Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

Season 26 of the Building Better Developers podcast is all about Building Better Foundations. In Episode 2, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore today's most flexible coding options—no-code, low-code, and a rising trend called vibe coding. Understanding Modern Coding Options Software creation no longer requires writing every line by hand. Today's coding options range from drag-and-drop builders to AI-generated code, giving teams new ways to move quickly from idea to launch. No-Code Coding Options for Rapid Builds No-code platforms enable you to assemble applications visually using pre-built components and workflows—ideal for creating landing pages, prototypes, or internal dashboards. The trade-offs for this coding option are scalability, security, and platform lock-in. Low-Code Coding Options for Integrated Workflows Low-code combines visual design with the ability to add custom logic where needed. Need email integration or payment processing? This coding option strikes a balance between speed and targeted customization. Even Excel with VBA macros fits here. Vibe Coding: The AI-Driven Coding Option Vibe coding utilizes large-language-model assistants, such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, to generate code from natural language prompts. Treated like a junior developer, this coding option is powerful for prototypes and boilerplate but still requires human review and testing. Choosing the Right Coding Option Match project goals to the best coding option: Fast MVP or marketing site: No-code. Workflows that need integrations: Low-code. Quick prototypes or repetitive tasks: Vibe coding with code reviews. Scaling and Securing Your Coding Options Regardless of which coding option you start with, protect the future: Document architecture and dependencies early. Pin framework and library versions to avoid drift. Run security and performance tests with real data. Budget time for manual reviews—even when AI writes the code. Final Thoughts on Coding Options The expanding menu of coding options gives developers unprecedented flexibility. No-code speeds experiments, low-code balances speed with control, and vibe coding adds AI power. By understanding each approach's strengths and limits, you can launch quickly while building a foundation that lasts. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Developer Career Growth: Breaking Through Stagnation Dealing with Legacy Code: When to Let Go and Start Anew Code Refactoring: Maintaining Clean, Efficient Code The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In launching Season 26 of Building Better Developers, the hosts zero in on what truly sustains developer growth. Building Better Foundations becomes both the theme and the promise: this season will dig into the “why” behind tech trends, sharpen essential habits, and help you stand on solid ground in a shifting landscape. Why Building Better Foundations Matters Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche acknowledge that in a sea of buzzwords—AI, cloud, low-code, no-code, vibe coding—it's tempting to chase the next shiny tool. But they emphasize: without a foundation of clear reasoning and strong practices, those tools are at risk of collapsing under you. This season's goal is to get past surface hype to the principles that outlast trends. Building Better Foundations through Clarity on Buzzwords Part of the mission is deconstructing the buzz. The hosts plan to peel back layers—not just what new tools do, but whythey matter (or don't). Each episode will dig into a topic's role for developers, for business, and for end users. Below are three key concepts you'll hear about—and understanding them is part of your foundation. Building Better Foundations in Integrating Legacy + Future It's one thing to use new tech in a greenfield project; it's another to graft it onto 20-year-old systems. Rob emphasizes that migrating requires you to understand why the legacy system was built the way it was. Otherwise, you risk picking the wrong tools or design patterns and creating chaos. Building Better Foundations for Scale and Sustainability Michael warns: the fastest launch isn't always the wisest decision. Prototype tools built with low-code, no-code, or AI may serve you well early, but if they can't scale, you're stuck. This season will explore how to choose tools with an eye toward growth, pivot paths, and long-term stability. Building Better Foundations in Developer Mindset Beyond tools and architecture lies mindset. A strong developer habit is thinking intentionally—not chasing every “cool” trend, but grounding decisions in purpose, trade-offs, maintainability, and cost. As Rob says, a true developer is marked by how consistently they bring those fundamentals to every environment. Join the Building Better Foundations Conversation Rob and Michael invite you into the process. Email them at  info@develpreneur.com with your buzzwords, topic ideas, or challenges. This season is as much about dialogue as it is about lessons. “We grow together. We want to make sure you're part of this journey.” – Rob Broadhead Key Takeaways for Your Developer Foundation Keyphrase alert: Building Better Foundations is the guiding lens—ask “why” before jumping into any tool. When modernizing legacy systems, start with context and purpose, not just the latest tech. Always think about scale and pivot options—don't let fast prototypes become dead ends. Cultivate mindset over tool obsession. The habits you build are the real foundation. Additional Resources Building And Reinforcing Your Foundational Skills Stories Instead of Buzzwords – Showing What You Know Ramping Up Your Skills Through Broad Experience The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Season 25 of Building Better Developers with AI wraps up with a conversation that is purely human. For over thirty episodes, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche used AI to revisit past seasons, uncover new talking points, and spark fresh discussions. For the finale they chose a different path, closing the season without digital assistance. This final episode is a straightforward, human-led reflection on what we learned from months of collaboration with AI: the insights gained, the surprises uncovered, and the lessons that will shape future seasons. How the AI-Assisted Podcast Worked Throughout the season, AI served as an idea partner. Using past episode titles and show notes, we asked large-language models to highlight themes, surface overlooked connections, and suggest new topics. The process felt less like automation and more like collaboration—AI proposed possibilities, we debated them, and together we refined each conversation. Key Insight: Treat AI as a partner that expands your thinking, not a shortcut that replaces it. Key Takeaways from our AI-Assisted Podcast Experimentation 1. Clear Prompts Create Better Results A successful AI-assisted podcast depends on clear, focused questions. Breaking large tasks into small, specific prompts produced the most relevant and useful responses. 2. Feedback Loops Improve Quality We quickly learned that saving strong outputs, rejecting weak ones, and resetting context when needed steadily improved the AI's suggestions from one episode to the next. 3. Human Judgment Still Leads AI delivered outlines and surprising cross-episode links, but final editorial control stayed with us. Only the hosts can decide what truly resonates with listeners. Reality Check: AI can offer insight, but only humans can decide what truly matters. Surprises Along the Way Fresh angles on familiar topics. AI revealed links between older episodes that we hadn't noticed before, pointing out recurring themes, complementary ideas, and even follow-up questions we never realized were related. Faster prep with solid structure. By generating draft outlines and well-structured talking points, AI significantly reduced the hours we normally spend preparing each episode, giving us more time to refine our ideas and plan engaging discussions—without sacrificing depth or quality. Occasional misfires. At times the model misread the conversation's context—offering suggestions that sounded plausible but didn't fit the topic—which underscored how essential it is for humans to review, fact-check, and guide every step of the process. These moments proved that an AI-assisted podcast is most valuable as a creative catalyst, not a finished product. Tips for Your Own AI-Assisted Podcast Thinking of running your own season review? Our experience offers a roadmap: Start with transcripts or detailed show notes. Divide tasks into small prompts: summaries, quotes, cross-episode themes. Snapshot strong responses so you can reference or reuse them later. Verify and edit everything. AI drafts are starting points, never final copy. Pro Tip: When a thread drifts off-topic, copy the best context into a fresh chat to regain focus. Why the Finale Was Different While AI enriched nearly every episode this season, the closing conversation remained entirely human. We wanted to pause the technology and reflect on the experience ourselves—to discuss what AI taught us about creativity, context, and collaboration without relying on the very tool we were evaluating. That choice underscored our biggest lesson: AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement. It can accelerate ideas and surface connections, but the ultimate storytelling voice must stay human. Looking Ahead to Season 26 Season 25 confirmed that AI can be a powerful collaborator for developers and content creators alike. Our AI-assisted podcast delivered richer conversations, new ideas for upcoming seasons, and a faster way to surface timeless lessons from our own archive. But our human-only finale reminds us that judgment, creativity, and vision remain uniquely ours. As we plan Season 26, we'll keep using AI as a brainstorming partner—while ensuring the heart of every episode comes from real conversations and lived experience. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Moving Forward – Releasing Past Mistakes Admitting Defeat – Moving Forward And Accepting The Loss Pivoting: How to Embrace Change and Fuel Your Professional Growth Planning For Growth – Give Your Changes Time To Take Hold The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their popular discussion “Your Developer Journey – How to Leave a Lasting Legacy.” They use AI-generated prompts only as conversation starters, then share their own insights on what a developer legacy truly means today. You'll hear practical advice on writing code that stands the test of time, sharing work through open source, and creating a collaborative culture that thrives long after you've moved on. Whether you're a junior engineer mapping your career path or a seasoned architect shaping teams, this conversation offers a roadmap for making your impact felt—and remembered. Why a Developer Legacy Matters A developer legacy is more than old code—it's the enduring value your work provides. Rob and Michael show how your professional footprint can guide teams long after you've left a project or company. Pro Tip: Adoption is the real metric of legacy. Aim for solutions people use every day. From Quick Fixes to Timeless Impact Move from “just closing tickets” to designing systems that stand the test of time. Readable, maintainable code with clear names and documentation. Robust testing so future developers can extend features confidently. Stable interfaces that prevent painful rewrites. Key Takeaway: Clean, tested code is the cornerstone of a lasting developer legacy. Open Source: A Fast Track to Developer Legacy Michael highlights how open source accelerates your developer legacy: Publish a reusable tool or library. Provide a five-minute “Getting Started” guide. Welcome contributions and feedback to refine your craft. Reminder: A well-documented repository is a résumé that never sleeps. Culture Outlives Code Rob emphasizes mentorship and collaborative culture as essential to any developer legacy: Mentor teammates to spread good practices. Host “mini hackathons” or team debugging sessions. Reward shared learning over individual heroics. Insight: Culture is the invisible code base that scales excellence. Milestones on the Legacy Path Every career has pivotal steps where legacy thinking grows: From first pull requests to defining team standards. From individual contributor to automation architect. From private successes to public tools and templates. Challenge: Ship one reusable script or CI template this week and invite team feedback—your first step toward a visible developer legacy. AI as a Legacy Multiplier AI can accelerate your developer legacy when treated as a partner: Draft tests or refactor with AI assistance. Summarize modules for quick onboarding docs. Share successful prompts as a team “AI playbook.” Final Takeaway A developer legacy is deliberate: thoughtful code, shared knowledge, and a culture of mentorship. Start today—document, mentor, and publish—and your impact will outlive any single job. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Moving Forward – Releasing Past Mistakes Admitting Defeat – Moving Forward And Accepting The Loss Pivoting: How to Embrace Change and Fuel Your Professional Growth Planning For Growth – Give Your Changes Time To Take Hold The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Turning a side hustle into a profitable business is exciting, but sloppy bookkeeping and unclear invoices can drain your energy—and your wallet. In this AI-enhanced revisit, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share a practical playbook for mastering side hustle finances, from clean record-keeping to professional billing. Why Side Hustle Finances Matter from Day One A side hustle isn't “extra cash”—it's a business. Rob warns that ignoring taxes or mixing personal and business funds can lead to stressful bills or legal trouble. Famous entertainers have learned this the hard way, and so can new entrepreneurs. Treat every paid project like a true business. Without strong side hustle finances, you can't see profits, plan for taxes, or protect yourself legally. Michael adds that registering an LLC shields personal assets but also demands accurate books: “If you can't track your personal budget, learn fast for your business.” Building a Side Hustle Finances Foundation The first step in managing side hustle finances is to separate them. Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card to keep personal funds safe and simplify reporting. A credit card provides fraud protection and reward points if you pay it off monthly. Choose tools that fit your stage: Wave (free tier), QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, or Google Sheets. Snap photos of receipts and store them digitally so every expense is documented. Pro Tip: Pay off the business credit card monthly. You'll earn rewards and maintain a clean paper trail without carrying debt. Professional Invoicing for Healthy Cash Flow Clear, professional invoices are a cornerstone of good side hustle finances. Include: Business and client contact info Project details and dates Explicit payment terms (Net 30, due on receipt, or milestone-based) Offer multiple payment methods—Stripe, PayPal, ACH—and embed a “Pay Now” button to speed up processing. Rob notes that many companies pay at the last possible moment, so set firm terms and late-fee policies from day one. Challenge: Review your current invoice template. Does it clearly state deadlines and late-fee penalties? Update it before your next project. Managing Cash Flow and Hidden Costs Large deposits can trigger bank holds, especially if you've rebranded or opened a new account. Plan ahead so you can cover payroll or expenses without tapping personal savings. Understand the real cost of every payment method. Credit-card and ACH fees can quietly chip away at profits, so build those numbers into your pricing. Contracts and Boundaries Before starting any project, define what “done” means and capture it in a written agreement. Even a simple contract from LegalZoom can protect your work and ensure you're paid. No contract, no work. Require deposits and pause projects if clients miss payments. Never deliver final source code until the check clears. Key Takeaways for Side Hustle Finances Treat your side hustle like a business from day one. Separate accounts and track every expense with reliable tools. Send professional invoices with firm terms and enforce them. Anticipate bank delays and processor fees to keep cash flowing. Use contracts and deposits to protect your time and income. By following this side hustle finances playbook, you'll not only stay organized and get paid on time—you'll also build the financial habits that turn a part-time gig into a thriving business. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Financial and Accounting Applications (Free and Low Cost) Accounting For The Entrepreneur Estimation Essentials: How to Nail Pricing for Development Projects From Side Hustle to Success The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit an earlier conversation—this time through the lens of AI—to explore how constructive communication in software development creates healthier teams and better code. By analyzing their original “Advocating vs. Arguing” discussion, they uncover new ways to transform conflict into collaboration. “The goal is never to win. The goal is to find the best solution.” – Rob Broadhead What Constructive Communication Really Means Rob draws a clear line between two mindsets: Constructive communication invites evidence, empathy, and openness. Defensive arguing focuses on winning, often shutting down valuable ideas. This subtle difference determines whether a team works together to solve problems or gets stuck in endless debates. Why Constructive Communication Improves Software Development Software projects depend on diverse skills and experiences. When team members communicate constructively: Blind spots shrink. Different perspectives uncover hidden issues. Technical debt decreases. Shared understanding prevents costly rework. Client trust grows. Positive dialogue strengthens long-term relationships. Rob highlights how even an outsider's insight—like a .NET developer's idea on a Python project—can spark innovative solutions. Practical Steps to Encourage Constructive Communication Michael offers proven techniques to keep discussions positive and productive: Ask clarifying questions. Instead of “That won't work,” try “How do you see that working in this context?” Restate what you heard. Confirm understanding before you respond. Stay curious. Open-ended questions invite deeper exploration. “No is a conversation killer. Replace it with ‘Let's consider that.'” – Michael Meloche Spotting When Communication Turns Unproductive Arguments often start subtly. Watch for these warning signs: Absolutes such as “always” or “never.” Interrupting or talking over teammates. Ego-driven choices that ignore user needs or project goals. Rob recommends slowing the pace when tempers rise—pause the meeting, schedule a follow-up, or ask everyone to write down their thoughts before reconvening. Agile Practices Support Constructive Communication Rob and Michael agree that Agile's built-in rituals—backlog refinement, iterative feedback, and sprint reviews—naturally encourage constructive communication in software development. If a team frequently argues, it may be skipping these essential steps. Michael also suggests a weekly “water-cooler” session where team members share new ideas or lessons learned. These informal gatherings nurture creativity and trust. Leadership Sets the Tone Managers and leads can reinforce constructive habits by: Checking in with teammates who seem defensive or frustrated. Offering mentoring or personal support when tension surfaces. Encouraging team traditions—from inside jokes to shared hobbies—that build rapport. Rob observes that the best teams always share a unique bond, whether it's dad jokes or a favorite game, which helps them weather stressful moments. Reader Challenge: Practice Constructive Communication This Week Your Mission: Over the next seven days, pick one team interaction—a stand-up, code review, or planning meeting—and intentionally practice constructive communication in software development. Steps to Try: Listen First. Before offering your idea, restate someone else's point to confirm understanding. Replace “No” with Curiosity. When you disagree, ask an open question like “How do you see that working with our current sprint goals?” Log the Outcome. After the meeting, jot down what changed: Did the discussion stay more positive? Did new solutions surface? Share your results with your team—or even comment on the blog post—to inspire others. Challenge yourself: Can you turn at least one potential argument into a moment of advocacy this week? Key Takeaway: Build a Culture of Constructive Communication This episode underscores that constructive communication in software development is more than a soft skill—it's a project-saver. By listening first, asking better questions, and validating every voice, teams can replace conflict with collaboration and move projects forward with confidence. “Choosing one approach together is better than arguing endlessly about the perfect one.” – Rob Broadhead Whether you're leading a sprint, conducting a code review, or gathering requirements, focusing on constructive communication ensures that every idea is heard—and the best solutions rise to the top. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Honest Communication Is Critical For Consultants When To Vent (never) as part of Consulting Communication Use Written Communication To Improve Your Standing And Career Communication Noise vs. Content The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their earlier discussion on “Estimation Essentials” and explore how AI helps sharpen project pricing. The theme is clear: estimation is less about numbers and more about setting expectations. Developers who learn to price with confidence gain credibility, avoid stress, and build long-term client relationships. Why You Must Price With Confidence Estimation impacts far more than budgets. A clear, honest number builds trust and predictability. Vague requirements like “integrate with multiple systems” can't be priced accurately—so instead of guessing, developers must clarify scope. Saying “not enough detail to price this yet” protects both sides from disappointment. Honest estimates strengthen trust. Don't guess—clarify. Common Pitfalls When You Don't Price With Confidence The hosts highlight mistakes that derail projects: Underestimating to win a contract, then burning out. Ignoring hidden costs such as meetings, testing, and documentation. Forgetting risk buffers, leaving no room for the unexpected. Leaning on gut instinct rather than repeatable methods. By failing to price with confidence, developers risk missed deadlines, blown budgets, and damaged reputations. Frameworks to Help You Price With Confidence Rob and Michael recommend proven approaches: Bottom-up estimation – Break work into small tasks. Top-down estimation – Use data from past projects. Three-point estimation – Balance optimistic, pessimistic, and likely outcomes. Risk-first sequencing – Attack uncertain features first. These frameworks bring structure, reduce surprises, and give clients realistic options. Choosing Models That Let You Price With Confidence Pricing isn't just about numbers—it's about risk allocation. Time & Materials (T&M) – Risk stays with the client, who pays for actual work. Fixed Price – Risk shifts to the developer; scope must be crystal clear. Beware hybrid models like “T&M with caps,” which push risk onto developers without fair compensation. The key is aligning incentives so both sides win. MVP Thinking: Another Way to Price With Confidence Defining a minimum viable product (MVP) early protects the project when scope changes or budgets tighten. By locking in must-have features at the start, you can deliver value even if time or resources run short. This approach ensures clients get results and developers maintain credibility. Practical Steps to Price With Confidence Callout: Break tasks down, add a 20–30% buffer, and communicate assumptions. Follow these steps on your next project: Clarify requirements first – No assumptions left unspoken. Break into small tasks – Accurate estimates come from detail. Add buffers – Protect against risk and scope creep. Track actuals vs. estimates – Learn and refine over time. Explain assumptions – Clients trust numbers when they know the “why.” Challenge: Practice Pricing With Confidence Review your last three estimates. Where did you miss hidden costs like testing or meetings? On your next project, add a 25% buffer to that category and track whether accuracy improves. Small tweaks create more reliable pricing habits. Closing Thoughts The path to better client relationships isn't perfect numbers—it's predictable delivery. Developers who price with confidence clarify scope, tackle risks early, and communicate openly. The result? Trust, repeat business, and less stress. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Software Estimation: Improving Productivity, Quality, and Expectations Setting Realistic Expectations In Development A Project Management and Pricing Guide for Success Pricing Strategies – The Value Of Your Product Or Service The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

