Coworking: Raya Sevilla says CTOs are ‘referees who can code’

Coworking is a weekly segment where we spotlight Tech Brew readers who work with emerging technologies. Click here if you’d like a chance to be featured.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?

I like to think of myself as a construction worker and a builder. But instead of building a house, I’m building mobile apps, an interactive platform, and devices for people’s homes. Building a home and a platform requires careful planning and design—drawing the blueprints, laying a solid foundation, connecting pipes, and paying great attention to detail. I also build teams. A chief technology officer at ADT is more than a technologist, an innovator, or a technology architect. Engineers are the magic behind a great mobile experience or brilliant hardware in your home—humans building a great experience for other humans. CTOs are also, metaphorically speaking, part-time teachers, firefighters, accountants, and referees who can code.

What’s the most compelling tech project you’ve worked on, and why?

Building ADT+ is the most aspirational, challenging, and exciting project I’ve ever worked on in my over 25-year career. There are many firsts for ADT with this product, and the team atmosphere is very much like a “startup” within the company—the excitement of building something new, the challenge of running into obstacles, the persistence to plow through all the obstacles, and the anticipation as the launch date approaches. We are building ADT’s product of tomorrow.

What technologies are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?

I’m most optimistic about how the promise of Matter—an open-source connectivity standard for smart-home devices—will make IoT devices plug and play. When fulfilled, it simplifies the consumer’s experience to onboard and use various technologies that help make their lives easier.

I’m less optimistic—or more cautious, you might say—about AI. Although it can do a lot of good, it can also lead to many unintended outcomes. I’m not afraid of robots taking over the universe, but rather the proliferation of false narratives that are difficult to fact-check for the average reader. My experience with AI, including gen AI, reflects and/or heightens people’s paranoias and biases.

What’s the best tech-related media you read/watch/listen to?

I’m an old-school New York Times reader, which typically includes the technology section and Wirecutter. I also consistently read VentureBeat and TNW.

What’s something about you we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?

I like working with my hands and enjoy analog activities. I enjoy building Lego sets and origami. I also enjoy the simple restoration of vintage items/furniture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I started a garden. I grew jalapeño, red and yellow peppers, as well as okra, eggplant, mustard greens, and more. The tomato plants didn’t work out, but my mango tree bore hundreds of fruits this year. I sent boxes of mangoes to family members across the United States and my freezer is still full of mangoes!

What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?

When I’m not thinking about tech, I’m often thinking about my dog. What is my dog doing? What creature is he chasing? Did he dig another hole? Who is he barking at?