AI won’t replace developers – but developers who use AI might replace those who don’t. Roman Klos, Technical Lead at the pharmaceutical company MSD, shares how AI reshaped his workflow, mindset, and even creativity.
Roman Klos
Technical Lead at MSD
From Doubter to Daily User
When Roman Klos first encountered AI in software development, he wasn’t impressed. “It felt like autocomplete that didn’t really understand what I wanted,” he recalls. A developer through and through, Roman had worked his way up from front-end beginnings to leading teams. He didn’t expect a tool to suddenly change the way he codes.
But as AI models improved, so did his perspective. “When it started suggesting changes I was already thinking of, I realized it could help me stay in flow and be more productive,” he says. AI became a partner in the process – helping him write, edit, and debug code faster and more smoothly.
The Myths That Didn’t Hold Up
Roman admits he once believed the same myths about AI in tech that many still do. Over time, as his experience grew, his views changed. Here’s what he learned:
- “AI will replace developers.” – Unlikely. It’s reshaping how we work, not taking our jobs.
- “Only juniors devs use AI.” – Not true. Senior developers benefit too – using it to explore alternatives and better support their teams.
- “AI stifles creativity.” – Quite the opposite. It helps brainstorm, sketch ideas, and refine design logic.
- “AI can think or feel like humans.” – Let’s not romanticize it. It’s smart, but it’s still just a tool.
- “AI makes learning programming obsolete.” – False. Strong fundamentals are essential to guide AI effectively.
Not Just Work – A Mindset Shift
Roman now uses AI throughout the software lifecycle – from feature development and bug fixing to code reviews and even prioritization. “It helps lay the groundwork I can review and improve. It saves time and helps me focus on delivering value,” he explains. Outside of work, AI assists him with parenting tips, research, and creative tasks. “It’s like having a research assistant for everything. But I always verify sources,” he notes. Working with AI changed how he views learning itself. “I realized there’s always more to explore. Creativity often comes from trying multiple paths, not just jumping on the first idea.”
Collaborate, Don’t Resist
If you’re a developer – or someone leading developers – wondering where to begin, consider starting small:
- Pick one daily task (like writing commit messages or reviewing code) and invite AI into the process.
- Provide context – the more you share, the better it supports you.
- Treat it like a teammate-in-training: review its output, adjust your prompts, and reflect on what it teaches you.
- Share what works with your team – just like Roman’s peers, your colleagues may benefit from your discoveries.
Roman’s message is clear: AI isn’t your replacement – it’s your new teammate. Learn to work with it, and you might just level up how you build, think, and lead.
