Josh Duffney on Career Transition, Developer Relations, and Technical Leadership (Part 2)
In part 1 of our conversation with Josh Duffney, we explored his transition from technical writing to a role focused on developer relations and his application of relatable experience to get there. In this second installment, we dive deeper into Josh’s insights on sunk costs, pursuing technical leadership as an individual contributor, and the value of laying out the books he’s read throughout his career.
Sunk Costs and New Ideas
Josh shares a thought-provoking idea for a new book that he’d like to write, one that focuses on the concept of sunk costs. He believes that many people struggle with this idea, as it can be difficult to let go of investments made in the past, whether they be financial, temporal, or emotional. Josh wants to explore how individuals and organizations can better evaluate their investments and make decisions based on the present, rather than being held back by previous choices.
Technical Leadership as an Individual Contributor
Josh emphasizes the importance of pursuing technical leadership even as an individual contributor. He believes that one should not wait for a formal leadership role to begin leading and making a positive impact on their organization. Instead, they should look for opportunities to lead from wherever they are and demonstrate their expertise and vision to others. Josh encourages listeners to take initiative, speak up, and share their ideas to showcase their technical leadership skills.
Laying Out the Books
Nick suggests that it would be valuable to lay out the books Josh has read throughout his career and the lessons he’s learned from them. Josh agrees, noting that he has gained insights from a wide range of sources, including business, psychology, and self-help books. He believes that by sharing these resources, he can help others learn and grow more quickly than they would on their own.
Conclusion
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Josh Duffney, exploring his thoughts on sunk costs, technical leadership, and the value of laying out the books he’s read throughout his career. As always, Josh shares his insights with candor and humor, providing valuable advice for anyone looking to accelerate their career progression and increase their job satisfaction.
We hope you enjoy this episode and find Josh’s ideas as thought-provoking as we do. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. And don’t forget to check out the show notes for links to previous discussions with Josh and other resources mentioned in this episode.