Cheryl explains that authentication may appear simple on the surface, but is deeply complex due to evolving user expectations, global standards, and increasing security demands. What was once considered “good enough” is no longer sufficient, as modern systems must support biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and seamless yet secure user experiences. This makes authentication a moving target rather than a solved problem, forcing teams to carefully balance innovation, usability, and risk.

Turning to AI and “vibe coding”, Cheryl describes how generative AI is shifting developers from pure coding towards a more architectural and strategic mindset. While AI can produce impressive interfaces and accelerate development, it lacks domain understanding and security awareness. As a result, the true value of developers now lies in critical thinking, system design, and asking the right questions – skills that are becoming increasingly important in an AI-assisted world.

Equally important to Cheryl is the role of community and human connection. Through her long-standing work in open source and meetup communities, she highlights how collaboration, shared learning, and in-person exchanges fuel innovation and personal growth. Despite remote work and AI advancements, she believes that genuine relationships, trust, and knowledge-sharing remain irreplaceable pillars of the tech ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authentication is not a solved problem and continues to grow in complexity with rising security and UX expectations.
2. AI and “vibe coding” shift developers from implementers to architects and critical thinkers.
3. Domain knowledge, security awareness, and good testing practices remain essential despite AI assistance.
4. Community building and open collaboration play a vital role in shaping better software and stronger teams.
5. Human connection and shared experiences cannot be replaced by AI tools.
6. Conferences and meetups continue to inspire creativity, learning, and innovation.

This interview is a must-watch for anyone curious about the future of authentication, the real impact of AI on software development, and how community and human collaboration remain at the heart of a thriving tech ecosystem.