Simon Hunt, head of Product Management for Oracle APEX, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a Portsmouth school teacher to a leading role at Oracle. With a background that includes pivotal experiences at the UK Ministry of Defence, Simon's career took a defining turn from Java to Oracle APEX. His firsthand insights reveal the transformative power of APEX in the public sector, overcoming initial skepticism to become a cornerstone in web application development. Our conversation explores the growth of Oracle APEX and Simon's engineering-rooted perspective on the evolution of programming languages and technologies.

AI is an exciting frontier, and Simon is setting his sights on it as he nears retirement, hoping to innovate within the Oracle APEX ecosystem. We explore the potential for AI to revolutionize user interfaces, bringing chat-based interactions and advanced developer tools to the fore. Amid discussions on tech innovation, Simon shares a light-hearted anecdote about a rollercoaster ride that prompted reflections on age and the thrill-seeking spirit. As Oracle APEX positions itself at the cutting edge, we envision a future rich with AI-driven features that promise to enhance both user and developer experiences.

From the intricacies of automation testing to the broader implications of AI integration, the episode sheds light on the continuous evolution of Oracle APEX in cloud services. We address the challenges and opportunities that come with maintaining a healthy work-life balance in tech careers while embracing rapid technological advancements. The importance of community engagement and the joy of personal connections are underscored through Simon's charming village life and interactions with his local community. Join us for a conversation that looks ahead to the future of Oracle APEX while celebrating its past and present achievements.