Michael Carducci
ÜberConf
Denver · July 19 - 22, 2016

Holistic Software Architect @ Truly Magic
Michael Carducci is a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience, an author, and an internationally recognized speaker, blending expertise in software architecture with the artistry of magic and mentalism. His upcoming book, “Mastering Software Architecture,” reflects his deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges of building resilient, effective software systems and high-performing teams. Michael's career spans roles from individual contributor to CTO, with a particular focus on strategic enterprise architecture and digital transformation.
As a magician and mentalist, Michael has captivated audiences in dozens of countries, applying the same creativity and problem-solving skills that define his technology career. He excels in transforming complex technical concepts into engaging narratives, making him a sought-after speaker, trainer, and emcee for internal and tech events worldwide.
In his consulting work, Michael adopts a holistic approach to software architecture, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational realities. He empowers teams, bridges tactical and strategic objectives, and guides organizations through transformative changes, always aiming to create sustainable, adaptable solutions.
Michael's unique blend of technical acumen and performative talent makes him an unparalleled force in both the tech and entertainment industries, driven by a passion for continuous learning and a commitment to excellence.
Presentations
The Influential Engineer Overcoming resistance to change
By the end of this conference you will have learned many new tools and technologies. The easy part is done, now for the hard part: getting the rest of the teamand managementon board with the new ideas. Easier said than done.
Whether you want to effect culture change in your organization, lead the transition toward a new technology, or are simply asking for better tools; you must first understand that having a “good idea” is just the beginning. How can you dramatically increase your odds of success?
You will learn 12 concrete strategies to build consensus within your team as well as 6 technique to dramatically increase the odds that the other person will say “Yes” to your requests.
Soft Skills for the Software Architect: Building Your Professional Network
You've heard the old adage “It's not what you know it's who you know.” The focus of this session is divided between ways to better connect with everyone you meet as well as ways to grow your network, help and influence people and ultimately build long-term relationships and build your reputation.
Scaling Out MySQL - Architectures and Implementation
Whether your goals are higher concurrency, lower latency or high availability; there are proven techniques and strategies you can implement. Each requires careful consideration and comes with it's own challenges.
Productivity for the hopelessly disorganized
It happens to us all; there are simply days where it seems impossible to get anything done. This session focuses on techniques and tips to get into the zone, stay in the zone and to protect your productivity, even in disruptive environments.
Fully Optimize Your Memory
Unlock your latent photographic memory. In this session you'll learn failsafe techniques and systems that allow you to never forget names, appointments, or numbers. In the process you'll be more effective and imaginative at work; improve reading speed and comprehension, and shorten study times.
Stop writing code and start solving problems
Being a professional software engineer, it's easy to fall into the belief that one's role in a company is to write code.
Another perspective might be that one's role is to solve problems for the business and that writing code is merely one of several tools available to help solve those problems.
VDD: Value Driven Development 10 Golden Rules for incremental Greatness
On the NFJS tour, there are questions that seem to come up again and again. One common example is “How do we determine which new tools and technologies we should focus our energy on learning?” another is “How do we stop management from forcing us to cut corners on every release so we can create better and more maintainable code?” which, after awhile becomes “How can we best convince management we need to rewrite the business application?”
There is a single metaanswer to all these questions and many others.
The pursuit of perfection in engineering and art
It begins with a vision - an awe-inspiring idea that both excites and motivates you. Then the compromises begin… Budget, schedule, scope, work/life balance; you're forced to cut a corner here and there and the vision of perfection slips further and further away until the end result is fragile, fetid shell of your original idea. How can we deal with inevitable compromises while maintaining our integrity as engineers (and pride in our work)