Heavybit Podcasts Ep. #85, AI/LLM in Software Teams: What’s Working and What’s Next with Dr. Cat Hicks
Aug 13, 2025
Dr. Cat Hicks, a psychologist specializing in software teams, dives into the intersection of AI and human dynamics in the tech world. She reveals how AI amplifies long-standing tensions between collaboration and isolation among developers. The conversation highlights the need for empathy and a supportive culture as teams navigate new technologies. Cat also discusses the ethical responsibilities of technologists, urging them to shape AI's societal impact through meaningful dialogue and an understanding of human cognition.
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Episode notes
AI Magnifies Solitary vs Collaborative Tension
- AI amplifies an existing tension between solitary 'lone genius' work and collaborative software development.
- It exposes gaps in how teams value and reward collaboration, not creating that tension anew.
Mindset Shapes Reactions To AI
- Reactions to AI track underlying views of programming as craft versus utility.
- Whether someone sees code as art or a tool shapes their stance on AI.
Evaluate AI Beyond Individual Speedups
- Don't reduce AI evaluation to single-developer speed tests; consider codebase and company context.
- Design assessments that examine where AI fits in your systems and workflows.