Let's unravel the human side of tech jobs together. At the end of the day, the majority of work involves other people. We answer the practical question: As a software engineer, how do I improve my people skills? And why? We have interviews with a wide range of tech professionals, host Q&As, and provide you with insights that are immediately practical, honest, and most importantly, always worth your time.
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Callie Buruchara Podcasts
The tales of software engineering people - about their journey and about the state of the industry today. We go deeper and pursue all the bits that tell the whole story. Everyone's journey is different - let's learn together with my guests, leaning into their experience and wisdom.
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Why Empathy is a Superpower for High-Performing Teams | Scott Varho Interview
51:25
51:25
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51:25You can reach Scott Varho on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvarho/ In this conversation with tech leadership expert Scott Varho, we explore why empathy is the ultimate superpower for creating high-performing software engineering teams. Scott shares practical wisdom from his vast experience, covering topics such as: Building and main…
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Why Quality Must Start on Day One with Maryia Tuleika
29:57
29:57
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29:57What does it really mean to build high-quality software, and why do so many teams get it wrong? In this episode, Maryia Tuleika, an experienced quality engineering consultant, shares raw, real-world stories from her work across startups and large-scale enterprises. From near-disasters with overheated batteries to the invisible costs of skipping QA …
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Today I talk with Anemari Fiser about all sorts of topics connected to the role of tech lead. How did she become a tech lead, what is the difference between that role and team lead, and how to prepare for the tech lead role. Anemari shares her journey, her experiences with pair programming and TDD, and the challenges tech leads face, like time mana…
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Understanding Quality in Software Engineering with Katka Pilátová
42:57
42:57
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42:57Today, I invited Katka Pilátová, a senior software engineer in test, to talk about what makes high-quality software. We discuss the role of QA, the importance of integrating quality in development, the challenges in communication between developers and QA teams, and the impact of company structure on quality practices. Katka also shares her insight…
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From Teacher To Software Engineer - Breaking things down and using people skills with Callie Buruchara
30:15
30:15
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30:15Today, I invited Callie Buruchara, a senior software engineer, to talk about her journey into tech and how her previous experiences influence her career. We discuss her transition from teaching and international service projects to software engineering, the challenges she faced, and the importance of clear communication and people skills in tech. C…
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Freelancing in Tech - Insights from Judith Böhlert
30:35
30:35
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30:35In this episode, I chat with Judith Böhlert, a freelance software engineer, about her journey into tech, transitioning from mathematics to programming, and her experiences working as a freelancer. We explore the dynamics between freelancers and clients, the pros and cons of frequent project changes, and how she secures clients through networking. J…
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From Retail to Product Management - Santiana Brace and her Unconventional Journey into TECH
35:34
35:34
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35:34Today, I invited Santiana Brace, an experienced product manager, to talk about her unconventional journey into tech. Santiana shares insights on transitioning from retail to product management, the value of learning from mistakes, and how she balances a demanding job with family duties. We also discuss collaboration and communication in the dev tea…
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Code, Create, Connect: John Cricket's Story
35:03
35:03
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35:03In today's episode, I talk with John Cricket, a seasoned software engineering manager and successful content creator. We talk about John's career journey, which was not straightforward, his ventures in building an audience through LinkedIn and starting his business after he got laid off John also shares valuable insights on the importance of soft s…
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Increasing Development Efficiency with AI, Career Shifts, and Empowering Junior Developers with Petr Glaser
47:54
47:54
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47:54Send me a messageHow to connect with Petr:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bleedingdev/His AI in development trainings - https://ai.bleeding.dev/In Czech - https://naucme.it/kurz-aiIn today's episode, I am talking with Petr Glaser, a senior software engineer, about how AI can be utilized effectively in software development. We discuss:How can …
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#4 - The Human Side of Software Engineering with Vojta Hordějčuk
54:35
54:35
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54:35Send me a messageGet in touch with Vojta here: https://www.voho.eu/. You can find his Linkedin profile there, and also check out his Spotify - there is some cool music there!In today's episode, I am talking with Vojta Hodějčuk, a senior software engineer based in Prague, Czech Republic. We dive into a down-to-earth conversation touching on multiple…
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#3 - Lindsay Kloepping - The Intersection of Tech and Business: Insights on Product Management
38:27
38:27
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38:27Send me a messageConnect with Lindsay on her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkloepping/Follow her blog: https://medium.com/@lindsaykingkloeppingToday I am talking with Lindsay Kloepping, covering a wide range of topics related to product management.Join us as we answer questions such as:What is product management and how does it intersect wi…
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#2 - Mindi Weik - Switching Careers and Building Community in Software Engineering
31:46
31:46
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31:46Send me a messageToday I talk with Mindi Weik, a US-based software engineer who transitioned from a career in real estate to tech.You can reach Mindi here: https://mindi.omg.lol/We explore her journey through a tech bootcamp while working full-time, the challenges she faced as a junior developer, and the unique obstacles women encounter in the tech…
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#1 - Scott Varho - Crafting Software: Get it right, don't try to be right.
