Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day welcomes Yulia Sharabi, a seasoned QA manager, to discuss her journey in the field of Quality Assurance.

Yulia shares her experiences transitioning from manual to automated testing, the challenges of leading teams, and the importance of adapting to change in the tech industry.

The conversation delves into the evolution of QA education, the significance of building trust within teams, and the emotional aspects of implementing change.

Yulia emphasises the need for patience, understanding, and preparation when introducing new processes and tools in a workplace. The episode concludes with Yulia's advice to embrace opportunities and say yes to new challenges.

Takeaways

1. Yulia has over a decade of experience in QA across various industries.
2. She transitioned from manual testing to leading distributed teams in the crypto domain.
3. Education in QA often lacks focus on practical testing methodologies.
4. Adapting to change is crucial in QA roles, especially with evolving technologies.
5. Building trust within teams is essential for successful change management.
6. Understanding the audience is key when introducing new tools or processes.
7. Emotional aspects play a significant role in how teams respond to change.
8. Patience is necessary when implementing new methodologies in teams.
9. Yulia's personal experiences have influenced her approach to QA leadership.
10. Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:56 Career Journey in QA and Tech

11:19 Education and the Importance of QA

13:36 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leadership

19:18 Managing Change and Resistance

25:11 Navigating Leadership Challenges

30:27 The Role of QA in Startups

32:20 Transforming Testing Methodologies

35:01 Navigating Change with Patience

37:10 Understanding Team Dynamics

39:32 Choosing the Right Tools

41:37 Considering Stakeholders in Change

44:16 Building Trust Across Departments

45:51 Preparing for Change

48:39 Challenges and Learning Moments

52:45 Recruitment and Team Building

Links:

Yulia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yulia-sharabi/

Yulia's MoT Profile: https://www.ministryoftesting.com/p/yudit?s_id=19028979

Yulia’s Blog: https://medium.com/@yudit77091

Summary

In this live in person episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and James Milner explore the evolving landscape of leadership in technology. Joined by guests Rachael Morgan and Cleveland Henry, they discuss personal journeys into leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the critical role of respect and authenticity in effective leadership.

The conversation delves into creating a culture of safety and innovation, learning from failure, and the inspirational moments that shape leaders. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the episode highlights the multifaceted nature of leadership and the continuous growth required to navigate the challenges of the tech industry.

In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of leadership, emphasising the importance of resilience, confidence, and adaptability in navigating challenges. They discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in a tech-driven world, particularly with the rise of AI, and the critical role of mentorship and community in personal and professional growth.

The dialogue highlights the significance of learning from experiences and the necessity of addressing societal challenges as leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Personal Journeys into Leadership

10:15 Defining Leadership Traits and Skills

14:05 The Importance of Respect in Leadership

18:10 Management vs. Leadership: Key Differences

25:16 Creating a Culture of Innovation and Mistakes

28:59 The Privilege of Leadership

29:58 Coaching and Problem Solving

30:57 Practicing Failure in Technology

31:54 Creating a Safe Environment for Failure

32:52 The Role of Leadership in Failure

33:23 Learning from Failures

36:18 Moments of Inspiration in Leadership

40:52 The Power of Simple Beliefs

43:55 Finding Confidence in Leadership

49:08 The Nature of Confidence

52:59 Taking Action and Moving Forward

53:13 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World

56:05 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership

59:25 Navigating the Digital Leadership Landscape

01:01:48 The Role of Mentorship and Community in Growth

01:04:51 Defining Success Beyond Titles and Wealth

01:08:39 Addressing Current Challenges in Leadership

01:12:08 The Impact of Technology on Society and Leadership

01:19:09 The Human Element in Leadership Challenges

01:22:09 End

Takeaways

1. Leadership is ever-evolving and requires adaptability.
2. Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.
3. Respect is fundamental in building effective leadership.
4. Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and risk-taking.
5. Learning from failure is essential for growth.
6. Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect.
7. Leadership is about empowering others, not just managing tasks.
8. The best leaders are those who can inspire belief in others.
9. Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.
10. Effective communication is key to successful leadership. You can't expect to be the person that makes everything right.
11. Confidence is often mistaken for the loudest voice in the room.
12. The only thing that is constant is change.
13. Success is being happy, not about money.
14. Surround yourself with a diversity of voices.
15. Experience compounds; time is the best lesson.
16. Mentors are unbelievable; they challenge you.
17. It’s important to have different perspectives.
18. AI could be really dangerous if not managed well.

Summary

In this live in person episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and James Milner explore the evolving landscape of leadership in technology. Joined by guests Rachael Morgan and Cleveland Henry, they discuss personal journeys into leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the critical role of respect and authenticity in effective leadership.

The conversation delves into creating a culture of safety and innovation, learning from failure, and the inspirational moments that shape leaders. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the episode highlights the multifaceted nature of leadership and the continuous growth required to navigate the challenges of the tech industry.

