About the Gated Signal
The Gated Signal is a tech blog, written by David Stewart, that cuts through the jargon to build confidence with real stories, metaphors, and music. Whether you're starting out, mid-journey, changing jobs, or nearing the end of your career, this blog aims to find the human side of tech.
I’ve been in tech for over two decades. I started out as a code monkey, moved through architecture, and now I find myself in leadership, and I'm still trying to figure out what I actually do some days. I’ve delivered complex software, built platforms, led teams, and spent far too long in meetings with people saying things like “let’s take this offline” and “we’ll circle back.”
Tech can be a wild ride, chaotic, fast-moving, and sometimes ridiculous. It’s also full of amazing people, great ideas, and constant learning. That’s what this blog is about: surfacing the human side of tech through real stories, reflections, metaphors, and music. Always music.
Why this blog exists
Tech has a reputation for being impenetrable. All smoke, mirrors, and three-letter acronyms (TLAs). There’s always a steep learning curve, and too often, it feels like you’re the only one not “in the know.” I want to flatten that curve a bit. This blog exists to build confidence - not by dishing out dry theory, but by sharing the real, messy, and sometimes funny parts of a long tech career.
Who this blog is for
- Starting out in tech? You don’t need to have all the answers. This blog shows that a successful career doesn’t have to follow a perfect plan.
- Changing careers? You bring fresh perspective. Here you’ll find encouragement and stories that make the transition feel a bit less daunting.
- Mid-career and wondering what’s next? You’re not alone. These reflections might help you reconnect with what matters and see your experience in a new light.
- Nearing the end of your tech journey? You’ve earned the right to laugh at the industry that’s paid our mortgage, while keeping us caffeinated and confused for multiple lifetimes.
Why “The Gated Signal”?
It’s a nod to the signal-to-noise ratio in tech. How hard it can be to hear the useful information and content above the noise of the buzzwords. My aim is to cut through the noise, amplify the signal, and maybe make you smile along the way.
Insights, not interference. That's the vibe.
Embrace the Journey
Opinions expressed here are my own and are shaped by my experiences at the time. I'm always learning, reflecting, and evolving, so some older posts may date quickly, and that’s fine. Growth means letting go of certainty.
(Reminder to self: link to future blog post on not being restricted by your beliefs and keeping an open mind as your beliefs will change!)