John Ferguson Smart is a recognized expert in Agile Test Automation with a stellar record of contributions to the field. With decades of experience in software development, he has dedicated his career to transforming manual testers into world-class automation engineers. His background is impressive, holding a PhD from Aix-Marseille University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Newcastle. He is the founder of the Serenity Dojo, a mentorship program aimed at elevating testers’ skills in automation. His work as a published author, including the acclaimed “BDD in Action,” and an international speaker, enhances his reputation as a thought leader.
To connect with John, you can find him on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/john-ferguson-smart or reach out via his work email at training@wakaleo.com. His accessibility and willingness to help others learn makes him a valuable resource for anyone interested in test automation.
John has made several podcast appearances that spotlight his expertise in Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) and Agile Test Automation. Notable episodes include:
1. Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) Essentials, hosted by Jan Molak, on September 11, 2023. [Listen here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgy2WnFH-Vk)
2. BDD in Action with John Smart, hosted by Test Guild, on May 28, 2023. [Listen here](https://testguild.com/podcast/automation/a449-john/)
These podcasts not only showcase his vast knowledge but also convey practical insights that can help testers and organizations improve their automation practices.
Here are the top 10 insights John has shared during his podcast appearances:
1. Fast Learning: John discusses how tailored training programs can accelerate the learning curve for testers, allowing them to adapt to automation swiftly.
2. Practical Applications of BDD: He emphasizes the importance of applying BDD principles to real-world scenarios, aiding teams in writing better acceptance criteria and enhancing communication.
3. Framework Utilization: John explains how leveraging frameworks like Serenity BDD can streamline the automation process and improve testing efficiency.
4. Importance of Automation Skills: He warns about the skills gap in automation and stresses the urgency for testers to upgrade their abilities to remain competitive in the job market.
5. In-sprint Automation: John advocates for integrating automation directly into the sprint process, which leads to faster development cycles and reduces defects.
6. Mentorship Value: He highlights the significance of mentorship in the tech industry, noting how experienced professionals can guide newer testers through complex concepts.
7. Agile Practices: His insights into modern agile practices provide invaluable guidance on how teams can enhance their workflows and adaptability.
8. Community Engagement: John discusses the need for testers to engage with the wider community to learn and share best practices, thereby elevating the profession as a whole.
9. Continuous Improvement: He stresses the concept of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging testers to always seek new knowledge and techniques.
10. Team Workshops: John shares his experiences conducting tailored workshops that equip teams with the foundational skills needed for BDD and automation, ensuring long-term success.
By engaging with John Ferguson Smart on podcasts, listeners not only gain access to his wealth of experience but also practical strategies that can be applied immediately. His contributions have the potential to inspire and elevate the quality of testing practices in organizations worldwide.