Afleveringen
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How do you transition from a solo founder to leading a thriving remote team?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Host Jack Hannah sits down with Chris Oliver, Founder of GoRails and Host of the Remote Ruby podcast, to discuss his journey from working solo to building a successful three-person remote team. Chris shares a candid look at how he overcame the challenge of scaling a business, the importance of asynchronous communication, and how he created a system that fosters remote collaboration.
Highlights:
Strategies for transitioning from solo work to team leadershipBalancing asynchronous and synchronous collaboration for remote teamsHow Chris built a sustainable business that works for him, not the other way aroundThe tools and processes that enable GoRails to thrive remotelyIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking things off with Chris Oliver
(00:42) – The origin of GoRails: From tutorials to product market fit
(04:03) – Challenges of solopreneurship and the decision to expand
(06:28) – Adapting processes for a team environment
(09:27) – The value of pair programming in remote work
(12:46) – Balancing asynchronous and synchronous communication
(18:35) – Creating a calm company culture at GoRails
(37:16) – Encouraging entrepreneurship and lessons from experience
Referenced:
Railscasts by Ryan BatesMichael Gerber’s Book: The E-Myth on AmazonWhere to connect further:
Connect with Chris Oliver on X and GitHubMore about GoRailsFollow TupleWant to hear more? Check out distributed.fmConnect with Jack Hannah -
How do grassroots efforts drive big changes in the world of remote work?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Jack Hannah sits down with Mike Bland, Developer Experience Platform Architect at EngFlow, to discuss his journey from Google and Apple to leading remote teams. Mike shares insights from his time running Testing Grouplet at Google, starting the Quality Culture Initiative at Apple, and how those experiences shape his approach to building effective remote teams today.
From fostering grassroots initiatives to using intentional communication to build trust, Mike highlights the tools and strategies that enable distributed teams to thrive.
Highlights:
Lessons from Google’s Testing Grouplet and Apple’s Quality Culture InitiativeThe importance of intentional communication in remote workUsing forums, training, and shared goals to align distributed teams
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Mike Bland
(02:30) – What Is Testing Grouplet? A Story of Change at Google
(08:55) – Lessons Learned from Apple’s Quality Culture Initiative
(16:43) – Building Grassroots Communities to Drive Cultural Change
(17:54) – Key Challenges for Scaling Communication at EngFlow
(22:36) – Creating Effective Synchronous and Asynchronous Touchpoints
(30:52) – Using Code Reviews to Build Trust in Distributed Teams
(37:11) – Balancing Autonomy and Collaboration for Engineers
(45:19) – Final Takeaway: Communication and Remote Work
Resources:
The Rainbow of Death: https://mike-bland.com/the-rainbow-of-death
Essentialism by Greg McKeown: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/
Grouplets: https://mike-bland.com/2011/09/20/grouplets.html
Where to connect further:
Connect with Mike Bland on LinkedIn and his website
More about EngFlow
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What makes hybrid and remote teams successful?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Jack Hannah sits down with Rachel Trana, Senior Engineering Manager at Grainger, to explore strategies for thriving in flexible work environments. Rachel shares how practices like pair programming, effective status updates, and intentional onboarding can help teams stay aligned and productive. She also talks about the unique challenges of fostering communication and connection in a hybrid setup, offering practical advice for leaders and team members alike.
If you’re navigating hybrid or remote work and looking for ways to make teamwork seamless, this conversation is full of tips and insights to take back to your team.
Highlights:
How to create effective kickoffs for hybrid and remote teamsWhy pair programming is a core practice for sharing context and building communication skillsThe importance of clear, concise status updates in daily workflowsStrategies for improving onboarding processes in evolving work environmentsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Rachel Trana
(02:30) – Grainger’s Flexible Hybrid Work Approach
(04:11) – The Importance of Kickoffs and Context in Team Success
(08:36) – How Pair Programming Builds Communication and Technical Skills
(16:22) – A Story of Success: Effective Pairing in Complex Projects
(17:34) – The Role of Status Updates in Keeping Teams Aligned
(22:04) – Rethinking Onboarding for Hybrid Teams
(26:32) – Lessons Learned from a Heavy-Handed Approach to Process Change
(31:47) – Navigating the Challenges of Isolation in Hybrid Work
(33:55) – Final Takeaway: Alignment and Communication
Resources:
Connect with Rachel Trana on LinkedIn
More about Grainger
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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What does it take to build high-performing remote teams in a distributed world?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah chats with Carlos Rosão, Director of Software Engineering at NewStore, to uncover the strategies that make remote engineering teams thrive. Carlos shares how NewStore fosters autonomy, balances standardization with flexibility, and uses pair programming to reduce miscommunication and encourage collaboration.
