Designer & Developer Having Coffee: Recent Episodes
Tom Kozacinski & Mario Mucalo
Conversations on Life Lessons and Career Progression in IT A podcast for IT folks that explores the intersection of design and development in the tech industry. Join our hosts, Tom and Mario, as they sit down over a cup of coffee and share their experiences, insights, bad jokes and valuable lessons from years of working in software development. From front-end to back-end, vector to raster, and everything in between, they’ll cover a wide range of topics to help listeners advance in their IT careers and grow as individuals.
In this episode, we deep dive into the exciting world of app idea brainstorming. Tom and Mario share their own experiences and tips on how to refine your concept into a potential million-dollar app.
But that's not all – this season, we're building an app, and you're invited to follow along every step of the way. We start with the crucial brainstorming phase, where all great apps begin. Join us as we explore the creative process, share ideas, and work through the initial stages of app development.
Whether you're a budding app entrepreneur or just curious about the app-building journey, this episode is a down-to-earth, practical guide to help you get started. Tune in and join us on this exciting adventure from idea to app reality.
Welcome to Season 2 of our podcast! In this exciting new season, join us on a journey as we pull back the curtain and build a SaaS (Software as a Service) product right before your eyes.Tom and Mario, a designer and developer duo, will take you through every step of the process. From scoping out the concept, developing the minimum viable product (MVP), designing the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI), and tackling both the front-end and back-end development, we'll leave no stone unturned.But it doesn't stop there. We'll also dive into the intricacies of crafting a solid business plan, and you'll be right there with us as we head towards the exhilarating launch day, and even join us for the virtual "first sale" party.So, if you're an aspiring entrepreneur, developer, designer, or simply curious about what it takes to bring a SaaS product to life, this season is tailor-made for you. Subscribe now and follow our journey as we build, learn, and share our insights along the way. Don't miss out on this exciting season of creation and innovation!
Season One Finale: Lessons Learned, Leadership in Tech, and the Future
Join us for the Season One finale as we reflect on the valuable lessons we've learned throughout the season and discuss the importance of leadership in the tech industry. From identifying key traits of effective leaders to exploring emerging trends and the future of technology, this episode offers insightful perspectives and inspiring discussions. Don't miss this exciting wrap-up episode, where we share our reflections, insights, and visions for what lies ahead.
We get asked a lot about the books we would recommend and things we read. This is how our podcast started - what we've read, new things we learned, and how we discuss it. It's our most casual episode yet, giving you a glimpse of how we talk when we talk about "nothing". Find book links on our Youtube.
Join Tom and Mario as they shed light on what Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) entail, discussing their significance and implications for sharing work and portfolios.
Through engaging dialogue, Tom and Mario break down the dos and don'ts of sharing work while honouring NDA commitments. They offer practical advice and share their own experiences, helping listeners navigate the complexities of showcasing their work under NDA constraints.
Whether you're a freelancer, creative professional, or curious about legal aspects in the industry, this episode provides valuable insights on how to strike a balance between confidentiality and presenting your portfolio effectively. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of NDA contracts and discover strategies for managing and showcasing your work within their confines.
Scope creep (also called requirement creep, or kitchen sink syndrome) in project management refers to changes, continuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, at any point after the project begins. This can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled.
Join Tom and Mario in this episode as they dive into the topic of scope creep. They candidly discuss the challenges it brings and provide practical strategies to manage and prevent scope creep effectively. Drawing from their own experiences, they share real-life stories and offer valuable insights for professionals looking to navigate scope creep in their projects. Whether you're a project manager, freelancer, or simply interested in project management, this episode provides a direct and informative exploration of scope creep and the best practices to tackle it. Listen and learn from Tom and Mario's firsthand experiences and gain practical advice.
Join hosts Tom and Mario as they welcome a special guest, Eryn Peters, to the show. Eryn, like Tom and Mario, has a background in freelancing and they all crossed paths while being part of the renowned Toptal platform. In this episode, they dive into the world of freelancing, discussing the ins and outs of the freelance industry, the impact of freelance platforms, and strategies for career progression.
Together, they share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes as freelancers. They explore the pros and cons of using freelance platforms, providing valuable insights and tips for navigating these platforms effectively. Additionally, they shed light on the various paths for career progression within the freelance realm.
In this episode, Tom and Mario tackle the question of whether developers and designers should embrace writing as an essential skill in the tech industry. They discuss the remarkable benefits of honing writing skills, such as clearer communication, improved documentation, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
Join the conversation as they explore how writing can enhance collaboration, foster creativity, and establish thought leadership within the tech community. Discover practical tips and strategies for incorporating writing into your professional journey, regardless of your current skill level.
Whether you're a developer, designer, or simply interested in the tech industry, this episode will inspire you to unleash the power of writing and leverage it as a valuable asset in your career advancement.
