Each DevFest event is crafted by its local organizers to fit the needs and interests of its local developer community. Whether it be through hands-on learning experiences, technical talks delivered in local languages by experts, or by simply meeting fellow local developers, DevFest attendees learn how to build together and innovate on Google's developer tools.

Maral Hudaybergenova is a Principal Civil Engineer, global WomenTech Ambassador, and community builder, who has always been passionate about a positive impact on the world and giving back to the community through guiding, mentoring, and supporting the youth, and underrepresented groups. "Participation in the US Exchange program TechWomen empowered me to empower others," Maral says, and after this life-changing program, she started to look for different ways to contribute to women's empowerment and technological growth in Turkmenistan. As such, Maral is the initiator and leader of the first local communities Google Developer Group, Women Techmakers Ashgabat, and also a Chapter Ambassador of Technovation Girls Turkmenistan with a mission to provide visibility and resources for girls and women in tech. Maral's dream is to get education accessible for everyone, as well as to develop a culture of mentorship and volunteering by promoting the #SharingIsCaring principle.

Sometimes it seems our focus is everywhere except where we need it to be, and with the many demands on our attention in the office and at home, it can be difficult to decide where and how to direct our limited energies. How do we hone our attention skills to improve productivity and relish the present moment — all at once?

In this episode, Kendall Kazor, part of Google’s People Development team, interviews Dr. Amishi Jha, a psychology professor and director of the Contemplative Neuroscience UMindfulness Initiative at the University of Miami and a leading expert on focus and attention. They’re joined by mental performance coach Lauren Johnson. Together, they discuss key takeaways from Jha’s bestselling book “Peak Mind,” and teach us how to train our awareness for peak performance.