#33 - Leading Teams and Transformations with Mike Hostetler

Hey folks, Andy Hilliard here with another episode of Software Without Borders! I’m pumped to sit down with Mike Hostetler, an AI/ML guru and software builder who’s reshaping enterprises at ServiceCore. We trace Mike’s journey from coding QBasic games as a kid to pioneering open source like jQuery and now driving AI transformations. He shares game-changing insights on orchestrating AI agents, the rise of the Chief Agent Officer role, and leading high-performing distributed teams. From tools like AMP and Cursor to avoiding intelligence hyperinflation, Mike’s wisdom is a must-hear for tech leaders. If you’re ready to unlock AI’s potential and build global software teams that thrive, hit play and subscribe for more episodes that dive deep into software’s impact worldwide!

Guest Introduction:

I’m thrilled to welcome Mike Hostetler, a seasoned AI/ML specialist and entrepreneur who’s all about building. From his early days with open source projects like jQuery to leading AI-driven change at ServiceCore, Mike’s got a knack for blending C-suite strategy with hands-on coding. His insights on AI agents and global teams make him the perfect guide for navigating today’s tech landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Mike’s story—from QBasic to AI leadership—shows how a builder’s curiosity can spark decades of innovation.

AI in enterprises isn’t just tech; it’s about people, processes, and a new Chief Agent Officer to connect the dots across departments.

Leading remote teams means prioritizing clarity, human connection, and leadership over mere management to unlock their full potential.

Tools like AMP and Cursor are transforming coding, but human skills like taste and long-term planning are still the secret sauce.

To stay ahead, focus on learning velocity—train teams to adapt fast and outpace competitors in the AI era.

Rewriting software isn’t taboo anymore; AI’s cost-cutting power makes upgrading brownfield projects a smart move.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 Intro

0:04 Host Welcome and Show Intro

0:23 Guest Welcome and Career Kickoff

1:44 Mike’s Early Days as a Builder

2:48 QBasic, Modems, and the Internet’s Dawn

5:32 Diving into AI and Machine Learning

9:39 Bots, Agents, and Classical AI Foundations

10:39 AI’s Role in Enterprises and the Chief Agent Officer

19:20 Tackling Intelligence Hyperinflation

26:28 Secrets to Leading Distributed Teams

39:23 Measuring Remote Team Success

45:00 AI Tools: Capabilities and Limits in Engineering

53:28 AI’s Impact on Productivity and Quality

57:41 Defining ROI and Value in AI Initiatives

1:05:28 Closing Remarks and Thanks

Keywords:

Andy Hilliard, Mike Hostetler, Software Without Borders, AI transformation, global software development, distributed teams, Chief Agent Officer, AI agents, software innovation, remote work leadership, coding tools, intelligence hyperinflation, open source software, enterprise AI, software engineering