Patty O’Callaghan, Technical Director, Head of AI for the Architecture & Engineering Group at Charles River Laboratories and a Google Developer Expert in AI & Cloud joins us on Tech Paired to unpack what software development looks like in an AI-first world.

This is a real-world conversation about how engineering teams are changing right now: AI writing code, developers evolving into architects, and why governance, guardrails, and AI literacy will define the companies that win in 2026.

Patty shares a mind-blowing example:

A project estimated at 3 developers for 3 months… delivered in 1 week using AI-assisted workflows.

But this isn’t hype. It’s a blueprint for what’s coming.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why developers must adapt now
• How AI is transforming the SDLC (planning → coding → testing → deployment)
• Why testing and validation are more critical than ever
• The risk of “shadow AI” inside organisations
• What good AI governance looks like at enterprise scale
• Why regulated industries are struggling to keep pace
• The shift from SEO to AI discovery and changing web traffic patterns
• How engineering roles are shifting from “coder” to “architect”
• Why Patty believes 2026 could be a “tsunami year” for unprepared teams

If you’re building software, leading engineering teams, hiring developers, or shaping AI strategy this is essential listening.

🎙️ Hosted by Michael Phair and Stuart Alexander, co-founders of Tech Pair a Tech & Change recruitment firm built on real relationships and hands-on expertise.

Tech Pair connects high-performing tech talent with scaling businesses through permanent, contract, RPO, and managed service models. Founder-led. No juniors. Just people who care about people.