A software shop owner has shifted to hiring former development managers who haven’t coded in years, as he believes their skills are now more relevant than ever. The rise of agentic AI has flipped the dynamics of software development. With coding costs plummeting from $150/hour to $200/month, the focus has moved from code production to making informed decisions about what to build. Managers, who have honed their judgment skills over years, are suddenly more valuable than developers who may have only focused on writing code. While development managers were away from the code, they developed essential skills like writing clear specifications, effectively reviewing work products, and maintaining architectural coherence. They also gained deep business insights, understanding customer needs and market demands. These skills are now critical as the ability to evaluate what should be built has become the main challenge in a world where anyone can generate code quickly. The article emphasizes that knowing what not to build is increasingly vital, as it prevents unnecessary complexity and aligns development efforts with actual business goals. The change poses risks for certain groups, particularly those developers who have coasted along without evolving their skills. Senior developers who lack architectural insight or the ability to justify their decisions are now at a disadvantage. Their focus on speed in a world where coding is nearly free has left them vulnerable. The landscape has shifted, and those who adapted to the new reality, especially managers, are finding themselves in a stronger position.