Holding the Line on Quality in an AI-Driven SDLC | An OWASP AppSec Global 2025 Conversation with Sarah-Jane Madden | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

In this On Location episode during OWASP AppSec Global 2025 in Barcelona, Sarah-Jane Madden brings a unique lens to application security, shaped by her journey from developer to security leader and CSO. Speaking at OWASP AppSec Global, she tackles one of today’s most pressing concerns: how AI is reshaping software engineering—and how we must respond without compromising core values like quality and security.

Madden emphasizes that AI is only the latest in a series of major disruptions, comparing it to shifts like remote work triggered by COVID. Her message is clear: organizations must prepare for continuous change, not just chase the current trend. That means prioritizing adaptability and ensuring critical practices like application security are not sacrificed in the rush to speed up delivery.

She makes the case for a layered, iterative approach to development—rejecting the outdated linear mindset. Developers, she argues, should leverage AI as an accelerator, not a replacement. Think of AI as your digital intern: handling the drudgery, automating boilerplate code, and even applying internal security standards to code before it reaches human hands. This frees developers to focus on creative problem-solving and thoughtful architecture.

However, Madden cautions against blind enthusiasm. While experimentation is healthy, organizations must be discerning about outcomes. Speed is meaningless without quality, and quality includes security. She calls on developers to advocate for high standards and reminds business leaders not to fall for the allure of shortcut statistics or flashy claims that promise results without skilled labor. Her analogy of microwave dinners vs. proper cuisine illustrates the risk of prioritizing convenience over substance—especially in complex problem-solving environments.

For line-of-business leaders, Madden urges realistic expectations. AI can enhance productivity, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for thoughtful development. Ultimately, customers will notice if quality drops, and reputational damage is hard to undo.

In closing, Madden celebrates OWASP as more than an organization—it’s a source of support, camaraderie, and genuine community for those working to build secure, reliable systems. Her message? Embrace change, use tools wisely, protect your standards, and never forget the human side of engineering.

GUEST: Sarah-Jane Madden | Global Director of Cyber Defense at Fortive | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjanemadden/

HOST: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.com

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