TD Cafe #004 - Ivan Stegic & Randy Oest

In this episode, Ivan Stegic and Randy Oest discuss the impact of
AI on junior developers and other roles, debating whether AI will
be a disruptive force in the job market. They delve into the
complexities of using LinkedIn for job hunting and effective
networking strategies. The conversation shifts to new features in
Figma, the potential of AI-driven coding tools like Cursor, and
the importance of investing in junior developers. They also
explore higher education design systems, innovative business
strategies, and reflect on the balance between tactical and
digital controls in modern cars. The episode wraps up with a
light-hearted chat about slang, parental roles, and mentorship.


For show notes visit:
https://www.talkingDrupal.com/cafe004
Topics Ivan Stegic

Ivan is a prominent leader in the Drupal community and the
founder of TEN7, a Minneapolis-based technology studio
specializing in Drupal development, strategy, and digital
transformation. With a background in physics and a passion for
problem-solving, Ivan transitioned from science to tech,
ultimately finding a perfect fit in the open-source world of
Drupal.
Since founding TEN7 in 2007, Ivan has championed Drupal as a
powerful, scalable platform for mission-driven organizations,
nonprofits, and enterprises. Under his leadership, TEN7 has
delivered impactful Drupal solutions for clients across
education, healthcare, and government sectors. Ivan is also known
for fostering a people-first company culture grounded in trust,
transparency, and continuous improvement.
Beyond his work at TEN7, Ivan is an active contributor to the
Drupal project, frequently speaking at DrupalCons and camps,
hosting the ONE OF 8 BILLION podcast (formerly the TEN7 Podcast),
and mentoring others in the community. His advocacy for open
source and ethical tech underscores his commitment to using
Drupal to make the internet—and the world—a better place.
Randy Oest

Randy is a design strategist, creative director, and
accessibility advocate helping mission-driven organizations craft
inclusive, user-centered digital experiences. With a background
that spans visual design, front-end development, and content
strategy, Randy specializes in building scalable design systems
and digital platforms—particularly within the Drupal
ecosystem.
As the former Creative Director at Four Kitchens, Randy led
cross-functional teams in developing cohesive design strategies,
architecting front-end systems, and aligning user experience with
organizational goals. He’s known for bridging the gap between
high-level vision and implementation, ensuring that every project
is both beautiful and deeply usable.
Beyond his client work, Randy is a frequent speaker at DrupalCon,
regional camps, and virtual events, where he shares insights on
accessibility, usability, and design systems. A passionate
advocate for open-source collaboration and digital equity, he is
committed to making the web a more inclusive and empowering space
for everyone.


Debunking AI Myths: Junior Developers Are Here to Stay

Casual Catch-Up: Podcast Conversations and AI Avatars

LinkedIn: A Wasteland or a Goldmine?

Creative Networking: From Fortune Tellers to Meaningful
Connections

Figma Innovations: Draw and Sites

The Future of Coding: AI Tools and Junior Developers

Flying Cars and Spam Texts

Dealing with Spam Texts

Exploring Higher Education Design Systems

The Onion's Creative Agency

The Importance of Tactile Controls in Cars

Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Guests

Ivan Stegic - TEN7 ivanstegic
Randy Oest - amazingrando.com amazingrando