Taylor Desseyn and Blake Watson Chatting MagnoliaJS Conf

Developers, recruiters, and conference organizers share insights on hiring, remote work, and side projects while previewing MagnoliaJS 2023 in this lively discussion.

Episode Description

Developers, recruiters, and conference organizers share insights on hiring, remote work, and side projects while previewing MagnoliaJS 2023 in this lively discussion.

Episode Summary

This episode delves into the multifaceted world of web development, highlighting both personal and professional perspectives. Guests share anecdotes on remote work, side projects, and the changing job market. They discuss MagnoliaJS 2023, explaining how the conference started and its significance in promoting a vibrant tech community in Jackson, Mississippi. Listeners gain valuable advice on navigating the current hiring landscape, including tips for acing interviews and leveraging recruiter relationships. The conversation also touches on practical ways to experiment with new technologies like AI, emphasizing how coding small, “home-cooked” apps can lead to skill growth and unexpected advantages. Throughout, guests highlight the importance of community-driven events, fostering connections among developers of varying levels and backgrounds. This collective dialogue underscores the power of shared knowledge, mentorship, and open conversations in shaping both individual careers and broader technical communities.

Chapters

00:00 - 05:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

In these opening minutes, the hosts greet the audience and set the stage for the conversation to come. They provide a brief overview of the JavaScript Jam format, where both new and experienced developers can join in and add their perspectives. Attendees of the live Twitter Spaces chime in from different parts of the world, including a special mention of Italy, which sparks a quick discussion about global travel and remote lifestyles. The show’s relaxed, inclusive tone is immediately established, encouraging everyone to share thoughts or ask questions. This segment closes by highlighting the purpose of JavaScript Jam—to bring the web development community together weekly, share updates on the latest tech news, and foster open dialogue among diverse voices. The introduction sets an inviting atmosphere that underlines the importance of personal insights, collaborative learning, and a focus on uplifting others within the tech ecosystem.

05:00 - 10:00 Welcoming Blake, Taylor, and MagnoliaJS Organizers

During this section, the hosts officially welcome special guests Blake Watson and Taylor Desseyn, along with MagnoliaJS organizer Kayla. The conversation briefly pivots to talk about each guest’s background, from Blake’s work on aerospace-related software to Taylor’s role as a talent advocate. Kayla also hints at MagnoliaJS’s goals, sharing how the conference aims to support the local developer community in Jackson, Mississippi. Attendees discuss how devs from anywhere can benefit, whether they are building a career locally or seeking remote opportunities. The rapport among the speakers underscores the blend of personal and professional ties that unite participants. With each introduction, the group reaffirms their shared passion for knowledge exchange, career growth, and community-building that transcends geographic boundaries.

10:00 - 15:00 Origins and Mission of MagnoliaJS

Here, Kayla dives deeper into the history of MagnoliaJS, explaining how it began and evolved into a cornerstone event for developers in the region. She describes the challenges and triumphs of organizing a tech conference in Mississippi, noting how the grassroots effort has continued despite limited resources. The discussion touches on broader themes of local tech ecosystems, such as the diversity of developer roles in Jackson, from telecommunications to government work. The guests emphasize the value of shining a spotlight on smaller communities that often fly under the radar compared to larger tech hubs. These five minutes showcase how MagnoliaJS is more than just another conference—it’s a symbol of the resilience, determination, and shared dreams that fuel tech communities everywhere.

15:00 - 20:00 Building a Thriving Local Tech Scene

During this segment, Kayla explains how MagnoliaJS fosters a sense of belonging among local developers, especially as remote work rises in popularity. She highlights the importance of showing that one doesn’t have to move away from home to find meaningful or lucrative tech positions. Blake jumps in to share his experience working remotely, emphasizing the possibilities for people with disabilities and others who benefit from flexible work arrangements. The conversation underlines that remote options offer a lifeline for retention and equity in smaller markets. The group also reflects on the unique texture of Jackson’s tech scene, suggesting that diverse backgrounds and job roles create a rich community tapestry. This chapter ends by reinforcing the notion that geography need not be a barrier to innovation or financial success in tech.

20:00 - 25:00 “Home-Cooked Apps” and the Value of Personal Projects

Blake introduces the concept behind his MagnoliaJS talk, titled “The Joys of Home-Cooked Apps.” He explains how coding personal, small-scale applications can yield substantial value—both in learning new technologies and in simplifying daily life tasks. The focus shifts to the satisfaction of making software solely for oneself or a tight-knit circle, without the pressure of enterprise requirements. The guests note that side projects can serve as creative labs, letting developers test out new frameworks or experiment with AI without worrying about large-scale deployment. This is particularly relevant for those looking to grow their portfolios or skill sets. Ultimately, Blake’s viewpoint underscores that the simplest tools can be transformative, often reflecting the purest form of problem-solving and personal expression in programming.

