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iSAQB Software Architecture Gathering 2025​

Published on April 15, 2025

SAG 2024 – Expert Interview with Sarah Wells

In the 6th episode of our Expert Interview series for the Software Architecture Gathering 2024, Sarah Wells, an independent consultant and author, shares her expert insights into how microservices, diversity, and the creation of flow are essential for successful software architecture and high-performance teams. Below, we summarize the key points from her interview. You can watch the full video at the end of the article.

The Power of Microservices, Diversity, and Flow in Successful Software Architecture

Sarah, with over 25 years of experience in tech, emphasizes the importance of creating environments that foster continuous delivery and collaboration, as well as the essential role of leadership in driving organizational change. She dives into how microservices are not a one-size-fits-all solution but an important tool in improving agility when implemented with the right mindset and organizational culture.

Throughout the interview, Sarah explains how Flow and team autonomy lead to faster value delivery and how organizational culture impacts the effectiveness of software architecture. She shares how leadership needs to be intentional in making cultural shifts to support autonomy, continuous feedback, and a psychologically safe environment. She also reflects on how diverse and inclusive teams contribute to better problem-solving and innovation.

Sarah highlights the key challenges in adopting microservices and why fostering a generative culture that avoids blame and focuses on learning is critical to success. Additionally, she talks about how scaling learning across teams can drive growth and keep everyone aligned as the organization evolves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Deliver value faster: Small, continuous changes improve efficiency and customer feedback.
2. Microservices are not a one-size-fits-all solution: Ensure that microservices are adopted with clear intent and alignment with business needs.
3. Flow is crucial: Teams should be autonomous, minimizing handoffs to achieve faster delivery without delays.
4. Generative, blame-free culture: Foster trust and learning to drive better decision-making and smoother processes.
5. Diversity fuels innovation: Diverse teams bring valuable perspectives that lead to better solutions and improved team dynamics.

Sarah's reflections on leadership, team structures, and the evolution of software architecture are a must-watch for anyone looking to create impactful, future-proof systems.

Watch the whole interview here:

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