#8 - Kelsey Hightower | Don't Outsource Your Core Skills!

One of the most inspiring voices in tech, Kelsey Hightower, former Distinguished Engineer at Google Cloud, joins me for the first international episode of ‪@byndcode‬ Podcast. We talk about his journey from IT support to becoming one of the most respected engineers in cloud computing, his principles for Platform Engineering, and how curiosity, empathy, and storytelling shape great technology. 💡 Topics we explore: ▪️ From IT support to Google Cloud: How Kelsey built his career through skill, patience, and constant learning. ▪️ What great Platform Engineering really means: Empowering developers, creating impact, and finding the right balance between abstraction and understanding. ▪️ Digital sovereignty: The role of Europe, chances and risk ▪️ Open Source: How open source can enable sustainable business models. ▪️ AI and human responsibility: Why technology should amplify humanity instead of replacing it. ▪️ Beyond Code: Lessons on lifelong learning, motivation, and how to move from activity to real impact. 👉 A masterclass in mindset, leadership, and the human side of engineering from one of the most thoughtful technologists in the industry. ⏱️ Chapter Highlights: 0:00 Intro and first international episode 2:00 Kelsey’s start in tech 10:00 From computer store to Google Data Center 20:00 Competitiveness, learning, and patience 30:00 From activity to impact 32:00 What a Distinguished Engineer really does 45:00 Platform Engineering explained 55:00 AI, ethics, and the future of work 🎧 Listen and subscribe: YouTube ▪️ Spotify ▪️ Apple Podcasts ▪️ LinkedIn ▪️ Bluesky ▪️ X ▪️ Instagram