In this episode of Lead with datahave Satya Mallick, CEO of OpenCV.org and founder of Big Vision LLC, with us. Satya shares his remarkable journey in computer vision, emphasizing the crucial distinction between image processing and computer vision. From transparency in ai consulting to strategic growth strategies and the transformative impact of generative ai, Satya offers valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Get ready to unravel the secrets to success in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence and data science.
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Key insights from our conversation with Satya Mallick
- The distinction between image processing and computer vision is crucial: it's about extracting information, not just enhancing images.
- Transparency and a money-back guarantee can build trust and credibility in ai consulting.
- Strategic partnerships and leveraging opportunities are key to growing a consulting business.
- Generative ai significantly increases productivity and enables the automation of complex tasks.
- Hiring people with an attitude and willingness to learn can be more beneficial than competing for experienced professionals.
- The ai industry is on the verge of significant advancement and offers immense opportunities for those who join the journey now.
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Now, let's look at the questions Satya Mallick asked in the session and how he responded.
How did your journey in Computer Vision begin?
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was an undergraduate at IIT and was intrigued by a senior's project involving a robot with a camera. That's when I first learned the difference between image processing and computer vision: it's about extracting information from images, not just enhancing them. This curiosity led me to pursue a PhD in computer vision at UCSD, which ultimately paved the way for my entrepreneurial journey and the founding of my first company focused on facial enhancement technology.
In the transition from startup to consulting, what was your strategy?
After my initial adventure, I decided to move away from venture capital funding and explore the world of ai consulting. It was 2015 and the deep learning revolution had just begun. Despite my extensive experience in computer vision, I had to quickly adapt to the deep learning landscape. My blog, LearnOpenCV.com, became a catalyst for attracting consulting opportunities. I was transparent with clients about the feasibility of their projects and offered a money-back guarantee if I couldn't deliver, a promise that built trust and credibility from the start.
How did you grow your consulting business?
It was a combination of taking advantage of opportunities and maintaining a balance between work and growth potential. For example, when a client needed help with a risky project, I accepted it on a pay-on-success basis. This approach, along with strategic partnerships and a focus on productivity, allowed me to significantly grow my consulting business.
What led you to become the CEO of OpenCV.org?
My relationship with OpenCV.org began with a revenue-sharing proposal for branded courses. After a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised half a million dollars, I was invited to take on a larger role. By 2019, I had established a consulting company which allowed me the freedom to accept the CEO position at OpenCV.org, which led to further collaborations and growth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-has-generative-ai-transformed-your-work”>How has generative ai transformed your work?
Generative ai has changed the rules of the game. It has quintupled our productivity, especially when tackling complex problems. We've used it to automate tasks like creating twilight photos from daytime images for real estate, transforming car photos, and even helping train models for image segmentation. It is a tool that multiplies human effort, allowing us to achieve more with less.
What is your approach to recruiting talent in this rapidly evolving field?
We are looking for people with a solid programming foundation and willingness to learn. Our training framework is robust and we prefer to nurture talent rather than compete for experienced professionals. Attitude is key – we have had interns with the right mindset exceed expectations and land full-time positions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-aspiring-data-scientists-and-ai-enthusiasts”>What advice would you give to aspiring data scientists and ai enthusiasts?
ai is a rocket that is about to take off. My advice is to get on this rocket. You don't need extraordinary talent to be successful; you just need to be part of this transformative journey. It is an incredible opportunity for anyone starting their career.
summarizing
As we conclude this insightful session with Satya Mallick, the CEO's journey from curious student to computer vision leader unfolds. His strategic insights, emphasis on transparency, and the innovative role of generative ai offer a roadmap for success in the changing ai and data science landscape. Satya's advice to aspiring professionals echoes the immense opportunities within this transformative journey.
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