Synopsis: Claire Vo, chief product and technology officer for LaunchDarkly, explains why organizations need to encourage more experimentation with GenAI to discover the use cases that will deliver the most value to their business.
In this engaging interview, Mike Vizard speaks with Claire Vo, chief product and technology officer at LaunchDarkly, about the evolving landscape of AI and the balance between embracing its transformative potential and managing the associated risks. Claire emphasizes her bullish stance on AI, calling it a “state change” technology, despite challenges such as non-deterministic outputs and quality concerns. She highlights the importance of adapting operational models, upskilling teams, and integrating AI thoughtfully into processes to unlock its full potential. Vo shares that modern software practices, like using runtime controls and safe experimentation, are still relevant when working with large language models (LLMs), underscoring that AI development requires a cultural shift and experimentation mindset across organizations.
The conversation delves into how organizations can leverage LLMs without overcomplicating data management and discusses the importance of building a flexible approach toward using AI tools. Claire shares practical insights, such as LaunchDarkly’s internal use of ChatGPT to create an architecture Q&A tool, which reduced repetitive tasks for engineers. She notes that AI tools, while still evolving, are improving rapidly and lowering the cost of software development, leading to new opportunities for creativity and innovation. Vo foresees a future where managers must oversee both human and AI agents, emphasizing the need for re-skilling leadership. As AI tools become second nature, Claire encourages experimentation and playfulness, reminding viewers that embracing these technologies can unlock both productivity and enjoyment
