Testing Peers

• Transformations

  Hello and welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast.This week join Chris, David, Shey and Russell as the Peers talk about transformations.The banter for this week's episode comes from Shey, asking the group which sport they would have love to have been a professional in.Then the Peers dived into the main topic, introduced by Shey. We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of our experiences with transformations. What role do we, as testers, play in transformations? We are by very nature, change agents.The group discuss the somewhat forced transformational change that the Covid pandemic had on workplaces, and how organisations have diverged a lot in the new normal.What are your experiences with transformations?The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/[email protected] (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersThanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch.Support the show

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  29:07
• Professional Development

  Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. David, Russell and Chris are joined by Sergio Friere to talk about all things Professional Development.Sergio leads the banter and asks the peers what their oldest memories are, everything from canal boat parties to visiting a zulu hut are mentioned, with ages ranging from age 3-6ish between the peers.As we start the main topic, Sergio shares his journey of going into teaching now to educate students on testing (win for #MakeATester). He shares how he made the decision to jump into this and his learnings once taking on the role.The peers share their own journeys of professional development and offer tips to the listeners to focus on their own development to grow their careers.What have been your key learnings on your professional development journey?The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/[email protected] (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersThanks to our brand new sponsors - NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They've been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they've now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch.Support the show

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  45:40
• Holiday Season Backlog Refinement

  Seasons Greetings! Thank you for joining us for our fifth annual podcast at Christmastime, this year's festive cheers with the Testing Peers brings Russell, Simon, David, Tara, Beth & Chris together to refine the holiday season backlog [see the footnote after the sponsor message for more details].Who doesn't feel the festive warm & fuzzies over a refinement session?Before we jump in, Russell warms us all up with an ice breaker based on Christmas drink preferences.The we all dive in.Chris (the business - in this case) has populated a series of epics for the team of Peers to commit to delegating Christmas on time.Christmas Tree Size Estimation Framework: From desk-sized (1) to forest-worthy (6).Epics:Festive Décor: Lights, trees, & cosy vibes (no tinsel, for the pets!).Festive Events: Baking nights, light tours & Secret Santa.Gift-Giving: Thoughtful presents, no gimmicks.Holiday Self-Care: Quiet evenings & avoiding burnout.Traditions: Advent calendars, holiday movies, & music playlists.Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from us all here at Peers HQThe Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing & fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers & they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk & [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch.Holiday Season BacklogThe Peers embraced their festive spirit by creating a "Holiday Season Backlog," blending testing concepts with holiday preparation! Here's the breakdown:Christmas Tree Size Framework6: Forest5: Town Square4: Shopping Centre3: Fancy House2: Modest House1: DeskDefinition of Ready (DoR): 3 Peers agree it’s readyDefinition of Done (DoD): Santa’s approval! 🎅Epics and User Stories1. Festive Décor - Town SquareGoal: Transform spaces into magical holiday settings.Tasks: Fairy lights, tree decorations, wreaths, and cushions.Requirements: Keep it cosy and avoid tinsel (pets say no!).2. Festive Events - Town SquareGoal: Spread holiday cheer through activities.Tasks: Tree-lighting ceremony, film marathons, Secret Santa, baking nights, and light tours.Risks: Festive fatigue from over-scheduling.3. Gift-Giving - Fancy HouseGoal: Thoughtful gifts for smiles and joy.Tasks: Draft gift lists, set postage reminders, donate to charity, and avoid gimmicky gadgets.4. Holiday Self-Care - Modest HouseGoal: Maintain mental well-being during the holidays.Tasks: Relaxing evenings, “no obligation” days, acts of kindness, and avoiding burnout.5. Festive Traditions - ForestGoal: Celebrate beloved seasonal traditions.Tasks: Advent calendars, holiday movies, music playlists, theatre shows, and family games.Notes: Self-care wins over endless activities.Highlights:Peer collaboration: Everything wasSupport the show

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  59:52
• Tools for Testers

  Thank you for joining us for episode 121 of the Testing Peers Podcast.This time, join Chris, Tara, Russell and David as we discuss tools for testers.Before diving into the main topic, to mark the festive period, Tara poses the ice-breaker question of the Peers' favourite Holiday movie.It's a Wonderful Life, Die Hard, Home Alone, Spirited, The Grinch and Violent Night are included.Then we move on to the main event.....tools for testers.The Peers discuss screen readers and recorders, AI, computers, phones, tablets, post-it notes, to-do lists, whiteboarding tools, dictating tools and more.As testers, we all use tools everyday. What's in your toolkit?Are there any tools that you couldn't live without?What are you looking for in a tool? How do you navigate the sales pitches?Can there be one tool to rule them all?Do we listen to music while we work?The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/[email protected] (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersThanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in toucSupport the show

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  33:56
• Does the role of the SDET have a future?

  Welcome to another Testing Peers podcast episode.This time, join Chris, David, Richard Bradshaw and Al Goodall (whose surname Chris had some real issues remembering, sorry Al!)In this episode, the Peers talk about the role of the SDET. Is it SDEad?To break the ice, Al leads the group into a discussion about the best live albums, in our humble opinions. Shout-outs to Linkin Park, Sky, Raye, Live Aid, Iron Maiden, U2, Seal and Hoobastank!The main topic dives into the main topic - the role of the SDET.What does it mean? Is it a synonym for a test automation engineer? Are you a tester if you're an SDET? What does the role of an SDET look like where you work?Chris asks his favourite AI tool for a definition to stimulate the conversation."The main difference between a software development engineer in test and a test automation engineer is focus and responsibility. An SDET focuses on bridging the gap between development and testing processes. And a test automation engineer focuses on designing and implementing automated tests."The Peers talk about context, focus, tooling, frameworks, responsibility, problem-solving and quality!What do you think the future for the SDET is?The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/[email protected] (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersThanks to our brand new sponsors - NFocus Testing.nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They've been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they've now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers.www.nfocus.co.uk and [email protected] for anyone wanting to get in touch.Support the show

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  34:15

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