The Architecture of Rationality
salon
Shape knowledge systems, not CRUD.
Meet in Real Life
Thinking, Together.
Selected keynotes, talks, workshops, interviews—and other encounters.
Upcoming Events
Recent Events
Knowledge Flow: Designing Actual Intelligence
keynote
How do you design information systems when knowledge falls into the gaps between teams, priorities, and software? This keynote explores how intelligence actually emerges — through knowledge flow.
From Feature Factory to Forge
workshop
Turn feature requirements into coherent system design in this hands-on, collaborative modeling session. Forge relationships — between concepts, people, and time — through a real-world scenario where assumptions hide and understanding diverges. Discover how shared structure and temporal intelligence change everything.
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
A three-hour workshop on systems thinking for software professionals. Understand how to view software systems holistically, recognize and correct common mistakes, and develop strategies to improve systems-thinking skills.
Architecture as a Collective Practice: A Role-Playing Simulation
workshop
You’ve just joined Mago — and the system is on fire. In this first-of-its-kind role-playing simulation, you'll navigate organizational chaos, consult fictional execs, and deliver an architectural recommendation under pressure. Practice systemic reasoning, evolve models together, and experience architecture as a collective, socio-technical practice. And have wicked fun doing it.
Architecting Emergent Meaning: Designing Temporal Intelligence
talk
For decades we’ve built software and organizations around plans and repositories — but knowledge isn’t static. In this keynote, Diana Montalion introduces Emergent Meaning Architecture (EMA): a new paradigm for designing systems that think with us. EMA turns architecture from rigid pipelines into living, relational systems where meaning emerges, adapts, and flows.
In Conversation
Interviews
Interview
Software Architecture, Design Thinking & Knowledge Flow -- GOTO 2024
Interview at GOTO 2024 discusses systems thinking in software architecture and how effective knowledge flow shapes organizational dynamics and team performance.
Interview
Writing as Thinking
Frontmatter
Knowledge workers often struggle to create and maintain conceptual integrity in their ideas, but writing serves as a crucial practice for achieving it. Writing enhances metacognition, synthesis of knowledge, exploration of new insights, integration of ideas, and structured learning, fostering better collective decision-making and integrative leadership that can drive meaningful change.
Interview ·
Beyond the Hype: Real Talk on AI-Assisted Development
goto; Podcast
Diana Montalion and Jessica Kerr debunk myths about AI in coding, highlighting its proficiency in mundane tasks like typing and error correction, but noting its shortcomings in complex problem-solving. They advocate for a balanced approach where AI aids in automation and prototyping, enhancing rather than supplanting the nuanced expertise of developers.
Interview ·
Why Learning Systems Thinking is Essential in Tech
Techie Leadership
Discusses the importance of systems thinking in tech careers, highlighting its principles and benefits over linear thinking.
Interview ·
Designing For Knowledge Flow
InfoQ Podcast
Thomas Betts and Diana Montalion delve into the design of architecture for knowledge flow, differentiating between knowledge stock and flow, and emphasizing the need for a growth mindset to innovate in problem-solving.
Interview ·
Learning Systems Thinking
Satisfying Software
In this episode of Satisfying Software, Diana Montalion, author of "Learning Systems Thinking," discusses her experience in guiding software teams through complex systems, emphasizing the importance of trust-building, accepting the temporality of being right, and incorporating intuition into decision-making processes.
Interview ·
Why Engineers And Architects See Software Differently
The Engineering Room
Diana Montalion, an expert on large-scale systems, delves into the limitations of traditional software development and advocates for systems thinking over reductionism, using examples from distributed systems and event-driven architectures.
Interview ·
Software Systems Aren't Just Software
Developer Voices
Discover the art of mastering large software systems with Diana Montalion, coder and author, as we delve into the complexities of systems thinking and learn to navigate and improve the intricate web of users, employees, and interdependencies that make up the system.
Interview ·
Navigating Complexity with Systems Thinking
goto; Podcast
Andrew Harmel-Law and Diana Montalion delve into the importance of systems thinking in software and organizations, with Montalion underscoring its necessity over linear problem-solving in her book "Learning Systems Thinking" and advocating for collaborative leadership in complex settings.
