More Goto tech episodes

Building Software That Survives  Michael Nygard & Charles Humble thumbnail

Building Software That Survives Michael Nygard & Charles Humble

Published 2 Jan 2026

Duration: 2307

Legacy systems and modernization challenges in the software industry, including DevOps integration, centralization vs. autonomy, and the role of OKRs, leadership, and AI solutions.

Episode Description

This interview was recorded for GOTO Unscripted. https://gotopia.tech Read the full transcription of this interview here: https://gotopia.tech/article...

Overview

The episode focuses on the challenges and strategies involved in modernizing legacy systems and managing large-scale transformations in the software industry. It examines the evolution of DevOps and the complexities of merging operations with development, using examples like Sabres reliance on outdated mainframe systems. The discussion highlights the tension between centralization and autonomy in software development, with NewBank serving as a case study where teams are given autonomy through infrastructure and tooling while still ensuring oversight.

Other key points include the importance of alignment through frameworks like OKRs, the role of architectural boundaries in minimizing conflicts, and how leadership and cultural signals influence organizational behavior. The conversation also addresses the limitations of current automation tools and explores emerging solutions such as agentic AI, which may help bridge the gap between organizational needs and available technologies.

Recent Episodes of Goto tech

31 Mar 2026 Platform Engineering Ajay Chankramath & Nic Cheneweth

Platform engineering challenges are addressed through product-centric internal development, standardized "golden paths," control planes abstracting cloud infrastructure for self-service, developer ownership of pipelines, Kubernetes-driven self-healing systems, balancing AI's infrastructure benefits with reliability risks, domain-specific design, clear team boundaries, and the critical role of human oversight in automation.

20 Mar 2026 Learn C++ by Example Frances Buontempo & Matt Godbolt

Modern C++ innovations like the spaceship operator, coroutines, and structure bindings are explored through practical examples, interactive learning, and tools like Compiler Explorer, emphasizing the balance between low-level control, high-level abstractions, and educational challenges in mastering advanced concepts.

More Goto tech episodes