27 JUN 2024 · Projjal Ghatak is the Founder/CEO at OnLoop. They dive deep into what it means to achieve true greatness in the software development sphere. Is it just about technical prowess, or does it involve something more substantial? In today's episode, Michael and Ben dissect the process of building maintainable and impactful products, emphasizing the crucial balance between innovation and simplicity. They explore personal and group learning curves, the value of collaboration, and the indispensable role of peer review in creating robust solutions. They'll also touch upon the nuanced perspectives of working at top tech companies like Google and Databricks, examining how timing and project involvement can shape a developer's skillset and career trajectory. From the importance of understanding one's career goals to the powerful impact of a company's culture on code quality, they aim to uncover the multifaceted aspects of professional growth in tech. Join they as they delve into stories of overengineered solutions, the necessity of constructive feedback, and the collaborative efforts that define truly great products. Whether you're aspiring to join the elite 1% of developers, or simply looking to understand the dynamics of a high-functioning team, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. So, tune in and let's explore the path to greatness together! Socials  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgonloop/

20 JUN 2024 ·  In today's episode, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson dive deep into the intricacies of technical interviews for machine learning roles. They discuss the importance of assessing candidates' genuine knowledge of traditional and deep learning models and the value of being candid about one's expertise. They explore how technical skills, particularly in applied machine learning, are evaluated with a focus on their impact on business outcomes. Michael and Ben also address the common misalignments between job descriptions and the actual skills required, stressing the need for problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking over memorized knowledge. Additionally, they delve into the roles within data science—analysts, applied ML specialists, and researchers—highlighting the importance of fitting the right skills to the right job. They also touch on the evolving expectations and frustrations with the current hiring process, offering insights on how it can be improved. Stay tuned as they unpack these topics and more, including valuable tips for showcasing your skills effectively on resumes, and the significance of asking insightful questions during interviews. Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with practical advice and industry insights you won’t want to miss! Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-wilson-arch/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/-michael-berk/

13 JUN 2024 · Michael Berk and Ben Wilson from Databricks are joined by Brooke Wenig, who has a fascinating background in distributed machine learning. Today’s conversation dives deep into the intersection of AI, environmental science, and career transitions. They explore how individuals like Michael transformed their careers from environmental science to AI, leveraging existing expertise in innovative ways. Ben shares insights on leaping from non-technical roles to data science by embracing automation with Python and machine learning. We tackle the critical shift in roles, the balance between education and hands-on experience, and the growing disparity between academia and industry. Brooke brings valuable perspectives on project scoping, from aligning success criteria to ensuring real-world value. The discussion revolves around augmenting existing roles with AI, common pitfalls, and transitioning proofs of concept to production. They also explore the practical applications of language models, the debate over open versus closed source models, and the future of AI in various industries. With a focus on collaboration, the traits of top data scientists, and the implications of integrating AI into non-tech fields, this episode is packed with insights and tips for anyone looking to navigate the exciting world of AI and machine learning. Join them as they delve into these topics and more, discussing the evolving landscape of AI and how it's shaping careers and industries alike. Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookewenig/

6 JUN 2024 · Michael Berk and Ben Wilson join cybersecurity expert Daniel Miessler to delve into the cutting-edge world of AI and cybersecurity. They discuss the evolving tactics of attackers, from specialized targeting to AI-driven data collection. The episode tackles dynamic risk assessment, the arms race between attackers and defenders, and the role of open-source models in security. They explore AI's potential to monitor, defend, and even augment human efforts against security threats, touching on both the opportunities and ethical challenges. They also examine AI's role in protecting against social media scams and phishing attacks, envisioning a future where AI acts as our digital guardian. Whether you're in cybersecurity, development, or simply curious about AI's impact on security, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Stay tuned for a fascinating discussion! Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler/

23 MAY 2024 · Fernando Lopez is an AI Engineer at Google. They delve deep into the realms of machine learning, documentation challenges in open-source projects, and the transition from startup environments to tech giants like Google. They share their candid experiences with impostor syndrome, practical tips for continuous learning, and the nuances of scaling solutions in the dynamic tech landscape. Explore the nuances of software development, the complex interplay of learning strategies, and the realities of navigating large-scale organizations. Join them as the industry experts unravel the intricacies of prototyping, scaling challenges, and the value of hands-on experience in shaping successful tech careers. Get ready to immerse yourself in a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking insights that underscore the essence of growth and innovation in the tech realm. Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferneutron/

9 MAY 2024 · Deeksha Goyal is the Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Lyft and Michael Sun is the Staff Software Engineer at Lyft. They delve into the intricacies of machine learning and data-driven technology. In this episode, they explore the challenges and innovations in deploying models into production, particularly focusing on the real-world implications of ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) modeling at Lyft. They share valuable insights, from the complexities of A/B testing and long-term impact assessment, to the dynamic nature of handling real-time data and addressing unpredictability in route predictions. Join them as they journey through the world of model deployment, bug identification, and career development within the fast-paced environment of Lyft's data-driven infrastructure. Sponsors - https://topenddevs.com/resume - https://topenddevs.com/book-club - https://topenddevs.com/sign_up Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeksha-goyal-45a741a2/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sun-86587659/

2 MAY 2024 · Matt Van Itallie is the Founder & CEO at Sema. This episode covers a wide range of topics, from the impact of AI and machine learning on software development and educational systems, to the importance of code reviews and career advice in the tech industry. Matt Van Italy shares his diverse experiences in law, consulting, public schools, and the tech sector, emphasizing the value of using data to drive improvements. The conversation also touches on the use of GenAI tools in development and the need for organizations to embrace new technology to stay competitive. They also explore issues such as defense spending, career transitions, and the significance of investing in education and human capital. Sponsors - https://topenddevs.com/resume - https://topenddevs.com/book-club - https://topenddevs.com/sign_up Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvi/

18 APR 2024 · Terry Rodriguez is the Co-Founder at Remyx AI. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in deploying and updating AI models for robotics, exploring the potential applications across various industries, and delving into the complexities of conducting experiments and controlling for interaction effects. You'll also hear from industry experts who have worked on recommender algorithms and enhancing content recommendations through experimental workflows and hypothesis testing. Get ready for an insightful and dynamic conversation about the latest developments in the ML landscape! Sponsors - https://topenddevs.com/resume - https://topenddevs.com/book-club - https://topenddevs.com/sign_up Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-j-rodriguez/

18 APR 2024 · Lukas Geiger is a Deep Learning Scientist, open-source developer, and an astroparticle physicist. He shares his experience using machine learning to analyze cosmic ray particles and detect secondary particles. We explore the challenges and opportunities of open source as a business model, the potential of models for edge computing, and the importance of understanding open-source code. Join us as we delve into the intersection of physics, machine learning, and the intricate world of software development. Sponsors - https://topenddevs.com/resume - https://topenddevs.com/book-club - https://topenddevs.com/sign_up Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lgeiger/

11 APR 2024 · Nick Schrock is the Founder of Dagster Labs. He is also the Creator of Dagster and the Co-creator of GraphQL. They delve into the world of data engineering, software development, and ML orchestration. In today's episode, they explore the challenges and intricacies of standardizing data movement, handling data access in various systems, and migrating data across different platforms. They share insights on the importance of building a system that spans multiple data platforms, the decision-making process behind tool development, and the impact of lineage in managing and migrating data. Join them as they uncover the complexities of open-source projects, API evolution, and the future of data engineering. Sponsors - https://topenddevs.com/resume - https://topenddevs.com/book-club - https://topenddevs.com/sign_up Socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/schrockn/