56:36
56:36
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56:36Send me a messageToday I talk with Scott Varho, founder and principal consultant of OLO about high performing teams and current challenges of industry. Scott shares his diverse career journey, his insights, and the critical role of human elements in product development. You can connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvarho/…
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Send me a messageStories from the Human Side of Software Engineering - That's what this podcast is about. I explore the software crafting industry one story at a time. Not convinced? Listen to this short Trailer. Listen to some of the stories, some of the wisdom from upcoming episodes. We are launching on October 15th (fingers crossed), so hit subs…
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10 // HOW to Do Hard Things, Build Confidence, and Work Better with Others with Eric Mariasis
55:11
55:11
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55:11Ever felt like you're hitting a wall in your career or drowning in imposter syndrome? In this episode, Eric Mariasis shares his journey from feeling overwhelmed to becoming confident in his skills. We dive into the real talk about pushing through tough moments, learning to work better with others, and turning fear into fuel for growth. What We Cove…
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09 // HOW to Push Past Imposter Syndrome (feat. a new perspective)
30:51
30:51
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30:51Imposter syndrome has followed me through every step of my career: from “What is a loop?” to Senior Software Engineer. “Everybody has imposter syndrome!” feels hollow. Even when meant well. Instead, today's episode dives into the 3 things that have helped even when imposter syndrome feels crippling. Send me a message! Thanks for listening! And for …
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08 // HOW to Get People to Listen to You (on Stage or on Zoom) with Vince Pierri
1:21:42
1:21:42
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1:21:42Vince Pierri, a Public Speaking Coach by night and Lead Pastor by day, breaks down how to be a captivating speaker — during a demo, a project pitch, and on stage. In our fun, rambly episode, we cover: - how to make people remember (and even do!) what you say - how to come up with analogies if you're not good at it - how to grab people's attention f…
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07 // HOW to Pass the Tech Interview (Even When You Get Stuck)
48:26
48:26
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48:26Leetcode isn't enough to pass live coding interviews, And it’s definitely not gonna get you promoted. Because it's just a tool. What you need is a mindset. This week's episode includes: - My favorite framework & mindset for live coding interviews (that helped me pass the interview, even when I didn't solve the problems!) - 3 habits that are harming…
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06 // HOW to Save Yourself Years of Misery (& Do the Right Work) with Alex Lau
32:25
32:25
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32:25Writing great code is not enough to be a great SWE. Your work must solve the right problems. At the right time. Alex Lau, a Senior Software Engineer @ Brilliant.org breaks down how to find and focus on this work — and how it's related to...a bike? Through his own experience, Alex shares how we can both learn from our own mistakes and his. He equips…
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05 // HOW to Pass the Behavioral Interview
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44:35
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44:35You need more than the STAR method to pass the behavioral interview. Behaviorals aren't just the break between live coding and system design. (though I do appreciate them for that) How you do in this interview either builds on the company's positive view of you, Or wipes out all the progress you've made. But not for you! Because you listen to today…
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04 // HOW to Make Stakeholders Love You & Build Great Working Relationships (& More) with Nick Cosentino
44:30
44:30
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44:30Relationships with stakeholders can make or break your job. Not to mention your promotion. Nick Cosentino, a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft breaks down how to do it well — whether the stakeholder is a Staff Software Engineer or they don't know the difference between Java and JavaScript. (the names are confusing, I hear ya) Addi…
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Leetcode doesn't matter if you can't pass the tech screen. Yeah, that 15-20 min HR call at the beginning of the whole interview process. All your leetcode stats, OOP experience, and system design excellence don't matter if you can't convince HR you're worth the company's time. When you tune in, I'll give you a much higher chance of making that inte…
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02 // HOW to Actually Get Promoted (& More) with Rodney Matambo
1:05:19
1:05:19
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1:05:19"Do impactful work" "Act like a senior" "Prove you're ready for a promotion" Cool. Yeah. How? Uplevelling as an engineer — getting better, getting the promotion — doesn't have to be as mysterious as management makes it. There are clear frameworks, paradigms, steps, and focuses to making it happen. We share everything from Junior to Staff Level Engi…
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01 // 7 Principles for HOW to Receive Feedback Well (Even When It Hurts)
41:18
41:18
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41:18Receiving feedback well is more important than giving feedback well. Why? Because receiving it is something you'll probably do more and you have much more control over how well it goes. We know we shouldn't be "defensive". And we want to receive things "well". But how? Do we just turn off our feelings? Do we act like we're happy they told us? What …
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00 // 7 Principles for HOW to Give Tough Feedback
34:01
34:01
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34:01Most of us have heard that giving critical feedback is important. But how the heck do we do that? What do we say? How do we adapt it to people? What if they get really defensive as soon as I say something?? Giving tough feedback is a skill that can be learned. Tune in as we dive into how we can give critical feedback, especially as software enginee…
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Launching April 16th! Have questions, interview guest suggestions, or other ideas for the podcast? Share them all here: https://tally.so/r/wkygAJ Send me a message! Thanks for listening! And for checking out these show notes 👀 💡 Share your ideas for topics, guests, or questions for future episodes ⭐️ Leave a rating & review on the podcast — it mean…
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