Episodes

Episode 40 with Einar Høst

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

It’s easier to keep a system working than to fix it after you break it Einar Høst is the guest of this week. He is challenged with the heuristic “It’s easier to keep a system working than to fix it after you break it” from the Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). Einar describes how feedback cycles are critical to keeping a system working and how complex systems evolve from simpler systems, connecting both, how our engineering practices can support a reliable software development process.

Episode 39 with James Urquhart

Wednesday, Apr 28, 2021

Use of standard interfaces and protocols for event-driven integration In this episode, we host James Urquhart. James is challenged with the heuristic “Use of standard interfaces and protocols for event-driven integration”, based on his recent work. We discuss the changes in the behaviour of teams creating software when they embrace an event-driven integration, together with leveraging engineering practices like continuous delivery. James also shares his experiences with value streams and the impacts on software architecture.

Episode 38 with Peter Maddison

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021

Measure what matters This week, Peter Maddison is our guest, and he is challenged with the heuristic “Measure what matters” from the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/strategy-risk-reduction/measure-what-matters). We discuss how to measure value and what techniques can be helpful to define metrics for teams creating and delivering software. We discuss how to expand towards measuring organisational performance and the impacts of different industry trends on our profession. He suggests starting measuring what matters: go and ask!

Episode 37 with Andrew Harmel-Law

Wednesday, Mar 31, 2021

Maximize cohesion, minimize coupling Andrew Harmel-Law is our guest of this week, and he will share his experiences over the heuristic “Maximize cohesion, minimize coupling” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/maximize-cohesion-minimize-coupling/). We start discussing the original scope of the heuristic, the software code, but quickly expand to his experiences with cohesion and coupling at the organisation level. We discuss how the communication pathways can enable and harm an organisation, and how the knowledge silos can be broken.

Episode 36 with Niranjani Manoharan

Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021

Sleep easy on a green build This week on our show, we have Niranjani! She will share her opinion and experiences about the heuristic “Sleep easy on a green build” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/no-broken-builds/). We discuss her recent journey, where continuous improvement based on a green (or red) build drove the teams to find solutions to guarantee the quality of the product, and at the same time the speed of shipping features.

Episode 35 with Ken Power

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021

Use a systematic mechanism of learning Ken Power is challenged with the heuristic “Use a systematic mechanism of learning” from the Simon Wardley Doctrine repository (https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Use_a_systematic_mechanism_of_learning). He shares how he learns, with structure and unstructured approaches, and also how teams and organisations can learn. Our discussion goes into complex adaptive systems, different patterns, and how learning is one of the qualities present in resilient organisations. Last but not least how complexity and mapping can go hand-in-hand.

Episode 34 with Dawn Ahukanna

Wednesday, Feb 10, 2021

Your solution should not be more complicated than the problem A new episode is out, and today we feature Dawn Ahukanna (@dawnahukanna). She is challenged with the heuristic “Your solution should not be more complicated than the problem” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/kiss/). We discuss what solution vs problem space needs, and how different disciplines complement each other in order to deliver value. Dawn shares with us what are the heuristics that allow people with different perspectives to cross their paths to solve a complex problem.

Episode 33 with Steve Pereira

Wednesday, Jan 27, 2021

Remove bias and duplication This week, Steve Pereira will be challenged with the heuristic “Remove bias and duplication” from the Wardley Doctrine repository (https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Remove_bias_and_duplication). We will discuss different contexts where duplication can hinder or accelerate, and the importance of value streams. He shares his experiences about using weak signals to detect friction within organisations, helping them to reorganise to enable the flow. Steve recommends the following resources: Value Stream Mapping: How to Visualize Work and Align Leadership for Organizational Transformation by Karen Martin and Mike Osterling Value Stream resources at https://visible.