As the Building Better Developers with AI season nears its close, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a topic every team faces but few get right: code consistency. In this episode, they explore how shared conventions, smart tooling, and simple documentation transform messy projects into scalable, high-quality systems. The Hidden Cost of Inconsistency Picture opening a project where every file tells a different story: mixed naming styles, conflicting error handling, and folders arranged on a whim. Before you can fix a bug or add a feature, you're lost in formatting chaos. Callout: Inconsistency wastes time, complicates onboarding, and hides defects—long before code reaches production. Rob notes that AI can now help. Define your preferred patterns—naming, structure, logging—and tools like ChatGPT can propose refactors that enforce uniformity. What Code Consistency Looks Like Consistency isn't about stifling creativity—it's about shared, predictable choices that reduce cognitive load. The essentials include: Naming & Structure – Clear, conventional names; sensible modules/packages. File Organization – Standard project layouts (Maven for Java, src/app folders in web projects). Comments & Docs – Concise explanations paired with readable code. Error Handling & Logging – A single, unified approach across the app. Michael highlights that without these agreements, containerized deployments break easily and new developers struggle to contribute. Why Teams Benefit from Code Consistency Rob compares a consistent codebase to a band playing in sync: individual instruments can vary, but the music holds together. That's the impact of code consistency. Benefits include: Communication: Developers spend less time deciphering quirks. Maintainability: Predictable structure accelerates debugging and onboarding. Quality: Automated tools enforce standards and prevent regressions. Professionalism: Consistent code signals engineering maturity, not just coding skill. Tools That Do the Heavy Lifting Michael insists that every team should enforce linters, formatters, and pre-commit hooks. Without them, a small change can appear as a full-file rewrite, confusing reviews and merges. Start with community standards like PEP8, Google Java Style, or eslint/prettier. Add checks to CI/CD pipelines. Document expectations in CONTRIBUTING.md or a team wiki. Pro Tip: One rule set, many editors. Don't let each IDE invent its own defaults. Debunking the Myths of Code Consistency “Standards kill creativity.” True creativity lies in solving problems, not inventing new brace styles. “It slows us down.” Alignment may take effort initially, but it saves hours of confusion later. “Every project is different.” Standards should evolve as living guidelines, not rigid laws. Michael adds that consistent libraries allow teams to reuse components across projects instead of duplicating them. How to Put Standards Into Practice Here's a simple rollout path: Choose a baseline such as PEP8 or Google Style. Automate formatting and linting. Add pre-commit hooks to stop violations early. Focus reviews on consistency, not just correctness. Document standards and revisit them quarterly. Encourage adoption. Praise clean diffs and fast merges. Your Developer Challenge Here's your action step: Pick one project and audit three files. How many naming styles, error-handling patterns, or file structures do you find? Then: Apply a linter or formatter. Document two conventions (naming + logging). Share them with your team. Small steps toward code consistency will save your team time, money, and frustration down the road. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Coding Standards – A Personal Approach Look More Professional With Personal Coding Standards One-Offs, Side Projects, and Veering From Standards Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a classic topic: The Power of Clickable Demos in the Software Development Lifecycle. This time, they reframe it through the lens of demo-driven development, exploring how lightweight prototypes align teams, validate ideas, and reduce costly missteps. What is Demo-Driven Development? Demo-driven development utilizes interactive prototypes early in the lifecycle to demonstrate how an application might function before coding begins. These demos link wireframes or screens together into a simple, clickable flow. Low fidelity: Basic wireframes to test flow and logic. High fidelity: Polished UI mockups that look like production. Best practice: Begin low fidelity and add detail only as needed. “Demo-driven development gives stakeholders something to touch and test—without weeks of coding.” How Interactive Demo-Driven Development Improves Alignment Instead of static diagrams, teams can walk clients through interactive experiences that make requirements tangible. This approach helps uncover gaps, clarify assumptions, and prevent misunderstandings. Even a rough demo can save hours of rework by sparking conversations that written requirements alone often miss. Benefits for Developers, Managers, and Clients Prototypes provide value across roles: Developers: Spot design flaws early and estimate with more confidence. Product managers and designers: Validate ideas quickly and secure buy-in. Clients and end users: Interact with something realistic, making feedback far easier. “Many times, a demo exposes what was never written in requirements—but was always assumed.” Common Pitfalls to Avoid As Michael points out, demos can sometimes create false direction. Stakeholders may perceive the prototype as production-ready, prompting teams to release features that are rushed or incomplete. To prevent this: Emphasize that prototypes are exploratory. Focus on solving the problem, not polish. Avoid over-engineering features that may never be built. Using Prototypes for A/B Testing One strength of this approach is the ability to test multiple designs quickly. By creating different variations of a flow, teams can gather real feedback and compare preferences. For instance, rotating two demo versions on a website gives instant insight into which design resonates most, ensuring decisions are based on evidence rather than guesswork. Tools and Workflow for Demo-Driven Development Rob and Michael highlight practical ways to make demos effective: Start with wireframes – concentrate on flow, not design. Choose the right tools – Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or basic HTML/CSS. Test before presenting – nothing derails a meeting faster than broken links. Guide discussions – keep clients from getting stuck on minor details, such as colors. Keep it lean – focus on essentials that prove the concept. “Solve the problem first. Make it pretty later.” Why This Approach Still Matters Today Revisiting this topic highlights the continued value of demo-driven development. It accelerates feedback, ensures alignment, and keeps projects focused on real user needs before heavy development begins. When used wisely, it reduces risk, minimizes wasted effort, and helps teams deliver software that both functions effectively and delights users. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Building Out Your Application From a Demo How to Create an Effective Clickable Demo Successful Presentation Tips for Developers: Effective Demo Strategies Transform Your Projects: The Ultimate Guide to Effective User Stories The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this season of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a past topic: 'Transform Your Projects: The Ultimate Guide to Effective User Stories.' This episode offers a fresh perspective on how teams can achieve greater success by writing better user stories. The hosts initially tackled this subject in an earlier season, but they return to it because the challenge remains timeless: poorly written user stories continue to derail software projects. This time, they dive deeper into lessons learned, customer-centric approaches, and frameworks that make user stories truly work. Why Writing Better User Stories Still Matters Rob opens with a familiar frustration: sitting in sprint planning and realizing the user stories don't make sense. Vague requirements create confusion, rework, and wasted effort. A user story is not a specification—it's a promise for a conversation that builds shared understanding. By writing better user stories, teams maintain focus on outcomes, rather than implementation. They deliver features that users actually need, instead of technical solutions that fall short. The Philosophy of Writing Better User Stories User stories should always: Stay customer-centric by focusing on what the user wants, not the technical details. Break down work into small, manageable chunks that improve agility and estimation. Emphasize outcomes over implementation, avoiding the trap of data tables and CSS classes too early. Rob illustrates this with the ATM example: “As a customer, I want to withdraw cash so that I can access money in my account.” This keeps the story grounded in the user's experience. The Anatomy of Writing Better User Stories At the core of writing better user stories is a simple formula that makes requirements clear and human: As a [user role] I want [goal] So that [reason] This framework ensures that every story is tied directly to a user's perspective, their needs, and the value they'll receive. However, strong stories extend beyond this sentence structure. Rob and Michael highlight two key frameworks that add depth and clarity: The Three C's – Card, Conversation, and Confirmation, which explain how stories spark dialogue and define “done.” The INVEST Model – Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable- is a checklist that helps teams evaluate whether a story is ready to move forward. Finally, one important reminder: each story should only have one meaning. If a story can be interpreted in multiple ways—or contains “if/then” scenarios—it should be split into smaller, more focused stories. This keeps the backlog clean and avoids confusion later in development. The Three C's of Writing Better User Stories 1. Card The card represents the user story itself. Traditionally, teams would write stories on index cards. Today, tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana take their place. The key is that the card is just a placeholder for a conversation, not the entire requirement. It captures the essence of the story but leaves room for discussion. 2. Conversation The conversation is where the real value happens. Developers, product owners, and stakeholders discuss the story, ask clarifying questions, and uncover details that weren't written down. These discussions ensure that the team shares a common understanding of the user's needs. Without this step, the story risks being too vague or misinterpreted. 3. Confirmation The confirmation defines how the team knows the story is complete. This typically takes the form of acceptance criteria or test cases. Confirmation transforms a story from an idea into a verifiable piece of functionality. It answers the critical question: What does “done” look like? Card captures the idea. Conversation builds the understanding. Confirmation proves the work is complete. The INVEST Model for Writing Better User Stories The INVEST model is a simple but powerful checklist that helps ensure user stories are clear, practical, and actionable. Each letter represents a quality that a strong user story should have. Independent A good user story should stand on its own. That means it can be developed, tested, and delivered without being blocked by another story. Independence reduces dependencies and keeps projects moving smoothly. Negotiable User stories are not contracts carved in stone—they're open to discussion. Teams should be able to negotiate details, scope, and implementation during conversations. This flexibility encourages collaboration and prevents rigid requirements that may not fit real-world needs. Valuable If a story doesn't provide business or user value, it doesn't belong in the backlog. Every story should clearly tie back to outcomes that matter for the end-user or the organization. This keeps the team focused on delivering impact, not just features. Estimable A story should be clear enough that the team can estimate the effort to complete it. If it's too vague or too large, it can't be accurately sized. Estimable stories make sprint planning realistic and help track progress more effectively. Small Stories should be small enough to complete within a single iteration. Large stories, sometimes called “epics,” should be broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Small stories are easier to understand, estimate, and test. Testable Finally, a user story must be testable. The team needs to know how to verify it's “done.” This often takes the form of acceptance criteria or test cases, ensuring the functionality can be validated from the user's perspective. The INVEST model keeps stories clear, focused, and actionable. If a story fails any of these tests, refine it before moving forward. Lessons From the Trenches: Writing Better User Stories in Practice Michael highlights a recurring issue: customers often don't fully understand their “why.” They may use outdated paper trails, redundant processes, or even misuse tools they already own. Sometimes developers must reverse-engineer requirements by observing workflows, asking why at each step, and uncovering hidden pain points. Rob adds that trust plays a huge role—stakeholders may initially follow the “official” process, but only reveal their real practices after rapport is established. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Even with good intentions, stories can fall short when they are: Too vague or incomplete. Disconnected from actual business processes. Written without acceptance criteria. Michael stresses that implied requirements are dangerous. Developers should always strive for clearly defined acceptance criteria that leave no room for ambiguity or uncertainty. Practical Tips for Writing Better User Stories The hosts wrap up with actionable guidance for developers: Speak up – Don't code vague tickets without asking questions. Push for the “so that” – The business value matters most. Write acceptance criteria – Define what “done” means. Break down big stories – Smaller, testable stories are easier to validate. Stay user-focused – Keep technical details in subtasks, not in the story. Example: Bad: Add a contact form. Good: As a potential customer, I want to fill out a contact form with my name, email, and message, so that I can get in touch with the company about their services. This richer story sparks the right questions: Which fields are required? Should multiple contact methods be supported? These clarifications lead to solutions that match real needs. Final Thoughts By revisiting this subject, Rob and Michael remind us that user stories are more than backlog items—they are bridges between developers and customers. Writing better user stories keeps teams aligned, prevents rework, and ensures projects deliver meaningful results. Implied requirements are not good requirements. Defined requirements are good requirements. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Building Your Personal Code Repository Your Code Repository and Ownership of Source – Consulting Tips Using a Document Repository To Become a Better Developer The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most memorable past discussions: “Unpacking ‘Psychopaths' Scenarios and Tough Coding Challenges.” That earlier conversation explored the “opposite of the happy path”—those frustrating moments where unclear requirements, unrealistic expectations, or hidden bugs make coding feel nearly impossible. Now, with the help of AI prompts and fresh anecdotes, the hosts take a lighthearted but practical look at how developers can survive tough coding challenges and even grow stronger through them. Revisiting Past Tough Coding Challenges The original “psychopath” metaphor described the bizarre, unpredictable situations developers encounter—like half-baked requirements or strange user paths no one expected. In this revisit, Rob and Michael highlight how tough coding challenges remain timeless. Unclear specs still lead to messy solutions and wasted effort. Requirements written on napkins, “urgent” tickets with no prioritization, or unrealistic interview questions all qualify as classic tough coding challenges that force developers to adapt. Common Tough Coding Challenges Developers Face The hosts share a humorous “starter pack” of scenarios every developer will recognize: Legacy code packed with seven levels of nested if statements. Interview questions that ask you to “write a compiler on a whiteboard.” A vague spec that says only: “Make it user-friendly.” A “small change” that balloons into a complete rewrite. Though exaggerated, these challenges highlight a real issue: projects succeed when expectations are realistic and communication is consistent. Developer War Stories Rob and Michael also revisit their personal developer war stories: The Semicolon Bug – Days lost to a missing character when linters weren't in place. The “Everything is Urgent” Boss – Prioritization chaos that left the team paralyzed. Merge Conflicts – Overwritten code when developers skipped repositories and unit tests. Teams that ignore coding standards and repositories will keep reliving the same tough coding challenges.c Coping Strategies for Tough Coding Challenges Surviving the madness takes both discipline and humor. The hosts share practical coping strategies, such as: Rubber Duck Debugging – Explaining the problem out loud often sparks insights. Snacks and Caffeine – Reward yourself for solving a challenge. Take Breaks – Walking away can reveal solutions faster than brute force coding. Michael also warns against the “ship it and patch later” mentality, pointing to unstable game launches and OS rollouts as cautionary tales. How Tough Coding Challenges Build Superpowers The conversation closes on a positive note: tough coding challenges don't just test developers, they strengthen them. Debugging Ninjas spot subtle errors instantly. Documentation Detectives can decipher legacy systems with ease. Interview Survivors gain confidence from handling curveball puzzles. Michael encourages developers to document their solutions and share them with the community. Not only does this help others, but it also creates a reference point for your future self when the same challenge reappears. Final Takeaway Revisiting the original “Psychopaths” episode with a fresh perspective shows that while technology evolves, tough coding challenges never go away. What changes is how developers respond. With clear requirements, strong processes, and healthy coping strategies, chaos can be transformed into growth—and even a little humor along the way. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources User Stories Unveiled: A Developer's Guide to Capturing the Full Narrative Misdirection Anti-Pattern: Solving The Wrong Problem Software Development Requirements: Staying True to Specifications The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit an earlier conversation: “Building a Strong Developer Toolkit – Enhancing Skills and Productivity.” This time, they explore how AI and modern practices shape the discussion. The takeaway: enhancing developer productivity isn't just about tools—it's about habits, problem-solving, and continuous growth.

