Artificial Intelligence
History of Computer Girls, Part 3: Dorothy!
I've been going around town giving a talk on the history of women in computers.
Blog
Artificial Intelligence
Importance of Software Testing
Despite the fact that the role of software testing may seem insignificant and few of us ever even think about it, this is especially true for people...
JavaScript
Initial Impressions of Android Kotlin
As almost every Android developer has heard of by now, Kotlin is being included as a first class language in Android Studio.
Hackathon
IoT Hackathon - Coffeebot with Raspberry Pi
For our latest Hackathon, with the theme being the Internet of things (IoT), my team and I wanted to create a device that would encourage people in...
Mobile Development
6 Design Tips for iOS and Android
Discover essential design tips for creating user-friendly iOS and Android apps, including working with developers, using grids, and understanding...
Artificial Intelligence
What I Learned Going from the College World to the Real World
As a recent graduate from Portland State University, the inclination to write this blog has been an ongoing dilemma.
Business
Why Culture is So Crucial at Metal Toad
Discover why Metal Toad's strong and friendly corporate culture is crucial for attracting top talent and clients, thereby enhancing the company's...
Project Management
The Most Agile Thing You Can Do Is Throw Away Agile
In my career, I've found that there are two types of "agile" software process maps.
Business
The Importance of Tchotchkes
One of the most interesting things about agency culture is the freedom for employees to show their personality.
Business
Mentorship (It's Not Just For Twenty-Somethings)
I arrived in Portland two years ago with the intention of rebooting my career.
Business
"It Matters”: Design, Leadership, and Living By a Different Code
Recently as a leadership exercise, our COO Tim Winner asked the leadership team to “come up with the title of your book.” This book, he explained,...
Artificial Intelligence
Top 5 Ways Executives Destroy Agile Companies
A few months ago, a senior executive of a large company asked me, “With our Agile transformation, how am I going to screw it up?” The question shook...
Business
The Vulnerable Leader
I am scared. I am scared to write this and I am intimidated because my writing will be out in public to be read, critiqued and, in my mind, judged.
Git
How to Hack It: 5 Tech Tips to Improve Your Productivity
Boost your productivity with these five tech tips, from text substitution to digitizing sticky notes, tailored for efficiency.
Business
Why I Love Being of Service at Metal Toad
It may be selfish, I’ll admit it — but I love pleasing others through acts of service.
Business
Celebrating Everyone Through the Power of Design
At Metal Toad, inclusion is important to us.
Product Management
Agile Everything
Chaos is a major pain in the ass. Yes, it can be invigorating, challenging, and propel you in your life or career — but I’ll be the first to admit...
Business
Love What You Do and Who You Do It For
Hi. My name is Dan and I am a pessimist and a Senior Software Engineer, hoping to be promoted to a Junior Software Engineer one day.
AWS DevOps
Managing IIS Configuration With Puppet Powershell DSC
Streamline IIS configuration with Puppet and PowerShell DSC. Learn how to manage your Windows deployments efficiently without System Center.
Business
Four Pillars of Leadership
Over the years I’ve been asked on many occasions, what is leadership?
Business
Failure Is Not Possible
I’ve been asked this by several employers recently: “What would you do here if you knew you would not fail?” Not fail?? Not possible…
Business
5 Simple Ways To Impress Your Future Employer
Looking for a new job is tough business. In a sea of innovative, qualified candidates there is pressure to stand out from the rest.
Business
Hidden Features in Product Builds
Once we get past POC and MVP, we need to start thinking about the entirety of the product we’re building.
Business
We Only Work With the Best
The tech industry's obsession with only working with the best fosters arrogance, prejudice, and stifles mentorship, ultimately harming long-term...