Living On The Edge of Chaos

179: Nisha Talagala CEO and founder of AIClub.World

Episode Summary

In this episode, I learn so much from Nisha Talagala. Nisha Talagala is the CEO and founder of AIClub.World (https://corp.aiclub.world) which brings AI Literacy to  K-12 students, professionals, and other individuals worldwide. Nisha has significant experience in introducing technologies like Artificial Intelligence to new learners from students to professionals.  Previously, Nisha co-founded ParallelM which pioneered the MLOps practice of managing Machine Learning in production for enterprises - acquired by DataRobot. Nisha is a recognized leader in the operational machine learning space, having also driven the USENIX Operational ML Conference, the first industry/academic conference on production AI/ML. Nisha was previously a Fellow at SanDisk and Fellow/Lead Architect at Fusion-io, NVM Software Lead, and Intel and CTO of Gear6. Nisha has more than 20 years of expertise in enterprise software development, distributed systems, technical strategy, and product leadership. Nisha earned her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in Computer Science, holds 75 patents, over 25 refereed research publications, is a frequent speaker at industry and academic events, and is a contributing writer to Forbes and other publications.

Episode Notes

In this episode, I learn so much from Nisha Talagala.

Nisha Talagala is the CEO and founder of AIClub.World (https://corp.aiclub.world) which brings AI Literacy to  K-12 students, professionals, and other individuals worldwide. Nisha has significant experience in introducing technologies like Artificial Intelligence to new learners from students to professionals.  Previously, Nisha co-founded ParallelM which pioneered the MLOps practice of managing Machine Learning in production for enterprises - acquired by DataRobot. Nisha is a recognized leader in the operational machine learning space, having also driven the USENIX Operational ML Conference, the first industry/academic conference on production AI/ML. Nisha was previously a Fellow at SanDisk and Fellow/Lead Architect at Fusion-io, NVM Software Lead, and Intel and CTO of Gear6. Nisha has more than 20 years of expertise in enterprise software development, distributed systems, technical strategy, and product leadership. Nisha earned her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in Computer Science, holds 75 patents, over 25 refereed research publications, is a frequent speaker at industry and academic events, and is a contributing writer to Forbes and other publications. 

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Challenges & Goals

The challenge of making everyone AI literate due to its increasing prevalence in everyday life. The goal of making AI more accessible to students and educators alike, fostering interest in AI among young people, and encouraging diverse voices in the field.

Surprising Takeaways A surprising takeaway from the discussions is that within a short period, students can build their first AI model without any coding involved. Another unexpected insight is that despite initial fears or apprehensions about teaching AI, it's possible for educators to start small and gradually build up their knowledge base.

Emerging Patterns

Importance of demystifying AI for both teachers and students

Emphasis on hands-on learning and problem-solving

Use of real-world applications of AI to engage student interest

Encouragement of diversity within the field

Recognition of everyone’s role in shaping how technology evolves

Key Moments

"We believed that we will reach a point which we are currently at where, you know, everybody…is going to need to become A I literate." 

"All students build their first A I in their first class… they've talked to it…" 

"I think it is scary and it is a bit overwhelming… I would encourage people to jump in with something small." 

"[AI] is important for people personally. It's important as teachers… And also important for humanity that every human says something because someone's gonna make these decisions."