310: Have a Slide For That (Alec Stern)

FromGiant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots

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310: Have a Slide For That (Alec Stern)

FromGiant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots

ratings:

Length:

43 minutes

Released:

Mar 4, 2019

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

Alec Stern, startup founder, entrepreneur, mentor, investor, and advisor, discusses founding Constant Contact, the early days of SaaS, the importance and utilization of 'channels', and pursuing customer feedback.

Released:

Mar 4, 2019

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

A podcast about the design, development, and business of great software. Each week thoughtbot's Chad Pytel (CEO) and Lindsey Christensen (CMO) are joined by the people who build and nurture the products we love.

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10: Isn't the last stage of grieving acceptance?: Ben Orenstein is joined by Joe Ferris and Mike Burns. They start off with some recommendations for awesome programming books and then dive right in to questions about not following "Tell don't ask" in the view, how MVC and the Single Responsibility Princi by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
43 min listen
9: TDD for Business!!: Ben Orenstein is joined by Chad Pytel, the CEO and Founder of thoughtbot. Ben and Chad talk about the history of thoughtbot, success, failures, lessons learned, the current growth plans for the company, and much more. They also answer listener questions a by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
50 min listen
3: The FactoryGirl Representation of a Factory: Ben Orenstein is joined by Josh Clayton, the maintainer of FactoryGirl, and a developer at thoughtbot. Ben and Josh discuss FactoryGirl: using it, its development progress, and features. What it's like to run an open source project, and how to contribute by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
40 min listen
19: I have tons of guns and knives: Ben Orenstein is joined by Aaron Patterson, Ruby Core team member, Rails Core team member, and a Señior Software Engineer at AT&T Interactive. Aaron and Ben discuss the upcoming features and excitement for Ruby 2.0 and some things Aaron would like to see by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
39 min listen
18: Trading Hours for Money: Ben Orenstein is joined by Brennan Dunn, author of double your freelancing rate and planscope.io. Ben and Brennan discuss transitioning from a freelancer to a consulting company, the issues he faced doing it, and how he overcame them. How he promoted some by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
40 min listen
6: MVP of Personal Hygiene: Ben Orenstein is joined by Dan Powell, founder of Abakas. Dan plays the role of Consulting CTO for his clients. They discuss the best and the worst of his job, his history as a Linux hacker, and what his experience has taught him about technology and tech by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
45 min listen
2: Design with a sip of Bourbon: Ben Orenstein is joined this week by Phil LaPier, the creator of Bourbon and a designer at thoughtbot. Ben and Phil discuss the design process, fundamentals of visual design, common design errors, and how to be a better designer (even if you're a develope by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
36 min listen
26: Deep into the psyche of Gary Bernhardt: Ben Orenstein is joined by Gary Berhardt from Destroy All Software Screencasts. Ben and Gary discuss DAS, how it has changed over the two years he's been doing it, and how his thinking has changed over that time. They then discuss Gary's thoughts on how t by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
41 min listen
4: I've got a little thoughtbot angel or devil on my shoulder: Ben Orenstein is joined by David Thyresson, the founder of Stattleship and a past client of thoughtbot. Ben and David discuss how he got started with Stattleship, how he came to work with thoughtbot, and what it was like to work with us. Also, how the ide by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
38 min listen
17: I'm feeling full and Sassy: Ben Orenstein is joined by Kyle Fiedler, a designer at thoughtbot, and one of the creators of Bourbon Neat. Ben and Kyle discuss responsive design, what it is, and how to implement it. They also discuss Bourbon (a library of Sass mixins) and Neat (a fluid by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
25 min listen
24: Not so DRY that it chafes: Ben Orenstein is joined by Sarah Mei, RailsBridge co-founder, a developer at Pivotal Labs, and Diaspora core team member. In this episode, recorded at RubyConf 2012, Ben and Sarah discuss how communication patterns of your team manifest themselves in the by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
32 min listen
16: Making it fast: Ben Orenstein is joined by William Josephson and Jay Moorthi from Solano Labs, the makers of tddium, the hosted, scalable continuous integration service. They discuss the architecture of the service, including how they're using Go to speed up parts of it, by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
35 min listen
5: My wife is getting really into whiskey: Ben Orenstein is joined by “Cowboy” Ben Alman, JavaScript open source developer and Director of Pluginization at Bocoup. They discuss how Ben Alman got started with programming and his crazy projects, the open web, favorite tools, and one of his latest pr by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
49 min listen