From prioritizing customer needs to scaling engineering practices across distributed teams, this episode offers insights for leaders and team members navigating remote work.
Highlights:
The balance between empowering teams and standardizing best practicesHow NewStore uses pair programming and rotation to prevent silos and enhance collaborationWhy in-person meetups still matter for distributed teamsPractical tips for improving communication and ownership in remote settingsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Carlos Rosão
(05:16) – NewStore’s Approach to Distributed Work and Time Zone Collaboration
(07:04) – Building Trust and Fostering Connections in Remote Teams
(11:05) – Balancing Autonomy and Alignment in Team Decision-Making
(19:15) – The Role of In-Person Gatherings for Onboarding and Team Cohesion
(24:22) – How Customer Feedback Drives Product Innovation at NewStore
(36:23) – Final Takeaway: Scaling Distributed Teams and Fostering High Performance
Where to connect further:
Connect with Carlos Rosão on
LinkedIn
Visit Tales of Engineering Leadership
More about NewStore
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do feedback loops shape high-performing engineering teams?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Ben Grohbiel, Staff Engineer at Snyk, about the interplay between leadership, technical excellence, and collaboration in remote teams. Ben shares his journey from running a web dev shop to leading platform teams and eventually transitioning from engineering management back to an individual contributor role.
Ben also discusses the habits and rituals that help teams stay aligned, the importance of feedback loops in decision-making, and how structuring remote teams for success requires more than just good tooling—it’s about fostering the right culture.
Highlights:
Transitioning from engineering manager to staff engineer: what changed and whyThe role of SpeedBacks and pairing in driving continuous team improvementHow Snyk structures its remote teams for collaboration and efficiencyThe debate around remote vs. hybrid vs. in-person setups—and what really mattersNavigating autonomy and accountability in startups vs. scale-upsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking things off with Ben Grohbiel
(03:39) – Transition from engineering management to staff engineer
(04:27) – Challenges of managing a large remote team
(07:10) – The importance of feedback loops in high-performing teams
(10:40) – "Speedbacks": A unique approach to rapid peer feedback
(14:09) – Effective communication between teams through pairing
(17:17) – A startup experience where everything clicked
(23:00) – The very first team experience on Snyk
(27:09) – The debate around remote, hybrid, and in-office work
(30:18) – Driving effective information flow in remote teams
(34:14) – The future of remote work: Unanswered question
Where to connect further:
Connect with Ben Grohbiel on LinkedIn and check out Snyk
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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What’s the right way to operate as a hybrid team in today’s engineering landscape?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Jack Hannah speaks with Cassia Scheffer, Staff Software Engineer at Wealthsimple, to explore her best practices for mentoring and collaborating in a remote-first environment. Cassia shares insights on balancing hybrid work cultures, the power of pair programming, and how distributed ownership empowers engineers to make better decisions. She also reflects on the challenges of feeling disconnected in hybrid setups and how Wealthsimple prioritizes customer-focused values to align teams.
Highlights:
The importance of balancing hybrid work cultures to foster a sense of belongingHow schema validation enables distributed ownership and better decision-makingWhy mentoring and pair programming improve collaboration and learningStrategies for driving alignment through clear documentationThe role of curiosity in planning, problem-solving, and building strong teamsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off With Cassia Scheffer
(00:45) – Wealthsimple’s Hybrid Model and Remote-First Approach
(02:38) – Why Pair Programming is Essential for Remote Engineering
(04:56) – How Wealthsimple’s 400-Person Engineering Team Stays Aligned
(06:58) – Scaling Communication: From Growing Pains to Real-Time Decision Making
(10:18) – A Leadership Crisis and the Culture Clash That Followed
(13:48) – How Hybrid Work Creates Visibility and Belonging Challenges
(19:00) – API Platform Engineering: Driving Adoption Across 30 Teams
(30:42) – Coaching Engineers: Pairing as a Tool for Growth and Problem-Solving
(38:52) – Final Takeaway: Curiosity as the Key to Effective Collaboration
Referenced:
Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar H. Schein: https://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Leadership-Jossey-Bass-Business-Management/dp/1119212049
Where to connect further:
Connect with Cassia Scheffer on LinkedIn
More about Cassia on her website
More about Wealthsimple
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How does human connection shape the way we build software?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Dave Farley, renowned software engineer, author, and expert in modern software development. Dave shares insights from his 40-year career, covering everything from extreme programming to the role of AI in software engineering. He explains why pair programming is one of the most underrated practices and how fostering trust in remote teams leads to better collaboration and creativity.
Dave also explores the trade-offs of remote and hybrid work, the importance of high-quality engineering practices, and why continuous delivery remains essential for building world-class software.
