About Me
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Ris.
I've been developing software since 1996 and building for the web professionally since 2004. Currently, I'm a Scrum Master and DevSecOps Software Engineer at General Dynamics. For 9 years, I was also the lead developer for ArchiTECH™ by Barkley.
I'm also a maintainer and contributor to many open-source projects, like Selectize!
You can reach me on my socials:
Bluesky: @risadams.com
Mastodon: @ris@risadams.com
What I'm About
For most of my career, I've been building expertise in web tech, data modeling, and advanced research into human-computer interaction. I also act as a coach and mentor to beginning and mid-career developers.
Here's what drives me:
- I solve problems — that's what I do best.
- I'm passionate about software engineering, agile project/product management, and team leadership.
- I believe in lifelong learning, embracing challenges, and taking ownership.
- I'm deeply interested in Agile practices, DevOps, and continuous improvement.
My Story
In January 2020, two major life events happened that made me re-evaluate everything:
- First, I became a father to a beautiful son who happens to have multiple medical challenges.
- Second, COVID-19 turned the world upside down.
These events shifted my perspective completely. I realized that real growth happens from within, so I started searching for answers in books, blogs, and conversations with others. The biggest revelation? The best way to improve my own career was to share my experience and help others grow.
So I revived my blog and began coaching and mentoring.
Then something amazing happened: I became more focused, more productive, and more involved in my own life. For the first time, I was taking fundamental control of my direction.
Everyone asks if this approach will work for them too. Yes! It's never too late to start helping others grow. My goal is to help people take control of their careers and learn how to shape their lives in ways that make them genuinely happy.
Working With Me
How You Can Help Me
I learn best via doing. I prefer written materials for reference, but I also enjoy watching high-quality videos.
I get excited about new ideas, projects, and challenges. I iterate fast, but may need your help to iterate deliberately and stay on target.
My Personality
I am an INFP-T personality type and an Artist creative type.
I prefer the how over the why.
My greatest strengths are curiosity and endurance.
There is a subtlety and art to madness.
My Working Style
I have strong opinions, that are weakly held. This means I prefer to adapt and grow — my working style evolves over time.
I embrace asynchronous workflows and prefer a semi-flexible daily routine. I believe the best ideas happen when you have flexibility to change your routine and aren't tethered to a specific schedule.
I am a team player who believes in expressing gratitude and respect.
I'm a good listener and think before I speak. This may lead to pauses in conversation, but if anything I say is unclear, please feel free to interject — I'll do my best to clarify.
I respect others' time and wish to have my time respected as well. I prefer long, uninterrupted periods of focused work, which allows me to give 100% attention to one task at a time.
Communication Preferences
I'm typically a morning person — my best work happens before noon. My favorite coffee is a vanilla or hazelnut latte with oat milk.
I follow my calendar religiously, so if something doesn't exist on my calendar, I'm likely to miss it. I promise to be diligent about documenting appointments and calendar-worthy information.
My preferred method of communication is email or Slack, but I am also open to other methods.
What I Assume About Others
I assume positive intent in all interactions.
I assume that you will ask for my help when needed.
I tend to assume we share similar ideals and priorities. You can help remind me what's important to you so I can do the same.
Your work is not the most important thing in your life.
- I assume that relationships and personal interests are more important to your happiness and self-worth.
- It isn't easy to be successful at your job when work distracts and detracts from those things.
Everyone is fighting battles that I know nothing about.
What I Want to Earn
Your trust and respect.
Your psychological safety — I want you to be comfortable with me, to be able to be vulnerable with me, and to share when I could be doing something better.
The opportunity to share my life journey with you and to know yours. I want to establish communities and relationships that will flourish and evolve.