DP884_S25E09 Essential Habits for Software Developers- Practical Steps for Long-Term Success

Essential Habits for Software Developers: Practical Steps for Long-Term Success

In Episode 9 of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how cultivating essential habits for software developers, alongside AI tools and consistent routines, can unlock productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate long-term growth. Why Essential Habits for Software Developers Matter for Career Growth Rob and Michael emphasize that technical skills alone won’t set you apart. Instead, it’s your daily discipline and consistent habits that fuel success. As shared in the episode: “Success as a developer isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you consistently do.” Essential habits for software developers, from daily practice to continuous learning, create momentum that turns average developers into high performers. How AI Supports the Best Habits for Software Developers... Read more

DP883_S25E08 Building Better Developers with AI- Mastering Developer Feedback

Building Better Developers with AI: Mastering Developer Feedback

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche take a deep dive into one of the most uncomfortable—but—essential parts of being a developer: developer feedback. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, they revisit their past topics and uncover new insights on how feedback, communication, and mindset shape stronger, more collaborative developers. AI’s Perspective: Developer Feedback as a Growth Tool Rob kicks off the episode by sharing how they asked ChatGPT to structure a show around developer feedback. The AI delivered a simple but powerful reminder: Feedback isn’t criticism. It’s a tool for growth. Key Takeaway: “Professionals seek feedback. Amateurs avoid it.” By reframing feedback as data rather than a personal critique, developers can use it to refine... Read more

DP882_S25E07 Winning Your First Developer Project- Lessons from Building Better Developers with AI

Winning Your First Developer Project: Lessons from Building Better Developers with AI

Breaking into freelancing or launching a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but winning your first developer project is one of the most important steps in building your development career. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share proven tips to help developers land their first paying project—and do it the right way. Why Mindset Matters for Winning Your First Developer Project The first step to success is shifting your mindset. Rob emphasizes that you’re not just writing code—you’re solving real business problems for your clients. Think like a service provider, not just a developer. Your success comes from delivering value, understanding client needs, and focusing on outcomes. Michael reminds developers that while independence... Read more

DP881_S25E06 Updating Developer Tools- Why It Matters More Than Ever

Updating Developer Tools: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Updating developer tools is essential for developers who want to stay efficient, secure, and competitive. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how maintaining modern toolsets helps individuals and teams deliver better software, faster. With support from AI-generated analysis and real-world experience, they outline the risks of falling behind—and how to move forward. Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for practical insights and ideas you can start applying today. Efficiency and Profitability When Updating Developer Tools AI captured the core message well: using outdated tools slows down delivery, creates unnecessary friction, and ultimately reduces profitability. For side hustlers and teams alike, this loss of efficiency can make... Read more

DP880_S25E05 Improving Team Collaboration in Software Development- Proven Strategies for Success

Improving Team Collaboration in Software Development: Proven Strategies for Success

In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how to improve team collaboration in software development through the lens of AI-driven insights. Whether you’re a solo developer, part of a tight-knit team, or scaling across departments, collaboration remains the backbone of efficiency and success. What Does Collaboration Mean in Development? AI kicked off the discussion with a powerful insight: define “efficiency” in context. But more importantly, it highlighted that collaboration fuels efficiency, not just working faster, but working better. Effective collaboration avoids: Rob emphasized that a productive team isn’t rushing through tasks but solving the correct problems—together—on the first try. Collaboration Strategies for Solo Developers Even solo developers need structured collaboration between their tools,... Read more

DP879_S25E04 Software Methodologies- Thrive in Agile, Waterfall & DevOps

Software Methodologies: Thrive in Agile, Waterfall & DevOps

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle a challenge that many modern developers face: navigating multiple software methodologies. With insights shaped by both real-world experience and AI-generated suggestions, the discussion reveals how developers can stay effective when juggling Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, and hybrid workflows. Understanding Common Software Methodologies The episode begins with an overview of today’s most widely used software methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Kanban, DevOps, and SAFe. Rob and Michael highlight that developers often switch between these within the same organization or even across concurrent projects, depending on client requirements, legacy constraints, or team structure. The result? A dynamic but complex work environment that demands both technical and mental agility. The... Read more