On this episode, we have Ryana Que, Waffen Sultan, Paolo Mahomuri, and Josan Astrid Dometita joining us to discuss building for impact beyond the 9-to-5 through passion projects and community-driven innovation.
Not all great tech starts in the office â sometimes it begins as a personal itch to solve a problem. In this episode, we explore how passion projects, volunteer work, and community-driven innovation can evolve into tools that impact citizens, businesses, and government. Hear how simple curiosity, grit, and a desire to help can scale into mission-driven technology with real-world influence.
On this episode, we have Ryana Que, Andrew Concepcion, and Waffen Sultan joining us to discuss "Code for the People: Inside the BetterGov Movement" and how open-source developers are reshaping digital governance in the Philippines.
The Philippines' digital infrastructure has long been a source of frustration for its citizens, with outdated websites and confusing processes creating barriers to essential services. We explore the BetterGov Movement, a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative using open-source technology to build a more user-friendly and transparent national government portal. We talk to these civic tech advocates about turning citizen frustration into collaborative action.
What was the specific moment of frustration that compelled you to stop waiting and start building BetterGov.ph? (Generalization)
The compelling moment of frustration is typically an experience with a broken or confusing government online service. This often involves a simple task, like checking requirements for a document or finding an official form, that becomes unnecessarily complicated by outdated websites, broken links, or conflicting information. The realization is that the problem isn't technical complexity, but a lack of user-centric design and cohesion. This leads to the thought, "If I can build a better user interface in a weekend, imagine what a community could do," thus starting the initiative.
How do you maintain quality and consistency when the entire project is built and maintained by volunteers? (Generalization)
Maintaining quality in a volunteer project relies heavily on strong processes, clear governance, and community culture. This involves strictly enforcing code review standards, utilizing continuous integration tools to automate quality checks, and maintaining comprehensive, accessible documentation. Consistency is ensured by establishing a design system and style guide early on. Crucially, the community culture must prioritize learning and mutual respect, where constructive feedback is the norm and veteran volunteers mentor newcomers to ensure code quality is a shared responsibility.
What is the biggest lesson the government could learn from an open-source, community-led project like this? (Generalization)
The biggest lesson is the power of transparency and iterative development. The community model thrives on open communication, allowing citizens to see progress, suggest improvements, and hold the project accountable. This contrasts with traditional government projects that are often opaque. By embracing open-source principles, the government could learn to launch early, iterate based on user feedback (citizens), and leverage the collective intelligence of the nation's developer pool to rapidly improve essential digital services.
What is the biggest challenge of working with public data and making it truly accessible to the non-technical Filipino citizen? (Generalization)
The biggest challenge is the poor quality and fragmented nature of the source data. Government data often resides in silos, lacks standardization, is not machine-readable, or is simply outdated. Making it accessible requires more than just displaying it on a website; it means translating complex bureaucratic language into simple, actionable information and designing user interfaces that require zero technical skill to navigate. The difficulty lies in sanitizing and unifying disparate data sources so the non-technical citizen can easily find definitive answers to their essential questions.
Winning isn't the only goal. This episode is for everyone who is nervous about joining their first hackathon. While most people talk about how to win, we're focused on what you can learn from losing. We'll share our own stories of not winning and explain why it's not a failure, but a crucial step toward building new skills, expanding your network, and setting yourself up for future
Highlighting expertise in early-stage product dev, market fit, prototyping, and AI.
On this episode, we have Jon Prado, Grahssel Dungca, Andresito De Guzman and Luis Maverick Gabriel joining us to discuss the tough but rewarding process of finding product-market fit and the keys to early-stage product development in startups, especially those leveraging AI.
Startups succeed or fail on whether their product actually meets a market need. This episode explores the tough but rewarding process of finding product-market fit, especially in AI and tech-driven products. Guests share stories about prototyping, iterating, and pivotingâplus insights on what early teams often miss.
Whatâs a mistake youâve made (or seen) in chasing product-market fit? (Generalization)
A common and costly mistake is building too much, too soon, based on assumptions rather than validated customer needs. This is often called "solution looking for a problem." Startups might spend months polishing a comprehensive feature set without properly validating whether customers would actually pay for the core value proposition. This leads to wasted resources and a painful realization that the market doesn't value the complexity. The right approach is to focus on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to quickly test the core hypothesis.
