Archives: Episode

  • Why don’t managers use issue trackers to organise their own tasks?

    Why don’t managers use issue trackers to organise their own tasks?

    I never saw a manager who used the same approach and tools to structure and track his own work, tasks and deliverables. We tend to avoid Jira for management tasks like 1:1 with direct reports and our line managers, working on documents, preparing and sending reports, meetings and discussions, interviews, etc. We do not put…

  • Every Case Is Corner Case

    Every Case Is Corner Case

    In this episode of Alpha Trials, I explore the significance of corner case testing in delivering reliable products. Through real-life examples, we learn the importance of testing systems in challenging conditions to uncover hidden issues. Traditional testing environments fall short in replicating real-world scenarios, making it crucial to prioritise all cases equally. By treating every…

  • Will AI reshape knowledge management in organisations?

    Will AI reshape knowledge management in organisations?

    My guest is Dmytro Nekrasov, R&D manager who draws inspiration and ideas from contemplation of the Universe in its majestical manifold: from smallest particles to superclusters of galaxies. Join us in this episode as we explore the fascinating world of knowledge generation, sharing, and application. In this thought-provoking video, we dive into the origins of…

  • The dark side of second source components

    The dark side of second source components

    In this episode, I will dive into the world of hardware product development and explore the crucial role of second source components. When creating a hardware product, it’s common to rely on various individual components that serve as the building blocks of the final device. However, factors such as component shortages or end-of-life cycles can…

  • Visibility Matters. Stand Out, Get Ahead

    Visibility Matters. Stand Out, Get Ahead

    In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of visibility of an individual in an organization and its significance. I explore the challenges individuals face in gaining visibility, such as lack of opportunities, stiff competition, rigid hierarchy structures, and departmental silos. Additionally, I discuss the factors that help increase visibility, including effective communication, leveraging…

  • Kreslav Babanin: How to deliver results and protect own team at the same time

    Kreslav Babanin: How to deliver results and protect own team at the same time

    Finding the balance between urgent business needs and mental health in the team is not a trivial task. It takes a while before the new manager calibrates. And during this process you might make multiple typical mistakes. In this episode you will learn how to avoid mistakes and find the balance fast.

  • The superpower of working backwards approach

    The superpower of working backwards approach

    In this episode you will learn what it means to work backwards. This is a very powerful technique which can streamline your projects, improve efficiency and superpower you as a tech manager. You will understand key benefits and limitations of this approach. There are many cases where you can use this tool, but also there…

  • How to build alignment with your teams

    How to build alignment with your teams

    Are your teams or stakeholders not understanding your goals or expect something different? This can be risky for your program, and you often discover this unexpectedly. In such cases, you are required to act fast to fix the problem. But how? You need to build alignment with your teams. And to prevent such issues afterwards…