Gaines Kergosien

Technology leader, inspirational speaker, and lifelong learner.

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Gaines first discovered his passion for programming on a Radio Shack TRS-80. As an Eagle Scout, he was no stranger to hard work and dedication. After a year of college, he landed a job as a COBOL developer, showcasing his skills and determination early on in his career. He moved on to more modern technologies as a Microsoft business solutions consultant in 2002 and discovered a passion for organizing events in the software development community.

In 2015 Gaines founded the Music City Code conference, bringing together technology professionals from around the country for networking and learning opportunities. The following year, Gaines was recognized for his contributions to the tech industry with the prestigious Microsoft MVP Award, an honor he was awarded three times. He has since shared his passion for technology at conferences and events across the United States and Europe.

Area of Expertise

Information & Communications Technology

Topics

Software Development
Agile Methodology
DevOps
Cloud Computing
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Azure
Azure DevOps
Business consulting
Project Management
Product Management
Software Principles
SOLID
Process Improvement
Process Automation
Business Process Automation
agile
Agile Development
Neurodiversity
inclusion
Augmented Reality
Large Language Models
Development management
blockchain
Blockchain Development
Chatbots
Data Analytics
Digital Transformation
Data Science
natural language processing
Serverless
Chatbot
CHAT-GPT
Azure Functions
Azure Cognitive Services

Boosting Productivity with AI: Tips and Techniques for Software Developers

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent, software developers are looking for ways to harness its power to increase productivity and accomplish more in less time. This session will provide an overview of the latest AI tools and technologies available to software developers, and discuss how they can automate repetitive tasks and improve workflow. Attendees will learn about various AI-based approaches such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, and how they can be applied to software development. We will also showcase real-world examples and provide hands-on demonstrations of AI-based tools and techniques to help developers save time and increase their productivity.

This presentation is based on actual usage of publicly available AI products, such as ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, to write code used in production solutions.

Navigating Azure DevOps: Best Practices for Successful Software Delivery

Azure DevOps offers a wide range of customization options for managing software development, but these can be challenging to navigate. This session will provide insight into how professional consulting organizations use Azure DevOps to plan and deliver both short-term projects and ongoing deliverables. We will explore best practices for ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality software, and delve into the functionality and limitations of Azure DevOps. Attendees will learn how to configure the platform to support and enforce key process controls using useful extensions and advanced query techniques. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to Azure DevOps, this session will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the platform with confidence.

This workshop/presentation (available in all formats) is based on extensive efforts within our consulting organization to define best practices used across all of our projects with input from all departmental roles and levels of responsibility. By starting with a focus on process improvement, we have mapped key elements and handoffs to how they can best be accomplished on the Azure DevOps platform.

Content will continue to evolve as new functionality is released and our teams explore better ways of automating processes and facilitating collaboration.

Building a Slack Chatbot with Azure Functions

Chatbots have become an essential tool for businesses to improve customer support, automate tasks, and enhance engagement. However, building a chatbot from scratch can be challenging and time-consuming. In this session, we will show you how to build a chatbot for Slack using Azure Functions, a serverless computing platform.

We will start with an introduction to Azure Functions and how they work. Then, we will dive into building a chatbot for Slack, starting with creating a new Slack app and configuring the necessary permissions. We will then create a new Azure Function app and write the code to handle incoming messages from Slack. We will also cover how to authenticate users and respond to messages.

In addition, we will demonstrate how to integrate the chatbot with other Azure services such as SQL Server, Cosmos DB, and Azure Cognitive Services to enable natural language processing and sentiment analysis.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a better understanding of how to build a chatbot for Slack using Azure Functions and how to integrate it with other Azure services. They will also gain practical knowledge of how to handle user authentication, message handling, and responses, and how to ensure the chatbot is secure and reliable.

This workshop/presentation (available in either format) is based on my experience building a chatbot for internal company use and includes lessons learned with real-world examples.

