Code and Connor

CodeStrap
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TECH NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Code & Connor is where Connor Deeks and Dorian Smiley ask the questions most AI podcasts won't. Two founders — one strategist, one engineer — in honest conversations with executives, builders, and practitioners about what's actually happening at the intersection of AI and the enterprise. Learn from collaborations with customers and partners, see Codestrap's technology in action, and get perspective on the hottest issues within the AI industry. No hype. Just real, unvarnished discussion with the industry's smartest people.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    CxC Ep31: DevEx Matters: Snowflake Gets It Right With Cortex Code - with Umesh Unnikrishnan (Snowflake)

    This week on Code x Connor, we’re joined by Umesh Unnikrishnan of Snowflake to discuss the evolution from vibe coding to agentic engineering, how AI is reshaping developer workflows, and why trusted data platforms are becoming the control plane for the agentic enterprise. Umesh is the Head of Developer Experiences at Snowflake, where he's focused on building and scaling Cortex Code, Snowflake’s data-native AI coding agent, helping builders go from idea to production faster. Prior to Snowflake, he held leadership positions at Google, Microsoft, and Pinterest making complex data and AI systems intuitive for developers. He has also been an investor and operator in high-growth startups. Snowflake is powering the shift to the agentic enterprise, where AI doesn’t just generate insights, but takes action on trusted data. With tools like Snowflake Intelligence for business users and Cortex Code for builders, Snowflake serves as the control plane for enterprises bringing data, AI, and governance together in a single platform. In this episode, we discuss: → The shift from vibe coding prototypes to production-ready agentic engineering → How Cortex Code helps developers build and manage complex data pipelines faster → Why governance, auditability, and security matter for enterprise AI systems → The growing importance of context engineering and AI-native developer workflows → How Snowflake is positioning itself as the control plane for the agentic enterprise → Why APIs, markdown documentation, and command-line tooling are critical for AI agents → The rise of agent-first developer experience and AI-native software design → Why enterprises are rethinking token usage, ROI, and AI infrastructure costs → How AI is accelerating migrations from legacy systems like Oracle and SQL Server → Why the future of software development requires broader “full stack builder” skill sets → The role of monorepos, platform engineering, and scalable developer systems in the AI era Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Snowflake Website: https://www.snowflake.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snowflake-computing Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umeshunni/ Codestrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrogojan/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    1hr 2min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Codestrap Collab: ForgeSight x SalesFoundation

    Codestrap welcomes ForgeSight to the channel to discuss how AI-powered operational platforms are reshaping traditional SaaS and see a demo of CustomerForge, a jointly developed CRM solution built atop Palantir Foundry. Featuring Codestrap Founding Partner & Business Platform Lead Bryce Leszczynski, ForgeSight Co-Founder & CEO Chris Atack, and ForgeSight Forward Deployed Engineers Brett Adams and Adam Collins. Be sure to follow us to get our latest updates from Codestrap and learn about our technology and approach. Schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com to see what we can do for your business. ForgeSight Website: https://www.forgesight.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i4cforgesight/ Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisatack/ Brett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett20adams/ Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam99collins/ Codestrap: Bryce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-leszczynski-350a6a113/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    1hr 1min

  3. 14 MAY

    CxC Ep30: Building AI Systems That Don’t Break the Business - with Brian Fornelli (Conagra)

    This week on Code x Connor, we’re joined by Brian Fornelli of Conagra Brands to discuss operationalizing AI in large enterprises, why companies are overcomplicating adoption, and where generative AI actually delivers value. Brian is a Senior Director of Data Solutions and Engineering at Conagra Brands, where he focuses on building production-grade machine learning systems and scalable software solutions that improve operational decision-making. With over 15 years of experience spanning applied machine learning, engineering, and enterprise systems, his work centers on deploying practical AI solutions that drive measurable outcomes in complex operational environments. In this episode, we discuss: → Why cross-functional teams outperform traditional enterprise org structures for AI → The risks of deploying probabilistic AI into real-world operations → Why most enterprise problems don’t need advanced AI → The importance of observability, governance, and traceability in AI systems → How enterprises balance platforms like Palantir, Databricks, and Snowflake → Why AI-generated software may matter more than AI-powered operations → The coming pricing, supply, and GPU challenges facing enterprise AI → Why organizations need better ways to measure AI ROI and productivity → The risks of unbounded “vibe coded” enterprise applications → Why deterministic systems and traditional ML still matter alongside LLMs Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Conagra Website: https://www.conagrabrands.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conagra-brands/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-fornelli/ Codestrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    1hr 13min

  4. 30 APR

    CxC Ep29: The Dilemma of AI Pricing - with Maciej Kraus (Movens Capital)

    This week on Code x Connor, we’re joined by Maciej Kraus, partner at Movens Capital and Stanford guest lecturer, to discuss current AI pricing models, their limitations, and what comes next. Maciej is a PhD, VC partner, and pricing expert with 20+ years in strategy, sales, and monetization. He advises founders on value capture, guest lectures at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and co-authored Pricing Decoded. He blends data, psychology, and practical frameworks to turn pricing into a growth engine for tech and SaaS. In this episode, we discuss: → Why AI challenges the traditional SaaS model (cheap to build, expensive to run)→ The “Token AI” consumption model and its limitations → The potential threat of economic collapse→ Business models that will actually work in the future→ How subsidies and capital burn are distorting the market→ Output vs. outcome-based pricing → Hybrid pricing models and the future of AI pricing Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Movens Capital Website: https://movenscapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movenscapital/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciejkraus/ Codestrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ Codestrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai Codestrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    1hr 3min

