The JDE Connection

Hosts Chandra and Paul, and guest Cindy Edwards wrap up a multi-part conversation on stress management, joy, and supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. The hosts reflect on practical techniques shared in previous episodes and discuss the importance of joy and laughter for longevity. Cindy introduces the "Healthy Mind Platter" as a tool for daily wellness and emphasizes the need for leaders to accommodate neurodiverse individuals just as they would those with physical disabilities.
06:41 The Healthy Mind Platter
10:45 Supporting neurodiverse individuals
13:40 Mental health awareness
18:43 Starting Strong for Dopamine Reward
21:56 Midwesternism

Resources:
The Healthy Mind Platter: https://drdansiegel.com/healthy-mind-platter/
Emma McAdam, Therapy in a Nutshell: https://therapyinanutshell.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyinaNutshell

In this episode, Chandra and Paul continue their discussion with Cindy Edwards focused on practical stress management techniques, particularly how individuals can regulate and process stress in real time. Cindy explains concepts like the "window of tolerance" or the "goldilocks of the brain" and brain networks involved in stress response, outlining actionable steps such as "name it to tame it," conducting body scans, reframing stressful situations, and the importance of movement and controlled breathing. The conversation highlights challenges faced by both neurotypical and neurodiverse brains in managing stress, emphasizes the role of self-awareness, and encourages the use of breaks and physical activity to restore balance.
04:05 Understanding the "Window of Tolerance" or "Goldilocks of the Brain"
08:46 Switching between brain networks
10:52 Understanding the brain's body budget
15:22 Five key things to do in the middle of stress
26:56 Importance of Acknowledging Emotions
30:45 Midwesternism
Resources:
Cindy Edwards - To Find Your Fit and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyedwards/
Psychology References: Dan Siegel - https://drdansiegel.com/
Book references: Caroline Williams – Move - https://www.carolinewilliams.net/move

In this episode, Chandra and Paul welcome Cindy Edwards, owner of Find Your Fit, LLC, coach, trainer and speaker, to delve into the science of stress management and resiliency, especially as it applies to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of technology. Cindy breaks down applied neuroscience in an accessible way, explaining how our sensory systems and neurochemistry, especially the delicate balance of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, the so-called "Goldilocks" zone, shape our responses to stress and boredom alike. The trio discusses practical strategies for recognizing stress signals, the crucial role of sleep in mental and physical recovery, and the surprising power of laughter and human connection as natural buffers against anxiety.

08:30 Introducing Cindy Edwards

13:44 What is Stress?

18:04 Understanding stress and boredom

22:41 Midwesternism

Resources:
Cindy Edwards - To Find Your Fit and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyedwards/
Books: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD

Chandra, Paul, and Andrew discuss the ongoing challenges and strategies around automating JD Edwards testing, focusing on the use of Orchestrator for developing and maintaining test scripts. They examine the complexities of managing consistent test data, the influence of lean principles on process standardization, and the trade-offs between centralized and decentralized ERP environments. The conversation highlights the importance of building sustainable and maintainable upgrade and integration processes while navigating organizational change and business evolution.
02:10 Shout out to all fire fighters and Goldie the Fire Goat
03:50 Update on Chandra’s July 4th marathon
10:02 Best practice
14:09 Automating using Orchestrator
19:23 Challenges with automated test scripts
21:52 Lean manufacturing practices discussed
29:17 Centralizing JD Edwards implementations
32:24 Midwesternism

Resources
Goldie the Fire Goat - https://www.facebook.com/GoldieTheFireGoat/
Goldie Merch - https://fireandstitchco.com/collections/goldie-wildland-goat
Working with Orchestration Assertions - https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/cross-product/9.2/eotos/working-with-orchestration-assertions-release-9-2-5.html
Assertion Framework: Using Orchestrator as a Test Framework - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtkWhuOZ7Ms
https://docs.oracle.com/en/applications/jd-edwards/cross-product/9.2/tutorial_orc_assertion_framework/

Paul and Chandra were joined by guest Andrew Schenone, Director of Business Systems at MacLean-Fogg, to discuss MacLean-Fogg's approach to staying code current with JD Edwards, highlighting their commitment to minimizing customizations, standardizing test scripts, and streamlining upgrade processes. One concept discussed was the evolution from lengthy, disorganized upgrades to a structured methodology involving standardized testing and comprehensive documentation. They also discussed the benefits of a stable internal team with deep business knowledge.
06:40 Introducing Andrew Schenone
09:10 Their JDE Implementation Journey
10:05 Standardized test scripts and minimizing base modifications
12:22 Determining critical test scripts
18:44 Midwesternism