Tara Hernandez

Tara Hernandez, a software development veteran with over 30 years in the industry and currently at MongoDB, discusses the critical importance of human-centered engineering cultures. She emphasizes the need for strong leadership, psychological safety, and diversity rather than just chasing technology for its own sake. The conversation covers building trust through transparency and communication, how 'dogfooding' enhances customer empathy, and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in an AI-driven future. Tara's insights aim to inspire effective, inclusive, and innovative engineering teams.

Rob Zuber, CTO of CircleCI, and Tara Hernandez, VP of Developer Productivity at MongoDB, dive deep into the dynamics of team alignment during crises. They explore the contrasting AI landscapes for startups versus larger firms, the vital balance between AI and human learning in software development, and the importance of metrics like developer velocity in fostering effective teamwork. Discussions also touch on the impact of hackathons on innovation and the evolving role of quality assurance in continuous deployment, painting a vivid picture of modern engineering challenges.