Sprint Review Unfiltered

Hosted by Chris and Saad

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Latest episode

Oct 2024

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About the show

What do you call it when a Product Manager and an Engineer are having a conversation? - A Sprint Review But this one is unfiltered. An honest conversation between two former teammates, about how they are experiencing their roles in a Product Team, what helped them with their struggles and what made them laugh.

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17 recent

October 23, 202454 min

Sprint #15 - Minimalism and Simplicity in Life & Tech

Summary In this conversation, Chris and Saad explore the themes of minimalism and simplicity in both personal living spaces and technology. They discuss the psychological benefits of decluttering, the cultural influences on design, and the balance between simplicity and complexity in user experience. The conversation also touches on the concept of super apps, the importance of longevity in tech purchases, and the liberating feeling of owning less. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for tech minimalism and the value of experiences over possessions. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 The Minimalist Lifestyle: A Personal Journey 02:45 Understanding Minimalism: Definitions and Perspectives 05:31 Simplicity vs. Minimalism: Exploring the Differences 08:02 The Complexity Behind Simplicity in Tech 10:48 Cultural Influences on Design and User Experience 13:28 The Balance Between Creativity and Simplicity 16:16 Designing for Different Audiences: The User Experience 19:07 The Evolution of Design Tools and User Preferences 20:55 Tech Minimalism: Reducing Clutter in Digital Life 23:40 Super Apps: The Future of Technology Usage 30:08 The Rise of Super Apps 32:33 Challenges of Super Apps in Different Markets 35:26 Tech Minimalism: The Need for Simplicity 41:32 The Psychology of Decluttering 52:36 Embracing Simplicity in a Complex World

October 9, 202448 min

Sprint #14 - High performer vs. Culture

Summary In this episode of Sprint Review Unfiltered, Chris and Saad delve into the concept of high performance in the workplace, discussing the implications of small talk, the role of managers, and the importance of company culture. They explore the definition of high performers, the necessity of effective management, and the often misunderstood term 'culture fit.' The conversation highlights the balance between productivity and social interaction, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the cultivation of a positive work environment. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Discussion 02:37 Debate on High Performers and Small Talk 05:19 Defining High Performance in the Workplace 08:13 The Role of Management in High Performance 10:44 Culture Fit and Its Implications 13:34 The Impact of Company Culture on Performance 16:21 The Consequences of Overworking 19:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions

September 25, 202447 min

Sprint #13 - Making your case as an Engineer

Summary In this episode of Sprint Review Unfiltered, Chris and Saad engage in a lively debate about the merits of different tech stacks, particularly focusing on PHP and modern JavaScript frameworks like React and Next.js. They discuss the challenges of returning to coding after a long hiatus, the importance of developer experience, and the implications of using outdated technologies. The conversation also touches on the role of product managers in understanding technical decisions and the necessity of effective communication between engineers and business stakeholders. Ultimately, they agree to disagree on certain points but emphasize the importance of building scalable and maintainable products. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:41 The Benefits of React and Next.js 12:40 Performance and Rendering 16:58 Costs and Trade-offs 21:02 The Challenge of Building 23:36 API Integrations 24:09 Introduction to the discussion on technology stack 24:52 Comparing PHP and Next.js 25:45 Considerations for product managers and non-technical stakeholders 26:27 The complexity of WordPress and the importance of understanding plugins 27:39 The impact of GDPR and legal issues with plugins 29:11 Performance considerations and the definition of performance 30:47 The benefits of Next.js in terms of performance and scalability 33:28 The importance of following modern best practices 35:34 The challenges of working with traditional PHP 37:17 The need for trust and communication between engineers and product managers 38:21 The importance of making a strong case for technology choices 41:17 Strategic refactoring and its benefits 44:02 The challenges of explaining technical considerations to non-technical stakeholders 46:44 Wrap-up and closing remarks

September 11, 202441 min

Sprint #12 - Data makes the world go round

Summary In this episode, Chris and Saad discuss the concept of being data-driven and the importance of context in data analysis. They explore the limitations of relying solely on data and the need for a data-informed approach. They also touch on the challenges of data quality, the impact of changing context on decision-making, and the problem of silos between data and engineering teams. They conclude by discussing the excessive use of analytics tools and the need for careful planning and evaluation of the data stack. The conversation explores the importance of data governance, the role of context in decision-making, and the challenges of scaling a product and team. It emphasizes the need to use data to make better decisions within the specific context and highlights the risks of getting lost in misleading metrics. The conversation also touches on the value of intuition and gut feeling, as well as the potential pitfalls of relying solely on personas. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and a holistic approach to product development. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Data-Driven Approach 02:10 The Limitations of Being Data-Driven 04:41 The Importance of Context in Data Analysis 07:37 Challenges of Data Quality and Trust 10:03 The Impact of Changing Context on Decision-Making 13:26 Breaking Down Silos: Collaboration between Data and Engineering Teams 16:54 Thoughtful Selection and Use of Analytics Tools 21:04 Understanding User Flows 22:48 The Pros and Cons of Personas 24:36 Challenges of Starting from Scratch 25:26 The Significance of Data Governance 28:06 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Narrow Metrics 31:06 Scaling Teams: Finding the Right Balance

August 28, 202443 min

Sprint #11 - What makes great design?