Highlights:
Why software development is a team game and not a solo endeavorHow pair programming boosts productivity and code qualityLessons from ThoughtWorks on scaling extreme programming with large teamsThe evolving impact of AI on software engineering How remote teams can not only build trust but maintain itIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Dave Farley
(01:33) – Dave Farley’s Path From Early Computing to Today
(05:42) – Leading a Distributed Team: First Remote Experience
(07:58) – Solving Remote Work Challenges Through Human Connection
(11:46) – Building Trust: The Key to Strong Software Teams
(15:55) – Pair Programming: The Secret to Better Collaboration
(18:55) – Overcoming Resistance to Pair Programming in Teams
(28:35) – How AI Is Changing Software Development Forever
(36:29) – Test-Driven Development as the Future of AI Coding
(40:06) – The Biggest Challenge of Remote Work: New Teams
(43:14) – Finding the Right Balance Between Remote and Office
Where to connect further:
Connect with Dave Farley on LinkedIn and his website
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do you foster collaboration and trust in distributed engineering teams?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Jack Hannah talks with Valentina Servile, Lead Software Developer at Thoughtworks and author of Continuous Deployment. Valentina shares how her teams leverage practices like pair programming, collective code ownership, and streamlined processes to succeed in a remote-first world.
They also discuss managing cognitive load, communicating effectively across time zones, and her strategies for replacing outdated practices like pull requests with more dynamic approaches.
Highlights:
Why pair programming improves team dynamics and code qualityThe role of trust and alignment in distributed teamsAutomating quality gates for faster, safer workflowsHow to foster collective code ownership in remote teamsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Valentina Servile
(01:59) – The Realities of Remote Work at Thoughtworks
(02:13) – How Kickoffs Build Trust and Clarity in Remote Teams
(04:22) – Structuring In-Person Meetings for Maximum Impact
(08:20) – Effective Communication Between Distributed Teams
(12:00) – A Cautionary Tale: When Remote Work Fails
(16:02) – Pair Programming as a Management and Productivity Tool
(21:55) – Why Collective Code Ownership Improves Team Performance
(26:13) – Rethinking PR Reviews: Avoiding Bottlenecks in Remote Development
(38:41) – The Struggle to Disconnect: Managing Notifications and Overload
Referenced:
Lean Inception by Paulo Caroli: https://caroli.org/en/livro/lean-inception-how-to-align-people-and-build-the-right-product/
Where to connect further:
Connect with Valentina on LinkedIn
Check out Valentina’s book, Continuous Deployment
Email Valentina at [email protected]
More about Thoughtworks
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do relationships shape success in software development?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Kent Beck, renowned software engineer and signer of the Agile Manifesto, to explore how fostering relationships and psychological safety drives long-term success. Kent shares lessons from his career, including insights from Facebook and Gusto, emphasizing the role of empathy and collaboration in building sustainable practices.
Kent also shares his perspective on strengthening team connections, building effective routines for remote work, and balancing productivity with well-being to help teams thrive.
Highlights:
Building psychological safety by addressing relationship challenges and fostering trustKent’s experiences at Facebook and Gusto: lessons on balancing technical ambition with human connectionEstablishing team rituals like daily and weekly check-ins to strengthen cohesion in remote settingsThe impact of creating an environment where collaboration and empathy drive better outcomesExploring how relationships and thoughtful communication shape software development practicesIn this episode, we cover:
((00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Kent Beck
(00:54) – Helping Geeks Feel Safe: Kent’s Mission and Perspective
(05:51) – Software Design as Human Relationships: The Tidy First Approach
(09:43) – Lessons from Facebook: Managing Relationships and Overcoming Resistance
(13:58) – Building Credibility Through Contribution and Apprenticeship
(19:01) – Remote Work Rituals: Fostering Connection and Collaboration
(25:49) – Balancing Productivity with Teaching: Strategies for Distributed Teams
(30:25) – Mentorship in Remote Work: The Value of Generational Knowledge
(37:30) – The Forest vs. The Desert: How Environments Shape Creativity and Output
(48:25) – Creative Leverage: Big Wins Through Collaboration and Vision
Where to connect further:
Connect with Kent Beck on LinkedIn and his Website
Follow Tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do great teams build better software?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah speaks with Josh Kerievsky, founder and CEO of Industrial Logic and one of the earliest pioneers of Agile software development. Josh shares insights into the practices that help teams thrive, including sufficient design, pairing, ensembling, and continuous deployment. He also advocates for a balance between in-person and remote collaboration, the evolving role of AI in software development, and why a focused approach is what matters most for success.
