Alan Williamson

Observations on software, leadership,
and thinking like a CTO

  • The Hidden “If” in Everything

    Our lives are governed by the humble “if” statement. From stubborn car updates to the inner workings of AI, these two letters dictate our reality. Software logic often lacks empathy. We must surface these buried rules and ensure product managers, not developers, define the conditions that govern our daily lives.

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    The Hidden “If” in Everything

  • 6 tips to put ChatGPT to use

    Introducing ChatGPT for anyone wondering or nervous about getting started. With 6 quick and easy tips, you will get started instantly as you begin to scratch the surface of this powerful AI tool. You will wonder how you ever coped prior. Read Post ⇢

    6 tips to put ChatGPT to use

  • Remote debugging at 15 billion miles

    The complexities of debugging software on Voyager 1, 15 billion miles away, highlight the extraordinary challenges faced by NASA’s JPL engineers. With commands taking 22 hours to reach and another 22 hours for a response, the risks and logistics are daunting. Read Post ⇢

    Remote debugging at 15 billion miles

  • Lessons from Private Equity any company can use

    The book, authored by the Chairman of Bain Capital, emphasizes the value of concise, impactful strategies usually associated with private equity firms. It highlights the importance of regular strategic due diligence, maintaining focus on core initiatives, and ensuring the right personnel are in place. The book offers valuable insights for CEOs and comes highly recommended. Read Post ⇢

    Lessons from Private Equity any company can use

  • Unlocking value from your company data

    Many companies overlook their historical data, dismissing it as obsolete. However, this “legacy experience” can be invaluable for shaping the future. By evaluating data businesses can uncover insights that drive success. Machine learning can unlock the potential of this data, particularly for brick’n’mortar companies. Read Post ⇢

    Unlocking value from your company data

  • AI is hard; and mostly human

    The hype around AI is high, but reality often falls short. Amazon Go’s AI system was actually human-manned, exposing the difficulty of AI and the need for supervised data. Beware the inflated AI promises. Read Post ⇢

    AI is hard; and mostly human

  • How it works: Internet Radio

    Lifting a lid on all the pieces that need to work, in real time, to make Internet radio (and everything else) work. You might be amazed at what happens to something we take for granted. Read Post ⇢

    How it works: Internet Radio

  • 2023 in review

    Today is the 31st of December 2023, not a single cloud in the sky, the weather is unseasonable warm, and parts of the world have already started their 2024.  As I am finding myself usually doing, here is my annual review. Health No major items here to report. I have visibly put on weight and pissed Read Post ⇢

    2023 in review

  • The Art of the KISS

    Writing software that is simple, clean and easy is hard. KISS is easy to say but difficult to put into practice. Read Post ⇢

    The Art of the KISS

  • Failure is an Option

    Trial and error is the only way we learn. Taking chances (not risks) is how we evolve our knowledge and the output to which we are relied upon. Read Post ⇢

    Failure is an Option

the leg-end that is, Alan Williamson.

For over 20 years, I’ve shared my thoughts whenever the muse strikes. It’s unpredictable, honest, unedited, and occasionally witty. I’m living the best years of my life, working harder than ever, and enjoying every second.