Episode Description:

What separates software engineers who merely code from those who drive transformational mission outcomes? Chad sits down with veteran engineers Zil Vyas and Jason Herschcopf to explore the leadership principles that elevate technical teams from functional to exceptional.

This conversation goes beyond typical tech talk to examine the human side of software engineering. Zil and Jason share their unconventional paths into technology—from pharmacy technician to application developer, and childhood programming prodigy to rapid prototyping savant. They dissect career-shaping moments: early mistakes, mentors who reframed failure as learning, and communication strategies that transform defensive code reviews into collaborative growth.

The discussion reveals a fascinating contrast—Zil's structured, edge-case methodology versus Jason's rapid prototyping approach—yet both consistently deliver exceptional results. They tackle cross-functional team dynamics, breaking down organizational silos, and recognizing when to move on from stagnant environments.

As the conversation shifts toward AI and automation, both offer grounded perspectives on how intelligent tooling will amplify rather than replace strategic thinking. Their advice for new graduates cuts through industry noise: prioritize adaptability, communication, and finding work that genuinely energizes you.

Whether you're leading technical teams in mission-critical environments or navigating your own engineering career, this episode delivers battle-tested wisdom on thriving through continuous learning and authentic collaboration.

Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security.

Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.