Growth
Networking Rules for Job Hunting
February 23, 2024
Networking Rules for Job Hunting
Job hunters need to follow these rules to realize their full potential.
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
November 16, 2023
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
Unlock your career’s full potential! Learn the art of setting and tracking goals for continuous growth.
Career Inflection Points: 10M Hall of Fame
October 10, 2023
Career Inflection Points: 10M Hall of Fame
In this blog post, Annie gives a shout-out to some amazing colleagues who went the extra mile to help her navigate the challenges of entering the tech world. This post underscores the value of believing in newcomers and investing in their growth.
Career Inflection Points: Chicago and Learning
October 8, 2023
Career Inflection Points: Chicago and Learning
When I tell the story of how I got my first job in tech, it’s always a fun celebratory vibe, but in reality I was so scared and overwhelmed. I had to make new learning goals over and over again. Such is the life of a technologist.
Career Inflection Points: Networking
October 5, 2023
Career Inflection Points: Networking
From a fateful dinner decision to networking at conferences, with mentors and passion leading the way. It's a testament to the power of community and mentorship in the tech world.
Career Inflection Points: A Big Dinner
September 15, 2023
Career Inflection Points: A Big Dinner
Explore the pivotal moment in my career journey that occurred over a dinner conversation. Learn how a shift in perspective led to a new career path and the importance of empathy in the technology.
Career Inflection Points: Casting to Stay-at-Home Parenting
September 5, 2023
Career Inflection Points: Casting to Stay-at-Home Parenting
Explore the journey from a casting career to stay-at-home parenting. Discover the challenges, trade-offs, and emotional roller-coaster of this major career inflection point.
Career Inflection Points: From Film School to Casting
August 23, 2023
Career Inflection Points: From Film School to Casting
Explore the journey from film school to a career in casting by seizing opportunities and making connections.
Hedge-Ops: Going Strong for 20 Years
August 3, 2023
Hedge-Ops: Going Strong for 20 Years
Join Annie and Michael as they celebrate 20 years of Hedge-Ops, sharing their journey into tech and offering insights to help others in their careers.
Career Inflection Points: An Introduction
July 14, 2023
Career Inflection Points: An Introduction
Explore career inflection points and how they shape our professional journeys. Learn from personal experiences and gain insights on your own career.
2020 Year in Review
January 22, 2021
2020 Year in Review
Our year in review post talking through how we adapted to the pandemic, migrated to Azure, and helped restaurants stay\ open.
End of the First Chapter
October 1, 2020
End of the First Chapter
Annie reflects on her transformative journey at 10th Magnitude to HashiCorp. A heartfelt farewell to one chapter and an eager welcome to the next.
The ‘I Was Told’ Trap
May 9, 2018
The ‘I Was Told’ Trap
Explore the dangers of doing what you’re told in IT and how it affects productivity and responsibility. How to avoid this trap and take charge in your career.
The Power of Context
April 25, 2018
The Power of Context
Explore how deep context in technology careers, particularly for those transitioning from other fields allows for a solid foundation of technical skills.
2017 Year in Review
January 17, 2018
2017 Year in Review
The highlights and achievements of 2017 from career advancements to personal growth, leading to an exciting future in Boulder, Colorado.
DevOps Leadership Summit in Dallas
May 9, 2017
DevOps Leadership Summit in Dallas
Join us at the DevOps Leadership Summit in Dallas on August 28, 2017. Network with industry leaders and learn how to facilitate a DevOps transformation in your company.
Which Line?
April 5, 2017
Which Line?
Explore the impact of software development on a company’s bottom line versus top line. How I navigated from a cost-saving role to a revenue-generating position.
How I’m Learning Docker
January 12, 2017
How I’m Learning Docker
Explore my journey of learning Docker as a part of my DevOps training. I share my experiences with inverted and relative learning styles, and how they helped me understand complex concepts like virtualization and isolation.
Margin for Leadership
October 7, 2016
Margin for Leadership
Explore the importance of creating margin in your day for leadership and mentoring. Learn from past mistakes and discover how to effectively manage your time for the benefit of your team.
The Goal
September 30, 2016
The Goal
Explore the journey of a tech newbie transitioning into a new software development style. Learn how clear goals and growth plans can transform careers and lives.