Episode 32 with Trond Hjorteland

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021

Complex systems evolve out of simple systems that worked In this episode, our guest Trond Hjorteland is challenged with the heuristic “Complex systems evolve out of simple systems that worked” from Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). We discussed how communication is important, and moving from the big picture to code and back. He shares the techniques and practices to have crucial discussions with people with different perspectives involved in the creation of software.

Episode 31 with Edzo Botjes

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021

Design for constant evolution “Design for constant evolution” is the heuristic for our guest, Edzo Botjes. The heuristic is part of the Simon Wardley Doctrine repository (https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Design_for_constant_evolution). Edzo discusses resilient and antifragile systems as part of his research. We discuss how organisations are addressing these topics, and what are the current market needs, given that it is a complex topic. Edzo suggests: Foundations of Enterprise Governance and Enterprise Engineering from Jan A.

Episode 30 with Mykola Gurov

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021

Diagnose before cure New year, new episode. Mykola Gurov is the first guest of the year, and we challenge him with the heuristic “Diagnose before cure” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/diagnose-before-cure/). Mykola shares his opinion about observability and the importance to challenge our assumptions and bias. Focus on the purpose of the software rather than the technical details. We discuss testing in production, the different techniques to be effective, reduce the feedback cycle, and do it safely.

Episode 29 with Laveena Ramchandani

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2020

Tests should be fast, reliable and independent Today Laveena Ramchandani will share her experiences about the heuristic “Tests should be fast, reliable and independent” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/independent-tests/). We discuss how to combine these 3 qualities to the test practices. We deep dive into the field of Data Science, and how test practices can be applied or re-think to deliver software with high levels of excellence. Laveena recommends the following resources:

Episode 28 with Melissa Benua

Wednesday, Dec 23, 2020

Distribute power and decision making This week we feature Melissa Benua as our guest. She will share her experiences and opinion about the heuristic “Distribute power and decision making” from the Simon Wardley Doctrine (https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Distribute_power_and_decision_making). She will share her heuristics to move between different leadership styles, such as Command and Control and Misson Command. We discuss the merits of the different styles, as well as how a manager can sense and discuss it with the people and the teams.

Episode 27 with Gitte Klitgaard

Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020

Blameless inquiry Gitte Klitgaard is our guest. She will tell us her experiences and practices with the pattern “Blameless inquiry” for the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/organization-culture/blameless-inquiry). We will explore the different behaviours at a team and individual level, and how we can nurture a healthy culture. We discuss some tabu topics, such as mental health; what should organisations pay attention to, and how to act in order to protect people.

Episode 26 with Manuel Pais

Wednesday, Dec 9, 2020

Internal Evangelism This week Manuel Pais is our guest. We challenge him with the pattern “Internal Evangelism” from the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/organization-culture/internal-evangelism). How the different Team Topologies archetypes and their relationship with this pattern. Our conversation goes into the necessary skills to be an influential evangelist, what a team should do from an evangelism point of view, and also to the management traits. Manuel recommends: Team Topologies Book: https://teamtopologies.

Episode 25 with Xin Yao

Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020

Think Fast, Inexpensive, Restrained, and Elegant (FIRE) This week Xin Yao is our guest. She will share her opinion about the heuristic “Think Fast, Inexpensive, Restrained, and Elegant (FIRE)” from the Simon Wardley Doctrine (https://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Think_Fast.2C_Inexpensive.2C_Restrained.2C_and_Elegant_.28FIRE.29). We navigate between the four principles and Xin’s experience as a sociotechnical architect. She shares her experiences within a sociotechnical system, and what is changing in the role of a software architect. Xin recommends the following resources:

Episode 24 with Khaled Souf

Tuesday, Nov 24, 2020

Split functionality into small units New week, new episode. And the guest is Khaled Souf, and I challenge him with the heuristic “Split functionality into small units” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/thirty-minute-methods/). Khaled will explain how he approaches software, and what are the tools, practices and techniques that he uses to deliver value. We also discuss inclusion and diversity as a critical aspect for organisations to strive! Khaled recommends:

