Every Friday with Bob

2026-08-10

Kaito Matsumoto

The AI Architect, New York

"Friday with Bob" is an American documentary series created by and starring comedian and writer Bob Saget. The show explores Saget's personal life, relationships, and experiences as a father and husband.

When I began my career at Spectrum 25 years ago, a wise suggestion from a senior editor changed the course of my professional journey. He urged me to find someone who could act as a "rabbi" – a mentor who could guide me on how engineers approach problems and evaluate potential solutions. Although it took some time to find the right person, I eventually discovered Robert N. Charette, a self-proclaimed risk ecologist, prolific author, and leading authority on risk management and software engineering.

Charette's seminal article "Why Software Fails" has had a lasting impact on university engineering classes, highlighting the common pitfalls that lead to project failures. Our friendship began with this article, which marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that spanned over two decades.

A Prolific Author and Mentor

Throughout his career, Charette has written extensively on software development and risk management. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Spectrum's pages. As our website editor in 2007, I had the privilege of working with him to launch a regular blog, "The Risk Factor," which chronicled hundreds of software debacles over the course of more than 10 years.

One of his most notable contributions was "Lessons From a Decade of IT Failures," which won a Jesse H. Neal Award for Best Infographics in 2016. Although those infographics are no longer supported, they remain an important record of the lessons learned from past failures.

Questioning Assumptions and Mitigating Risk

Charette's main goal has always been to make software visible and help people understand complex systems. He believes that software is often invisible because it can't be seen, touched, or tasted. By sharing his experiences and insights, he aims to raise awareness about the importance of risk management in software development.

One of his most influential articles was "The STEM Crisis Is a Myth," which challenged the assumption that more STEM graduates are needed to address the crisis. Instead, he argued that the myth has been perpetuated by employers and the academic community, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach.

A Career of Questioning Assumptions

Charette's career has been marked by his willingness to question assumptions and challenge conventional wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of being careful when making assumptions, saying "Assumptions made are risks accepted." This philosophy has guided him throughout his work, from identifying the root causes of software failures to developing strategies for mitigating risk.

As we reflect on Charette's contributions to the field of software development and risk management, it becomes clear that his legacy will continue to inspire and educate engineers and professionals in the years to come. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of careful analysis, critical thinking, and attention to detail in ensuring the success of software projects.

A New Chapter: Nature Photography and Fiction

As Charette prepares to step down from his role as contributing editor, he has announced plans to focus on nature photography and writing a handful of fictional trilogies. His decision marks the end of an era, but we can take comfort in knowing that his contributions will continue to be felt for years to come.

In conclusion, Robert N. Charette's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of software development and risk management. As we move forward, it is essential to build upon his legacy by continuing to question assumptions and challenge conventional wisdom. By doing so, we can create a safer, more reliable, and more resilient software industry for all.