What if your biggest AI advantage isn’t a model—it's how fast your team can learn together?

In this episode of Futureproof, Prakash Chandran sits down with Alfonso Quijano, CTO of Lean Solutions Group, to explore how Lean is becoming AI-ready by turning learning into a team sport. Alfonso explains how they create space for engineers to test new tools, teach each other what works, and build a culture where mentorship and experimentation fuel weekly shipping. Together, they unpack why speed comes from clarity and collaboration—not just new technology—and how leaders can design habits that help teams adopt AI confidently while staying grounded in real outcomes.

Topics covered include:

• Shared learning loops: How Lean creates internal sessions where engineers teach each other new tools and workflows.
• Weekly shipping as culture: Why fast MVP cycles and rapid iteration compound learning across teams.
• Hands-on leadership: How Alfonso builds trust by working alongside engineers and reinforcing experimentation.
• Tool experimentation with discipline: How Lean tests new vendors quickly while making deliberate long-term platform choices.
• Clarity over tooling: Why product thinking and communication—not shiny tech—ultimately determine velocity.

Episode ID: 18656694-building-an-ai-ready-team-with-alfonso-quijano-lean-solutions-group

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From Xano - The fastest way to create a production-ready backend for any app or agent. Xano unifies AI speed, code control, and visual clarity, so you never trade reliability for velocity. Sign up for free today.

What qualities matter most for builders in an AI-native world?

In this episode of Futureproof, Prakash Chandran sits down with Karthik Puvvada (KP), Head of Community at Netlify, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creation, careers, and community-driven growth. KP explains why the industry is moving away from rigid “developer vs. non-developer” labels toward a new divide of high-agency vs. low-agency builders, how AI is becoming a tutor and force multiplier, and why shipping real projects matters more than passive learning. Together, they make the case that we are entering an era of personal software, faster experimentation, and community flywheels where champions and curiosity determine who wins.

Topics covered include:

• High-agency builders: Why initiative and ownership now matter more than traditional credentials.
• AI as a learning engine: How models collapse skill gaps and accelerate cross-functional work.
• Shipping over tutorials: Setting concrete goals that force real-world iteration.
• Community as growth: Champion programs, authenticity, and “show, don’t tell” storytelling.
• The rise of personal software: Why n=1 apps may define the next wave of creation.

Episode ID: 18573101-high-agency-builders-personal-software-and-the-rebirth-of-developers-karthik-puvvada-netlify

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From Xano - The fastest way to create a production-ready backend for any app or agent. Xano unifies AI speed, code control, and visual clarity, so you never trade reliability for velocity. Sign up for free today.

Are engineering leaders asking the wrong questions when deciding what to build?

In this episode of Futureproof, Xano CEO Prakash Chandran talks with Chris Horn, SVP of Operations at Deriv, about what it takes to build AI inside a regulated, global software environment. Chris explains the difference between prototypes and proofs-of-concept, why data architecture is the real unlock, and how Deriv used a Shark-Tank-like model to introduce AI into internal operations. Together, they explore the mindset shift required for AI-native development — and why the most important question isn’t “Can we build it?” but “Should we build it?”

Topics covered include:

• Prototype vs. PoC: Why technical feasibility matters less than solving a real problem.
• AI as product work: The critical role of discovery, KPIs, and iteration in AI projects.
• Data as the foundation: How Deriv built a medallion architecture to get ready for AI.
• Internal AI first: Why customer-facing AI wasn’t the starting point (and what worked instead).
• Upskilling at scale: Building an AI-native culture through curiosity, training, and incentives.

Episode ID: 18501541-from-proof-of-concept-to-product-chris-horn-deriv

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From Xano - The fastest way to create a production-ready backend for any app or agent. Xano unifies AI speed, code control, and visual clarity, so you never trade reliability for velocity. Sign up for free today.