Ever wondered what really drives developer motivation? This episode dives deep into how joy and discipline shape developer motivation, why random deadlines are a killer, and how AI is transforming software development faster than ever. Join us for a personal conversation about the elements that energize and drain teams, and what leaders can do to keep motivation alive in the fast-paced tech world. Stephan Schmidt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanjschmidt/ Additional Links:• Harvard...

The Impact of AI on Software Development: Threat or Opportunity? This episode explores whether AI is a friend or foe for software developers and discusses the shift toward automating more straightforward coding tasks. Learn how this trend might reshape job roles, hear comparisons with other industries, and discover why demand for IT professionals remains high. We’ll also provide strategies for staying relevant by leveraging AI, with insights for junior and senior developers and the unique...

Migrating from Next.JS to Vite: Is It Worth the Switch? In this episode, we dive deep into our migration from Next.JS to Vite for an extensive React application with over 80,000 lines of code. You’ll learn about the improvements in build time, Hot Module Replacement (HMR) speed, and bundle size. We also discuss the challenges of switching from Webpack to ES Modules and replacing Next—JS-specific components. By the end, you’ll have insights into whether Vite could be the right fit for your...

Transformative Leadership: Embracing Honesty, Feedback, and Real Connections in Tech Discover the essence of effective leadership in the tech industry through personal experiences and expert insights. In this episode, Maria Glazunov and Adrian Stanek delve into the realities of burnout, the impact of honesty in leadership, and the importance of feedback. Learn about the hidden costs of poor communication, the challenges of Agile frameworks, and the devastating effects of developer layoffs....

Why start with React in 2025? Today, I dive into why React remains a solid choice despite new trends and frameworks emerging. We'll discuss how React has stayed relevant, the strength of its ecosystem, and why it's still a reliable option for building scalable applications. React isn't just about popularity—it's about real-world adoption. We'll look into how React's usage has helped it become the industry standard and why its huge ecosystem still makes it a strong choice for modern...

Bridging the Communication Gap in Software Development I used to believe the stereotype that developers are non-communicative, but I’ve learned that’s far from true. The real problem isn’t developers being quiet—it’s that they’re often not heard. There’s a disconnect between the business side and development. Too often, developers are handed tasks with tight deadlines and no context, expected to just execute. It kills motivation, creativity, and ultimately, quality. We want to solve real...

What's the right team size for effective leadership and real human connection? In this episode, I share my journey of discovering the ideal balance between growing a team and staying truly connected with each individual. We'll dive into the reasons why team size matters more than you might think. You'll learn how the limits of human interaction shape optimal team dynamics, and how smaller, well-structured teams can lead to greater productivity and satisfaction. 00:30 - Growing Pains: The...

The Importance of Cohesive Team Dynamics in Software Development In this video, the speaker introduces a new streaming format to facilitate deeper interaction with the audience while discussing key topics relevant to their content. The focus of the session is on effective team sizes and dynamics within software development environments. Through his experiences and recent mentoring sessions, the speaker emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and cohesive units. He...

Hey there, I’m Adrian. Recently, I’ve been asked several times about how AI affects developers and whether it threatens jobs. So, I thought I’d take a moment to share my thoughts on the matter. Let me start by saying I understand the anxiety around AI. It’s natural to feel uneasy when new technology emerges that seems powerful. But we need to see AI for what it truly is: a tool. Not a replacement for human beings but a tool to enhance our work. As someone who hires and works with developers,...

Can you tell stories? Can you fascinate others as a leader? This episode explores how storytelling can keep developers engaged and motivated throughout long projects. Leaders can foster creativity, bridge communication gaps, and connect the team to a larger, meaningful narrative by framing the project as a journey with challenges and achievements. For more information, visit snackableCTO. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus...

In this episode, I share my thoughts on what it truly means to step into a senior role in tech. It's not just about being the best coder or tackling the toughest technical challenges—it's about leading with simplicity and efficiency in mind. I discuss how senior engineers, engineering managers, and CTOs can make a real difference by empowering their teams, optimizing processes, and shifting from hands-on coding to strategic leadership. Join me as I talk about how you can elevate your role...

Dear Fellows, I’m happy to share a discussion that is very close to my heart and pivotal in software development: the "make or buy" decision. This choice is one of the first and most crucial decisions we face at the onset of any project. It's not just about choosing between creating software in-house or purchasing a ready-made solution; the landscape is much more nuanced than that. In today's talk, I delve into various strategies beyond the basic make-or-buy options. From hybrid approaches...

