Career Growth
Working Assumptions: Hybrid Professionals
September 3, 2024
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Let’s explore the value of hybrid professionals, individuals with diverse skill sets, and how companies often fail to leverage their unique talents due to rigid career paths. We’ll discuss the need for creativity and flexibility in recognizing and utilizing these versatile professionals’ strengths.
Working Assumptions: Performance Reviews
July 29, 2024
Performance reviews are crucial for career growth and development. This blog post tackles common false assumptions and highlights how intentional, consistent documentation can transform your review process and career trajectory.
Working Assumptions: One On Ones
July 17, 2024
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One-on-ones are arguably the most effective tool you have to communicate your wins. Let’s discuss some of the unhelpful working assumptions we have about them and learn how to best leverage the one-on-one for your success.
Working Assumptions: The 360
July 13, 2024
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What will it take to make 360 reviews more beneficial to the employee? What are the real goals of a 360 review? Let’s rethink what it means to grow and develop employees.
Working Assumptions: Networking
July 3, 2024
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Networking can be tricky, but intentional networking creates real, meaningful connections that outshine social media’s superficial links. Discover how trust and empathy can transform your professional relationships and boost your success.
Working Assumptions: Introduction
June 16, 2024
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An introduction to the “Working Assumptions” series, where we will tackle some assumptions about career growth that we may be working by that aren't serving us very well.
Networking Rules for Job Hunting
February 23, 2024
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Job hunters need to follow these rules to realize their full potential.
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
November 16, 2023
Unlock your career’s full potential! Learn the art of setting and tracking goals for continuous growth.
Recognizing People Who Do the Right Thing
October 17, 2023
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We often underestimate the level of sacrifice a leader must make to do the right thing. We want to recognize people who are making those sacrifices.
Career Inflection Points: 10M Hall of Fame
October 10, 2023
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Managing Performance With Your Manager: It Goes Both Ways
July 23, 2023
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Learn how to manage your manager’s performance, set clear expectations, and drive your career growth. Get actionable tips for effective 1:1s and feedback.
Ten Ways to Have a Successful Early Software Career
July 19, 2023
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Kickstart your software career with our top 10 tips. Learn how to focus on technology, manage your manager, and avoid pitfalls to set yourself up for success.
Career Inflection Points: An Introduction
July 14, 2023
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Explore career inflection points and how they shape our professional journeys. Learn from personal experiences and gain insights on your own career.
Finding Alignment—3 Levels To Grow To The Next Level
June 28, 2023
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Explore the three levels of alignment in management - immediate execution, understanding but disagreeing, and understanding and agreeing.
End of the First Chapter
October 1, 2020
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Annie reflects on her transformative journey at 10th Magnitude to HashiCorp. A heartfelt farewell to one chapter and an eager welcome to the next.
What My Bike Accident Taught Me About DevOps
July 18, 2018
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Discover how a bike accident taught me valuable lessons about DevOps: the importance of safety, practice, vulnerability, and teamwork in IT.
The ‘I Was Told’ Trap
May 9, 2018
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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.
2017 Year in Review
January 17, 2018
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The highlights and achievements of 2017 from career advancements to personal growth, leading to an exciting future in Boulder, Colorado.
Which Line?
April 5, 2017
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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.
The Goal
September 30, 2016
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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
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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.
MomOps
May 31, 2016
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Explore the journey of a mom diving into the world of software development. From learning Linux basics to tackling InSpec, this blog post shares the highs and lows of breaking stereotypes in the tech industry.
I’m Annie, and I have an art degree.
May 2, 2016
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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.
The Technical Asshole Curse
March 18, 2016
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Explore the ‘Technical Asshole Curse’ in the tech industry, where hard skills overshadow soft skills, leading to a toxic work environment. Learn how to avoid this trap and foster a healthier workspace.
Feelings > Compliance
March 12, 2016
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Explore the importance of considering feelings over compliance in leadership. Discover how fostering respect and excitement can lead to more effective collaboration and success.
Surrounded
December 4, 2015
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Explore the journey from being a know-it-all to a leader in our latest blog post, Surrounded. Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people for personal growth and organizational success.
The Inferior “Right” Way
November 20, 2015
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Explore the pitfalls of blindly following the “right” solution in tech and organizational success. Learn how to align strategies with key stakeholders and find the truly effective tools for your business.
Alignment
November 13, 2015
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Discover the power of alignment in business strategy. Learn how to unite leadership, middle management, and ground-level employees for effective problem-solving and value creation. Transform your business today.
Discriminatory Wind
October 30, 2015
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Explore the metaphor of discriminatory winds in the tech industry, highlighting the challenges faced by women and minorities. Learn how to support and respect their tenacity and courage.
My Son’s Choice Between Negativity and Taking Action
January 30, 2015
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Explore how my son and I navigate the choice between negativity and taking action. Learn about our unique ability to see problems others don’t and how we use it to lead.
How Growth Got Me Organized and Productive
July 21, 2014
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Michael shares how intentional growth transformed his productivity using the GTD method and Checkvist. Emphasizing the power of continuous learning and organization.
Measure for Reality
July 7, 2014
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Success requires tracking and sharing key metrics. Without measurement, even great achievements go unnoticed. Regularly evaluate and communicate progress.
Increase Income by Negotiating
June 27, 2014
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Boost your income by negotiating your salary. Chapman’s book teaches that everything is negotiable, emphasizes intentionality, and the power of silence.
Failure the Catalyst
June 16, 2014
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Failure can be a catalyst for positive change. While setbacks sting, they often pave the way for growth and success in various life aspects.
The Grand Vision
June 9, 2014
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Improving processes requires balance: while having a grand vision is essential, focusing on immediate, impactful solutions is equally crucial.
Generosity with the Unexpected
June 4, 2014
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Setting aggressive yearly goals is vital, but unlisted objectives like fostering team efficiency with tools like TeamCity and git and promoting generosity drive true success.
Achievable Contentment
May 28, 2014
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In a quest for career growth, many chase titles like ‘Software Architect’. Yet, true success isn’t about the next promotion but finding contentment.
Christmas with TeamCity
May 26, 2014
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In Christmas 2008, amidst global uncertainty, I utilized my vacation to set up Continuous Integration via TeamCity, transforming our product’s development.