This podcast is for aspiring entrepreneurs and those that want to become a designer and implementor of great software solutions. We look at the whole skill set that makes a great developer. This includes tech skills, business and entrepreneurial skills, and life-hacking so you have the time to get t…
Choosing the right pricing model can make or break a project, and understanding fixed bid vs time and materials is essential for developers, consultants, and business owners alike. In Part 2 of our Building Better Foundations interview with Charly Leetham, we explore the complexities behind scoping work, managing expectations, and balancing fairness with sustainability. This conversation dives into real experiences—both successful and painful—that highlight how important clarity is when building custom software or digital solutions. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in building practical, reliable systems for small businesses. She earned her amateur radio license at 13, became an electronic engineer by 21, and completed her MBA while working full-time and raising two young children. Her career has spanned technical support, sales, project management, and client services, giving her a deep understanding of both technology and people. After running multiple franchises and overcoming a major business setback, she founded Ask Charly Leetham—now a long-standing digital services company supporting clients across Australia, the U.S., and beyond. Known for her clear, no-nonsense approach, Charly specializes in turning complex tech into simple, workable solutions. She also hosts Rise and Shine – Your Business Tech Boost, offering practical guidance to business owners who want answers they can trust. Facebook, Twitter / X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: When Fixed Pricing Works Charly begins by explaining that fixed bid pricing only works when the scope is tight, clear, and measurable. If she can define every deliverable—content length, number of pages, number of images, required effort—then fixed pricing is a win for both sides. Everyone knows what will be delivered and at what cost. "Fixed bid requires fixed scope. If you can't list every deliverable, you shouldn't fix the price." – Charly Leetham But when the work involves unknowns, research, or variable technical challenges, time and materials become the safer, more honest approach. When ambiguity is present, Charly often starts with a one-hour or two-hour discovery block before offering a detailed estimate. Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: Owning the Estimate One powerful theme from Charly's perspective is ownership. If she commits to a fixed price and the work takes longer than expected—yet stays within the original requirements—she believes it's her responsibility, not the client's problem. She compares it to car maintenance: if a mechanic quotes you a fixed price for an oil change, you don't pay extra because it took them longer internally. "If I overestimated my abilities, that's on me—not the client." Michael shares a similar story from his own experience: a large fixed-bid software project that went significantly over budget due to missed requirements and "muscle memory" business processes the client never mentioned. Even after months of discovery, unseen complexity still appeared late in development—forcing a learning experience the hard way. Hidden Requirements: The Biggest Threat to Fixed Bid Work One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is how hidden systems and unspoken workflows can wreck a fixed price project. Rob and Charly both describe situations where: Staff used spreadsheets leadership didn't know about Legacy systems connected to new tools in undocumented ways Workers avoided tools they disliked, creating shadow processes Teams hadn't been trained on the system they were supposed to use Business processes had evolved, but documentation had not These are the real reasons fixed bids go off the rails. Not because developers fail—but because the truth of the workflow is often hidden beneath assumptions. If you don't see the real workflow, your scope is incomplete. Good requirements gathering means observing actual work—not just interviewing leadership. Learning vs Billing: Handling Complexity Fairly Another powerful point from Charly is knowing when to charge for expertise and when to absorb learning time. She tells a story about spending hours researching spam protection for a client. She only billed a fraction of that time, because much of it was her own learning. The next client benefited from that knowledge instantly—and paid a fair fixed price for the solution. That balance of fairness and sustainability is what keeps clients trusting you long-term. Final Thoughts: Getting Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials Right Charly ends with practical advice for developers: stay clear and intentional. Whether you're working fixed bid or time and materials, understand what you're building, pause when you're stuck, and talk through problems with someone. Much of the development clarity comes from simply stating the issue aloud. In the end, fixed bid vs time and materials isn't just about pricing. It's about transparency, expectations, and knowing when each model protects both the client and the developer. With strong communication, clear requirements, and honest scoping, you set the foundation for projects that deliver value without surprises. 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 Strategic Planning and Long Weekends Scaling with Contractors and Employees: A Strategic Guide to Business Growth The Benefits Of Planning Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
Building a strong company starts with strategic foundations for business growth. In Part 1 of our interview with Charly Leetham, we explore how clarity, customer understanding, and simple systems help businesses grow with confidence. Her insights show how the right strategic groundwork leads to long-term success. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in building practical, reliable systems for small businesses. She earned her amateur radio license at 13, became an electronic engineer by 21, and completed her MBA while working full-time and raising two young children. Her career has spanned technical support, sales, project management, and client services, giving her a deep understanding of both technology and people. After running multiple franchises and overcoming a major business setback, she founded Ask Charly Leetham—now a long-standing digital services company supporting clients across Australia, the U.S., and beyond. Known for her clear, no-nonsense approach, Charly specializes in turning complex tech into simple, workable solutions. She also hosts Rise and Shine – Your Business Tech Boost, offering practical guidance to business owners who want answers they can trust. Facebook, Twitter / X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website Strategic Business Foundations Start With the Right Questions Charly opened the conversation with a key insight: you cannot build a strong business without asking