Build To Succeed

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Latest Episodes:

Jorge Coca, Very Good Ventures — Simple Solutions for Solving Complex Problems at Scale Feb 05, 2025

On this episode, we’re joined by Jorge Coca, Head of Engineering at Very Good Ventures, whose career spans over a decade of innovative contributions to the Flutter ecosystem and mobile engineering. Jorge’s journey includes pivotal roles at BMW, where he spearheaded Android and Flutter development, and SPR, where he led impactful consulting projects.

Jorge discusses the evolution of scalable and user-friendly engineering practices, the importance of aligning technology with business goals and fostering innovation within engineering teams. He also shares insights into balancing complexity with simplicity in solutions, the role of Flutter in transforming mobile app development, and the emerging frontier of augmented reality and wearable technologies.

Key Takeaways:

(01:12) The parallels between cooking, music and coding.

(02:21) Jorge’s journey from Spain to the US through the Erasmus program.

(04:31) User experience clicked, inspiring interest in website development.

(08:19) First Android hire at BMW, tasked with rapid delivery.

(13:06) BMW apps serve multiple brands and regional variations globally.

(17:34) Past engineering mistakes taught lessons on balancing complexity.

(25:14) Data-driven decisions led to adopting Flutter across engineering.

(28:06) Engineering leaders must foster cultures where failure drives learning.

(31:34) Scalable solutions require critical, focused ideas with broad impact.

(34:21) Avoid over-engineering by focusing on practical, impactful changes.

(36:43) Success means delivering value without compromising business stability.

(42:26) Wearables may introduce new platforms complementing tools like Flutter.

Resources Mentioned:

Jorge Coca -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgecocaramos/

Very Good Ventures | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/very-good-ventures

Very Good Ventures | Website -

https://verygood.ventures/

BMW Group -

https://www.bmwgroup.com/

Flutter by Google -

https://flutter.dev/

Firebase -

https://firebase.google.com/

Very Good Ventures designs and builds world-class digital experiences for any screen, with the best tools and engineering approaches for consistent, scalable results. Find out how VGV helps you hit the mark at: https://verygood.ventures/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Chris Synan, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. — Transforming Real Estate Through Cutting-Edge Tech Jan 22, 2025

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Chris Synan, Vice President of Engineering at Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Chris has been with Keller Williams since just before the COVID lockdown and has played a critical role in driving the company’s technology transformation. With experience managing large teams and overhauling systems at companies such as Dell, AMD, CA Technologies, and General Motors, Chris has valuable insights on large-scale innovation, team culture transformation and technological development.

Key Takeaways:

(04:42) Investing in technology to drive business forward.

(06:37) The importance of simplifying tech processes.

(10:55) Transitioning to React Native for scalability.

(12:33) Building a culture of trust in the team.

(15:48) The importance of strong leadership during difficult times.

(17:50) Expert knowledge is critical to building great tech.

(23:33) Starting fresh with expert guidance boosts efficiency.

(31:10) Scaling the tech stack to support rapid growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Chris Synan -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissynan/

Keller Williams Realty, Inc.| LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/keller-williams-realty-inc/

Keller Williams Realty | Website -

https://kw.com/

React Native -

https://reactnative.dev/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

David Chen - Building Autonomous Systems for Real-World Challenges Jan 08, 2025

On today’s episode, we’re joined by David Chen, whose previous roles include Chief Technology Officer of Skycatch and Senior Software Engineer at Twitter. He is currently Head of Software Services at Agtonomy, where he focuses on building autonomous farming solutions to address labor shortages in agriculture. David shares his journey from drone-based mining technology to robotics in agriculture, offering insights into designing impactful technology.

Key Takeaways:

(01:14) Autonomous rides set a new standard for reliability.

(02:59) From Twitter to drones: a journey into autonomy.

(04:11) Mapping mines is safer and faster with drone technology.

(07:30) On-site immersion ensures products meet real-world demands.

(11:50) Human-centered design is critical for robotics success.

(14:12) Focused investments in core tech drive impactful results.

(17:04) Strategic tech choices enhance user experiences in the field.

(19:10) Cross-platform development simplifies maintenance for small teams.

(20:32) Multi-platform design reduces the need for specialized engineers.

(22:49) Strategic investments in tech drive flexibility and scalability.

(25:38) First impressions in UX determine an app’s success.