In this episode, Tom and Mario are joined by the dynamic Charlie Ward, founder of Indie London and creator of Ramen Club. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of Ramen Profitability, exploring how entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses with minimal resources. They also delve into the realm of Indie Hacking, discussing innovative strategies for bootstrapping and growth. Charlie shares his expertise in leveraging No Code and AI tools to streamline workflows, automate processes, and scale businesses efficiently. Join this insightful conversation as Tom, Mario, and Charlie exchange valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will empower aspiring entrepreneurs and indie hackers.
In this episode, hosts Tom and Mario dive deep into the transformative power of mentorship. Drawing from their own experiences, they discuss how mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping their careers and personal growth. Discover the invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom mentors provide, and learn how to find and cultivate mentorship relationships of your own. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories that will empower you to harness the power of mentorship for your own success.
Join Tom and Mario as they sit down with James Browne, a seasoned professional who has held the position of Chief of Product and embarked on a thrilling journey as an Indie Hacker. James shares his valuable insights and insider secrets gained from his experience in software development and entrepreneurship. Get ready to delve into the world of product creation, software development, and the unique perspective of an Indie Hacker. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gaining practical wisdom and inspiration from James Browne's remarkable career.
In this episode, Tom and Mario dive into the world of meetings in startups and the corporate environment. They discuss the good and bad aspects of meetings, and share valuable tips and tricks for making them more effective and efficient.
Additionally, they explore the challenges that tech people face when communicating with non-tech individuals in business settings. They provide insights and strategies for bridging the communication gap and fostering better understanding between different departments.
In a refreshingly candid conversation, Tom and Mario share their perspectives on the real challenges that arise when designers and developers join forces. They address common misunderstandings and shed light on the practical aspects that can significantly improve teamwork and efficiency.
Tom and Mario discuss the "Aha! moment" in a career, when a lesson or concept suddenly clicks and everything falls into place. They share their personal stories and insights on how to recognize and cultivate these moments.
Tom and Mario talk about how these "Aha! moments" can come from various sources, such as reading a book, listening to a mentor, or even making mistakes. They also discuss the importance of being open-minded and actively seeking new learning opportunities.
Tom and Mario discuss the differences between traditional and informal education and how they impact an IT career. They share their personal experiences and insights on the pros and cons of each approach.Tom and Mario talk about the advantages of traditional education, such as structured curriculum and access to resources, but also the limitations of formal education in keeping up with the rapid changes in the IT industry.They also discuss the benefits of informal education, such as learning on the job, self-study, and mentorship, and how it can lead to more practical, hands-on skills.Tom and Mario share their own stories of how they learned in the IT industry and the importance of finding a balance between formal and informal education.NOTES & LINKS:Sir Ken Robinson @TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY
Tom and Mario discuss how failure can be a catalyst for growth and learning. They share personal stories and insights on how to overcome fear, take risks, and pivot effectively.Tom and Mario discuss the benefits of "learning by doing" and taking action to gain new skills and knowledge. They also discuss the importance of being flexible and adaptable and how to pivot when things aren't working out.NOTES & LINKS:Randy Pausch - Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
Join Tom and Mario as they discuss the power of networking and how it has helped them in their careers. Learn about different ways to network, tips for approaching networking, and how to nurture and maintain your network. They share personal stories and practical strategies for building and leveraging your network. Don't miss this episode if you want to boost your career as a freelancer or industry professional!BOOKS & LINKS:How to Win Friends and Influence People - https://amzn.eu/d/hQRqEKeInfluence The Psychology of Persuasion - https://amzn.eu/d/8vZOl3bCharisma on Command - https://www.youtube.com/@Charismaoncommand
Join hosts Tom and Mario in this inspiring and introspective episode of "Pivotal Moments in a Career," where they take a deep dive into the key moments that shaped their professional lives. Listen as they candidly share personal stories about the defining experiences and influential factors that altered their career trajectories in the world of design and development.
From serendipitous encounters to challenging decisions and everything in between, Tom and Mario discuss how these experiences have left a lasting impact on their work, creativity, and professional growth. In this open conversation, they also share valuable insights and lessons learned along the way that have helped them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the design and development industry.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, you won't want to miss this engaging discussion filled with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in to hear Tom and Mario's unique perspectives on how embracing change, seeking mentorship, and taking calculated risks can lead to a fulfilling and successful career in design and development.
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Join Tom and Mario for a lighthearted chat as they share their 18-year journey in the design and development world. From their early beginnings to the industry's exciting progress, they explore how the field has evolved over time.
In this episode, Tom and Mario reminisce about their start in the industry and discuss the major shifts that have taken place, like the rise of mobile apps and the focus on user experience. They also touch on the importance of collaboration and the role of AI in shaping the future.