How does AI change the prototyping and product design process? (Generalization)
AI dramatically accelerates the prototyping and product design process by providing powerful new capabilities. It allows teams to prototype features that were previously impossible, such as real-time personalization, predictive user flows, or complex data analysis. AI tools also enable rapid iteration on design itself by generating wireframes, code snippets, or content variations. However, it also introduces complexity, requiring designers to think about data input, model explainability, and ethical implications from the earliest design stages.
For startups, how do you know when itâs time to pivot vs. persist? (Generalization)
Knowing when to pivot versus persist often comes down to analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) and the conviction of the founding team. You should persist if your core hypothesis is sound, but your execution or market timing is slightly off, showing gradual positive traction. You should pivot if you are seeing continuous low engagement, high churn, or if your customer interviews consistently reveal that your solution doesn't solve a high-priority problem for them. The decision to pivot is generally made when the data shows that the current path is financially unsustainable or leads to a dead-end market.
Whatâs one tool or framework you recommend for early-stage teams? (Generalization)
The most highly recommended framework for early-stage teams is the Lean Startup Methodology. This framework emphasizes the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, which is essential for quickly achieving product-market fit. It forces teams to prioritize validated learning over pure feature development. Key tools that support this framework include simple prototyping tools for quick MVPs and robust analytics platforms for accurately measuring user behavior and validating or refuting core assumptions.
Why empathy-driven design and security must go hand in hand.
On this episode, we have Asi Guiang, Piolo Justin Cabigao, Kayne Rodrigo, and Ted Mathew Dela Cruz joining us to discuss empathy in innovation and why building secure tech requires a human-centric approach.
Technology is meant to serve people, but what happens when it makes them vulnerable? In this episode, we're exploring the critical connection between empathy and cybersecurity. Weâll discuss why understanding a user's fears and needs is the key to building secure and ethical tech. Our guests will share how a human-centric approach to design can protect people from online threats and build trust in the digital world.
How does empathy help you anticipate user vulnerabilities that security protocols might miss? (Generalization)
Empathy helps anticipate user vulnerabilities by forcing you to see the product through the eyes of the person using it, not just the code. It allows you to understand their real-world context, common stressors, and behavioral patterns. For example, a security protocol might enforce a complex password, but empathy recognizes a tired user will write it down or reuse a similar one. By considering the "human element"âtheir lack of specialized knowledge, potential for distraction, or motivation to take shortcutsâempathy reveals vulnerabilities that purely technical audits would overlook, leading to more practical and effective security solutions.
Can you give an example of a product that failed because it lacked empathy in its security design? (Generalization)
A common example is two-factor authentication (2FA) systems that are difficult, slow, or constantly interruptive to the user's workflow. While technically secure, a system that lacks empathy for the user's time and convenience may lead to widespread user adoption failure. Users might disable the feature, choose the least secure option (like SMS), or simply become so frustrated they avoid using the secure system altogether. This failure isn't technical; it's a failure of adoption caused by prioritizing technical rigidity over a smooth user experience, ultimately leaving the user vulnerable.
What's one practical step developers can take to include empathy in their security practices? (Generalization)
One practical step is to adopt the practice of "persona-based threat modeling." Instead of only modeling threats from sophisticated malicious actors, developers should create personas for their actual users (e.g., a time-crunched manager, a non-technical senior) and model threats based on user mistakes and common vulnerabilities. This involves asking, "How might this person accidentally expose data?" This approach shifts the focus from purely stopping hackers to building fewer opportunities for user error, making the security inherently more resilient and user-friendly.
How can we train the next generation of tech professionals to prioritize both innovation and user safety? (Generalization)
We can train the next generation by integrating ethics and user-centric security into the core curriculum, rather than treating them as add-on courses. Every project, from the start, should include mandatory requirements for both security and usability reviews. Creating interdisciplinary teams composed of designers, developers, and security experts during academic and early career projects helps them learn to speak the same language. This teaches them that security and empathy are not blockers to innovation, but rather foundational requirements for building trustworthy and sustainable technology.
