An insightful year in review: Our top 10 stories of 2023

As we wave goodbye to 2023, let’s stroll through the stories that made this year uniquely memorable for Emergn. Have you ever wondered what happens when big ideas in product management meet the gritty reality of the industry? Or how can you better explain the complex concept of DevOps to the higher-ups in the C-suite? These questions sparked some seriously engaging conversations and unfolded into our top 10 stories of 2023.

Ready to dive into a reflective journey? Come along as we explore these stories – that not only captured our thoughts but also shaped the way we navigate the ever-changing landscape of business, technology, and corporate culture.

1. When product management theory meets cold reality

In a world where product management practices vary widely, this article highlights the diverse challenges faced by product managers – from unrealistic expectations and constrained resources to the struggle for influence in decision-making – offering a practical guide applicable across industries.

Embark on a journey with our Product Director, Ashley Underwood, through in-depth interviews with product leaders at large businesses, to discover the eye-opening differences between textbook product management and reality – and what product practitioners can do independently of their context.

2. Explaining DevOps to executives

“How can I explain what DevOps is to the C-suite?” is a headache raised by surprisingly many DevOps and SRE (Site Reliability Engineers) specialists we meet. In this article, you’ll dive into our perspective and tips on communicating the value of DevOps to non-tech executives. Discover why DevOps is more than just a competence or skillset, acting as the integrator between development and operations in businesses heavily reliant on IT.

3. Hackathon experience: empowering creativity for accessibility solutions

Hackathons bring talented minds, from tech enthusiasts and developers to designers and problem solvers, to collaborate intensively to create innovative solutions. This year, we partnered with HackCodeX 2023, the biggest hackathon in Riga, for a unique digital accessibility challenge.

In this article, you’ll learn the experiences of mentors and winning teams at the challenge firsthand. Explore the world of hackathons and their power to bring together diverse minds to solve real-world challenges. Who knows you won’t be inspired to participate too!

4. The 2 key metrics delivery managers should care about first

What measures are most useful to manage teams towards efficient delivery of valuable business outcomes? In a digital age where effective delivery is paramount, this article provides insights into modern product development management by focusing on the metrics that matter. Learn about the two key metrics that delivery managers should prioritize. 

5. Why employee appreciation should be part of any company’s work culture

Do you remember the last time you put your heart and soul into a project and how fulfilling it was to achieve a successful result? Our job is a big part of our lives, and it feels great when we put all our effort, creativity, and care into a task and succeed at it. It’s even more rewarding when we are acknowledged for it. 

Discover the importance of incorporating employee appreciation into the core of company culture. Explore our strategies for creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and part of something meaningful.

6. The DevOps shortcut to AI

Be honest: You were waiting for our list’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) article. It’s no surprise that AI was a trending topic this year – and one of the top topics explored on our website.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, this article unveils a shortcut for organizations looking to adapt and thrive through rapid innovation. Dive into the experience and insights shared by our CTO, Fredrik Hagströem, at DevTalks Romania, exploring how DevOps practices can efficiently drive the deployment, monitoring, retraining, and governance of ML/AI models in production.

7. The Emergn Way: we care for and invest in people

What sets a successful company apart? Is it cutting-edge technology? It could be innovative products. Or it’s exceptional leadership? While all these factors play a crucial role, they can only drive a company’s sustainable, long-term success when paired with a solid and nurturing company culture.

This article dives into the core values that drive Emergn’s success. Explore “The Emergn Way” and understand why caring for and investing in people is not just a principle but a deep-rooted commitment to prioritize the wellbeing and growth of our employees.

8. How AI tools impact the way we develop software: our GitHub Copilot journey

Experience the transformative power of AI in software development through our exploration of GitHub Copilot. Our team shares insights and experiences gained over twelve months of experimenting with this groundbreaking AI tool, offering a glimpse into the future of software development. 

9. 6 ways to control and optimize your cloud costs

As companies migrate to the cloud, controlling and optimizing costs become imperative. This article outlines six practical ways to manage and optimize cloud expenses, providing insights for businesses navigating the complexities of multiple cloud environments.

10. Becoming a UX Researcher: insights for a big career change

Embark on the inspiring journey of Maria Loureiro, a UX Researcher at Emergn, who transitioned from psychology to UX research. Gain insights into overcoming challenges and embracing uncertainty when making a career change in the tech industry.

In a world where career transitions are increasingly common, this article provides a first-hand account of a successful shift, offering guidance for those looking to embark on a new career path.

These stories showcase the diversity of experiences and insights that defined Emergn’s narrative in 2022. You can find these and more at our Insights page – where our team explores and shares expertise on various tech topics – or our Careers Blog – where you can find articles, interviews, and videos that share stories of our team, insights on work challenges, company culture, and other career topics.

Stay tuned for more stories that shaped our year and continue to inspire change and innovation!