25:00 - 30:00 Embracing and Showcasing Homemade Solutions

Continuing the dialogue on personal projects, the speakers share anecdotes of small, homebuilt applications that solved real-life problems—from automating mundane chores to helping family members track important data. Blake and others emphasize that side apps don’t need to be polished or universally applicable to be deemed successes. The conversation also touches on the broader theme of resourcefulness in the developer world, particularly when it comes to bridging gaps in existing software solutions. Everyone acknowledges that these self-made tools can not only bolster one’s skill set but also demonstrate agility and creativity to potential employers or clients. Wrapping up, they discuss how these personal ventures often carry intangible rewards, like deeper self-awareness and expanded problem-solving techniques, that go beyond what traditional work tasks typically offer.

30:00 - 35:00 CFP Insights and Conference Participation

In this portion, audience member Toby inquires about how MagnoliaJS handles its Call for Proposals (CFP) and whether remote participation is possible. Kayla sheds light on the conference’s evolving CFP process, noting the financial and logistical challenges of planning a community-driven event. She explains the importance of an open but organized approach to selecting speakers, clarifying that future editions will offer a clear timeline for submissions. The group reiterates that while in-person engagement adds a vital networking component, remote talks have their place under certain circumstances. Listeners learn that MagnoliaJS aims to strike a balance between accessibility and the benefits of face-to-face interaction, reflecting a broader trend toward hybrid event models in tech conferences.

35:00 - 40:00 Job Market Trends and Overhiring Retrospective

Switching gears, attention turns to the job market, where Taylor and others share insights into hiring patterns, especially in the wake of 2020–2022’s “money grab” era. They describe how rapid funding rounds led to an overhiring spree, resulting in inflated salaries and hasty onboarding that often disrupted team structures. While acknowledging the downturn and recent layoffs, the speakers also outline signs of recovery, such as companies cautiously rehiring recruiters and job postings beginning to trickle back in. They highlight the shift from startup-heavy recruitments to more traditional sectors—like finance and telecom—picking up the slack. This chapter helps listeners better gauge the evolving employment landscape in tech and anticipate shifts in where demand is heading next.

40:00 - 45:00 A Manifesto for Better Hiring and Interviews

Taylor previews the talk he’s set to deliver at MagnoliaJS, focusing on improving the hiring process from both the candidate and employer perspectives. He stresses that many managers and job seekers alike struggle with interviews, often lacking structured approaches. The speakers compare hiring to the dating world, suggesting that both sides should watch for “red flags” and aim for constructive dialogue. They discuss ways to streamline interviews, including clear role definitions, efficient feedback loops, and realistic timeframes. This segment underscores that the ideal interview process balances candidate experience with rigorous evaluation, ultimately leading to stronger retention and smoother onboarding. The group’s collective wisdom encourages companies to focus on transparency and empathy, forming the bedrock of more inclusive and effective hiring practices.

45:00 - 50:00 Standing Out in a Competitive Landscape

Here, the conversation offers tips for developers navigating an increasingly competitive market. Participants recommend a variety of strategies, from building a solid GitHub portfolio to honing communication skills for interviews. The importance of networking—whether through conferences like MagnoliaJS or online communities—emerges as a key differentiator in landing job offers. Practical insights include tailoring a résumé for each role, engaging with local recruiter networks, and seizing freelance platforms to get immediate, hands-on experience. Emphasis is also placed on the role of continuous learning, especially with modern technologies like AI. Listeners come away understanding that career success in tech increasingly combines adaptable skill sets, authentic personal branding, and active community engagement.

50:00 - 55:00 Gauging Technical Proficiency and On-the-Job Realities

In this segment, the discussion shifts to the discrepancies between a developer’s reported skills and their real-world capabilities. Anecdotes reveal that some high-paid engineers lack fundamental knowledge, such as managing environment variables, highlighting the sometimes inconsistent vetting processes in tech hiring. The group considers how thorough technical assessments and trial assignments can mitigate these mismatches. They also revisit how personal side projects can demonstrate genuine competency far better than an inflated résumé. AI’s growing role in both recruiting and employee training is briefly touched upon, suggesting it could become a solution to skill gap issues. By the end, listeners are reminded that honest self-assessment, tangible coding examples, and comprehensive screening methods are essential for aligning genuine skill sets with the right positions.

55:00 - 60:40 Closing Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In the final stretch, the hosts reiterate their excitement for the upcoming MagnoliaJS conference, inviting listeners to attend and emphasizing its welcoming, community-focused ethos. They confirm the event’s details, remind everyone about ticket availability, and encourage those unable to make it this year to watch for future CFPs. The conversation circles back to the core themes: the power of small-scale software projects, the importance of strong hiring practices, and the value of building inclusive tech communities. As they wind down, the hosts give shout-outs to each speaker and share final notes of gratitude. The episode concludes on a unifying note, reminding listeners that learning, collaboration, and mutual respect are key drivers in the ongoing evolution of web development and tech culture at large.