Interview ·
Learning Systems Thinking
Software Architektur im Stream
Explore the distinction between Systems Thinking and non-linear thinking with Diana Montalion and Lisa Maria Schäfer, as they delve into insights from Diana's new book on essential nonlinear skills for software professionals.
Interview ·
Learning Systems Thinking: Essential Nonlinear Skills and Practices for Software Professionals
goto; Podcast
Dive into the challenges of implementing systems thinking in resistant tech organizations with Diana Montalion and Charles Humble's conversation, highlighting the need for resilience, community, and acceptance of delayed recognition in the face of power dynamics and skepticism.
Interview ·
Thinking About Thinking
Happy Path Programming
Diana Montalion enlightens us on the importance of Systems Thinking in software development.
Interview ·
From a bookstore to systems thinking
Software Developers Journey
Diana's journey from a childhood love for computers to opening a Montana bookshop, and finally embracing her passion for programming, leading her to become a systems expert in Austin, TX.
Interview ·
Interview with Diana Montalion, Author of Writing as Thinking: Practices for Technology Professionals
Frontmatter
Diana Montalion discusses her journey to becoming a systems architect and the link between writing and non-linear thinking in a Leanpub interview with co-founder Len Epp.
Interview ·
APIs in a Non-Linear World
APIs Unplugged
Mike and Matt explore the intertwining of APIs, software architecture, and non-linear thinking with Diana Montalion, revealing potent applications for digital transformation.
Interview ·
Non-linear Thinking
Software Architektur im Stream
Diana Montalion, an expert in nonlinear and systems thinking, reveals how these approaches enhance modern software architecture and their significance in tackling complex challenges.
Interview ·
Systems Thinking
Beyond Coding
Diana Montalion emphasizes the importance of systems thinking, which deviates from our usual linear mindset, to enhance software development and unlock new opportunities by understanding user needs in various contexts.
Interview ·
Systems Thinking
Add Dot
Discover Diana's expert strategies on system design and knowledge synthesis in our enlightening discussion.
Interview ·
DrupalCon Austin
Modules Unraveled
DrupalCon is set to take place in Austin from June 2-6, with additional sprints before and after the event. The choice of Austin reflects its vibrant tech and Drupal communities, previously showcased during DrupalCamp Austin. The event will likely be supported by local organizations such as Four Kitchens and Whole Foods, mirroring the collaborative efforts seen in Portland. Drupal's presence in Austin is intertwined with the use of technologies like node.js, signaling a strong local adoption.
Archive of Events
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
Join Diana Montalion's 3-hour workshop to learn systems thinking for software professionals, where you'll understand how to view software systems holistically, recognize and correct common mistakes, and develop strategies to improve systems-thinking skills. This course is ideal for technologists who seek to integrate diverse expertise, work with complex systems, and become leaders who can foster collaborative, insightful environments with minimal oversight.
Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow
talk
Explore how the tech industry's emphasis on knowledge stock limits potential and why fostering knowledge flow is crucial for decision-making and adapting to change, including the distinction between data types, the shift from management to systems leadership, and the development of knowledge systems as a core practice.
Panel about Systems Thinking, Complexity Thinking
talk
Nigel Thurlow hosts a debate on systems and complexity thinking with experts Dave Snowden and Diana Montalion, discussing the conflation of terminology, the difference between systems thinking and complex systems, and whether their views align or diverge on these nuanced topics.
Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow
talk
The tech industry needs to shift from focusing on individual knowledge stock to fostering knowledge flow to make better decisions amidst change. This involves understanding the differences between data, information, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, and recognizing the importance of developing knowledge systems as a core architectural practice.
Qualities of a Well-Functioning System
keynote
Diana emphasizes the intricacies and adaptive qualities such as resilience and self-organization within hierarchical structures of software systems.
Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow
keynote
The tech industry must pivot from valuing individual knowledge to promoting knowledge exchange and system development for improved decision-making in a dynamic environment.
The Friction Fix: Building Collaborative Relationships Between Teams
talk
Diana Montalion and Cat Morris will explore the root causes of friction between product and technology teams, providing practical strategies based on their 30+ years of experience to foster effective collaboration and informed decision-making for impactful outcomes.
