Next up from Programme Chair Kristoffer Nordström’s recommendation on which talks you should attend based on your role in testing – sessions for veteran testers! Check out the previous blog here.
Prefer to listen instead? Check out the audio version below:
As a veteran tester, I know it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in a rut, unsure of where to go or what to do next. That’s why I wanted to write this next installment of the blog post series of recommended sessions and tutorials for various roles when attending Eurostar 2023. This time I’m writing for all of you hardened and seasoned veteran testers.
EuroSTAR 2023 is a large conference, and the programme committee is proud of the diverse set of speakers from different backgrounds, topics, and experience that we have assembled. While I’m highlighting some talks, it’s important to note that it doesn’t mean that the other sessions are sub-par; these are just the ones that may be particularly relevant to the roles I’m writing for.
Inspiring Quality: Becoming an Exceptional Quality Leader
First up, we have my very good friend Fiona Charles’ tutorial, ‘Inspiring Quality: Becoming an Exceptional Quality Leader‘. When people ask me for advice on testers to listen to, Fiona is with few exceptions one of the first persons I bring up. If she’s ever giving a tutorial at a conference I tell people it’s a must for me to attend. And if you find me at the conference and ask, I’ll even let you in on the tutorial she gave many years ago that literally changed my life and career. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to lead by example, inspire your team, and build a culture of quality within your organization. There will be questions asked such as “What does it take to be a leader?”, “Where do exceptional quality leaders focus their energies?”, “How can you get to be an exceptional quality leader?”, and “What does “leadership” mean in an Agile context?”
An Ancient Science for Advanced Critical Thinking for Testers and Teams
Next, Lalitkumar Bhamare’s session, ‘An Ancient Science for Advanced Critical Thinking for Testers and Teams‘, will teach you how to apply ancient Indian philosophical principles to your critical thinking in testing. By learning how to question assumptions, recognize biases, and think outside the box, you’ll be able to approach your customers and ask critical questions on what they expect and need to be delivered. Lalit will help and guide you into the Indian philosophical school of ‘Erotetics’. Don’t miss this chance to attend a session given by a long standing member of our community and the long time chief editor for “Tea-time with testers”.
That Which Isn’t Good for the Hive Isn’t Good for the Bee
Sanne Visser’s session, ‘That Which Isn’t Good for the Hive Isn’t Good for the Bee‘, will explore how to build a more collaborative and inclusive testing environment. By recognizing and addressing power imbalances, you’ll see the problems attached to ‘addicted to gold-stickers’ in your work and organization. Sanne asks questions such as “Someone has to ‘run the hive’ and tell us what to do. Don’t they?”, “If competition disappears, won’t people stop buzzing around?”, and “When I don’t have clear goals, nectar to collect. How will I tell if I’m successful?”. Sanne is a delight to listen to and one of the founding members of the podcast “9 out of 10 Testers”.
Hope is Not a Plan
Fredrik Håård’s session ‘Hope is Not a Plan‘ addresses the need for leaders and managers to recognize the dangers of optimistic thinking in an organization and to focus on solutions rather than problems. In roles such as tester, security analyst, or similar, it’s easy to come across as a naysayer and doomsday prophet. As organizations, we have a tendency to remain optimistic about outcomes and stick our heads in the sand until it’s too late. In this talk, Fredrik will discuss how to communicate risks and allow for informed decisions before your organization becomes the next headline in international news for leaked user credentials and credit card information. So far I’ve written four installments in this series for different roles, and this is the third time I’m mentioning Fredrik’s session, why? Well, because Fredriks insights and way of presenting is simply a session you can not miss. Fredrik always delivers his talk with a touch of mirth and humor and draws extensively from his experience working as an international consultant across three continents (and still counting).
We’re Off to Rehab: Communicating in an Isolated, Decoupled World
Finally, Anne-Marie Charrett’s session, ‘We’re Off to Rehab: Communicating in an Isolated, Decoupled World‘, will explore how to communicate effectively in a distributed testing environment. A lot of us have gone through the last years experiencing how it is to work remote. Some love it, myself included, while others have found challenges and perhaps not the rose garden they were hoping for previously. Anne-Marie who won the testing excellence award at EuroSTAR is a beloved member of our community and in this session learn how to build relationships, establish trust, and leverage technology in the context of remote working. Go see Anne-Marie as it is not every day that this tester comes to Europe from down under where she lives in Australia.
In summary, attending the Eurostar 2023 software testing conference is a great way to break out of your rut as a veteran tester. Whether you’re looking to become an exceptional quality leader, improve your critical thinking skills, build a more collaborative testing environment, create a comprehensive testing strategy, or communicate more effectively in a distributed team, there’s a tutorial or session for you. So why wait? Register now and take the first step towards your next great adventure!
Right now, you save 10% on EuroSTAR tickets with our Early Bird offer – and over 35% if you bring a team. Secure your tickets, and we’ll see you in Antwerp in June!