Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. Simon, David, Chris and Sam spend some time discussing the topic of linguistic gatekeeping and how sometimes our language can exclude people from conversationsChris starts us off with the banter topic of our experiences of "I Told You So" moments, after discussing several scenarios from our childhood, with everything from beach balls in the sea to broken bones as the outcome, it seems we have definitely learned the hard way.The key to this discussion is certainly that language and how we use it can be power. Within the world of software, there are lots of examples where we have used language as a way to block progress in the conversation, whether this is down to deliberately trying to exclude others by going into too lower level of detail or using politics to prove a point.Where have you come across this kind of gatekeeping and how did you overcome it?ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to episode 104 of the Testing Peers podcast.This time around we have a special trio of Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Russell Craxford & Ben Dowen, as the Peers talk about owning your career.Callum starts us off with important banter on snackage, before we head into sharing our own career stories and discussing what owning your career means along with our own challenges and some words of wisdom. ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. Beth Marshall joins Chris, David and Russell to discuss the topic of saying no.Chris starts with the banter, asking the peers which films they have turned off or left the cinema because they were rubbish, various films mentioned, although the northerners on the recording seem to never walk out on anything.On the main topic, the discussion around what we've said no to in the work/community environment, from not doing talks or taking on too much extra curricular activities and putting yourself first. Getting overwhelmed is never a good thing to allow happen too often and knowing your limits should be seen as a positive.The key message here is that it is OK to not say yes to everything asked of you. What can you say no to, to protect your mental health or wellbeing?ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LSupport the show

Welcome to episode 102 of the Testing Peers podcast.This time around join Tara Walton, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford & David Maynard, as the Peers talk about measuring.On the week of our first #PeersCon event, Tara breaks the ice, asking us our favourite and least favourite parts of conferences.Then we dive in.The team discussed the traps of bad metrics, gamification, toxic culture and talk about the importance of value and relevancy in what we report on with a few tales from Chris (as per usual).We do share other tips and tricks, Russell mentions DORA metrics.What struggles have you had with metrics? Better yet, what success stories have you had?ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

In this episode Rich Bradshaw, Simon, David and Chris talk all things automation.Banter this week is brought to by Rich as we discover TK Maxx is the perfect way to explain exploratory testing.We dive into our first experiences of automation, going back a while, talking about different tools, tech debt and the frustration. We talk about the joys of source control.We talk about going full circles from automation to aid us to focusing on the UI automation then end to end testing then back to using automation to help make life easier again. We ponder is automation about making testing more effective, and quality better or saving money?Discussions move on to talk about creating automation tests and understanding the risks to decide what to test and how both are now common requirements in testers. We would love for you to join us and be a part of our first-ever conference, Testing Peers Conference #PeersCon - we are looking for "VolunPeers" to help make this event a success if you want to help, please apply here: testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/Tickets are available here: testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Testing Peers podcast has reached 100 episodes!Beth Marshall (10 episodes), chairs this special look back and forward episode, joined by Simon Prior (78 episodes), Russell Craxford (88), Chris Armstrong (93) and David Maynard (96).Beth skillfully guides the conversation to talk about the podcast and beyond, what are we most proud of?A few little peeks behind the curtain, including some insight into how long the editors typically take per episode. Many thanks to you David and Russell The Peers talk about successes and failures, which leads to us discussing tips for those who want to create their content.The group then close by looking forward to March 14th 2024, with the inaugural Testing Peers Conference.Thank you for joining us on this journey so far, please continue to provide feedback, we only improve thanks to you.Finally, to all our co-hosts and episode contributors......in addition to the five in this episode, we have another 21 wonderful humans joining us to date:Dave Shorter, Bruce Hughes, Shey Crompton, Steve Watson, Ugne Livinaite, Dan Ashby, Steven Warburton, Emna Ayadi, Neil Studd, Heather Reid, Vernon Richards, Sam Nitsche, Tara Walton, Beth Clarke, Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Dermot Canniffe, Beren van Daele, Sanne Visser, Lena Nyström, Ben Dowen & Jon Richardson.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

