Conversations on Technology Leadership for the Digital Age

AI, Agentic Development, and the Future of Software Engineering

with Manjunath Bhat, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner

Manjunath Bhat leads software engineering research at Gartner and has been one of the most thoughtful voices tracking what AI is actually doing to the way we build software — not just the productivity story, but the structural changes to teams, platforms, and careers. He's a returning keynote speaker at apidays Singapore and apidays Australia.

Data Integration: Connecting Business Systems,

with Fethi Rabhi and Alan Hsiao

In this conversation, Jon Scheele, Fethi Rabhi, and Alan Hsiao discuss the complexities of data integration, particularly in the context of e-invoicing. They explore the challenges faced by businesses in automating invoicing processes, the importance of standards like PEPPOL, and the limitations of current systems. The discussion also touches on the future of invoicing, automation, and the potential impact of AI and blockchain technology on business processes.

The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks in Our Personal Devices, with Joseph Yap

In this episode, we dive into the world of home automation and the hidden security risks that come with it. Join us as Joseph Yap, a cybersecurity expert, shares his journey from a personal interest in smart homes to uncovering alarming vulnerabilities in everyday devices. Discover how convenience often comes at the cost of security, and learn practical steps to protect your home network from potential threats. Tune in to understand why your smart fridge might be more than just a kitchen appliance and how to safeguard your digital front door.

AI's Role in Business Strategy and Customer Experience, with Keith Carter

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and Keith Carter explore the transformative impact of AI on business strategies, customer experiences, and career development. They discuss how organizations can leverage AI to enhance customer service, anticipate market moves, and foster creativity. Keith emphasizes the importance of actionable intelligence and the human element in AI-driven interactions, while also addressing the need for individuals to adapt and innovate in their careers amidst rapid technological changes.

Navigating the Future of API and AI Gateways, with Buu Lam

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and Buu Lam discuss the evolving landscape of API and AI gateways, the importance of security in technology, and the need for human oversight in AI-driven processes. They explore the challenges posed by evolving security threats and the necessity for individuals to adapt and embrace change in their careers.

Unlocking Innovation through Standards and Platforms, with Erik Wilde

In this conversation, Jon Scheele interviews Erik Wilde about the OpenAPI Initiative and its significance in the tech industry. They discuss the evolution of the OpenAPI Specification, the role of standards in fostering innovation, and the importance of building on standardized models. Erik emphasizes the concept of platform thinking and how it can drive market development, as well as the need for scaling API practices to enhance organizational capabilities. The discussion highlights the future of APIs and the ongoing trends in the industry.

Navigating geographic expansion with Jed Ng, Founder at Angel School

In this conversation, Jed Ng discusses his journey from tech operator to angel investor, sharing insights on investment strategies, geographic focus, and the challenges startups face in different markets. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear exit strategy, understanding cultural differences, and the necessity of building a local team for successful market expansion. The discussion also highlights the role of angel networks in fostering a diverse investment ecosystem and the need for startups to have a deliberate approach to growth.

Putting GenAI to Work in Software Development with Uli Hitzel

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and Uli Hitzel discuss the transformative impact of generative AI on the software development landscape. Uli shares his journey into AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding language and how to apply Generative AI tools in coding and productivity. They explore various tools available for software developers, the significance of team management in adopting these tools, and the role of AI throughout the system development life cycle, including testing and deployment. The discussion highlights the need for developers to adapt and learn how to effectively utilize AI tools while maintaining best practices in coding and documentation.

DevOps Resilience and Observability with Buu Lam

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and F5's Community Evangelist, Buu Lam discuss key themes in DevOps resilience and observability. They explore the ongoing shift to multi-cloud strategies, the importance of ecosystem partnerships, and the challenges organizations face in integrating new technologies. The discussion also highlights the significance of resiliency and observability in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for organizations to be aware of various signals and data points to make informed decisions.

API Security is critical for Cybersecurity with Chuck Herrin

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and F5's Field CISO Chuck Herrin discuss the critical importance of API security in today's digital landscape, where API traffic constitutes a significant portion of overall internet traffic. They explore the unique vulnerabilities associated with APIs, the relevance of OWASP's Top 10 for API security, and the evolving threat landscape that organizations face. The discussion emphasizes the need for visibility and discovery of APIs, the risks posed by third-party APIs, and the emerging vulnerabilities related to AI. Herrin highlights the necessity of understanding the architecture and attack surfaces to effectively manage security risks.

Debugging Kubernetes using AI with Nilesh Gule

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and Nilesh Gule discuss the critical role of automation in DevOps, particularly through the use of Kubernetes. They explore the benefits and challenges of Kubernetes, emphasizing the complexities involved in debugging and managing Kubernetes clusters. Nilesh introduces K8sGPT, a generative AI tool designed to assist in diagnosing and resolving issues within Kubernetes environments. The discussion also touches on the future of Kubernetes management, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance operational efficiency while still requiring human oversight.

The goals and the reality of DevOps, with Nilesh Gule

In this conversation, Jon Scheele and Nilesh Gule explore the complexities and evolution of DevOps, emphasizing its role in enhancing collaboration between development and operations teams. They discuss the importance of agility, automation, and the integration of testing and security within the development lifecycle. The conversation also touches on organizational structures and how they impact the implementation of DevOps practices, as well as the evolution of DevOps into platform engineering.

Building Trustable AI: Navigating Governance, Documentation, and Human Judgment - Part 2

with Koo Ping Shung, Practicum Director at Data Science Rex

Part 2 of my conversation with  data scientist Koo Ping Shung about AI governance. Following our discussion on AI bias and transparency, we explore the challenges organizations face in implementing robust data practices and the pivotal role of documentation in AI governance. Koo emphasizes the need for building trustable AI, arguing that trust, rather than strict adherence to governance or ethics alone, is the key to successful AI deployment. Together, we dig into the nuances of documentation, knowledge management, and the human element in AI, offering insights into creating AI systems that are both reliable and aligned with human values.

AI Governance for Trustable AI -Part 1

with Koo Ping Shung, Practicum Director at Data Science Rex

This conversation with data scientist Koo Ping Shung is broken into two parts. In part one, we explore the topic of AI governance and how to build trustable AI. Koo discusses the evolution of the data science industry and the increasing focus on AI governance. He emphasizes that bias in AI cannot be completely eliminated but can be reduced through awareness and transparency. Koo suggests that AI governance committees should include individuals with technical, legal, policy-making, economics, and audit backgrounds. He also highlights the importance of AI literacy for consumers and the need for dedicated channels to address concerns and appeals.

Adopting the Open Gateway APIs

with Alex Szomora, Senior Go-To-Market Project Manager for GSMA's Open Gateway initiative

Alex Szomora, Senior Go-To-Market Project Manager at GSMA, shares how GSMA's Open Gateway Initiative enhances interoperability between telecommunications carriers, helping businesses improve authentication and fraud detection, as well as simplifying access to telecommunications services. Alex shares her career path and how she came to be in her current position. The conversation also covers the objectives of the Open Gateway Initiative and the related Camara project under the Linux Foundation. The challenges and opportunities in adopting the APIs are discussed, along with the future of the initiative and the potential for new services and APIs.

What VCs look for in API startups

with Chris Birrell, Managing Partner at Func Ventures

Chris Birrell, an investor specializing in API startups, shares his insights on what he looks for before investing in API-enabled services. He discusses his background in computer science and his experience in the tech industry, which led him to become an investor. Chris introduces the 'SUPERIOR' Framework that he uses to evaluate API startups, focusing on attributes such as solving difficult problems, uncovering unique solutions, and pathways to profitability and exit. He also highlights the opportunities and challenges in the API space, particularly in the context of AI and globalizing businesses.

India's Open Banking and API Product management

with Abhijit Dey, VP of API Banking at Axis Bank

In this conversation, Jon Scheele interviews Abhijit Dey, VP of API Banking at Axis Bank, about Open Banking and Embedded Finance in India. They discuss the growth of Open Banking in India, the role of APIs in the banking industry, and the impact of digital transformation on customer experience. Abhijit shares his insights on the future of Open Banking, the importance of API governance, and the skills required to be an API Product Manager.

The Interconnection of AI and APIs

with Aki Ranin, CTO of Goldberry Wealth

Aki Ranin, co-founder of Bambu, and currently CTO of Goldberry Wealth, discusses the interconnection between AI and APIs. He shares his journey in the AI data science space and explains how AI and APIs are intricately linked. Aki highlights the potential of large language models and AI agents in transforming industries and making AI-assisted tasks more efficient. He also discusses the challenges of discoverability and the importance of metadata in making information accessible to AI agents. Aki provides recommendations for individuals looking to understand the trajectory of AI and APIs.