In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of leadership, emphasising the importance of resilience, confidence, and adaptability in navigating challenges. They discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in a tech-driven world, particularly with the rise of AI, and the critical role of mentorship and community in personal and professional growth.

The dialogue highlights the significance of learning from experiences and the necessity of addressing societal challenges as leaders.

Chapters

00:00 Personal Journeys into Leadership

10:15 Defining Leadership Traits and Skills

14:05 The Importance of Respect in Leadership

18:10 Management vs. Leadership: Key Differences

25:16 Creating a Culture of Innovation and Mistakes

28:59 The Privilege of Leadership

29:58 Coaching and Problem Solving

30:57 Practicing Failure in Technology

31:54 Creating a Safe Environment for Failure

32:52 The Role of Leadership in Failure

33:23 Learning from Failures

36:18 Moments of Inspiration in Leadership

40:52 The Power of Simple Beliefs

43:55 Finding Confidence in Leadership

49:08 The Nature of Confidence

52:59 Taking Action and Moving Forward

53:13 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World

56:05 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership

59:25 Navigating the Digital Leadership Landscape

01:01:48 The Role of Mentorship and Community in Growth

01:04:51 Defining Success Beyond Titles and Wealth

01:08:39 Addressing Current Challenges in Leadership

01:12:08 The Impact of Technology on Society and Leadership

01:19:09 The Human Element in Leadership Challenges

01:22:09 End

Takeaways

1. Leadership is ever-evolving and requires adaptability.
2. Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.
3. Respect is fundamental in building effective leadership.
4. Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and risk-taking.
5. Learning from failure is essential for growth.
6. Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect.
7. Leadership is about empowering others, not just managing tasks.
8. The best leaders are those who can inspire belief in others.
9. Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.
10. Effective communication is key to successful leadership. You can't expect to be the person that makes everything right.
11. Confidence is often mistaken for the loudest voice in the room.
12. The only thing that is constant is change.
13. Success is being happy, not about money.
14. Surround yourself with a diversity of voices.
15. Experience compounds; time is the best lesson.
16. Mentors are unbelievable; they challenge you.
17. It’s important to have different perspectives.
18. AI could be really dangerous if not managed well.

Summary

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day engages with Dora Chatzinaki, a seasoned tech professional, host of the Verified Geek podcast and advocate for women in tech.

They discuss Dora's journey in the tech industry, her experiences in leadership roles, and the challenges of influencing change within organisations.

The conversation emphasises the importance of confidence, patience, and understanding organisational dynamics while advocating for diversity and learning from failure.

Dora shares her insights on building trust as a leader and the significance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Takeaways

1. Dora has been in tech for 17 years, starting as a junior engineer.
2. She emphasises the importance of women in tech and advocates for diversity.
3. Influencing change requires understanding why it's needed within an organisation.
4. Confidence comes from experience and learning from failures.
5. Patience is crucial when trying to implement change in organisations.
6. Building trust is essential for effective leadership.
7. Change can come from any level within an organisation, not just leadership.
8. Diversity of ideas enhances problem-solving and innovation.
9. Understanding organisational structures is key to influencing change.
10. Collaboration and support from others are vital for successful change initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Quality Talks Podcast

01:15 Dora's Journey in Tech

02:37 Influencing Change in Organisations

05:05 Challenges of Being a Woman in Tech

08:13 Driving Diversity and Inclusion

10:47 Building Confidence in the Workplace

14:17 Navigating Influence Without Authority

16:58 Learning from Failure

19:55 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

21:50 Perseverance and Patience in Change

24:57 Adapting to Change in Tech

28:39 Consulting and Learning from Others

31:12 Building Support Networks for Change

36:14 The Power of Diverse Perspectives

41:43 Challenges of Influencing Change in Organisations

48:00 Understanding Organisational Dynamics

54:09 Earning Trust as a Leader

01:00:35 Closing Things Out

Summary

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day engages with special guest Mohammad Arif, the head of QA at FX Digital, to explore the unique challenges and innovations in the realm of connected TV testing.

They discuss the evolution of FX Digital, the importance of client feedback, and the structure of QA and QE teams. Delving into the complexities of device fragmentation, the integration of AI in testing processes, and the growing emphasis on sustainability in technology.