Mindshifts: Thriving in the Systems Age
keynote
In a world of rapid, nonlinear change and complex digital ecosystems, it's crucial to reexamine the outdated, mechanistic approaches to software development and embrace four transformative mindshifts to flourish in the systems age.
Panel: Bridging the Gap
talk
Join Frank Buschmann and experts Erik Dörnenburg, Gregor Hohpe, Diana Montalion, and Xin Yao as they explore and discuss strategies to bridge the divide in software products and teams caused by various market, technical, social, and economic factors.
Writing as Thinking: Pecha Kucha
talk
Pecha Kucha offers 10 rapid-fire talks on topics like AI and Agile, with each speaker using 20 slides for a 6-minute, 40-second impactful presentation.
Architecture Isn't Kubernetes - NDC London 2025
talk
One of the most contentious words in technology culture today is “Architect.” I experience an endless stream of divisive, confusing opinions about what "architecture" means. At a conference, an attendee noticed that my badge said "architect" and told me "I want to be an architect too, but I don't know enough about Kubernetes yet".
Architecture, in the systems age, is not (just) Kubernetes. It's not the implementation of any particular toolset. Architecture is designing relationships between parts and adapting those relationship patterns as circumstances change. This requires engaging our mental models and working together to transform them.
The architecture skillset is sociotechnical -- a blend of social and technology skills. In the modern age, there is no division between the way we think together and the code running in production. Our thinking designs our architecture. Architecture is structuring good systems thinking.
In this talk, I will admit that sometimes architecture is Kubernetes. And share five essential qualities that make a good architect a great architect, regardless of the toolset they employ.
Architecture isn't Kubernetes
talk
In the systems age, being an architect transcends knowledge of tools like Kubernetes; it's about designing and adapting the interplay between system components, requiring a sociotechnical skillset that merges social and technological expertise. This talk will explore five key qualities that define a great architect, beyond any specific tool proficiency.
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
In this systems thinking workshop, software professionals will learn to navigate the increasing complexity of modern systems through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios. Participants will develop skills in critical self-reflection, decision-making, and crafting recommendations amidst uncertainty, using tools like the Iceberg Model. The workshop is aimed at those working in complex, cross-functional environments and focuses on overcoming linear thinking, fostering quality architectural thinking, and providing modern leadership in software as information systems. Testimonials praise the workshop's structure, relevance, and the instructor's engaging delivery.
DDD Academy 2024
Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow
interview
Explore how transitioning from valuing knowledge stock to fostering knowledge flow can revolutionize the tech industry, by understanding the nuances between information, knowledge, wisdom, and data, redefining management through systems leadership, and developing knowledge systems to adapt to the increasing complexity in technology.
SAG Berlin 2024
Systems Architecture - Live Experience!
interview
Step into the role of an architect at MAGO, the world's leading magazine and digital producer, to tackle an impending crisis with your team. Engage in a collaborative, egalitarian approach to architecture, enhancing fundamental software systems-thinking skills. As you build recommendations, exchange advice, and adapt to systemic challenges, you'll refine real-world capabilities in communication, decision-making, and improvisational systems design. This dynamic workshop promises not only skill development but also an enjoyable experience in creating impactful solutions amidst complexity.
SAG Berlin 2024
Beyond Kubernetes: 5 Traits Of A Great Architect
talk
Diana Montalion delves into the core of architecture beyond Kubernetes, highlighting systems thinking and communication as vital traits of a successful architect.
Essential Non-linear Skills and Practices for Software Professionals
workshop
Discover how systems thinking can revolutionize your career by improving decision-making and leadership in complex environments. In this workshop, you'll gain hands-on experience in creating conceptual models, avoiding common pitfalls, and crafting recommendations amidst uncertainty. Learn to navigate software and information systems using systemic models and nonlinear approaches to foster impactful organizational change.
Architecture is not Kubernetes
keynote
"Architecture transcends specific tools like Kubernetes; it's about designing the interplay between system components and evolving these designs with changing circumstances. It involves sociotechnical skills, blending technology with social interaction, and shaping mental models. My talk will discuss the true nature of architecture and reveal five key qualities that distinguish a great architect.”