The Building Better Developers with AI podcast continues its season of revisiting past episodes with fresh insights. In this discussion, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit the classic topic of breaking through career plateaus and reframe it through the lens of developer career growth. The original episode shared practical strategies for accelerating progress. This version adds AI-driven perspectives, personal stories, and a reminder that developers must be intentional about growth in a rapidly evolving industry. Recognizing Developer Career Growth Roadblocks Career plateaus are rarely obvious. Instead, they surface gradually through symptoms like: Completing tasks on autopilot A lack of new responsibilities or ownership Months without learning a new tool, framework, or design pattern As Rob explains, being “comfortable” often means you're falling behind. In technology, a developer's career growth demands continuous movement forward. If you haven't challenged yourself in six months, your developer career growth may already be stuck. Why Developer Career Growth Plateaus Happen Rob frames the plateau as a “gamer problem”—your XP bar fills, but the level-up screen never appears. Routine work, a lack of internal visibility, or failure to market oneself can all hinder a developer's career growth. Michael emphasizes the importance of self-reflection. Sometimes the issue isn't a lack of opportunity, but a lack of initiative. Are you doing the bare minimum, or seeking challenges that stretch you? He shares how experimenting with signature tablets and webcams—well outside his role—kept him learning and growing. That curiosity didn't move him up in that company, but it paved the way to a higher-paying role elsewhere. Expanding Beyond Code for Developer Career Growth Not all growth is about coding more. Rob points out that developer career growth also comes from: Taking on design and architecture work Mentoring and teaching others Exploring leadership or project ownership Michael reinforces the power of teaching. Sharing knowledge sharpens communication skills, broadens perspective, and strengthens problem-solving abilities. Strategies to Accelerate Developer Career Growth The episode outlines clear steps for reigniting progress: Stretch Projects – Volunteer for cross-team or challenging work. Skill Stacking – Add complementary abilities like UX, DevOps, or CI/CD. Mentorship 2.0 – Learn from mentors, but also mentor others. Visibility Boosts – Blog, present at meetups, or contribute to open source. Side Hustles – Build projects outside work to push yourself into new learning. Side projects are “cheat codes” for developer career growth. Even small shifts—such as switching IDEs or adopting new tools—can help shake off stagnation and sharpen your adaptability. AI's Role in Developer Career Growth Michael warns against ignoring AI. Some developers resist learning it, believing their existing skills will always be in demand. History shows otherwise—just as COBOL programmers saw demand collapse after Y2K, today's developers risk irrelevance by avoiding new technologies. Embracing AI isn't optional anymore. It's the new baseline for sustaining developer career growth. Episode Challenge: Take Charge of Your Developer Career Growth Your challenge this week: Identify one area where your growth has stalled, and take one intentional step forward. Options include: Learning a new framework or tool Volunteering for a stretch assignment Mentoring a junior colleague Starting a side project outside your comfort zone Don't wait for others to create opportunities. Own your developer career growth starting today. Final Thoughts Breaking through plateaus isn't about endless reinvention—it's about steady, intentional growth. Rob and Michael agree: if your current environment doesn't provide chances to grow, then create them—or find a place that will. Developer career growth is not optional. In a fast-moving industry, standing still means falling behind. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Please get in touch with us at info@develpreneur.com with any questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Essential Habits for Software Developers: Boosting Productivity and Career Growth Pivoting: How to Embrace Change and Fuel Your Professional Growth Are Technology Certifications Necessary For Career Growth? Be Intentional In Choosing Tasks For Career Growth The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit another one of their popular topics: developer performance. Originally explored in the episode “Supercharge Your Focus and Productivity – Expert Tips for Success,” the discussion now receives an AI-powered refresh, bringing new insights into how developers can enhance their output, sustain energy, and prevent burnout. Why Developer Performance Is Harder Than Ever Distractions have only increased since the original discussion. Slack messages, meetings, and endless browser tabs compete for attention. As Rob points out, context switching drains productivity, and remote work piles on additional interruptions. The bottom line? Sustained developer performance is more challenging than ever, and it requires intentional strategies to conserve time and energy. Developer Performance Habits That Work The hosts highlight proven methods that still deliver results today: The Pomodoro Remix – Rob adapts Pomodoro into 45-minute deep work sprints paired with Brain FM playlists. The payoff: completing tasks in nearly half the time. Digital Fences – Blocking out email, Slack, and app notifications creates essential uninterrupted focus. Energy Mapping – Michael emphasizes tracking your natural highs and lows throughout the day to tackle demanding tasks when your brain is sharpest. Developer performance isn't about working longer—it's about aligning your work with your natural rhythms. Developer Performance Hacks You Haven't Tried Yet AI introduced new tactics that extend beyond the original discussion: Single-Tab Coding – Limit yourself to one task, one tab, and one flow to reduce distractions. Micro-Deadlines – Break big projects into smaller deliverables to keep momentum steady. Code Music Playlists – Experiment with playlists or white noise to match your coding flow. Michael even points out Mac's built-in background sounds as a quick win for blocking noise without extra tools. Protecting Developer Performance From Burnout Performance isn't sustainable without recovery. Rob emphasizes the 90% rule: always leave some energy in the tank for tomorrow. He also recommends using breaks for side projects, reading, or exercise to recharge. Michael adds that mindset plays a critical role. Starting the day with negative news or stressful emails can quickly drain your energy. Instead, begin with positive routines, check your mental state regularly, and unplug from devices at night. Protecting your energy is the ultimate developer performance hack. Burnout prevention keeps you sharp long-term. Final Takeaway: Developer Performance Is a Rhythm Revisiting Supercharge Your Focus and Productivity proves that while tools and technology evolve, the fundamentals of performance remain the same. Rob and Michael remind us that developer performance isn't about squeezing out more hours—it's about adopting smarter habits, practicing intentional rest, and maintaining sustainable rhythms. By experimenting with Pomodoro sprints, energy mapping, and digital fences, you can achieve more while protecting your well-being. Challenge for You Pick one developer performance hack this week—whether it's micro-deadlines, single-tab coding, or extended Pomodoro sprints—and track how it impacts your output. Minor adjustments often yield the most significant results. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Keep Focus On The Important Things – Interview With Pranay Parikh Essential Habits for Software Developers: Boosting Productivity and Career Growth Focus is the Key To Success (and Maybe Happiness) Increasing Productivity and Quality With Proper Tools The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their earlier discussion on defining ‘done' in Agile – how to stay on Track and Avoid Scope Creep. They explain why “done” must mean more than “I finished coding,” and they show how a shared Definition of Done (DoD) keeps teams aligned and projects on schedule. What Does “Done” Really Mean? In Agile, “Done” extends beyond writing code. It often includes: Passing unit and integration tests Receiving QA approval Deploying to staging or production Updating documentation Securing acceptance sign-off Without a clear, documented DoD, each team member may interpret “done” differently. As a result, projects risk rework, delays, and frustration. “If we ask, ‘Is it done?' we should get a clear yes or no—no ‘sort of' or ‘almost.'” – Rob Broadhead Why Ambiguity Leads to Trouble Michael points out a common problem: a developer finishes their code, marks the ticket as done, and passes it to QA—only for testers to find gaps in the requirements. A login screen ticket might say “Allow users to log in with username and password.” But does that mean: Username is case-insensitive? Special characters are allowed? Do error messages display on failure? If these details aren't defined, both the developer and tester may interpret “done” differently, leading to frustration on all sides. The Link Between “Done” and Scope Creep Rob and Michael agree: unclear definitions open the door to scope creep. Without a firm DoD, features get stuck in an endless loop of revisions: Developers feel QA keeps moving the goalposts. QA feels developers aren't meeting the requirements. Clients think the delivered feature isn't what they expected. Over time, this erodes trust and pushes delivery dates further into the future. Lessons from the Field Michael contrasts two scenarios from his career that highlight the power of a strong Definition of Done. Before an acquisition, his team worked with a crystal-clear DoD. Every ticket had precise requirements, clear acceptance criteria, and well-defined testing steps. As a result, tasks finished on time, testing followed a predictable pattern, and rework was rare. The team knew exactly when work met the agreed standards, and stakeholders trusted that “done” truly meant done. After the acquisition, the situation changed dramatically. Tickets became vague and massive in scope, often resembling open-ended “make it work” directives. Multiple teams modified the same code simultaneously, resulting in merge conflicts, inconsistent results, and unpredictable delivery schedules. Without a clear DoD, developers, testers, and stakeholders all had different ideas of what completion looked like, and work frequently circled back for revisions. The difference between the two environments came down to one factor: a clear and enforceable Definition of done. In the first scenario, it acted as a shared contract for quality and completion. In the second, the lack of it created confusion, wasted effort, and missed deadlines. Building a Strong Definition of Done The hosts outline key components every DoD should include: Code complete and reviewed – Ensures quality and shared understanding. Automated tests passing – Reduces regressions. Documentation updated – Prevents future confusion. Deployment verified – Proves it works in the target environment. Acceptance criteria signed off – Confirms alignment with the original requirements. Pro Tip: Keep your tests fresh—don't just update them to pass without meeting the real requirement. Who Owns the DoD? One person doesn't own the DoD—it's a team responsibility. Product owners, Scrum Masters, and developers should collaborate to create and update it, reviewing it regularly to adapt to evolving project needs. Making “Done” Part of the Process Once defined, your DoD should be visible and integrated into your workflow: Add it to user stories during sprint planning. Track it in tools like Jira, Trello, or GitHub. Use workflow stages that match your DoD steps—coding, testing, review, deployment, and sign-off. Michael emphasizes that personal accountability matters just as much as team accountability. Great developers hold themselves to the DoD without needing reminders. Your Challenge: Define “Done” This Week If your team doesn't have a documented Definition of Done—or if it's been more than three months since you reviewed it—set aside time this week to: Write down your current DoD. Identify where ambiguity still exists. Get agreement from the entire team. Update your workflow so that every ticket must meet the DoD before it is closed. This single step can prevent months of wasted effort and ensure your work delivers exactly what's intended. The Bigger Picture A well-defined DoD is more than a checklist—it's your guardrail against wasted effort and shifting goals. It ensures the final product matches what the client truly needs, not just what was coded. Your Definition of Done is your “why” for each task—it keeps your work focused, aligned, and valuable. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Getting It Right: How Effective Requirements Gathering Leads to Successful Software Projects The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Changing Requirements – Welcome Them For Competitive Advantage Creating Use Cases and Gathering Requirements The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of the most persistent challenges in software projects: scope creep. Using AI prompts, we revisit a past episode on “Mastering Scope Creep: Navigating the Hidden Challenges in Software Development.” In that discussion, we explored what scope creep is, why it happens, and how to prevent it from stalling projects, draining teams, and eroding trust. Today, we're building on that conversation with fresh insights and practical strategies. Listen to the full episode for more real-world stories and practical strategies to keep your projects on track. What Is Scope Creep? Scope creep occurs when requirements change after development begins—often without proper planning or agreement. Rob describes it as “moving the goalposts” for what “done” means. This differs from: Iteration – Evolving requirements after review and delivery. Agile flexibility – Adjusting before a sprint starts, not mid-execution. Uncontrolled changes shift the destination while you're already driving toward it. Scope Creep vs. Feature Creep Michael introduces feature creep—adding extra features—as a related but distinct problem. Feature creep bloats the product, while midstream requirement changes alter agreed-upon work. Both can waste time and resources, but shifting requirements often cause rework and missed deadlines. Why It Happens The hosts highlight common causes: Poorly defined requirements Lack of regular checkpoints Stakeholder indecision or shifting priorities Underestimating the impact of “small” changes Without a process to control evolving requirements, teams risk chasing ever-changing goals. The Impact of Unmanaged Scope Creep Burnout from Endless Adjustments When requirements keep shifting, tasks drag on for weeks instead of days, creating “death march” projects that drain morale. If the definition of done changes mid-task, close the ticket and open a new one. Damaged Trust in Estimates Developers see moving targets, clients see missed deadlines, and both lose faith in estimates and planning. Growing Technical Debt Repeated changes often necessitate quick fixes, making the system more challenging to maintain. Stories from the Trenches Rob recalls a four-week integration project that stretched to nine months due to unclear ownership of data mappings. Michael shares a modular app that was copied into six separate projects instead of being built for reuse. One small change multiplied into six updates—an expensive lesson in poor change control. How to Prevent Scope Creep Expansion Define “Done” Clearly – Every task needs explicit completion criteria. Set Regular Checkpoints – Confirm that requirements remain relevant throughout the project. Separate New Work – Treat changes as new tickets with new estimates. Clarify Ownership – Assign responsibility for every requirement and integration. Challenge “Quick” Changes – Always Assess the Real Impact. Key Takeaways Unmanaged scope creep—or any uncontrolled change—can sink a project. By defining requirements early, revisiting them often, and isolating new work from current work, teams can adapt without losing control. Managing changes well is the difference between a project that adapts and one that never ends. Your Scope Creep Challenge Think about the last project you worked on. Did requirements change midstream? Were there regular checkpoints to confirm priorities? How did those changes impact the timeline, quality, or team morale? This week, choose one active project and: Review its requirements with the team. Confirm whether they are still valid. If anything has changed, document it as a new item rather than altering the current work in progress. By doing this, you'll practice catching and managing evolving requirements before they cause unnecessary rework. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Sprint Planning – Setting The Scope A Positive Look At Scope Creep The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Getting It Right: How Effective Requirements Gathering Leads to Successful Software Projects The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit the theme of using the pivot—the skill of embracing change in software development. Reframing a prior episode "Pivoting - How to Embrace Change and Fuel Your Professional Growth" using AI-generated prompts, the hosts explore how developers can navigate career shifts, respond to market signals, and avoid burnout. What Does It Mean to Pivot? A pivot is a strategic change in direction—not a failure. Whether it's shifting from front-end to AI, or moving from software dev to project management, a pivot is about refining your path with the benefit of experience. “Pivoting is not quitting. It's evolving based on feedback, clarity, and vision.” Rob explains that the tech world is full of transferable skills. Moving from Java to C# is often more of a translation than a complete reset. When you view your experience as a foundation, pivoting becomes a launchpad—not a setback. Michael's Pivot from Pre-Med to Tech Michael shares his deeply personal journey—from aspiring surgeon to software engineer. A strong aversion to needles ended his medical ambitions, but his hobby in video games and computers opened a new door. Back when becoming a game developer wasn't mainstream, he chose the broader field of IT. Exploring networking, database development, and programming helped him discover his passions. That exploration, he says, is key to finding the right professional path. “Try everything. Stick with it long enough to learn—then pivot if it doesn't fit.” Knowing When to Pivot Rob introduces the concept of market signals—changes in demand, relevance, or growth within a technology. He uses a bell curve to illustrate how tech rises, plateaus, and declines. Pivoting at the plateau allows for smooth transitions and consistent momentum. Watch for: Fewer job postings in your stack Stagnant growth in your role New interests pulling you elsewhere User or revenue decline in your product or business Michael also highlights burnout as a major internal signal. Decreased energy, productivity, and interest could indicate it's time to shift your focus—or your role. Developer Challenge: Plan Your Pivot Take 30 minutes this week to reflect on your current career trajectory. Ask yourself: Am I still learning and growing? Is this technology or role still relevant? What excites me outside of my current focus? Then identify one small experiment—a course, a meetup, a tool—to explore that new direction. Pivoting doesn't have to be drastic. Small steps often lead to significant transformation. Pivoting as a Business and Personal Strategy The hosts explain that pivots also occur in business. You may need to adjust your target market, tech stack, or pricing model. These aren't signs of failure—they're signs of adaptation. The podcast itself has pivoted over the years—from a solo show to interviews, from foundational topics to AI-driven insights. As Rob puts it, every successful creator has a pivot story—or several. “Sometimes the market doesn't reject you—it redirects you.” Final Thoughts: Change is Growth Pivoting is a crucial aspect of adapting to change in software development. Whether it's motivated by market forces, personal growth, or burnout recovery, change helps you stay relevant—and sane—in a fast-moving industry. Keep learning. Stay adaptable. And remember: the path you're on doesn't have to be the one you finish on. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Finding Balance: The Importance of Pausing and Pivoting in Tech Avoid Burnout – Give Time To Yourself Switching Jobs – When and How to Change Jobs Mastering Skills In Under Ten Thousand Hours The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche delve into the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of customer success. Revisiting a previous episode, "Customer Success - Delivering value on a budget," with AI's help, they reframe how developers and founders can deliver long-term value—even on a limited budget. “Customer success isn't optional—it's how you grow sustainably.” Unlike reactive customer support, customer success is a proactive mindset. It ensures that what you build helps users meet their goals, reduce friction, and ultimately drive business results—for both them and you. The Key Difference: Support Reacts. Success Delivers. Many developers conflate customer support with customer success, but they serve very different roles: Support fixes problems when users hit a wall. Success removes those walls altogether. Callout: “When you build for success, you become an investment—not just a cost.” Developers should aim to reduce effort, automate pain points, and align solutions with customer outcomes. That's when your work becomes mission-critical. Busting the Budget Myth A common misconception is that customer success programs are a luxury reserved only for large companies. The truth? Small teams may need it even more. Michael shares a real-world example: After years of manually maintaining a client's outdated systems, a simple upgrade cut service time from three days to four hours. That's budget-friendly success with measurable ROI.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most foundational topics: evolving from coder to developer. Explored initially in the “Skill Sets for Success” episode, this updated discussion is guided by fresh talking points generated via ChatGPT—though the core theme remains the same: how to grow from a task-focused coder into a solution-oriented developer. Understanding the Shift: From Coder to Developer At the heart of this episode is the distinction between coders and developers. Coders complete the job. Developers solve the problem—and think beyond the current task. Michael emphasizes that evolving from coder to developer is about ownership. Developers consider reusability, maintainability, and long-term value. They don't just write code—they build tools that scale and adapt.

In this episode of Building Better Developers, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their earlier topic from “User Stories Unveiled – A Developer's Guide to Capturing the Full Narrative.” They add structure and talking points—some suggested by ChatGPT—but the real focus remains on how to effectively use user stories in software development. At their core, user stories help teams communicate purpose and intent. They turn generic requirements into actionable, testable narratives that align with real-world needs. The Power of Story: A Proven Format for Software Success User stories follow a simple but powerful structure: As a [user], I want [feature], so that [benefit]. This format helps everyone—from developers to stakeholders—understand what's needed and why. For instance: As a customer, I want to check my account balance so I can make smart spending decisions. Even that brief statement can imply multiple technical requirements. Rob explains how this format helps uncover both functional and non-functional needs—making user stories in software development a critical tool for better results. Turning User Stories Into Requirements That Work Michael takes the discussion deeper by showing how user stories translate into system requirements. Each story triggers important “what if” scenarios: What if there's no balance data? How should errors be handled? What's the next logical user action? These questions drive refinement. The more complete the story, the fewer assumptions developers have to make. When applied well, user stories in software development help identify edge cases and clarify expectations early. Using User Stories in Software Development to Drive Testing Another benefit of user stories? They support test-driven development (TDD). Michael points out that frameworks like Cucumber allow you to write test cases in plain, user-focused language. These tests validate features against the original intent of the story. User stories help developers think from the user's perspective. Instead of focusing on implementation first, they focus on proof. What needs to work—and how do we confirm that it does? What Makes a Great User Story in Software Development? Rob introduces the INVEST model, a proven framework for evaluating user stories: Independent Negotiable Valuable Estimable Small Testable These qualities ensure that stories are manageable, relevant, and easy to test. The team emphasizes avoiding overly technical stories that don't reflect user value. The goal is always to create stories that can guide discussion, development, and testing without confusion. Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing User Stories One major mistake? Saying “Just tell me what to build.” Rob warns this is a dangerous mindset that reduces developers to order-takers. Instead, good developers ask why, challenge assumptions, and uncover the real goals behind each feature. Michael notes that in smaller teams, developers often take on the role of product owner or analyst. That means refining and sometimes even writing the user stories themselves. In those cases, clarity and curiosity become essential to avoid rework or misalignment. Prioritizing and Revisiting User Stories in Software Development Not every story belongs in version 1.0. The hosts advise teams to revisit their backlog and separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Many projects waste time building features that never get used—often because they weren't properly vetted. Use user stories to define your MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Anything outside of that can go into a backlog for future releases. This helps teams stay focused and deliver real value quickly. Final Thoughts: Better Stories, Better Software This episode reinforces a simple truth: user stories in software development are a gateway to better communication, clearer requirements, and stronger software outcomes. When teams understand the who, what, and why of every feature, they build smarter solutions faster. Callout: Don't Code Without a Story Before you build anything, ask: Who is this for? What do they want? Why does it matter? Let purpose drive your process—and let the user lead the story. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources How to write effective user stories in agile development? The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Changing Requirements – Welcome Them For Competitive Advantage Creating Your Product Requirements Creating Use Cases and Gathering Requirements The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Far too many software projects crash not because of poor coding, but because of poor planning. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore why requirements matter more than ever. They dive deep into the foundational role that clearly defined, testable, and outcome-focused requirements play in delivering successful software projects. With insights drawn from hands-on experience and AI-generated discussion points, the episode uncovers how misaligned expectations and incomplete planning can derail even the most promising initiatives. Whether you're a developer, product manager, or founder, this conversation reminds us that getting it right starts well before a line of code is written. Why Requirements Matter in Software Development Rob and Michael begin by revisiting a powerful truth: software requirements are the blueprint for everything that follows. Vague requests and incomplete specifications are the root cause of missed deadlines, blown budgets, and frustrated clients. Callout CEO: 70% of software project failures are tied to poor requirements, not bad developers. When everyone understands what's being built—and more importantly, why—teams align better, and projects succeed more often. Requirements Matter More Than Perfect Code Even flawless code can't rescue a project built on the wrong foundation. Rob highlights three common causes of failure: Misunderstood business goals Disconnects between stakeholders and developers Expanding scope from unclear requirements If the team can't agree on what success looks like, no amount of elegant code will save the effort. For more on aligning teams and expectations, check out our episode on Bridging Methodologies. Requirements Matter: Start with the Why Michael emphasizes starting with the business objective. Before diving into specs or wireframes, ask: Why does this solution need to exist? What problem is it solving? Many clients envision modern systems based on outdated workflows. Developers must educate while extracting needs—balancing modernization with functionality that still matters. Requirements Matter When Writing User Stories Rob and Michael advocate for user stories—clear, testable statements of what the system must do. A well-written story includes: A specific actor (e.g., user, admin) A goal (e.g., schedule an appointment) An expected result (e.g., receive confirmation) Michael puts it plainly: If a developer doesn't know when a requirement is “done,” it's not a requirement—it's a guess. Learn more about effective story writing with this Agile user story guide. Requirements Matter in Managing Scope and Budget Requirements aren't just lists—they're guardrails. Michael warns that unchecked feature creep can quietly drain resources and sink projects. A disciplined list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves keeps everything on track. Start with the core. A “calendar app” doesn't need AI-scheduling in version one. Build the basics first, validate them, and then iterate with purpose. Requirements Matter in Prototypes and Demos Rob is a strong advocate for visual requirements. Tools like Figma, PowerPoint, and internal “kitchen sink” demos help bring vague ideas into sharp focus. Stakeholders often struggle to articulate what they want—until they see it. Clickable mockups bridge the communication gap and reduce costly rework. As Rob puts it, “the more real it feels, the better the feedback you'll get.” Balancing Detail: When Requirements Matter and When They Don't Finding the balance between too little and too much detail is key. Rob favors lightweight specs for creative flexibility, while Michael leans on testable, bulletproof requirements. Their advice? Define what the system must do, but avoid locking in how it must be done—especially too early. The goal is clarity of intent, not rigidity in implementation. Make Requirements Matter on Your Team Before wrapping up, Rob and Michael pose a practical challenge to all teams: Can every requirement in your backlog be tested and tied to a business goal? If not, it may be time to revise or remove it. Unclear requirements aren't just annoying—they're expensive. By committing to clarity, your team reduces ambiguity, limits rework, and speeds up delivery. Every stakeholder benefits when expectations are grounded in reality. Final Thoughts From stakeholder interviews to wireframes and test-driven development, requirements matter at every stage of the software development lifecycle. Each assumption should be questioned. Each “nice to have” should be weighed carefully. Every essential feature must be validated. So the next time you're tempted to “just start coding,” take a step back and ask: Do we really understand what we're building—and why? Because when requirements matter, your software delivers. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Software Development Requirements: Staying True to Specifications The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Changing Requirements – Welcome Them For Competitive Advantage Creating Use Cases and Gathering Requirements The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of the Building Better Developers with AI podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a popular past topic: the power of documentation. Instead of repeating the same points, they used ChatGPT to surface fresh talking points and spark a new conversation. This wasn't about using AI to generate documentation, but using it to revisit, reflect, and dive deeper into the value of documenting your development work. The result is a renewed appreciation for one of the most overlooked parts of software development—and how to make it better. The Power of Documentation: Why We Resist, But Still Need It “Good documentation might not get noticed—but bad or missing documentation definitely will.” Most developers avoid documentation. It's viewed as: Time-consuming Low ROI Secondary to writing “clean code” But as Rob and Michael explain, the power of documentation becomes obvious when someone new joins the team, when you return to your own code months later, or when something breaks in production. Without documentation, your project becomes fragile—even dangerous. Using AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can help kick-start outlines, clarify intentions, and even summarize logic to make documenting easier. The Power of Documentation in Planning: Comment-Driven Development “Don't just write code—write your thinking process.” One of the key strategies Rob shares is comment-driven development. Start by outlining your logic and workflow using plain-language comments or pseudocode. This mirrors how many AI tools generate code: from your intent to executable logic. Michael supports this with a reminder that self-documenting code—through clear naming, logical structure, and readable syntax—is also a form of documentation. Helpful tools: JSDoc Doxygen Sphinx Notion AI The Power of Documentation as a Force Multiplier “Documentation doesn't just explain—it accelerates.” Rob and Michael stress that the power of documentation isn't just about code comments—it's about velocity, quality, and reliability. Good documentation: Speeds up onboarding Reduces bugs and confusion Enables DevOps and automated testing Clarifies communication across teams Tools like Swagger and Postman transform API docs into live interfaces—letting you test endpoints, view examples, and generate clients with ease. The Power of Documentation: What It Costs to Skip It “If you don't write it down, it walks out the door with your last developer.” Michael shares stories of undocumented systems that became impossible to maintain when key developers left. Even worse is documentation that exists—but is never updated. Best practices: Keep docs near the code (e.g., Markdown in repo) Automate updates with tools like MkDocs Treat documentation like testing: part of your done definition Pro tip: Add documentation as a checklist item in your development tickets. Don't consider a task complete until it's explained clearly. The Power of Documentation in Practice: Where to Start “Every project deserves a README, a runbook, and a little foresight.” Rob and Michael outline the foundational documentation every project should have: README.md — Overview, build/setup steps, key dependencies Code comments — Especially around complex or non-obvious logic API documentation — Inputs, outputs, examples Architecture diagrams — System design and flow Runbooks — Deployment, recovery, and incident response Testing strategy — How to verify features and stability These documents preserve the power of documentation and ensure long-term maintainability, even as teams and tools evolve. Developer Challenge: Take One Step This Week Your challenge from the episode: Pick one area of your project—just one—and improve its documentation this week. Update the README. Create a runbook. Add clear inline comments to a tricky method. If you're not sure where to start, use AI to outline your intent or help create a checklist. Tag your results with #DevDocChallenge and share how you're strengthening the power of documentation in your work. Final Thoughts: Let AI Inspire, But Let Documentation Lead In this episode, Rob and Michael didn't use AI to do the documentation. They used it to start a better conversation about why it matters. The power of documentation is timeless—but now we have better tools and habits to make it sustainable. If you want to build code that lasts, supports teams, and scales with confidence—make documentation part of your strategy from day one. Callout: Build smarter. Build clearer. Embrace the power of documentation—your future self and your team will thank you. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Organizing Business Documentation: A Critical Challenge for Entrepreneurs Test-Driven Development – A Better Object-Oriented Design Approach SDLC – The software development life cycle is simplified Using a Document Repository To Become a Better Developer The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