Episode 23 with Sander van Vliet

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020

Reproducible development environments Sander is the guest of this week. We will share his experiences with the pattern “Reproducible development environments” from the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/development-design/reproducible-dev-environments). Sander will teel his experience from software engineer to tech director, and his path to be pragmatic. We discuss the benefits of automation to onboard new people into teams, where they can feel included, and contribute to the product. Sander recommends the following resources:

Episode 22 with Parveen Khan

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2020

You get what you measure Parveen Khan is our guest! This episode she will give her opinion and experiences about the heuristic “You get what you measure” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/what-you-measure/). She will share how she measures her goals to drive her career, and how she fell in love with Observability. We discuss how the role of a tester changed across the last decade, and how siloed communities started to pivot to join efforts around common concerns for teams that create software.

Episode 21 with Ben Mosior

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2020

Prefer rich modes of communication And a new episode is out. This week our guest is Ben Mosior, and we will ramble about the heuristic “Prefer rich modes of communication” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/rich-communication/). Our discussion will be centre on communication, from synchronous to asynchronous, from visual to verbal. Ben will share his opinion on the effects on bad communication in sociotechnical systems, and how good communication, such as Wardley Maps, can have a positive effect to get focus, from individual to organisation level.

Episode 20 with Pat Kua

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2020

Decide Closest to the Action Pat Kua is our guest for this episode. He will share his thoughts on the pattern “Decide Closest to the Action” from the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/organization-culture/decide-closest-to-the-action). We will discuss technical leadership and management. What that means for a technical management role, and what are the pitfalls, and how to create a healthy environment. Pat recommends “Thinking in System” by Donella Meadows. Patrick Kua (@patkua) is a seasoned technology leader with almost 20 years of experience.

Episode 19 with Nick Tune

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020

The ability to improve a design occurs primarily at the interfaces. This is also the prime location for screwing it up In this week’s episode, we have Nick Tune as our guest. He will rumble about the heuristic “The ability to improve a design occurs primarily at the interfaces. This is also the prime location for screwing it up.” from the Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). We discuss how software design is affected by the environment, and how can we cope with that pressure.

Episode 18 with Jessy Halison

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020

Manage for Creativity Jessy Halison is our guest for episode 18. She will share her experiences about the pattern “Manage for Creativity” from Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/organization-culture/manage-for-creativity). We will discuss organisational models, and how psychology safety is key for teams and individuals to grow. She also describes how inclusion and diversity are key to a creative environment. Jessy recommends: Non-violent communication: https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com Bunch.ai: https://bunch.ai/ (access to their “Teams@Work” community: https://bunch.

Episode 17 with Tobias Goeschel

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2020

Strangle Monolith Application In this episode, Tobias Goeschel shares his experiences with the pattern “Strangle Monolith Application” from Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/development-design/strangle-monolithic-application). From the software crafting practices to his own bias, we chat about how he learns, and how we can advance our profession. Tobias recommends: Domain-Driven Design community Software Crafting community DDD Europe conference - https://dddeurope.com/ KanDDDisnky conference - https://kandddinsky.de/ SoCraTes conferences - https://www.socrates-conference.de/home Mob Programming Collaborative modelling EventStorming - https://www.

Episode 16 with Lisa Crispin

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2020

Delayed Automation In this episode, Lisa Crispin shares her experiences with the pattern “Delayed Automation” from the Cloud Native Patterns repository (https://www.cnpatterns.org/development-design/delayed-automation). We discuss the different trade-offs of applying it, based on different contexts. I also ask a long-time question: What can we learn from donkeys? If you are curious why, donkeys are Lisa’s brand! Lisa recommends: Quality Coaching Roadshow podcast from Anne-Marie Charrett Accelerate book from Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble and Gene Kim Leading Quality book from Ronald Cummings-John and Owais Peer Lisa Crispin (@lisacrispin) is the co-author, with Janet Gregory, of three books: Agile Testing Condensed: A Brief Introduction, More Agile Testing: Learning Journeys for the Whole Team, Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams; the LiveLessons Agile Testing Essentials video course, and “The Whole Team Approach to Agile Testing” 3-day training course offered through the Agile Testing Fellowship.