Work Smart, Not Harder: The New Rules of Tech
In this episode, we're diving into the ever-evolving world of tech and how our ways of working are changing with it. It's a crucial conversation for the Philippines, where we've seen a slower adoption of new work styles. We'll explore the often-unspoken topics that truly shape a tech career, from the intricacies of corporate politics and how to navigate them with grace, to optimizing working agreements to ensure your team not only collaborates, but also hits its product goals. Join us as we unpack these challenges and share practical insights to help you thrive in the modern tech landscape.
Why the future of innovation depends on understanding what people feel, not just what they do.
Technology doesnât just solve problemsâit makes people feel safe, frustrated, empowered, or excluded. This episode explores how emotional intelligence in design can be the difference between a productâs failure and success. Guests will share how emotions shape adoption, trust, and the userâs overall journey.
It's our anniversary, and we're dedicating this episode entirely to the Kakacomputer community! We're diving into the Spotify comments to read your feedback, shout out your usernames, and share the posts that made us smile. This is your episode, packed with direct audience interaction and appreciation. Thanks for a fantastic year!
 User research is more than surveys and interviewsâitâs the foundation of breakthrough innovation. This episode dives into how listening to users uncovers hidden needs, guides product direction, and even prevents costly mistakes. Guests highlight methods, stories, and how empathy drives better solutions.
Your Degree Doesn't Define You. Tech Is For Everyone.
On this episode, we have Michael Escobilla, Charvin Peñaverde, Juan Carlo Claudio, and Luigi Espiritu joining us to discuss "When Non-Tech Goes Tech - A Transformation Journey" and why your degree doesn't define you.
This episode is for anyone who thinks a career in tech is out of reach without a computer science degree. We'll share our own stories of moving from non-tech roles, like Human Resources, into the digital world. Join us as we talk about the changes we made and the lessons we learned on our journey. It's an inspiring conversation that proves you don't have to be a traditional tech professional to innovate and make a real impact in today's world.
What was the moment you realized you wanted to shift into tech? (Generalization)
The realization often comes from a moment of dissatisfaction with the status quo of the previous career and an attraction to the problem-solving nature of technology. It might be realizing that tech skills were needed to solve a key issue in the non-tech field, or simply discovering that the fast pace and continuous learning inherent in the IT world were more engaging. For many, the shift is driven by seeing the massive impact that technology has on every industry and wanting to be part of that innovation.
For someone coming from a non-tech background, what's the one skill they can leverage the most? (Generalization)
The most valuable skill non-tech professionals can leverage is domain expertise and business context. A background in fields like HR, finance, or marketing gives them an intimate understanding of specific user needs, regulatory constraints, and business goals that pure technologists often lack. This knowledge is crucial for bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, allowing them to build products and solutions that are truly relevant and impactful to the organization.
What was the biggest learning curve for you? Was it a technical skill or something else entirely? (Generalization)
For many, the biggest learning curve is less about a specific technical language and more about adopting the "tech mindset". This involves shifting from a static, procedure-driven approach to an iterative, agile, and constantly evolving one. It means becoming comfortable with continuous failure, debugging, and rapid change. While technical skills can be learned, internalizing the culture of perpetual learning, documentation, and systematic problem-solving is often the hardest, yet most critical, transition.
How did you deal with the feeling of imposter syndrome when you first started working in a tech role? (Generalization)
Dealing with imposter syndrome requires consciously separating feelings from facts. The strategy involves acknowledging the feeling but focusing on small, verifiable wins and contributions to build confidence incrementally. Finding a mentor or supportive colleague to talk to is also crucial, as they can provide objective validation of skills and progress. Recognizing that everyone in tech is constantly learning and that having a non-traditional path provides a unique, valuable perspective helps to quiet the internal critic.
On this episode, we have Kelcey Cruz, Angela Samboa, Angelyn Viterbo, and Helena Rose Tantongco joining us to discuss "SheTech the Futures: A Student Lens" and the powerful message that the future is hers.
