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Essays on technology leadership, AI adoption, architecture and developer experience, published continuously since 2019.

151 pieces · 2019–2026

In the image, two individuals are engaged in an activity near a glass partition. On the left side of the frame, there's a person holding what appears to be a piece of paper, possibly reviewing or discussing something. This individual is wearing a white top and has short hair. To their right stands another individual with medium-length hair, dressed in a dark top, seemingly pointing towards the same sheet of paper with their finger, indicating they are also part of this discussion. The background reveals a glass partition that separates them from what looks like an office or workshop space. The partition has sticky notes attached to it, which suggests the area might be used for brainstorming or organization. There's a whiteboard or board with writing on it in the backdrop, hinting at more work-related activities taking place in this setting. The overall scene conveys an atmosphere of collaboration and idea-sharing. 1 May 2026 · 11 min Fundamentals of Software Architecture: Lessons for Modern Tech Teams

Key lessons from Richards and Ford's Fundamentals of Software Architecture, from trade-off thinking to escaping memetic bubbles. A …

The image showcases an intricate mechanical pocket watch that is open and being viewed from above. The watch has multiple gears and springs, indicative of its intricate inner mechanism. Prominently displayed on the front face of the watch are two black and red needles that indicate the time. The background is blurred, putting focus on the watch, but it appears to be a dark space with muted colors. There are no visible texts or brands in the image. The style of the watch suggests a vintage design, often associated with luxury or collectors' items. 24 Apr 2026 · 7 min Mechanical Sympathy: The Case for Giving Engineers Time to Optimise

Most engineering teams care about performance. Most sprint processes don't reward it. This post makes the business case for giving …

In the image, there's a desk set up in what appears to be a cozy room. The desk is made of wood and holds two items: a cup of coffee, which suggests someone might be working or studying here, and a notepad with a pen resting on it, indicating that writing or note-taking is being done. There's also a laptop on the right side of the table, hinting at a blend of traditional and modern work methods. The room has a warm ambiance, with a window in the background letting in natural light. The desk is positioned against a wall, creating a sense of space within the room. The overall setting implies a quiet, comfortable environment conducive to focus and productivity. 17 Apr 2026 · 9 min The Checklist Manifesto: Lessons in Managing Complexity for Modern Tech Teams

This blog post explores key lessons from Atul Gawande's "The Checklist Manifesto", applying its insights to the …

A person is working on a project at a wooden table. The individual is focused on an array of sticky notes attached to a chart, which are arranged in a horizontal line. The table also holds some pens and notepads. The environment suggests a planning or brainstorming session, possibly related to a work or creative project. 10 Apr 2026 · 15 min Too Many Waiters, Not Enough Cooks: Practical Steps For Change

Part 3: Practical steps for reducing management overhead and building more effective software delivery organisations.

The image is a vertical composition with a minimalist design. It features a single lit candle or flame, which occupies the majority of the frame from left to right. The flame appears to have a dynamic shape with swirls and curves, suggesting movement and heat. The background is a plain, dark color that contrasts with the bright flame, highlighting its shape and intensity. The image has a square aspect ratio, and there are no texts or additional objects present, focusing solely on the candle as the subject matter. The style of the image could be associated with abstract art, where the focus is on one element to create an evocative scene. 3 Apr 2026 · 8 min Kill It With Fire: Lessons from Legacy Systems for Modern Leaders

This blog post explores key lessons from Marianne Bellotti’s "Kill It With Fire", applying its insights to the …

The image is a photograph that shows an indoor setting where a group of people are sitting around a large table. They appear to be engaged in a meeting or discussion, as suggested by their focused expressions and the presence of what looks like a presentation or notes on the table. There are multiple laptops open in front of some individuals, indicating a working environment. The background is blurred, but it seems to be an office space with modern decor, including plants, which contribute to a casual yet professional atmosphere. There's no text visible in the image that provides context or information about the people or event taking place. 27 Mar 2026 · 13 min Too Many Waiters, Not Enough Cooks: Finding The Right Balance

Part 2: Understanding healthy ratios, knowing when management presence is justified, and assessing your team structure.