Architecture isn't Kubernetes
keynote
In a technology culture where “Architect” sparks debate, this talk challenges the notion that architecture is about mastering tools like Kubernetes. Instead, it emphasizes architecture as the art of designing and evolving relationships between system components, a sociotechnical skill requiring good systems thinking. The speaker will identify five key qualities that define a great architect beyond any specific toolset.
Essential Non-linear Skills and Practices for Software Professionals
workshop
In this workshop, software professionals learn the importance of systems thinking over traditional linear approaches to better understand and influence the complex interplay within software systems and organizations. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, use conceptual models, and apply systems-thinking tools to tackle real-world challenges, ultimately improving their decision-making and leadership skills in an increasingly interconnected software landscape.
Jax NY 2024
Architecture Isn't Kubernetes
talk
A thought-provoking critique that challenges the prevalent overuse of Kubernetes by advocating for a focus on broader architectural patterns and systemic relationships.
goto CPH 2024
Masterclass: Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
Learn to navigate the complexity of software systems with a workshop on non-linear skills and practices for software professionals. This session emphasizes the importance of systems thinking to address interdependent software and services, offering hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios to understand patterns, create conceptual models, and craft impactful decisions amid uncertainty. You'll explore the limitations of linear thinking, leverage systemic change models like the Iceberg Model, and improve architectural thinking, preparing you to lead change in your organization. Diana Montalion, author and expert on systems thinking, will guide you through these essential practices for a modern style of software leadership.
goto CPH 2024
Software Architecture, Design Thinking & Knowledge Flow
interview
Diana and Kris explore the dynamic role of an architect in technology, emphasizing systems thinking to better understand and address the complexities of organizational structure and communication. They discuss the architect's need to adapt to different challenges, the ineffectiveness of siloed teams, and the importance of focusing on relationships within the system to create effective solutions. By prioritizing knowledge flow, addressing systemic patterns, and fostering a shared purpose, architects can guide organizations towards more resilient and integrated operations.
goto CPH 2024
Software Architecture, Design Thinking & Knowledge Flow
interview
This interview took place at GOTO Copenhagen 2024.
goto CPH 2024
Intro to Systems Thinking
workshop
In this workshop, participants will explore why systems thinking is a challenging skill to master, identify common obstacles, and learn core practices to address systemic issues effectively. Utilizing tools like the Iceberg Model, attendees will gain insights into the root causes of recurring problems and how to develop impactful solutions, acknowledging that often the system, not its individual components, is at fault for performance issues as highlighted by experts like Peter Senge and W. Edwards Deming.
Socrates UK 2024
Intro To Systems Thinking
workshop
In this workshop, participants will delve into the intricacies of systems thinking, identifying common obstacles to mastering it, and learning core practices to address systemic problems effectively, employing tools like the Iceberg Model to uncover root causes and create impactful recommendations.
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
A 3-hour interactive workshop designed to equip software professionals with critical nonlinear thinking skills and practices.
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
Join a 3-hour interactive workshop designed to equip software professionals with crucial nonlinear thinking skills.
Using The Iceberg Model to Improve Sociotechnical Systems
workshop
This workshop aims to address the patriarchal structure in software development using the Iceberg Model to identify the underlying mental models, patterns, and structures that perpetuate gender imbalance, despite a male-dominated workforce at 92%. It will teach software professionals to analyze systemic issues, envision a more equitable system architecture, and explore impactful changes without reinforcing dichotomous thinking. Participants should acknowledge the gender imbalance issue and have an interest in systemic design tools and methodologies.
DDDEU 2024
Don't Hit the Iceberg
keynote
Experts in systems thinking, like Peter Senge and W. Edwards Deming, emphasize that performance issues are often systemic rather than due to individual components, while Jay Forrester and Donella Meadows highlight the counterintuitive nature of problem-solving and the cost-effectiveness mindset hindering societal self-preservation. The Iceberg Model is proposed as a tool for software professionals to understand and address the root causes of systemic challenges, but effectively navigating these complexities requires dedicated practice.
