Interviews

Nicolás Jodal is the Co-Founder and CEO of GeneXus, a Uruguay-based software development platform that automates enterprise applications and IT systems. Established in 1988, GeneXus leverages Artificial Intelligence to automatically generate code in various programming languages, streamlining the software development process.

Jodal begins the interview by reflecting on his education and early career. He pursued a Systems Engineering degree at the University of the Republic of Uruguay, where he witnessed the country's pioneering efforts in offering computer science programs. To support himself financially during his studies, he held various jobs before obtaining an administrative role at one of Uruguay's largest computer centers. There, he crossed paths with Breogán Gonda, his boss at the time and future business partner.

Jodal and Gonda met in 1982, and their collaboration began when they discovered a shared interest in an IT news magazine named PCWeek. At the time, the American magazine served as an important source for the latest IT news since information on the subject was not readily available in Uruguay. Jodal started working with Gonda on consulting projects in Brazil – a period that inspired him to develop streamlined methods to address computer science projects. He became interested in machine intelligence, which was on the cusp of more widespread adoption. After creating a useful tool specifically in the realm of relational databases, Jodal and Gonda decided they would try and sell it to companies in the United States.

After facing several rejections, a major company expressed interest, but the deal fell through due to unforeseen economic circumstances. This setback led them to establish their own company instead, GeneXus. Jodal and Gonda embarked on a self-education journey, learning about marketing and management. They also started to build a small team and focused on developing their product. Working within the complex economic and political landscape of Latin America in the 1980s led the company to develop highly adaptable software systems. This adaptability not only proved essential for fluctuating economic and political contexts, but it allowed GeneXus to accommodate the fast pace of technological advances. By 1989, they had developed a software solution for IBM's new computer, the AS400, which raised the company’s profile and allowed them to start selling their products internationally.

The collaboration with IBM provided GeneXus with international credibility, opening new markets from the United States to Japan. As they expanded, Jodal underscores the importance of adapting to cultural differences in business – an ability that he views as an integral part of the company’s DNA. For example, he cites initial challenges when expanding to Japan in 2004, where they encountered a heightened quality standard which led to product enhancements.

On the topic of human resources and diversity in hiring, Jodal notes the importance of a corporate culture where employees feel comfortable disagreeing yet can still collaborate constructively. He underscores that a collaborative environment best advances innovation, referencing the development of the GeneXus community – a global network of individuals and companies using GeneXus who work together and create increasingly more sophisticated software systems. As Jodal explains, this collaborative ability has led to successful public-private initiatives, notably including the launch of Uruguay’s official COVID-19 tracking app in 2020.

Created in just one week, the Uruguayan app was widely recognized for successfully containing the spread of infections early in the pandemic. Jodal attributes the success to a robust technological infrastructure in Uruguay and notes the importance of acting swiftly without fearing possible damage to one’s reputation – “our approach is guided by what we believe to be the right course of action. If things go awry, so be it, but we won't be deterred by the fear of damaging our reputation.”

Jodal proceeds by addressing advancements in AI technologies with the introduction of Large Language Models (LLMs) which power tools such as ChatGPT. While Jodal has worked on AI since the 1980s, he calls these developments a profound transformation which GeneXus has rapidly adapted to. As a leading expert in the field, he explains that headlines have tended to focus on fear and believes that a “regulatory framework should accompany technology, but it shouldn’t be placed ahead of it.” Furthermore, he relates his view that regulations should be devised by individuals with a deep understanding of the technology, rather than solely ethical or moral considerations. Comparing different regulatory approaches taken in the United States, Europe, and Latin America, he notes his view that technology regulations can sometimes have unintended consequences from favoring large corporations to stifling startup innovation.

To conclude the interview, Jodal expresses his commitment to addressing environmental challenges, particularly in restoring ecosystems impacted by human activity. Citing a personal project, he aims to financially support initiatives that re-naturalize lands previously used for agriculture. Furthermore, Jodal reflects on his leadership style, describing it as one that focuses on providing examples for others to follow as opposed to extensive guidance. He also speaks about enthusiasm as a driving force, encouraging others to approach their work with the same sense of commitment.

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