1: Polymorphism vs. Conditionals: Ben Orenstein and Joe Ferris (and the surprise special guest Seana Quental) start the series off with a very technical discussion about Polymorphism vs. Conditionals. We also answer some of the audience questions we asked for last week. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
31 min listen
28: Farther, further, faster: Ben Orenstein is joined by David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails and a partner at 37signals. David and Ben discuss David's normal day, his working relationship with Jason Fried, how their blog, Signal vs. Noise, is important to the compan by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
48 min listen
21: Data, Context and Interaction: Ben Orenstein is joined by Jim Gay, author of Clean Ruby, and Joe Ferris, CTO of thoughtbot, in the episode recorded at RubyConf 2012. Ben, Joe, and Jim discuss Data, Context and Interaction (DCI), what it is, whether it is at odds with Object-Oriented Pr by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
28 min listen
23: As a consultant it's always your fault: Ben Orenstein is joined by Tammer Saleh and Randall Thomas, the founders of Thunderbolt Labs. In this episode, recorded at RubyConf 2012, they discuss their philosophy of running and building the company, how they differ from other consulting companies, a by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
32 min listen
7: Something Else Was Smellier: Ben Orenstein is once again joined by Joe Ferris, CTO of thoughtbot. Joe and Ben dive right in to a technical discussion about Objects versus Structures. They then discuss what Joe does as the new CTO of thoughtbot, and how his goal is to set up a system by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
34 min listen
27: Fabulous new mistakes: Ben Orenstein is joined by Joe Ferris, CTO of thoughtbot. Inspired by a question on Law of Demeter from listener Nathan Long, Joe and Ben (hopefully) answer Nathan's question, and then go on to discuss how the Law of Demeter is a form of duplication, how by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
27 min listen
13: I'll disagree in just a little bit: Ben Orenstein is joined by Joe Ferris, CTO of thoughtbot, and Josh Clayton, developer at thoughtbot and the lead maintainer of FactoryGirl. In this Rails focused episode, Ben, Joe, and Josh dish on ActiveRecord callbacks, observers, state machines, and be by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
30 min listen
40: He's winking at me: Ben is joined by Bryan Helmkamp, the founder of CodeClimate. In Bryan's second appearance on the podcast, Ben and Bryan discuss the architecture behind CodeClimate, scaling the service, and growing the business. They also discuss speaking at conferences, by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
32 min listen
14: Say goodbye to that big guy: Ben Orenstein is joined by Prem Sichanugrist, a developer at thoughtbot and the #31 top Rails contributor. Ben and Prem walk through the major changes that will be introduced in Rails 4, including strong parameters, the new built in queue, cache_digest, c by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
31 min listen
45: Tiny Robots Cuddling with other Tiny Robots: This week we try something a little different. Joe Ferris, Matt Jankowski, Ben Orenstein, and Chad Pytel get together and have a little fun, in what we're calling "Tiny Robots cuddling with other Tiny Robots". We'd love to get your thoughts on this specia by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
35 min listen
20: Ruby Lightning: In this special episode from RubyConf 2012 we pulled aside some of the attendees and found out what they're working on. We also include a selection of the great lightning talks at the conference. Enjoy! by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
34 min listen
30: Giant Year-End Extravaganza: Ben Orenstein is joined by Chad Pytel, the CEO of thoughtbot to take a look back at some of the things thoughtbot did in 2012. They then answer a bunch of listener questions. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
66 min listen
41: This is the sausage being made: This week Ben Orenstein in joined by thoughtbot CEO, Chad Pytel, to discuss thoughbot's books, online and in-person training programs, other educational products, and the launch of thoughtbot's new subscription to everything they teach, Learn Prime. They by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
36 min listen
11: You want your system to bend, not to break: Ben Orenstein is joined by Sean Cribbs, Software Engineer at Basho, the makers of Riak. Ben and Sean start off discussing the interesting overlap of programmers and musicians and why it seems to happen so much. They then discuss Sean's role at Basho, what by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
54 min listen
25: Long hours on the BoltBus: Ben Orenstein is joined by Alex Godin from dispatch.io. Ben and Alex discuss Alex's hectic time in both apprentice.io and TechStars, how he got started at his age, what he's accomplished so far, what he worries about, when he is happiest, and his outlook by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
22 min listen
8: Wax on, Wax off: Ben Orenstein is joined by Gabe Berke-Williams and Edward Loveall. Gabe is developer at thoughtbot and the product manager of the thoughtbot apprenticeship program, apprentice.io. Edward is a current design apprentice. Gabe, Edward, and Ben talk about app by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
30 min listen
15: Moving money should be free: Ben Orenstein is joined by Seth Priebatsch, creator of SCVNGR and LevelUp. Ben and Seth talk about LevelUp, how it got started, how they make money, and what the future holds. They also discuss his daily schedule, maintaining focus, what he worries about, by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
44 min listen