strong questions. These questions shape your strategic business foundations and guide the decisions that follow. "Before you build, you must know what you're building and why." – Charly Leetham Too many business owners rush into action without defining their audience or validating the problem they're trying to solve. Charly recommends asking: Who is the ideal customer? What problem are we solving? Why does this solution matter? How will we measure success? These questions are simple, yet they prevent misalignment and wasted effort. Understanding Your Customer Is Key to Strategic Business Foundations Charly highlighted that meaningful customer insight is essential. Many entrepreneurs claim to understand their customers, but they rely on assumptions rather than evidence. This weakens their strategic business foundations and often leads to products that miss the mark. She encourages leaders to: Listen actively Observe behavior, not just opinions Identify real pain points Understand motivation and constraints "Your customers will tell you what they need—if you give them space to speak." This approach ensures your solution fits the customer's world—not just your idea of it. Simplicity Strengthens Strategic Business Foundations One of Charly's most powerful insights is the importance of simplicity. Many founders believe complexity signals value, but Charly argues that clarity creates far stronger strategic business foundations. She recommends: Stripping out non-essential features Using simple, direct language Focusing on the core value Removing any friction that confuses customers "If your customer can't understand what you do, they won't buy from you." Simplicity improves messaging, operations, and customer experience. Systems and Processes Anchor Your Strategic Business Foundations According to Charly, strong systems are not optional—they're essential. Businesses often wait too long to document processes or create workflows. This delay weakens their strategic business foundations and makes growth harder. Systems help businesses: Deliver consistently Delegate confidently Provide predictable customer experiences Avoid repeated mistakes Scale with stability Templates, automations, and repeatable processes transform chaos into structure. Final Thoughts: Building Strategic Business Foundations That Last Part 1 of our interview with Charly Leetham offers a powerful reminder: success begins with strategic business foundations. When you ask the right questions, understand your customers, simplify your offerings, and build systems early, you create a business that can grow with confidence and purpose. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore how automation, alignment, and intentional tools help businesses expand on these foundations and operate more efficiently. 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 Strategic Planning and Long Weekends Scaling with Contractors and Employees: A Strategic Guide to Business Growth The Benefits Of Planning Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this Building Better Foundations episode, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche continue their conversation with Greg Lind, founder of Buildly and OpenBuild. They explore how automating quality in software development changes the way teams build and test software. Greg explains that AI and automation can improve collaboration and prevent errors before they happen. As a result, teams can deliver code faster, maintain consistency, and build stronger foundations for long-term success. Greg's experience across startups and open-source projects has shown him one simple truth: quality can't be bolted on at the end—it must be built into the process from the start. "QA often gets left until the end. But it has to start from the developer." — Greg Lind About the Guest — Greg Lind Gregory Lind is an American software developer, author, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in open-source innovation, software efficiency, and team transparency. He's the founder of Buildly in Brooklyn and co-founder of Humanitec in Berlin, helping organizations modernize systems through collaboration and automation. A frequent speaker at Open Gov and Open Source conferences, Greg advocates for open, scalable solutions and smarter software processes. His upcoming book, "Radical Therapy for Software Teams" (Apress, 2024), explores how transparency and AI can transform how teams build software. Automating Quality Starts with Developers Greg explains that every developer should think like a QA engineer. Testing isn't something done after code is written—it's something built into how code is written. He stresses that developers should write unit tests early and often, focusing on verifying object-level functionality rather than simply checking UI forms or user flows. QA should then expand from there, building additional layers of testing as complexity grows. "I learned that I need to think like a QA person from the very beginning." — Greg Lind By shifting QA upstream, teams reduce rework, accelerate release cycles, and improve code confidence. Automating Quality in Software Development Across the Pipeline At Buildly, Greg and his team integrate testing automation into every stage of the development pipeline. Tools like Robot Framework and Selenium handle both front-end and API-level testing, while Git pre-commit hooks ensure tests are written before code even reaches the repository. "You have to make sure those tests have already been written. If there isn't a test, it pulls it back and says, 'make sure that you have your test in before you check it in.'" — Greg Lind This system ensures that developers can't skip testing—and that QA has visibility into every build. It's a workflow that blends accountability with automation, reinforcing a culture where quality is everyone's job. AI's Role in Continuous Improvement Greg sees AI as a critical ally in maintaining software quality at scale. Rather than replacing QA engineers, AI helps automate the tedious parts of the process—like generating basic test cases, reviewing commits, or spotting missing standards in pull requests. "I don't mean to put that out there as a replacement for QA in any way. Developers need to be in the process, and QA are developers as well." — Greg Lind AI's ability to analyze large volumes of commit history and testing data helps teams identify trends, recurring issues, and areas for improvement. This frees human testers to focus on strategic validation, exploratory testing, and creative problem-solving. Transparency, Collaboration, and Learning Another major theme Greg highlights is transparency. Buildly's AI-driven summaries and automated reports make quality metrics visible to everyone on the team—developers, product managers, and QA alike. "It's not about who wrote the bad test—it's a learning process. Every pull request is an opportunity to make the code better." — Greg Lind This openness removes blame from the process and instead encourages collaboration and improvement. Code reviews become opportunities to mentor, learn, and evolve—not just check boxes. Evolving Agile for the AI Era As