This episode of 10X Insights, Kadi McKean and Steve Poole sit down with Tom Cools —Belgian Java User Group organizer and DevRel—to unpack what it really takes to grow as a developer during massive industry shifts. Tom shares his path from teaching into software development, why curiosity and “tinkering” are career superpowers, and how the current AI wave feels eerily similar to the early microservices hype cycle. The conversation covers AI as a coding assistant, the risks of blindly trusting generated code, and what Tom learned from reviewing university projects where LLMs improved code quality—but not always understanding. You’ll leave with practical mindset shifts for navigating change, staying relevant, and becoming a more effective developer without burning out. Tune in to hear our conversation for Summer 2025.

Join us as we unpack:

• AI can improve code quality fast — but understanding still matters more than output.
• Use AI like a teammate for boilerplate + reviews, not a replacement for thinking.
• “Copy/paste dev behavior” is riskier now because AI makes it easier to ship code you don’t understand.
• Every hype wave has a “microservices moment” — the key is learning the tradeoffs early.
• The best long-term skill: learning how to learn (with curiosity + experimentation).
• Empathy + curiosity + bravery are essential traits for navigating big tech change.
• To be 10x, do less: focus beats chasing every tool, model, and trend (and helps prevent burnout).