Hello, Fellows. Today, we dive deep into the fabric of leadership—what it truly means to be a leader and not just a figure of authority. Leadership is about being worth following. It’s not about how much you know or your ability to command. It’s about inspiring, guiding, and being the change you advocate for. Let’s explore what sets genuine leaders apart from mere managers. The Resistance The first truth we confront in leadership is resistance. Imagine a room with two teams and a dominant...

When I first engage a team to introduce an engineering culture, someone usually invites me to help. After my initial talk and presentation, I often see people staring at me, not saying anything. This is because I aim my topic introductions in a slightly provocative but not overly aggressive way. You have their attention, but there's no immediate reaction. After a while, or with a little nudge from the inviting person, the first person might give neutral feedback like, 🤨 "It could work, but...

Hello fellows, I wanted to take a moment to introduce today's podcast topic, which is incredibly close to my heart: fostering ownership in our software development teams. Over the years, I've realized that ownership isn't just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of building sustainable, high-quality software and creating an environment where each team member feels genuinely invested in their work. Why is this so important? Because I've seen firsthand how the right culture can transform a team....

Hello, fellows, and welcome to today's podcast. I want to delve into a topic crucial for anyone involved in development, whether on a team or within an entire organization: the relentless loop of deadlines. Deadlines are often seen as a tool to drive productivity, providing that external push to get things done. However, this constant rush can develop into a habit that, while initially practical, eventually creates a cycle of stress and stifles innovation. Throughout my career, I have...

Imagine joining a new team as a fresh junior developer, only to find yourself in a senior-dominated environment where every team member boasts over 40,000 hours of experience. The workflows and practices are tailored to these elite performers, leaving juniors struggling to keep up through no fault. The complexity of technology is a given, but the dynamics within the team are entirely within the team's control. Why do silos and heroism become daily challenges? Often, the baseline is set too...

Ownership isn't just a principle; it's the cornerstone of a thriving team. Hello, fellows! As an employer and tech lead, I've learned the immense value of fostering an environment where developers take genuine ownership of their work. This realization came from my experiences—seeing firsthand how a sense of responsibility can transform routine tasks into personal missions. When developers feel this connection, they push boundaries, maintain high standards, and innovate with a profoundly...

Hello, Fellows! Welcome to today's Walk&Talk, where we delve into the ever-evolving world of our front-end tech stack, particularly in the context of the State of JS 2023 survey. As we review and reflect on our technology choices, it's crucial to understand the foundational qualities that drive these decisions. Substitutability, ecosystem robustness, and developer availability are just a few critical factors we consider to ensure our tech stack remains stable and future-proof. The...

Hello Fellows, Reflecting on the last 15 years running my tech company, I’ve realized that managing infrastructure can often become a black hole for time and resources. It’s been quite the journey—from being the 'boss' handling servers with our admin in a tiny data center to now, where cloud solutions have lifted many burdens off our shoulders. Yet, despite these advancements, I see many small companies still overwhelmed by unnecessarily complex setups. I remember the days when managing...

Hello, fellows! Today, I want to share some thoughts on my mind lately, especially as we navigate the complex decision-making world. I’ve realized that understanding is at the heart of every good decision we make, whether in our roles as CTOs, tech leads, business owners, or any other position that requires us to look at the big picture. I’ve learned that to understand something deeply, we must go through a cycle of acting, failing, succeeding, and reflecting. This isn’t just a theory for me;...

Hey everyone, Have you ever felt frustrated with the traditional project-based approach to software development? I know I have. I'm excited to share my thoughts on a game-changing concept: customized SaaS. Imagine a world where your software grows with your business, constantly evolving to meet your needs and driving real value at every step. In this video, I'll discuss why I believe tailored SaaS is the future. We'll explore how it fosters continuous innovation, strengthens the bond between...

This concept, often misunderstood or underestimated, is pivotal in shaping the success and harmony of our software development teams. Our recent podcast episode featuring Zac Beckmann and Jonathan Schulz delved deep into the intricacies of engineering culture and its impact on hiring, team dynamics, and overall productivity. Engineering Culture: The Backbone of Effective Teams Our conversation began with exploring what it means to foster a healthy engineering culture. , a seasoned CTO,...

Hey everyone, Adrian here. Today, I want to share some thoughts on a topic close to my heart: developer credibility. It's about how often we need discipline to get things done and how we deal with that little voice saying, "I'll do it tomorrow" or "I just want to watch Netflix." The Struggle with Credibility We recently discussed developer credibility on Our Tech Journey with , and , additionally inspired by a story from a fellow entrepreneur on Twitch who shared his story. Though a bit...