Rob and Michael point out, Agile principles still apply—but the implementation must evolve. Traditional sprint structures don't always fit AI-accelerated environments. Greg agrees, noting that the key is flexibility: adapt the process, automate what you can, and always look for ways to improve. "You don't have to be a slave to what you think the process is. Agile literally tells you—adjust it as your team and your project evolve." — Rob Broadhead Automation and AI are simply the latest tools in that evolution—helping teams move faster, collaborate better, and keep quality at the core of every release. Final Thoughts on Automating Quality in Software Development Greg Lind's insights in this episode reinforce a powerful truth: automating quality isn't about replacing people—it's about empowering them. When developers, QA, and AI systems work together, software development becomes a continuous cycle of improvement, learning, and trust. As teams embrace automation and transparency, they don't just ship faster—they build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable software foundations. 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 Boost Your Developer Efficiency: Automation Tips for Developers Automating Your Processes Automating Solutions – Solve First, Then Perfect Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In part one of this Building Better Foundations interview, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche talk with Greg Lind, founder of Buildly and OpenBuild, about bridging the gap in software development through AI, automation, and collaboration. Greg shares how modern teams can overcome silos, strengthen communication, and build transparency into their workflows — creating stronger, more adaptive foundations for success in today's fast-paced, AI-driven world. "We wanted to bring developers and product managers into one tool—so they could build together rather than as two separate teams." — Greg Lind About the Guest — Greg Lind Gregory Lind is an American software developer, author, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in open-source innovation, software efficiency, and team transparency. He's the founder of Buildly in Brooklyn and co-founder of Humanitec in Berlin, helping organizations modernize systems through collaboration and automation. A frequent speaker at Open Gov and Open Source conferences, Greg advocates for open, scalable solutions and smarter software processes. His upcoming book, "Radical Therapy for Software Teams" (Apress, 2024), explores how transparency and AI can transform how teams build software. Bridging the Gap Between Teams and Tools Greg's journey toward bridging the gap started years ago while working with Humanitech in Berlin, where he saw firsthand how poorly connected processes caused frustration and inefficiency. Traditional Agile frameworks, while once revolutionary, began to buckle under the pressure of multi-repo, multi-cloud, and AI-driven development. "Agile started to break under the pressure—especially when we introduced AI-driven tools and CI/CD pipelines. The cycles just weren't fast enough." — Greg Lind To solve this, Buildly introduced a Rapid AI Development (RAD) process — a modern evolution of Agile that supports faster, release-based cycles rather than rigid sprints. It's an approach designed to keep pace with today's distributed teams and complex workflows. Bridging the Gap Through Automated Communication At the heart of Buildly's philosophy is a belief that communication shouldn't slow developers down — it should empower them. By integrating tools like Trello and GitHub, Buildly connects product and sprint backlogs into one transparent view. Developers' commits, issues, and updates automatically feed into team dashboards, reducing the need for endless meetings and manual updates. "You shouldn't have to explain what you did yesterday. Your commits already tell that story." — Greg Lind This approach allows teams to focus on outcomes rather than overhead — building trust, visibility, and true alignment across departments. It's automation as a bridge, not a barrier. Using AI to Bridge the Gap Between People and Process While Greg embraces AI's potential, he warns against depending on it too heavily. AI is great at identifying tasks and patterns, but humans still bring creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to the table. "AI can tell you what's urgent, but it can't understand what's important." — Greg Lind In Greg's view, AI should be a co-pilot — helping teams filter information, automate repetitive work, and focus on higher-value decisions. By balancing automation with human insight, teams can bridge the gap between efficiency and innovation. Empowering Developers to Bridge the Gap Themselves Greg encourages developers not to wait for leadership to fix broken processes — but to take initiative. Automate your own workflows, visualize your backlog, and demonstrate how better systems can look in practice. "Even if you have to automate your own backlog—do it. Show your team what better looks like." — Greg Lind This proactive mindset transforms teams from reactive to adaptive, ensuring that everyone contributes to bridging the gap between communication, accountability, and delivery. Bridging the Gap Toward the Future of Development Greg Lind's insights remind us that bridging the gap in software development isn't about adopting the latest framework — it's about reconnecting people, process, and purpose. When teams share context, communicate openly, and use AI responsibly, they build stronger foundations for innovation. As this episode shows, the future of software isn't about faster code — it's about better collaboration. And bridging the gap is where that future begins. 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 Useful WordPress SEO Plugins Product Catalog: A Deeper Dive Into Customizing WordPress Plugins Manage WordPress Plugins Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this follow-up episode of Building Better Developers, Wes Towers returns to share his hands-on approach to WordPress SEO for developers. From choosing lean tools like Kadence and Rank Math to using AI for faster content creation, Wes explains how developers can simplify design, speed up performance, and stay visible in an AI-driven search world. Key Idea: Smart WordPress SEO for developers isn't about more plugins—it's about clarity, speed, and content that stands out across search and AI platforms. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world.
In this Building Better Foundations episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche talk with Wes Towers of Uplift360, a Melbourne-based digital agency serving the construction and trades industry. The discussion centers on niching for developers—how focusing on a specific audience helps software teams and agencies communicate better, deliver faster, and build lasting client trust. Key Idea: Niching for developers isn't about limiting opportunities — it's about amplifying your expertise and clarity in the markets that need you most. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world.
