This article was based on the interview with Tommi Marsans, Verizon Business Group Transformation Lead by Greg Kihlström for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
The podcast episode explores the idea of democratizing software engineering and how it enhances the impact of individuals and teams. The guest, Tommi Marsans, a Marketing Technology Strategist at Verizon Business Group, discusses the shift in hiring criteria for software engineers and the importance of strategy in today’s digital landscape.
Traditionally, when hiring software engineers, technical skills were the primary focus. Employers sought individuals who excelled in coding languages and had a deep understanding of HTML and other technical aspects. However, Marsans suggests that the landscape has changed, and strategy now takes precedence over technical skills.
According to Marsans, it is crucial to find individuals who understand the concept of the business model and have a deep understanding of the customer. This shift in focus reflects the changing nature of the industry, where businesses are now more focused on delivering personalized experiences and understanding customer needs. This requires strategic thinking and a holistic understanding of the business and its customers.
Marsans also highlights the role of AI in democratizing software engineering. She mentions that AI is used to better understand customers and develop regression models. This shift from traditional coding to AI-driven solutions may create a fear among some professionals that they will be coded out of a job. However, Marsans believes that AI will enhance their experience and make them more effective strategists. This aligns with the industry’s shift towards leveraging AI and automation to optimize business processes.
The democratization of software engineering allows individuals to have a more significant impact on their work. With the focus on strategy and understanding the customer, each team member can contribute to the overall success of the business. This shift empowers individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and drive positive outcomes.
In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights how democratizing software engineering enhances impact. By shifting the focus from technical skills to strategy and customer understanding, businesses can create more personalized experiences and drive growth. The integration of AI further enhances this impact by providing valuable insights and automating processes. Ultimately, democratizing software engineering allows individuals to have a more significant impact on their work and contribute to the success of the business.
