Renee
Fisher
VP Engineering at Coconut Software
"Code, Culture, and Change: The Human Side of AI Adoption"
"Code, Culture, and Change: The Human Side of AI Adoption"
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Session: Code, Culture, and Change: The Human Side of AI Adoption
The biggest hurdle in the AI revolution isn't how we code—it’s the human culture behind the code. While the industry moves at breakneck speed, many development teams are met with a mix of skepticism, fear of obsolescence, and "tooling fatigue." Bridging the gap between cutting-edge tech and culture requires more than new tools; it requires a shift in mindset.In this session, we move beyond the hype to address the emotional and psychological realities of AI adoption. We will explore how to lead with empathy, acknowledging the valid fears developers have about job security and craft integrity without stalling progress.
Drawing from real-world experience leading teams through this transition, I will share specific actions I’ve taken to move teams from seeing AI as a competitor to a collaborator.
This talk will help you understand how to navigate the human element of technological change and build a team that feels empowered, rather than replaced, by AI.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to address "tooling fatigue" and fear of obsolescence by creating a safe space for developers to voice concerns without stalling technical progress.
- Gain specific communication techniques to move the narrative from "AI as a competitor" to "AI as a collaborator," helping teams see the direct benefit to their daily craft.
- Discover explicit actions for weaving AI into existing development workflows (like code reviews or documentation) in a way that respects the developer’s craft and maintains code integrity.
- Gain a roadmap for involving developers in the selection and governance of AI tools, ensuring they feel like the "pilot in the cockpit" rather than a passenger being replaced.
Bio
Renee Fisher is a trusted technology executive with over two decades of experience leading high-performing engineering and professional services teams through periods of transformation, scale, and innovation. Currently the VP Engineering at Coconut Software, Renee is dedicated to optimizing operations and delivery while protecting the company’s amazing culture.Throughout her career, Renee has successfully steered organizations through complex transitions by anchoring her leadership in empathy, transparency, and clarity. She is currently navigating the cultural complexities of integrating AI into modern development practices.
With a foundation in software development, Renee’s leadership approach combines technical insight with a sharp focus on business strategy and people leadership. She is passionate about empowering individuals—particularly women in tech—and believes that a company’s success is defined by its people. Renee is committed to helping the industry embrace the human side of software development, ensuring that as technology evolves, our teams thrive.