In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of the most essential pillars of software development — requirements gathering. As part of the Building Better Foundations season, this discussion dives deep into why strong requirements are not just documentation — they're the blueprint of success for every software project. From Classroom Rules to Real-World Clarity Rob opens the discussion by highlighting a gap many developers face: they're trained to solve problems, but not to define them. In classrooms and coding bootcamps, students are handed requirements. But in the real world, success depends on a developer's ability to uncover and validate them. Early-career developers often transition from following fixed assignments to navigating vague project goals. Rob emphasizes that the most important skill they can develop is asking smart, clarifying questions — turning fuzzy instructions into actionable tasks. For example, if a task says, "Add two numbers," the experienced developer asks: Are they always integers? Can they be decimals or negatives? Should the result be formatted or displayed? "Strong requirements start with strong questions. Don't just do the task — define it." – Rob Broadhead The Recipe Analogy: How Cooking Teaches Strong Requirements Michael brings the discussion home with a relatable metaphor — cooking. Every recipe is a set of instructions, ingredients, and steps. If you change them — like adding raisins to chocolate chip cookies — you get the wrong result. The same goes for software. Weak requirements lead to unpredictable results. Strong requirements lead to consistent, repeatable success. Each requirement should be clear, testable, and unambiguous — something that can be verified as true or false. Ambiguous statements like "allow users to enter data" need refinement: What kind of data? Is it numeric, text, or secure input? Without that clarity, developers risk misunderstanding the goal. The "And Then What?" Approach to Strong Requirements Rob introduces his favorite tool for strengthening requirements: the "And then what?" method. After each answer, ask what happens next. "The user logs in." → And then what? "They see a dashboard." → And then what happens if it fails? Each "and then" uncovers gaps, edge cases, and overlooked scenarios. Great developers think like curious toddlers — always asking "why" and "what next" until every path is clear. Speaking the Same Language Another foundation of strong requirements is communication. Many clients express what they want, but not what they need. Developers must bridge that gap, asking why to understand the purpose behind each request. Michael reminds us that non-technical stakeholders often assume things are apparent — but what's evident to them might be missing from the documentation. Practical requirements gathering bridges those blind spots before development begins. Building for the Future with Strong Requirements Finally, both hosts stress scalability. Systems designed without future growth in mind will quickly collapse under success. Strong requirements anticipate change — considering performance, user volume, and integrations from day one. "If your system can't scale, your foundation wasn't strong enough." – Michael Meloche Key Takeaway Strong requirements aren't just a step in the process — they are the process. They transform ideas into actionable blueprints, prevent scope creep, and ensure teams deliver software that lasts. To build better software, start by building better foundations — with strong 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 Creating Your Product Requirements Creating Use Cases and Gathering Requirements Getting It Right: How Effective Requirements Gathering Leads to Successful Software Projects Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this episode of Building Better Foundations on the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore one of today's fastest-growing software trends—vibe coding. Vibe coding blends human creativity with artificial intelligence, allowing developers to describe what they need and let AI generate code in real time. It's a revolutionary idea that promises speed, flexibility, and innovation—but it also raises new questions about structure, consistency, and long-term maintainability. What Exactly Is Vibe Coding? At its core, vibe coding means coding collaboratively with AI. Developers outline the functionality, design, and structure they want, while AI produces the initial code and suggestions. This makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and minimum viable products (MVPs)—helping teams turn ideas into functioning apps in record time. "You're using AI to generate some code and basically allowing AI to code as you go," Rob explains. The catch? Without solid foundations and thoughtful architecture, the speed of AI-generated code can create technical debt—making long-term projects harder to maintain or scale. Using AI as a Junior Developer Rob compares vibe coding to collaborating with a junior or mid-level developer: capable and fast, but in need of clear direction. "If you define your architecture, style, and structure clearly," he says, "AI can build pages and components that fit your system." The best results come from specific, incremental prompts. Instead of asking for an entire app, start small—perhaps a single navigation bar or form layout—and refine from there. Each small win compounds into a solid, scalable solution. From User Stories to Smart Code Michael takes the discussion further, explaining how test-driven development (TDD) and user stories make vibe coding more reliable and efficient. "If you walk AI through the user story—'as a user, I need to log in'—you'll get a better, more useful result," he says. Start by asking AI to write a test case for your feature. Once that test passes, ask it to generate the code. This simple adjustment keeps AI aligned with real-world behavior and helps non-coders understand how requirements become working software. 5 Pro Tips for Smarter Vibe Coding Be Specific: Define frameworks, styling, and goals in your prompts. Start Small: Break your requests into clear, focused tasks. Iterate Often: Review, test, and refine AI output continuously. Think in Tests: Use user stories and TDD to guide quality. Validate Needs: Confirm requirements before coding begins. Avoiding the Trap of Confirmation Bias Michael also warns against confirmation bias—believing AI's output simply because it sounds right. "AI can tell you what you think you need, not what you actually need," he cautions. To stay grounded, developers should regularly check with clients or end users to confirm that AI-generated solutions align with real requirements. AI is a tool, not a truth engine. From Prototype to Production While vibe coding is perfect for prototypes, Rob reminds listeners that production-ready systems still need human craftsmanship. Clean architecture, maintainable code, and performance tuning remain crucial for success. AI can accelerate development—but it's still the developer's job to ensure that the final product is secure, scalable, and sustainable. Final Thoughts on Vibe Coding Vibe coding represents a major shift in how developers think about building software. Used wisely, it enhances creativity, speeds up delivery, and reduces repetitive tasks. Used carelessly, it can create chaos and confusion. As Rob and Michael emphasize, the secret lies in balance: human insight plus AI efficiency. Together, they form the foundation for faster, smarter, 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 Improving Coding Skills: Building Better Developers by Building Better Habits Coding Options: No-Code, Low-Code & AI Vibe