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal stories, valuable advice for newcomers, and a glimpse into the past, present, and future of design and development.
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In this episode, Tom and Mario will share their insights on how to identify potential warning signs when evaluating potential business partners or employees. They'll discuss what type of people to avoid in the workplace and how to maintain a positive working environment.
Throughout the conversation, they'll touch on various topics, including the importance of trust, communication, and alignment of values when it comes to building successful working relationships. They'll also provide tips on how to spot red flags early on and share their personal experiences of dealing with difficult individuals in the past.
Additionally, Tom and Mario will discuss the role of positivity in the workplace and how projecting a positive attitude can lead to increased productivity and better teamwork.
If you're an entrepreneur or someone looking to improve your hiring process, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to build successful working relationships and avoid potential pitfalls in the business world.
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In this episode of our podcast, hosts Tom and Mario dive deep into the world of IT industry interviews. They share their insights on how to communicate effectively with clients, as well as the most effective strategies for hiring developers and designers. Throughout the episode, Tom and Mario offer practical advice and share their own experiences in navigating the interview process. They discuss the importance of asking the right questions and how to gauge a candidate's technical skills, as well as their ability to work well with others and fit into the company culture. The hosts also delve into the topic of effective client communication, exploring different approaches and techniques that can help build strong relationships and ensure successful project outcomes. They touch on the importance of understanding a client's needs and expectations, as well as the role of effective communication in managing timelines, budgets, and other project details. Whether you're an IT industry veteran or just starting out in the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips that can help you improve your interviewing and communication skills. So tune in now and join Tom and Mario as they share their knowledge and experience with listeners from around the world!
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In this podcast episode, Tom and Mario delve into the topic of procrastination, exploring the different ways in which it can manifest in their personal and professional lives. They also discuss how they navigate their work as freelancers and business owners while dealing with ADHD.
Throughout the conversation, Tom and Mario share their own experiences with procrastination and offer insights on how they overcome it. They discuss the importance of setting achievable goals, breaking tasks down into manageable steps, and maintaining a consistent routine to stay productive over the long term.
As freelancers and business owners, they also talk about the unique challenges that come with managing their own schedules and staying motivated without the structure of a traditional workplace. They offer tips on how to create a productive work environment, set boundaries to avoid burnout, and build systems for managing tasks and deadlines.
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In this episode, Tom is sick with the flu, and we talk about attitude towards work when sick and how work-life balance work when you can't work.
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Tom and Mario discuss the various career paths in the software development and IT industry. They compare and contrast the differences, pros, and cons of being an employee, freelancer, or business owner. The podcast provides insight and information for those interested in pursuing a career in technology and wanting to understand the different options available to them.
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In this episode, we talk about the importance for non-technical founders to bring in elements not related to development to a project, especially in the beginning stages. It highlights the need for these founders to understand and contribute to other aspects, such as marketing, finance, and strategy, to ensure the success of the project. Having a well-rounded skill set, not just technical expertise, is crucial for the overall success of a project and business.
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Have you ever heard the myth that designers and developers hate each other? In this video, we're going to debunk this common misconception and show you how designers and developers can work together harmoniously. Find out why collaboration between the two is essential for successful projects, and learn practical tips for better communication and hear some history from "way back then".
ABOUT OUR CHANNEL:
Designer and Developer Having Coffee: Conversation on Life Lessons and Career Progression in IT. A podcast that explores the intersection of design and development in the tech industry.
Join our hosts, Tom and Mario, as they sit down over a cup of coffee and share their experiences, insights and valuable lessons from years of working in the field. From front-end to back-end, vector to raster, and everything in between, they'll cover a wide range of topics to help listeners advance in their IT careers and grow as individuals.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this podcast is for anyone interested in learning more about the tech industry and how to succeed in it, both professionally and personally.
Check out our video channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@designer.developer
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MEET THE HOSTS
Mario Mucalo (the developer)
He is a senior full-stack developer with expertise in the Microsoft stack on the back end and Angular on the front end; he graduated with a Master of Science in Computing from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb in 2009. Maro is the founder and CEO of Intellegens, a software development company, as well as the CTO of Peekator, a platform for agile consumer insights. He also worked as a Director of Engineering at Toptal from 2013 to 2017 and as Head of the Technical Screening Team from 2016 to 2017.
https://mariomucalo.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mariomucalo
Tom Kozacinski (the designer)
Tom is a Croatian born - London-based Product Design Consultant, International Keynote Speaker, Techstars mentor and stand-up comedian with over 16 years of experience across the digital and organisational landscape. Tom consults with companies building software to implement UX and design principles into their process and save on development costs and shorten the product's time to market.
https://www.kozacinski.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kozacinski