All of my thoughts on technology, leadership, product design, and more, collected in chronological order.
A long time ago, way back when I still had hair, Microsoft introduced Team Foundation Server and one of the productivity metrics commonly reported on was lines of code written per developer. At the time, it seemed like a relevant metric. More code meant more output, no?
A little over a year ago I shared a presentation internally with our CEO, execs and other stakeholders urging action as AI was rapidly accelerating the time to market for new products, creating a threat to incumbents. I outlined several moats I believe we could exploit and I still believe they are valuable space to occupy - for example domain knowledge, compliance capabilities, massive datasets. I did miss one key moat that hindsight allows me to appreciate more fully: Distribution.
Around this time of year as things wind down, I always end up reflecting on the year and ensuring we have a solid plan to kick off the next year. This year was about doing the hard work that compounds.... Less noise. More outcomes. Stronger products. Stronger teams.
If you thought coding was just about clean architecture and efficient logic, vibecoding would like a word (preferably in monospace font, glowing in soft lavender neon, backed by a lo-fi beat). What started as an aesthetic subculture blending programming with mood, visuals, and audio has morphed into something weirder, richer, and more creative.
The first marathon in my slightly unhinged “three marathons in under six months” challenge is officially complete. The Great Ocean Road Marathon delivered everything it promised: sweeping ocean views, leg-destroying hills, a mild Antarctic breeze fresh off the Bass Strait, and an almost meditative stretch of road that occasionally whispered, "Why are you doing this to yourself?"