The Logan Bartlett Show EP 124: Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi Breaks Down the AI Hype-Cycle
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Nov 22, 2024 
In this discussion, Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks, dives into his journey from AI researcher to leading a $61B company. He breaks down the AI hype cycle, discussing both the challenges and the future landscape of AI technology. Ali emphasizes the importance of robust data strategies before venturing into AI and shares pivotal lessons from his leadership experiences. He also covers innovative hiring practices and the transformative potential of AI in various industries, highlighting successfully navigating enterprise sales in a rapidly evolving market.
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Spark and the Netflix Prize
- Databricks started in AI research around 2009/2010, initially focusing on the Netflix competition.
- They achieved the highest score, showcasing early success in AI before it became mainstream.
Early AI Adoption
- Ali Ghodsi didn't understand the lack of interest in AI in its early stages.
- He predicted mainstream consumer adoption and the shift in terminology from 'ML' to 'AI'.
Groundbreaking AI Moments
- In 2014/15, large companies like Expedia and Regeneron used AI for revenue and medical breakthroughs.
- GPT-2's emergence around 2018/19 hinted at the Turing test being broken soon.