In this episode of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to IT, host Michelle Dawn Mooney welcomes Matt DeBergalis, co-founder and CEO of Apollo GraphQL, to explore how enterprises can tame API sprawl, accelerate development, and unlock scalability through a federated approach to APIs.

DeBergalis has spent his career at the intersection of open source, developer experience, and enterprise architecture. From his early days championing the social vision of open-source software to leading Apollo in redefining how APIs power modern applications, his journey underscores the deep connection between technical progress and human collaboration.

The conversation covers:

• Why API complexity has exploded in the era of microservices and multi-cloud — and what that means for dev and infra teams
• How GraphQL simplifies orchestration across fragmented systems, from retail logistics to omnichannel hospitality experiences
• Why API federation helps teams ship faster while minimizing coordination overhead
• The role of APIs in powering next-generation AI agents and hyper-personalized customer experiences
• Real-world examples from The New York Times, Major League Baseball, and Cisco showing how GraphQL enables scalability and innovation
• Practical steps for IT leaders to modernize legacy systems and API strategies without overwhelming their teams

Whether you’re navigating legacy systems, seeking to unify siloed APIs, or preparing your infrastructure for the AI-driven future, this episode offers a clear roadmap for moving faster — without sacrificing security, performance, or developer experience.