What The Tech Podcast (AU)

AI is changing the software development lifecycle — from how ideas are prototyped, to how products are built, secured and shipped.In this episode of What The Tech Podcast (AU), Rene and Vivienne sit down with Gerardo Estaba from Supabase to explore the rise of the AI development lifecycle and what it means for developers, founders, product teams and modern organisations.We unpack how AI-assisted coding, vibe coding, Postgres, open-source platforms and tools like Supabase are changing the way software gets built.Gerardo also explains why many teams do not really have a scaling problem — they have a complexity problem — and why faster software development can create bigger risks if security, data access and engineering fundamentals are ignored.In this episode, we cover:• How AI is compressing the traditional software development lifecycle• Why vibe coding is helping more people become software builders• How Supabase simplifies the backend for modern applications• Why Postgres still matters in the AI era• The difference between building a prototype and shipping production software• Why prompt-based security is not enough• How row-level security helps protect data access• Why technical debt may increase as more non-technical users build apps• Why deep engineering judgement still matters when AI writes more code• How open-source platforms reduce vendor lock-in• What software development could look like in the next few yearsThis episode is for developers, founders, product leaders, AI builders and anyone trying to understand where software development is heading next.Subscribe to What The Tech Podcast (AU) for grounded conversations on AI, software, data and the future of technology.Newsletter: www.whatthetech.com.au

In this episode of What The Tech Podcast (AU), we sit down with Christina Jones, Head of Design at Canva, to explore a question shaping the future of creativity:How does AI change the way we design products used by millions of people?As generative AI becomes embedded into everyday tools, design is no longer just about layout and aesthetics. It’s about systems thinking, experimentation, evaluation frameworks, and making responsible choices at scale.We unpack what “good design” means in the age of AI, how teams evaluate AI-generated images and content before they reach users, and why AI literacy is becoming a core skill for designers and product leaders alike. Christina also shares insights on ethics, originality, cultural context, and the tension between automation and human craft.This is a grounded, practical conversation about building AI responsibly inside real products — not theory, not hype.If you work in tech, product, design, innovation, or policy, this episode will challenge how you think about creativity in the AI era.🎧 New episodes monthlyYou can also follow us on Substack

In Part 2 of our Cisco exec series from Cisco Live Melbourne 2025, we sat down with Julie Canepa—long-time Cisco IT leader and former CIO for Australia & New Zealand who later led digital transformation and CX programs across Asia Pacific, Japan & China—to unpack how AI strategy becomes real business impact. We cover moving from pilots to scale, building guardrails that accelerate delivery, linking AI to customer-experience KPIs, and reskilling teams for “everyday AI.”What you’ll learn:The scale playbook: ownership, controls, and value stories that land with the business.People–Process–Technology: raising AI fluency and reskilling at speed.Measuring what matters: tying AI to CX and board-level outcomes.“Everyday AI”: practical agent patterns beyond the demo stage.Guest: Julie Canepa (Cisco ANZ CIO; APJC digital transformation/CX leader).Series: Special Cisco Executive Interviews — Part 2 (recorded around Cisco Live Melbourne 2025).

In this season finale, we sit down with Christopher Simusokwe, a seasoned data leader with over two decades of experience building and leading data engineering teams across finance, telco, and mining.Together, we explore how AI is reshaping the world of data engineering — from evolving roles and real-time architectures to what it really takes to future-proof your career as automation and AI become deeply embedded in data systems.Chris shares practical insights from the trenches: how to balance depth vs breadth in your technical growth, build pipelines that serve both humans and machines, and transition from reactive “data janitors” to proactive data product owners.Whether you’re a data engineer, AI professional, or simply curious about the future of modern data systems, this episode breaks down how automation, orchestration, and reasoning are redefining what it means to work with data.

In this episode we welcome Abe (Osarumwense) Omorogbe, Senior AI Product Manager at Microsoft, who brings nearly a decade of experience building and launching AI-driven products at scale.Together, we explore how the role of a product manager is evolving in the AI era—covering the mindset shifts, technical skills, and creative thinking needed to turn bold ideas into products used by thousands. From balancing experimentation with delivery, to navigating the unique challenges of AI in enterprise and non-tech industries, Abe shares real-world lessons from the frontlines of AI product management.Discover how AI is changing the game for PMs, the practical differences between traditional and AI product management, and how organisations can approach building AI products that are both impactful and responsible. Whether you’re a product manager, aspiring PM, or just curious about how AI products come to life, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode we welcome Keith Marlow, a seasoned security architect with extensive experience in cybersecurity, enterprise solutions and AITogether, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and technology operations, diving into the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the table. From enhancing security measures to automating business functions, AI is reshaping the landscape of modern industries.Discover how AI is revolutionising security, how businesses are integrating AI into their operations, and the critical steps companies need to take to ensure safe and effective AI implementation. Whether you're a security professional, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.

In this episode of What The Tech Podcast (AU), the hosts are joined by Monmayuri, an accomplished AI and machine learning expert with extensive experience in generative AI, software development, and engineering leadership.Together with Rene and Vivienne, Monmayuri delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, discussing topics like large language models, agentic workflows, and responsible AI practices. This episode offers a fascinating exploration of how AI is revolutionising industries, empowering developers, and shaping the future of technology. Discover the differences between AI and machine learning, how AI tools like coding assistants are enhancing productivity, and why building responsible AI applications is more important than ever. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, developer, or just curious about AI, this episode is packed with insights and thought-provoking discussions.

In this special episode of What The Tech Podcast (AU), the hosts are joined by Vivienne Mutembwa to discuss their journeys into the world of AI, technology, and innovation. Get to know the hosts as they open up about their careers, challenges, and the vision for the podcast.Through candid conversations and insightful anecdotes, discover what fuels their passion for technology and how they plan to explore AI's impact on business, society, and everyday life in future episodes.