Newsletters

Be a thermostat, not a thermometer

April 09, 2023

This issue explores the nuances of workplace dynamics and adaptability. Learn how to be a positive influence, improve remote management, enhance hiring practices, and embrace failure for growth. Plus, discover strategies for accountability and adaptability in challenging situations.

Untangling Microservices

April 02, 2023

In this issue, we explore the evolving landscape of microservices, from Uber’s refactoring efforts to insights on staff developer roles at Shopify. Plus, learn how to navigate unpredictability and the critical importance of organizational design.

Numbers To Know For Managing

March 26, 2023

This issue explores essential management insights, from foundational anchors for effective leadership to building exceptional product engineering teams. Discover strategies for navigating complexity in tech and fostering high-performance environments.

Architects, Anti-Patterns, and Organizational Fuckery

March 19, 2023

This issue explores the challenges faced by architects in tech, the risks of reliance on SaaS, and strategies for improving PM-engineer relationships. We also discuss trust in organizations and influencing leadership effectively.

Want an unfair advantage in your tech career?

March 12, 2023

In this issue, enhance your tech career by learning about engineering onboarding, build vs. buy strategies, team health checks, low-latency microservices, and insights for new CTOs. Gain a competitive edge today.

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid In Your Tech Leadership Career

March 05, 2023

In this issue, explore essential insights for tech leaders: avoid common mistakes, understand culture viruses, and learn about engineering in M&A. Plus, discover architectural modernization and effective RFC strategies.

How to build a high-performing software team

February 26, 2023

In this issue, explore insights on building high-performing software teams, navigating experiences with outsourced development, and understanding the complexities of software architecture decisions. Join us for a live discussion on pain points and strategies.

Writing an engineering strategy

February 19, 2023

In this issue, we explore the essentials of crafting an engineering strategy, the importance of empathy in team dynamics, and navigating organizational change. Plus, discover insights into retrospectives and alternatives to performance reviews.

When do you code as a staff engineer?

February 12, 2023

This issue explores the coding responsibilities of staff engineers, the challenges of giving feedback, the pitfalls of backlogs, the importance of company culture, and strategies for investing in companies with competitive advantages.

Skills that make a big difference

February 05, 2023

In this issue, we explore the vital role of empathy in engineering, the importance of balanced architectural investments, and strategies for effective engineering management. Plus, insights on focus time and avoiding replatforming pitfalls.

Avoid Being an "Ivory Tower" Architect

January 29, 2023

This issue dives into the essential dynamics between architects and their organizations, explores innovative software development without estimates, and discusses authentic leadership and tech debt management. Discover insights for effective team communication and strategy.

Meetings for an effective eng organization

January 22, 2023

This issue explores the value of effective meetings, resilience in software teams, and the nuances of tech and product debt. Discover insights on software architecture documentation and the distinction between feature factories and value generators.

Management Debt

January 15, 2023

In this issue, we explore management debt in teams, the evolving role of architects, the pitfalls of restrictive roadmaps, and the debate between modules versus microservices. Plus, tips on cutting unproductive meetings.

How to become a better mentor

January 08, 2023

Welcome back and Happy New Year. 🎉 This issue covers mentoring new developers, improving onboarding documentation, advancing to a Staff Engineer role, managing power dynamics, and Netflix's API with GraphQL Federation. Happy reading. 📚

Doing "No" Better

December 18, 2022

In this issue, we explore the art of saying "no" gracefully, incident categorization insights, a new debugging manifesto, performance metrics in engineering, and the role of an engineering manager. Happy holidays. 🎄

The Angel’s in the Details

December 11, 2022

In this issue, discover how small details can drive success, effective remote work tips from Shopify, and strategies for risk mitigation. Plus, explore building strong relationships and aligning personal values in your career.

Company, team, self

December 04, 2022

In this issue, we explore strategies for effective team management, the pitfalls of layered architecture, and the importance of meaningful software engineering metrics. Plus, insights on balancing conflicting goals in product development.

The Perks of a High-Documentation, Low-Meeting Work Culture

November 27, 2022

This week’s issue features a wealth of insights on effective work cultures, engineering design at scale, and navigating reorganizations. Dive in for valuable lessons and strategies to enhance your team's productivity.

The Modern Observability Problem

November 20, 2022

Explore the modern observability challenge, strategies for cutting losses, the hidden costs of complexity, and the importance of accountability in software development. Plus, a unique hiring experience from Yahoo.

The Senior Shift

November 13, 2022

This issue explores key insights on engineering career growth, adapting methodologies in teams, personal development traits, and strategic leadership. Plus, a personal touch with a new digital piano and music motivation.