Beyond The Build

• EP11: The Tech Hype Trap: Why 90% of Developers Are Wasting Their Time (And How to Be in the 10%)

  Send us a textEvery developer faces the same exhausting question:Should I learn this hot new technology everyone’s talking about—or is it just another flash in the pan?In this episode of Beyond the Build, we tackle the tech trend dilemma head-on. Some believe staying on top of the latest frameworks, tools, and AI models is essential to stay relevant in the job market. Others argue it’s all hype—what really matters will stick, and you’ll learn it when you actually need it.We dive into both sides of the debate: the "stay current at all costs" crowd vs. the "ignore the noise" philosophy. We talk about how chasing every new announcement can lead to burnout and FOMO, and why blindly tuning it all out might leave you behind in important conversations.You’ll hear:When it actually pays to follow trendsHow to spot transformative tech before it becomes mainstreamA framework for deciding what’s worth your timeWhere to find unbiased takes in a world of vendor hypeHow to stay informed without being overwhelmedWe also explore why certain technologies last while others fade, and how to use judgment, curiosity, and timing to build a career that grows with the industry—without being ruled by it.Whether you’re just starting out or years into your career, this episode will help you build a sustainable strategy for keeping up with tech without losing focus on what really matters.

  --------  

  27:44

  --------

  27:44
• EP10: How to Be the Engineer Everyone Remembers (For the Right Reasons)

  Send us a textIn this episode of Beyond the Build, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked parts of software engineering—being a great teammate.Software engineering isn't a solo sport—it's the ultimate team game. But while we spend countless hours perfecting our technical skills, we often overlook the collaboration skills that actually determine our career success.In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be someone people want to work with. We explore the characteristics that make certain engineers stand out—not just for their code but for how they make their teammates feel valued, heard, and empowered.We break down collaboration at three levels: being a great teammate on your immediate team, contributing meaningfully to your organization, and making a positive impact across your entire company. From creating psychological safety where people feel comfortable asking questions to mastering the art of giving credit where it's due, we cover the practical skills that transform good engineers into exceptional collaborators.You'll hear about the engineers we've worked with who left lasting impressions—and why people might not remember the details of your technical solutions, but they'll always remember how you made them feel. We discuss making yourself approachable, being the kind of reliable person others can count on, and how authentic connection drives both personal satisfaction and professional growth.If you've ever wondered why some engineers seem to effortlessly advance their careers while others plateau despite strong technical skills, this episode reveals the missing piece of the puzzle.

  --------  

  35:16

  --------

  35:16
• EP9: Your Code Isn’t Enough - How Software Engineers Actually Get Promoted

  Send us a textIn this episode of Beyond the Build, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to get promoted as a software engineer. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about writing good code.We break down how to think about promotions through the lens of impact, influence, and ownership, the pillars that often separate engineers who stay stuck from those who move up. You’ll learn what’s typically expected at each level, how to work with your manager (instead of just hoping they notice you), and why aligning with business priorities matters more than most engineers realize.Whether you're feeling stuck, eyeing the next level, or just want to better understand the game behind the growth, this episode is for you.

  --------  

  25:37

  --------

  25:37
• EP8: Winning Over Your Manager, Director & VP - The One-on-One Playbook

  Send us a textIn this episode of Beyond the Build, we dive into the critical skill every engineer needs, but few are taught: how to collaborate with leadership. From one-on-ones with your manager to hallway chats with directors and VPs, we cover what you should be saying, asking, and sharing to make your work more visible, effective, and aligned.We break down the types of conversations to have, how to tailor your updates to different levels of leadership, how to ask for feedback, and how to make sure your work doesn’t get lost in translation. Plus, we unpack the power of brag sheets and how to use them without sounding like, well, a jerk.

  --------  

  23:55

  --------

  23:55
• EP7: Structuring Meetings for Success: Write, Align, and Act

  Send us a textIn this episode of Beyond the Build, we dive deep into the art of running effective engineering meetings. We break down different types of meetings, when you should prep with documents (and how to write good pre-reads), how to align with key people before a big meeting, and why every meeting should have clear outcomes before it even starts.We also discuss how to structure meetings based on who's attending, the power of AI tools to automate note-taking, and how to turn meetings into action—not just another calendar event.Whether you’re a tech lead or an engineer, you’ll get practical tips to make your meetings shorter, more effective, and outcome-driven.Tune in to transform your meetings from time-wasters into powerful tools for team alignment and productivity!

  --------  

  25:39

  --------

  25:39

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Beyond The Build