I had to shake my head when I read about this (former) Columbia University student, Roy Lee. At 21, he created an AI tool to assist candidates during live coding interviews - and it actually worked.

The irony isn't lost on me. We keep hearing how AI threatens developer jobs, yet tech companies continue posting numerous software engineering positions. Most require those technical assessments we're all familiar with.

Lee's AI assistant proved so effective he received offers from Meta, Amazon, and Capital One. But when these companies discovered his methods, they not only rescinded their offers but complained to Columbia, resulting in his dismissal.

I've been in this industry long enough to see both sides. Companies rightfully worry about hiring engineers who can't function without AI assistance. Yet I'm impressed by Lee's ingenuity - he built a working product that leveraged emerging technology.

This makes me question our reliance on platforms like LeetCode. Are we testing the right skills? Perhaps the future belongs to those who can effectively collaborate with AI rather than memorize algorithms.