Five years ago, Kelsey Hightower helped me find my voice in tech as the guest for my fifth podcast episode. Today, the man who taught the world Kubernetes and became a legend for his live demos returns for a conversation that goes far beyond infrastructure and code.
Now retired-ish, Kelsey has transitioned into a new chapter. In this episode, we explore what it means to be not only a senior engineer, but also a "senior human" in an industry obsessed with speed. Kelsey shares his unique perspective on:
Whether you are just getting into your career or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a masterclass in curiosity, craft, and the art of staying grounded while building the future.
Podcast Links
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@alexa_griffith
Read: https://alexasinput.substack.com/
Listen: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/alexagriffith/
More: https://linktr.ee/alexagriffith
Website: https://alexagriffith.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-griffith/
Find out more about the guest at:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kelseyhightower.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-hightower-849b342b1
GitHub Profile: https://github.com/kelseyhightower
Kubernetes the Hard Way: https://github.com/kelseyhightower/kubernetes-the-hard-way
No Code (The minimalist project): https://github.com/kelseyhightower/nocode
Kubernetes: Up and Running (Book): https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/kubernetes-up-and/9781492046523/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:10 Transitioning from Engineer to Tech Philosopher
04:00 The Importance of Being a Senior Human
07:23 AI's Impact on People Skills
10:12 The Future of Engineering in an AI World
15:04 Navigating the AI Shift
21:21 Finding Impact Over Activity
25:47 Creating Meaningful Products
29:57 The Power of Listening and Connection
35:21 The Importance of Listening in Discussions
35:55 Embracing the Learning Journey
36:58 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
39:33 Creating Supportive Learning Environments
40:31 Learning in Public and Sharing Experiences
41:31 Finding Your Own Voice
43:26 The Power of Emotion in Presentations
47:29 Crafting Engaging Stories
48:40 Improvisation in Public Speaking
55:10 The Evolution of Presentation Styles
01:03:28 Legacy and Impact in the Tech Community