The Brave Technologist

The Role of Analytics in Shaping the Future of MLOps

Jan 22, 2025

Sophia Rowland, a Senior Product Manager at SAS with a robust background in data science, shares insights on integrating AI and analytics in operational settings. She tackles the challenges of dependency management caused by siloed IT and data science teams, and the psychological impact of algorithms on user motivation. Sophia also discusses the importance of aligning technical and business perspectives for effective MLOps, while emphasizing the significance of data ethics and responsible AI practices.

32:42

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Sophia Rowland

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Quick takeaways

Effective collaboration between IT and data science teams is essential to overcome dependency management errors and ensure successful model implementation.

Organizations must focus on ROI and ethical considerations to evaluate AI model effectiveness and mitigate risks associated with biased decision-making.

Deep dives

The Importance of Bridging IT and Data Science

Dependency management errors often arise when IT and data science teams operate in silos, leading to significant gaps in model utilization. Many organizations invest heavily in developing models but fail to implement them effectively in decision-making processes. Sophia Roland emphasizes the need for collaboration between data scientists and IT to ensure that the models created can be successfully integrated into the production environment. She highlights the potential of lightweight containers to address compatibility issues, enabling smoother deployment and use of models in everyday operations.

Intro

2min

Navigating AI and Analytics in Product Management

12min

Navigating AI Compliance and Ethics

4min

Optimizing AI Model Performance Through Containerization

2min

Navigating AI: Communication and Responsibility

11min

Building Connections and Networking in Analytics

2min

Sophia Rowland, Senior Product Manager at SAS, discusses her journey from data science to product management at SAS, focusing on the integration of AI and analytics. She explains the concepts of Model Ops and ML Ops, the challenges organizations face in operationalizing machine learning models, and the critical role of analytics in this process.

Key Takeaways:

Dependency management errors that occur when IT and data science teams work in silos
The connection between algorithms and psychology, using data and software to tap into motivation
How to discern hype from meaningful advancements in emerging technologies
The influence of user behavior on AI adoption
Ways to stay updated in the rapidly evolving field of AI

Guest Bio: Sophia Rowland is a Senior Product Manager focusing on ModelOps and ML Ops at SAS. In her previous role as a data scientist, Sophia worked with dozens of organizations to solve a variety of problems using analytics. As an active speaker and writer, Sophia has spoken at events like the AI Summit, All Things Open, SAS Explore, and SAS Innovate; she has also written dozens of articles and blog posts. As a lifelong North Carolinian, Sophia holds degrees from both UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, including bachelor’s degrees in computer science and psychology, and a Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics from the Fuqua School of Business. Outside of work, Sophia enjoys reading an eclectic assortment of books, hiking throughout North Carolina, and trying to stay upright while ice skating.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte