Testing Peers

Hello friends, and welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Chris, Dan, David, and Russell come together for a wide-ranging conversation about flow, what it really means, and why it matters far beyond speed or delivery metrics. The discussion starts with some light New Year banter before quickly moving into systems thinking, value, and the often unseen friction that slows organisations down. The group explore flow as something that exists across people, processes, and systems, not just CI/CD pipelines. Using plumbing analogies, real-world examples, and a healthy dose of scepticism about simplistic metrics, they unpack why optimising individual components rarely improves outcomes if the wider system is ignored. A recurring theme is the idea that quality is about the removal of unnecessary friction, and that debt shows up in many forms, not just code. Documentation, onboarding, learning mechanisms, and organisational processes all contribute to how effectively value moves through a system. The conversation also touches on how difficult flow is to measure meaningfully. While metrics like DORA can tell part of the story, they often focus on speed rather than outcomes, impact, or sustainability. The hosts discuss the importance of qualitative signals, trending over time, and understanding what good actually looks like in a given context. A significant part of the episode focuses on the human side of flow, including onboarding, learning, feedback loops, and psychological safety. The group reflect on how better onboarding and clearer purpose can help people contribute sooner, feel more connected to their work, and understand the impact of what they do. From a testing perspective, the discussion highlights how testers already have many of the skills needed to assess flow at an organisational level. Curiosity, critical thinking, risk awareness, and communication all play a role in identifying friction, asking difficult questions, and helping teams improve. At the same time, the hosts are careful not to position testers as uniquely gifted, recognising that good systems thinking comes from diverse roles working together. The episode closes with reflections on trust, credibility, and the role of testers as trusted advisors. Being listened to is not about job titles or tools, but about doing the work, understanding the system, and backing up insights with evidence and experience. Links and references #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are live for just £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) Support the show

Happy New Year, Peers!! Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast, this time panel explores how testers and quality professionals can make the most of their training budgets, whether that budget is zero, modest, or stretches into several thousand pounds. Hosts this week: Russell Craxford, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, and Tara Walton. The discussion is grounded in real experience and looks at how learning choices change depending on constraints, priorities, and organisational context. Starting from Zero: Learning Without a Budget The episode begins by challenging the assumption that learning requires money. The hosts highlight the breadth and quality of free resources available, including: Test Automation UniversityfreeCodeCampedXA key recommendation is the free “Learning How to Learn” course by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, which helps people understand how they learn best before deciding where to invest time or money. Spending Around £100: Small Budgets, Real Value With a budget of around £100, the focus shifts to intentional, value-led choices: RiskStormingTesting Peers ConferenceBooks such as Explore It, The Phoenix Project, The Culture Code and other systems thinking titles are highlighted as high-value, low-cost investments. Around £500: Community, Conferences, and Exposure At the £500 level, learning opportunities expand: Leeds Test AtelierSIGiSTShipItConMinistry of Testing ProLeanPubThe hosts discuss the value of human connection, being exposed to new perspectives, and coming away from events with renewed ideas and motivation. Certifications and Career Signals The conversation takes a balanced view on certifications, including ISTQB: Support the show

