Take 5 with Jamie Howard, Allstacks

Jamie Howard
VP of Engineering
Allstacks

Alma Mater: NCSU, CSC

About Allstacks: Allstacks is a value stream intelligence platform giving software organizations visibility and insights into how well they build software and shape their outcomes.

We do this by aggregating historical data from all delivery tools (Jira, GitHub etc.) into an intelligence layer that provides meaningful, blended metrics that allow product and engineering leaders to report and forecast project progress, health, and productivity.

What makes you excited to go to work each day?

I love helping teams grow and mature to become more than the sum of their parts, supporting individuals as they develop into the best versions of themselves, and proving that you can exceed business expectations by putting people first.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

While I don't hide my love of boardgaming very well, I think the size of my collection, over 280 titles at last check, surprises most people.

Why are you involved with NC TECH and what's your favorite activity or event?

I think management, especially in engineering, can be a lonely profession and anything we can do as a community to make it less so helps us be better for our teams that are relying on us. I like events best when we can share stories, learnings, and empathy with one another.

What's your favorite hidden gem in North Carolina?

It's not one single place, but the state, especially around the Triangle and Charlotte, are becoming extremely popular in the national Disc Golf scene, leading to a great community of folks as well as some amazing courses, incredible local talent, and professional tournaments hosting top players.

There is so much entertainment available these days - give us a recommendation for a favorite television or podcast series.

As a leader who prioritizes people, it's hard not to fall in love with Ted Lasso. He's kind, funny, flawed, vulnerable, and loyal. I'm very much looking forward to season three despite knowing it will be bittersweet to watch the final one.

Interested in submitting a piece for the NC TECH blog?

New in 2022, The Take 5 series features brief 5 question interviews with leaders who are making an impact within their organization and in the community. The interviews are shared in the monthly e-newsletter, blog and through social media.