NewCrafts 2024
Practice Systems Thinking
workshop
Join our 2-day, in-person workshop tailored for software professionals creating cutting-edge, event-driven systems, designed to enhance your skills in developing modern interdependent software.
NewCrafts 2024
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
Join Diana Montalion's 3-hour workshop to learn systems thinking for software professionals, where you'll understand how to view software systems holistically, recognize and correct common mistakes, and develop strategies to improve systems-thinking skills. This course is ideal for technologists who seek to integrate diverse expertise, work with complex systems, and become leaders who can foster collaborative, insightful environments with minimal oversight.
OR Live Course April 2024
Learning Systems Thinking
workshop
Discover the power of systems thinking with Diana Montalion to navigate the complexities of software systems and organizations, learning to connect, interact, and model components for better decision-making and outcomes.
Critical Shifts in Thinking for the Systems Age
keynote
Explore the need for a paradigm shift in software development to thrive in an era of staggering change, where traditional mechanistic approaches fall short, and adopting a systems thinking mindset is crucial for success.
The Friction Fix: Building Collaborative Relationships Between Teams
talk
Diana Montalion and Cat Morris explore the root causes of friction between product and technology teams, offering practical strategies based on their 30+ years of experience to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing for better decision-making and impactful outcomes.
Systems Thinking for Software Professionals
workshop
Systems thinking is crucial for software professionals to understand the deeper causes of systemic issues, as emphasized by experts like Peter Senge and W. Edwards Deming. The Iceberg Model is a tool that helps discern the root causes of problems in technology and people systems. Continuous practice is key to effectively navigate and resolve these complex challenges, beyond just adopting new technologies like Kubernetes.
Explore DDD 2024
Systems Thinking for Software Professionals
talk
Systems thinking is crucial for software improvement, learning from experts like Peter Senge who points out our misdirected blame, W. Edwards Deming's emphasis on systemic issues over individual faults, Jay Forrester's revelation of counterproductive fixes, and Donella Meadows' take on cost-effectiveness. Embracing this mindset, beyond just adopting technologies like Kubernetes, is vital; as Robert Pirsig suggests, without changing underlying rationality, problems will persist. The Iceberg Model serves as a practical tool for identifying root causes, yet mastering such approaches requires dedication.
Explore DDD 2024
From Software To Systems
talk
Diana Montalion delves into the crucial nonlinear skills and practices beyond mainstream IT knowledge, necessary for senior software engineers to evolve from mere coding to truly transformative system design.
O'Reilly Software Development Superstream: Becoming a Senior Software Engineer
Writing as Thinking
course
Technologists build actionable knowledge from abstractions, often struggling with conceptual integrity, but writing practices can be the key to achieving it.
Becoming a Senior Software Engineer
talk
Diana Montalion delves into the critical nonlinear skills and practices vital for senior software engineers, stressing the need to evolve thinking patterns beyond mastering cloud native architectures, Kafka, Kubernetes, GoLang, and Terraforming, to truly innovate rather than just upgrading tools for building conventional systems.
SS Senior Dev 2024
2024
Don't Hit the Iceberg
keynote
Modern software architecture has evolved from monolithic, code-heavy applications to complex, interconnected systems. The Iceberg model in systems thinking highlights that true digital transformation requires addressing not just visible events and patterns, but also the underlying mental models that shape our approach to building these systems. Many digital transformations fail because they don't change foundational thinking; real progress demands a shift from linear to systems thinking, embracing collaboration and a reevaluation of our cognitive frameworks to effectively design and scale architectures.
From Code To Complexity - Shifting To Systems Thinking In Software Development
keynote
Diana Montalion's #SAG2023 keynote “Don't Hit the Iceberg" explores the shift from traditional software development to complex systems, advocating for a change in mental models to embrace systems thinking for effective digital transformation.
Architecture Isn't Kubernetes
keynote
Explore the true essence of being an architect beyond mastering tools like Kubernetes. Discover how architecture involves designing dynamic relationships within systems and requires a sociotechnical skillset that blends social interaction and technology. Learn about the five vital qualities that elevate a good architect to greatness in this insightful talk.
