Data, AI, humans, and climate: Carving a consulting niche

cover image of the Data Dojo podcast episode with Yanir Seroussi

I recently joined Adam Massey on the Data Dojo podcast to chat about my career journey and consulting focus. You can check it out on YouTube:

Episode summary

AI-generated summaries are getting better, as is the ease of generating them. For the following summary, I: (1) expanded the transcript on YouTube; (2) copied the entire text from the YouTube page (not just the transcript); and (3) threw it into Google AI Studio (with Gemini 1.5 Pro). I didn’t even bother prompting the model – it figured out I wanted a summary by itself.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bridging the Gap: Startups often struggle to bridge the gap between data science theory and practical implementation.
  • Managing Expectations: Over-excitement about AI’s potential often leads to disappointment. Realistic goals and iterative project scoping are crucial.
  • Data Quality: As always, data quality remains paramount. Startups must ensure their ambitions align with available data.
  • Communication is Key: Success hinges on effective communication with stakeholders, both internally and externally.
  • Niche Expertise: Focusing on a niche, like climate tech, helps build a strong brand and attract relevant clients.
  • AI’s Evolving Landscape: AI tools are rapidly evolving, demanding adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies.
  • Human Skills Remain Essential: Technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Strong communication, business acumen, and stakeholder management remain crucial.
  • Future of AI: While predicting the future is difficult, AI will likely continue to automate tasks and transform industries in unforeseen ways.

Actionable Insights:

  • For data professionals:
    • Stay updated on new tools and technologies.
    • Focus on communication and business skills.
    • Learn to effectively manage stakeholder expectations.
  • For business owners:
    • Carefully assess your data and AI readiness.
    • Start with small, achievable projects.
    • Partner with experts to bridge the skills gap.

Overall:

The episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly for startups in the climate and nature tech space. It emphasises the importance of a balanced approach, combining technical expertise with human skills and a focus on delivering tangible business value.


Note to self: I should speak slower in complete sentences. I definitely write better than I speak (especially off the cuff), but that’s a good reason to keep practising. 😉

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