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524: From Personal Loss to Pioneering Pediatric Health: Hosts Will Larry and Victoria Guido are joined by Hans Kullberg, Co-Founder of Pathfinder Health, a startup that integrates technology with pediatric health to provide objective developmental insights. Hans recounts his journey, from a career on Wall Street to the impactful work at Pathfinder Health, spurred by the tragic loss of his daughter, which motivated him to improve developmental diagnostics. He discusses how Pathfinder Health leverages machine learning and video analysis to enhance pediatric care, aiming for earlier and more accurate interventions by merging detailed developmental data into health records. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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523: The Art of Leadership with Francis Lacoste: Host Victoria Guido chats with Francis Lacoste, a seasoned VPE and CTO coach, who recounts his unexpected journey from cinema to tech leadership and his dedication to developing engineering management talent and fostering strong organizational cultures. He delves into the psychological aspects of leadership, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, trust, and the critical soft skills required for effective strategic leadership. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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522: Turning Passions into Therapy with Hobi's Hamidah Nalwoga: Host Victoria Guido explores the intersection of hobbies and mental health therapy with Hamidah Nalwoga, founder of Hobi. Hamidah recounts her journey from costly circus school hula hooping lessons to creating Hobi, a platform that turns hobbies into tools for personal therapy and community engagement. She talks about the operational challenges of managing a dual-sided market and the broader societal impacts, emphasizing how Hobi offers affordable, creative sessions in arts, dance, and writing to foster mental well-being and tackle the mental health crisis through community support and technological innovation. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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521 - Insusty: Pioneering Sustainability Rewards for Environmental Action: Hosts Will Larry and Victoria Guido talk with Sanghmitra Bhardwaj, CEO of Insusty, about her journey from a Himalayan village to founding a company in France that drives sustainable actions through a rewards program. They explore how Insusty fosters environmental stewardship by rewarding actions like volunteering and donating to overcome the high costs of sustainable living. The discussion also covers the broader impacts of sustainable practices in technology and business, Sanghmitra's experiences as a solo female founder, and her plans for enhancing Insusty's platform. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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520 - Breaking New Ground in Maternal Mental Health with Mevi: Hosts Will Larry and Victoria Guido chat with Zamina Karim, CEO and Founder of Mevi, about her innovative community-driven motherhood wellness app designed to revolutionize maternal health by addressing new mothers' emotional and practical needs. Zamina discusses her journey of overcoming postpartum anxiety and depression, the challenges of solo entrepreneurship, and the critical role of empathy in creating supportive communities for mothers. The conversation also explores the changing landscape of startup funding, the significance of adaptability, and the potential of technology to improve maternal health outcomes significantly. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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519 - Ammi's Mission to Empower Parents: Host Will Larry talks with Priyanka Mahajan, founder of Ammi, about the startup's mission to support new and expectant parents through expert advice, community, and digital resources. They delve into the unique challenges of parenting, including the transition to motherhood, mental health, and the concept of "matrescence." Priyanka shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind Ammi, highlighting the need for a tailored support system for parents in the early stages of parenthood. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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518 - The Standard of Self-Care: Unlocking Personal Growth with Chris Pallatroni: Host Victoria Guido chats with Chris Pallatroni, who unveils the journey behind creating The Standard, a unique platform for sharing self-care stories. Chris highlights how his love for gardening and dedication to mental wellness shaped the platform's ethos and addresses the challenges of melding technology with human connection to foster a community of support and growth. The Standard aims to inspire and connect individuals by sharing personal triumphs to make mental health struggles feel less isolating. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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517 - Building Better Design Systems with Luro's Trent Walton: Trent Walton, CEO of Luro, joins hosts Victoria Guido and Will Larry to discuss his transition from a typography enthusiast to co-founding Paravel and eventually creating Luro. This no-code platform enhances design systems for better adoption, collaboration, and organizational alignment. Emphasizing a holistic approach that merges design and development, Luro addresses the challenges of traditional design systems by making them more accessible and integrated with performance and accessibility metrics. This solution fosters a more collaborative and efficient team environment, streamlining product building and maintenance across disciplines. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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516 - Innovating Fashion: Charlotte Holt's Tech-Driven Approach: Hosts Will and Victoria interview Charlotte Holt, Founder of The Fashion Library, a London-based wardrobe rental resource for stylists. Charlotte discusses her journey from stylist to entrepreneur, highlighting The Fashion Library's mission to address environmental and financial challenges in the fashion industry by offering a rental platform. She emphasizes the importance of technology in driving sustainability and outlines her vision for the future growth of The Fashion Library. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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515 - Healing Minds, Changing Lives: The Meru Health Experience: Kristian Ranta, the founder of Meru Health, shares insights into the company's transition from wellness to healthcare, emphasizing the role of intuition in entrepreneurship. He discusses challenges in regulatory compliance and insurance reimbursements while highlighting Meru Health's holistic mental health approach and plans for global expansion. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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514 - The New Frontier of Fertility Treatment: Technology, Telemedicine, and Hera Fertility: In this episode, Will Larry explores Hera Fertility's mission to transform fertility care through telemedicine with Founder and CEO Thiv Paramsothy. Addressing the challenges of traditional fertility treatments, including high costs and long wait times, Hera Fertility offers affordable, accessible, and less invasive alternatives. Thiv's approach leverages technology to enhance patient care and experience, making fertility care more accessible, especially in underserved areas, marking a significant shift towards a more patient-centered fertility treatment landscape. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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513 - Custom Fit, Global Impact: MADE TECH's Apparel Innovation with Dustin Butcher: In this episode, Victoria Guido chats with Dustin Butcher, CEO and Co-Founder of MADE TECH, about revolutionizing performance apparel with custom and made-to-measure automation technology. From personal frustrations with ill-fitting gear to pioneering a technology that offers 100% size inclusivity, Dustin shares how MADE TECH is enhancing individual performance and comfort and pushing the industry towards more inclusive and sustainable practices by partnering with established brands. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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510 - The Forecastr Formula: Steven Plappert’s Path to Startup Success: Victoria Guido interviews the CEO of Forecastr, Steven Plappert, about the company's journey and mission to assist non-finance savvy founders with financial modeling. Steven shares insights on balancing growth with financial health and the strategic introduction of a human element into Forecastr's software. He also discusses the company's goals, including cultural strength, profitability, and growth, as well as the crucial role of work-life balance in entrepreneurship. He and Victoria discuss how Forecasts and Thoughtbot integrate this philosophy into their culture. by Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
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310: Have a Slide For That (Alec Stern)

310: Have a Slide For That (Alec Stern)

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots