MongoDB, Go-Team, and Hugo with Steve Francia

This podcast episode follows the career journey of Steve Francia, a product-minded engineer who transitioned into an engineering-minded product manager. Steve's passion for product management has driven his success in various companies, and he currently works at Two Sigma. The episode touches on Steve's extensive experience in software development and his early fascination with computers. It also explores his academic journey and the development of his passion for science and computer science. Additionally, the episode discusses Steve's experiences in high school, including his passion for skateboarding, counterculture involvement, and interest in hacking. The podcast delves into Steve's different job experiences, including working at an internet provider, a social media startup, and an e-commerce company. The episode also highlights Steve's involvement in open source projects, his role at MongoDB, and his transition to a new job at Two Sigma. Overall, it provides insights into Steve's professional journey and showcases the intersection of engineering and product management in the technology industry. Takeaways • Steve Francia has a diverse background in both engineering and product management, allowing him to bring strategy to engineering and technical depth to product development. • Exposure to technology and early experiences can shape one's interests and career path, as seen in Steve's fascination with computers and his involvement in various activities during high school. • The evolution of the internet, e-commerce, and social media have played significant roles in Steve's career, with experiences in startups and established companies in these fields. • The importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making is highlighted throughout Steve's career journey, especially in challenging economic environments and when facing the need for company pivots. • Steve's involvement in open source projects, particularly with the Go programming language, showcases the value of community collaboration and providing an exceptional developer experience. • The podcast episode also emphasizes the significance of company culture, finding the right fit, and balancing confidentiality and open conversation in professional settings. • Steve's passion for continuous learning, trying new things, and exploring new opportunities is a driving force behind his career choices.