A strong project kickoff strategy can make or break your software project. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit and expand upon their earlier episode, Mastering the Project Kickoff – Setting the Stage for Success. This time, they use AI not to redefine strategy, but to reflect on what worked, what's changed, and what new insights can improve how teams approach kickoffs today. The result is a deeper, more refined look at launching software projects with intention and clarity—before writing a single line of code. Why Your Project Kickoff Strategy Still Matters “Two weeks in, and no one agrees on the goal.” It's a story most developers know too well. The reason? A weak or nonexistent project kickoff strategy. Rob and Michael break down how early misalignment on goals, responsibilities, or MVPs can derail projects quickly. To avoid this, teams need a consistent, structured approach that starts before the first line of code is written. How AI Improves Your Project Kickoff Strategy AI can't replace a good team conversation, but it can support a better project kickoff strategy by helping structure discussions, define deliverables, and highlight gaps in planning. Some examples AI tools can generate: Stakeholder role outlines Risk assessment prompts Project objective statements Kickoff meeting checklists With good prompting, AI becomes a partner in better planning. Core Elements of a Strong Project Kickoff Strategy A repeatable project kickoff strategy should include the following: 1. Purpose and Objectives What are we building, and why? Define the business problem and expected outcome clearly. 2. Team Roles and Ownership List all stakeholders, assign responsibilities, and clarify decision-makers. Misunderstood roles create avoidable blockers. 3. Process and Delivery Plan Establish your delivery method (Agile, Scrum, Kanban) and how progress will be tracked, tested, and shared. 4. MVP and Scope Control Rob and Michael emphasize: everything must map to the MVP. If it doesn't, reconsider the feature. 5. Documentation and Visibility Centralize everything. Use Notion, Confluence, or shared drives, and record meetings for searchability and auditability. Warning Signs of a Poor Kickoff Strategy Michael and Rob call out red flags that reveal when your project kickoff strategy is weak or broken: No written MVP or goals Absent stakeholders during planning Overlapping roles with unclear boundaries “We'll figure it out later” mindset No documentation or decision logs Ignoring these signs leads to confusion, rework, and a breakdown in team trust. Anchor Your Kickoff Strategy with an MVP “If your feature doesn't pass a test, it's not part of your MVP.” Michael shares a practical tip: create user stories first, then turn them into pass/fail tests. This ensures that your project kickoff strategy stays laser-focused on outcomes—not distractions like UI polish or edge-case bells and whistles. Challenge: Audit Your Project Kickoff Strategy Before your next launch, hold a quick strategy review. Ask: Do we have a clearly defined MVP? Are team roles written and confirmed? Are meeting notes and decisions documented? Does every feature connect to project goals? If not, revise your strategy now—before you waste time. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Working The Project – Consulting Success CYA Documentation: Getting Started With Consulting Winning Your First Project: A Developer's Guide to Starting Your Side Hustle A Project Management and Pricing Guide for Success Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a popular question: What Happens When Software Fails? Originally titled When Coffee Hits the Fan: Developer Disaster Recovery, this AI-enhanced breakdown explores real-world developer mistakes, recovery strategies, and the tools that help turn chaos into control. Whether you're managing your first deployment or juggling enterprise infrastructure, you'll leave this episode better equipped for the moment when software fails. When Software Fails and Everything Goes Down The podcast kicks off with a dramatic (but realistic) scenario: CI passes, coffee is in hand, and then production crashes. While that might sound extreme, it's a situation many developers recognize. Rob and Michael cover some familiar culprits: Dropping a production database Misconfigured cloud infrastructure costing hundreds overnight Accidentally publishing secret keys Over-provisioned “default” environments meant for enterprise use Takeaway: Software will fail. Being prepared is the difference between a disaster and a quick fix. Why Software Fails: Avoiding Costly Dev Mistakes Michael shares an all-too-common situation: connecting to the wrong environment and running production-breaking SQL. The issue wasn't the code—it was the context. Here are some best practices to avoid accidental failure: Color-code terminal environments (green for dev, red for prod) Disable auto-commit in production databases Always preview changes with a SELECT before running DELETE or UPDATE Back up databases or individual tables before making changes These simple habits can save hours—or days—of cleanup. How to Recover When Software Fails Rob and Michael outline a reliable recovery framework that works in any team or tech stack: Monitoring and alerts: Tools like Datadog, Prometheus, and Sentry help detect issues early Rollback plans: Scripts, snapshots, and container rebuilds should be ready to go Runbooks: Documented recovery steps prevent chaos during outages Postmortems: Blameless reviews help teams learn and improve Clear communication: Everyone on the team should know who's doing what during a crisis Pro Tip: Practice disaster scenarios ahead of time. Simulations help ensure you're truly ready. Essential Tools for Recovery Tools can make or break your ability to respond quickly when software fails. Rob and Michael recommend: Docker & Docker Compose for replicable environments Terraform & Ansible for consistent infrastructure GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins for automated testing and deployment Chaos Engineering tools like Gremlin and Chaos Monkey Snapshot and backup automation to enable fast data restoration Michael emphasizes: containers are the fastest way to spin up clean environments, test recovery steps, and isolate issues safely. Mindset Matters: Staying Calm When Software Fails Technical preparation is critical—but so is mindset. Rob notes that no one makes smart decisions in panic mode. Having a calm, repeatable process in place reduces pressure when systems go down. Cultural and team-based practices: Use blameless postmortems to normalize failure Avoid root access in production whenever possible Share mistakes in standups so others can learn Make local environments mirror production using containers Reminder: Recovery is a skill—one you should build just like any feature. Think you're ready for a failure scenario? Prove it. This week, simulate a software failure in your development environment: Turn off a service your app depends on Delete (then restore) a local database from backup Use Docker to rebuild your environment from scratch Trigger a mock alert in your monitoring tool Then answer these questions: How fast can you recover? What broke that you didn't expect? What would you do differently in production? Recovery isn't just theory—it's a skill you build through practice. Start now, while the stakes are low. Final Thought Software fails. That's a reality of modern development. But with the right tools, smart workflows, and a calm, prepared team, you can recover quickly—and even improve your system in the process. Learn from failure. Build with resilience. And next time something breaks, you'll know exactly what to do. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources System Backups – Prepare for the Worst Using Dropbox To Provide A File Store and Reliable Backup Testing Your Backups – Disaster Recovery Requires Verification Virtual Systems On A Budget – Realistic Cloud Pricing Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche delve into the challenges of burnout and overwork, discussing how developers can regain control over their time. By emphasizing the importance of finding balance in software development, they offer practical techniques for staying productive without compromising well-being. Rethinking Hustle Culture in Software Development “Productivity isn't about motion. It's about momentum—in the right direction.” – Rob Broadhead The myth of endless hustle runs deep in tech. Developers often mistake working late nights for progress—but it usually leads to burnout and declining code quality. The key to achieving balance in software development is recognizing when it's time to slow down. Warning Signs You're Losing Balance as a Developer Declining communication or code quality Constant frustration or tunnel vision Difficulty disconnecting from work Feeling like you're always behind The solution often lies not in working harder—but in pausing with purpose. Using Strategic Pauses to Regain Balance in Software Development One of the most effective ways of finding balance in software development is to embrace micro and macro pauses. These breaks help reset your mindset and restore focus. Micro breaks: Pomodoro sprints, quick walks, or code reviews Macro breaks: Weekend retreats, sabbaticals, or screen-free days Michael notes that even seasoned pros struggle with stepping away. But taking intentional time off isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Developer Tip: Code Commit and Mental Reset When feeling overwhelmed, commit your progress, walk away, and revisit it later with a fresh mindset. This small act can realign your thinking and productivity. The Role of Pivoting in Achieving Work-Life Balance in Tech Sometimes a pause isn't enough—you need to pivot. And in the context of finding balance in software development, pivoting means realigning your goals, projects, or even your work relationships. Types of pivots discussed: Switching tools or tech stacks Killing ineffective features Saying no to toxic clients Shifting job roles or responsibilities When to Pivot for Developer Success Are you stuck solving the wrong problem? Are sunk costs keeping you on the wrong path? Is your current direction still aligned with your goals? If not, it may be time to pivot and prioritize balance. Tools and Tactics for Finding Balance in Software Careers To close the episode, Rob and Michael outline several tools for creating balance in your developer workflow: Timeboxing and Pomodoro sessions Weekly journaling to identify stress triggers Asynchronous communication to reduce meetings Workspace adjustments for deep work vs. ideation Optimize Your Work Environment for Software Development Balance Experiment with different workspaces for different tasks—coding, brainstorming, or planning. These physical cues help your brain switch gears and stay fresh. Final Thoughts: Building a Sustainable Career in Software Development Finding balance in software development is more than a productivity hack—it's a mindset shift. Whether you're pausing for five minutes or pivoting away from a demanding client, your ability to reset and refocus determines long-term success. When developers learn to pause with purpose and pivot with intention, they don't just write better code—they build better careers. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Avoid Burnout – Give Time To Yourself Detecting And Beating Burnout – An Interview with Victor Manzo Three Signs Of Burnout – Address These Before Its Too Late Three Ways To Avoid Burnout Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In Season 25, Episode 10 of the "Building Better Developers with AI" podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most practical episodes: decluttering your code and digital life. However, this time, they utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to elevate the conversation and provide even more actionable ways to streamline your workflow, sharpen focus, and enhance developer productivity. Why Developers Should Declutter—and Level Up Developer clutter goes far beyond messy code. It creeps into your tabs, your file system, your brain, and your workflow. Rob and Michael explore how revisiting the original topic through the lens of AI created deeper, more structured insights. AI not only confirmed their past advice—it elevated it. As Rob puts it: “Clutter doesn't show up in your IDE, but it absolutely shows up in your performance.” AI helped them reframe the conversation into clear action steps that help you level up your development workflow by decluttering at every level—from code to cognition. Clean Code Is Smart Code: Use AI to Level Up Your Refactoring A central theme of the episode is simple: Great developers delete code. Michael and Rob walk through common bad habits—commented-out code, legacy logic, stale TODOs—and how they quietly accumulate technical debt. They recommend using tools like ESLint, Prettier, or Flake8 to automatically flag issues. More importantly, they encourage developers to make cleanup a weekly routine, not a once-a-year emergency. AI Tip: Utilize ChatGPT to refactor lengthy methods, rename ambiguous variables, or break down complex classes into more manageable components. It's a quick way to make your code easier to read, test, and maintain. Optimize Your Tools: Streamline and Standardize Your Workspace If you want to level up your development workflow truly, decluttering extends beyond the codebase. Your workspace setup—browser tabs, IDE extensions, terminal scripts—can either streamline your productivity or sabotage it. Rob's key practices: Limit browser tabs to 10 or fewer Disable unused plugins and extensions Stick to a consistent folder structure Use shell scripts, makefiles, or Git aliases to speed up routine tasks Michael reinforces the idea with his “kitchen sink” app concept—a reusable codebase that acts as both a portfolio and a best-practices toolkit. Silence the Noise: Declutter Your Developer Brain Clutter isn't just digital—it's cognitive. Rob and Michael emphasize how context-switching kills focus and creativity. To combat this, they recommend: Turning off nonessential notifications (on phone, desktop, and wearables) Using time boxing (e.g., Pomodoro technique) Auditing your calendar weekly Creating interruption-free zones for deep work Pro Tip: Play white noise or ambient focus tracks to drown out distractions and stay locked in. These habits allow you to protect your most important asset as a developer—your attention. Make Decluttering a Weekly Habit and Watch Your Workflow Level Up Don't wait for a meltdown to clean house. Rob and Michael suggest building decluttering directly into your dev rhythm—especially at the end of each sprint or workweek. Their weekly checklist: Archive stale Git branches Delete unused files and TODOs Refactor one file for clarity Restart your system Review your inbox and calendar Even a 15-minute Friday cleanup session can give you a cleaner slate and a sharper mind going into Monday. Bonus: Fewer Tools, More Flow Tool overload is another form of workflow clutter. Michael recommends consolidating everything into one platform—whether it's GitHub, Jira, or Notion. “Let the business be disorganized,” he says. “You bring the order.” Rob echoes this with a challenge: Take one week to migrate everything from your old tools into your primary stack. You'll save time and reduce friction moving forward. Final Thoughts: Use AI to Clean, Simplify, and Level Up Decluttering isn't just about tidiness—it's about creating space to do your best work. And with AI now in your toolkit, you can automate, refactor, and optimize like never before. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Balance Your Time in a Busy World: Tools and Techniques Boost Your Developer Efficiency: Automation Tips for Developers Code Refactoring: Maintaining Clean, Efficient Code Cleaning Your Task List Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In Episode 9 of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how cultivating essential habits for software developers, alongside AI tools and consistent routines, can unlock productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate long-term growth. Why Essential Habits for Software Developers Matter for Career Growth Rob and Michael emphasize that technical skills alone won't set you apart. Instead, it's your daily discipline and consistent habits that fuel success. As shared in the episode: “Success as a developer isn't just about what you know—it's about what you consistently do.” Essential habits for software developers, from daily practice to continuous learning, create momentum that turns average developers into high performers. How AI Supports the Best Habits for Software Developers AI can accelerate your growth, but only when used wisely. Rob and Michael stress that: AI-generated code requires critical review AI tools like CodeSignal and Codacy help improve coding habits Building AI chatbots sharpens your understanding of prompts and system behavior By incorporating AI tools into your daily routines, you strengthen the essential habits of modern software development. Mastering Time Management: A Core Habit for Productive Developers Effective time management is one of the most essential habits for software developers aiming to maximize output. Rob recommends the Pomodoro technique, supported by focus tools like Brain.fm, to create distraction-free work sessions. Michael offers a practical addition: Maintain daily task lists Document roadblocks and scope changes Prioritize meaningful work over busy tasks Time management habits like these reduce burnout and keep developers focused on what matters most. Continuous Learning: A Vital Habit for Software Developer Success One of the most powerful essential habits for software developers is embracing continuous learning. Rob and Michael suggest: Reading technical blogs, books, or documentation weekly Watching educational videos or listening to podcasts Staying up to date with frameworks, languages, and soft skills Rob explains: “Learning equals leverage—it's how you move from junior to lead.” They also invite listeners to request a free copy of their developer career roadmap book by emailing info@developerneur.com by the end of July. Tools and Techniques to Strengthen Developer Habits Rob and Michael recommend practical resources to help cultivate essential habits for software developers: Free AI tools and cloud credits from AWS, Azure, and GCP Static code analysis tools like SonarQube can be used to improve code quality Daily self-review of your code to identify and correct issues Experimenting with AI chatbots to boost prompt engineering skills By combining these tools with consistent habits, software developers can stay competitive and continuously improve. Final Thoughts: Start Building Essential Habits for Software Developers Today Whether it's time management, AI tools, daily practice, or continuous learning, success in software development comes from building better habits and sticking to them. If you want to boost productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate your career, focus on developing the essential habits that top software developers rely on. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Productivity Habits To Start Your Day Right The 21-Day Habit Building Challenge 3 Habits For Every Day and a Happier Life Code Reviews – Build Habits And Best Practices Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche take a deep dive into one of the most uncomfortable—but—essential parts of being a developer: developer feedback. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, they revisit their past topics and uncover new insights on how feedback, communication, and mindset shape stronger, more collaborative developers. AI's Perspective: Developer Feedback as a Growth Tool Rob kicks off the episode by sharing how they asked ChatGPT to structure a show around developer feedback. The AI delivered a simple but powerful reminder: Feedback isn't criticism. It's a tool for growth. Key Takeaway: “Professionals seek feedback. Amateurs avoid it.” By reframing feedback as data rather than a personal critique, developers can use it to refine their skills, just as they would when debugging their code. Rob emphasizes that real-time, in-person code reviews often reveal more than written comments. They provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-training, and discovering undocumented project details. Creating a Safe Space for Developer Feedback Michael reminds listeners that developer feedback works best in a safe and collaborative environment. Taking a breath before reacting allows you to absorb feedback objectively. Pro Tip: Treat feedback as input to improve — not a personal attack. However, Michael cautions against over-relying on constant feedback. While it's essential for growth, too much can erode confidence. Effective developers seek feedback purposefully and filter out noise. Code Reviews: The Most Overlooked Feedback Tool Both hosts stress the value of regular code reviews as an essential form of developer feedback: They catch errors early Enforce coding standards Reduce duplication and dead code Provide cross-training for the team Michael's Advice: “If your code changes are too big to review efficiently, your process needs adjusting.” Regular, focused code reviews keep teams aligned, enhance code quality, and enable developers to learn from one another. Beyond Code: Communicating with Non-Developers Rob reminds us that actual growth comes not just from technical feedback but from communicating effectively with non-developers. Whether it's labeling input fields clearly or translating technical issues for business stakeholders, every interaction shapes project success. Developer Feedback in Action: Understanding your users' language makes your product better — and prevents avoidable frustration. How to Process Developer Feedback Without Ego The hardest part of handling developer feedback? Managing your emotions. Rob and Michael outline how to stay grounded: Don't react — review, digest, reflect Ask clarifying questions without defensiveness Look for patterns across multiple feedback sources By approaching feedback with curiosity rather than ego, developers grow faster and foster stronger teams. Final Thoughts: Winning Through Listening Rob closes with timeless advice: “The person who talks the least in a meeting often wins.” Listening more — to peers, customers, and users — leads to better feedback, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger products. Developer Feedback may be uncomfortable, but it remains one of the fastest, most effective ways to grow as a developer. Combined with AI tools, code reviews, and intentional communication, feedback turns everyday frustrations into long-term success. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Breaking into freelancing or launching a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but winning your first developer project is one of the most important steps in building your development career. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share proven tips to help developers land their first paying project—and do it the right way. Why Mindset Matters for Winning Your First Developer Project The first step to success is shifting your mindset. Rob emphasizes that you're not just writing code—you're solving real business problems for your clients. Think like a service provider, not just a developer. Your success comes from delivering value, understanding client needs, and focusing on outcomes. Michael reminds developers that while independence is part of freelancing, you still work for your clients. Listening, collaborating, and guiding them toward success are essential to building strong relationships. Specialize to Win Your First Developer Project One common mistake when trying to win your first developer project is offering every service imaginable. Rob and Michael both learned that trying to be everything to everyone can lead to frustration and poor results. Focus on the work you enjoy and excel at, such as: Web development API integrations Automation solutions Small application fixes Rob recommends starting with simple, high-demand solutions like landing pages or bug fixes. Michael reflects on how defining a niche helped him avoid projects he didn't enjoy and allowed him to grow his business the right way. Small Wins Help in Winning Your First Developer Project Rob stresses the importance of starting with small, quick wins. These projects help you build confidence, gain testimonials, and establish a reputation. Here's how to approach your first project: Take on projects you can complete within a day Deliver high-quality work with fast turnaround Gather testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to build your portfolio These small wins lay the foundation for bigger opportunities and long-term client relationships. Be Strategic When Winning Your First Developer Project Pricing is another critical factor when trying to win your first developer project. Rob and Michael offer this advice: Avoid underbidding to the point where you limit your future rates Under promise and over deliver to build trust Offer discounts in exchange for testimonials when appropriate Know your value and communicate it confidently Michael shares that early low bids helped him build relationships, but emphasizes the importance of aligning work with your expertise and long-term goals. Confidence and Clarity Lead to Winning Your First Developer Project Winning your first developer project is not just about technical skills—it's about defining your niche, delivering exceptional value, and building strong client relationships. Start small, focus on your strengths, and grow your freelance reputation one project at a time. Ready to take the next step? Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for expert advice on launching your freelance development career. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Updating developer tools is essential for developers who want to stay efficient, secure, and competitive. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how maintaining modern toolsets helps individuals and teams deliver better software, faster. With support from AI-generated analysis and real-world experience, they outline the risks of falling behind—and how to move forward. Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for practical insights and ideas you can start applying today. Efficiency and Profitability When Updating Developer Tools AI captured the core message well: using outdated tools slows down delivery, creates unnecessary friction, and ultimately reduces profitability. For side hustlers and teams alike, this loss of efficiency can make or break a project. Rob pointed out that many developers begin their careers using only basic tools. Without proper exposure to modern IDEs like IntelliJ, Visual Studio Code, or Eclipse, they miss out on powerful features such as debugging tools, plugin support, container integration, and real-time collaboration. Warning Signs You Should Be Updating Developer Tools How do you know it's time to update your development tools? Rob and Michael discussed key red flags: Frequent crashes or poor performance Lack of support for modern languages or frameworks Weak integration with tools like GitHub Actions or Docker Outdated or unsupported plugins Inconsistent tooling across team members Neglecting to update developer tools can lead to slow onboarding, poor collaboration, and increased bugs—especially in fast-paced or regulated environments. Tool Standardization vs. Flexibility When Updating Tools There's a balance between letting developers choose their tools and ensuring consistency across a team. While personal comfort can boost productivity, it may also cause challenges when teams debug or collaborate. Rob and Michael recommend hosting internal hackathons to explore new toolchains or standardize workflows. These events give teams a structured way to evaluate tools and share findings. The Security Risk of Not Updating Developer Tools Michael highlighted that outdated tooling doesn't just slow developers down—it creates serious security and compliance risks. Being just one or two versions behind can open vulnerabilities that violate standards like HIPPA, OWASP or SOX. Regular updates to SDKs, plugins, and IDEs are essential for staying compliant, especially in sensitive industries like finance or healthcare. How to Evaluate New Tools Before Updating Developer Toolchains Rob offered a practical framework for evaluating new tools: Does it solve a real pain point? Start with a side project or proof of concept. Check for strong community support and documentation. Balance between stable and innovative. Michael added a note of caution: avoid adopting tools with little community activity or long-term support. If a GitHub project has only a couple of contributors and poor maintenance, it's a red flag. Developer Tools to Review and Update Regularly To keep your development environment current, Rob suggested reviewing these tool categories often: IDEs and code editors Version control tools CI/CD systems and build automation Testing and QA frameworks Package managers and dependency systems Containerization and environment management platforms Using AI to convert simple apps into different frameworks can also help evaluate new tools—just make sure not to share proprietary code. Final Thoughts Modern development demands modern tooling. From cleaner code to faster deployment and stronger team collaboration, the benefits of updating developer tools are clear. Whether you're an independent developer or part of a larger organization, regularly reviewing and upgrading your toolset is a habit worth forming. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Navigating Communication Tools in Modern Workplaces Building a Portable Development Environment That is OS-agnostic Modern Tools For Monetizing Content Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how to improve team collaboration in software development through the lens of AI-driven insights. Whether you're a solo developer, part of a tight-knit team, or scaling across departments, collaboration remains the backbone of efficiency and success. What Does Collaboration Mean in Development? AI kicked off the discussion with a powerful insight: define “efficiency” in context. But more importantly, it highlighted that collaboration fuels efficiency, not just working faster, but working better. Effective collaboration avoids: Redundant work Misunderstood requirements Tech debt and burnout Rob emphasized that a productive team isn't rushing through tasks but solving the correct problems—together—on the first try. Collaboration Strategies for Solo Developers Even solo developers need structured collaboration between their tools, their future selves, and their automation stack. Top collaboration tips for independent devs: Use opinionated frameworks like Next.js or Rails to minimize decision fatigue. Automate repetitive tasks early to save time in the long run. Commit code regularly with meaningful messages. Document workflows using Notion, Obsidian, or Jira—even if you're the only one using them. Containerize development environments for repeatability and rapid setup. “Solo doesn't mean siloed. Collaborate with your tools, your past decisions, and future goals.” Enhancing Collaboration in Small Development Teams For teams of 2–10 developers, Rob and Michael discussed how tight feedback loops and structured communication are essential to avoid chaos. Recommended practices for small team collaboration: Short, focused daily standups Shared development environments Lightweight Agile or Kanban boards Early investment in CI/CD pipelines Use of pair programming or mob programming for knowledge sharing Michael emphasized Agile's power in synchronizing team efforts, avoiding duplicated work, and solving problems more efficiently as a unit. “Agile helps teams collaborate—not just communicate. It keeps everyone moving in the same direction.” Solving Common Bottlenecks Together AI highlighted four universal collaboration pain points and solutions: Slow Code Reviews - Use SLAs and rotate reviewers Unclear Requirements - Kick off with 15-minute clarification huddles Testing Paralysis - Focus on integration tests and avoid overtesting Context Switching - Block dedicated focus hours Michael zeroed in on testing paralysis, especially in early-stage projects, where developers are too busy scaffolding to write tests. Without collaboration on testing plans, critical issues may be overlooked until it is too late. Rob addressed context switching, warning against excessive meetings that fragment developer flow. Leads should shield devs from distraction by delivering distilled, actionable feedback. Final Thoughts on Collaborative Development As teams grow, minor issues scale fast, and so do inefficiencies. Tools, meetings, workflows, and expectations must all scale intentionally. Rob reminded leaders to summarize and distill information before passing it to their teams and to make clever use of tools like AI, recordings, and summaries to keep everyone aligned without wasting time. “If you're building better developers, you're also building better collaborators.” Take Action: Build Collaboration Into Your Workflow Reassess your standups and review cycles Empower solo devs with documentation and CI/CD Streamline onboarding with containers Test early, test together Protect team focus time Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Embrace Feedback for Better Teams Using Offshore Teams and Resources – Interview With Tanika De Souza Moving To Mobile Teams and Building Them – Sebastian Schieke Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle a challenge that many modern developers face: navigating multiple software methodologies. With insights shaped by both real-world experience and AI-generated suggestions, the discussion reveals how developers can stay effective when juggling Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, and hybrid workflows. Understanding Common Software Methodologies The episode begins with an overview of today's most widely used software methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Kanban, DevOps, and SAFe. Rob and Michael highlight that developers often switch between these within the same organization or even across concurrent projects, depending on client requirements, legacy constraints, or team structure. The result? A dynamic but complex work environment that demands both technical and mental agility. The Challenge of Switching Software Methodologies The core challenge is staying productive while adapting to different software methodologies across teams and projects. Developers face more than just a change in process—they often deal with different toolsets, coding standards, sprint cadences, and collaboration models. This constant context switching can drain mental resources. “It's like being bilingual,” Michael explains. “If you're not fluent in a method, switching is exhausting.” Even development tools play a role. Some developers separate projects by using different IDEs to help them mentally shift gears between methodologies. Clarifying ‘Done' in Software Methodologies Rob and Michael explore a common point of contention: the definition of “done.” In Agile, it often means feature-ready for review or feedback. In Waterfall, it usually means final and locked. “You'll start a war in a meeting just asking what ‘done' means,” Rob quips. Michael uses a cooking analogy to explain the importance of clear expectations: requirements are the recipe, code is the ingredients, and the finished product must match what was promised. Without agreement on what “done” means for each software methodology, delivery and testing become chaotic. Adapting to Different Software Methodologies To truly thrive, developers must move from a methodology purist to an adaptive mindset, focusing on the value being delivered rather than the rigidity of a particular framework. “Don't serve the methodology. Serve the customer,” Rob emphasizes. Michael reminds us to avoid getting lost in small details, like UI color tweaks, when more critical features remain incomplete. Staying aligned with the end goal ensures that effort translates into real progress, regardless of methodology. Documenting Within Software Methodologies In teams that use multiple software methodologies, documentation often becomes fragmented or overly complex. Rob and Michael both stress that great developers learn to write “just enough” documentation—and keep it in one place. Michael offers a best practice: let the codebase be the source of truth. Embedding JavaDocs, comments, or changelogs within the code ensures that updates stay consistent with the actual implementation. It reduces dependency on separate, often outdated documentation tools. “If your code and documentation don't match, one of them is lying,” Michael warns. Key Takeaways on Software Methodologies Understand core methodologies — Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, and hybrids Support healthy context switching — Use tools and routines that help you adapt Align on ‘done' — Define it clearly with your team Focus on outcomes — Avoid getting stuck in rigid process rules Document just enough — And keep it close to your code Be Adaptable, Stay Focused To succeed across software methodologies, developers must be flexible, clear, and focused on delivering value. Rather than being loyal to a single framework, the best developers understand the principles behind them all. They communicate effectively, manage context switches efficiently, and utilize smart documentation to keep projects aligned. When you serve the goal—not just the process—you become a truly adaptive developer. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Learn From CoWorkers: Interview with Douglas Squirrel Rock Bottom Can Be a Starting Line Invest In Your Team – They Will Want To Stay Building Better Developers With AI – With Bonus Content