One away from the big 100, what better way to celebrate than talking about our experience with failures? Simon, Chris, Russell and David share stories of failures from their careers and what they have learned from them.Before diving into the main topic, Chris leads the banter and asks the Peers about their failures when it comes to computer games, which ones did they really suck at? :) Sports games seems to be the main theme here.The peers cover a lot of ground on the topic of failures, but the biggest common ground is definitely the need to learn from them and not repeat the same failures again.What failures have you learned most from in your career?Flipping that and looking at future successes, we would love for you to join us and be a part of our first-ever conference, Testing Peers Conference #PeersCon - we are looking for "VolunPeers" to help make this event a success if you want to help, please apply here: testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/We would love to partner with companies for sponsorship of the conference too: testingpeerscon.com/partnersTickets are available here: testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. On this episode, Chris, Russell and David are joined by a new guest, Jon Robinson. The topic they all discussed was the wonders (or lack of wonder) around Meetings.Jon leads the banter and asked everyone for their weirdest/craziest meetings, this covers everything from awkward situations, to lack of context, to managers taking over and sending meetings in different directions.Russell asks the peers for their favourite meetings, this covers everything from the casual manager meeting who puts the "quick chat" type meeting into the calendar to the productive meetings that have the clearest agenda and a definite outcome.General meeting etiquette and how we improve a meeting culture going forward and tips for discussions that aren't right for meetings (and an email or a quick message would suffice).What are your thoughts on meetings? Do you have a favourite type? let us know! In the spirit of collaboration, we would love for you to join us and be a part of our first-ever conference, Testing Peers Conference #PeersCon - we are looking for "VolunPeers" to help make this event a success if you want to help, please apply here: testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/We would love to partner with companies for sponsorship of the conference too: testingpeerscon.com/partnersTickets are available here: testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Happy New Year from the Testing Peers!In this episode, the FullSnackTester, Ben Dowen joins Russell, David and Chris as we talk collaboration.Before the main event, Ben asks the group about resolutions, where the group talk about reading, fitness, cooking, answering conference calls for papers and our own conference #PeersCon, coming March 14th 2024 in Nottingham, more information can be found at testingpeerscon.comBen starts the group off by talking about collaboration at work, from pairing to ensembling. Working in small and big groups, on something at the same time.We discuss the myth of inefficiency around collaboration, tips for creating safe spaces, routines, accountability and more.The value of including cross-functional colleagues in collaboration activities, the aim of a shared purpose and learning together is touched upon.The Peers discuss how collaboration enables responsibility, empowers and enables ownership.We also discuss what can get in the way of successful collaboration, from conflicting priorities and office politics to individual goals getting in the way.There is an understanding that we all make mistakes, but we can learn from them, iterate and always look for ways to continuously improve. We talk about training and awareness, and how to sell upwards.We talk about how collaboration can give a voice and more inclusion to functions in teams that are often marginalised in a culture that is often built around development efficiency.It was a really fun discussion, we hope you enjoyed it and would love to hear how you collaborate at work.In the spirit of collaboration, we would love for you to join us and be a part of our first-ever conference, Testing Peers Conference #PeersCon - we are looking for "VolunPeers" to help make this event a success if you want to help, please apply here: testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/Tickets are available here: testingpeerscon.com/ticket/We wish you the happiest of new years, from all of us here at Peers HQ.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Merry Christmas, season's greetings and happy holidays from the Testing Peers!Welcome to our fourth annual festive episode.Steve Watson, Tara Walton, Lena Nyström & Dermot Canniffe join Chris, Russell, David and (eventually) Simon as we engage in Would Heu-risk it? at this time of the year.Before we dive into the main event, Russell asks the Peers our favourite thing at Christmastime:- anything from food, family, old movies, presents and time off.We then kick-off with Would Heu-Risk it? a card deck and book, born from gamifying risk workshops.The group bring their festive problems to Lena, she then draws three WHRI cards (a la fortune teller / tarot) and we discuss what the cards can tell us.The group bring problems from exploratory testing, organising a conference (hello #PeersCon), team availability, budgets, communication, annual reviews, change and WIP limits.The pod closes out with the group giving a little end of year festive message to you all.Thank you for listening!The Testing Peers Conference will happen on 14th March 2024 in Nottingham, if you want to be part of it, check out the site and we are looking for speakers, sponsors and VolunPeers.Check out the site and get involved: https://testingpeerscon.comContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Thank you for joining the Testing Peers for another episode. On this one, Chris, David, Simon and Russell discuss the role of the manager and whether we still need them.Before jumping in, David asks the peers what things they can't live without, we have answers from people, the internet, books and coffee machines.Simon starts the main conversation of whether we could live without managers. Of course, context is key here, every company is different and the needs for a Test Manager or manager in