  5. 23 APR

    CxC Ep28: AI & Data That Work at Enterprise Scale - with Jarek Sobanski (Swiss Re)

    This week on Code x Connor, we’re joined by Jarek Sobanski of Swiss Re to discuss managing complexity at scale, how Foundry enables a data-connected enterprise, and where AI is actually driving business impact. Jarek leads Data Platforms Architecture at Swiss Re—a Global Fortune 500 company and the world’s largest reinsurer—guiding a team that designs and scales enterprise data and AI ecosystems. With expertise in AI, analytics, distributed computing, and four years working hands-on with Palantir Foundry and AIP, he focuses on turning complex data landscapes into practical business solutions. In this episode, we discuss: → Swiss Re’s journey scaling Foundry across thousands of users and hundreds of applications→ Why data governance is essential for scaling enterprise AI platforms→ How business teams can build their own apps and AI workflows→ The role of IT centers of excellence and “tiger teams” in early platform adoption→ Why most enterprise AI value comes from unstructured data like contracts and claims→ The shift from traditional NLP programs to modern large language models→ How organizations should rethink processes in an AI-enabled world→ The limitations of current AI systems—and why human expertise still matters Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Swiss Re Website: https://www.swissre.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-re/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jareksobanski/ CodeStrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    58 min

  6. 20 APR

    CxC Ep 27: AI in the News - with Dom Selvon & Tarek Nseir (Valiance)

    This week on Code x Connor, we’re joined by Tarek Nseir and Dom Selvon of Valiance to discuss the latest in AI news, from the UK’s attempt to oust Palantir from the NHS to Claude Code’s source code leak. Tarek is a serial entrepreneur who built one of Europe's leading digital transformation consultancies over 25 years, delivering landmark programmes for JK Rowling, the BBC, and LV Insurance. Dom is a founding figure of the composable architecture movement who has spent 27 years building flexible systems for brands including LEGO, IKEA, and Burberry. Valliance, their new company, is an independent AI consultancy that combines deep expertise in data, AI, and enterprise transformation to help leaders solve complex business problems and move away from delivering simple pilots to real impactful deliveries with measurable outcomes. In this episode, we discuss the latest headlines in AI: → The UK to rethink tech buying after Palantir contracts - The Register→ Anthropic goes nude, exposes Claude Code source by accident - The Register→ ‘Guardian’ Apps Aim to Stop AI Agents From Going Rogue - The Information Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Valiance Website: https://valliance.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valliance-ai/ Tarek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareknseir/ Dom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-selvon-1488958/ CodeStrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    57 min

  7. 16 APR ·  BONUS

    Codestrap Roundtable: If Your Boss Incentivizes Token Burn, Get a New Boss

    Codestrap’s Dorian Smiley, Benjamin Rogojan, and Przemyslaw Nowak discuss the key issues and considerations fueling the debate between tradcoding and tokenmaxxing. Be sure to follow us to get our latest updates and learn about our technology and approach. Schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com to see what we can do for your business. Featuring: Dorian Smiley, Founder & CTO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Benjamin Rogojan, Founding Partner & Fractional Head of Data: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrogojan/  Przemyslaw Nowak, Founding Partner & Principal Engineer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nowakprzemek/ Codestrap: CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/Codestrap_ai CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    55 min

  8. 9 APR

    CxC Ep26: There’s no AI Strategy Without A Data Strategy

    CodeStrap's "Code and Connor" Episode 26 features our friend Jeff Hollan, Former Head of Cortex AI Agents and Snowflake Intelligence. Jeff led the product strategy for Snowflake Intelligence, Cortex Agents, Cortex Analyst, and Cortex Search. These core components of Snowflake Cortex AI empower developers, engineers, and data scientists to build powerful AI apps and agents alongside the world’s data and unlock insights with natural language.  Prior to Snowflake, Jeff was Head of Product for Microsoft Azure’s PaaS and Serverless portfolio, where he was responsible for some of the most used and highest growth services in Azure, such as Azure Functions, Container Apps, App Services, and Static Web Apps.  . Our 26th episode focuses on: → Snowflake’s goal to democratize AI for the enterprise  → Should everyone be building AI solutions? → Snowflake Intelligence is GA - what is it, how is it different from traditional BI or copilots → Who is the operational user in the future for Snowflake → What it’s like to lead development of Snowflake Intelligence and Jeff’s learnings → Snowflake’s incorporation of AI into their own products → Snowflake recently announced $200 million partnership expansion with Anthropic. → The Arctic research team at Snowflake and their involvement with SLMs → Multimodal AI, interoperable agents and the future of enterprise AI → Snowflake vs. Databricks Be sure to follow us to get the latest information, and schedule a meeting with us through www.codestrap.com! Snowflake Website: https://www.snowflake.com/en/ Cortex: https://www.snowflake.com/en/product/features/cortex/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snowflake-computing/ CodeStrap Dorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-smiley-97a72a14/ Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connordeeks/ CodeStrap (X): https://x.com/CodeStrap411 CodeStrap (LI): https://www.linkedin.com/company/codestrap

    1hr 18min
See All (33)

About

Code & Connor is where Connor Deeks and Dorian Smiley ask the questions most AI podcasts won't. Two founders — one strategist, one engineer — in honest conversations with executives, builders, and practitioners about what's actually happening at the intersection of AI and the enterprise. Learn from collaborations with customers and partners, see Codestrap's technology in action, and get perspective on the hottest issues within the AI industry. No hype. Just real, unvarnished discussion with the industry's smartest people.

Information

  • Creator
    CodeStrap
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Code and Connor