Fireside Chat with Aparna Gupta

Hello Testers,

A fireside chat is an opportunity for open and honest dialogue. Also, the unique format that allows for gaining insight into the experiences of industry experts, and finding inspiration, by posing candid questions.

We’ve brought "Fireside Chat with Aparna Gupta" for all of you!

Date: 7th April 2026

Time: 9 PM - 10 PM IST

A special thank you and huge shoutout to BrowserStack, our exclusive sponsor for all community events and premier sponsor for conferences.

Session Title: Human Agency in the Age of Intelligent Systems

As intelligent systems become more embedded in how we build, test, and ship software, a fundamental question emerges. What remains uniquely human?

This fireside chat explores the evolving role of human agency in a world where AI is no longer just assisting decisions, but actively shaping them. From test creation to defect prediction to release confidence, intelligent systems are increasingly influencing outcomes that were once driven purely by human judgment.

We’ll unpack where human intuition still matters, where it is being challenged, and how teams can strike the right balance between automation and accountability. This is not about resisting AI. It’s about understanding how to work alongside it without losing ownership, critical thinking, and intent.

Key Takeaways:

1. How human decision-making is changing as AI systems take on more responsibility
2. Where human judgment still outperforms intelligent systems in software quality and engineering
3. The risks of over-reliance on AI, including blind spots and false confidence
4. Practical ways to retain control, accountability, and clarity in AI-augmented workflows
5. How QA and engineering leaders can redefine roles, skills, and ownership in this shift
6. A framework for balancing speed, automation, and human oversight in modern teams

About Speaker: Aparana Gupta, Director of Engineering at Microsoft
With over 15 years of trailblazing expertise at the nexus of artificial intelligence and data science, Aparana Gupta stands as a beacon of leadership in the technology arena. Her illustrious career, underpinned by a distinguished academic lineage and a relentless commitment to product excellence and design thinking, has propelled her to the forefront of the industry. Renowned for fostering data-centric, AI-empowered cultures, Aparana has consistently ignited innovation and accelerated strategic growth across multiple domains.

Her expansive interdisciplinary skill set spans Statistical and Stochastic Modeling, Machine Learning, Prompt Engineering, and Data Strategy – expertise that not only places her among the elite leaders in AI and analytics but also makes her a highly sought-after thought leader, speaker, and mentor.

At Microsoft Digital & Employee Experience, Aparana Gupta leads a vibrant and diverse team as Principal Software Engineering Manager, passionately engineering next-generation AI solutions. By artfully integrating data, design, technology, and leadership, she is actively shaping the future of innovation."

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The Test Tribe Team

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