Jeff McWherter
Chief Operating Officer at Gravity Works Design
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Jeff McWherter is a seasoned business leader and tenacious problem solver with over 26 years in the tech industry. He has a deep understanding of the business landscape with a keen ability to navigate complex challenges with creativity and agility. From local startup to Fortune 500, he has worked with a wide client range, always adapting to the unique needs and challenges of each project. He has developed a deep understanding of the trends and technologies shaping the future of business, and is constantly seeking out new ideas and insights to stay ahead of the curve. Jeff is a three time published author and avid speaker at technical conferences across the world. A Michigan State University graduate, Jeff has also been instrumental in improving the software development community in Michigan and beyond. He founded Gravity Works Design & Development during the 2009 recession, which has since grown into one of the country's leading digital agencies. Jeff has led more than a decade of consistent, managed growth and numerous creative accolades, including Addy, W3, Vega, Davey, and PACE awards.
Jeff believes strong relationships are the foundation of any successful business venture, and is committed to fostering those connections both inside and outside the office. As a father and active community member, Jeff knows success isn't just about achieving your own goals: it's about helping others reach theirs. Whether leading a project, volunteering locally, or cheering on his daughters, Jeff is always looking to make a positive impact in the world around him.
Jeff's commitment to helping others achieve their goals is a testament to his leadership, fresh perspectives, and innovative solutions. Join the conversation, and get information about speaking engagements and projects.
Area of Expertise
Topics
Planning For Accessibility
Accessibility is a facet of web development that many companies still think of as an afterthought. Studies show that 20% of the population have some type of disability. While not all these disabilities make it difficult forth to access the internet, its unwise and sometimes even violates the law the exclude this population.
This session will discuss the standards, provide thoughts on why its important to foster an environment that cares about accessibility, and provide key concepts and tools to use to make accessibly easier. Targeted for developers and project managers the goal of this session is to introduce everyone to the fundamental principals and business related factors of web accessibility.
That's It, I've had enough, I'm starting my own company
Have you ever sat in your cubical and thought how different your job would be if you called the shots? Did you know that 30% of small business fail within their first year of operation? Thoughts of starting your own company can have many causes, from thinking you can do a better job to a spirit of entrepreneurship. Whatever the reason may be, ensure you are going out on your own for the right reasons, and not just an impulse. Once you have decided that working for yourself is what you want to do, there are hundreds more decisions to be made.
We will discuss as many of these decisions as possible in the allocated time, such as what type of insurance is needed, should contracts be given to all clients, I don't have enough work what do I do, and I have to much work what do I do?
Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, there is an urgent need to consider its ethical implications. AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries, but it also presents new challenges and risks. Programmers play a critical role in shaping the development and deployment of AI, and must therefore be aware of its ethical implications.
In this session, we will explore the ethical considerations of AI and its impact on society. We will examine the challenges of developing and deploying AI systems that are unbiased, transparent, and accountable. We will discuss the ethical implications of AI in different fields, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. We will also explore the role of programmers in ensuring that AI is developed and deployed ethically.
Finally, we will discuss best practices for ethical implementation of AI, including designing for transparency, fairness, and accountability. We will also consider the importance of ethical decision-making frameworks and guidelines for AI development and deployment. By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of the ethical implications of AI and how they can play a role in ensuring that AI is developed and deployed ethically.
Cross Functional Teams
Growth challenges all agencies, and it can be a daunting task for smaller agencies to take the step to the next level. As agencies are trying to deliver to existing clients, new work is coming in. How is this new work scheduled, and how do you keep your team from burn out. Cross Functional teams is a concept that allows our agency to have production teams working on projects, and non-production teams that are driving innovation and advancing culture.
During this session, I will cover the basics of Cross Functional teams, provide a deep dive into transition plans and discuss struggles this concept holds.
Leading Remote and Distributed Development Teams: Challenges and Solutions
In an age marked by global connectivity, constant change, and uncertainty, effective leadership of remote and distributed development teams is imperative. This session offers a comprehensive exploration of the distinct challenges posed by remote work and provides invaluable insights into overcoming them.
Remote and distributed teams offer the advantages of flexibility and access to diverse talent pools, but they also present unique obstacles related to communication, collaboration, and team cohesion. The session is tailored to equip leaders, managers, and team members with the knowledge and tools essential for successful navigation of dispersed work environments.
Key topics covered in this session include:
- The Remote Landscape: Delve into the benefits and challenges of leading geographically dispersed teams.
- Communication Strategies: Master the art of asynchronous communication, employ effective video conferencing tactics, and foster an open-door culture.
- Collaboration Tools: Harness the potential of essential platforms and technology to facilitate seamless teamwork across borders.
- Scaling: Explore how remote and distributed teams function at scale.
- Building Cohesion: Cultivate a strong team spirit, nurture trust, and bridge the gap created by physical distance.
Join us to gain actionable insights and strategies for leading remote and distributed teams in today's dynamic work environment.
Mentoring and Career Development for Tech Teams
Effective mentoring and career development are essential components of fostering a thriving and innovative team. The session is designed to provide valuable insights and strategies for nurturing the growth and advancement of team members, with a focus on coaching, skill-building, and career pathing.
In the rapidly evolving tech industry, retaining and nurturing talent is paramount. This session offers a deep dive into proven techniques and best practices that empower tech leaders, managers, and team members to take an active role in mentoring and shaping the career trajectories of their colleagues.
Key areas of focus in this session include:
- The Role of Mentoring: Exploring the significance of mentorship in fostering professional growth and personal development within tech teams.
- Coaching and Skill Enhancement: Uncovering effective coaching methods and skill-building strategies to empower team members to excel in their roles.
- Career Pathing and Growth: Discussing the importance of career pathing, setting goals, and creating opportunities for advancement within the tech team.
- Mentoring for Inclusivity and Diversity: Highlighting the role of mentorship in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within tech organizations.
Managing the Human Side of Technology: Leadership in Times of Change
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, leaders face the critical challenge of managing the human side of technology. This session delves into the essential aspects of effective Human Management in the digital age.
As organizations embrace technological advancements and undergo digital transformations, leaders must navigate the complexities of change, including handling resistance to change and guiding teams through technological transitions.
This session offers insights, strategies, and practical approaches for leaders to effectively lead their teams through these pivotal moments.
Key topics covered in this session include:
-The "why" behind the what: How change impacts humans, not just code.
-Turning FUD into fuel: Taming the fear of the unknown and using it to drive progress.
-From "no way" to “oh yeah": Strategies to win buy-in and get your team excited about the journey.
-Tech's not the enemy: Building a culture of continuous learning and embracing change as a superpower.
Balancing Technical Debt and Business Priorities
In the dynamic landscape of software development, the concept of technical debt is ubiquitous. The session addresses the critical challenge faced by technology leaders and teams worldwide.
Technical debt, if left unattended, can cripple software projects, hinder innovation, and compromise long-term success. Yet, addressing it can often seem like a daunting task, with businesses focusing on immediate needs and deliverables. This session aims to bridge the gap between technical excellence and business priorities.
Key components of this session include:
- Understanding Technical Debt: Delving into the various forms of technical debt and their impact on software projects, scalability, and maintainability.
- Aligning with Business Goals: Demonstrating the importance of aligning technical debt management strategies with overarching business objectives and ROI considerations.
- Making the Case: Equipping attendees with strategies and persuasive techniques to advocate for the allocation of resources and time to address technical debt effectively.
- Prioritization Frameworks: Presenting practical frameworks and methodologies for evaluating and prioritizing technical debt items based on their business impact.
Cultivating Technical Leadership at Every Level of Your Organization
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving technological landscape, the need for technical leadership transcends traditional hierarchies. The session explores the profound significance of fostering technical leadership skills across all levels of an organization and provides valuable insights into how to encourage and nurture these skills within your team.
Technical leadership goes beyond job titles; it's about individuals taking initiative, making informed decisions, and guiding their teams towards technical excellence. This session aims to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to create a culture of leadership, innovation, and collaboration throughout their organization.
Key themes covered in this session include:
- Think like a visionary architect: Make informed decisions, guide your team through complex challenges, and chart a clear course to technical excellence.
- Communicate like a pro: Master the art of clear and concise communication, collaborate seamlessly across teams, and bridge the gap between technical and business stakeholders.
- Unlock hidden leadership potential: Discover and develop leadership skills in yourself and others, mentor the next generation of tech talent, and build a culture of innovation that thrives on shared ownership.
DrupalCon Portland 2024 Sessionize Event
DrupalCon Prague 2022
Cross-Functional Teams
Beer City Code 2022 Sessionize Event
That Conference 2022
Cross-Functional Teams
DrupalCon Europe 2020
Leading Through Uncertainty
Refresh Detroit 2019
Maintaining Culture as Your Team Grows
Self.Conference 2019
Leading Through Uncertainty
Stir Trek 2018
-Balence
DNN Summit 2016
-Performance Testing Web Applications
Self.Conference 2015
-Balance
Dev Link 2012
Maintaining Culture as Your Team Grows
Toronto Code Camp 2010
-Performance Testing Web Applications
Great Lakes Software Excellence Conference 2009
-Performance Testing Web Applications
Code Stock 2009
-Performance Testing Web Applications
Silicon Valley Code Camp 2008
-Performance Testing Web Applications
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