(27:55) Critical industries demand smarter, safer processes for sustainability.

(31:04) Passion drives innovation and improves decision-making.

Resources Mentioned:

David Chen -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chen/

Agtonomy | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agtonomy/

Agtonomy | Website -

https://www.agtonomy.com/

Skycatch | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/skycatch/

Skycatch | Website -

https://www.skycatch.com/

Waymo -

https://waymo.com/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Sam Moore — Leading Effective Mobile Re-Platforming & Technology Transformations Nov 07, 2024

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Sam Moore, VP of Architecture at Betterment, where he has led groundbreaking initiatives, including the re-platforming of mobile codebases from native to Flutter, and the launch of Betterment Checking. Sam’s extensive experience in scaling infrastructure and software architecture has made him a key figure in driving Betterment’s technological advancements.

Sam discusses leading major tech transitions, managing technical debt, fostering innovation and scaling engineering teams while ensuring continuous growth in the financial technology space.

Key Takeaways:

(01:16) Fatherhood influences Sam’s leadership and management approach.

(02:13) Guiding teams through questions is more effective than directing.

(08:12) Transitioning to Ruby on Rails improved innovation flexibility.

(12:45) Moving to mobile-first required major strategy changes.

(15:33) Iterative approaches are safer than big bang rewrites.

(17:03) Flutter helped streamline Betterment’s mobile development efforts.

(22:00) Inconsistent architecture patterns slowed development.

(29:42) Developing the tech investment life cycle framework.

(30:03) The four phases of the tech investment cycle.

(39:05) Pilot projects evaluate cross-platform strategies like Flutter.

(42:37) Early team alignment and training ensure success.

(50:03) Full tech adoption needs a complete cleanup phase.

(54:45) Features now take days, not weeks, with Flutter.

(58:02) Confidence in tech transitions is crucial for success.

Resources Mentioned:

Sam Moore -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelamoore/

Betterment -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterment/

Betterment LLC -

https://www.betterment.com/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Patricia Roller — The Intersection of Design and Technology Oct 09, 2024

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Patricia Roller, former co-CEO of Frog Design and current CEO of Vidlet Inc., a company known for pioneering video research in product development. With a rich background in design and leadership, Patricia shares her insights on the critical role of company culture in driving innovation and success within startups.

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Culture should be the top priority in any startup.

(04:45) The CEO must lead by driving ideas and allowing mistakes.

(08:20) Investing in talent is crucial for success.

(12:30) Strategic actions, like targeted advertising, reinforce culture.

(16:50) Leadership evolves from aggressive to collaborative styles.

(20:15) Success is now measured by the team’s growth.

(24:40) Networking without an agenda builds lasting relationships.

(28:10) Building confidence in young employees is key to their development.

(32:05) Mentorship offers mutual benefits for both mentors and mentees.

(36:30) Adapting to new skill sets challenges traditional thinking.

(39:45) Change is necessary to avoid stagnation and commoditization.

Resources Mentioned:

Patricia Roller -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-roller-a2047a/

Frog Design | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frogdesign/

Frog Design | Website -

https://www.frogdesign.com/

Vidlet Inc. | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vidlet-inc-/

Vidlet Inc. | Website -

https://vidlet.com/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Transforming UX: The Power of Design Technology Sep 25, 2024

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Kyle Crouse, whose previous roles include Senior Manager, Design Technology at Amazon, Principal Design Technologist at frog and Creative Technology Director at Method and Visa. He is currently Director of Concept Technology at Very Good Ventures. Kyle discusses the integration of design and technology in product development.

Key Takeaways:

(05:11) Building lean MVPs in startups involves rapid prototyping and quick iterations.

(08:46) Integrating design and technology early ensures fidelity and reduces errors.

(13:03) Prototyping physical and digital transitions is crucial for global applications.

(15:09) Rapid prototyping helps identify the best technologies for specific environments.

(16:57) Iterating on-site with real users refines technology and UX for success.

(24:28) Creating delightful user experiences involves saving time and reducing frustration.

(26:36) Companies should not fear prototyping; users will not notice what wasn't included.

