Learning in public | Kelsey Hightower

Learning in public | Kelsey Hightower

Author: Ronak Nathani, Guang Yang April 16, 2024 Duration: 57:26

We're super excited to have Kelsey back on the show! Our last conversation was around his incredible career journey - from working at McDonald's after school to starting his own computer store, to hacking on python infrastructure with the core developers, to meeting Satya Nadella for an interview.

In part two of this conversation, we dive deep into Kelsey's experiences learning in public and writing "Kubernetes: Up and Running":

  • The biggest barrier to getting started with learning in public and a step-by-step guide to overcome it

  • Cautionary tale of the "JavaScript sucks" guy

  • Developing the skill of crafting good analogies

  • The business and economics of writing a book

  • Much more

 

Segments:

[0:01:12] Writing and learning in public.

[0:10:58] Writing "Kubernetes: Up and Running."

[0:16:05] The business and economics of writing a book.

[0:21:27] Why your first book should not exceed 100 pages.

[0:23:36] What prevented Kelsey from giving up on the book.

[0:26:15] Being intentional about building an audience and the cautionary tale of the "JavaScript sucks" guy.

[0:36:44] Authenticity does not guarantee success.

[0:39:09] Developing the skill of crafting effective analogies.

[0:47:47] Advice for engineers to leverage their technical skills outside of the nine-to-five.

 

Show Notes:

 

Stay in touch:

👋 Make Ronak's day by leaving us a review and let us know who we should talk to next! hello@softwaremisadventures.com


Behind every line of code, there's a person with a story, and that's where Software Misadventures finds its pulse. Hosts Ronak Nathani and Guang Yang pull up a chair with engineers, founders, and investors, but the conversation rarely stays in the technical manual. Instead, it wanders into the human territory of career detours, hard-won insights, and those unpredictable stumbles that often teach the most. This podcast is built on the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination, especially in the fast-moving tech world. You'll hear guests recount the projects that went sideways, the decisions they'd rethink, and the moments of clarity that emerged from the chaos. It’s a refreshingly honest look at the industry, emphasizing that expertise isn't just about what you build, but what you learn when things don't go as planned. Tune in for conversations that are less about perfect solutions and more about the real, sometimes messy, process of creating with technology. Each episode offers a blend of professional wisdom and personal narrative, making it a compelling listen for anyone curious about the lives woven into our digital landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

Software Misadventures
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