Archives: Episode

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 our tasks in the backlog there, we do not calculate our capacity and do not plan our own “sprints”. Why?

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 failure as an opportunity for improvement, companies can build trust, enhance user experiences, and avoid reputation damage. The video emphasises the need for comprehensive testing methodologies that encompass worst-case scenarios and replicate diverse user environments.

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 knowledge, unraveling the mysteries of its emergence on planet Earth. From biological aspects of knowledge sharing to the evolution of wisdom over time, we uncover the profound role of experience in knowledge generation and the intricate workings of memory.

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 disrupt the supply chain and require the need for substitute components. I discuss the challenges that arise from these situations and share valuable insights on managing, choosing, and validating substitute components before integrating them into your product. I will touch the risks involved and strategies to ensure a smooth transition to second source components, minimizing disruptions and maximizing product stability.

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 meetings and emails, and the importance of clear and concise messaging. I also highlight the value of regular status reports and the role of networking in building relationships and expanding one’s professional network. I cover the benefits of taking on leadership roles, demonstrating initiative, and being proactive in problem-solving. Through real-life examples, I illustrate the impact of visibility on career growth and share practical tips for enhancing visibility within an organization.

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.

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 are some cases where this tool won’t work. Also, we will review multiple examples to see how to use this approach in the real world.

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 you should maintain alignment preventively. In this episode you will learn how to do this.