The future is here, and it's hers. In this episode, we're talking about the evolving tech industry and how we can catch up. We'll explore the power in a woman's voice as she navigates corporate politics, and how leading with her light can optimize team work. This is a crucial conversation for young women in tech, offering lessons, advice, and a powerful message of empowerment.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a young woman entering the tech space? (Generalization)
The biggest challenge often involves dealing with unconscious bias or the feeling of having to constantly prove your competence. This can manifest as having your ideas questioned more frequently or facing assumptions about your technical knowledge based on your gender. Overcoming this requires building unshakeable confidence in your skills and finding allies who recognize and champion your contributions. It's a journey of self-advocacy and persistence in showing that talent has no gender.
In a male-dominated environment, how do you ensure your voice is heard and your ideas are taken seriously? (Generalization)
To ensure your voice is heard, it's vital to be well-prepared and assertive. Always back up your ideas with data, research, or solid technical rationale. Use clear, direct language and avoid qualifiers that might undermine your statements. A key strategy is finding allies or sponsors who can help amplify your points in a group setting. If you are interrupted, calmly but firmly reclaim the floor. You must consciously command the space your expertise has earned you.
Can you share a story about a time when you saw another woman leading and it inspired you? (Generalization)
I was deeply inspired by a senior technical leader who, despite facing immense pressure, handled a major system outage with calm decisiveness and empathy. She didn't shout or panic; she systematically delegated tasks, communicated clearly with executives, and supported her team. Her style showed me that true power in leadership lies in competence and composure, not aggression. It validated the idea that I didn't need to adopt a traditionally aggressive "male" style of leadership to be effective and respected.
What message would you give to your younger self about starting a career in tech? (Generalization)
The message I would give is simple: Don't wait for permission to be smart, and don't shrink your ambition to fit someone else's expectations. Your unique perspective is your superpower; it will help you identify problems and solutions that others miss. Focus fiercely on building core technical skills, but also practice soft skills like negotiation and networking. Never internalize someone else's doubt; trust your abilities and remember that imposter syndrome is a liar.
In this episode, we have Jeff Barr, the Vice President and Chief Evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mike Fiedler, a PyPI Safety and Security Engineer at the Python Software Foundation and an AWS Hero, and Raphael Quisumbing, an AWS Hero, joining us to discuss the journey from quiet developer to visible leader.
When mentoring young devs, how do you reassure them that being âquietâ doesnât mean they canât lead? (Generalization)
You can reassure them by redefining what leadership looks like. Emphasize that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice, but about influence, expertise, and impact. Highlight the value of their quiet strengths, such as being a deep thinker, a great listener, or a meticulous problem-solver. Give them specific examples of how their detailed insights or calm presence can guide a team more effectively than an extroverted style. Show them that true leadership earns respect through competence and consistency, not just charisma.
Whatâs one small action a quiet developer can take that shows leadership without needing to be loud?(Generalization)
One powerful, small action is to consistently write clear, concise documentation and detailed code comments. This act of "quiet leadership" shares knowledge and makes the codebase maintainable for the entire team, including their future selves. Another is to proactively offer help to a teammate who is stuck on a problem. By doing so, they demonstrate empathy, build trust, and establish themselves as a reliable and valuable resource without having to be the one presenting in a meeting.
How can someone advocate for themselves in meetings or promotions if theyâre not naturally outspoken? (Generalization)
They can advocate for themselves by preparing in advance. Before a meeting, they can draft key points they want to make or questions they want to ask. In the meeting, they can wait for a natural pause to interject. For promotions, they should let their work speak for itself by meticulously documenting their accomplishments and the impact of their contributions. They can then share this information in one-on-one meetings with their manager, where they have more space to speak. This allows them to highlight their value without having to fight for airtime in a group setting.
Why does the tech industry often equate leadership with charisma or visibility? (Generalization)
The tech industry often equates leadership with charisma and visibility because these qualities are easy to see and measure in a fast-paced environment. An outspoken person may appear to be a decisive leader, and someone who gives a lot of public talks is seen as an expert. This creates a shortcut in a professionalâs mind that equates visibility with competence. However, it's a flawed assumption, as many of the most impactful contributions to techâlike foundational code, systems architecture, and security protocolsâare made by individuals who thrive on deep, focused, and often quiet work.