Episode 15 with Andra Sonea

Wednesday, Sep 23, 2020

Solve the specific problem, not the general case In this week episode, Andra Sonea is telling us when she focuses on the specific problem or distils the general solution. She will share her experiences based on the heuristic “Solve the specific problem, not the general case” from the Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). We will discuss how-to share mental models with a team, even during pandemic times. From her experience in finance, we will dive into the patterns in an organisation change, with the different pitfalls.

Episode 14 with Julius Gamanyi

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020

Past experience is excellent for providing a reality check. Too much reality can doom an otherwise worthwhile design, though In this episode, Julius Gamanyi is the guest. We will discuss the longest heuristic so far: “Past experience is excellent for providing a reality check. Too much reality can doom an otherwise worthwhile design, though” from Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). We discuss how we can balance our experiences, from a personal, team and organisational point of view.

Episode 13 with Paul de Raaij

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2020

Strategy is iterative, not linear In this week episode, we have Paul de Raaij as our guest. He distils the heuristic “Strategy is iterative, not linear” from the Simon Wardley Doctrine (http://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Strategy_is_iterative.2C_not_linear). From strategy we discuss the role of a manager in tech, and how it is changing towards a facilitator rather than a traditional pusher. Paul also gives his wish for the future of organisations. Paul recommends the following resources:

Episode 12 with Matthew Skelton

Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020

Eliminate waste Matthew Skelton is the guest of episode 12, and we will discuss the heuristic “Eliminate waste” from Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/eliminate-waste/). From the definition of waste in the IT industry, the roots of the concept in the automotive industry and how we try to manage today, Matthew will give his opinion based on his experience. How to be context-aware, avoid IT as a cost centre, and enabling organisation capabilities towards an adaptive organisation.

Episode 11 with Ellis de Haan

Wednesday, Aug 26, 2020

Listen to your ecosystems Episode #11 is out. The guest this week is Ellis de Haan, and we will discuss the heuristic “Listen to your ecosystems” from Simon Wardley Doctrine (http://wardleypedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Doctrine_Patterns#Listen_to_your_ecosystems). Ellis will share with us her journey as a manager. How to balance Love, Power and Anxiety in order to create an environment for people and teams to strive. Ellis suggests the following resources: Christo Nel - The Practice and Virtues of High Impact Leadership and Teaming Brené Brown - The Power of Vulnerability Elliott Jacques - Levels Of Work Ellis (@ellis_haan) is a manager, but not the typical one.

Episode 10 with Jutta Eckstein

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2020

Favor continuous improvement over delayed perfection Jutta Eckstein is the guest of episode 10. She will share her thoughts on the heuristic “Favor continuous improvement over delayed perfection” front he Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/improve-continuously/). We will discuss the trade-offs between goals set in stone and agility, and how values can help in that journey. Using reflection as a foundation to improve through experiments, where individuals, teams and organisations can generate new insights.

Episode 9 with Elisabeth Hocke

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020

No multitasking Lisi is our guest for episode #9. We will analyse the heuristic “No multitasking” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/no-multitasking/). Lisi shares her methods to keep track when switching contexts; on an individual level but also at a team level. Entering into multitasking and team level, she shares her insights about Mob Programming, and how it changes a team. Ranging from the culture to the quality of the software, she leads us in her experiences.

