Builders Gonna Build

Coming up on my one-year anniversary here at GetOut, I can't help but reflect on my nearly 25 years in software. I've seen engineers without a voice in how they work. Without ownership of how they build. Governed by processes designed by people who don'…

Masters of the Universe

Growing up, I would read the back of a cereal box while eating my cereal. This movie was nothing more than an animated back of the ceareal box story. I give it 2 scoops and 90 raisins.…

Its A Banana Sterling.

The "book a demo" problem has variations of layers to this nonsense. There's: - "Talk to Sales" - "Get a Custom Quote" - "See Pricing (just kidding, enter your work email)" - "Start Your Journey" (a journey? I…

Your Technical Interviews Still Suck

Stepping into hiring, I'm building a strategic hiring plan and I'm reminded that your technical interviews still suck. So time for part 3 of this book. I'm putting Utah engineering leaders on blast. Part 1: Your Technical Interviews Suck Part 2: Engineering Leaders, Stop…

Stop Celebrating Burnout

My first startup, EVALS, took everything from me. If you're celebrating 80-hour weeks as a flex, I was you. I missed everything and got nothing in return besides regret. Sure, our exit was great, but the hours missed, wouldn't have changed the outcome, nor can I…

Do Everything and Nothing Well

Your SAAS has a pocket knife problem. The Swiss Army knife works because it does a few things incredibly well. The blade cuts. The screwdriver turns. 🤯 For some reason, though, some of y'all looked at this and said "what if we added 32 toothpicks, a magnifying glass,…

The Bad Guy

You need me this silhouette against your clean white walls, this convenient darkness where you hang your fears like coats. I am the name you whisper when your own hands tremble with want you won't confess. Point your finger. I wear the black you're too afraid…