Planning vs. Execution
September 23, 2016
Planning vs. Execution
Explore the importance of planning before execution in achieving success. Learn from real-life experiences and understand how to balance excitement with strategic planning in your endeavors.
Internalizing the Plan
September 17, 2016
Internalizing the Plan
Explore the importance of creating and internalizing a plan in a technical context. Learn how honesty and understanding are key to growth and efficiency in technology.
Leaning In
September 14, 2016
Leaning In
Explore how Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In’ inspired a career change into technology. Discover the journey from studying for the GMAT to becoming a Cloud Automation Engineer.
Exposing the Unknown
September 9, 2016
Exposing the Unknown
Explore the importance of honesty and open communication in tech teams, especially with new members. Learn effective strategies for building trust and understanding.
Summer of Discovery
September 7, 2016
Summer of Discovery
Explore the journey of a woman re-entering the workforce and discovering her fit in the technology industry. Follow along as she navigates the challenges and rewards of this exciting career shift.
InSpec and Me
July 2, 2016
InSpec and Me
Explore my journey learning Ruby and experimenting with InSpec and Chef. Discover how InSpec bridges the gap between Security and DevOps, and how I aim to fill a new role in this space.
I’m Annie, and I have an art degree.
May 2, 2016
I’m Annie, and I have an art degree.
Join Annie as she embarks on a journey from art to technology, applying her creative skills in a new field. Follow her progress and learn from her experiences in this engaging blog series.
Coding for Kids
January 12, 2015
Coding for Kids
Explore the importance of coding for kids in this blog post, highlighting how programming is a valuable tool for the future. Discover myths about programming and how it can be integrated into everyday learning.
A Look Around
December 8, 2014
A Look Around
Explore the journey of a blogger’s first six months, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. Discover how the focus shifted from professional to personal topics and the impact it had on readership.
Mornings
November 28, 2014
Mornings
Explore the contrast between good and bad mornings in this insightful blog post. Learn how being intentional and avoiding phone distractions can transform your morning routine, productivity, and overall well-being.
Right Fit
November 21, 2014
Right Fit
Explore our journey as we navigate a business opportunity, balancing risk and reward, staying true to our values, and seeking the right fit. Inspired by Mark Cuban’s advice.
A European Education
October 20, 2014
A European Education
Explore the differences between European and American education systems in this blog post. Discover how shorter school days and vocational training could potentially benefit students. A must-read for anyone interested in education reform.
Two Questions You Should Ask About Your Commitments
October 6, 2014
Two Questions You Should Ask About Your Commitments
Reevaluate life’s commitments with two questions: How’d you feel without it? Can you freely reject it? Prioritize for a balanced, fulfilling life.
Focus with the Amazon Kindle
October 3, 2014
Focus with the Amazon Kindle
Boost your reading focus with Amazon Kindle: distraction-free, long battery life, and sleep-friendly lighting. Enhance growth and knowledge effortlessly.
Sanitize Your Smartphone with Republic Wireless
September 29, 2014
Sanitize Your Smartphone with Republic Wireless
Optimize phone usage with Republic Wireless: affordable plans, Wi-Fi data, and reduced distractions. Prioritize real-life connections over screen time.
Facing the Ultimate Distraction and Often Losing
September 26, 2014
Facing the Ultimate Distraction and Often Losing
Facebook promises social connections but often reduces face-to-face interactions. While it keeps us updated, it might be diminishing genuine conversations.
You Have Time
September 24, 2014
You Have Time
Shift your mindset: Instead of lacking time, prioritize what truly matters. Eliminate time-wasters like excessive news consumption to focus on personal growth.
Rubbernecking with the Locals
September 19, 2014
Rubbernecking with the Locals
Explore the phenomenon of rubbernecking in the context of local news consumption. This blog post challenges you to evaluate the value and impact of the news you consume daily.
Sports News: Soap Operas for People Who Make Fun of Soap Operas
September 17, 2014
Sports News: Soap Operas for People Who Make Fun of Soap Operas
Explore the parallels between sports news and soap operas in this blog post. Discover how sports news often focuses on drama and intrigue, much like a soap opera, and why it’s important to remember it’s just entertainment.
The Economist Keeps it Real
September 5, 2014
The Economist Keeps it Real
Discover why The Economist is a superior news source in this blog post. Learn about its international focus, lack of distractions, and balanced reporting. Ditch the drama of mainstream media today.
