The AI and ML Conversations with Iavor Botev

Iavor Botev

Conversations with AI and ML experts on building real-world systems, navigating career growth, and exploring the future of generative AI. From messy data pipelines to scaling infrastructure, from proof of concept to production, we dive into the technical lessons, human stories, and big-picture impacts shaping the future of AI.

Episodios

  1. 23 SEP

    Sebastián Poliak: Independent App Development, ML Engineering, RecSys | AI and ML Conversations # 2

    🎙️ In episode 2 of "AI and ML Conversations," I sit down with Sebastián Poliak, an experienced machine learning engineer who's transitioned into an independent app developer. 🚀 Sebastián opens up about his path from applied research to building AI-powered mobile apps like Stridly and Babli (https://publicspeakingcoach.app/).With notable roles including Senior ML Engineer at Bloomreach and Machine Learning Researcher at Seznam, he brings a wealth of expertise. We explore the changing world of machine learning engineers, the influence of generative AI, and why focusing on high-quality products with great user experiences matters. Join us for practical tips on career shifts, integrating AI into app development, and making the most of data-driven strategies - the links are in the comments. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:22 – Sebastián’s background & early interest in AI 03:42 – Career as a machine learning engineer 08:02 – Key projects: search, NLP & recommender systems 11:33 – The impact of transformers & GenAI 14:19 – From ML engineer to indie app developer 24:03 – Building and launching first apps 26:50 – Marketing strategies 30:13 – Data-driven product design & user experience 37:55 – Using AI in development & backend setup 40:19 – Costs, fine-tuning, and evaluation challenges 48:22 – Focus on onboarding, growth & staying solo 52:32 – Influencer marketing & growth hacks 55:15 – Overview of Sebastián’s apps 57:54 – Life advice: freedom, happiness, and building quality products 01:00:23 – Closing

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Conversations with AI and ML experts on building real-world systems, navigating career growth, and exploring the future of generative AI. From messy data pipelines to scaling infrastructure, from proof of concept to production, we dive into the technical lessons, human stories, and big-picture impacts shaping the future of AI.