Category: Episodes

  • S2E48 – Scaling Up: From Garage to Global (Part 3 of 5)

    Show Notes This is the second in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services. In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy pick up from where they left off in part two, exploring the transition of a company post-Series B funding, now…

  • S2E47 – Scaling Up: From Garage to Global (Part 2 of 5)

    Show Notes This is the second in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.  Andy and Mon-Chaio continue the discussion on scaling engineering teams, focusing on the transition from a small, scrappy startup to preparing for a Series-A funding round.…

  • S2E46 – Scaling Up: From Garage to Global (Part 1 of 5)

    Show Notes This is the first in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services. In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss how to scale a tech startup from its inception stage. They reflect on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of…

  • S2E45 – To Friend or Not to Friend

    Show Notes  Andy and Mon-Chaio tackle the intriguing question: ‘Are we friends?’ in this episode of the TTL podcast. They explore the significance of workplace friendships, discussing how these relationships impact job satisfaction, organizational performance, and employee behavior. The hosts look into the role of physical proximity and shared experiences in fostering interdependence, and even…

  • S2E44 – VacationCast – Is LeSS Scaling SAFe?

    Show Notes In this VacationCast episode, Mon-Chaio tackles a listener’s question inspired by “Does Your Software Methodology Matter?” about effectively scaling an engineering organization to 120 engineers. Dispelling the notion that scaling is about simple multiplication, he delves into key tactics, including the creation of autonomous, accountable teams with independent KPIs, and the importance of…

  • S2E43 – Assessing the Impact of Peer Code Reviews

    Show Notes In this engaging episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive deep into the topic of peer code reviews. They begin by providing historical context, tracing back code review practices to IBM’s research in the 70s and 80s, and examine the efficacy of modern-day peer reviews. The hosts debate the true benefits of code reviews, discussing…

  • S2E42 – Does Your Software Methodology Matter?

    Show Notes Andy and Mon-Chaio question the true impact of various software development methodologies on team performance. They look into whether the research gives any clues about how methodology choice affects team happiness, quality, and speed. The hosts critique the state of software engineering research, discuss effective team dynamics, and highlight the importance of adaptability…

  • S2E41 – Improvement Beyond Podcasts – The Art of Deliberate Practice

    Show Notes Andy and Mon-Chaio explore the concept of growth and improvement, focusing on technical leadership. They learn about deliberate practice and discuss its role in enhancing skills for leaders. Scrabble players help them identify practices that lead to skill improvements and contrasting methods that don’t, such as casual reading or working. The discussion wanders…

  • S2E40 – Defining Technical Strategy

    Show Notes What is technical strategy? Is it a document explaining how to extend your data platform? A set of wiki articles on how you’re tackling technical debt? A forward-looking treatise on how you will integrate generative AI into your tech stack? In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive into the intricacies of creating a…

  • S2E39 – Living on the Edge of Chaos

    Show Notes  Andy and Mon-Chaio challenge the traditional notions of root cause analysis and incident reviews within complex systems. They examine how the framing of ensuring errors ‘never happen again’ can be counterproductive, suggesting a shift towards faster recovery and continuous learning instead. Drawing parallels with After Action Reviews in the military and Netflix’s Chaos…