The image shows a wooden table with a laptop on top. The laptop has an open lid displaying a graphical user interface, and there is a mug of coffee next to it. The table appears to be in a café or similar setting, indicated by the presence of other tables, chairs, and decorations. In the background, there's a window with blinds partially drawn, and outside, one can see what looks like an urban environment with buildings and trees. The atmosphere suggests a relaxed, casual workspace. 20 Mar 2026 · 7 min Securing Your Legacy and Future in Software Development: More Lessons from "Alice & Bob Learn Secure Coding"

Explore more essential security principles for software development, drawing wisdom from Tanya Janca's book, 'Alice & Bob Learn …

This is an image of a well-arranged dining area inside a restaurant. There are several wooden tables with chairs, set up neatly and covered with place settings including white plates and napkins, indicating that the establishment is prepared for service. The floor is made of wood planks, adding to the warm ambiance of the room. On the right side of the photo, there's a counter with a glass top, possibly serving as a bar or additional dining area. The ceiling has an exposed structure with beams and ductwork, contributing to the industrial chic aesthetic. The overall setting suggests a casual yet stylish dining environment. 13 Mar 2026 · 15 min Too Many Waiters, Not Enough Cooks: Why Your Software Team Might Be Manager-Heavy

Part 1: Recognising the pattern of management-heavy software teams and understanding the hidden costs of excessive overhead.

The image shows a desk with a computer setup. On the left side, there is a monitor displaying what appears to be a code editor with lines of code and syntax highlighting. The screen is set against a dark background with a blue hue, possibly from ambient lighting or a digital backdrop. The coding environment suggests a focus on programming or software development. To the right, there is a desk with a computer setup that includes a keyboard and mouse. On top of the desk, there's a red light emanating from what seems to be a fan or light source, illuminating the workspace and creating a striking contrast against the darker elements in the image. The overall impression is of a modern, technology-focused environment, likely that of a developer or someone who works with computers and software. The composition of the image is split diagonally, with the left side showing the computer screen, and the right side showing the physical workspace. There are no people in the image, emphasizing the focus on the technical setup rather than individuals.' 6 Mar 2026 · 7 min Building a Secure Foundation: Lessons from "Alice & Bob Learn Secure Coding" for Modern Tech Teams

Learn key application security principles from 'Alice & Bob Learn Secure Coding'! Discover secure defaults, backend validation & …

The image is a creative and surreal visual metaphor. It depicts a laptop keyboard partially obscured by a piece of paper that has an opening in the middle revealing a white computer keyboard with black keys, which is the focal point of the photo. There are two revealed keys, 'A' and 'I' The background appears to be a cardboard surface with a hole cut out, allowing the viewer to see through it and focus on the keyboard, creating a peek-a-boo effect. This artistic composition suggests themes of secrecy, information technology, or perhaps even the idea of 'keying in' or accessing something hidden beneath the surface. The use of everyday objects like a laptop and cardboard in this way adds an element of whimsy and intrigue to the image. 27 Feb 2026 · 14 min Beyond Verification: Building Teams That Use AI Responsibly

Practical strategies for CTOs and teams to ensure AI enhances rather than replaces understanding

This is a photo of an assortment of Scrabble tiles spelling out the word 'emotion' in the center. The tiles are placed on a surface that appears to be wooden, creating a circular arrangement around the central word. The background is blurred and not distinctly clear, but it seems to suggest a table or platform setting. The overall image conveys a theme of vocabulary, language, or perhaps emotional expression as indicated by the word 'emotion.' 20 Feb 2026 · 6 min Level Up Your Leadership: Key Insights from ‘Emotional Intelligence Habits’ for the Modern Tech Workplace

This post highlights key insights from Travis Bradberry's 'Emotional Intelligence Habits' and their relevance to tech leadership. …

A red wireframe of the word 'NOISE' on a black background. In the centre of the 'O' are the words 'QUITE LIVES INSIDE' in white text. 13 Feb 2026 · 9 min The Amplification Paradox: When AI Tools Amplify the Wrong Things

AI amplifies both great engineers and those lacking understanding. What does this mean for code quality?

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