Innoq Technology Day 2023
GSAS: Q&A with Expert Panel
talk
Discover the intersection of creativity and precision in architecture through insights from leading experts at the conference.
Global Software Architecture Summit 2023
Systems Thinking: Essential Nonlinear Skills
workshop
Join us at the Barcelona software architecture Summit for a workshop on enhancing systems thinking and non-linear skills, vital for navigating the complexities of modern, interdependent software ecosystems.
Global Software Architecture Summit 2023
From Software To Systems: Modern Agility
talk
In this talk, I'll share how Agile principles are crucial for scaling software development, drawing from my transition from Agile teams to a principal systems architect role, and why mental and social agility are essential for handling complex, inter-relational architectures, despite common claims that Agile is obsolete.
From Software to Systems: Modern Agility
talk
Former Agile team member turned principal systems architect discusses the importance of maintaining agility in teams as software scales to complex systems, debunking claims that Agile is outdated and emphasizing its role in effective scalability and architectural cohesion.
Better Ways 2023
Collective Architecture: Live RPG Experience!
workshop
Embark on a unique RPG workshop at Mago, the leading magazine and digital product producer, as a new architect tasked with navigating a looming crisis alongside a diverse team of colleagues. Engage with NPCs, build consensus, and strengthen real-world skills such as systemic reasoning, adaptation to feedback, and creating effective architectural recommendations. This collaborative experience promises to enhance your ability to work with others, evolve mental models, and have fun while mastering the art of improvisational systems design.
DDDEU 2023
Architecture Over Architects
talk
This talk delves into the evolving role of a software architect and the importance of smart architecture in managing complex software systems. It discusses the nature of architectural decisions, effective collaboration within and between teams, the "advice process,” and strategies for handling common challenges in the field.
CodeCamp Festival 2023
Patterns for Moving from Static to Dynamic (Hypermedia, GraphQL) APIs
talk
Diana discusses redesigning information schemas in hyperconnected systems, moving away from static API endpoints to dynamic, flexible structures that cater to diverse consumer needs. Using real-world examples, she demonstrates how transforming traditional content into flexible relationships can enhance information retrieval through Hypermedia APIs or GraphQL, proving crucial in our ubiquitously connected world.
Strengthening Systems Thinking by Writing
talk
DDD conferences emphasize modeling but often overlook the importance of writing. Writing is a crucial tool for thinking and maintaining conceptual integrity in system design. Regular writing practices enhance metacognition, synthesis of knowledge, learning, and collaborative thinking. This hands-on talk will involve participants in writing exercises, discussions on free writing, systemic reasoning, structuring recommendations, and navigating feedback—all with a promise of enjoyment and a suggestion to bring a favorite pen.
DDD SoCal 2023
Systems Thinking 101
talk
Explore the fundamentals of systems thinking, a crucial methodology for effective software architecture and design.
DDD SoCal 2023
Architecture Over Architects
keynote
This talk delves into the evolving role of software architects, advocating for a shift from traditional views to seeing architecture as a dynamic, technology-agnostic practice integral to team collaboration. It examines the nature of architectural decisions, effective decision-making practices within and across teams, and lessons learned from the "advice process.”
VDDD Architecture Decision Making Gathering 2023
Nonlinear Thinking
workshop
This workshop aims to shift participants from linear to nonlinear thinking, emphasizing systems thinking's importance for tackling complex IT challenges. Attendees will learn to craft conceptual integrity, self-awareness, systemic reasoning, and identify leverage points through a mix of individual and group exercises, using a real-world challenge as a case study. The workshop is designed for IT professionals experienced in technology changes and promises interactive engagement, with additional resources provided for further learning.
Software Architecture Gathering 2022
Architecture Over Architects
talk
As software becomes increasingly complex, the need for strategic, adaptable architecture is crucial. This talk delves into the essence of architectural decisions, effective collaboration within and between teams, the "advice process," and common pitfalls in architecture, emphasizing that architecture is a critical, technology-independent skill practiced at multiple organizational levels.