In software development, the real challenge often isn't coding—it's solving the right problems. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle one of the most overlooked but costly traps in tech: solving problems in software projects that don't need solving, while missing the ones that do. With the help of AI, they explore why teams often get stuck fixing symptoms instead of addressing root causes, launching features that don't matter, or optimizing performance before users even exist. Through candid examples and sharp insights, they demonstrate how developers can shift their mindset to deliver meaningful and lasting solutions. Solving Problems in Software Projects with AI This episode begins with a lighthearted intro: No, AI won't send killer robots to your house—but it can help you become a better developer. Rob and Michael let AI help set the topic: solving problems in software projects without actually solving the problem. They explain how developers often confuse motion with progress. Writing code doesn't mean you're building value. Launching a feature doesn't mean it's needed. These illusions create technical debt and user frustration. Michael compares this to marketing tricks, such as offering gift cards to attract users instead of improving the site to keep them engaged. Solving the Right Problem in Software Projects A quote from Einstein sets the tone: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem.” Rob and Michael emphasize the importance of understanding before acting. Too many developers rush to fix bugs without asking: What's broken? What does the user expect? Michael draws on insights from Dan Heath's "Upstream" to emphasize the importance of preventing issues, rather than just reacting to them. Effective developers think ahead and solve problems at the source—not just in the code, but in the system design and user flow. Avoid Quick Fixes When Solving Problems in Software Projects Rob warns against “band-aid fixes”—temporary solutions, such as increasing timeouts or adding unnecessary features. These surface-level patches don't address the core issue and often exacerbate the problem. Michael provides examples from the gaming world and enterprise software, highlighting instances where shipping buggy systems is done solely to meet a deadline, only to spend months patching them. Instead, they advocate for delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that truly addresses user needs. Why Listening Solves More Than Writing Code Michael shares a powerful technique: shut up and let your customer talk. Developers often assume they understand the problem after hearing a few words. But real insights come from listening deeply and asking open-ended questions. Rob adds that great discovery comes from dialogue. Clients often reveal critical needs casually—things you'd never hear if you rushed through the requirements checklist. Strategic Planning vs Feature Bloat Planning is vital, but discipline is equally important. Michael recommends an early brainstorm to throw every idea on the table. Then, trim down ruthlessly to only what's needed for your MVP. Rob warns against premature optimization: spending hours adjusting colors and layout before functionality is in place. Significant development is about timing—doing the right work at the right stage. Final Thoughts on Solving Problems in Software Projects The episode concludes with a call to action: focus on outcomes, not output. Don't measure your value by lines of code or number of features. Measure it by the clarity, stability, and usefulness of the solution you deliver. Sometimes, the best move is to slow down, ask more questions, and think more deeply. Rushing to implement can lead to rework and frustration. Thoughtful, deliberate problem-solving builds better developers and better software. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources One Offs, Side Projects, and Veering From Standards Setting Realistic Expectations In Development The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Building Better Developers With AI – With Bonus Content

