In this episode, host Byron chats with Ken Deegan, a fractional CTO and former software engineer, about the importance of helping teams to 'fail better'. Ken shares insights from his experience transitioning from software development to tech leadership, highlighting the value of creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes. The conversation touches on the significance of empathy, resilience, and open communication. They also discuss practical tips for fostering a culture of innovation and support within tech teams, as well as the benefits of human flourishing that come from handling failures constructively.

* Ken Deegan on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-deegan-330a5327
* "Glyph" by Ali Smith - https://www.amazon.com/Glyph-Novel-Ali-Smith-ebook/dp/B0FN3NWHH5?tag=sommardahl-20

00:00 Introduction and Episode Teaser
00:31 Meet Ken Deegan: Background and Interests
01:52 Ken's Journey in Tech Leadership
04:46 The Importance of Failing Better
07:26 Creating a Safe Space for Innovation
12:08 Characteristics of a Good Fail
14:42 Human Flourishing Through Failure
18:31 Challenges and Pitfalls in Promoting Failure
23:09 Practical Steps to Help Teams Fail Better
33:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Michael Turner shares his inspiring journey from a children's home to becoming a fractional CTO and Marine Corps veteran. He discusses how he met his wife during a mission trip in Honduras, and the unique life they lead, splitting their time between Tennessee and Honduras. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership and mentoring, with a specific focus on building systems like API for the brain to promote clarity, reduce stress, and enhance team communication. Turner introduces frameworks like the Five Voices and the Health Index to help employees grow both personally and professionally, emphasizing the power of genuine care in leadership. The episode also includes anecdotal experiences, including Turner's humorous kickball mishap, and offers actionable advice for tech leaders to foster human flourishing within their teams.

* Michael Turner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-turner-11615515

* "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins - https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-David-Goggins-audiobook/dp/B07KKP62FW?tag=sommardahl-20

* Website: https://www.miketurner.us/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:18 Technical Setup and Initial Challenges
01:56 Meet Mike Turner: Leadership Journey
06:33 Impact of Marine Corps on Leadership
08:27 Books that Shape Leadership
10:51 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes
12:16 The Kickball Incident
17:46 API for the Brain: Concept Introduction
20:27 Implementing the API Framework
22:04 Setting Professional Growth Plans
23:01 Using Trello Boards for Skill Improvement
25:38 The Five Voices Framework
26:42 Understanding Team Dynamics
31:26 Promoting Human Flourishing
36:20 Challenges in Implementing Frameworks
45:40 The Importance of Caring Leadership
47:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this podcast episode, tech leader Rachel Bland shares insights into fostering effective team communication and collaboration. Described as a 'Coordinator of Chaos,' Rachel emphasizes the importance of clear communication and teamwork in achieving results in software development. She explores the nuances between bugs and features and advocates for creating a culture where team members are encouraged to ask questions and engage in open dialogue. Rachel shares personal experiences and highlights the value of iterative problem-solving, vulnerability, and maintaining a balance between collaboration and focused work. Additionally, the episode delves into strategies for promoting human flourishing within tech teams, emphasizing the significance of transparency and empowering team members.

* Rachel Bland on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkmbland/
* Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520?tag=sommardahl-20

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Bland
00:20 Rachel's Journey into Tech
01:19 The Bug vs. Feature Debate
03:33 The Art of Team Communication
04:26 Impactful Reads and Personal Growth
06:03 Confession Time: Embarrassing Mistakes
08:50 Encouraging Team Conversations
18:32 Building a Culture of Open Communication
22:29 The Importance of Team Collaboration
24:53 Balancing Introversion and Teamwork
25:30 The Value of Iterative Development
26:39 Embracing Estimates and Communication
36:44 The Power of Feedback and Vulnerability
44:04 Innovative Problem Solving
47:47 Encouraging Creativity and Collaboration
50:46 Final Thoughts on Team Dynamics