EP 16: Modernization Unpacked: Perspectives

In this live episode, recorded at WSO2Con Europe 2025, hosts *Sanjiva* and *Asanka* are joined by *Jeremy* *Schneider,* Senior Partner & Co-Head of Global Software & High-Tech Practice at McKinsey & Company, to explore the challenges and opportunities of platformless modernization and the cultural transformation required for organizations to become software-driven. They discuss the importance of leadership in understanding technology, the "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture, and how organizations can empower teams with autonomy while maintaining governance. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on software development, with insights on rethinking workflows, data foundations, and organizational structures to fully leverage its potential.

Key Discussion Points:

• The cultural transformation needed to become a software-driven organization.
• The "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture.
• How AI is reshaping software development and the challenges of adoption.
• Balancing freedom and governance for developers and teams.
• The importance of a product mindset for long-term modernization success.
• Hosts*
• Sanjiva Weerawarana*
• LinkedIn:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/
• Twitter:* @sanjiva
• Medium:* https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana
• Asanka Abeysinghe*
• LinkedIn:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe
• Twitter:* @asankama
• Blog:* https://blog.architect2architect.com/
• Medium:* https://asankama.medium.com/
• Jeremy Schneider*
• LinkedIn:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydschneider/