First Factory COO Writes for The AI Journal on the Changing Shape of Software Development Teams

Don Gregori, COO of First Factory, explains why traditional Agile practices are giving way to spec-driven development as AI agents take on more coding work.

Don Gregori

June 18, 2026

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THE CHANGING SHAPE OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAMS

In a piece for The AI Journal, First Factory COO Don Gregori argues that Agile methodology, effective for two decades, is becoming less effective as AI agents generate more code.

He outlines a shift from lightweight sprint planning to detailed upfront specifications, introduces the emerging "forward-deployed engineer" role, and offers recommendations for teams adapting their structure to AI-driven development.

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Don Gregori

COO

Don Gregori is the Chief Operating Officer of First Factory, a multinational software solutions provider based in New York with nearshore operations in Costa Rica. A certified AI Business Leader, Don brings over 25 years of experience helping businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies navigate product development, digital transformation, and AI adoption. He is a contributing author to The AI Journal and the author of The Emergent Leader, releasing June 16, 2026.

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THE CHANGING SHAPE OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAMS

Put AI to Work in Your Engineering Team

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