Your AI Transition Doesn't Stop with Adopting the Technology

Beyond Vibe Coding, Season 2, Episode 6

Most companies measure AI adoption, see 90% usage, and conclude the change is done. Stefan Schubert-Peters, CPTO at felmo, returns to Beyond Vibe Coding to argue that's exactly where the real work begins.

The insight came from an unlikely place: a team retro that turned flat, even toxic — experienced, AI-fluent engineers suddenly deflated. Stefan realised two changes are happening at once. The obvious one is adopting the tools. The quieter one is people grasping how their job itself will change. Companies track the first and declare victory, while everyone is still living the second.

He frames it through the classic change curve — the "valley of tears" everyone travels at their own speed — and cites a Lenny's Newsletter survey showing tech split roughly in half: one group amplified and energised, the other destabilised and close to burnout over job insecurity.

The takeaway for leaders is honesty over reassurance. Rather than pretending nothing has changed, name the uncertainty, create a safe environment, and help people redefine their roles and identity for an AI-native world.

Listen to the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dvzINF9Q09MjAM1UgfRuY