Solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days.

After working on a project for months you realize you built something your customers don’t want/need. Sounds familiar? I’ve been there, you try to take the good lessons and pick up the pieces to try it all over again.

This book offers an alternative to test ideas faster. 7 people from different departments working together for 5 days –some days without a computer– to create a prototype(paper, a key note presentation, clickable interface, etc) that is then tested by real users.

Can’t wait to try it!

~ Sprint, How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz.

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New Orleans is: Jazz

What I enjoyed the most:

  • Street musicians
  • Spectacular mansions in the Garden District
  • Classic Jazz at the Preservation Hall
  • Craft markets

What surprised me the most: Bourbon street is washed every morning, not a pretty picture to be honest.

Traveler tips: Get an all day trolley ticket for $3 and explore the Garden District. Cafe du Monde is empty before 7am. Go to frenchmen street for good music and Royal street for a nice walk and galleries.

Souvenir: New Orleans iron bottle opener.

New Orleans

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Don’t stop taking action, don’t over think it, and don’t expect to be perfect. Be prepared to fail, get over it quickly, learn the lesson and try again.

 

~ The confidence book: Katty Kay,  Claire Shipman

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Women in tech breakfast @Freehand Chicago

@NicoleRVasquez: Tips for new devs

  • Do it
  • Document it
  • Get involved
  • Be supportive

@agathaR5555: Things to consider when looking for your next opportunity:

  • Role
  • People
  • Company

@JLUnrein: How to break into a male dominated field?

  • Go to events
  • Find mentors and contemporaries, check with them frequently.
  • Men as allies? Yes, super important but they are hard to find!

@jamiewo: Advice for aspiring WiT

  • Surround yourself with the right people
  • Fake it until you make it
  • Before an important meeting do a yoga power pose!

 

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People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.

~ Simon Sinek

 

While most people and organizations can answer what they do and even how they do it, most can’t answer why. Starting by knowing the why can transform organizations and create inspiring leaders.

Clearwater, FL

Clearwater is: White sand and seashells

What I enjoyed the most:

  • Walks on the beach picking up seashells along the way
  • Walk to Caladesi Island State Park, a long walk!
  • Sunset at Pier 60

What surprised me the most: The seashells along the beach are so pretty, so many shapes and so many colors. On the way to the Caladesi State Park we found  some trees decorated with shells, I couldn’t resist so I picked up a shell and hang it on the tree!

Something to remember: Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber has some good clam chowder. Basimo Beach cafe is the perfect way to start the day.

Souvenir: A little green glass turtle

Clearwater, FL

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Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is: Cobble stone streets, red roofs and a vibrant promenade with the perfect mix of foreigners and locals

What I enjoyed the most:

  • Promenade walks
  • The people and good
  • Beer, sun and music on the beach

What surprised me the most: The talented street performers in “Los Arcos” entertaining every single night!

Something to remember: Vallarta factory has the best coffee and service. You can’t go wrong with $1 coronas on the beach at The sea monkey!

Souvenir: A glass sea horse

Puerto Vallarta, Jal

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Iglesia de Juan Bautista

Huasca de Ocampo, Hgo. Mex. also known as the first “Pueblo Magico”(magic town) is a quaint  town surrounded by forest peaks. Red roofs and stone paved streets offer a real Mexican flavor to visitors.

Huasca is: Elves

What I enjoyed the most:

  • Our stay in Huasca Sierra Verde, great family time!
  • Drinking a giant michelada while walking through the town
  • The craft markets
  • Learning about the elves myths and tales

What surprised me the most: The street vendors asking us to buy fried crickets!

Something to remember: In October Huasca can go from really cold and rainy one day to sunny and hot the next!

Souvenir: A little mushroom

Huasca de Ocampo, Hgo

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South Haven

South Haven. A beautiful town with a big Harbor on Lake Michigan. Only a couple of hours from Chicago is perfect for a weekend getaway.

South Haven is: Lighthouses, sand dunes and beautiful views of the Lake Michigan.

What I enjoyed the most: Picnic at the Van Buren State Beach & Dunes.

What surprised me the most: The proximity to Chicago and how beautiful the landscape is.

Something to remember: ec*lec*tic has the best coffee

Souvenir: A small lighthouse

South Haven

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Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA sits at the junction of 3 rivers: The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. Surrounded by hills and valleys it’s a great option for a weekend get away.

Pittsburgh is: Bridges and stairs

What I enjoyed the most:

What surprised me the most: All the stairs everywhere! In fact I learned Pittsburgh has over 700 sets of city-owned steps

Something to remember: Google maps “Pittsburgh Airport” to 911th Airlift Wing(behind the airport).

Souvenir: A yellow hand towel that reads “The terrible towel”

Pittsburgh

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