Summary

In this episode, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson reflect on the year 2025, discussing the growth and engagement of the podcast, the challenges of mental health in the workplace, and the evolving role of AI in shaping careers.

They emphasise the importance of community support and effective communication in navigating these changes, while also exploring emerging trends in quality engineering and testing for 2026.

Takeaways

1. 2025 has been a year of significant growth for the podcast.
2. Engagement from listeners has remained high throughout the year.
3. Mental health challenges in the workplace are prevalent and need addressing.
4. Control the controllables to navigate mental checkouts.
5. Metrics should tell a story, not just be numbers.
6. AI is a tool, but community will shape our careers.
7. Human interaction will be crucial in the tech industry moving forward.
8. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in a rapidly changing environment.
9. Effective communication is key to influencing teams and driving change.
10. Leadership in quality requires a broad understanding of various disciplines.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review

21:44 Navigating Mental Checkouts in the Workplace

28:26 The Role of Metrics in Quality Assurance

34:38 AI vs Community: The Future of Careers

36:02 Embracing AI: The Community's Role

46:30 The Future of Work: Human Interaction and AI

56:51 Trends in Quality Engineering: Skills for 2026

01:07:19 Closing out 2025

Summary

In this episode Stu Day and special guest James Lawther (author of ‘Managed by Morons’) discuss the intricacies of leadership and management, drawing from personal experiences and insights from James's book.

They explore the importance of learning from bad leadership, the need for psychological safety in organisations, and the balance between effectiveness and efficiency.

The discussion emphasises the significance of understanding systems within organisations, the impact of bonus-driven development, and the necessity of a customer-centric approach.

Ultimately, they highlight the importance of building trust and fostering a culture that encourages open communication and continuous learning.

Takeaways

1. Leadership is about creating a culture of trust.
2. You learn more from bad experiences than good ones.
3. Management is straightforward but often poorly executed.
4. Focus on effectiveness, not just efficiency.
5. Psychological safety is crucial for open communication.
6. The system must be managed, not just the people.
7. Long-term thinking leads to better outcomes.
8. Measurement can drive the wrong behaviours.
9. AI should be used to solve real problems, not just for the sake of it.
10. What kind of legacy do you want to leave as a leader?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and the Book

03:02 The Journey of Writing and Blogging

05:57 Learning from Bad Leadership

08:47 The Importance of Systems in Leadership

11:33 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

14:28 The Impact of Incentives on Team Dynamics

17:15 Psychological Safety in the Workplace

21:34 Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication

22:40 The Swiss Cheese Model: Learning from Mistakes

27:01 Connecting Experiences Across Industries

29:11 Admitting Failure: A Key to Improvement

31:46 Understanding Purpose in Business

36:55 The Dangers of Target-Driven Culture

41:05 The Importance of Systems Thinking

45:44 Optimising Systems Over Individual Performance

48:23 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Operations

51:30 The Cost of Short-Term Thinking

53:45 The Balance Between Efficiency and Effectiveness

56:36 Learning from Failures in Organisations

01:01:33 Building Trust in Leadership

01:03:14 Legacy and Leadership: What Will You Be Remembered For?

01:05:07 Show Close

Summary

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and special guest Vernon Richards delve into the complexities of language and terminology in the field of quality.

They discuss the importance of understanding context, the impact of personal experiences on language interpretation, and the need for intentional communication.

The conversation highlights common triggering phrases, the role of active listening, and the significance of reframing language to foster better discussions.

Listeners are encouraged to be mindful of their words and to engage in open dialogues to navigate misunderstandings effectively.

Useful Links:

Credibility Playbook for Testers

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition

Situation Behaviour Impact model:

Takeaways

1. Language in quality is complex and varies across organisations.
2. Misunderstandings often arise from different interpretations of the same terms.
3. Active listening and open questions can enhance communication.
4. Context is crucial in understanding the meaning behind words.
5. Reframing triggering language can lead to more productive conversations.
6. Intent behind words can change their impact significantly.
7. Quality is a shared responsibility among all team members.
8. Feedback loops are more effective than rigid quality gates.
9. Personal experiences shape how we interpret language.
10. Difficult conversations are necessary for growth and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Energy Boost

01:13 The Importance of Language in Quality

03:07 Navigating Misunderstandings in Quality Terminology

10:44 Understanding Different Perspectives in Quality Conversations

14:35 Influencing Change Through Effective Communication

19:13 Reframing Language to Reduce Triggers

25:38 The Role of Context in Quality Discussions

30:08 Feedback Loops vs. Quality Gates

36:05 Navigating Difficult Conversations

39:08 Understanding Triggers in Communication

43:53 The Complexity of Language and Intent

49:10 Identifying Triggering Words

55:54 Mindfulness in Language Use

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