Insights on leadership, technology, and human-centered strategy, originally shared on LinkedIn and expanded for deeper exploration.
Average life expectancy didn’t reach my age until the 1940’s. My multiracial makeup wasn’t accepted when I was born. My parent’s marriage was illegal in 14 states. I am privileged yet I would not be but for the arc of the moral universe. Let’s bend it farther towards Justice.
The software RFP process involves an absurdist exercise in prediction. “Before our conversation I’d like you to produce a transcript with timecodes. Further, I’d like you to note how I will feel about it when and what you will be surprised to learn from it when - with timecodes.”
I spent the day composing a book length response to an RFP. I found some amount of joy in the drilled precision of the effort. Sometimes we gaze at the forest. Sometimes we scrutinize a single leaf.
So far, I’ve a lucky and privileged life. I’ve found sponsors. Adversity’s been an indifferent teacher not a tyrant. Time has smoothed some unformed edges. And I hope that has made me more capable, resilient, and giving. What I make from what I’ve been given, that is a question.
Ordinarily, I focus my work into my home work area. Today is about working everywhere but. Sitting on comfy couch. Lying on comfy bed. Walking in comfy outside.
Today is about heavily leaning into accepting myself for who I am and getting some of the important but not urgent stuff off my work and life todo list. Sometimes it’s good to size the ambition of a day into a me shaped receptacle.
I am excited to share that the US and UK governments have issued 'The Atlantic Declaration', committing to a Joint Clean Energy Supply Chain Action Plan. We will work together to enhance energy security and affordability while engaging with the private sector. Although no direct investments are promised, the focus on collaboration and public-private consultations is a significant step towards a sustainable future.
It’s notable First Solar made public the labor abuse hidden in their supply chain and is putting in measures to try to avoid it in future. Whatever about intentions, we need to acknowledge and reward ethical actions.
It’s notable First Solar made public the labor abuse hidden in their supply chain and is putting in measures to try to avoid it in future. Whatever about intentions, we need to acknowledge and reward ethical actions.
Reflecting on how important it is to start a user story discussion with the output of the work and why that is valuable to the user. Skipping to how details is simply chunking traditional specification into small bites. It feels efficient but skips past the creative problem solving that saves time and money in an agile process.
In lieu of my own writing time this week, I’m focusing on co-authoring and providing writing support for colleagues. In my mind, thought leader is best conceived as a collective noun.
As much as the story template Mike Cohn taught me 20 years ago can feel repetitive, the reminder to frame stories from a specific users intent and need is genuinely beautiful.
As a < type of user >, I want < some goal > so that < some reason >.
Just put sufficient thought into each blank. Which user persona? What is the actual thing they need/want to do? What value/joy does that create for them? Once you have those answers, you don’t literally have to write it out in the template. But do write it out.