David is a family man, musician, illustrator, software developer, and Microsoft MVP living in North Georgia. His mission in life is to help people be more awesome. David runs on a high-octane mixture of caffeine and JavaScript, and is made entirely of bacon. https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek 2022-01-10 16:31:00 -0500 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-art-of-delightful-developer-experience-codestock-2026 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-art-of-delightful-developer-experience-codestock-2026 Node.js is a compelling platform for building all types of applications for startups to enterprises. Node.js strategically unites developers through the universal language of JavaScript. Or TypeScript! Why should you learn Node.js, and where do you start? You will walk away from this fun introduction to Node.js having learned its strengths and the tools you need to be productive. We will cover a typical workflow of creating and debugging a web application. We'll also look at popular frameworks, libraries, and learning resources to give you the best start. Node.js is a compelling platform for building all types of applications for startups to enterprises. Node.js strategically unites developers through the universal language of JavaScript. Or TypeScript! Why should you learn Node.js, and where do you start? You will walk away from this fun introduction to Node.js having learned its strengths and the tools you need to be productive. We will cover a typical workflow of creating and debugging a web application. We'll also look at popular frameworks, libraries, and learning resources to give you the best start. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-illustrated-guide-to-node-dot-js-that-conference-2024 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-illustrated-guide-to-node-dot-js-that-conference-2024 Engineering, DevOps, IT, Marketing, ...you name it, there is a constant battle between going fast and doing it right. Add to the mix that coordination across teams and departments comes at a high transaction cost. How can we minimize friction? During my time at LeanKit, we continuously strove to improve our processes across the entire organization. Along the way, we developed FSGD, which distills many of the core lean (and agile) principles into an easy-to-remember and easy-to-communicate thinking tool to make better decisions about your work. In this talk, I'll share the challenges we faced as we scaled, how we struggled, what we learned, and how we evolved. The goal is to walk away with tools and practical processes to impact your team's success. Engineering, DevOps, IT, Marketing, ...you name it, there is a constant battle between going fast and doing it right. Add to the mix that coordination across teams and departments comes at a high transaction cost. How can we minimize friction? During my time at LeanKit, we continuously strove to improve our processes across the entire organization. Along the way, we developed FSGD, which distills many of the core lean (and agile) principles into an easy-to-remember and easy-to-communicate thinking tool to make better decisions about your work. In this talk, I'll share the challenges we faced as we scaled, how we struggled, what we learned, and how we evolved. The goal is to walk away with tools and practical processes to impact your team's success. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-art-of-delivering-value-gdevcon-na-keynote https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-art-of-delivering-value-gdevcon-na-keynote Sooner or later, it's going to happen. You're going to have to speak. Out loud. In front of an audience. Public speaking is scary! I have spoken at conferences, user groups, and meetups for many years. However, as a shy introvert, this does not come naturally to me! If I can do it, so can you! In this fun and light-hearted talk, I want to share what I have learned from my hard-won experience. You will walk away with practical tips on preparing and giving effective presentations. Sooner or later, it's going to happen. You're going to have to speak. Out loud. In front of an audience. Public speaking is scary! I have spoken at conferences, user groups, and meetups for many years. However, as a shy introvert, this does not come naturally to me! If I can do it, so can you! In this fun and light-hearted talk, I want to share what I have learned from my hard-won experience. You will walk away with practical tips on preparing and giving effective presentations. Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/public-speaking-without-barfing-on-your-shoes-that-2023 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/public-speaking-without-barfing-on-your-shoes-that-2023 Node.js is a compelling platform for building all types of applications for startups to enterprises. Node.js strategically unites developers through the universal language of JavaScript. Or TypeScript! Why should you learn Node.js, and where do you start? You will walk away from this fun introduction to Node.js having learned its strengths and the tools you need to be productive. We will cover a typical workflow of creating and debugging a web application. We'll also look at popular frameworks, libraries, and learning resources to give you the best start. Node.js is a compelling platform for building all types of applications for startups to enterprises. Node.js strategically unites developers through the universal language of JavaScript. Or TypeScript! Why should you learn Node.js, and where do you start? You will walk away from this fun introduction to Node.js having learned its strengths and the tools you need to be productive. We will cover a typical workflow of creating and debugging a web application. We'll also look at popular frameworks, libraries, and learning resources to give you the best start. Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-illustrated-guide-to-node-dot-js-kcdc-2023 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/the-illustrated-guide-to-node-dot-js-kcdc-2023 Who says communication has to be dry, dull, and boring? Simple, hand-drawn illustrations are a compelling and fun way to engage, inform, and win your audience of readers and viewers! Drawing is a skill that anyone can learn. There's no such thing as "bad" art! You can make a huge impact with some fundamentals and practice, and have fun doing it! Drawing has become an essential part of everything I do. I would love to share my bag of tips and tricks I've learned to create illustrations for presentations, articles, videos, and more! Who says communication has to be dry, dull, and boring? Simple, hand-drawn illustrations are a compelling and fun way to engage, inform, and win your audience of readers and viewers! Drawing is a skill that anyone can learn. There's no such thing as "bad" art! You can make a huge impact with some fundamentals and practice, and have fun doing it! Drawing has become an essential part of everything I do. I would love to share my bag of tips and tricks I've learned to create illustrations for presentations, articles, videos, and more! Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/visual-storytelling-how-to-be-a-superhuman-communicator https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/visual-storytelling-how-to-be-a-superhuman-communicator Sooner or later, it's going to happen. You're going to have to speak. Out loud. In front of an audience. Public speaking is scary! I have spoken at conferences, user groups, and meetups for many years. However, as a shy introvert, this does not come naturally to me! If I can do it, so can you! In this fun and light-hearted talk, I want to share what I have learned from my hard-won experience. You will walk away with practical tips on preparing and giving effective presentations. Sooner or later, it's going to happen. You're going to have to speak. Out loud. In front of an audience. Public speaking is scary! I have spoken at conferences, user groups, and meetups for many years. However, as a shy introvert, this does not come naturally to me! If I can do it, so can you! In this fun and light-hearted talk, I want to share what I have learned from my hard-won experience. You will walk away with practical tips on preparing and giving effective presentations. Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/public-speaking-without-barfing-on-your-shoes-connectaha-2023 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/public-speaking-without-barfing-on-your-shoes-connectaha-2023 Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with essential leadership skills anyone can develop and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with essential leadership skills anyone can develop and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-sweetwater-sgs-2023 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-sweetwater-sgs-2023 We all have an opportunity every day to make a postive impact on folks around us. These are often called "soft skills," but they can be some of the hardest to learn! We could call them "people skills," "essential skills," or "core skills." But, how about "SKILLS OF AWESOMENESS?" Yes, what we all need is more ways we can be awesome to each other, and awesome together. You'll learn: * Why leadership and awesomeness skills matter to everyone * How to become a better leader * How to run effective meetings * How to deal with conflict and find consensus * How to get better at listening and communication * How to encourage and motivate others Through a series of practical exercises, we will discover and discuss the most important and relevant topics you want to cover, so that you can get the most value out of this workshop! We all have an opportunity every day to make a postive impact on folks around us. These are often called "soft skills," but they can be some of the hardest to learn! We could call them "people skills," "essential skills," or "core skills." But, how about "SKILLS OF AWESOMENESS?" Yes, what we all need is more ways we can be awesome to each other, and awesome together. You'll learn: * Why leadership and awesomeness skills matter to everyone * How to become a better leader * How to run effective meetings * How to deal with conflict and find consensus * How to get better at listening and communication * How to encourage and motivate others Through a series of practical exercises, we will discover and discuss the most important and relevant topics you want to cover, so that you can get the most value out of this workshop! Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/practical-leadership-workshop-devternity-2022 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/practical-leadership-workshop-devternity-2022 Regardless of the technology you know, regardless of the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I’ll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We’ll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we’ll talk about some the attributes, behaviors and skills of good leaders. Last, we’ll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You’ll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Regardless of the technology you know, regardless of the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I’ll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We’ll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we’ll talk about some the attributes, behaviors and skills of good leaders. Last, we’ll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You’ll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/practical-leadership-for-software-developers https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/practical-leadership-for-software-developers If you’re a web developer, chances are you have heard the term “JAMstack.” Curiously, JAMstack isn’t a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it’s an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we’ll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! If you’re a web developer, chances are you have heard the term “JAMstack.” Curiously, JAMstack isn’t a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it’s an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we’ll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-all-things-open-2022 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-all-things-open-2022 If you're a web developer, chances are you have heard the term "JAMstack." Curiously, JAMstack isn't a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it's an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we'll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! If you're a web developer, chances are you have heard the term "JAMstack." Curiously, JAMstack isn't a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it's an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we'll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! Tue, 13 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-ato-meetup https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-ato-meetup Does the idea of being a leader terrify you? Are you in a leadership role today and not sure you're cut out for it, or feel like you're not leading effectively? This workshop is for you! SPOILER ALERT: You don't even need to be in a leadership position to be an effective leader! In this workshop, we will explore the critical ingredients of good leadership. We'll bust some myths, learn to lead ourselves, and recognize areas where we can take responsibility or take action. Along the way, we'll explore strategies for common tough subjects such as conflict resolution, influencing others, running effective meetings, and public speaking! I promise you will walk away with a fresh perspective on leadership, excited about your potential, and equipped with tools to help you reach your full potential and have a lasting positive impact on others! Does the idea of being a leader terrify you? Are you in a leadership role today and not sure you're cut out for it, or feel like you're not leading effectively? This workshop is for you! SPOILER ALERT: You don't even need to be in a leadership position to be an effective leader! In this workshop, we will explore the critical ingredients of good leadership. We'll bust some myths, learn to lead ourselves, and recognize areas where we can take responsibility or take action. Along the way, we'll explore strategies for common tough subjects such as conflict resolution, influencing others, running effective meetings, and public speaking! I promise you will walk away with a fresh perspective on leadership, excited about your potential, and equipped with tools to help you reach your full potential and have a lasting positive impact on others! Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-workshop-kcdc-2022 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-workshop-kcdc-2022 Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-fullstack-exchange-2022-keynote https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-fullstack-exchange-2022-keynote If you're a web developer, chances are you have heard the term "JAMstack." Curiously, JAMstack isn't a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it's an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we'll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! If you're a web developer, chances are you have heard the term "JAMstack." Curiously, JAMstack isn't a solution to prevent clogged printers, something to eat on toast, or a way to make music. Instead, it's an architecture for designing super-fast web applications that easily scale. In this talk, we'll cover the JAMstack architecture, the numerous benefits of the JAMstack approach, and tools you can use to implement a JAMstack web application. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of JAMstack and resources to quickly build your web app at ludicrous speed! Tue, 24 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-that-conference-texas-2022 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/jamstack-web-apps-at-ludicrous-speed-that-conference-texas-2022 Ah, JavaScript! Like it or not, it's a "tragically important" language that is "eating the world." Hate it? Love it? Avoid it? Embrace it? This talk will be a parade of face-palm JavaScript fails, stupid JavaScript tricks, and bad jokes sure to get an eye-roll from everyone! Along the way, we may even learn a few mistakes to avoid and tips to make our own JavaScript less terrible! Ah, JavaScript! Like it or not, it's a "tragically important" language that is "eating the world." Hate it? Love it? Avoid it? Embrace it? This talk will be a parade of face-palm JavaScript fails, stupid JavaScript tricks, and bad jokes sure to get an eye-roll from everyone! Along the way, we may even learn a few mistakes to avoid and tips to make our own JavaScript less terrible! Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/javascript-past-present-and-future https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/javascript-past-present-and-future Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Regardless of the technology you know or the job title you have, you have amazing potential to impact your workplace, community, and beyond. In this talk, I'll share a few candid stories of my career failures… I mean… learning opportunities. We'll start by debunking the myth that leadership == management. Next, we'll talk about some of the attributes, behaviors, and skills of good leaders. Lastly, we'll cover some practical steps and resources to accelerate your journey. You'll walk away with some essential leadership skills I believe anyone can develop, and a good dose of encouragement to be more awesome! Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-codestock-2022 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-for-the-reluctant-leader-codestock-2022 Slides from my 8-hour leadership workshop Slides from my 8-hour leadership workshop Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-workshop-devternity-2021 https://speakerdeck.com/reverentgeek/leadership-guide-workshop-devternity-2021