Quality Talks Unplugged: Unlocking Accessibility - Small Steps With Big Impact with Ayesha Saeed
In this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day engages with Ayesha Saeed, a senior accessibility specialist and test lead, to discuss the importance of accessibility in software development. They explore Ayesha's journey into accessibility, the challenges of promoting it within teams, and the significance of empathy in understanding user experiences. The conversation also covers practical strategies for integrating accessibility into development processes, training teams, and measuring the impact of accessibility initiatives. Ayesha emphasises the need for incremental changes and community engagement, encouraging listeners to start small and build their knowledge over time.Links and Learning Resources:Connect with Ayesha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-saeed-946821155Get to know Ayesha - https://www.solirius.com/post/meet-the-team-ayesha-saeedArticle: https://www.solirius.com/post/unlocking-the-web-start-your-journey-into-digital-accessibilityChampions of Accessibility Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12499821TakeawaysAccessibility is a broad topic that impacts everyone.Empathy is crucial in understanding user experiences.Automated testing only catches a fraction of accessibility issues.Training teams on accessibility requires tailored approaches.Building a culture of accessibility is essential for success.Start small and gradually increase your knowledge of accessibility.Community engagement can enhance understanding and advocacy for accessibility.Accessibility should be integrated into all stages of development.Measuring the impact of accessibility training is challenging but necessary.You don't have to be an expert to advocate for accessibility.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Accessibility in Tech01:48 Ayesha Saeed's Journey in Accessibility13:01 Understanding Accessibility Beyond Tech16:25 The Importance of Empathy in Accessibility18:54 Engaging Teams Early in Accessibility29:51 Diverse Testing Approaches for Accessibility32:32 Understanding User Testing and Accessibility35:18 Common Accessibility Issues in Web Design40:06 Prioritising Accessibility Issues44:50 Educating Teams on Accessibility50:53 Measuring the Impact of Accessibility Training55:49 Future Trends in Accessibility Testing
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1:13:40
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1:13:40
Quality Talks Bitesize: Interviews - Recruiting With Empathy with Nesha Mistry
SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day interviews Nesha Mistry, a senior recruiter with over six years of experience.They discuss the challenges recruiters face, including managing high volumes of applications and delivering feedback to candidates. Nesha shares insights on how candidates can stand out in their applications, the importance of personality in interviews, and the need for empathy in the recruitment process. The conversation emphasises the human side of recruitment and the importance of networking and authenticity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Recruitment Insights02:34 The Recruiter's Perspective06:57 Navigating Candidate Emotions10:34 Providing Constructive Feedback13:59 Standing Out in Applications18:19 The Screening Process23:45 Creating a Positive Interview Experience27:07 Final Thoughts on Recruitment30:15 Connecting with Nesha30:44 CloseConnect with Nesha:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nesha-mistry-95889a125Instagram - nesha_canvascreationsTakeawaysNesha Mistry has over six years of recruitment experience.Recruiters often deal with hundreds of applications for a few roles.Providing feedback to candidates is a challenging but necessary part of recruitment.Unconscious bias can affect hiring decisions and needs to be addressed.Candidates should tailor their CVs to the specific role and industry.Showing personality in a CV can help candidates stand out.Creating a comfortable interview environment is crucial for candidate performance.The ideal interview process should be concise and engaging.Candidates should research the company before interviews.Networking is essential for job seekers.
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31:10
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31:10
Quality Talks Live Edition - 1st Birthday Celebration
SummaryIn this live episode celebrating the first anniversary of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu and Chris reflect on their journey over the past year, share memorable moments, and engage with their live audience. They welcome special guest Vernon Richards, discuss future plans for live events, and highlight favourite episodes and guests, further reflections on their journey of building a podcast and community around quality discussions. They explore the challenges of engaging with their audience, the importance of creating a platform for sharing experiences, and the evolving expectations in quality roles. The conversation also touches on the significance of allyship and support within the industry, as well as celebrating their one-year anniversary of podcasting.Throughout this episode the conversation is filled with humour, insights, and a sense of community as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to what’s nextChapters00:00 Celebrating One Year of Quality Talks04:42 Special Guest Introduction: Vernon10:15 Reflections on the Podcast Journey15:52 Memorable Moments and Audience Engagement24:43 Engaging with YouTube Shorts26:46 This or That: Fun Debates35:43 Building a Community Around the Podcast49:54 The Grief of Change53:01 Navigating Change in the Industry54:44 The Lone Tester Experience58:59 Building Allyship in Quality01:02:56 Evolving Expectations in Quality Roles01:06:32 Finding Community and Support01:11:51 Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead01:34:47 WE OUT!!
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1:35:14
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1:35:14
Quality Talks Bitesize: Interviews - The Power of Data Insights with Dalbir Sehmbi
SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, host Stu Day welcomes Dalbir Sehmbi, a seasoned professional in software testing, who shares his journey through job hunting and the strategies he employed to secure a new role. Dalbir discusses the importance of tracking job applications, building relationships with recruiters, and the lessons learned from various interview experiences. He emphasises the significance of networking and community engagement, offering valuable tips for job seekers navigating the challenging job market.Useful Links:Follow Dalbir on LinkedInDalbir's articles: My Job Hunt – A Game of Rejections, Rewrites & Resilience & Why AI will not replace Software TestersJoin Ministry of TestingChapters00:00 Introductions04:26 Dalbir's Job Hunt Experience09:59 Data-Driven Job Applications15:58 Building Relationships with Recruiters21:57 Interview Preparation and Lessons Learned27:57 Final Tips for Job Seekers33:12 EndTakeawaysDalbir has nearly 20 years of experience in software testing.He applied for over 150 jobs during his job hunt.Tracking applications helped him stay organised and focused.He experienced a high rate of being ghosted by recruiters.Building rapport with recruiters can lead to better opportunities.Dalbir learned to customise his CV for each application.Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities.Celebrating small wins is crucial during job hunting.Engaging with the community can lead to unexpected opportunities.Dalbir emphasises the importance of giving back to others.
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33:33
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33:33
Quality Talks Bitesize: Top 5 Tips For Interviewers
SummaryIn this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, hosts Stu and Chris share their top tips for interviewers, focusing on enhancing the candidate experience. They discuss the importance of preparation, humanising the interview process, ensuring diversity in interview panels, effective time management, and being present in both body and mind.Their conversation emphasises creating a welcoming atmosphere for candidates and the significance of providing constructive feedback. To conclude the episode they even share a bonus tip that may be a surprise.......but would could it be?Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Interview Tips01:46 - Tip 5: Do Your Prep Work04:37 - Tip 4: Humanise the Process07:51 - Tip 3: Diversity in Interview Panels13:00 - Tip 2: Time Management in Interviews21:23 - Tip 1: Be Present in the Moment26:10 - Bonus Tip: Make It Fun30:27 EndTakeawaysDo your prep work to understand the candidate better.Humanise the interview process to reduce stress.Diversity in the interview panel helps challenge biases.Time management is crucial for a smooth interview.Be present in body and mind during the interview.Make the interview process fun and engaging.Allow candidates to ask questions throughout the interview.Provide constructive feedback promptly after the interview.Create a welcoming atmosphere to empower candidates.Use active listening to understand candidates better.
Stu & Chris together, have more than 30 years combined experience in the quality, software testing and the general technology industry, and on the Quality Talks podcasts they will be discussing, along with special guests, all the hot topics on everyone minds.....and those that may not be :)
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