In this episode, we have Jeff Barr, Vice President and Chief Evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Markus Ostertag, Chief AWS Technologist at adesso and an AWS Hero, and Raphael Quisumbing, an AWS Hero joining us to discuss the power of "Learning Out Loud" and why being visible is more important than being perfect.
On this episode, we have Ted Mathew Dela Cruz, Andresito De Guzman, Asi Guiang, and Kayne Rodrigo joining us to discuss AI, fraud, and vibe-coded threats.
Cybercriminals are getting creativeâusing AI, social engineering, and âvibe-codedâ online culture to launch new types of scams and attacks. This episode explores the strange but serious ways fraudsters operate today, and what IT professionals can do to keep ahead of the curve.
What exactly are âvibe-codedâ threats, and how do they differ from traditional scams? (Generalization)
"Vibe-coded" threats are a new type of scam that leverages social engineering and a deep understanding of online culture to appear authentic and trustworthy. Unlike traditional scams that use generic, often poorly-written messages, vibe-coded threats are highly personalized and culturally aware. They mimic the language, humor, and social cues of specific online communities to build rapport and lower a victim's guard, making them much harder to detect with traditional security filters.
How is AI changing the way fraud is carried outâand how itâs prevented? (Generalization)
AI is a double-edged sword in the world of fraud. For attackers, itâs a powerful tool to create realistic deepfake videos, convincingly mimic voices, and write highly personalized phishing emails at scale. This lowers the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. However, AI is also a key tool for prevention. Machine learning models can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to detect subtle anomalies in user behavior, identify fraudulent patterns, and block scams that would be invisible to traditional, rule-based security systems.
Can you share a recent story of a surprising scam or fraud attempt you encountered? (Generalization)
One surprising scam involves the use of AI to create fake resumes and professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. These "synthetic personas" can even pass initial screening tests and interviews, gaining access to a company's internal systems as a remote worker. The scammer isn't trying to steal money directly; they're trying to gain a foothold inside a company to sell access to malicious actors or deploy ransomware later. Itâs a sophisticated and patient new form of insider threat.
How can everyday internet users protect themselves without becoming paranoid? (Generalization)
The key is to adopt a healthy sense of skepticism without becoming overly fearful. First, practice âdigital hygiene,â which means using unique, strong passwords and multi-factor authentication on all critical accounts. Second, always verify requests for information, even if they seem to come from a trusted friend or colleague; a quick phone call can prevent a huge mistake. Lastly, stay educated on new threats, but focus on the fundamentals of smart online behaviorâif something feels too good to be true or creates a sense of urgency, it almost always is.
Exploring how artificial intelligence, design thinking, and cybersecurity shape the future of work.
On this episode, we have Luis Maverick Gabriel, Piolo Justin Cabigao, Jon Prado, and George Louis Jose joining us to discuss AI, design, security, and the next wave of IT careers.
The future of IT isn't just about codeâit's about the intersection of cutting-edge fields. This episode dives into the exciting career paths emerging from the fusion of artificial intelligence, design thinking, and cybersecurity. We'll explore how these disciplines are creating new roles and opportunities, from designing secure AI systems to building user-friendly security tools. Join us to learn how to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow by bridging the gap between these powerful fields.
What new roles or specializations have you seen emerge at the intersection of these three fields? (Generalization)
We're seeing exciting new roles emerge that bridge these disciplines. For instance, there's the AI Security Engineer, who works to secure machine learning models and data pipelines from adversarial attacks. Another is the UX Security Researcher, who designs user-friendly security features and studies how users interact with security prompts. We've also seen the rise of AI Ethicists, who ensure AI systems are fair, transparent, and don't introduce bias, a role that sits at the intersection of AI, design, and a broader, more philosophical type of security.
For a student, what's a good first step to start building skills in all three areas? (Generalization)
A great first step is to find a project that combines them. Instead of studying each field in isolation, try building a simple application that requires all three. For example, create a small web app with a machine learning component (AI), a straightforward user interface (design), and a focus on basic authentication and data protection (security). This project-based learning approach forces you to understand how the concepts interact in the real world, providing a holistic understanding that is highly valuable to employers.
