Moriel shares her gripping story that highlights the power of starting young and finding your tribe in the world of open source.      Buckle up as we navigate Moriel's...

Have you ever wondered about the journey of a software developer from the early days of coding to launching successful startups? We delve into this intriguing topic with our guest, Chris Simon, a startup CTO coach who shares his rich and varied experiences in the tech industry. From his early days of coding on an Apple Fat Mac, Chris has always had a passion for programming. His deep understanding of technology, sharpened by scholarship in electrical engineering and years of working with...

Let's set off on an awe-inspiring journey with our guest, Cecilia Martinez, who, armed with self-awareness and an appetite for growth, has carved out a successful career in software development. Starting from her high school days, designing layouts for myspace pages, Cecilia's trajectory includes journalism, web development, and a self-discovery of her place in tech communities. Her story of growth and transformation, nurtured by her battles with ADHD, the trials and triumphs of a software...

From the moment his father handed him an IBM PC with the simplest of instructions - "Play with it, don't be afraid" - Aral Balkan's worldview was forever changed. Our chat with this developer, professional speaker, consultant, and serial entrepreneur takes us on an enlightening journey through his life, shaped by his early immersion in technology's limitless potential. Aral's deep-seated passion for programming, his dedicated commitment to simplicity, and his advocacy for the internet as a...

Can one's fascination with technology begin with a childhood story of a laptop reward? For our guest Sophie Obomighie, that was indeed the case. From there, Sophie describes her journey through the tech world, from building a website on halitosis to participating in Google developer group events. Despite her medical background, she found a way to marry her interests in tech and medicine, proving that multiple passions can coexist and even compliment each other. Sophie's path wasn't without...

Join us on an enlightening tech odyssey with Coleen Shane, a trans woman who's made her mark in the realm of information security and networking. From the humble beginnings of tinkering with a Texas Instruments TI-99 in the 80s to a successful career at the VA hospital in Indianapolis, Coleen's journey is an inspiring tale of determination and passion. She shares insights from her experience and illuminates us on the delicate equilibrium between convenience and security. Ever wondered how to...

Who says a childhood dream can't shape your adult career? Dr. Jodie Burchell would undoubtedly argue it can. As a data science advocate at JetBrains, she's living proof that a meandering career path can lead to extraordinary places. Join us for a heartwarming journey that starts with her fascination for paleontology, travels through studying psychology and German in university, and ends up leading data science teams in Europe. Enjoy a chuckle with us as she recalls her forgotten German skills...

What does it take to transition from a life in pharmacy, business, and PR to becoming a successful software developer and business owner? Alexandra Spalato, our guest for this episode, has done just that. Her unconventional journey, fueled by a passion for learning, has led her through many roles - from actress to Developer Relations (DevRel) Engineer - and eventually brought her into the realm of software development. Alexandra's story is as inspiring as it is educational, shedding light on...