The Human Side of AI: Unlocking Opportunity in the New Bottlenecks of Software Development

The Human Side of AI: Unlocking Opportunity in the New Bottlenecks of Software Development
Artificial Intelligence is transforming software development at unprecedented speed—reshaping roles, workflows, and organizational dynamics. Yet, with every acceleration comes a new constraint.
Kiran Rouzie (Head of Technology Strategy, North America & Global Head of Organizational Change & Transformation) and Rachel Laycock (CTO) of ThoughtWorks will discuss how AI introduces fresh bottlenecks that shift where value is created in the delivery lifecycle — and how these shifts unlock opportunities for business analysts, QA professionals, and other often-overlooked roles to rise in influence. More broadly, they will reflect on the human side of AI adoption: how diversity of thought, perspective, and lived experience must shape the integration of AI into the workforce.

Far from being a story of replacement, this conversation emphasizes the collective contribution of people in guiding, validating, and amplifying AI’s potential. Kiran and Rachel will highlight how voices from diverse and minority communities are essential in shaping trustworthy AI practices, and how organizations can foster inclusion while reimagining roles.

Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of:

• How AI changes the balance of skills in software delivery.
• Why new bottlenecks are actually opportunities for under-recognized roles.
• The critical role of diversity and human perspective in ensuring responsible AI integration.
• Strategies for navigating organizational change at the intersection of technology and people.
• This conversation invites us to see AI not just as a tool of efficiency, but as a catalyst for rethinking how we value human contribution in building the future of software.

Far from being a story of replacement, this conversation emphasizes the collective contribution of people in guiding, validating, and amplifying AIs potential. Kiran and Rachel will highlight how voices from diverse and minority communities are essential in shaping trustworthy AI practices, and how organizations can foster inclusion while reimagining roles.

Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of:

• How AI changes the balance of skills in software delivery.
• Why new bottlenecks are actually opportunities for under-recognized roles.
• The critical role of diversity and human perspective in ensuring responsible AI integration.
• Strategies for navigating organizational change at the intersection of technology and people.
• This conversation invites us to see AI not just as a tool of efficiency, but as a catalyst for rethinking how we value human contribution in building the future of software.

About Rachel Laycock

Rachel Laycock is Chief Technology Officer of Thoughtworks, responsible for shaping and communicating the company’s global technology strategy. Over more than a decade at Thoughtworks, she has partnered with clients worldwide to modernize their technology estates, build resilient digital platforms, and unlock new avenues for growth.

In recent years, Rachel has led Thoughtworks’ efforts to help both the organization and its clients develop and execute successful AI strategies—bridging technology innovation with real business impact. Her work has focused on embedding responsible AI practices, accelerating AI adoption through modern data and platform capabilities, and ensuring organizations can realize measurable value from AI investments.

Prior to becoming CTO, she led the global Enterprise Modernization, Platforms, and Cloud business, helping organizations accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and embed cultures of continuous improvement. Rachel began her career at Thoughtworks as a developer and brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise, commercial focus, and executive leadership to her role.

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About Kiran Rouzie

The World's #1 Expert on the EVOLVED TEAM as featured in: Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, Forbes and Success.

CTO, Certified Coach, Certified Change Management Expert, TEDx speaker specializing in Technology, AI Adoption & Utilization.

Kiran Rouzie has a proven track record of developing high performing organizations that grow profit and revenue.

She is a highly personable, visionary, innovative and results-oriented leader. Her work as a CTO and transformational digital leader has helped executives solve the most critical and strategic challenges facing companies today.

She has a proven ability to implement operational excellence, process re-engineering and Agile principals that accelerate product development and improve overall organizational efficiency. And, demonstrated success in identifying appealing market opportunities and formulating successful strategies.

As a certified coach, strategy advisor and certified change management expert she has delivered undeniable results – transforming leaders, teams and organizations for clients such as:

Apple, Google, Amazon, Ritz-Carlton, Delta Airlines, Thoughtworks.

Her broader experience includes Leading: Innovation, Technology Commercialization, R&D, SDLC, Product Development, L&D, Global Support and Technology Operations.

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