DataTalks.Club Lessons from Two Decades of AI - Micheal Lanham
Sep 26, 2025
Micheal Lanham, an AI innovator with 20 years of experience in diverse fields like fintech and game development, shares his remarkable journey. He delves into the evolution of AI, the impactful role of evolutionary algorithms, and practical applications of AI agents. Micheal discusses how generative AI is transforming gaming and offers insights on designing minimalistic agent workflows for efficiency. He also provides valuable career advice for aspiring AI engineers and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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From Game Tests To Global Engineering
- Micheal Lanham moved from building neural-network game tests with Harvard researchers to applying evolutionary algorithms in oil and gas engineering.
- He later led a global team after his company was acquired and shifted into consulting across industries.
Why Evolutionary Methods Faded
- Evolutionary algorithms can explore diverse solutions but remain computationally expensive compared with deep learning frameworks.
- Their lack of integration with modern deep learning toolchains explains their decline despite their strengths.
Writing A Hit Book From Pokémon Go
- Micheal wrote his first popular book by reverse-engineering Pokémon Go using his GIS and Unity experience.
- That book became widely translated and launched his career as a technical author.
