← Back to Blog

The AI Revolution: A Perspective from Experience

Tiago Leao • • 5 min read

The software industry is experiencing its most significant transformation since the advent of the internet. As someone who has spent over 15 years building software across E-commerce, UK Retail, Betting & Gaming, and Investment Banking, I’ve seen many technology shifts. But none compare to what AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) are doing to our craft.

The Wake-Up Call

For years, I led teams at companies like HSBC, delivering value through deep domain knowledge and hands-on technical expertise. We built systems the “traditional” way — meticulous planning, careful architecture, incremental implementation.

Then ChatGPT arrived. And everything changed.

What I’ve Learned

1. AI is a Multiplier, Not a Replacement

The fear that AI will replace developers is understandable but misguided. What AI does is multiply the capabilities of developers who learn to use it effectively. A developer with AI assistance can prototype in hours what used to take days.

2. The New Skill Set

The developers who will thrive are those who:

  • Understand prompting as a skill — Writing effective prompts is an art that requires practice
  • Know when to trust AI and when to verify — AI can hallucinate; expertise is still required
  • Can fine-tune and customize — Generic AI is powerful, but domain-specific models are transformational
  • Embrace continuous learning — The tools are evolving weekly, not yearly

3. Traditional Skills Still Matter

Despite all the AI hype, fundamental skills remain crucial:

  • Understanding system architecture
  • Debugging complex distributed systems
  • Domain expertise in your industry
  • Communication and leadership

AI makes these skills more valuable, not less.

My Current Focus

I’m now deeply invested in LLM fine-tuning, exploring how to create specialized AI assistants for specific domains. The combination of traditional software engineering expertise with modern AI capabilities is incredibly powerful.

With an RTX 5070 Ti and a passion for experimentation, I’m building the next generation of AI-assisted tools.

The Bottom Line

The industry has fundamentally changed. The choice is clear: Adapt to the LLM-driven world — or be gradually replaced by it.

This isn’t pessimism; it’s realism. And for those of us who embrace the change, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be in tech.

Want to discuss AI, LLMs, or software engineering? Get in touch — I’d love to hear your perspective.