The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche continue their conversation with Agustin Morrone, CEO and co-founder of Vintti, a company improving the remote hiring process for U.S. and Canadian businesses across Latin America. From his base in Barcelona, Agustin explains how Vintti combines AI, automation, and cultural alignment to build remote teams faster while keeping people at the center. Vintti's mission remains clear: help companies hire top Latin American talent in under 21 days, saving up to 60 percent on payroll while maintaining quality and trust. In Part 2, we explore how Vintti's evolving systems make the remote hiring process smarter and more scalable. Using AI to Strengthen the Remote Hiring Process Vintti's young, tech-driven team approaches work with an “AI-first mindset.” Rather than replacing people, AI removes repetitive tasks that slow down the remote hiring process. Originally, every interview was manual. Now, AI manages more than half of all first-round interviews, rating English proficiency and technical expertise. Recruiters then step in to evaluate communication style and cultural fit. “AI helps us focus on what matters most,” Agustin says. “It saves time and allows our recruiters to build stronger relationships.” Automation Tools That Simplify Remote Recruitment Vintti automates much of its communication and reporting to improve efficiency. Instead of sending raw resumes, it builds custom, client-ready CVs using AI. Each profile merges data from interviews, LinkedIn, and client discussions into a consistent, easy-to-read document. Automated follow-ups and feedback loops help recruiters stay engaged throughout the remote hiring process, keeping clients informed without losing the human connection. Automation drives consistency, but empathy drives connection. Human Insight: The Key to Remote Hiring Success AI helps identify top candidates, yet it can't replace intuition. Recruiters still assess tone, enthusiasm, and motivation—critical elements of cultural fit. Similarly, Vintti maintains personal conversations with each client to understand company culture before sourcing talent. This ensures every step of the hiring process reflects both human judgment and data-driven insight. Testing, Learning, and Improving the Remote Hiring Process Experimentation fuels progress at Vintti. Recruiters rely heavily on LinkedIn but constantly test new tools to expand reach and reduce friction. “We test, compare, and adapt,” Agustin explains. “If a tool adds value, we scale it. If not, we move on.” This culture of experimentation keeps the hiring process innovative and resilient. Cultural Patterns in Global Recruiting Regional patterns help Vintti understand candidate strengths. Colombian professionals often shine in customer support, Argentines excel in sales, and Mexican talent frequently leads in finance. However, Agustin cautions against stereotyping. “Patterns are helpful, but people are unique,” he says. That perspective ensures fairness and flexibility in every hiring process decision. Supporting Global Teams After Placement Once hired, contractors integrate fully into client organizations. Vintti provides behind-the-scenes support—helping with taxes, communication skills, and professional development—while avoiding cultural interference. Support Principle: Empower independence and provide structure. This hands-off guidance strengthens relationships and keeps the hiring process transparent from start to finish. Discipline and Growth in the Hiring Journey Internally, Agustin looks for self-motivated people who take ownership. He values discipline over motivation, believing that commitment leads to better long-term outcomes. “Motivation fades, but discipline lasts,” he explains. This mindset ensures every member of the Vintti team contributes to refining the hiring process daily. The Future of the Remote Hiring Process Agustin believes AI will reshape global recruiting. While some jobs will change, others will grow. Vintti plans to: Identify new skill trends early. Use automation and AI to make hiring faster and smarter. “Companies that work with AI—not against it—will win,” Agustin concludes. Key Takeaway Agustin Morrone's story shows that the modern remote hiring process depends on balance. AI delivers speed and consistency, while people provide connection and understanding. Together, they build stronger teams worldwide. Learn more about their mission at www.vintti.com. 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 Online Communities and Marketing Protecting Your Brand and Avoiding Legal Trouble How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Getting the word out, promoting your blog Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche speak with Agustin Morrone, CEO and co-founder of Vintti. The company helps U.S. and Canadian businesses master remote hiring across Latin America. From Barcelona, Morrone shares how his bootstrapped startup is growing fast while staying true to its people-first culture. Vintti's mission is simple yet bold. The team helps companies build remote Latin American teams in less than 21 days. They often save clients up to 60% on payroll costs. More importantly, they deliver strong talent that fits culturally and professionally. Morrone's vision redefines remote hiring as a human-centered process built on trust and shared goals. From Argentina to Barcelona: Building a Remote Hiring Vision Agustin Morrone was born in Argentina and now lives in Spain. After earning an MBA, he joined a startup that automated financial planning for global firms. There, he discovered a major problem. Many companies could automate their systems, yet they struggled to find qualified remote professionals. “There was a shortage of skilled professionals who understood the U.S. market and could deliver real value,” Morrone explains. That insight inspired him to launch Vintti, a company dedicated to remote hiring for North American clients. The focus on Latin America made sense. The region shares time zones, values, and strong English skills. This approach ensures clients receive not only technical expertise but also a cultural match. Building Trust Through Secure Remote Hiring When companies hire for finance or accounting roles, data security becomes critical. Morrone explains how Vintti protects both sides of the partnership. “We never access client data. Clients install their own software and security measures,” he says. The company runs detailed background and reference checks. It verifies professional histories and technical skills. As a result, every candidate meets strict ethical and professional standards. This attention to detail makes remote hiring safe and reliable for both clients and talent. Culture and Fit: The Heart of Remote Hiring Success About 85% of Vintti's workforce operates as contractors. However, the company goes far beyond quick placements. Morrone believes the hardest part of remote hiring is not skill—it's culture. “The toughest thing to find is cultural alignment,” he says. “Technical skills matter, but culture determines success.” Rather than keeping a bench of idle candidates, Vintti searches for the perfect match each time. Every placement aligns with a client's values, work style, and long-term goals. As a result, teams perform better and relationships last longer. Scaling Remote Hiring Through Relationships and Community Growth at Vintti has come through real relationships, not ads. Paid campaigns have been challenging. However, outreach-driven marketing has delivered great results. “We focus on relationships—LinkedIn engagement, conferences, and meeting clients face-to-face,” says Morrone. This people-first approach gives Vintti a clear advantage in today's remote hiring market. After the pandemic, many leaders wanted personal connection again. Therefore, Vintti's direct and genuine approach builds credibility and long-term trust. Leadership Lessons in Remote Hiring Interestingly, one of Vintti's biggest challenges is its own remote hiring. Morrone personally interviews each finalist to protect company culture. “As CEO, I see myself as the guardian of our culture,” he explains. “I hire people with ambition, alignment, and attitude.” To support growth, Vintti invests heavily in processes and standard procedures. These systems ensure consistent onboarding and operations. “When you grow fast, it's hard to document everything,” Morrone admits. “But once you find what works, you have to capture it and scale it.” Key Takeaway Agustin Morrone's story offers a roadmap for modern remote hiring. His journey proves that success comes from trust, integrity, and strong relationships. Vintti shows that hiring across borders is not just about filling roles—it's about building teams that share values and vision. Learn more about Vintti's mission at www.vintti.com. 