7 Habits of Highly Successful Developers

Software and website developers are in extremely high demand and rates continue to climb, but many developers have not yet realized their potential. Being good at what you do is important, but it's equally important that you can communicate the value you bring to an organization and build a reputation that will provide opportunities for growth, both professionally and financially. We will work together to measure your accomplishments, establish a personal brand, and walk away with a resume that conveys your true value!

I began speaking at conferences on professional development for software developers in 2013 and this series of presentations and workshops have been incredibly well received over the years with some conferences inviting me back to present the same topic at future events. Past attendees have expressed appreciation for how the insight they gained benefitted their careers.

Some of the previous titles in this series were "How to be a Six Figure Developer" and "7 Habits of Highly Paid Developers".

An Engineer's Guide to Developing People

Making the leap to management isn't easy but, with the right skills and preparation, solving people and process problems can be incredibly rewarding and profitable. In fact, the experience and skills you've gained over the years may have prepared you for this new role without even realizing it!

In this session we will explore how software engineering principals and patterns can guide your journey to becoming a successful development manager. We'll cover what the role entails, common hurdles, and the mental shift required to do it effectively.

I've been working on a series of blog posts for over a year with the intention of publishing a guide on how to become a successful software development manager. Over time I began to notice a trend in the correlation of programming concepts to leadership strategies, so I decided to create a presentation which should resonate with developers and provide insight into how they might follow a similar path.

Succeeding with ADHD

The things that make us different are also often a potential advantage. People with conditions like ADHD must overcome challenges to conform and, in the process, often develop skills that make them exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this session we will explore how many of the most successful have turned these tendencies into an advantage and how you can do the same, regardless of your diagnosis.

This presentation is based on extensive research as well as personal experience. It is focused on techniques that, while they were developed as coping mechanisms, can be used by anyone with the desire to excel at achieving their goals.

How to Benefit from Employing Neurodiversity

The same traits that are viewed as problematic in certain environments can be a tremendous advantage for your organization. This talk will explore the topic of neurodiversity with a focus on how to utilize these special gifts and talents as a competitive advantage.

Not planning on hiring anyone new right now? You might be surprised to find that you're already working with differently abled individuals. Many of the most successful leaders and entrepreneurs exhibit ADHD tendencies such as wearing headphones to focus and getting into "the zone". Autistic individuals are known for being excellent at pattern recognition, mathematics, and memorization.

If this makes you want to add some superpowers to your team, keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility. The neurodiverse can exhibit challenging eccentricities and may require special accommodations to realize their benefits. Your recruitment policies, interview process, and work environment may need to adapt for better access this untapped talent and innovative perspectives.

Whether you're looking to maximize the value of your existing team or tap into the vast pool of unemployed and underemployed neurodiverse population, there's opportunity waiting for those who can make the puzzle pieces fit.

I've designed this version of my presentation as an inspirational and informative keynote that will both introduce the topic of neurodiversity to a broad audience and provide insight into how it can be leveraged from a practical perspective.

Other versions are available which focus more on the science, psychology, and IT-specific applications.

Unleashing the Potential: Harnessing the Advantages of ADHD and Autism Traits

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often viewed as disorders with negative consequences. However, individuals with these conditions can exhibit seemingly superhuman abilities in the right setting. This session will explore the potential benefits of traits commonly found in individuals with ADHD and ASD, such as heightened attention to detail, strong focus, and an aptitude for pattern recognition. We will also discuss strategies for harnessing these advantages in the workplace and other environments. By understanding and utilizing these strengths, individuals with ADHD and ASD can achieve greater success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

This session aims to shift the conversation from deficit-based thinking to a strengths-based approach, highlighting the unique and valuable contributions of individuals with ADHD and ASD.

This presentation has continued to evolve since I first started speaking on the topic of neurodiversity in 2019 and has become increasingly relevant as remote work has increasingly presented opportunities for adaptable work environments.