general can be varied. Has the role evolved? Have companies and people evolved with it?Simon mentions a blog post he wrote a few years ago and that a lot of what was written then, is still relevant now.Has the role changed? What do you think?The Testing Peers Conference will happen on 14th March 2024 in Nottingham, if you want to be part of it, check out the site and we are looking for speakers, sponsors and VolunPeers.Check out the site and get involved: https://testingpeerscon.comContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast.This time, join Chris, David, Vernon and Russell as they discuss the topic of 'being not doing', the theme for the Testing Peers Conference #PeersCon, on March 14th 2024. https://testingpeerscon.com/ After breaks the ice asking us 'where is your favourite place to be?' we jump into what we mean with being not doing.The conversation opens with Chris talking about 'being agile, rather than just doing agile', 'being a tester, rather than just doing testing'.The Peers delve further into the topic with many questions to better define it covering intrinsic motivations, what defines you, what is transactional.We look at how tiring it can to 'be all in' very often, the challenges in leadership around this area.How this may be represented in our day to day and how can we move from doing to being? Is it more conscious?Take a listen and let us know what you think. What does being mean to you? Do you have an idea around this theme to answer the call to contribute to #PeersCon? Would you like to be a 'VolunPeer'?Check out the site and get involved: https://testingpeerscon.com/programme/ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers. The Awesome foursome back together again with the topic of fighting fires and some of the additional effort that is needed when it is all hitting the fan.Chris starts off the banter with asking us about memes we may use in the workplace, we have everything from Homer Simpson, Bryan Danielson, Barney Stinson and Mr Bean.We then dive into the main topic and Chris kicks us off with an story of his time testing games with the bugs not being prioritised and issues being left unfixed. Russell talks about a time when the release date was before the time testing was due to finish. Simon then covers examples of defects found in production and the varying ways in which these can be approached. David mentions an example when a Senior leader highlighted a bug which immediately caused a panic even though it ends up being human error.The Peers then go on to talk about how to work through the fires without causing panic and getting better collaboration at all times. Russell refers to Heather Reid's Testbash 2023 talk - https://www.ministryoftesting.com/testbash-talks/9a60cbd8 What fires have you had to put out recently? How did you do it? Get in touch and tell us your stories.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to the latest edition of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, David and Chris are joined by Dermot and also brand new host Sanne. The peers are talking about first impressions and how reputations can sometimes proceed you.Sanne starts the conversation off with a great question of "what do you friends know you best for?", for any of you that know the peers, what do you think of when you think of them?Once on to the main topic, the conversation starts with Sanne's thoughts on first impressions when joining a project/team looking at reputation that proceeds you, whether that be from external opinion based on social media presence or internal good work. Sometimes the reputation from external factors can impact expectations from day one, so it can sometimes be key to ensure people aren't making unrealistic assumptions.What experience have you had with others first impression of you? And have you any stories of where you have got first impressions wrong of someone?ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers, this week David, Beth, Chris and Russell. This week we focus on flow workRussell is on banter duty this week and we start with what gets us singing along to songs, it seems it doesn't take much to get us singing. How do you get into a flow state?Beth introduces the topic and David starts us off with a mention of the Pomodoro Technique. Chris talks about the different parts of focus with the book Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying by Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski.We then move on to talk about habit and finding the time to flow and tips and tricks. We look at writing notes, journaling and splurge journals so you can focus and put thoughts aside for later. Discussions move on to managing time and the variety of ways individuals find flow and how it depends on many factors.If you have any tips, tricks, ideas or thoughts on flow, please let us know by getting in touch.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers and in what is fast becoming a rare event, the band are back together, with Russell, Chris, David and Simon all present at the same time for a recording. We decided to talk about something which has been touched upon in previous episodes, the misconceptions of the testing world and what we can do to prove they are myths.Chris starts us off with the banter, he asks the peers to remember scenarios when we had used something for a purpose it was not meant for. We mention, keyrings being used to unlock doors, books for monitors stands, adhesive page markers, stickers and a few other scenarios are covered too.First misconception discussed is that testing is all about requirement acceptance and correctness, purely writing tests and executing them. We then move onto testing just being for websites and testing only happening at the end.We talk about the age old misconception of zero defects and our role only being about finding bugs/finding issues in the developers work. Including a rant at the vast amount of memes going around social media about this.The misconceptions continue and what becomes clear is that context is key, as every scenario being worked through is about showing value and while these misconceptions clearly are still prevalent, it is also clear that in those scenarios, they may not be misconceptions, but reality for that context.If you have any misconceptions not mentioned, which you would like to suggest, please let us know by getting in touch.