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 Online Communities and Marketing Protecting Your Brand and Avoiding Legal Trouble How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Getting the word out, promoting your blog Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this continuation of the Building Better Developers interview series, Kevin Adelsberger—owner of Adelsberger Marketing—returns to explore how businesses can refine their identity and message once the foundation is set. This episode focuses on branding and marketing fundamentals, uncovering what really drives connection, credibility, and growth. “Thinking about your brand and overall messaging is more important than color or font,” Kevin explains. “If your brand feels disconnected, no color will fix that.” The conversation moves beyond logos and design to the deeper work of communicating who you are and what you stand for—authentically and consistently. Branding: More Than Color and Fonts While many companies spend hours perfecting color palettes, Kevin challenges that mindset. He believes color psychology is largely a myth, with few industries where color directly affects success. Instead, businesses should focus on how their messaging and visuals align. Fonts, he adds, do have power. The right typeface can instantly signal tone—formal, playful, or high-tech—but only when used intentionally. “If you want to be a fun, crazy brand and your visuals feel stiff, no amount of color will fix the disconnect.” A strong brand reflects alignment: visuals, tone, and message working together to create trust and recognition. Keep Your Message Steady, but Your Website Fresh Kevin offers a balanced approach to maintaining your digital presence. Instead of obsessing over analytics or daily edits, he recommends structured consistency: Review your website monthly or quarterly for updates or broken features. Keep messaging steady, but stay alert for functionality issues like broken forms or outdated information. Focus on inbound marketing—making sure your brand is ready when customers come looking—then turn attention to outbound efforts like networking and content creation. “Most people never look at their website after it launches—that's a bigger problem than over-tweaking it.” Once your brand identity and message are established, spend more time sharing your expertise rather than endlessly adjusting pixels. Marketing Fundamentals for Beginners For entrepreneurs and small business owners who feel lost, Kevin recommends a few key resources to master branding and marketing fundamentals: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller — Understand how clear messaging connects you with customers. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey — Learn business and marketing principles from a leadership perspective. The Four Conversations by Blair Enns — Explore how to sell through consultative, relationship-driven discussions. Kevin also emphasizes simple, actionable steps: Define your competitive advantages and what makes you different. Create a one-liner that captures who you help and how. Avoid generic stock photos—real people and stories build trust. Feature your leadership team online; authenticity builds credibility. Learn from Competitors—Ethically Healthy competition can inspire innovation. Kevin encourages learning from peers and even collaborating with them. He participates in groups like the Bureau of Digital, a network of agency owners who share ideas without direct competition. “Artists steal,” Kevin jokes, “but the goal is to make other people's ideas better, not to copy them.” For those in established industries, he suggests finding professional or ownership groups—places where you can share, learn, and grow together. AI's Impact on Marketing and Creativity The conversation inevitably turns to artificial intelligence. Kevin views AI as both a tool and a threat—a resource that democratizes creativity while also reshaping industries. He points out the uncertainty around copyright, authenticity, and ethics, but admits that ignoring AI isn't an option. His team meets weekly to test new tools and evaluate where they can help. “We use AI to assist us, not replace us,” Kevin says. “It helps us work faster, but not everything it creates is ready for prime time.” From generating first-draft website content to creating AI voiceovers when budgets are tight, Kevin shows how these tools can fill gaps—without losing the human touch. Staying Grounded in a Changing Landscape Despite new technologies and shifting trends, Kevin's message remains timeless: strong branding is built on clarity, consistency, and authenticity. As the conversation wraps up, he reminds listeners that tools may evolve, but trust remains the core of every successful brand. “Stay human, stay honest, and keep refining your foundation.” A Little Background Kevin Adelsberger is the founder of Adelsberger Marketing, where they create work that grows their clients' businesses, in a culture that values their team and the Jackson, Tennessee, community. After founding in 2014, Kevin went on to be a co-founder of Our Jackson Home and host its podcast from 2015 to 2019. In 2016, Kevin was recognized as an emerging leader by Leadership Jackson. Then, in 2017, Adelsberger Marketing was named the Emerging Business of the Year by the Jackson Chamber. In 2019, Adelsberger Marketing sold partial ownership to Alexander, Thompson, and Arnold, CPAs. In 2020, Union University recognized Kevin with the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Media award. Kevin currently serves on advisory committees for Leadership Tennessee and Jackson State Community College and is a board member for theCO in Jackson, Tennessee. He also hosts a podcast about business in West Tennessee called 40×45. Kevin lives in Jackson with his wife and business partner, Renae, and their two children. They are active foster parents and are involved members of First Baptist Church, Jackson. They are also some of the few to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from below the Mason-Dixon line. #Skol 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 Online Communities and Marketing Protecting Your Brand and Avoiding Legal Trouble How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Getting the word out, promoting your blog Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche sit down with Kevin Adelsberger, owner of Adelsberger Marketing, to explore how small businesses can build success through branding basics. The discussion ties into the season's theme — Building