Can you build new technological capacities during a global crisis? Yes – if you make the right decisions regarding your people.
Let’s say you were already sold on AI: You’ve gotten yourself and your executive team trained on the basics of AI; you’ve studied use cases; prioritised the business pain points that could align with AI solutions; and allocated funding to launch a few pilots.
But the COVID-19 crisis has thrown your well-laid plans for a loop and now you’re in firefighting mode. The saying “Don’t let a crisis go to waste” rings especially true as companies put innovation opportunities on the back burner. Today, more than ever, customers have heightened expectations and companies must act fast to deliver. This is the time to reinvent offerings and bring customers value alternatives. Technology will speed up economic recovery, so companies must strengthen their data and digital capabilities during this period – or suffer in the long term.
So, if you’re ready to start assembling your cast of AI characters, who do you need? What skillsets should you look for to build your enterprise’s AI efforts?
Here are the six roles you need on your AI team:
- The strategist
Contrary to popular belief, your first hire should not be a data scientist. It should be someone who is even harder to find than a data scientist: a data strategist. It is someone who understands how the business operates and how technology and data science work together. This person acts as the bridge between business lines and technology to drive pilot projects that deliver measurable ROI.
- The data engineer
Remember the frequently cited adage, “Data is the new oil”? Well, your data engineer is your miner. This person is responsible for collecting data from a variety of sources, then preparing and transforming that input. In our COMA framework, the engineer works on compiling, organising and (sometimes) manipulating data, which can be time-consuming. Thankfully, today, start-ups like Trifacta and Forge.AI offer solutions that clean, label and move data in a more efficient way.
When hiring a data engineer, look for strong coding and engineering skills like SQL, Python, C++ and Java.
- The data modeller
Often sporting strong maths and statistics skills, the data modeller looks for data patterns to predict outcomes (remember: AI, at its heart, is about patterns and predictions). This person also builds and trains models to determine events like propensity to buy, likelihood to churn, etc.
Tech giants often swoop up PhDs in maths and statistics, so start-ups are offering off-the-shelf models as an alternative. Before going this route, see our advice below.
- The data in production person
This person converts prototype code to production, setting up a cloud environment to deploy the models. Other tasks involve managing version control, improving response times and building APIs. Look for cloud expertise and software engineering skills.
- The infrastructure and scale builder
Think of this role as providing the wiring and plumbing for a house. This person builds databases to store data and facilitate access, as well as maintain security and privacy. Strong software engineering skills and proficiency in cloud technologies are a must.
- The data analyst/visualiser
This role is tasked with evaluating the model’s performance and business value post-production. The person can build out A/B or multi-variate testing, to measure the impact of different variables. The data visualiser creates dashboards and translates data into actionable business insights. Look for expertise in software like R or Tableau, although start-ups like Qlik and ThoughtSpot can enable layperson visualisation across the enterprise.
Common mistakes
A frequent mistake is to focus more resources on finding data modellers than data engineers, production persons and infrastructure builders. Since the latter’s tasks happen behind the scenes, their efforts tend to not be as visible or understood by executives than that of modellers. Keep in mind that the engineer to scientist ratio can often be 3:1 or 5:1 depending on the architectural data complexity of a company and initiative.
While tasks may intersect and certain profiles can perform multiple roles (depending on skillsets and available tools), be careful with expecting data modellers to do data engineering roles. This can lead to technical “debt”: Data modellers may not have enough experience writing applications that scale in production, which is exactly what engineers and production builders are trained to do.
The reverse can also happen when data engineers handle data modelling. Here, statisticians are specifically trained on model accuracy and relevancy (i.e. picking the right model for the job), bias elimination and versioning. These aspects are less of a core competency for engineers.
Ultimately, a full-stack engineer or scientist can develop end-to-end expertise. Indeed, this is very valuable. However, remember that for large organisations with siloed data and production, one person is not enough. Teams still need to be designed based on the company’s business objectives, AI initiatives and data architecture.
So, where do you find these people?
Option 1: The borrow route
If there’s a hiring freeze due to COVID-19 or your enterprise can’t afford the salaries commanded by top talent, you can outsource the job to consultants or firms. Companies like Experfy offer data teams for hire. Start-ups selling models abound as well, but when hiring outside vendors that sell their models, check for:
- Industry knowledge. This is very important. Data nuances are critical and the lexicon used needs to be relevant. Without proper industry knowledge, performance can be questionable. You need to probe under the hood because an off-the-shelf model doesn’t perform the same way in production. Industry experience is needed to know the difference
- Validation frequency. Data get stale and business environment changes. Ask how often a company re-validates its models. Make sure it’s at least annually.
- Data compliance. Data collection privacy, ethics and regulation need to be adhered to or your enterprise could be on the hook for noncompliance.
Option 2: The build route
This is the ideal route if your goal is to transform your organisation into a data-first enterprise. It takes more time and resources in the short term, but it allows you to reap dividends in the long run. To build, you should:
- Upskill your current staff. If you don’t have the right skillset, consider hiring an outside organisation to train your existing teams or send your talent pool to data camp. For example, software engineers can be upskilled to become machine-learning engineers so that tasks are automated. Ensure you pick a training partner well versed in the right training skills. Online MOOCs like Coursera and Udacity can also be an option. Just be careful to marry theory with practical on-the-job training.
- Invest in the right tools. AI tools have become more and more sophisticated. From visualisers like Domo to AI platforms like H2O.AI and Databricks, these tools are lowering the investment costs in infrastructure and talent. They are also enabling “citizen data scientists”, i.e. people who don’t know how to code but who can bridge data with insights and action.