Resources Mentioned:

Kyle Crouse -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecrouse/

Amazon -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon/

frog -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frogdesign/

Method -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/methodinc/

Visa -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/visa/

Very Good Ventures -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/very-good-ventures/

Figma -

https://www.figma.com/

Copilot -

https://copilot.money/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

How AI and Flutter Are Shaping the Future of Development Sep 04, 2024

Ready to revolutionize your approach to tech? We’re joined by Teresa Wu, VP of Software Engineering at JPMorgan Chase & Co., whose previous roles include Senior Staff Engineer at tide, and Android and Mobile Lead at Ostmodern. Teresa shares invaluable insights on mastering new technologies like AI and Flutter, emphasizing the critical role of community, curiosity and strategic risk management in successful product development.

Key Takeaways:

(08:45) AI's broad appeal spans various roles, including product design, marketing and software engineering.

(09:52) Balancing personal interests and professional development is crucial in staying engaged and innovative.

(10:11) Understanding AI as a software engineer can enhance your problem-solving abilities and product development.

(17:29) The importance of thorough MVP and POC testing before integrating new tools into mature products.

(19:12) AI will significantly change how products are designed and used, especially with customer-facing features.

(22:09) Most work in AI projects involves data preparation and model training, not just coding.

(33:26) The community behind a technology can be more important than the technology itself.

(37:47) Continuous learning without the pressure to become an expert in every new field is key to personal growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Teresa Wu -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yayiwu/

JPMorgan Chase & Co -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpmorganchase/

Google Cloud Platform -

https://cloud.google.com/

Flutter -

https://flutter.dev/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Innovation vs. Operation: Striking the Balance Jul 31, 2024

On this episode, we’re joined by Carsten Wierwille, former Executive at ustwo, Method, GlobalLogic and frog, and current Board Director at Very Good Ventures. Carsten shares his insights on building sustainable habits, transforming company culture and balancing purpose with profit.

Key Takeaways:

(01:04) The importance of focusing on habits to achieve long-term goals.

(03:18) How incremental improvements lead to significant changes.

(05:16) The role of a leader in fostering a company’s creative ambition.

(07:00) Insights on converting a company from founder-led to employee-owned.

(12:51) The relevance of purpose-driven frameworks like B Corp certification.

(14:04) The influence of remote work on company purpose and employee choice.

(17:25) How to effectively manage team dynamics and individual motivations.

(22:15) Balancing innovation with operational excellence.

(27:45) Strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently.

(32:30) The impact of culture on the success of digital product companies.

Resources Mentioned:

Carsten Wierwille -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-wierwille-177516/

Very Good Ventures -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/very-good-ventures/

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear -

https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

B Corp Certification -

https://bcorporation.net/

Lin Ostrom’s Work on Common Pool Resources -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elinor_Ostrom

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

Harnessing Innovation To Shape the Future of Cross-Platform Development Jul 31, 2024

In the first episode of "Build To Succeed,” we’re joined by Eric Seidel, Founder of Shorebird, Co-Founder of Flutter and former Director of Engineering at Google. Eric discusses his career journey, shares insights on building impactful products and tackles distinctive approaches to addressing business challenges, particularly focusing on his work with Flutter and Shorebird.

This podcast explores the world of building successful tech products by talking to leaders who have brought ideas to life and nurtured them into long-term successes. The show highlights the importance of building "the right thing, the right way" — crafting products for longevity while optimizing for business goals.

Key Takeaways:

(01:49) Eric’s name appears in every WebKit installation, underscoring his vast influence in the tech world.

(05:00) Eric’s journey began almost 20 years ago with a focus on improving web development and eliminating redundant work.

(15:27) Problems of success are good problems to have but should not be solved prematurely.

(17:20) Eric keeps an accountability log to ensure he is working on the most important tasks.

(24:37) A mistake made with Flutter was to focus too long on greenfield applications rather than brownfield ones.

(26:51) The shift from JavaScript to Dart was crucial for Flutter due to performance issues on iOS.

(30:10) Eric’s definition of success has evolved from financial security to making a significant impact.

(35:00) Failure is an essential part of learning and progress, often overlooked by adults.

Resources Mentioned:

Eric Seidel -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericseidel/

Shorebird | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shorebirddev/

Shorebird | Website -

https://shorebird.dev/

Flutter | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/flutterdevofficial/

Flutter | Website -

https://flutter.dev/

Google -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/google/

WebKit -

https://webkit.org/

#Apps #Flutter #AppDevelopment

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