What Developers Need to Thrive in the Age of AI: A Personal Perspective

As someone who has always loved building things—from random contraptions as a kid to complex systems today—leading a tech startup has been one of the most fulfilling challenges of life. But, along with the excitement comes some unexpected roadblocks. One that’s been on the minds of many recently is hiring developers, especially in an era where AI is changing everything about how we work.

For those who started out as developers before the widespread use of AI tools, the journey was fundamentally different. Without AI handing us answers, hitting a roadblock meant digging deep, exploring alternatives, and finding our way through. That process—though frustrating at times—taught resilience and honed essential problem-solving skills. Many began freelancing early, navigating the evolving tech landscape with hands-on experience. These formative years, without relying on AI as a crutch, built foundational skills that are now becoming increasingly rare. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is completely different. AI tools are everywhere, and they’ve redefined what it means to be a developer.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

AI is incredible. It can accelerate work, help debug faster, and even inspire new ideas. Many developers, including experienced ones, use AI extensively in their workflows today. It has undeniably made certain aspects of development more efficient and creative. However, there’s a catch: far too many developers have become overly reliant on it. They thrive when AI has the answer but freeze the moment they hit a problem AI can’t solve. It’s as if the art of creative problem-solving is fading. The real magic happens when AI is combined with a strong foundation in problem-solving and logical thinking—this synergy elevates the outcomes beyond what either can achieve alone.

This challenge highlights a critical issue for leaders—finding people who see AI as just one tool in their toolbox, not the entire workshop. Building something groundbreaking often means venturing into areas where AI hasn’t gone yet. It’s in these moments that true innovation thrives.

What Really Matters in a Developer

Over the years, the qualities that matter most in a developer have become clear:

• Problem-solving skills that go beyond AI. Developers who can tackle challenges independently and creatively bring a unique edge to any team.

• A deep understanding of logic and systems. Knowing how things work—and why they work—is crucial to building scalable and sustainable solutions.

• The drive to build what’s never been built before. This requires courage, vision, and a willingness to experiment.

• Adaptability and curiosity. The tech world evolves rapidly, and developers must constantly learn and unlearn to stay ahead.

• Collaboration and communication. Building great products requires teamwork. Developers who can clearly articulate ideas and work well in diverse teams are invaluable.

• A strong foundation in fundamentals. While AI can help write code, it cannot replace a solid grasp of algorithms, data structures, and design patterns.

• The ability to think long-term. Developers who focus not just on immediate fixes but on sustainable, future-proof solutions stand out.

• Ownership and accountability. Taking responsibility for work and seeing it through to completion is an invaluable trait.

These are the traits that stand out in a world increasingly influenced by AI. They’re rare, but when present, they create developers who are indispensable.

A Collective Reflection

This experience is not just about hiring but about a broader reflection on how challenges are approached. Whether professionally or personally, curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to dive into the unknown are invaluable. The real differentiators in this AI-driven era are not the tools themselves but the people who use them wisely.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, there’s a growing appreciation for balancing the power of AI with mastering the foundational skills that stand the test of time. It’s this balance that will define the developers—and leaders—of the future.

In navigating these waters, the goal is to thrive in a world that’s constantly changing. And for anyone on this journey, sharing insights and strategies can help us all move forward together.