For software engineers ready to level up. Learn from CTOs, principal engineers, and tech leaders about the skills beyond coding: from technical mastery to product thinking and career growth. Created by Patrick Akil
Episodes
1 Jul 2026
Critiques of AI agents' reliability and autonomy, Nebius' GPU-driven infrastructure challenges, specialized hiring for AI optimization, debates on algorithmic interviewing, risks of unvalidated AI code, and the shift toward human accountability and systems thinking in engineering.
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24 Jun 2026
The 2026 job market sees tech layoffs and declining demand for traditional roles, yet persists in hiring for AI/software engineering, while non-tech fields like caregiving offer opportunities, emphasizing reskilling, AI literacy, and strategic personal branding via platforms like LinkedIn to navigate hiring paradoxes and stand out.
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17 Jun 2026
Automation and generative tools are diminishing manual coding in software development, shifting focus to high-level conceptual design and abstraction, with human oversight remaining critical for complex decisions and structured specifications, despite challenges in reviewing auto-generated code and maintaining comprehensive specs via Spec-Driven Development (SDD).
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10 Jun 2026
Rising code review bottlenecks from AI-generated code spark burnout and strained workflows, prompting solutions like automation with AI co-pilots, policy-driven prioritization (e.g., Amazons strict reviews), custom tools, and integrating guardrails/test-driven development to streamline processes, enforce quality, and align AI with specifications through upfront design and iterative feedback.
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3 Jun 2026
Software engineering's rapid evolution demands adaptability, emphasizing CLI-first tools, evolving IDE roles, AI integration with context management, redefined skills centered on strategic thinking, and the critical role of personal projects in career growth amid shifting workflows and tooling challenges.
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28 May 2026
Agent harnesses enable AI-driven automation but require governance, risk management, and balanced oversight to address autonomy challenges, cognitive debt, and innovation trade-offs in development.
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20 May 2026
Instagram's teen safety features, evolving tech trends, software engineering principles, problem-solving philosophy, enterprise architecture shifts, career adaptability, and media verification are explored, emphasizing critical thinking, simplicity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
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29 Apr 2026
Redefining engineers' roles from coding to business-driven solutions, critically examining AI's practical applications and limitations, and emphasizing foundational knowledge, iterative adoption, DevOps, QA, and balancing productivity with sustainability and collaboration in AI-integrated workflows.
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22 Apr 2026
Open source enhances career growth through skill development and community engagement, yet requires addressing challenges like poor contributions and fostering clarity, meaningful participation, and balance between AI tools and craftsmanship, emphasizing social impact, trust, and evolving governance.
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15 Apr 2026
Recommended: A good overview of Senior Development thought processes.
Explores software development challenges, legacy system maintenance, career transitions, and the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning in fostering both technical and leadership growth through feedback loops and iterative improvements.
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