Writing
pixari.blog
Notes on engineering, AI, leadership, and building things that matter.
How to Hire and Retain Senior Engineers
Practical advice on hiring senior engineers and keeping them: what to look for, how to sell the role, and what actually drives retention.
Using AI in the Software Development Lifecycle (Without Slowing Shipping)
Where AI helps in the SDLC—and where it doesn’t. How to adopt AI coding tools and automation without slowing down delivery.
Remote and Hybrid Engineering Teams: What Actually Works
Practical practices for remote and hybrid engineering teams: async communication, rituals, and clarity that keep teams aligned and shipping.
How to Give and Receive Technical Feedback (Code Review and Beyond)
Technical feedback in code reviews and design discussions builds quality and trust when done well. A practical guide to giving and receiving it.
Engineering Metrics That Actually Improve Outcomes (Beyond Velocity and Story Points)
Velocity and story points often mislead. Here are engineering metrics that tie to delivery, quality, and team health—and how to use them.
What Is a Staff Engineer (or Principal Engineer) and How Do You Get There?
Staff and Principal Engineers shape technical direction and org impact, not just code. Here’s what the role is and how to grow into it.
Technical Debt: When to Pay It Down vs When to Live With It
Not all technical debt should be repaid. A practical framework for when to refactor, when to document and contain, and when to leave it alone.
How to Run Effective Engineering 1:1s (Agenda, Frequency, Outcomes)
A practical guide to engineering 1:1s: how often to run them, what to put on the agenda, and how to turn conversations into clear outcomes and trust.
How to Say No (and Yes) as an Engineering Leader
Saying no is part of the job. How to say no clearly and respectfully, when to say yes, and how to offer alternatives that protect your team.
Running Effective Sprint Planning (Without the Theater)
Sprint planning that actually aligns the team: how long it should take, what to prepare, and how to avoid ceremony without substance.