CollabTalk Podcast | Episode 177 with David McCarter
Episode 177 of the CollabTalk Podcast examines how the tech industry’s focus on youth and speed is contributing to a decline in code quality, product usability, and mentorship, as veteran engineers are often excluded or laid off due to cost assumptions and cultural biases. The conversation advocates for a balanced engineering workforce that leverages both the energy of younger developers and the wisdom of experienced professionals, highlighting practical strategies to integrate veteran talent through flexible roles, inclusive hiring practices, and intentional team design. You can listen to the podcast above and follow me using your favorite app, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, or the iHeartRadio app. Be sure to subscribe!
Joining me on this podcast:
David McCarter (@realDotNetDave), an author, consultant, and founder of DotNetTips.com, a resource hub for developers since 1994. David is a veteran software engineer with over 25 years of experience, an 18-time Microsoft MVP, and has been guiding people on .Net and related technology since 1994. He is the author of several popular technical books, including Rock Your Code and Rock Your Career, and a frequent contributor to industry publications. As a speaker and mentor, David has taught at the University of California San Diego, presented at global conferences, and hosts the webcast Rockin’ the Code World with dotNetDave. Beyond tech, David is also an award-winning photographer and guitarist, working with well-known rock bands and blending his creative talents with his passion for software. [LinkedIn | Company]
David McCarter (If you’re interested in reading David’s 2-part blog series on this topic, and my responses to each, you can find them here:
- The Untapped Power of Veteran Engineers: Why Companies Are Overlooking Their Most Valuable Assets – Part 1 [https://dotnettips.wordpress.com/2025/05/01/the-untapped-power-of-veteran-engineers-why-companies-are-overlooking-their-most-valuable-assets-part-1/]
- My response: What Companies Get Wrong About Veteran Software Engineers [https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/05/what-companies-get-wrong-about-veteran-software-engineers/]
- The Untapped Power of Veteran Engineers: Why Companies Are Overlooking Their Most Valuable Assets – Part 2 [https://dotnettips.wordpress.com/2025/06/01/the-untapped-power-of-veteran-engineers-why-companies-are-overlooking-their-most-valuable-assets-part-2/]
- My response: Stop Undervaluing Veteran Software Engineers [https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/06/stop-undervaluing-veteran-software-engineers/]
Be sure to subscribe for more collaboration, productivity, and AI-related business and technology content like this each Thursday, as well as the #MVPbuzzChat interviews with Microsoft MVPs and Regional Directors every Monday. Thanks for listening!
