The tech industry is evolving fast, and becoming a software engineer in 2026 requires more than just learning how to code.

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Bernier Jr (@bigpoppacode), CTO, software engineer, AI builder, and entrepreneur, to discuss what it truly takes to succeed in today’s AI driven tech landscape.

Arthur shares his journey into software engineering, from writing his first lines of code to building AI powered solutions, including software designed to detect deepfakes. As a tech leader and founder, he has built and scaled products, led engineering teams, and mentored thousands of aspiring developers breaking into tech.

We explore:

• His journey into tech and major accomplishments

• The lessons he learned from challenges and setbacks

• What Dabble is and the problem it solves

• How to effectively learn a programming language

• What future software engineers must focus on in 2026

• Building deepfake detection software

• The different personality types in software engineering

Arthur also invites developers and builders to:

• Contribute to Mamascript through open source collaboration

• Explore the AI Plug Library, a collection of AI automation prompts and vibe coding tools

• Partner through white label solutions

• Collaborate on innovative AI driven projects

If you are serious about software engineering, AI, open source contribution, or building scalable tech products, this episode is packed with practical insights and real opportunities.

Connect with Arthur Bernier Jr. @bigpoppacode on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigpoppacode

Learn more about HackerproofHQ: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

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#ArthurBernierJr #Bigpoppacode #SoftwareEngineering #AI #OpenSource #TechPodcast #Programming #Deepfake #StartupTech

In this episode, we featured the founder of Cloudtechexec, a cloud engineer, cloud career coach, and IT content creator known for simplifying complex tech careers into practical, actionable steps.

From interviewing IT professionals at major industry summits to sharing real insights on certifications, salaries, and career growth, his work has helped make cloud engineering more accessible and achievable for aspiring and experienced tech professionals alike.

He opens up about his journey into cloud engineering, the challenges he faced breaking into tech, how to find the right mentor, strategies for interviewing and negotiating salary, and how he built Cloudtechexec, including the criteria he uses to select members of the community.

This conversation is packed with real-world advice you can apply immediately if you’re just getting started in IT or already working in tech and looking to level up.

• Breaking into cloud engineering
• Security+ and certifications in tech
• Finding and leveraging mentorship
• Cloud vs DevOps careers
• Interview success strategies
• Salary negotiation in tech
• Work-life balance for cloud engineers
• Building CloudTechExec & future projects

• 0:39 – Introduction
• 1:44 – Why CompTIA Security+ Matters in Tech
• 2:13 – The Importance of Mentorship in Tech Careers
• 3:47 – Smart Investment Advice for People in Tech
• 6:05 – Common Challenges When Starting a Tech Career
• 6:52 – How to Find the Right Mentors
• 7:47 – My Journey Into Cloud Engineering
• 9:39 – The Best Way to Learn New Tech Skillsets
• 11:25 – Benefits of Being Proficient in Multiple Cloud Platforms
• 14:06 – Cloud Engineering vs DevOps: Key Differences
• 14:45 – Showing Income as an IT Content Creator
• 15:31 – Full-Gaze Opportunities in the DevOps Space
• 18:00 – How to Measure Success in a Tech Interview
• 19:35 – Why You Should Ask Questions at the End of Interviews
• 21:13 – Salary Negotiation Tips for Tech Professionals
• 21:57 – Do Cloud Engineers Earn More Than Their Managers?
• 22:48 – Work-Life Balance in Cloud Engineering
• 24:45 – How CloudTechExec Started
• 25:25 – Requirements for Joining CloudTechExec
• 26:31 – HackerProof Team Introductions
• 30:21 – CloudTechExec’s Next Project
• 30:44 – Closing Remarks
• 
  

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In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, we sit down with Justice Collier, a fractional UI/UX designer, agency owner, and educator, to break down what it really takes to build a successful UX career in today’s tech industry.

Justice shares real-world insights on breaking into UI/UX design, building a tech contracting business, running a UX agency, and using automation to scale sustainably—all while designing a lifestyle that supports both career growth and personal balance.

We dive deep into:

• How UX designers actually make money
• UX salaries across industries
• The demand for UX designers in 2024 and beyond
• Entry-level UX challenges (and how to overcome them)
• What fractional consulting is and how designers can leverage it
• How to get your first UX or tech contracting experience

Whether you’re a beginner trying to break into UX, an experienced designer exploring freelance or fractional consulting, or someone interested in building a UX agency or contracting business, this episode delivers practical advice you can apply immediately.

• UI/UX career paths
• Tech contracting & consulting
• UX agency ownership
• Automation for business growth
• UX salaries & income streams
• Entry-level UX job market realities
• Fractional UX consulting explained
• Work-life balance in tech

00:41 – Opening Remarks

01:24 – Introduction

02:22 – Balancing UX Work & Agency Life

03:11 – Automating Business & Agency Processes

04:05 – Getting Started in UI/UX Engineering

06:35 – Cheat Codes for Succeeding in Tech

10:14 – Building a UX Training Academy

12:24 – Helping Others Break Into UI/UX

15:02 – Starting a Tech Contracting Business

16:38 – Getting Your First Contracting Experience

19:01 – Designing a Lifestyle Around Tech

24:06 – UX Job Market Demand

25:28 – Entry-Level UX Challenges

26:13 – UX Designer Salaries Across Industries

27:09 – What Is Fractional Consulting?

28:16 – Advice for Aspiring UX Designers

Justice Collier (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/technicallyjai/

Hacker Proof HQ is a tech-focused podcast exploring careers in tech, breaking into the industry, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

📩 Newsletter: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

📧 Inquiries: Info@hackerproofhq.com