Risk-First: Stars of Software #5 – Brittany Istenes

Brittany Istenes: Open Source Readiness, OSPOs, and Why Contribution Is Risk ManagementIn this episode of Risk-First: Stars of Software, Rob Moffat talks with Brittany Istenes, open source strategist, InnerSource advocate, and contributor to FINOS’ Open Source Readiness work.Brittany has spent years helping large organisations—especially in regulated industries—figure out how to actually work with open source, not just consume it. Which makes her the perfect person to explore one of the biggest blind spots in enterprise technology today: the gap between relying on open source and understanding how to manage the risks that come with it.The conversation explores why so many firms depend on open source but struggle to engage with it properly, what OSPOs are really for (beyond compliance), and how organisations can move from passive consumption to active participation without losing control.Along the way, Rob and Brittany dive into:Why open source is effectively critical infrastructure—but isn’t treated or funded like itThe reality of “OSPOs of one” and why most firms underestimate their importanceHow dependency risk, licensing, and supply chain issues create hidden exposure in large organisationsWhy contributing upstream isn’t altruism—it’s a way to reduce risk and gain influenceHow InnerSource helps organisations learn open collaboration safely before engaging externallyThe role of foundations like FINOS in creating trusted environments for collaboration between competitorsWhy the cost of internal forks is often invisible—but significantHow AI and “vibe coding” could massively increase the volume of open source (and the associated risks)LinksFINOS Open Source Readiness (OSR)https://osr.finos.orgInnerSource Commonshttps://innersourcecommons.orgFINOS (Fintech Open Source Foundation)https://www.finos.orgMusic Mentioned Includes: Oranssi Pazuzu (Finnish black metal)Nine Inch Nails – With TeethMF DOOM – DoomsdayTom WaitsThe Bobby LeesBlackwater HolylightWu-Tang ClanPusciferToolTron: Legacy (Daft Punk soundtrack)The Crow (1994 soundtrack)