Escaping with the News
September 3, 2014
Escaping with the News
Explore the impact of news consumption on our lives and emotions. This blog post challenges the relevance of political news and encourages readers to question how news affects their daily lives.
Escaping
August 29, 2014
Escaping
Discover how to live in the present and escape the distractions of modern life in this insightful blog post. Learn how to focus on what truly matters and stop running from your real life.
The Default Script
August 22, 2014
The Default Script
Explore the concept of ‘The Default Script’ in our society and how it impacts our pursuit of happiness and meaning. Discover why this script may not lead to fulfillment and learn alternative ways to live a meaningful life.
Life is Art
August 18, 2014
Life is Art
Explore the concept of life as a work of art in this blog post. Discover how simplicity, purpose, and tranquility can shape your canvas, and how every life is a unique masterpiece. Inspire and be inspired to create a beautiful life.
Getting Things Done Action Plan
August 4, 2014
Getting Things Done Action Plan
Discover how to implement the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology in your life with our step-by-step action plan. Learn to collect, process, prioritize, delegate, and review tasks effectively. Start your GTD journey today!
Mind Like Water
August 1, 2014
Mind Like Water
Discover how to achieve a ‘Mind Like Water’ through the Getting Things Done (GTD) system. Learn to react appropriately to life’s challenges and boost your productivity.
Review the Glue
July 30, 2014
Review the Glue
Discover the secret to achieving your goals and staying organized with our review of the Checkvist system. Learn how to effectively process and review tasks for improved productivity.
Process and Organize
July 28, 2014
Process and Organize
Discover how to effectively process and organize your tasks for better productivity. Learn the steps to transform your ‘stuff’ into actionable tasks, achieve inbox zero daily, and maintain sanity in your life.
Collect for Sanity
July 25, 2014
Collect for Sanity
Discover how to declutter your mind and life with our effective collection system. Learn to organize your thoughts, tasks, and worries for later, freeing you to truly focus.
Planned Thinking
July 23, 2014
Planned Thinking
Discover the power of planned thinking in boosting productivity and reducing stress. Learn how the Getting Things Done (GTD) system and tools like Checkvist can transform your work and life. Follow along for practical tips and insights.
How Growth Got Me Organized and Productive
July 21, 2014
How Growth Got Me Organized and Productive
Michael shares how intentional growth transformed his productivity using the GTD method and Checkvist. Emphasizing the power of continuous learning and organization.
July Blog Update
July 18, 2014
July Blog Update
Explore the latest July blog update where I share my journey in Taos, New Mexico, my reflections on past blog series, and plans for future content. Join me on my quest for intentional, contented living.
Engineering Travel
June 30, 2014
Engineering Travel
Shift from consumerism to contentment by rethinking travel. Opt for walking, biking, and consolidating car trips. Embrace local living for a healthier, happier life.
Increase Income by Negotiating
June 27, 2014
Increase Income by Negotiating
Boost your income by negotiating your salary. Chapman’s book teaches that everything is negotiable, emphasizes intentionality, and the power of silence.
Lowering Expenses with Contentment
June 25, 2014
Lowering Expenses with Contentment
Discover how adopting a mindset of contentment can help you lower expenses and meet financial goals. Learn from our journey with YNAB and Dave Ramsey.
Move the Needle with Dave Ramsey
June 23, 2014
Move the Needle with Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey’s extreme approach to debt focuses on psychology over numbers. His method emphasizes short-term sacrifices for long-term financial freedom.
Month Ahead
June 20, 2014
Month Ahead
Discover how to break free from living paycheck to paycheck with our guide to getting a month ahead in income. Experience the benefits of financial simplicity, peace, and clarity with our practical steps.
You Need a Budget
June 18, 2014
You Need a Budget
YNAB, a user-friendly budgeting software, emphasizes goal-setting, real-life adaptability, and planning for surprises. It’s a game-changer for personal finance.
Releasing Control
June 2, 2014
Releasing Control
Entering marriage counseling with expectations, I learned from Les Carter that true success isn’t about control but serving and understanding others.
Failure Masquerading as Success
May 30, 2014
Failure Masquerading as Success
Chasing the ideal college experience, I took on debt for a year of fun, only to realize true success impacts all life areas positively.