# 78: Happy Cows

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2014-11-25
- Length: 1h 07m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep78mp3

## Summary

Chris Svec, a senior principal software engineer at iRobot, discusses his concept of 'empathy-driven development' for embedded software teams. He argues that engineers should write code with empathy for future maintainers, new hires, and their own future selves, rather than focusing solely on the 'lone hacker' archetype. Svec highlights how imposter syndrome and the 'rock star' mentality hinder collaboration, and suggests that treating code as readable fiction for multiple audiences can improve team dynamics and product quality.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=6) Introduction: Chris Svec and iRobot
- [1:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=69) Chris Svec's Background at iRobot and Chip Companies
- [2:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=167) Defining Empathy-Driven Development
- [5:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=323) The Lone Hacker Myth and Team Dynamics
- [15:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=951) Imposter Syndrome in Engineering Teams
- [21:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=1267) Tactical Implementation of Empathy
- [33:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=2029) Engineering vs. Business Value
- [39:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=2374) The 6 R's: Readable, Reasoned, Reusable, etc.
- [44:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=2686) Software as Fiction and Audience Awareness
- [54:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=3291) Cognitive Psychology and Learning Books
- [1:03:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-11-25-78-happy-cows#t=3788) iRobot Hiring and Final Thoughts

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- iRobot (company)
- Roomba (product)
- Intel (company)
- AMD (company)
- Cortex-M3 (chip)
- Head First (product)
- Thinking, Fast and Slow (product)
- Make It Stick (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Crossover with Mob Mentailty Part 2](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-10-21-crossover-with-mob-mentailty-part-2) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Agile at Growing Hardware Startups with Matt Cole](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-04-19-agile-at-growing-hardware-startups-with-matt-cole) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Christmas Special](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-12-22-christmas-special) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Terrible Habits of the Solo Developer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-12-16-terrible-habits-of-the-solo-developer) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Coder's Block](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2021-10-26-coders-block) (Oxide and Friends)

## Citing this page

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