Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Unlocking our Future

In an industry obsessed with the next new thing, it’s easy to forget the foundation that brought us here. But progress isn’t built on novelty alone—it’s built on the wisdom of those who came before us. “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” is an invitation to step back from the fast-paced world of tech innovation and reflect on the people, ideas, and moments that shaped us.

In this talk, Michael Carducci—technologist, speaker, and magician—will share personal stories about the giants whose insights have influenced him, some well-known and others you may not have encountered yet. These stories carry powerful lessons, both magical and technical, and serve as reminders that the smallest contributions can create lasting impacts.

You’ll be invited to reconnect with the timeless wisdom that we often overlook in our rush to keep up with the latest trends. Through a blend of engineering insights, historical perspectives, and magical moments, Michael will encourage you to reflect on your own giants—those who’ve inspired you—and how you, too, can become a force for improvement in the industry.

This talk is an opportunity to pause, look back, and appreciate the foundation we’ve been gifted, all while exploring how it can guide us toward a richer, more grounded future. Because the path forward isn’t just about where we’re going—it’s about the giants who’ve made it possible for us to stand tall.

About Michael Carducci

Michael Carducci spent years learning to see things as they actually are; first as a magician, then as a software architect, now as both simultaneously. And somehow that’s not even the whole story.

He’s the author of Mastering Software Architecture (Apress, 2025) and is currently writing The Semantic Layer. He has spent over 25 years following interesting problems; through roles from individual contributor to CTO and back again, across industries and continents.

As a speaker, he applies the same toolkit he uses in close-up magic: attention, misdirection, timing, storytelling, and the instinct to take the long way around when that’s where the truth lives. Audiences at hundreds of conferences across four continents have described his talks as the kind that change how you think about a problem rather than just what you know about it.

He also makes YouTube videos about technology and curiosity with his wife Kate, because some ideas are too important (or too interesting!) to leave only in conference rooms.

More About Michael »