The conversation discusses the importance of user experience and how it goes beyond just the product itself. It highlights the impact of communication and emotional design on the overall user experience. The hosts share personal experiences with different services and insurance, emphasizing the need for clear communication and avoiding anxiety-inducing experiences. They also discuss the role of product managers in understanding and designing user flows, as well as the importance of being data-informed rather than data-driven. The conversation discusses the importance of talking to users and understanding their experiences. It emphasizes the need to have regular conversations with customers to identify emerging patterns and address their needs. The conversation also touches on the limitations of personas and the importance of context in understanding user behavior. It highlights the need for practical, hands-on learning experiences and the importance of mentors in career development. The conversation concludes by discussing the significance of user experience and communication in design. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:15 Personal Experiences with Services 05:22 The Impact of Bad User Experience 09:25 The Role of Product Managers 12:14 Designing for Emotion and Connection 15:58 Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality 17:41 Reconstructing the Energy App Experience 21:48 Talking to Users and Gathering Feedback 23:34 Limitations of Personas and the Significance of Context 25:54 Practical, Real-World Problem-Solving Experiences 27:24 The Power of Good Communication and Customer Experience 41:54 Considering Best Practices within Context

August 14, 202431 min

Sprint #10 - A review of Sprint Review Unfiltered

Summary In this episode of Sprint Review Unfiltered, Saad and Chris reflect on their podcasting journey and discuss the challenges and lessons they have learned. They emphasize the importance of having fun and enjoying the content creation process. They also talk about the difficulty of coming up with topics and the need for structure and preparation. They explore the idea of having guests on the show and experimenting with different formats, such as live episodes and in-person recordings. They also discuss the possibility of creating short clips and improving the editing process. Overall, they express their appreciation for the podcasting experience and the opportunity to connect with listeners. --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/-- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Podcasting Journey 03:17 The Importance of Having Fun and Being True to Yourself 04:42 Challenges of Remote Podcasting and Topic Selection 08:25 Exploring Different Formats: Guests, Live Episodes, and In-Person Recordings 23:15 Creating Shorter Video Clips for a Wider Audience 30:24 Improving the Structure of Episodes for Better Engagement

July 31, 202456 min

Sprint #9 - Speak Up! Mastering Public Speaking

Join Chris and Saad as they dive into the world of public speaking! In this episode, they share personal stories, reveal top tips, and discuss why staying relatable to your audience is a game-changer. Discover essential techniques, the importance of knowing your audience, and how to practice effectively to build confidence. They also compare public speaking with podcasting, emphasizing the impact of authenticity and the role of social media. Plus, learn how to engage your audience and encourage feedback. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you shine on stage! Tune in now to boost your public speaking game! --Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/--Chapters00:00 Introduction and Interesting Topic02:58 The Importance of Public Speaking in the Tech Industry05:30 Challenges and Skills of Public Speaking07:25 Being Relatable and Knowing Your Audience31:55 The Appeal of Podcast Episodes on Topics33:57 The Role of Public Speaking in Personal and Professional Growth37:12 Understanding Your Audience and Meeting Them Where They Are41:43 Public Speaking as a Revenue Stream and Authority Builder43:48 The Misconceptions of Personal Branding and Content Creation45:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Public Speaking47:55 The Relationship Between Public Speaking and Acting50:00 The Impact of Social Media on Public Speaking

July 17, 20241 hr 0 min

Sprint #8 - Do you have a plan?

Join us this week as we dive into the secrets behind effective social media use, exploring the importance of clear goals on LinkedIn versus mindless scrolling. We discuss the authenticity of posts, AI-generated content, and why we work—covering personal growth, fulfillment, and making conscious life decisions.We also tackle remote work, focusing on Dell's new in-office requirements for promotions and how this reflects a shift towards work-life balance and personal fulfillment. Plus, we delve into what drives career changes and the importance of conscious decision-making in your professional journey.--Where to find us:Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/--Chapters00:00 Introduction and Experimental Phase01:44 The Concept of Having a Plan05:01 The Lack of Clear Outcomes on Social Media08:36 Being Deliberate and Conscious in Networking14:11 The Need for Clarity and Intentionality in Work31:24 The Changing Dynamics of Remote Work and Office Culture35:24 The Factors Driving Career Changes55:52 The Power of Conscious Decision-Making

July 3, 202459 min

Sprint #7 - Agile is....problematic?!

This week, we dive into the challenges of implementing agile methodologies in software engineering. Chris and Saad break down the definition of agile, focusing on continuous delivery and customer-centricity, and the stress it places on engineers. We discuss why companies adopt agile, the pitfalls of cookie-cutter approaches pushed by consultants, and the crucial role of experienced engineers. Learn about the real goal of agile—reducing waste—and hear examples of its effectiveness. Chris and Saad share their experiences with Scrum, emphasizing the value of understanding ceremonies and the importance of collaborative approaches. They highlight the need for effective retrospectives and the role of the Scrum Master, advocating for flexibility and adaptability in frameworks. -- Where to find us: Saad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadbess/ Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsies/ -- Chapters 00:00 Challenges of Agile Implementation in Software Engineering 06:00 The Value of Waste Reduction in Agile Development 09:48 Misconceptions and Dissatisfaction with Agile 27:49 The Value of Specific Ceremonies in Agile Methodologies 33:15 The Role of Consultants in Agile Transformations 51:10 Collaborative Approaches and Flexibility in Frameworks 58:57 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Using Frameworks

June 19, 20241 hr 6 min

Sprint #6 - The rise of AI

The conversation explores the impact of AI on engineering and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on AI tools. It discusses the role of AI as a productivity tool and the importance of human adaptability in the face of technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the potential challenges of identifying and evaluating engineers' skills in the age of AI. It highlights the need for critical thinking and the limitations of AI in replicating human creativity and problem-solving abilities. The conversation explores the use of AI in engineering and the potential risks and benefits. It emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance productivity rather than relying on it completely. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of technology and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. The speakers highlight the value of deep knowledge and critical thinking in engineering and caution against overreliance on AI. They discuss the potential impact of AI on job roles and the importance of adding value and staying adaptable in the face of technological advancements.