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Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Simon, David, Chris and returning host, Dan Ashby explore what makes a high-performing team and how leaders can intentionally create the right environment for teams to thrive. The conversation builds on both shared experience and real-world examples of navigating complex team dynamics. Topics Discussed • Psychological safety How teams understand it, how fragile it can be and the different forms it takes, including inclusion, learning, contributor and challenger safety. • Purpose and direction Why clarity of mission anchors decision making and helps individuals see their contribution to collective outcomes. • Skills, proficiency and growth Understanding a team’s starting point, enabling learning opportunities and how building capability strengthens trust and accountability. Dan also introduces his High-Performing Teams Framework, which provides a structured model for these elements: https://evolvingleadership.uk/the-hpt-framework/ • Trust and ownership The importance of follow-through, transparency and what Chris refers to as decisive humility when leading in uncertain or inherited contexts. • Joy and community How internal communities, shared testing sessions, social connection and small rituals can support morale and cohesion, especially in remote environments. • Real-world leadership experiences Chris shares an example of challenging expectations from leadership by gathering context, sense-checking with peers and approaching difficult conversations with evidence and respect. Also in this episode Burnout, remote working dynamics, and the role of workplace friendships in supporting sustainable performance. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 139 of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, the Peers dive into the sequel to episode 39, for Testing Rants part 2. Hosting this episode is Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Tara Walton, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard. After a brief ranter moment (terrible rant banter portmanteau, sorry), the team move onto the main topic. Topics covered in this episode: Documentation Issues Single Points of Failure:Poor Comments:Clarity over Volume:context and valueThe Problem with Assumptions "Termites of Relationships":Contextual Blind Spots:Value and Motivation Missing the WHY:VALUEPurpose Drives Motivation:whyCognitive Load and Flow Spoon Theory:Flow Disruptors:noiseTime Off and Workplace Safety Managing Return:expectationsPsychological Safety:"Always On" Pressure:digital detoxCommunity and Celebration Lisa Crispin Shoutout: Acknowledging her commitment to championing the community. Shining a Light: The importance of celebrating and elevating others. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 138 of the Testing Peers Podcast In this episode, Chris, Rachel, David and Russell discuss how people begin their careers in testing and software quality today. After a light-hearted round of “Two Truths and a Lie (But All Lies)”, the conversation turns to the different ways people enter the field, and how those paths have changed over time. The Peers share their own experiences and reflect on what helps new testers succeed. Topics include: The group explore what organisations can do to create better entry points into quality roles, and how experienced professionals can help the next generation of testers grow with confidence. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 137 of the Testing Peers podcast! This time, join Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Russell Craxford, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard as we discuss Personal Branding and Social Media. In this episode, the Peers discuss the importance of personal branding and the role social media plays in shaping professional identity within the testing community. The conversation explores how each of the hosts approaches their own personal brand, the motivations behind building one, and the ways in which visibility and authenticity can influence employability, reputation and connection. The group also considers the evolution of social media platforms, how algorithms influence engagement, and how to use these platforms effectively while staying true to personal values. Key discussion points include: The hosts share their experiences of what has worked for them, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and the benefits of intentionality in developing a recognisable and trustworthy online identity. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 136 of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, David, Chris, Russell and Tara dig into a question from #PeersCon25 speaker, Stuart Pates: what’s the difference between a test strategy and a quality engineering strategy? The peers explore: As always, there’s plenty of banter (including revelations about everyone’s oldest open browser tab!) before diving into the topic. We’d love to hear your thoughts, what does strategy mean in your organisation, and how do you approach the balance between quality and testing? #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 135 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join Chris, Russell, David and the returning Jon Robinson as we talk all things AI in testing. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we approach testing, QA and quality. But what happens when the pace of change accelerates? In this episode, the Peers explore what AI might mean for our profession, our skills and the value we bring. We discuss: Along the way, we touch on topics from token debt and environmental impact, to healthcare examples, to why trust and human experience still matter. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to Episode 134 of the Testing Peers podcast. This week, join Simon, David, Tara and Chris. How do we explain testing and quality to people who are not testers, in a way that actually lands? In this episode, we talk about meeting stakeholders where they are, translating quality into the language of risk, cost and outcomes, and building trust through visible work and data. We also share practical ways to bring non-testers into the quality journey, from testathons to storytelling. What we cover Practical ideas discussed Shout-outs and references The Impostor’s Guide to Tooting Your Own Horn#PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 133 of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, the Peers (Chris, Callum, David and Russell) explore the complex and often subtle art of influencing quality within teams, organisations and wider cultures. The team share stories from early careers to more recent consulting and coaching experiences. The conversation examines how influence operates in practice and what it truly means to be a voice for quality. This is a discussion about mindset shifts, not mandates. About patience, not prescriptions. Topics covered include: Whether you are coaching, testing or leading, this episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful discussion on how to support quality in meaningful, lasting ways. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 132 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time, joining David and Chris are the returning Rachel Kibler and first-time host Vanessa Zettler, with the Peers discussing Software That Cares. Key Quote “There is no average user.” – A reminder that designing for the “average” often excludes everyone. Accessibility as a Civil Rights Issue Digital access is essential in modern life. The team explore why accessibility is about equity and inclusion, not just regulations. Temporary vs. Permanent Disability The group reflects on how anyone can join the disabled community at any time—making accessibility everyone's responsibility. Legal Landscape Robles v. Domino’s and Access Now v. Blue ApronEquality Act 2010 and Public Sector Bodies Accessibility RegulationsBeyond the Checklist manual validationThe Role of Testers & Quality Engineers Testers often become accessibility advocates by default: identifying, championing, and embedding inclusive practices across teams. Inclusive Design from the Start Accessibility must be considered from the beginning, not just at testing, bringing in copywriters, designers, and developers early. Emotional Sensitivity in UX Rachel highlights the need to consider emotional impact, particularly during difficult times, when crafting user-facing messages. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to a special episode of the Testing Peers to announce our Programme Committee and Theme for PeersCon 26, which is happening on 12th March 2026 in Nottingham, UK. Join our Co-Chairs David and Simon as they introduce you to the rest of the committee: More on the committee can be found here. After the usual banter, the team dive into talking more about the theme for the conference, which is: With this now discussed and their thoughts around why this was chosen, it is now time to officially open the Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to episode 130 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join David, Russell, Chris and Dermot as we talk Knowledge Resilience. After an ice breaker where Russell poses the question to the Peers of what have we wanted to learn, but have not yet achieved. Then Dermot sets up the main topic with the following question: "what would you do with the knowledge that you acquired? If you learned it, it's fine, but if you wanted to share that knowledge. How would you transmit that? We talk about: If you've ever struggled with stale docs, tribal knowledge, or a team that relies on “just ask Dave” then this one’s for you. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, join David, Chris, Sanne and Beth as we discuss Bad Quality By Design (a more SFW term for ensh!ttifcation). Where products and services become deliberately less usable or joyful over time, often to drive monetisation. This isn’t accidental degradation, but intentional design choices aimed at nudging users towards subscriptions, upsells, or ad exposure. Examples the Peers discuss include: The group reflect on how this gradual decline in delight has eroded pride in product quality. AI tools, for now, feel delightful by contrast because they’re still in the VC-funded honeymoon phase, but this too may fade. The group calls out the trade-off between "good enough" and genuinely caring about quality. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers Podcast. On this episode, Chris, Simon and David are joined by first time co-host Rachel Kibler. The Peers discuss the topic of making work visible. David starts us off with the banter on the topic of fashion mistakes, everything from dress down fridays to bright shirts being used as a prank. David also hints at his 80's fashion challenges and his ties he wore as a teacher. Rachel kicks off the main topic, giving the back story of where the topic came from. Having to create a coherent story on how to show when a project is good to go live and how the testing can be made visible. They all discuss the value and cost of testing and how to articulate this to PMs in projects. The conversation goes on to different techniques to show value and how to help get everyone onto the same page. What techniques can you use to make it visible to stakeholders? Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers Podcast. On this episode, Chris, Russell, David and Simon talk about how we can ensure Quality has a seat at the table of discussions, projects and all such scenarios where it should be there. Before that, Mr Banter (Chris) leads us off down a wonderful trail of memories of social media when it all began, everything from MySpace, Bebo, Friends Reunited and MSN Messenger covered and of course, the old Twitter during the pandemic. Simon leads us into a the topic, and mentions a comment Stephen Platten made on one of Chris's posts about a Culture of Quality on LinkedIn. Here is Stephen's comment: "How do you see us making sure we get our feet at the table so to speak? How do we get senior stakeholders to take notice?"Of course it depends on the context, and what influence is needed. It's also about who needs to care? Depending on the context and the problem you are having. The best way to get started is to look at engaging your senior leaders or the leadership level that make decisions in the context. It may be a need to educate and showcase the value that can be provided by being involved. The Peers dive into their own experiences and ways to help influence the decision makers to include a voice of quality. What challenges have you had in this scenario? contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers. Chris, Russell and David are joined by the returning Sam to talk about a topic close to all testers hearts, the ability of storytelling. Before diving into the main topic, Russell asks the Peers what their favourite cars are, lots of classics mentioned including the almost predictable choice from Russell of the AC Cobra (which he may have mentioned before). Part of the testers role includes storytelling, whether this is in bug reports, presentations, or just discussions with team members, it is key that the right story is told to bring everyone along the journey. Sam tells of his adventures at Agile Testing Days where a musical was performed to tell a story, possibly taking story telling to a new level (for testers anyway) The key with story telling is making it relevant to it's audience, which will enable them to invest effectively. What are your tips for good storytelling? contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. Support the show

Hello and welcome to episode 125 of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, joining Chris, Russell and David is the returning guest host, Al Goodall. Before diving into the main topic, Al asks the group to think about book collections, a nice mix of techno-thrillers and classic prose on offer. Russell kicks off the main discussion around testability, what is it in which context? The Peers talk through implementation, pitches, prompts, value, maintainability and more. Chris also brings out the TestSphere card deck to look at the Testability Quality Aspect card. What does Testability look like in your context? Have we mastered it? What can we do better? The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025. Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/ If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/ contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

Hello and welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This week join Chris, David, Shey and Russell as the Peers talk about transformations. The banter for this week's episode comes from Shey, asking the group which sport they would have love to have been a professional in. Then the Peers dived into the main topic, introduced by Shey. We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of our experiences with transformations. What role do we, as testers, play in transformations? We are by very nature, change agents. The group discuss the somewhat forced transformational change that the Covid pandemic had on workplaces, and how organisations have diverged a lot in the new normal. What are your experiences with transformations? The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025. Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/ If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/ contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show