Gaines Kergosien

From Developer to Data Scientist

Due to recent advances in technology, humanity is collecting vast amounts of data at an unprecedented rate, making the skills necessary to mine insights from this data increasingly valuable. So what does it take for a Developer to enter the world of data science?

Join me on a journey into the world of big data and machine learning where we will explore what the work actually looks like, identify which skills are most important, and design a road map for how you too can join this exciting and profitable industry.

Mastering Solutions Architecture with Design Katas

TLDR: Architects get relatively few opportunities to practice their craft, so we will group up to formulate architectural visions for "real world" business problems. Attendees will then evaluate each group's solution to gain insight into the pros and cons of different approaches.

Fred Brooks said, "How do we get great designers? Great designers design, of course." So how do we get great architects? Great architects architect, but architecting a software system is a rare opportunity for the non-architect. For this, we turn to an ancient tradition, born of the martial arts, designed to give the student the opportunity to practice more than basics in a semi-realistic way. The coding kata, created by Dave Thomas, is an opportunity for the developer to try a language or tool to solve a problem slightly more complex than "Hello world". The architectural kata, like the coding kata, is an opportunity for the student-architect to practice architecting a software system.

In this workshop, attendees will be split into small groups and given a "real world" business problem (the kata). Attendees will be expected to formulate an architectural vision for the project, asking questions (of the instructor) as necessary to better understand the requirements, then defend questions (posed by both the instructor and their fellow attendees) about their choice in technology and approach, and then evaluate others' efforts in a similar fashion. No equipment is necessary to participate--the great architect has no need of tools, just their mind and the customers' participation and feedback.

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!

Similar presentations previously titled, "How to be a Six Figure Developer" and "7 Habits of Highly Paid Developers".

HoloLens Mixed Reality for Fun & Profit

What innovations are the current generation of mixed reality devices capable of providing? Lets explore what a commercial augmented reality solution might look like using the Microsoft HoloLens and how you can get started building real business solutions.

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.