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In this episode of Software Leaders Uncensored, ModelOp CTO Jim Olsen sits down with host Steve Taplin to talk candidly about the evolving role of the CTO, the risks and opportunities in AI, and what it takes to build scalable, secure, and human-centered technology teams. With stories from startups and enterprises alike, Jim offers a grounded perspective on how to navigate the noise, prioritize governance, and lead with clarity in an era of rapid AI disruption.
What does it take to govern AI at enterprise scale—while keeping your engineering team focused, distributed, and moving fast?
Jim Olsen, CTO of ModelOp, joins Software Leaders Uncensored to unpack the lessons of a career spent at the cutting edge of software—from pioneering open source to architecting model governance platforms. He talks with host Steve Taplin about:
- The origins of ModelOp and why AI governance is non-negotiable
- Why enterprises can’t afford to treat machine learning like a black box
- His views on OpenAI’s consulting play and the rise of small language models (SLMs)
- How to manage agentic AI solutions without losing control
- The value of remote-first engineering teams and how ModelOp structures its squads
- The brutal truth that “the best tech doesn’t always win”
Jim also shares insights on navigating hype cycles, identifying “one-way doors” in tech strategy, and how CTOs can stay effective in 2025’s volatile landscape.
If you’re leading teams through the chaos of generative AI, this episode is packed with hard-won advice, real stories, and practical frameworks.
🎧 Listen now and learn why governance is the key to building AI you can trust.