Highlights:
The concept of sufficient design and why perfection isn’t always necessaryHow pairing and ensemble programming improve knowledge transfer and help develop stronger teamsThe role of continuous deployment in elevating software delivery practicesBalancing in-person and remote collaboration to support team mental healthThe potential and challenges of AI in software developmentIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off With Josh Kerievsky
(01:05) – When Agile Clicked: Lessons From the 90s
(05:05) – Sufficient Design: Knowing When Good Enough Is Enough
(09:50) – Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Work: Finding the Right Balance
(12:27) – Social Programming: Why Pairing and Ensembling Matter
(20:43) – The Making of a High-Performing Software Team
(30:11) – AI, Specification-Driven Development, and the Future of Coding
(33:46) – Josh’s Advice: Collaborate More, Code Better
Referenced:
Agile Manifesto: https://agilemanifesto.org/
Where to connect further:
Connect with Josh Kerievsky on LinkedIn
More about Industrial Logic
Follow @tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do you maintain a balance between deep work and collaboration in a remote-first world?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Host Jack Hannah sits down with Blake Irvin, Observability Engineering Lead at SumUp, for his insights into how developers and teams thrive remotely. Blake shares how SumUp approaches distributed work, the importance of clear communication, and why protecting focus time is critical. From balancing asynchronous and synchronous collaboration to using tools like Honeycomb, Incident.io, and Tuple, Blake offers a practical look at what makes remote teamwork successful.
Highlights:
Reducing friction - how to choose between synchronous and asynchronous communication Why meaningful connections during work hours can transform team dynamicsBlake’s strategies to protect focus and unlock deeper, more meaningful workHow the right tools can create a culture of seamless collaboration even in distributed environmentsIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off With Blake Irvin
(01:10) – The Role of Observability in Remote Engineering
(04:48) – What a Healthy Remote Work Culture Looks Like
(08:23) – Rethinking Urgency in Team Communication
(12:58) – Collaboration Tools That Make Remote Work Easier
(18:02) – Why Pairing is Essential for High-Performing Teams
(22:10) – Async vs. Sync: When to Use Each for Maximum Impact
(27:48) – How In-Person Connection Strengthens Remote Teams
(32:49) – Lessons from Scaling a Startup to Millions of Users
(37:04) – The Power of Experimentation in Teamwork
Referenced:
37signals blog post: Group Chat: The Best Way to Totally Stress Out Your Team
Paul Graham’s essay: Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule
Honeycomb.io for distributed tracing
Incident.io for collaborating on incident response
Tuple’s Pair Programming Guide
Where to connect further:
Connect with Blake Irvin on LinkedIn and GitHub
More about SumUp
Follow @tuple
Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm
Connect with Jack Hannah
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How do soft skills shape success in a remote-first world?
In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Host Jack Hannah chats with Callie Buruchara, Senior Software Engineer at Uplift Agency, to explore how mastering communication and emotional intelligence (particularly in a remote work setting) can transform your career. Callie shares her journey from high school English teacher to software engineer and how her people-first approach became her superpower.
Plus, hear Callie’s take on balancing deep work, managing expectations, and why some of the toughest lessons often come from unexpected places.
Highlights:
Navigating remote work dynamics and adapting to different communication styles to foster collaboration and reduce misunderstandingsThe power of emotional intelligence in building trust and resolving conflict within distributed teamsCallie’s strategies for balancing prioritization, managing time effectively, and protecting mental healthWhy addressing friction early and practicing honest communication strengthens team dynamicsHow soft skills, like empathy and vulnerability, often play a pivotal role in technical successIn this episode, we cover:
(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Callie Buruchara
(01:12) – Why Soft Skills Define the Majority of Work
(03:27) – The Real Challenge in Tech: It’s Not JavaScript, It’s People
(08:06) – How to Navigate Conflicting Communication Styles at Work
(12:16) – Managing Priorities in a Remote Setting Without Explicit Cues
(17:59) – Handling Workplace Conflict: Say Something Before Anger Takes Over
(22:23) – When Ignoring Friction Backfires: A Story of Team Breakdown
(28:33) – The Hidden Struggles of Remote Work: Loneliness and Lost Signals
(33:46) – The Feedback Litmus Test: How to Grow in Communication Skills
(39:54) – The Hardest Part of Remote Work: Recreating Spontaneity
Where to connect further:
Connect with Callie Buruchara on LinkedIn and her Website
Email Callie at [email protected]
More about Uplift Agency Ltd.
More about firstpromo.dev
Follow @tuple
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Remote work isn’t just a shift in where we work… It's changing how we work.
The Distributed podcast, from Tuple, focuses on the realities of remote software development, unpacking the tools, strategies, and mindsets that help teams thrive in a distributed world.
In this trailer, host Jack Hannah sets the stage for what’s ahead: candid conversations with engineers and leaders navigating the complexities of remote work, sharing their stories, and offering actionable insights to help you and your team succeed. From balancing focus to building strong team dynamics, this podcast is here to help you make the most of remote work.
Hear how some of the brightest minds in tech are solving remote challenges. Listen and subscribe to the Distributed podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