Better Foundations — and shows how a thoughtful marketing strategy helps transform side hustles into thriving companies. Listen now to the full episode on Building Better Developers, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Develpreneur.com — and stay tuned for Part 2 of the conversation with Kevin Adelsberger. Starting Small: Branding Basics from Burritos to Business Kevin's marketing journey started with burritos — literally. While working at a nonprofit, he began helping a local restaurant with its marketing in exchange for food. That early “say yes to everything” mindset helped him gain experience and connections. “When you're starting out, the answer is often yes to everything,” Kevin says. “But that can spread you too thin.” This early phase taught him one of the first branding basics: you must start broad to learn, but eventually narrow your focus to your strengths. Developers, freelancers, and small business owners can take this same approach — experiment early, then specialize as your reputation and client base grow. Knowing When to Rebrand As side hustles evolve into established businesses, many entrepreneurs ask: Should I rebrand? Kevin's advice is clear — it depends on your audience. “If your new focus serves a completely different audience, rebranding makes sense. But if there's overlap, changing your name or logo might cost you valuable recognition.” One of the key branding basics is understanding brand equity — the value built over time through consistent visuals, messaging, and reputation. A name people know is worth protecting. The Four Branding Basics Every Business Needs Kevin shares his firm's framework for defining a complete brand identity — four elements that every company should eventually refine: Visual Identity – your logo, colors, and design style. Positioning – how you serve the market and what makes you different. Identity – your mission, vision, and core values. Messaging – how you communicate and connect with your audience. He notes that new businesses don't need all of these perfected on day one. Start with visual identity and positioning, then evolve the rest as your business matures. “You don't have to get everything perfect on day one. Start simple, then refine as you grow.” Avoiding Common Marketing Mistakes When asked about bad marketing, Kevin emphasizes that missteps often come from ignoring your audience. “If you're doing something just to brag and not to provide value,” he warns, “you're going to have a bad time.” A big part of branding basics is keeping your customers at the center. Test your messages, get outside feedback, and consider how different people might interpret your marketing. Kevin also highlights the danger of having too few perspectives — especially when creating ads or visuals. Diversity in feedback helps prevent tone-deaf campaigns and strengthens connections. Investing in the Right Visual Identity The conversation wraps with a discussion on logos — a key topic in branding basics. While giant brands like Nike or Amazon have iconic designs, Kevin explains that small businesses don't need to overthink it. “A good logo used well adds professionalism,” he says. “A bad one gets you confused with everyone else.” He recommends investing in a professional brand kit that includes proper logo formats, colors, and fonts. Consistency builds recognition — and recognition builds trust. Branding Basics for Long-Term Success The first part of the interview with Kevin Adelsberger reminds us that branding isn't about fancy design or big budgets. It's about clarity, consistency, and connection. Whether you're launching your first side hustle or re-shaping a growing business, mastering branding basics helps you build a foundation that lasts. A Little Background Kevin Adelsberger is the founder of Adelsberger Marketing, where they create work that grows their clients' businesses, in a culture that values their team and the Jackson, Tennessee, community. After founding in 2014, Kevin went on to be a co-founder of Our Jackson Home and host its podcast from 2015 to 2019. In 2016, Kevin was recognized as an emerging leader by Leadership Jackson. Then, in 2017, Adelsberger Marketing was named the Emerging Business of the Year by the Jackson Chamber. In 2019, Adelsberger Marketing sold partial ownership to Alexander, Thompson, and Arnold, CPAs. In 2020, Union University recognized Kevin with the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Media award. Kevin currently serves on advisory committees for Leadership Tennessee and Jackson State Community College and is a board member for theCO in Jackson, Tennessee. He also hosts a podcast about business in West Tennessee called 40×45. Kevin lives in Jackson with his wife and business partner, Renae, and their two children. They are active foster parents and are involved members of First Baptist Church, Jackson. They are also some of the few to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from below the Mason-Dixon line. #Skol 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 Online Communities and Marketing Protecting Your Brand and Avoiding Legal Trouble How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Getting the word out, promoting your blog Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche continue their insightful conversation with Adam Malone, exploring how trust and reliability drive stronger teams and foster more robust customer relationships. We pick up with Adam, who opens by emphasizing that reliability begins with consistency. Teams should revisit their guiding principles every couple of weeks—not just at the start of a project. These regular check-ins foster alignment, identify minor missteps early, and maintain clear priorities. “Even if it feels repetitive, that one time someone speaks up can save weeks of rework,” Adam explains. He adds, It's not about being flawless. It's about being consistent, accountable, and transparent—values that transform principles from words into action. Reinforcing Reliability Through Shared Principles Reliable teams share a standard compass. Adam recommends boiling down guiding principles to one or two clear slides so everyone can easily reference them during meetings. When conflict arises, those principles provide the framework for productive discussions. Rather than asking who's right, teams can ask: Does this decision align with our values? “That constant reinforcement builds reliability,” Adam says. “It keeps everyone anchored, no matter who's leading the conversation.” This shared structure enables teams to make consistent, principle-driven decisions—an essential component of long-term reliability. Extending Reliability to the Customer Experience Michael then turns the discussion outward: how does this translate to the customer experience? Adam explains that reliability for customers begins with a clear definition. Many organizations claim to deliver “great service,” but few define what that means in concrete, repeatable terms. Is it speed? Fairness? Empathy? When teams clearly define those expectations—how to handle complaints, returns, or exceptional cases—they make it a measurable concept. “We all own the customer experience,” Adam emphasizes. “It's not one department's job—it's everyone's responsibility.” By conducting after-action reviews and evaluating whether customer interactions align with agreed principles, businesses ensure that it becomes a company-wide culture rather than a customer-service function. The Three Elements of Reliability Adam breaks reliability into three key elements that inspire trust: empathy, authenticity, and performance. Empathy – Customers recognize reliability when they feel heard. Confirming concerns and