In this podcast episode, tech leader Rachel Bland shares insights into fostering effective team communication and collaboration. Described as a 'Coordinator of Chaos,' Rachel emphasizes the importance of clear communication and teamwork in achieving results in software development. She explores the nuances between bugs and features and advocates for creating a culture where team members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in open dialogue. Rachel shares personal experiences and highlights the value of iterative problem-solving, vulnerability, and maintaining a balance between collaboration and focused work. Additionally, the episode delves into strategies for promoting human flourishing within tech teams, emphasizing the significance of transparency and empowering team members.

* Rachel Bland on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkmbland/ * Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520?tag=sommardahl-20

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Bland 00:20 Rachel's Journey into Tech 01:19 The Bug vs. Feature Debate 03:33 The Art of Team Communication 04:26 Impactful Reads and Personal Growth 06:03 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes 08:50 Encouraging Team Conversations 18:32 Building a Culture of Open Communication 22:29 The Importance of Team Collaboration 24:53 Balancing Introversion and Teamwork 25:30 The Value of Iterative Development 26:39 Embracing Estimates and Communication 36:44 The Power of Feedback and Vulnerability 44:04 Innovative Problem Solving 47:47 Encouraging Creativity and Collaboration 50:46 Final Thoughts on Team Dynamics