What if you could tap into a more affordable and efficient energy system, all while supporting grid stability? Tune in to our fascinating conversation with Robin Beer, energy data scientist at Flexa, a startup revolutionising the way we consume electricity.

Robin shares the process of creating a virtual power plant that enables consumers to utilise solar and battery resources while strategically managing when to buy and sell electricity based on market conditions and weather forecasts. Not only does this system promise reduced costs, but it also enhances grid stability, offering a win-win solution for consumers and the wider energy network.

Our discussion ventures into the intricate technology behind Flexa's virtual power plant, highlighting the essential role of Python and other tools in optimizing energy trading. We chat about the exciting startup atmosphere in Munich and the importance of cultivating a T-shaped skill set to thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Robin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-beer-7595b680/

Robin's X: https://x.com/R_E_Beer

Flexa: https://www.flexa.energy/

Pybites Circle Community: https://pybites.circle.so/

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If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

This episode is a bit special. Julian is joined by one of his closest friends and former AWS colleagues, Huy Nguyen, to talk about something we often overlook in our careers and lives — the power of genuine human connection.

In 2024, Huy made an unusual choice. He chose to get off the hamster wheel and take a career break to focus the entire year on being present with friends and community. From a Big Fat Greek wedding in Greece to conversations on balconies in Vietnam, his travels weren’t about sightseeing. They were about belonging.

Together, Huy and Julian unpack what it takes to build a strong community over time. Huy shares two timeless principles that guide his approach: show up and be curious. You don’t need any plan or intention beyond these two things. Making time and being interested is enough. Messy is still effective if you show up with curiosity.

They also dig into:

• The quiet epidemic of disconnection, and what to do about it
  
  
• Why texting someone you haven’t spoken to in years is never as weird as you think
  
  
• How connection can be one of the most overlooked forms of self-care
  
  
• Why moments of “I was just thinking about you” matter more than you realize

This episode is warm, honest, and full of the kind of reflections that tend to stick with you. If you've been meaning to reconnect with someone — consider this your invitation.

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Huy Nguyen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huywin/

Saving Five (by Amanda Nguyen): https://pybitesbooks.com/books/dCMFEQAAQBAJ

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

In this episode, Andrea Gosselink, career coach and former HR executive, joins us to unpack the complicated feelings that arise when we find ourselves at a career crossroad. Drawing from both her personal journey and client experiences, Andrea shares why so many successful people still feel unfulfilled despite achieving traditional markers of career success.

We explore the fascinating psychology behind career transitions, including the paralyzing effect of the sunk cost fallacy ("I've already invested so much in this path"), fear of judgment from peers and family, and the limiting belief that there's only one "right" way to progress professionally. Andrea shares actionable frameworks to help evaluate whether a career change is right for you.

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Andrea Gosselink

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-gosselink-cpc-8919027

Website: https://careerlinkcoach.com/

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1