A Commune in the Ivory Tower
keynote
At DDD Europe's unconventional keynote, speakers Andrew Harmel-Law, Diana Montalion, Mike Rozinsky, Gayathri Thiyagarajan, and Dan Young invite attendees to engage in a participatory session focused on the evolving role of architects and the significance of architecture in production. The session encourages sharing ideas and reflections on how architecture can be a collaborative yet orderly practice within different contexts, with Andrew discussing his experiences and concerns about supporting teams effectively without hindering their progress.
DDDEU 2022
The Hard Skills?
talk
After transitioning from building software to creating complex information systems, it's crucial for IT professionals to adopt nonlinear thinking and communication practices, beyond just technical skills in cloud-native architectures and programming, to truly succeed in the digital transformation era.
Virtual DDD June 2022
From Software to Systems: Skills we Need Now
talk
Experience the shift from building software to creating complex, interconnected systems in IT, and learn the nonlinear thinking skills essential for navigating the digital transformation landscape, beyond just mastering cloud-native technologies.
CodeCamp Festival 2022
Integration Leadership
talk
Explore the essence of effective leadership, focusing on synthesizing knowledge and experience with sound judgment to make decisions under uncertainty, while upholding integrity despite systemic challenges.
Leadership eXchange Forum 2022
Reasoning systematically: the art of integration leadership
workshop
In this workshop, we explore the importance of systemic reasoning and argumentation in transforming mental models and communication patterns within organizations, which is crucial for successful architectural changes such as the implementation of microservices. This skill, referred to as Integration Leadership, surpasses technical expertise by enabling collective problem-solving under uncertainty, and is honed through methods of inquiry, integrating viewpoints, and empowering others to make informed decisions. Feedback from participants highlights the workshop's effectiveness in fostering deeper analysis and developing well-organized, convincing arguments.
Software Architecture Gathering 2021
Architecture As Systemic Reasoning
talk
Discover how to navigate uncertainty and build trust through argumentation with Diana, as she teaches the art of crafting compelling, well-organized arguments that integrate diverse perspectives without relying on emotion or force.
Architecture is Systemic Reasoning
talk
Knowledge workers often struggle to create cohesive and actionable insights from a myriad of thoughts and experiences, frequently encountering dead ends in the process. However, writing serves as a crucial practice for crafting conceptual integrity, enhancing metacognition, synthesizing knowledge, and fostering collective understanding. Effective writing practices help align individual thought processes, encourage exploration of new insights, and support integrative leadership, ultimately leading to better decision-making and lasting change.
Mindshift: Cultivating Trustworthy Thinking
keynote
Modern architectures demand more than just Kubernetes proficiency; success hinges on a collective mindset shift and fostering communication that builds trust. This talk will discuss how to practice systemic reasoning to collaboratively craft sound reasoning and solutions amidst constant uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of mental models and communication in delivering effective microservices.
Seacon 2021
Reasoning systematically: the art of integration leadership
workshop
Hone your argumentation skills in our workshop to navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions, enhancing leadership regardless of position, while energizing creativity. Learn what argumentation entails, what it's not, and practice structuring claims with supportive reasoning, culminating in the ability to foster trust and good judgment in collaborative environments.
Speaking Truth to Power: A Foundational Skillset
talk
Discover how to navigate the complexities of software architecture and improve team communication with DDD by mastering fundamental truths and practices, such as effective argumentation, collective reasoning, and recognizing fallacies, while cultivating productive energy in your discussions. This workshop will equip you with the skills to integrate continuous learning and conceptual integrity into your work, and provide practice materials for further development at home.
Virtual DDD May 2020
Systems are Communications Structures
talk
Discover how the art of collective reasoning, with roots seven centuries deep, enhances software and system design through sociotechnical methods for logical decision-making, as practiced in the creation of systems behind The Economist, Wikipedia, and The World Monuments Fund.
Making a Case for Conceptual Integrity
keynote
Systems architecture involves navigating uncertainty and differing opinions to create the best solution, recognizing that "best" and "possible" are subjective terms. Rushing to concretize ideas can lead to inflexibility, so it's crucial to embrace uncertainty and understand the problem deeply before advocating for a solution. Interdependent decisions shape the system's quality, with conceptual integrity being paramount. Fred Brooks asserts that the absence of conceptual integrity results in disjointed systems, whereas success requires bridging business and technical strategies and fostering collaboration among teams to address the true underlying problems and devise effective solutions.
