Refactoring Podcast

In a dynamic conversation, Matt McClernan, CEO of Augment Code and an AI coding expert, dives into the state of AI adoption among engineering teams. He explores the gap between personal and team adoption, stressing the role of documentation as a powerful tool for enhancing AI outputs. Matt reveals how context engineering, particularly through RAG-based retrieval, can transform coding practices. He also discusses the future of AI in developer workflows, including the evolution of UX tools like IDEs and CLIs and the importance of governance in this rapidly changing landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Rob Zuber, CTO of CircleCI and a seasoned expert in software delivery, shares insights on building effective product engineering teams. He highlights the role of AI in revealing process inefficiencies and the necessity of aligning team goals with business outcomes. Rob emphasizes the importance of small, curious teams and discusses the balance between standardization and flexibility. He reflects on hiring choices and stresses the need for T-shaped engineers who adapt quickly. Expect thought-provoking perspectives on leadership and technology choices!

In this discussion with Hywel Carver, co-founder and CEO of Skiller Whale, they tackle the flaws in traditional developer training and how it often falls short of genuine learning. Hywel shares insights on the distinction between knowledge, skill, and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of context in mastering skills. They explore innovative coaching models, the role of AI in reshaping learning, and the necessity of measuring training effectiveness through business metrics rather than mere engagement stats. He also highlights the potential for AI to reduce cognitive load and enhance developer ownership.

Darragh Curran, CTO of Intercom and leader behind Fin, an AI agent revolutionizing customer service, dives into the dual nature of AI as both a risk and an opportunity. He shares insights on Intercom's bold pivot towards AI, launching Fin as a dedicated product. Darragh discusses ambitious goals to double productivity, using AI to streamline workflows, and the importance of team ownership over technical quality. He emphasizes disciplined iteration in AI systems and the strategic necessity of embracing AI to avoid obsolescence.

Meg Adams, Senior Director of Engineering at The New York Times, shares her transformative journey from education to tech leadership. She explores neuroleadership, emphasizing how neuroscience enhances decision-making in teams. Meg introduces the SCARF model, highlighting how status and certainty impact engineers, and discusses designing processes to promote psychological safety. She provides insights on effective communication during uncertainty and the importance of modeling behaviors to nurture thriving team cultures, drawing on her experiences at Etsy.

In this engaging discussion, Birgitta Böckeler, a distinguished engineer and global lead for AI-assisted software delivery at ThoughtWorks, delves into optimizing AI in development workflows. She shares insights on preferred AI workflows and the pros of using diverse tools. Birgitta highlights how successful teams combine critical thinking and experimentation. The impact of AI on both junior and senior engineers is explored, with a focus on mentorship and adapting learning strategies. Additionally, she discusses risk management and the role of documentation in AI integration.

Antonia Scheidel, Director of Engineering at Duolingo, shares her journey from intern to leader in tech. She discusses the importance of designing effective automated processes to reduce manual tasks and prevent bottlenecks. Antonia highlights strategies for empowering teams to take ownership of their workflows and the emotional dynamics behind automation. They also dive into the complexities of project management tools and the role of clear communication and relationships in fostering successful team collaboration.

Adam Tornhill, author of 'Your Code as a Crime Scene' and founder of Code Scene, delves into the forensic analysis of technical debt. He draws fascinating parallels between code and crime scenes, emphasizing the importance of version control history to pinpoint 'hotspots' in code. Tornhill also discusses the bus factor, highlighting the risks of dependency on key developers. Additionally, he explores how AI can assist in coding while stressing the need for structured practices to enhance code health and reduce technical debt.

Meri Williams, CTO of Pleo and seasoned LeadDev conference host, dives into diversity's crucial role in tech. She discusses why diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones and shares insights on creating truly inclusive environments. Meri also reveals what makes a memorable conference talk and the importance of representation. Moreover, she explores how AI is reshaping the development landscape for junior engineers, emphasizing foundational skills and mentorship in the age of AI tools.

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player turned decision-making expert, shares her unique journey from the poker table to tech coaching. She delves into the art of making decisions under uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of mental models and feedback loops. Duke highlights the challenges of quitting and how biases can distort our decision-making. She also discusses strategies to improve group decision-making by fostering open dialogue and individual contributions, ultimately transforming quitting into a strategic skill rather than a failure.