Stephen Walters, Field CTO, GitLab on AI’s Role in DevOps, & Developer Evolution

In this no-fluff, all-substance episode of Discover Dialogues, Vikramsinh Ghatge sits down with Stephen Walters, Field CTO at GitLab, to unpack the real-world impact of AI in DevOps. From risky oversights to future-proofing developer roles, this conversation dives deep into what’s actually happening when machines generate code—without truly understanding it.

Episode Snapshot:

AI and DevOps have become buzzwords in modern enterprise tech—but what’s the reality when they intersect? Stephen pulls back the curtain, revealing surprising stories from the field, including one where an AI-generated system with over 3 million lines of code introduced hundreds of security flaws. The reason? The AI didn’t understand context—it simply generated.

Key Takeaways:

• AI isn’t replacing developers—but it's raising the bar.

• Machine-written code often overlooks security fundamentals.

• Leaders must navigate hype vs. real value, focusing on long-term skill-building.

• Critical thinking still matters—even in a world of automation.

• Budgeting for continuous learning is key to sustainable DevOps.

If you're a CTO, DevOps leader, or engineer navigating the evolving tech stack, this episode offers a grounded look at the synergy—and tension—between AI and human expertise.