Writing & Case Studies
Insights on engineering leadership, team building, and technology strategy. Explore case studies and articles based on real-world experiences.
Featured Case Studies
THE SLOW BLOODRED SUNSET OF THE WEB AS WE KNEW IT
Discover why all websites face a looming traffic crisis, as LLMs (Large Language Models) redefine user interaction. Learn how to pivot from outdated SEO strategies to LLM Optimization (LLMO) and ensure your site thrives in an AI-driven future. Don’t get left behind—implement essential strategies to expose your data, adapt your approach, and reclaim your online presence!
March 22, 2025
Building a Scalable UI Component Library
Discover how we built a scalable, accessible UI component library that streamlined development, enhanced design consistency, and improved engineering velocity for an e-commerce client.
December 31, 2024
Latest Articles
The Ultimate Code Review Process: Stop Bugs, Up-Skill Engineers, and Boost Communication
Transform your code review process from a rigid bottleneck into a powerful driver of quality, skill growth, and team collaboration. Discover a simple, proven framework and 7 essential rules that boost productivity, foster better communication, and scale seamlessly across your engineering organization—without top-down mandates or culture clashes. Learn the step-by-step strategy for organic adoption, effective automation, and data-driven optimization that high-performing teams use to ship better code, faster.
May 24, 2025
Waking Up at 4:30 AM is Lazy, Wake Up at 4:00 AM
Discover the fine balance between structure and creativity in your daily routine! This thought-provoking blog post explores the power of waking up early—4:00AM urgency versus the societal pressure of 4:30AM discipline. Learn how to honor both the quantifiable and the intangible aspects of productivity, and unlock your true creative potential. Dive into the nuances of routine formation while recognizing the beauty of spontaneity and rule-breaking. Perfect for anyone feeling uninspired or trapped by rigid schedules!
April 25, 2025
Forgetting is a Gift: How to Change the Past and Burn Your To-Do List
In a world where technology excels at preserving every detail, what if forgetting is your greatest asset? Explore the paradox of memory and forgetting in this thought-provoking post, where the author shares his journey of obsessive note-taking, revealing that not all moments deserve to be remembered. Discover how unnecessary mental clutter can hinder your true potential, and learn to embrace the art of letting go as a path to clarity and focus. Read on to reconsider your relationship with memory and declutter your mind.
April 6, 2025
AI Censorship is a Grift (And Fixing It Will Make You Billions)
Explore the provocative interplay between creativity and AI censorship in this bold blog post. Discover how restrictive guidelines can stifle inquiry and force users to misrepresent their intentions just to obtain information. Delve into real examples that highlight the absurdity of current AI limitations and consider the potential for a new uncensored AI market. Is curiosity under threat, and how might we reclaim the freedom to ask the difficult questions? Join the conversation!
March 30, 2025
What I Learned From Being A Janitor
Explore the transformative power of thinking beyond the surface in "A Day in the Life of a Janitor." Discover how solitude and boredom can fuel your mind's creativity, and learn why understanding *how* you think can lead to personal success. This engaging reflection on youth, labor, and intellectual growth reveals the profound impact of your formative years on your thought processes. Are you feeding your mind the right 'levain' to spark meaningful change? Dive in to find out!
February 8, 2025
Stop Writing 50-Page Reports No One Reads
Unlock the secret to capturing your audience's attention with powerful insights on concise communication! Discover why respecting your readers means refining your ideas for maximum impact. Delve into the art of editing and learn to distill your thoughts into clear, engaging messages—perfect for today's fast-paced world.
January 25, 2025
Three Personal Development Lessons I Learned in 2024
Discover the top three personal development lessons from 2025 that transformed my approach to sustainable leadership, listened to my body, and fostered genuine empathy in the workplace. Join me as I share insights on overcoming overcommitment, restructuring fitness routines for optimal health, and unlocking the potential of your team through heartfelt listening. Embrace these strategies to thrive personally and professionally!
January 5, 2025
Real-Time User Experience Will Define the Future of Software
Discover how the web is evolving past outdated, one-directional interactions and embracing the demand for real-time experiences. This blog post delves into the current shortcomings of user engagement, the root causes of our craving for immediacy, and innovative examples from the tech world, like Anduril and ChatGPT, that illustrate the shift towards a more dynamic, engaging online landscape. Join the conversation about the future of web experiences—where real-time interactivity isn't just desirable; it's essential.
January 2, 2025
How New Grads Can Land a High-Paid Tech Job in 2025
Unlock your tech career potential! 🌟 This essential guide offers new grads straightforward advice on navigating college, mastering resumes, and leveraging your youth for success. Discover why grad school might not be the answer, how to gain practical experience, and ensure you get the value you deserve from your first job. Start building a fulfilling tech career today! 💻🚀
January 1, 2025
Best Tech Learnings of 2024
Discover the top programming languages, frameworks, and tools of 2024 through insightful takeaways that will save you time and elevate your development game. From the efficiency of Ruby on Rails to the versatility of Next.js and the static power of Astro, this post breaks down the best choices for your next project. Plus, find out why Haskell, though rarely used, can transform your thinking. Dive into recommended articles and books that foster personal and professional growth, alongside must-have tech gear to boost your productivity. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide!
