Olimpiu Pop: “Data is the new fuel... and without data, nothing works!”

Artificial Intelligence has been around for decades, but the recent surge in generative AItools has accelerated its presence across industries. While AI is evolving rapidly, the human element remains critical—arguably more essential now than ever before.In software development, adopting new technologies means rethinking how we build. The software development lifecycle (SDLC) itself may need to evolve to accommodatethe growing ecosystem of AI-driven tools.In the latest episode of the Shift Happens Podcast, we explored how AI can enhance theway we design, build, and deliver software.Our guest, Olimpiu Pop, brings over 20 years of experience in the software industry. Today, hefinds himself in a pivotal phase - returning to a mindset of exploration and innovation, with a strong focus on the real-world applications of AI. For Olimpiu, AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift impacting every stage of the SDLC.“AI is not new—whether we want to believe it or not. Generative AI is just another piece of thebroader AI puzzle. It’s already embedded in our lives. I’ll probably get a couple of AI-generated suggestions on my phone before I leave this room,” he says.Discussing the impact of AI in development, Olimpiu points out that while AI won’t replaceengineers, it will certainly expand the developer’s toolkit: “There’s no shortageof tech talent, and no single tool will do the job for us. But AI adds new capabilities—perhaps more powerful than what we’ve used before. At the end of the day, it’s about building tools that help us work better.”He emphasizes a pragmatic approach to generative AI. While it’s not yet production-ready for mission-critical systems, it can still be leveraged effectively:“Generative AI is a general-purpose technology. Don’t expect it to replace your productionarchitecture today—but do explore what works for you. Stay curious, experiment, and adapt.”The episode is hosted by Alex Mocioi, a seasoned software engineer with 20 years ofhands-on experience and a decade of training tech professionals.Shift Happens is proudly supported this season by Mindera Romania, a trusted name in software development.