The Stack Overflow Podcast

Abby Kearns, CTO at Alembic, dives into the fascinating world of AI in marketing. She discusses how data science can illuminate marketing spend and tie it directly to revenue, enhancing decision-making. The conversation explores innovative strategies for analyzing buyer journeys and the integration of large language models in campaign insights. Abby also highlights the importance of open source AI for data security and the competitive edge it offers, showcasing how small companies can leverage advanced tech to tackle challenges faced by larger enterprises.

Dan Lines, Cofounder and COO of LinearB, and Ben Matthews, Senior Director of Engineering at Stack Overflow, delve into redefining engineering success. They argue that velocity should be a diagnostic tool rather than the end goal. Discover the necessity of aligning engineering with business outcomes and the role of AI in freeing engineers from repetitive tasks. They also discuss the integration of non-technical staff in tech processes and the significance of centralized teams in boosting productivity as organizations scale.

Jeu George is the CEO and co-founder of Orkes, previously an architect at Uber and Netflix. He dives into the world of microservices orchestration, revealing its evolution and importance in modern software development. The discussion highlights the challenges of implementing microservices in complex enterprise environments and the shift in open-source monetization. Jeu shares insights on managing distributed transactions and the integration of AI with microservices, emphasizing the critical role of APIs in enhancing user capabilities and building effective autonomous systems.

Rodrigo Liang, Co-founder and CEO of SambaNova Systems, delivers insights about a revolutionary AI platform and an intelligent chip capable of managing models with up to five trillion parameters. He discusses the critical importance of historical data in AI and the pitfalls businesses face in leveraging it. Liang also dives into the efficiencies of open-source technology and how it empowers developers. Additionally, he highlights the challenges in AI trust and the necessity for increased literacy as we navigate the complexities of future technologies.

Greg Fallon, CEO of Geminis, shares insights into the revolutionary potential of AI in engineering. He discusses high-fidelity simulations that boost trust between AI and operators, enabling autonomous control of complex systems. Greg highlights how innovative techniques have significantly reduced simulation training times and addresses the challenges of integrating AI in traditional infrastructure. The conversation also delves into the future of AI in energy optimization, with a glimpse into advancements like generative AI and quantum computing.

In this engaging discussion, Priya Joseph, Field CTO at DDN, dives into the intricacies of optimizing data for AI and machine learning. She emphasizes the importance of throughput and latency for achieving efficiency, particularly in breast cancer diagnostics. The conversation touches on data quality, the delicate balance between open and closed source models, and the evolving interplay between APIs and AI technology. Priya's insights reveal how effective data preparation can elevate AI outcomes, making this a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.

In this episode, Tom Kelk, Product Owner in the Engineering Experience team at Lloyds Banking Group, shares insights on streamlining engineering processes in a regulated environment. He discusses the journey toward simplification and standardization, emphasizing the importance of reducing cognitive load for developers. Tom also highlights the value of user feedback in driving innovation and the integration of AI into learning. The conversation reveals how enhancing the developer experience contributes to productivity and happiness in the tech industry.

Florian Douetteau, CEO and co-founder of Dataiku, discusses the transformation of data science from skepticism to a crucial business tool. He shares insights on embracing a platform-agnostic approach, enhancing collaboration between technical and non-technical staff. The conversation delves into navigating AI dynamics, emphasizing quality and compliance in generative models. Florian also highlights the importance of flexibility in data architectures, advocating for a future where data systems easily interconnect without vendor lock-in.

Lali Bar-Ilan, Chief Scientist at Bit.cloud, discusses her intriguing shift from linguistics to the tech world. She delves into composable software, likening components to Lego bricks and emphasizing their role in AI-driven code generation. The conversation touches on the evolution of coding, the impact of AI on software development, and the concept of 'vibe coding.' Lali also highlights the importance of community engagement in enhancing coding quality and maintaining best practices.

Michael Stum, Principal Software Engineer at IQXR and the first Stack Overflow user to reach 10,000 reputation, dives into the world of WebAssembly and its potential. He shares his early tech experiences, revealing how family support shaped his career. They discuss the challenges of integrating spatial computing in enterprise solutions, emphasizing B2B versus B2C needs. Michael also highlights the significance of hands-on learning in programming, arguing that practical experience is essential for advancing from junior to senior developer roles.