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Stamplay + SendGrid Stamplay is basically lego blocks for developers. Essentially, it allows developers to connect disparate API endpoints together to build a functioning backend, all through an easy-to-use and intuitive interface. I first came across the tool during my office hours at 500 Startups and I immediately saw a lot of value in it. In addition to connecting endpoints seamlessly, it also allows a developer to trigger workflows based on certain criteria. For example, you can send out automated Slack invites over email. Stamplay connects with several services (including SendGrid) to add a layer of abstraction, allowing developers, and even non-developers, to quickly put together a backend for their projects. Most recently, there were two major updates to the service

In mid-August, we hosted our second-annual Internal Hackathon and once again, it was a total success! Over 100 employees, ~30 hacks, and 24 hours of creative excellence! The whole idea of hackathons is to bring people together in a creative environment and give them the freedom to build something amazing. All too often now we see companies hosting internal hackathons where the event is either mandatory attendance, or a chance for the company to exploit their employees by having them work on only the business’s software, and without any kind of remuneration—in essence just a long, pressured sprint. This isn’t a good way to go, and certainly not something we agree with. Whilst we had “bounties” on SendGrid-related projects, the

I’ve now been a Developer Evangelist (or as I call it, a Devangelist) for 29 months. I’ve admittedly been close to burn out twice, but bounced back from both close-to-burnouts with the knowledge to keep myself from doing it again. I’ve been all over the world, spoken at some of the best conferences, attended some of the best hackathons, learned an unbelievable amount, mentored some of the finest minds I’ve ever come across, and enjoyed every minute of it. To document my ongoing experience as a Devangelist, I thought I’d throw together this pictorial blog to tell my story. So, here are my 10 reasons in pictures, why I love being a Developer Evangelist. This was originally an Ignite talk I

It might be weird to imagine, but the first things that come to mind when I think of tech debt and information debt is Star Trek and cats. Specifically, I think of tribbles and wrangling kittens. You might think this is a total stretch, but let me explain… Tribbles are basically little fluff balls that can multiply seemingly exponentially in a short amount of time if exposed to food. They’ll get everywhere, but are easy to capture once you get them away from food. Kittens, on the other hand are wonderful little animals that are so cute and needy, they exert control over you…         If you were to combine these two creatures, you’d have a Tribble

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, you’re probably aware that I hold knowledge sharing in the highest regard possible. I’m lucky in that I get to share knowledge in many ways: blogging, hackathon mentorship, start-up office hours, etc. One of my absolute favourite ways of sharing knowledge though, is event and conference speaking. Over the last 2.5 years, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of speaking at around 20 events like user groups, meet-ups, and conferences. Being able to get up in front of an audience and share the knowledge you’re passionate about is a win/win for everyone. Some of the topics I’ve spoken about in my time are: Distributed Systems Navigating the NoSQL landscape Scaling Architecture with