Episode 8 with Kenny Baas-Schwegler

Wednesday, Aug 5, 2020

Find the root cause On episode #8 we have Kenny Baas-Schwegler. We started the interview with the heuristic “Find the root cause” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/genchi-genbutsu/). Kenny shares with us the importance of balancing two powerful forces, love and power in a working environment. Also, how we can manage uncertainty using Cynefin, Deep Democracy, Domain-Driven Design and Visual Collaboration. Kenny recommends: Virtual Domain-Driven Design (https://virtualddd.com/) Rebecca Wirfs-Brock (@rebeccawb) Ruth Malan (@ruthmalan) Dawn Ahukanna (@dawnahukanna) Diana Montalion (@dianamontalion) Deep Democracy (https://lewisdd.

Episode 7 with Jim Gough

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2020

Algorithmic optimizations have a greater impact than micro-optimizations The guest of this episode is Jim Gough. He will share his thoughts about the heuristic “Algorithmic optimizations have a greater impact than micro-optimizations” from the Embedded Artistry repository (https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2018/04/26/embedded-rules-of-thumb/). We will walk the trade-offs of optimizations in the Java world, and when we need to look to the big picture. Also, we discuss how bias, both at individual and group level, gets in our way.

Episode 6 with Gien Verschatse

Wednesday, Jul 22, 2020

Optimise for future potential Another week pass by. And this episode Gien Verschatse join us to share her ideas about the heuristic “Optimise for future potential” from DDD Heuristics repository (https://www.dddheuristics.com/design-heuristics/optimise-for-future-potential/). She will share her journey, and how she applies decision-making theory and Domain-Driven Design to create better software. Also, she will tell us the preferred visualisation techniques to create a shared mental model within a team. Gien recommends: Her blog - https://www.

Episode 5 with Joost van Wollingen

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2020

Think of code and test as one In this episode, Joost van Wollingen will share his insights about the heuristic “Think of code and test as one” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/test-code-one/). We shift left and right regarding testing practices, and Joost shares the principles and practices that he learned over the years. Joost recommends: “Modern Testing Principles” from Alan Page (https://www.angryweasel.com/ABTesting/modern-testing-principles/), including the podcast Joost (@jpjwolli) is Head of Test Engineering at iptiQ.

Episode 4 with Krisztina Hirth

Wednesday, Jul 8, 2020

Share the design For episode number 4 we have Krisztina Hirth. See will share (pun intended) her insights about the heuristic “Share the design” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/shared-design-understanding/). We will discuss why titles don’t matter, what is the role of a leader in a digital world, and last but not the least why the team is the most important unit. Krisztina shared two resources with us: “Accelerate” book from Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble and Gene Kim Martin Fowler blog (https://martinfowler.

Episode 3 with Patrick Smacchia

Wednesday, Jul 1, 2020

Nobroken windows This week we have Patrick Smacchia, the creator of NDepend. We will discuss software maintainability, and for that, Patrick will share his opinion on the heuristic “No broken windows” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/no-broken-windows/). Patrick’s shares his experiences, from the early stages of his career to today. We share his principles and practices regarding software maintainability and how it is encoded in NDepend. We also have a glimpse over his views on testing!

Episode 2 with Evelyn van Kelle

Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020

If something is too complex to understand, it must be wrong The guest for episode number two of Software Crafts Podcast is Evelyn van Kelle. She shared her opinion on the heuristic “If something is too complex to understand, it must be wrong” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/poutsma-principle/). We navigate the waves of complexity within organisations and software, from the theory to real-life examples. She leaves her advice regarding the social practices within the complex socio-technical systems that we operate.

Episode 1 with Rebecca Wirfs-Brock

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020

Improve practices, don’t just follow the recipe For the first episode of Software Crafts Podcast, we have Rebecca Wirfs-Brock! We discuss the heuristic “Improve practices, don’t just follow the recipe” from the Xebia Essentials repository (https://essentials.xebia.com/context-over-habit/), where we go over the craft of cooking and the parallel to the software industry. She illustrates to us the importance of experimentation and feedback cycles, and when we need to opt-in for longer ones.

Episodes

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