MuCon 2019
Content Systems Architecture: Approaches in a Decoupled World
talk
Diana Montalion's experience at The Economist showcases the evolution from traditional content management to modern content systems architecture, emphasizing the shift from strategic planning to collaborative strategic thinking, integrating systems, and reflecting the system's qualities while narrating its story.
Collaboration in Diverse Teams
keynote
Embracing diversity in tech extends beyond gender to include multinational perspectives, turning potential challenges into assets for problem-solving and community building, despite the difficulty in transforming walls into bridges.
Design4Drupal 2015
Drupal 8 for Drupalistas
workshop
Learn cutting-edge skills with the inaugural training session for the latest Drupal release, tailored for developers.
DrupalCon Los Angeles
Decoupling The Economist
talk
Discover how The Economist is evolving its digital presence by integrating a decoupled microservices architecture, utilizing Drupal 6 with an added API, GoLang midTier services, and a front end powered by Node.js and ReactJS, all while aiming to create a seamless continuous integration and deployment workflow.
Drupal NYC Oct 2015
2015
Drupal 8 for Drupalistas
workshop
Learn the ropes of the latest Drupal update with this premiere developer training.
DrupalCon Amsterdam
Solution Architecture: Designing a strategy for project success
talk
The inception of a project sparks a struggle for dominance, yet true strategy—embracing complexity and fostering collaborative vision—is the essence of power, transcending mere control, particularly in software development's realm of solution architecture.
DrupalCamp CO 2014
Responsive First: Design and Build a Site for All Devices
workshop
Learn to create universally compatible themes in this pioneering class from the "Cross-Device Theme Development" conference.
DrupalCamp Austin 2011
PHP for NonProgrammers
workshop
Learn programming basics with a poetic twist on PHP, including variables and if/else statements, and test your geek knowledge with a fun quiz to see if you can tell your Picards from your Kirks.
DrupalCon Portland
Drupal as a Data Purveyor
talk
Explore how integrating Drupal with cutting-edge tech can yield a high-performance, scalable platform for big data demands.
DataDay Texas
2013
PHP for NonProgrammers
workshop
Discover the joys of coding with a beginner-friendly PHP guide, learn essential concepts with a poetic twist, test your geek knowledge, and embark on a journey into programming logic.
BADCamp 2012
Responsive First: Design and Build a Site for All Devices
workshop
Learn the secrets of responsive design in our pioneering class on creating themes that flawlessly adapt to any device, first presented at a specialized conference.
BadCamp 2011
Mad Skillz: Becoming the Best in the World
talk
Discover how to elevate your career as a Drupal developer by learning the essential traits and skills that top Drupal shops look for, and gain insights on the "Most Important Skillz" from industry leaders.
DrupalCon London
Big Websites
talk
Drupal, the versatile CMS behind both small blogs and major sites like The White House, raises questions about scalability, enterprise adoption considerations, and the developer skillset required for large-scale deployments.
Southwest Drupal Summit
Teaching Drupal
talk
Learn to effectively teach clients the essentials of Drupal, ensuring they can confidently differentiate between nodes and blocks without overwhelming them.
DrupalCon Copenhagen
CIviCRM for Drupal
talk
Discover the capabilities and challenges of CiviCRM, a powerful open-source tool for managing relationships and activities for advocacy and non-profit organizations, and learn how to effectively integrate it with CMS platforms like Drupal and Joomla.
CiviCon 2010
Wikimedia Tech Talk
talk
Diana will discuss the management of hundreds of thousands of donor records in CiviCRM, detailing how the Wikimedia Foundation handles $7.5 million in online donations, the customizations involved, and the challenges faced, demonstrating that these strategies are accessible to others as well.
CiviCon 2010
PHP for NonProgrammers
workshop
Dive into programming with a beginner-friendly PHP guide that teaches coding essentials with a fun twist, challenging you to write code, learn geek lingo, and even includes a quiz to test your sci-fi captain knowledge.
DrupalCon San Francisco