Frameworks for Feedback at DevOpsDays Chicago 2015 [Updated: with video!]
I gave a talk on "Frameworks for Feedback" at DevOpsDays Chicago. The organizers asked me to add in a little about diversity and microaggressions, so it's pretty jam-packed, but seemed to be well received. Also, the DevOps community is awesome. (more…)
Increasing the visibility and leadership of women in tech — TEDxRiverNorth
It was a huge honor — and super terrifying — to be asked to speak at the first TEDxRiverNorth at 1871. It was also immediately following returning from the 2nd annual Write/Speak/Code conference. I was lucky to get to work with our speaking coach right before I left NYC. Thanks Melissa!
Thoughts on team tension
We all want to work in a collaborative, open, communicative environment, right? Ok. Maybe not all of you. But at the very least, you don't want to work with people you dislike, have totally different values and ideas than you and you disagree with often. In others word, you don't want to have tension with your team. Right? (more…)
Being tough vs. being clear
"If I knew that, I wouldn't have …" The moment a company, manager, or leader hears these words their instinct is to create a policy or document or thing that clarifies the expectation. At least that's the goal. What often happens is that they add tough language ("You will be terminated if you do X") in an effort to make sure everyone knows what will happen. (more…)
The power of appreciation
One of the reasons I was attracted to teaching was the acknowledgement and appreciation I (might) get as a teacher. Being a woman in tech is hard. The ignoring and lack of acknowledgement adds up. I was burned out and angry. (Still am to some degree). The statistic that 56% of women leave tech after 10 years kept running through my head — 2014 is my 11th year of working full-time as a professional developer. Was I ready to leave? Did ...