December 23, 2024
How Eating Like A Caveman For 30 Days Optimized My Performance At Work
Discover how to boost your performance by transforming your eating habits without restrictive dieting! This blog reveals a balanced approach that allows for indulgence while promoting both mental agility and physical health. Learn how a simple modification of the primal diet can help you shed pounds, feel satisfied, and enhance your focus—all without sacrificing the joy of eating. Dive into a flexible meal plan that respects your cravings and delivers real results. Reclaim your energy and sharpen your mind today!
December 19, 2024
The 1 Technique That Makes Shopify Engineers Masters At System Design
Unlock the secrets to mastering system design with just **information** and **instinct**! Discover how Shopify's innovative approach using the game Factorio can transform your design skills in mere months, helping you develop vital instincts while keeping your knowledge fresh. Learn why instinct is as crucial as information, and follow a practical, accelerated method to ace system design interviews and build robust, scalable systems. Dive into the art of designing with confidence!
December 1, 2024
Fitness For Busy Professionals
Unlock the secret to finding time for fitness in your busy life! Discover how the concept of "rubato" can help you take charge of your schedule and prioritize your health. Explore the surprising benefits of "stealing" time for workouts and learn why investing in fitness is worth every second. Don't wait for time to become available—embrace the art of time management and transform your lifestyle today!
November 13, 2024
What NEW Managers Must Know to Avoid Failure!
Discover why 60% of new managers fail within two years and the critical role authenticity plays in effective leadership. This insightful blog post explores the challenges faced by newly promoted managers, the pitfalls of self-serving motivations, and the timeless lessons of Cincinnatus, a Roman leader who prioritized clarity and purpose over power. Unlock the secrets to sustainable leadership success and learn to navigate the complexities of management with a genuine approach. Read more to elevate your leadership game!
November 10, 2024
Negativity Is the Most Important Leadership Quality
Unlock the secret to leadership in tech: the power of saying "no." In this insightful blog post, discover how embracing negativity can lead to clarity, efficiency, and success. Learn why saying "no" has shaped my journey and how it can transform yours. Challenge the status quo, cut through the noise, and redefine your approach to leadership. Dive in and find out how the most liberating choice you can make might just be rejecting the things that drain your time and energy!
November 4, 2024
Getting Your First Tech Job
Discover how to navigate the challenging tech job landscape with practical advice for newcomers. In this insightful blog post, learn the crucial steps to kickstart your tech career: securing any job, leveraging your current role to learn, and strategically pivoting into your desired field. Whether you're interested in engineering, programming, product management, or design, this guide offers actionable strategies to connect with industry professionals, market your value, and increase your chances of success. Don’t wait for your big break—take charge of your career journey today!
October 29, 2024
Videos
Join me on my 90-day journey as I strive to reach ambitious goals: from hitting 1000 YouTube subscribers to launching digital products and hosting my first tech seminar! Get insights into my progress, challenges, and joys of creative pursuit. Tune in as I document my experience balancing aspirations with reality, and let’s see how far I can go! 🚀📈 #TechLeadership #Goals #YouTubeGrowth
September 25, 2024
The Goal is to be Less Efficient
Discover the secret formula to effectively scale engineering teams in organizations! This insightful blog post explores the delicate balance between hiring and efficiency, introducing the concept of Work Units and how the Golden Ratio can guide your scaling decisions. Whether you're managing a small team or navigating a larger department, learn why simply adding more engineers isn't enough and uncover strategies to maintain productivity. Join the conversation on optimizing your team's growth—click to read more!
August 27, 2024
dotenv: The Process of Rock Boynton
Dive into the intricate world of engineering through the lens of Rock, a craftsman whose tools not only reflect his work but also the deep conversations he has with them. This blog post explores the painful yet rewarding dialogue between engineers and their instruments, highlighting the importance of humility, iteration, and thoughtful setups that lead to meaningful contributions in software development. Discover how Rock's unique hardware and software choices, including a custom-built keyboard and an innovative editor setup, empower him to tackle challenges that truly matter. Join us in appreciating the art and science behind engineering with purpose and precision.
August 3, 2024
We are Living in a Keyboard Golden Age
Unlock the secrets of the golden age of keyboards in our latest blog post! Explore the evolution from basic PC keyboards to the thriving world of mechanical and split designs. Discover how personal experiences with various keyboards can lead to a more comfortable and efficient coding experience. Join us as we navigate through a myriad of options, share tips for optimizing your keyboard choice, and reflect on the joys of typing with the perfect tool for your hands. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just starting, this guide will help you find your ideal keyboard!
July 24, 2024
Home Row Mods
Unlock the secret to enhanced typing efficiency with home row mods! In this insightful blog post, discover how to optimize your keyboard setup for maximum ergonomics and minimal hand movement. Learn key mapping strategies, including redundancy and symmetry, to create a personalized typing experience that suits your unique workflow. Whether you're an engineer or a casual user, transform your typing game and say goodbye to awkward finger combinations. Dive in to find out how to set up home row mods and start typing smarter today!
July 18, 2024
Studio is in Session
Unlock the secret to effective engineering development with a fresh approach! In this insightful blog post, we explore the challenges of nurturing talent within tech teams and introduce a creative solution—a weekly studio class inspired by informal learning. Discover how to foster a collaborative environment, avoid the pitfalls of traditional "Lunch and Learns," and ignite engaging discussions that lead to unexpected wins. Perfect for engineering leaders looking to enhance team dynamics and innovation, this post is a must-read!
July 17, 2024
Bye Bye VSCode
Discover why the author made the leap from VSCode to Neovim in this insightful blog post. Explore the ergonomic advantages, efficient workflows, and unexpected benefits like mastering regex that come with using Neovim. If you're considering a switch or simply curious about modern text editors, this article offers valuable perspectives and a compelling case for embracing Neovim in your development toolkit.
July 16, 2024
Marshall McLuhan and Vim
Dive into the world of Vim through the lens of real-life experiences with three unique coders: Ron, Jamie, and a mysterious third mastermind. Discover how the adaptability of Vim shapes their coding styles and workflows in unexpected ways. From the frenetic energy of Ron's coding sessions to Jamie's meticulous, ergonomic approach, this essay explores the profound relationship between tools and thought processes in programming. Join the conversation and see how Vim can transform your coding experience!
July 5, 2024
I Have Built This Blog Ten Times
Unlock the secrets of effective blogging with insights from a seasoned programmer's relentless journey of procrastination and website redevelopment! Dive into the evolution of different frameworks like Jekyll, Astro, and Next.js—each with its unique advantages and quirks. Discover why Next.js takes the crown for the ultimate blogging platform, explore deployment options like Vercel and GitHub Pages, and learn why now is the perfect time to start your own blog. Don’t miss out on valuable lessons that could transform your writing and coding experience!
June 5, 2024
Emotional Gooning
In a candid exploration of social media fatigue, the author shares their decision to delete most of their accounts after grappling with the emotional highs and lows fueled by endless scrolling. This post delves into the addictive nature of short-form content, the delusions it creates, and the constant struggle between caring about the world and feeling emotionally drained. Join the conversation about finding balance in a digital age and the personal journey toward meaningful engagement beyond the screen.
April 26, 2024
Forward
Discover why traditional Agile frameworks are falling short for high-performing tech teams and explore the essential needs for successful product engineering. From balanced efficiency to fostering self-discipline, this post delves into key insights every engineering leader should know. Join the conversation and reshape your approach to Agile.
April 7, 2024
Done
After paying off $137,665.38 in student loans in just 2.5 years, one PhD graduate reflects on the journey through academia. Discover the highs and lows of pursuing a doctorate—an experience that, while financially taxing, brought immense personal growth and joy amidst challenges. Join the conversation on whether the pursuit of knowledge is truly worth the sacrifice.
March 13, 2024
Nodes vs Edges
Discover the fascinating divide between "node people" and "edge people" in the tech industry! Explore how these distinct thinkers shape our workplaces and why a balance between the two is essential for innovation and success. Uncover the challenges they face and the incredible results that can emerge when their strengths are combined. Don't miss this insightful look at the dynamics of collaboration in software development!
February 13, 2024
Scale to One
Discover why many developers miss the mark with their software ideas and learn how to find your unique "why" to create truly impactful products. Dive deep into the importance of authenticity and personal passion in software development. Are you ready to move beyond generic solutions and build something that resonates? Join the conversation!
January 13, 2024
The Good Internet
Explore the revival of **The Good Internet** as we reflect on the evolution of online spaces from the late 90s to today. Discover how the rise of social media and smartphones has shaped a "Bad Internet" that caters to the lowest common denominator. Dive into the importance of building tools that maximize creativity and meaningful engagement, and join the movement of new programmers seeking to restore depth and authenticity to technology. Reignite your passion for coding with innovative ideas that harken back to a more engaging online experience!
January 1, 2024
Anything
Discover "Anything," a new blog-as-a-service that lets anyone share their content simply by encoding it in a URL. Explore this unique project, rooted in the principles of a nostalgic internet era, focusing on anonymity, anti-corporate influence, and a tech-first approach. Dive deeper into the technical aspects and join the conversation about the future of content sharing. Check it out now!
December 21, 2023
Leadership Misconceptions
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March 7, 2023
What needs solved?
Unlock the secret to engineering success by mastering the art of asking the right questions! Discover how great engineers differentiate between "what needs solved" and "why should it be solved." Delve into problem-solving strategies that elevate your skills from junior to senior level and learn why not all tasks deserve your attention. Join us in redefining your approach to engineering challenges—don’t let your ego cloud your judgment! Read more to transform your problem-solving mindset.
July 15, 2022