The book
The Good Consultant
A book about the craft of technology judgement — written, chapter by chapter, in public.
It isn't a technical manual. It's a collection of principles, approaches, and stories about the judgement behind good technology decisions — the kind that don't show up in a framework or a certification. Reading it now means watching it get written.
Every chapter follows this rhythm, whatever it's about.
Currently in progress
Fire Seeking
The first chapter to reach a full draft — on the deliberate habit of looking for problems before they find you. The rest of the manuscript is still mostly notes; this is where the writing is happening right now.
The manuscript
Sixteen chapters, in progress.
Not a finished table of contents — a living list. Some are a full draft, most are still notes and an intention. It'll stay this way, updated in place, for a long time.
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On Joining
What the first ninety days actually reveal, if you're paying attention.
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On Leaving
Why the way you leave says more than the way you arrived.
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Early draft
Fire Seeking
The deliberate practice of finding problems before they find you.
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Problem Space
Why the fastest way to the wrong answer is a clear brief.
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Solution Space
Options are cheap. Commitment is where the real decision happens.
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Decisions & Accountability
Someone always owns the decision. The question is whether they know it.
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Toxicity
The patterns that quietly poison good teams, and why no one names them.
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Facilitation
The difference between running a meeting and making a room think.
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Influencing
Why being right is rarely enough.
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Pair Programming in the Age of AI
What happens when your pair is a model, not a person.
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Developer Dysfunction
The behaviours good engineers pick up from bad systems.
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AI & Judgement
What AI changes about thinking, and what it doesn't.
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Simplicity
Why simple is a design decision, not an accident.
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Trust
The currency every advisory relationship actually runs on.
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Curiosity
The advantage that doesn't expire.
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Leaving People Stronger
The only measure of a good engagement that matters a year later.