Building Human-Centered Tech Teams with Michelle Martinez

In this episode of The EX Conversation, Kaz sits down with Michelle Martinez to explore the growing overlap between IT, employee experience, and human-centered leadership. Drawing on her background in engineering and software development, Michelle shares why the biggest challenges in technology rarely come down to the tools themselves — and why trust, psychological safety, and communication are becoming essential skills for modern teams. The conversation also looks at how AI and evolving ways of working are changing the relationship between technical teams and the wider business. This episode will resonate with EX, Internal Comms, HR, and Digital Workplace leaders who are trying to build stronger partnerships with IT teams, navigate rapid workplace change, or create healthier, more collaborative ways of working. Michelle brings a practical perspective on hiring, leadership, team dynamics, and why organizations need to design systems that allow people to show up as humans — not just resources. 🎧 Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening. Episode timeline 00:00 – 03:20 | Why technology projects really succeed or fail Michelle explains why tools and platforms are rarely the biggest issue — and why psychological safety and trust matter more than the technology itself. 03:20 – 07:40 | DevOps, trust, and building high-performing teams A discussion on how modern software teams work, and how collaboration between builders and users creates better outcomes. 07:40 – 10:15 | AI, blurred roles, and the future of work Michelle shares her view on how AI is changing the relationship between business teams and IT functions. 10:15 – 13:10 | Designing systems that let people be human The conversation explores flexible working, transparency, and creating processes that support real human needs. 13:10 – 18:00 | Hiring for team fit over credentials Michelle explains why experience, problem-solving, and collaboration matter more than certifications when building strong technical teams. 18:00 – 20:55 | The underrated skill of listening without an agenda A look at communication, trust-building, and how leaders can strengthen relationships with technical teams. 20:55 – 24:45 | Managing capacity and embracing AI experimentation Michelle discusses burnout, innovation, and why organizations need space for experimentation before introducing structure and governance. 24:45 – 26:53 | Why you don’t need permission to start A conversation about initiative, empowered teams, and moving quickly in modern organizations. 26:53 – 29:30 | Employee Experience Room 101 Michelle shares the workplace mindset she would eliminate: placing responsibility for wellbeing and growth entirely on the individual. 29:30 – 33:20 | Unexpected lessons from a phone system rollout A story about how a seemingly simple IT project became an opportunity to improve employee experience and operational support. 33:20 – End | The question for the next guest Michelle leaves the next EX Conversation guest with one reflective question about feeling genuinely human at work. About The EX Conversation The EX Conversation is a podcast series from Unily that brings together employee experience, internal communications, and digital workplace leaders from across industries. Each episode features an open, practical conversation with people on the frontlines of EX: sharing what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re navigating complexity in real time. No hype. No scripts. Just honest perspectives and hard-won insight to help EX leaders learn from each other and move the workplace forward.