In this podcast, Farhan Thawar, VP and Head of Engineering at Shopify, shares insights on three pivotal themes: embracing challenges, fostering intensity within teams, and innovative hiring practices. Thawar believes in taking on difficult choices to enhance learning and forge strong relationships. He stresses the importance of cultivating intensity through focused efforts instead of just long hours, using techniques like pair programming, frequent check-ins, and a culture that encourages rapid iteration. His distinctive hiring strategy prioritizes real-world trials over traditional interviews, assessing candidates based on their curiosity and adaptability in a fast-paced setting.