Can you describe a project where your team successfully integrated AI, design, and security from the start? (Generalization)
A good example would be the development of an intelligent fraud detection system. From the outset, the security team worked with developers to secure the data pipeline that fed the AI model, ensuring it was encrypted and tamper-proof. The AI team focused not only on building an accurate model but also on making it explainable, so that a fraud analyst could understand why a transaction was flagged. The design team then created a user interface that clearly presented this information to the analyst, ensuring they could act quickly and confidently, turning complex data into a simple, actionable workflow.
How has the rise of AI changed what's considered a "secure" product? (Generalization)
The rise of AI has added new layers to what's considered a secure product. Beyond protecting against traditional attacks like SQL injection, we must now defend against data poisoning, where an attacker manipulates the data to corrupt the AI model's output. A secure product must also be robust against adversarial attacks, where an attacker feeds the model specially crafted inputs to make it fail. This means that security now extends to the integrity and reliability of the data and the model itself, not just the code or infrastructure.
From theory to practiceâhow tomorrowâs defenders are forged today.
From the lecture hall to the SOC (Security Operations Center), how do students become front-line defenders of the digital world? This episode looks at the journey from learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity in school to applying them in real-world threats. Guests share their experiences, challenges, and tips for anyone aspiring to enter cybersecurity.
The good side of hackingâand why we need more of it.
Hacking isnât always a bad thing. This episode dives into the world of ethical hacking, where professionals deliberately exploit systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can. Weâll discuss the skills required to succeed in this field, how ethical hackers work with organizations, and why understanding your systemâs weaknesses is one of the best ways to protect it from real-world threats.
On this episode, we have Jason Torres, Miguel Fermin, and Rafael Quisumbing joining us to discuss "Global Exposure" and the differences between working here in the Philippines and abroad.
The tech world has gone borderless, creating new career paths and challenges. This episode explores the key differences and opportunities of working for a company in the Philippines versus a global or international one. Our guests will share insights on cultural nuances, salary and benefits, work-life balance, and career growth trajectories in both local and international settings. We'll provide practical advice for IT professionals looking to expand their horizons, whether by working remotely for a foreign company or pursuing a career abroad.
What are some of the biggest cultural or professional differences youâve observed between working for a local company and a global one? (Generalization)
One of the biggest differences is the approach to communication and hierarchy. Local companies may have a more structured, hierarchical communication style, while global companies often favor a more flat and direct approach. There are also differences in professional pace; global teams often operate with a greater sense of urgency due to time zone differences and tight international deadlines. Lastly, a diverse global team exposes you to different work ethics and perspectives, fostering a more adaptable and inclusive professional mindset.
How do compensation, benefits, and work-life balance typically compare when youâre working for a company based in another country? (Generalization)
Compensation and benefits are generally higher with global companies, especially those based in developed countries. This can include better salaries, more comprehensive health benefits, and clearer opportunities for bonuses or equity. However, the work-life balance can vary. While some global companies promote flexibility, the demands of working across different time zones might extend your work hours. It is also worth noting that benefits like paid time off and holidays may align with the company's home country, not the employee's, which can be a point of adjustment.
What are the biggest challenges or hurdles to getting a job with a global company or pursuing a career abroad? (Generalization)
One of the biggest hurdles is visa sponsorship and work permits, which can be a complex and lengthy process. For remote roles, competition is fierce, and showcasing your skills and experience to a global audience is key. You might also face the challenge of proving that your local experience and credentials are on par with international standards. Additionally, the initial adjustment to a new work culture, especially in terms of communication norms and professional expectations, can be a significant hurdle to overcome.
Whatâs one piece of advice youâd give to someone working in the Philippines who wants to gain more global exposure? (Generalization)
The best advice is to start building a global brand for yourself right now. This means actively contributing to open-source projects, participating in international tech communities online, and building a professional portfolio that is accessible to anyone, anywhere. Focus on gaining highly sought-after skills like cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity. By demonstrating your expertise on a global stage, you can attract opportunities without even having to leave your current location.
On this episode, we have Raphael Quisumbing, Miguel Fermin, and Jason Tores joining us to discuss the world of startup equity and exits.