restating issues shows genuine care. Authenticity – True reliability requires sincerity. People can spot a scripted response immediately; being real always resonates. Performance – Reliability is proven when promises are met. Even small, predictable actions—like sending updates exactly when promised—reinforce credibility. “Reliability is the visible form of trust,” Adam says. “It's how people know we'll do what we say.” These principles work equally well for internal teams, turning accountability into culture. Aligning Internal and External Reliability Adam also shares how teams can connect internal with external outcomes. In his “out-of-the-box” sessions, team members from every department—engineering, operations, and customer service—gather to experience a product exactly as a customer would. “Every process has a supplier and a receiver,” Adam explains. “Bringing them together helps everyone understand how reliability feels from start to finish.” This hands-on approach highlights where it breaks down and how teams can collaboratively improve it. It bridges gaps between departments and strengthens the company's overall dependability. Reliability Through Early, Honest Conversations Adam closes with one of the episode's most memorable points: reliability thrives on honesty. Avoiding tough conversations damages trust. “The argument's going to happen eventually,” he says. “Like bad fish, it doesn't get better with age.” By addressing conflicts early, teams preserve transparency, reduce frustration, and maintain consistent reliability across every relationship—internal or external. Final Thoughts In this powerful continuation of their discussion, Adam Malone reminds listeners that reliability is more than a process—it's a promise. From steady communication to authentic customer care, reliable organizations earn trust through consistent action. Reliability is what transforms teams into partners and customers into advocates. It's not built in a day—it's proven every day. Connect with Adam Malone If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more from Adam, he's always open to sharing insights and connecting with like-minded professionals. LinkedIn: Adam Malone on LinkedIn Website: http://thetenaciousoperator.com/ Visit him on LinkedIn and drop him a message to continue the discussion around leadership, reliability, and building consistent customer experiences. 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 The Leadership Leap: Habits That Elevate Developers to New Heights Turning Feedback into Future Success: A Guide for Developers Satisfy The Customer – The Agile Manifesto Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
In the first half of our conversation with Adam Malone, founder of The Tenacious Operator, we explore the Power of Trust — how it drives leadership, strengthens teams, and turns potential project failure into growth. From large-scale ERP rollouts to everyday collaboration, Adam shows that the Power of Trust is what truly separates good teams from great ones. Why the Power of Trust Matters Adam begins with a story familiar to many project leaders: a major ERP implementation where everything looked perfect on paper. All dashboards were green, metrics were solid, and executives were confident. Yet almost overnight, the project unraveled. The root cause? A loss of trust. Team members stayed silent about risks. Operations fixed issues without communicating them. The requirements were “complete,” but in reality, they were incomplete. When trust fails, clarity disappears — and even the best teams lose momentum. When everyone claims “we're on track,” but no one feels safe to speak up, the Power of Trust has already broken down. The Power of Trust in Psychological Safety One of the key insights Adam shares is how psychological safety amplifies the Power of Trust. Proper safety allows people to say, “I'm concerned,” or “This might fail,” without fear of backlash. He recommends creating space for negative feedback through deliberate questions: “How could this project fail?” “What are we not seeing yet?” Conducting a reverse post-mortem helps uncover weak points before they become disasters. This proactive honesty fuels progress and strengthens the Power of Trust across the entire team. Seeing Work Clearly: The Power of Trust in Transparency Drawing from Toyota's famous Gemba concept — “go to the actual place” — Adam urges teams to physically and mentally visit where value is created. In manufacturing, that's the factory floor. In software, it's the analyst's spreadsheet, the developer's codebase, or the tester's environment. When teams observe each other's real work, they develop empathy and shared understanding. That transparency reinforces the Power of Trust — helping communication thrive where silos once stood. Disagree and Commit: The Power of Trust in Alignment Conflict doesn't destroy trust; it refines it. Adam calls this the disagree and commit principle — a hallmark of mature teams. Healthy disagreement surfaces risks, values, and differing priorities. Once discussed openly, the team commits to the final decision together. No finger-pointing, no second-guessing. This habit embodies the Power of Trust by turning friction into forward motion. The Power of Trust isn't about avoiding conflict — it's about using it to align around shared goals. Guiding Principles: Building Systems Around the Power of Trust Before a project begins, Adam recommends defining guiding principles — the rules of engagement that sustain the Power of Trust. Examples include: “Customer satisfaction must stay above a 4.0 rating.” “Average call time can rise by no more than 10 seconds.” “All initiatives must deliver ROI within two quarters.” When these principles are written down, decisions become consistent and fair. Trust grows because everyone understands how success will be measured and maintained. Leading Through the Power of Trust For leaders, the Trust means striking a balance between empathy and accountability. Adam suggests two types of sponsors for every major initiative: An executive sponsor who clears political obstacles. An operational sponsor who stays close to day-to-day work. Add in a skilled project manager who encourages honest conversation, and the Power of Trust becomes the foundation of performance — not just a talking point. Key Takeaways from Part 1 The Power of Trust transforms fear into feedback and silence into success. Psychological safety isn't soft — it's how great teams stay sharp. Transparency fosters empathy, and empathy in turn builds trust. Healthy conflict strengthens alignment when teams disagree and commit. Guiding principles establish a framework that fosters trust. Connect with Adam Malone If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more from Adam, he's always open to sharing insights and connecting with like-minded professionals. LinkedIn: Adam Malone on LinkedIn Website: http://thetenaciousoperator.com/ Visit him on LinkedIn and drop him a message to continue the discussion around leadership, reliability, and building consistent customer experiences. Coming in Part 2: Adam returns to discuss how culture, consistency, and clarity sustain Trust across global teams — and how leaders can turn these lessons into long-term results. Subscribe or follow the Building Better Developers podcast to catch Part 2 with Adam Malone.” 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 Passive Networking and Building Trust Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities Trust But Verify – Avoid Business Assumptions Building Better Foundations – With Bonus Content
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.”
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