Arif shares insights into the device lab at FX Digital and the innovative solutions developed to address testing challenges, highlighting the future of connected TV and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Takeaways

1. The connected TV space is a niche but growing area in software testing.
2. FX Digital specialises in testing for smart TVs and connected devices.
3. Client feedback is crucial for continuous improvement in quality assurance.
4. The structure of QA and QE teams can enhance collaboration and efficiency.
5. Device fragmentation poses unique challenges in testing connected TVs.
6. Innovative solutions are often required to address testing challenges in this field.
7. Automation in testing connected TVs requires unique approaches due to device limitations.
8. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in technology testing environments.
9. AI is being integrated into testing processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
10. The future of connected TV includes exploring new technologies and user experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:48 Exploring Connected TV and Its Challenges

06:03 The Evolution of FX Digital

08:58 Quality Assurance in Connected TV

12:06 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement

15:02 Team Structure and Collaboration

18:02 Device Fragmentation and Testing Strategies

20:26 The Role of Quality Engineering

23:35 Navigating Client Needs and Device Support

34:17 The Evolution of TV Technology

36:48 Innovations in Automation for TV Apps

40:42 Visual-Based Automation and Accessibility

46:10 The Device Lab: Challenges and Innovations

49:16 Sustainability in Testing Practices

54:28 The Future of Automation and AI in TV Testing

01:01:02 Exploring Streaming Devices and Their Challenges

01:06:18 End

Summary

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu and Chris discuss the concept of superpowers in the context of their professional lives.

They explore various superpowers suggested by their community, including vulnerability, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly.

The conversation delves into how these superpowers can enhance leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. They also touch on the importance of community engagement and the value of difficult conversations in fostering understanding and connection.

The episode concludes with reflections on the unique superpowers each individual possesses and how they can leverage them for personal and professional development.

Takeaways

1. Vulnerability can be a powerful tool in public speaking.
2. Community engagement enhances the exploration of ideas.
3. Personal superpowers can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
4. Customer feedback is crucial for product development.
5. Time manipulation could help in project management.
6. Comfort in one's own skin leads to better public speaking.
7. Multitasking is a valuable skill in leadership roles.
8. Energy and attitude of leaders influence team dynamics.
9. Empathy is essential for understanding team members.
10. Effective communication is key to successful relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Superpowers

03:01 The Impact of Vulnerability in Public Speaking

06:31 Exploring Community Superpowers

08:19 Personal Superpowers: Listening and Happiness

11:09 The Power of Perspective and Leadership

14:41 Community Insights: Future Vision and Feedback

17:47 Time Travel: The Ultimate Undo Button

20:48 Juggling Tasks and Leadership Challenges

24:59 The Weather of Leadership: Energy and Communication

28:39 Superpowers in Tech and Leadership

30:58 The Importance of Empathy

32:39 Navigating Communication Challenges

35:58 The Value of Difficult Conversations

38:40 Understanding Cybersecurity Mindsets

41:50 Community Building and Connections

46:55 The Dangers of Instant Solutions

50:44 Knowledge Transfer and Learning

55:07 Leveraging Community Superpowers

58:10 End

Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks, Stu Day discusses the art of storytelling and its significance in conveying quality within teams and leadership.

He emphasises the need for relatable communication and shares various techniques, including analogies, visuals, and interactive storytelling methods like using Lego.

The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and creativity in making quality concepts accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

Takeaways

1. Storytelling is essential for effective communication.
2. Relatable stories help convey complex ideas.
3. Empathy is crucial in understanding your audience.
4. Using analogies can bridge gaps in understanding.
5. Visual aids enhance storytelling effectiveness.
6. Interactive methods engage teams in learning.
7. Quality is subjective and context-dependent.
8. Lego can be a powerful storytelling tool.
9. Creativity fosters better engagement in discussions.
10. Storytelling should be fun and experimental.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Quality

02:59 Making Quality Relatable Through Empathy

05:49 Using Analogies and Visuals to Explain Quality

09:10 Interactive Storytelling with Lego

11:59 Creative Approaches to Quality Education

14:48 The Role of Games in Team Collaboration

17:45 Balancing Speed and Quality in Software Development

21:08 The Need for Context in Communication

23:54 Practicing Storytelling for Better Engagement

30:01 End

Summary

In this episode, Stu Day discusses the challenges of performance management within organisations, particularly focusing on the concept of Bonus Driven Development (BDD), and the negative impact of individual performance metrics on team collaboration and quality culture.

Stu advocates for aligning performance goals with a quality vision and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone is responsible for quality outcomes.

The conversation explores the importance of shifting from individual accountability to team accountability, using analogies from the NFL to illustrate the necessity of every team member contributing to collective success.

Takeaways

1. Performance management often creates challenges within organisations.
2. Bonus Driven Development can lead to unhealthy competition.
3. Individual performance metrics disrupt team collaboration.
4. Shifting focus to team accountability enhances quality culture.
5. Everyone in a team must contribute to collective success.
6. Aligning goals with the quality vision is crucial.
7. Collaboration should be prioritised over individual achievements.
8. Consistency in performance management across teams is essential.
9. Setting community-focused goals can enhance team dynamics.
10. Quality is a holistic responsibility shared by all team members.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Performance Management Challenges

03:06 Understanding Bonus Driven Development

06:27 The Impact of Individual Performance Metrics

09:23 Shifting Focus to Team Accountability

12:17 Aligning Goals for Quality

15:14 Creating a Collaborative Culture

18:13 The Role of Community in Quality

21:06 Ensuring Consistency Across Teams

24:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

31:43 Close