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers. Chris and Simon are absent again so David and Russell are joined by 2 new guest hosts in Dermot Canniffe and Beren van Daele.Dermot asks the peers about what they have recently committed to and enjoyed regarding TV and film. A variety of answers from the latest Mission Impossible to German TV shows.Beren starts the main conversation by talking about RiskStorming, giving some detail on the workshops and discussions he has been having. Then asking the question, why are we not having as many discussions about risk? The peers share their thoughts on this and how we can do more to ensure we can discuss risk in the way we need to. We discuss aspects of Risk reviews, Risk Based Testing and other ways to articulate and talk more openly about risks and how we can help mitigate through testing.We could clearly talk about Risk forever because there is so much to chew over. What is your experience of dealing with Risk? Thanks hugely to Beren and Dermot for joining the peers for this great discussion, we hope you enjoyed it too! ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast.This time, join Chris, David, Tara and Callum as we discuss the topic of feedback.Before diving into the main topic, Callum asks what type of adventurer we would be. Both Callum and Tara have a background producing content around Dungeons & Dragons from a quality perspective.Links to these will be at the bottom of these show notes.The Peers then move onto the main topic of feedback, talking about what they find valuable - such as storytelling, actionable feedback relevant to the audience.We then discuss examples both positive and negative from the context of a stand-up, talking about quantitative and qualitative feedback.Culture is often informed by baggage and a feeling of lacking safety to report openly, the group chat about rejection sensitivity and how we attempt to frame challenging feedback with positivity and possibility.The conversation moves to the concept of testers as a trusted advisor, always considering context, consistency, and integrity.We talk about the art of delivering feedback with appropriate feedback with context.The topic of anonymous feedback is the addressed, the difficulties in that area and damage that it can do.Toxic positivity without specificity also comes up.The podcast draws to a close with Chris and Callum drilling down to what a trusted advisor looks like, what it means and how it is relevant.As promised, here are the links to Callum and Tara's DnD content:How Dungeons and Dragons helped me to become a better agile team member - Callum Akehurst-RyanPre-TestBash UK 2023 Meetup | Ministry of Testing - Callum Akehurst-RyanWe hope you found the discussion useful and would love to hear your feedback.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast.This week join Russell, David, Chris and first-time host, Beth Clarke, as the Peers discuss careers in software testing.After a cuddly toy-themed opening, the group talk about paths into software testing, with the group's academic paths coming from biology, astrophysics, architecture, humanities & politics.We have talked before about #MakeATester and the clearly defined entry points into a career in testing is once again debated.The Peers talk about the attributes that can make for a successful career in testing, as well as looking at career paths, and what roles are our there for us to move into as we progress.We also look at what the benefit to an organisation there is to hiring a tester and discuss how we can best represent that in a CV.Gareth Waterhouse's post, discussing dispelling myths about testing is mentioned - you can find it here.The Peers close off by talking about what they love about having a career in testing.We hope you found the discussion useful and would love to hear your feedback.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast.Tara Walton and Vernon Richards join Chris on this week's episode as we talk about content creation.Before diving into the main topic, Vernon introduces the banter topic of travelling pet peeves - familiar topics covered included comfort, fear, other people, hidden costs and more.Then we dive into the main topic of content creation.We cover what motivates us to create content?To vent, respond, share, build a personal brand, share skills & knowledge, reframe topics to your context, sharpen your thoughts, and gain feedback.The Peers talk about changes and challenges they've been through in their content creation journey.Ever thought 'what about all these other people who have already written about this topic?'We also discuss audience, building on a seed of an idea, seeking feedback and more.The art of telling an appropriate story relevant to the audience and how useful that is to us as a tester.Some useful links that we mention:Leading Quality by Ronald Cummings John and Owais PeerPart-Time YouTuber Academy by Ali AbdaalStart With Why by Simon SinekShip 30 for 30 by Dickie Bush & Nicolas ColeTara on medium.comVernon on typeshare.coWe hope you found the discussion useful and would love to hear your feedback.ContactUs@TestingPeers.comTwitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers)We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app storesIf you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeersSaffron QA is a provider of recruitment and consultancy services, exclusively for the software testing industry.You can find out more at https://saffronqa.co.uk/  or on LinkedInSupport the show