- Form your “AI Marines”. With the right mix of talent and tools, you can create a centre of excellence. This team can rotate in and out of business units to identify quick wins and cross-train various business lines. This can allow you to infuse data science and AI into your organisation in a centralised way. In time, as each business unit builds its competencies, the AI Marines can be absorbed into the broader enterprise and need not exist solely as a stand-alone sniper team.
Your data strategist will be key in determining the right strategy and mix of tactics above to properly build out your internal capabilities, so find this person first.
Then what?
Don’t forget your supporting cast: Your executive committee, business unit sponsors and governance team all have a critical role to play. Your AI team can roll out initiatives but it’s up to the supporting cast to ensure they’re properly framed, structured and nested in the right business context, and then enabled to gain the most ROI. Remember, you can’t buy nor simply hire AI – the hard work happens in-house.
Also, if your enterprise is serious about data-first transformation, consider hiring a coach to facilitate the transition to new decision-making and working habits.
Original post: https://knowledge.insead.edu/blog/insead-blog/the-six-roles-you-need-on-your-ai-team-14186
May I simply say what a comfort to find somebody that genuinely understands what they’re discussing over the internet.
You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
A lot more people have to read this and understand this side of the story.
I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you certainly
have the gift.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading
it, you will be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back sometime soon. I want
to encourage continue your great work, have
a nice morning!
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
from an established blog. Is it very difficult
to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but
I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking
about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or
suggestions? Thanks
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from
right here. I did however expertise a few technical
points using this website, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could
get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement
in google and could damage your quality score if ads and
marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this
RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content.
Ensure that you update this again soon.
Fantastic website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any
message boards that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable people that share the
same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Bless you!
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity
in your post is just nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this
subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming
post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
I truly love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme.
Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply
back as I’m wanting to create my own site and want to learn where you got this from
or what the theme is named. Thank you!
I like it when folks come together and share opinions.
Great site, continue the good work!
I’m really inspired together with your writing skills and
also with the structure to your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it your self?
Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer a great weblog like this one these days..
Hi, after reading this remarkable article i am also happy
to share my experience here with friends.
magnificent points altogether, you simply received
a brand new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your put up that you simply
made some days in the past? Any sure?
I am the owner of JustCBD Store label (justcbdstore.com) and I’m presently looking to develop my wholesale side of company. I really hope that someone at targetdomain can help me ! I considered that the most ideal way to accomplish this would be to connect to vape shops and cbd retailers. I was really hoping if anyone could suggest a reputable website where I can get Vape Shop B2B Database I am currently reviewing creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not exactly sure which one would be the best option and would appreciate any support on this. Or would it be much simpler for me to scrape my own leads? Suggestions?
I am the business owner of JustCBD Store brand (justcbdstore.com) and I’m presently looking to broaden my wholesale side of business. I really hope that anybody at targetdomain give me some advice 🙂 I considered that the most effective way to do this would be to reach out to vape shops and cbd retailers. I was hoping if anyone could recommend a reputable website where I can buy Vape Shop B2B Email Marketing List I am presently taking a look at creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not sure which one would be the very best selection and would appreciate any advice on this. Or would it be easier for me to scrape my own leads? Ideas?
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My blog addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
Excellent blog post. I absolutely appreciate this website.
Thanks!
I like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added
you guys to our blogroll.
I read this post completely on the topic of the difference of newest and previous technologies, it’s
remarkable article.
Thanks very nice blog!
Wow! At last I got a website from where I be able to genuinely obtain valuable
information regarding my study and knowledge.
Hi there! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have got right here on this post. I am coming back to your blog for more soon.
You are so awesome! I do not think I’ve truly read something like that before. So great to discover another person with some unique thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality!
Saved as a favorite, I like your website!
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously feel this web site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the information!
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who had been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me lunch because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your site.
My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was totally
right. This put up truly made my day. You cann’t consider just how so much time I
had spent for this information! Thank you!
Very nice post. I certainly appreciate this website. Continue the good work!
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
Fantastic site you have here but I was curious about
if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get responses from
other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks a lot!
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you
and good luck.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never
understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other
person’s weblog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in favor of
you.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post! It is the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the website is also really good.
That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
Hi! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
Hi, I think your web site may be having web browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent site!
Achieving your fitness goals does not have to require a certified personal trainer or an expensive gym membership, especially if you have the budget and the space to consider practically every workout machine on the market.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful information with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi there, this weekend is good designed for me, for the reason that this moment
i am reading this wonderful informative piece of writing here at my home.
yynxznuh cheap flights
Excellent article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.
I truly love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my very own site and want to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Cheers!
Wonderful article! We are linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.
Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest factor to bear in mind of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while other people think about worries that
they plainly don’t recognise about. You controlled to hit
the nail upon the top and defined out the entire thing without having side effect , other folks
could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks 3gqLYTc cheap flights
When some one searches for his required thing, therefore he/she wishes to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over
here.
Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
You need to take part in a contest for one of the most useful websites on the internet. I’m going to recommend this web site!
Hi, its pleasant piece of writing about media print,
we all know media is a great source of data.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I genuinely believed you would probably have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I found this in my search for something regarding this.
Good post. I definitely appreciate this website. Stick with it!
I’m more than happy to find this website. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to look at new things in your website.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
Very good info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later!
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
Excellent article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
I was very happy to find this page. I need to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every bit of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new information on your web site.
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
There’s definately a great deal to learn about this subject. I like all of the points you made.
You are so cool! I do not think I have read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to find another person with a few original thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
Your style is very unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.