AI has moved from hype to habit, but at what cost?

In this episode of Tech Council, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke break down the ethical, technical, and human implications of AI in software development. From workflow automation to code generation and performance tracking, AI is changing the landscape—but not always in the ways you’d expect.

The conversation explores the hidden pressures AI introduces: the erosion of organic team communication, the complexity of evaluating performance fairly, and the risk of turning development into a surveillance-heavy space. Through it all, Duncan and Jason emphasize the need for thoughtful leadership that balances innovation with intention.

Tune in and get a fresh, honest look at how to lead tech teams through the AI revolution.

Top Takeaways:

• AI ethics is a complex and evolving topic.
• The integration of AI tools can streamline workflows.
• Different AI models have varying levels of effectiveness.
• Cognitive load in code reviews can be significantly reduced with AI.
• AI can change the dynamics of communication in teams.
• Surveillance capabilities in development environments raise ethical concerns.
• The debate on task execution is shifting towards action-oriented approaches.
• AI tools can help clarify and optimize developer tasks.
• The role of software engineers is evolving with AI advancements.
• AI's impact on the industry is largely positive, despite short-term challenges. Developer efficiency can be indicated by various metrics.
• The origin of DevGrid is rooted in optimizing data and processes.
• Sales outcomes are easier to measure than engineering outcomes.
• Incentives play a crucial role in performance evaluation.
• Surveillance tools can help identify blind spots for developers.
• Critical feedback is essential for growth in any profession.
• Management tools should empower rather than alienate developers.
• AI agents are transforming the coding landscape.
• Leadership requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Maintaining a balance between oversight and trust is vital.

Connect with us:

Duncan Mapes

Jason Ehmke

DevGrid.io

DevGrid on LinkedIn

DevGrid on X

What kind of season is your organization in—wartime or peacetime?

In this episode of Tech Council, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke dig into the organizational cycle and how it shapes everything from decision-making to developer priorities. Whether your team is scaling fast, navigating a downturn, or recalibrating after a sprint-heavy phase, understanding the moment your company is in is critical to doing the right work at the right time.

This conversation moves beyond theory to give tactical insight into how engineers, managers, and technical leaders can adapt to different phases of organizational life. From maintaining operational stability to responding to layoffs, Jason and Duncan explore how visibility, communication, and standard-setting influence the success of both the team and the business.

Top Takeaways:

• Understanding the cycle your organization is in is crucial.
• Balancing wartime and peacetime strategies is essential for success.
• Feature delivery should be balanced with maintenance to avoid technical debt.
• Leaders must communicate the value of their teams effectively.
• Situational awareness is key in navigating organizational challenges.
• Business outcomes should drive technical decisions and priorities.
• Negotiation is a vital skill for technology leaders.
• Predictability in project management can be more valuable than velocity.
• Visibility of team contributions is important for organizational success.
• The future of coding will increasingly involve AI integration.

Connect with us:

Duncan Mapes

Jason Ehmke

DevGrid.io

DevGrid on LinkedIn

DevGrid on X

What does value creation really look like in software development teams?

In this episode of Tech Council, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke cut through the buzzwords to explore what it means to actually create value—beyond features, deliverables, and code. Drawing from deep experience in both startups and large-scale enterprises, they unpack how developer autonomy, organizational clarity, and curiosity in conversation all shape the outcomes we build.

From navigating enterprise bureaucracy to leveraging metrics with intention, Duncan and Jason discuss the hidden costs of unclear direction, the difference between shipping fast and shipping smart, and why thoughtful questions can often do more than rigid plans. They reflect on the tension between progress and technical debt, how to design for adaptability, and why understanding the why behind the work can make all the difference.

Top Takeaways:

• Value creation is essential in large enterprises.
• Direct communication fosters better team dynamics.
• Understanding the cost of work can shift perspectives.
• Owning the implementation is crucial for success.
• Balancing delivery and technical debt is necessary.
• Navigating bureaucracy can hinder progress in enterprises.
• Transitioning from startups to enterprises presents challenges.
• Authority must be balanced with buy-in for effective decision making.
• Effective processes are key to delivering value.
• Curiosity in team interactions leads to better outcomes. Curiosity can lead to better understanding in meetings.
• Asking questions can help others feel validated.
• Understanding the 'why' behind projects is crucial.
• Metrics should guide project success and accountability.
• AI tools can enhance productivity but require skilled oversight.
• Collaboration is essential for value creation in software development.
• Career advancement may require proactive networking and skill-building.
• It's important to assess the value of your role regularly.
• Taking initiative can lead to personal growth and recognition.
• Value creation should be a continuous conversation in teams.

Connect with us:

Duncan Mapes

Jason Ehmke

DevGrid.io

DevGrid on LinkedIn

DevGrid on X