Welcome to a fresh season of the Building Better Developers podcast—Building Better Developers with AI. In this AI-assisted episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a fan-favorite discussion, now viewed through a modern lens. The focus? The transformation in mindset and skills involved in the journey of coding vs. developing. “We're feeding past seasons into AI—and seeing where it takes us.” – Rob Broadhead Coding vs. Developing: Shifting the Mindset At the heart of becoming a developer, not just a coder, is a shift in mindset—coders complete tasks. Developers solve problems. AI reinforces this by highlighting the importance of outcome ownership rather than task completion. This is one of the most essential transitions from a coder to a developer. “A developer doesn't just solve the problem—they find the best way to solve it.” – Rob Michael notes that while time and budget can constrain developers, understanding the purpose behind the task is what separates coding vs. developing. Problem Framing in Coding vs. Developing Developers don't jump into code. They ask questions, define success criteria, and understand the "why." Michael discusses how reading and challenging ticket requirements upfront is critical to producing valuable outcomes, a significant step in your development journey. “Clarifying requirements early avoids disaster later.” – Michael Pattern Recognition and Abstraction in Software Development Great developers look for patterns they can abstract and reuse. Whether it's a function, a test module, or a reusable page object, this step is a defining trait of developing over coding. Rob links this to product creation, citing examples of tools that evolved from personal needs. Michael adds perspective from testing, showing how modular thinking and reusable components streamline the development lifecycle—another key difference between a developer and a coder. Product Thinking and Collaboration Another significant leap in the evolution of coding versus developing is thinking like a product owner. Developers who consider user interactions, usability, and feedback loops offer far more value. Rob emphasizes that collaboration with non-technical teams is essential. “You can't build a successful product in a silo.” – Rob Michael notes this is one area where AI currently falls short—human empathy and cross-functional understanding still matter. Innovation Through Constraints and Debugging Developers thrive under constraints. Rob encourages listeners to view limitations, such as time and budget, as opportunities for creativity. He also highlights debugging as a learning opportunity—a true hallmark of coding vs. developing. “If you hate debugging, development may not be for you.” – Rob Feedback Loops and Developer Growth Modern developers rely on data and feedback—logs, metrics, user behavior—to iterate and improve. Rob champions a mindset of "release, observe, learn, improve." This continuous loop separates developers from coders, highlighting the core difference between coding and developing. Final Thought: Coding vs. Developing for Business Success The season opener wraps with reminders that technology is just a tool. Developers think critically, adapt, and aim to solve business problems—not just write code. That's the essence of coding vs. developing. “You're solving a problem—not playing with a shiny new tool.” – Rob Stay Connected: Join the Develpreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Coder or Developer – Learning To Solve Problems Tools to Separate Developers from Coders Start A Developer Career – Interview With Robert Cooke Building Better Developers With AI – With Bonus Content

Welcome to a new season of the Building Better Developers podcast! Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche return with a fresh twist—this time, they're putting artificial intelligence in the co-pilot seat. In Season 25, titled “Building Better Developers with AI,” the team explores how AI can shape, support, and sometimes challenge the development journey. Whether you're AI-curious or just trying to keep up, this season promises something for every mid-level developer looking to grow. Why Start a Season on Building Better Developers with AI? As Rob explains in the episode opener, the idea for the season was sparked by a playful experiment: using ChatGPT to generate potential season topics. What started as a brainstorming tool quickly turned into something bigger. “Let's actually use AI to shape the season—ask it what topics we should cover and see where it leads.” AI suggested several solid themes, many of which the podcast had tackled before—security, dev tools, career development—but what stood out was the AI's suggestion itself: a season dedicated to AI for developers. “AI for the Rest of Us”: A New Way to Build Better Developers The team quickly aligned on a theme: AI for the Rest of Us. It's not about diving into PhD-level machine learning models. Instead, this season will focus on making AI practical, accessible, and even a little fun. Callout:

Building better businesses is the focus of this season of the Building Better Developers podcast. As the show wraps up, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche reflect on what it truly takes to grow and sustain a successful business. With episodes packed full of real-world advice, the season offered an honest look at the balance between managing operations and planning for long-term growth. Whether you're running a startup or scaling a consulting firm, the challenges discussed this season are highly relatable, and the insights are actionable. Smart Strategies for Building Better Businesses This season delivered a broad spectrum of ideas—from improving customer support systems to deciding when to hire or outsource. Rob and Michael emphasized both short-term wins and longer-term initiatives that can set a business on a more sustainable path. “It's all about making your business better—whether that's better processes or better planning.” – Rob Broadhead By encouraging listeners to apply lessons week by week, the season became a roadmap for identifying and fixing critical business gaps. Automation and Resetting for Business Focus One of the season's strongest messages came from Michael's personal experience: getting stuck in the day-to-day grind. Like many tech-focused founders, he spent so much time coding and serving clients that back-office responsibilities were pushed aside. “You have to reset. I was doing the work, but I wasn't taking care of the business.” – Michael Meloche Turning off notifications and eliminating distractions helped him reclaim time and focus on strategic areas, such as hiring, finances, and operations. Challenge-Based Insights for Better Growth Each episode featured a unique challenge—practical steps like refreshing your website or reviewing your marketing channels. Rob noted that simply blocking calendar time to work on these areas made a noticeable difference. These challenges weren't theoretical—they were tools for building structure and momentum in a growing business. By applying even one challenge a week, listeners could steadily improve their systems and habits. Work-Life Balance and Building Better Businesses Another theme that resonated strongly was the need for rest and recovery. Michael shared his struggle with feeling guilty for taking time off, only to find that stepping away actually increased his productivity. “If you don't take care of yourself, it's like skipping oil changes—eventually the engine gives out.” – Michael Meloche This conversation reinforced that health and mindset are just as crucial to a business as any product or service. Remote Work and Office Culture As businesses shift post-pandemic, the debate over remote vs. in-office work persists. Rob and Michael explored the trade-offs of both environments, acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. “You need to do what's right for the business, the team, and the customer.” – Michael Meloche Balancing flexibility with connection is an ongoing challenge that every business must navigate in alignment with its mission and culture. Final Thoughts: Keep Building Better Businesses Every Day Rob closed the episode with a powerful reminder: every business is a living system with competing demands. Just like software, it requires constant attention, updates, and realignment to continue functioning properly. “There's a business-business balance too—not just work-life balance. Find your ‘why,' and let it guide your decisions.” – Rob Broadhead Not every episode will apply to every business stage, but together, they form a comprehensive guide for those committed to growth and leadership.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the topic of remote vs in-office work. As workplace dynamics continue to shift, they discuss how leaders and employees alike can evaluate which setup—remote, in-person, or hybrid—best supports true productivity and team culture. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, they offer a balanced, actionable perspective for navigating this ongoing workplace debate. Remote vs In-Office Work and Company Culture: Collaboration at a Cost? The heart of the discussion centers around a key question: Which work model enables better results—remote or in-office? Rob explains that the answer isn't universal. While some workers thrive in a quiet home office, others are more engaged and effective in a collaborative, physical environment. Understanding which model best suits your team and role is the first step toward optimizing performance. Callout:“It's not about where you work—it's about how productive you are in that environment.” Hybrid Solutions in the Remote vs In-Office Work Debate Michael highlights the benefits of remote work with a real-world example: a previous role where he managed automated testing over weekends. Working from home allowed him to complete more than 60 hours of productive work while avoiding commutes and unnecessary meetings. He notes that remote work supports flexibility and work-life balance—when paired with strong expectations. However, companies often struggle with remote operations due to poor policy implementation. Without clear rules for communication, availability, and professionalism, remote teams can quickly become disorganized. Key Insight:“Remote work only works well when you create structure around it.” In-Office Work: Culture, Collaboration, and Spontaneity While remote work offers many benefits, Rob defends the value of being physically present in the office. He explains that office environments enable spontaneous collaboration, faster feedback, and a stronger sense of culture. These moments—like hallway conversations and impromptu brainstorming—are difficult to replicate remotely. Still, he warns that office settings aren't always efficient. Endless meetings, distractions, and “looking busy” can hurt productivity. The key is intentional use of in-person time to build relationships and align on priorities. Quote from Rob:“Sometimes being in the office just means more talking about work—not doing it.” Hybrid Work: The Best of Both Worlds? The hosts discuss hybrid work as a potential compromise in the remote vs in-office work debate. Hybrid models allow team members to balance deep, focused work at home with occasional in-person meetings for collaboration. Michael notes that occasional in-office days—such as once per quarter—can be enough to build trust and team cohesion without draining productivity. However, they caution that hybrid setups require even more planning. Rules for attendance, virtual etiquette, and meeting structure must be clearly defined to prevent confusion and burnout. Leadership and Culture in Any Model Both Rob and Michael emphasize that strong leadership and a defined company culture are essential—regardless of where work takes place. Businesses must provide guidance on video etiquette, work schedules, and productivity expectations. Whether employees are remote, in-office, or hybrid, leadership must equip them to succeed in their specific environments. Callout:“Success comes from clear policies and consistent culture—location is just logistics.” Final Thoughts on Remote vs In-Office Work: What Works for You? As the episode closes, the hosts challenge listeners to reflect on their own roles and teams. Make a list of pros and cons for both remote vs in-office work. Consider productivity, focus, communication needs, and personal obligations. You may discover that the best model for your business isn't either/or—but a mix that fits your goals and your people. Challenge: “Are you busy—or are you productive? That's the real question in the remote vs in-office work discussion.”

Upgrading your business is more than a buzzword — it's a strategic mindset. In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore what it really means to upgrade your business in today's fast-moving, tech-driven world. From tools and processes to training and hiring decisions, they offer practical advice for business owners ready to make smarter, more efficient moves. What Upgrading Your Business Really Means Upgrading your business means taking a proactive approach to making it more efficient, productive, and resilient. It's not just about buying new hardware or using trendy software — it's about improving the way your business operates at every level. Rob Broadhead explains how boutique consulting — like the kind offered by Developer Nation — goes beyond just staffing and focuses on solving the right problems. By identifying a business's unique strengths and removing friction in daily operations, upgrading becomes a strategic investment in growth. “We're not here to throw hours at a project. We help you solve real problems with focused solutions.” – Rob Broadhead Upgrading Your Business Tools: Are You Falling Behind? One of the easiest ways to start upgrading your business is by evaluating the tools your team uses every day. Rob reflects on the days when a computer could take five minutes to boot up — a daily delay that adds up over time. Whether it's modern laptops, cloud platforms, or extra monitors, the right tools can unlock better productivity. And while Michael loves open-source solutions, he emphasizes that businesses need to weigh the cost of learning against the speed of implementation. “Are you spending more time learning the tool than using it? That's the key question.” – Michael Meloche Upgrade Your Team: Train or Hire? Another area where upgrading your business pays off is in your people. Rob and Michael tackle the classic dilemma: should you train your current team or hire experienced professionals? Rob favors investing upfront in talent that can hit the ground running. Michael agrees — but says strategic training also works when you have committed long-term staff. Either way, upgrading your workforce ensures you don't waste time on preventable errors and inefficiencies. “Hiring cheap cost us more in the long run. Upfront investment saved us months.” – Rob Broadhead Don't Forget Security, Compliance & Maintenance Upgrading your business also means protecting it. Michael stresses the importance of staying compliant with software licenses and keeping systems secure and updated — especially in industries like healthcare, banking, or legal services. “You can't afford to overlook compliance and security in today's business climate.” – Michael Meloche Watch for Time Wasters The hosts encourage listeners to pay attention to how time is being used (or wasted). Whether it's slow software, outdated equipment, or inefficient workflows, these “thieves of time” are often overlooked but easy to fix with the right upgrades. “Upgrading your business might mean replacing an old monitor — or rethinking how your team spends its day.” – Rob Broadhead This Week's Challenge: Start Upgrading Your Business This week, spend time auditing your business. Watch how employees work, where delays happen, and what causes frustration. Then make a short list of the easiest wins: faster internet, clearer processes, better equipment. Even a small improvement today can save hours next month. Stay Connected with Developer Nation Liked the episode? Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or catch the video version on YouTube. Contact Rob and Michael at or visit info@develpreneur.com to leave feedback and suggest topics for the next season. Follow along on X @Develpreneur and YouTube for regular insights, challenges, and tips to build a better business. We are also on Facebook and LinkedIn. Additional Resources Business Tune-Up Checklist: How to Refresh, Refocus, and Reignite Mid-Year Business Finance Management: Building Better Businesses for Success Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dig into one of the most underused but powerful tools for business improvement: retrospectives. Whether you're a startup founder, a seasoned project manager, or a solo entrepreneur, retrospectives are essential for continuous growth and team alignment. This post captures the key takeaways from the episode and the challenge they leave for listeners at the end.

