Inside Real-World AI Systems

In this episode of Software Without Borders, hosts Thomas Hilliard and Olivier Pollard sit down with Ben Coffman, SVP of Engineering and Product, to break down how AI is being implemented inside modern software organizations. From computer vision and 3D modeling workflows to large-scale data infrastructure, Ben shares real-world insights on scaling engineering teams, improving system performance, and building AI-driven platforms. This conversation dives into software development, engineering leadership, artificial intelligence, and the strategies teams are using to turn emerging technology into real business results.

Guest Introduction:

Ben Coffman is the SVP of Engineering and Product at STACK Construction Technologies, where he leads high-performing teams at the intersection of software development, product strategy, and business execution. With a background spanning engineering leadership, AI-driven platforms, and large-scale data systems, Ben brings a practical, real-world perspective on how modern software organizations are built and scaled. Known for combining technical depth with strategic thinking, he focuses on improving workflows, accelerating performance, and helping teams turn complex systems into measurable business outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• How AI is actually being deployed inside real software systems, not just discussed in theory
• What it takes to scale engineering teams from early-stage builds to complex, high-performance platforms
• How computer vision, 3D modeling, and data infrastructure are shaping the future of software development
• The mindset leaders need to successfully implement AI and adapt to constant technological change
• Why improving system speed and performance is critical when building AI-driven platforms
• How modern engineering teams are turning emerging technology into measurable business results
• What separates teams that successfully build AI systems from those that get stuck in experimentation
• How early curiosity in technology can shape a career in engineering leadership and innovation

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction to the Show

00:45 – Ben’s Background and Leadership Experience

01:10 – How Did Your Career in Technology Begin?

03:00 – What Shaped Your Professional Journey?

05:00 – What Drew You to Software and Engineering?

07:00 – Early Inspiration: Thinking About the Future of Technology

09:00 – Transitioning from Interest to Real-World Systems

11:30 – What Does It Take to Build Real Software Systems?

14:00 – How Is AI Actually Implemented in Production?

17:00 – Where AI Fits in Modern Software Architecture

20:00 – Challenges of Integrating AI into Existing Systems

23:00 – How Do You Scale Engineering Teams Effectively?

26:00 – Improving Speed, Performance, and Output

29:00 – Leadership Lessons from Scaling Complex Systems

32:00 – How Do You Drive Real Business Results with Technology?

35:00 – The Mindset Required to Lead Through Change

38:00 – What Teams Get Wrong About AI and Innovation

41:00 – Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Software

43:30 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Keywords:

AI, artificial intelligence, software development, software engineering, engineering leadership, AI in production, machine learning, data infrastructure, scalable systems, system architecture, computer vision, 3D modeling, tech leadership, engineering teams, building AI systems