For anyone working at or dreaming of joining a startup, understanding equity is crucial. This episode demystifies the world of stock options, vesting schedules, and company valuation. Our guests will break down how startup equity works, the key terms you need to know, and what happens during a successful exit, whether through an acquisition or an IPO. We'll share practical advice on how to navigate compensation conversations and maximize the value of your stake in a growing company.
What are the fundamental types of equity an employee can receive, and whatâs the difference between them? (Generalization)
The two most common types are stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). With stock options, you get the right to buy a certain number of shares at a predetermined price, called the strike price, after a vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are a grant of actual shares that are given to you once they vest. The key difference is that with options, you have to pay to acquire the stock, while with RSUs, the stock is simply given to you.
What is a vesting schedule, and why is it so important for employees to understand? (Generalization)
A vesting schedule is the timeline that determines when an employee gets ownership of their equity. It's usually a four-year schedule with a one-year cliff, meaning you have to work for at least a year before you get any of the equity. After that, the rest of the equity typically vests in monthly increments. Understanding your vesting schedule is crucial because it dictates when your equity is truly yours, and it heavily influences decisions like when to leave a company or whether to exercise your stock options.
How do mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs impact employee equity? (Generalization)
In a merger or acquisition, employee equity is typically cashed out or converted into shares of the acquiring company. The terms of the deal can vary, so it's essential to understand the specific agreement. In an Initial Public Offering (IPO), the company's shares become available on the public stock market. This allows employees to sell their vested shares for cash, subject to a lock-up period that prevents an immediate sell-off. Both events represent the primary ways for employees to realize the financial value of their equity.
What are some key questions employees should ask about equity during a job negotiation? (Generalization)
When negotiating for equity, you should always ask about the type of equity being offered (e.g., options or RSUs). Itâs also crucial to understand the vesting schedule and any performance-based conditions. Inquire about the company's latest valuation and the total number of shares outstanding, as this helps you calculate the actual percentage of the company your equity represents. Finally, ask about the companyâs path to an exit (e.g., IPO or acquisition) and any policies regarding exercising your options if you leave the company.
Why writing maintainable code is a career skill, not a coding style.
On this episode, we have Alex, Christopher Bryan, Charles Mejica Madronero, and Edd Alc joining us to discuss clean code and why writing maintainable code is a career skill, not just a coding style.
Clean code isnât about perfectionâitâs about clarity, maintainability, and collaboration. In this episode, we talk to developers who prioritize writing code that other people (including their future selves) can read, debug, and scale. Weâll unpack why clean code matters beyond job interviews, how it impacts teams and long-term projects, and the habits that separate average coders from great ones over time.
Whatâs your personal definition of clean code? (Generalization)
My personal definition of clean code is code that is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to change. Itâs code that tells a story, so that another developer can look at it and immediately grasp its purpose without excessive comments. Itâs also code that has a clear structure and organization, making it predictable and simple to navigate. Essentially, it's code that prioritizes the human reader over the machine.
Have you ever had to clean up someone elseâs messy codebase? What was that like? (Generalization)
Absolutely. Cleaning up a messy codebase is a common rite of passage for many developers. It can be a very challenging and frustrating experience, much like trying to untangle a massive knot of string. The process often involves a lot of detective work to understand the original intent of the code, and a significant amount of time spent on refactoring and writing tests to ensure changes don't break existing functionality. While difficult, it's also a powerful learning experience that highlights the importance of good code hygiene.
What small habits help you write cleaner, more maintainable code every day? (Generalization)
A few small habits make a big difference. I always aim to use descriptive variable and function names so their purpose is immediately clear. I also try to keep functions small and focused on a single task, following the Single Responsibility Principle. Additionally, Iâm a firm believer in automated testing; a good suite of tests acts as a safety net that allows me to refactor and improve code confidently without fear of introducing new bugs.
Is there ever a time when writing clean code is not the priority? (Generalization)
Yes, there are rare situations where clean code is not the top priority. This most often happens in a crisis or emergency, such as when a critical system is down and needs to be fixed immediately. In such cases, the priority is to get the system working again as quickly as possible. Similarly, during a rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept phase, a developer might prioritize speed and functionality to validate an idea. However, in these situations, it's crucial to acknowledge the "mess" and plan to refactor it later to avoid long-term technical debt.