In a recent episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the value of a business tune-up—a mid-year check-in designed to help business owners realign with their goals, improve operations, and reduce waste. Whether your business is thriving or simply coasting, regular evaluations can uncover blind spots, highlight new opportunities, and help you operate more effectively. What Is a Business Tune-Up? Rob Broadhead describes a business tune-up as a strategic assessment of your company's core elements—from technology and marketing to compliance and overall alignment with your mission. It's not just about checking sales metrics. It's about asking: Are we still aligned with our mission? Is our customer experience consistent and strong? Are we positioned for sustainable growth? This type of review should happen at least once or twice a year and can often be completed in 30 minutes or less. Business Tune-Up Step 1: Review Your Website and Messaging Your website is often a potential customer's first interaction with your business. Rob recommends reviewing: Site functionality and uptime Messaging and value proposition Blog content freshness Design consistency and branding Walk through your website as if you were a first-time visitor. Does it clearly explain what you do? Are there outdated blog posts or confusing navigation paths? Business Tune-Up Step 2: Audit Subscriptions and Expenses Michael Meloche shares how he routinely reviews business expenses to identify unnecessary costs and expired tools. He recommends: Reviewing all active services and tools Identifying subscriptions no longer in use Evaluating recurring expenses for ROI Many businesses waste hundreds or even thousands per year on forgotten tools. This step alone can have an immediate financial impact. Business Tune-Up Step 3: Adjust for Growth and Scale If your business is growing, your infrastructure should grow with it. Michael emphasizes reviewing internal workflows and team bandwidth to determine if: It's time to hire additional help or virtual assistants Agile practices and documentation need improvement Your current tools can be consolidated or upgraded Rob notes that as businesses grow, systems that worked early on can quickly become limiting. Simplifying and integrating tools may offer greater efficiency and ROI. Business Tune-Up Step 4: Check for Compliance and Security Staying compliant is essential, especially in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. Your compliance check should include: Reviewing certifications and licenses Verifying software updates and security patches Staying informed on new industry regulations Neglecting updates or certifications can lead to legal issues or vulnerabilities. Keeping up with best practices ensures stability and avoids disruptions. Business Tune-Up Step 5: Refresh Marketing and Outreach Marketing is often neglected during busy periods, but it shouldn't be. Key areas to review: Campaign performance (email, PPC, content) Social media presence and engagement Follow-up processes for leads Marketing funnels and conversion paths Michael reminds listeners that maintaining an active presence—even in slower seasons—can generate new leads and keep your brand top of mind. Episode Challenge: Complete a 30-Minute Business Tune-Up Rob concludes the episode with a simple but impactful challenge: Take 15 to 30 minutes this week to perform a business tune-up. Review your website, marketing, expenses, workflows, and compliance. Even small improvements can generate new opportunities, cut costs, or increase performance. Stay Connected We want to hear from you. Whether you've completed a business tune-up or have questions about how to start, reach out: Email: info@develpreneur.com X (formerly Twitter): @develpreneur YouTube: Developer Podcast Channel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/develpreneur/ Final Thoughts A business tune-up doesn't require massive changes, but it can drive significant results. Taking a step back helps ensure that your tools, team, and tactics support your long-term vision. Use this moment to clean up, recalibrate, and prepare for the next growth phase. Additional Resources Reflect on How To Become More Effective, Then Tune And Adjust A Solid Restart – Stop, Plan, Reset, Go Habit Review for Developers: Boost Productivity and Build Better Workflows Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

In this episode of Building Better Developers, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore impostor syndrome—a challenge many entrepreneurs and leaders silently struggle with. You're not alone if you've ever felt unworthy of success or like you don't belong. Why Impostor Syndrome Appears After Success Impostor syndrome tends to show up at the most inconvenient times, usually after a win. You've landed a big client or completed a major project, but instead of confidence, you feel doubt. Michael identifies three primary triggers: Burnout – You're stretched too thin and start to question your ability. Lack of direction – Uncertainty about what's next fuels anxiety. Criticism – Negative feedback sticks harder than positive progress.

In this episode of Building Better Developers, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore what it means to go off the rails in business—and how to get back on track. From chaotic workloads to scattered thinking, they break down the signs, the causes, and the concrete steps to help you regain control and clarity.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss one of the most underrated leadership and communication skills in business: reading the room. Whether you're pitching a project, leading a team meeting, or giving a client presentation, understanding how your audience is responding in real time is the key to success. This episode bridges the gap between performance, perception, and persuasion—and shows why paying attention is as important as being heard.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche walk you through how to demo your product in a way that not only shows off your work but also gathers critical feedback. Whether you're pitching to potential clients, investors, or internal stakeholders, the proper demo can shape the direction of your product and business.

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast — part of the Building Better Businesses season — Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle an all-too-common challenge: how to stop chasing your tail when you're overwhelmed. When panic sets in, it's easy to feel trapped and exhausted. But by learning to recognize the signs early and taking small, strategic steps, you can break the cycle and get your progress back on track. Stop Chasing Your Tail: Recognize When You're Stuck Panic usually strikes when we realize we're no longer moving forward. Rob describes this moment as a dog chasing its tail — you suddenly become aware that you're going nowhere, which triggers frustration or fear. Common causes include: Overcommitment and unrealistic expectations Financial stress from unplanned expenses Projects running off course Emotional burnout from constant pressure Callout: “Sometimes the best first step is to simply stop and admit: this isn't working.” — Rob Broadhead Before rushing to fix everything at once, take a moment to breathe. Acknowledge where you are without judgment — it's the first step toward real progress. Reset Your Focus and Stop Chasing Your Tail Once you've caught yourself chasing your tail, the next step is resetting your focus. Michael Meloche shared a simple but powerful process: Assess the Situation: Figure out why you're stuck. Time, money, overcommitment? Identify the actual causes. Set a Realistic Goal: Pick an achievable objective. Make sure it's something you believe you can reach. Take One Step Forward: You don't need to solve everything today. Just move one inch closer to your target. Rob emphasized that panic often prompts us to make bad decisions. Instead, progress happens through small, steady steps, and each small win builds confidence. Pro Tip: If your goal feels overwhelming, break it into even smaller milestones. Take Your First Step: Stop Chasing Your Tail Today The biggest challenge once you're stuck is picking your first step. It doesn't have to be huge — it just needs to be in the right direction. Need to fix your finances? Cancel one small expense today. Overwhelmed with work? Finish one small task you've been avoiding. Stuck in a complicated client relationship? Draft an email to start the conversation. Callout: “Momentum builds when you focus on just one small, positive action at a time.” — Rob Broadhead Even slowing down your tail-chasing a little bit helps. Eventually, you'll regain control, stop spinning, and move purposefully toward your goals. Challenge of the Episode This week's challenge is simple but powerful: If you feel stuck, take just one step forward today. Pause. Breathe. Pick one action that moves you closer to your goal. You'll be amazed how much better you feel once you're driving — even if it's just one small victory. And remember, Rob and Michael invite you to reach out anytime at info@developernurd.com if you want to share your journey or need a boost of encouragement. You're not alone — we're all building better businesses, one step at a time! Additional Resources Developer Tools That Transform: Habits for Smarter Development Managing Stress Through A Calculated Approach Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Better Developers podcast! In this session, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive into one of the most potent strategies for startups and growing businesses: building a minimal viable product (MVP) that delivers real customer value — without draining your time or budget. Learn how focusing on the essentials can help you launch smarter, generate revenue faster, and build a product your customers truly need. What is a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)? At its core, a minimal viable product is the simplest version of a product that delivers real value to customers. Rob defined it as: Definition: The least amount of work needed to solve a customer's problem and receive value (and payment) in return. An MVP isn't just a rough draft — it's a usable, valuable product without unnecessary features. The goal is to solve real problems and gather feedback before investing heavily in polish or expansion. Rob and Michael emphasized: solve the customer's immediate problem first, then grow and refine over time. Building a Minimal Viable Product Under Tight Deadlines Rob explained how real-world MVP development often happens under budgetary and time pressures. Using backward scheduling, you start with a firm deadline and map all tasks backward, including coding, testing, deployment, and client training. When a project slips behind, Rob likened it to being in a sinking boat: Callout: “You start throwing unnecessary features overboard to stay afloat and meet your goal.” This mindset forces you to focus only on what is essential for delivering a usable and valuable product. Strategies for a Successful MVP Launch Michael shared key strategies for building a winning MVP: Identify Core Infrastructure Early: Understand what servers, integrations, and compliance needs must be addressed upfront. Start Minimal, Grow Later: Build a basic but functional version first. Leave polish and extra features for after you solve the core problem. Include Testing Early: Invest in automated and user testing from the beginning to catch bugs and inefficiencies while they're still easy to fix. Tip: “A minimal viable product means delivering the highest value with the least wasted effort — not sacrificing quality.” Launching an MVP early allows honest customer feedback to shape your product, saving time and money in the long run. Episode Challenge: Review and Trim Your Feature List This episode's challenge is simple but powerful: Critically review your feature list or project backlog. Ask yourself: Does this feature directly solve a customer problem? Trim anything that adds complexity without delivering immediate value. By applying minimal viable product thinking, you can accelerate delivery, control costs, and create better customer outcomes — all while staying on track. Final Thoughts: Smart MVPs Lead to Stronger Businesses Delivering a minimal viable product is about prioritization, not shortcuts. When you focus on solving real problems and strip away distractions, you create faster wins, better products, and happier customers — without blowing your budget. Ready to level up your business and development skills?

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the real impact of not taking time off. Titled “PTO: Taking Breaks,” the episode is a candid, at times humorous, look at why stepping away from work is crucial, not just for employees, but for entrepreneurs, managers, and developers alike.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into a critical—but often misunderstood—element of project management: setting deadlines. This episode goes beyond the basics of timelines and introduces the psychology, strategy, and communication needed to make deadlines effective, not stressful. Why Setting Deadlines Matters for Business Projects Deadlines define a project's rhythm. As Rob puts it, “the deadline is the finish line.” It's not just about when code is complete—it's about when the product is ready for delivery, after testing, packaging, training, and documentation. Deadlines force prioritization. Without them, projects risk becoming endless cycles of scope creep and perfectionism. But setting arbitrary or unrealistic deadlines can just as easily derail progress.

In the latest Building Better Developers podcast episode, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss an uncomfortable but essential part of doing business: what to do when you make a mistake. More specifically, they explore how turning errors into opportunities can be a powerful tool for building customer trust in business, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term success.

“The more you can adjust your communication to fit your customer, the more effective you'll be.” – Rob Broadhead In this episode of Building Better Developers, part of the Building Better Businesses season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore customer communication strategies. From tone and timing to tools and follow-up processes, they share real stories and practical tips that every developer and entrepreneur should know. Tone and Timing: Keys to Effective Customer Communication Strategies One of the top takeaways? Tone matters. Even when following up on an unanswered email, how you phrase things can shape how your customer perceives you. Rob cautions against saying things like, “As I said in my last email…”, which can feel accusatory. Instead, assume the best: maybe the message got lost, or perhaps they're dealing with their storms (literal or figurative). ⏱ Timing tip: If you don't get a response within 24–48 hours, follow up—but kindly. A quick “just checking in” keeps communication open and positive. Customer Communication Strategies Start with the Right Tools “Don't force your communication tools on your customers. Find out what works best for them.” – Michael Meloche Different customers prefer different channels. Some want a phone call, others prefer text, while many prefer email. Your job? Adapt to their preferences. This can be a game-changer in building trust for developers and entrepreneurs juggling multiple platforms.

Welcome back to the Building Better Developers podcast recap! This season, Building Better Businesses is all about practical ways to improve your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, “Pitch Party: Pitching Your Business,” hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche unpack what it means to pitch your business — and how to do it effectively. Whether you're refining your elevator pitch or creating a full pitch event, this episode explains why authentic conversations are the heart of successful business growth. Why Pitching Your Business Is About Connection, Not Just Sales “It's not about what you do. It's about who you help.” — Rob Broadhead Rob starts by challenging the traditional idea of pitching your business as a sales tactic. Instead, consider it a way to start meaningful conversations with potential customers or partners. He introduces the idea of “pitch parties” — events where business owners talk about their ideas, challenges, and solutions in a relaxed, supportive setting. These can take many forms: Podcasts or blogs where you interview customers Casual local meetups focused on shared business problems Online communities or webinars with a Q&A structure The key to pitching your business successfully? Create an environment where the customer's voice leads the discussion. How Pitch Parties Help When Pitching Your Business “Don't pitch at people. Talk with them.” — Michael Meloche Michael shares how co-working spaces, local business groups, and chambers of commerce can be excellent venues for pitching your business. These settings give you access to other entrepreneurs and decision-makers in your area — the exact people you want to reach. He suggests hosting mini “TED Talks” where you: Identify the problem you solve Explain who it impacts Share how your business addresses it Use these talks to get live feedback from your audience and sharpen your message. Remember, listening is just as essential as speaking when pitching your business. ⚡️ Callout: Lead With Value First When pitching your business, offer value before making the ask. You might: Give away a free consultation or website review Share a downloadable checklist Offer access to an invite-only community or beta These acts of generosity build trust and credibility — the foundation of any successful pitch. Master the Art of Reading the Room “People buy from those they know, trust, and like.” — Rob Broadhead A central theme in this episode is social awareness. Pitching your business in the wrong setting — like barging into a networking event with a hard sell — can do more harm than good. Rob and Michael emphasize the importance of: Building rapport first Becoming part of a community Listening before presenting your solution Online spaces are no different. Become a helpful and trusted voice before promoting your product in forums or on social media. Challenge: Design Your Pitching Event This week's challenge is to brainstorm your pitch party. Whether it's a roundtable, online panel, or a casual coffee chat, think about how you can create a space where business owners discuss real problems — and where you can naturally pitch your business as a solution. Consider: Who your ideal audience is What problems they're facing How you can bring them together for a low-pressure conversation Even if your first event is small or informal, it's a great way to practice pitching your business and refining your messaging. Final Thoughts on Pitching Your Business Pitching your business isn't just about persuasion but also about building relationships. Rob and Michael remind us that the most potent pitch happens when you're genuinely interested in solving someone's problem, not just selling a product. Whether meeting people at a local mixer or hosting your business-building event, remember to listen first and pitch second. The feedback you receive could be the insight that unlocks your next level of growth.