Today, I have very exciting news to share: I have accepted a new position as Principal Architect at Cycle Labs! This is a wonderful new job opportunity for me. Watch the video below to learn more:

So, what is Cycle?

Cycle is a way of testing software from inspiration to implementation. Cycle Labs provides an end-to-end test automation platform for the Cycle Testing Process that targets enterprise software, specifically in supply chain and warehouse management. It can test everything from web UIs to APIs, desktop apps, and even green screen terminals. The cornerstone of the platform is CycleScript, a domain-specific language for automating business processes that looks a lot like Gherkin. One thing I love about Cycle is that it truly empowers behavior-focused development and testing.

Now, what is my new job?

I will be the Principal Architect at Cycle Labs! My primary responsibility is building and designing the Cycle testing platform together with the Product & Engineering team. Already, I’m leading a new product vision that will optimize how our customers use our platform for their whole test development process. We have some really cool stuff in the pipeline, and I can’t wait to share more as we build it. It hits so many of my favorite topics: quality, automation, behaviors, languages, and clean architecture.

Why Cycle Labs?

My new architect role might be a surprise for many of you, but others are probably thinking that it’s about time! I’ve known Cycle for years, and I have a long, deep, and personal history with the good folks behind it – particularly with Josh Owen, the CEO. We’ve worked together. We’ve dreamed together. And when Josh opened this new opportunity for me, I just couldn’t say no. I am thrilled to officially become part of Cycle Labs.

When do I start my new role at Cycle Labs?

Well, actually, I’ve already started! My first day was July 31, and I hit the ground running. The main office for Cycle Labs is located in downtown Raleigh, and I’ve been going there in person about once a week.

What about my speaking and community engagements?

I still plan to be active in the software developer and tester communities, but since I won’t be a Developer Advocate anymore, I will be reducing the number of engagements I accept. I’ll probably try to limit myself to only a few important in-person conferences a year and perhaps a handful of virtual events. In the future, I want to focus more on finishing the book I’m writing, and I also have a few cool ideas for other content I can produce. So, stay tuned!

Who do I want to thank?

I have so very many people to thank through my time at Applitools and into my new role at Cycle Labs.

First, I want to thank God for all the opportunities with which He has blessed me.

My wife, Lujing, thank you for always supporting me in my career.

Alex and Sam, thanks for being there when times were tough.

Medic Matt, thanks for always checking in on me and letting me come visit.

Mason Egger, thanks for giving me excellent guidance on how to run a good Developer Relations practice, and also for inviting me to give my first Python conference keynote at PyTexas 2023.

Filip Hric, thanks for being such a great content collaborator and for always being just one Zoom call away.

Sarah Watkins, thanks for the many good times shared over bubble tea, and for joining me at STAREAST and STARWEST to co-teach our BDD tutorial.

Josh Owen, thanks for hiring me to join Cycle Labs! It took a while, but it finally happened.

Everyone on the team at Cycle Labs, thanks so much for the warm welcome, and I’m excited to build great things together.

Joe Moore and Chris Harbert, y’all did right by me. Thank you. I hold much respect for you.

Angie Jones and Moshe Milman, thanks for trusting me to lead the Developer Relations practice at Applitools.

Jenny Bramble, Jenna Charlton, Erin Crise, and Tristan Lombard, y’all share the best insights and advice with deep empathy. I’m thankful that we are all good friends.

All my friends in the community – the list goes on and on – thanks for being my friends and making the past few years wonderful.

So, what’s next?

For the second half of 2023, I want to focus on making a good start at Cycle Labs. I still have a few speaking engagements lined up as well: STARWEST, DjangoCon US, Agile Testing Days, and AutomationSTAR. I have a lot of repairs to do on my classic Volkswagens. I also want to spend more time with my family and our little French Bulldog puppy.

Things change and roles change. I’ve been a Software Engineer in Test, a Developer Advocate, and now a Software Architect. It’s an exciting journey for sure. One thing that remains the same is that I’m still the Automation Panda – and nobody can change that.

Thank you all for the love and support. Let’s be excellent in all things.