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Keep Ruby Weird 2017- An Atypical 'Performance' Talk by Chris Arcand
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In the video titled 'An Atypical 'Performance' Talk', Chris Arcand presents insights from his journey as a musician turned software developer, blending experiences from both fields to provide valuable life lessons. Arcand introduces himself as a remote worker at Red Hat, focusing on open-source software, specifically ManageIQ, a cloud management platform. He shares the significance of his musical background, especially playing the clarinet, and how it shaped his approach to software development and life. **Key Points Discussed:** - **Background in Music:** Chris Arcand reflects on his childhood aspirations to become an orchestral clarinetist, detailing his experiences in music education, youth symphonies, and the challenges faced when transitioning to higher levels of performance. - **Dealing with Complexity:** He emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts, which is applicable to both music and programming. He describes how he learned to analyze musical pieces beforehand to better grasp performance requirements, paralleling this approach with understanding new codebases in software development. - **Concentration and Deep Work:** Arcand draws parallels between the focus required in music and programming. He introduces concepts from Cal Newport's book 'Deep Work,' distinguishing between deep and shallow work, and emphasizes the need for deep concentration in both fields to achieve excellence. - **Balance in Life:** He stresses the significance of maintaining a work-life balance, drawing from his musical training where over-practicing could lead to burnout. He argues that a healthy life balance allows for personal growth outside of professional duties. - **Imposter Syndrome and Hero Worship:** He discusses the commonality of imposter syndrome in both the music and tech worlds, emphasizing that admired figures are also ordinary people who have worked hard to achieve their status. He encourages the audience to understand that continuous learning and handling complexity are key factors in success. In conclusion, Chris Arcand illustrates how the lessons learned from music apply seamlessly to software development. He reminds the audience that the journey from novice to proficient involves embracing complexity, maintaining focus, balancing life, and recognizing the humanity behind public figures in any field. This blend of experiences not only enriched his career but also made him a better person, reinforcing that these truths are universal.
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