Conversations with AI and ML experts on building real-world systems, navigating career growth, and exploring the future of generative AI. From messy data pipelines to scaling infrastructure, from proof of concept to production, we dive into the technical lessons, human stories, and big-picture impacts shaping the future of AI.
The AI and ML Conversations with Iavor Botev
Claim This Podcastby Iavor Botev
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8 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Conversations with AI and ML experts on building real-world systems, navigating career growth, and exploring the future of generative AI. From messy data pipelines to scaling infrastructure, from proof of concept to production, we dive into the technical lessons, human stories, and big-picture impacts shaping the future of AI.
Language
๐บ๐ฒ
Publishing Since
9/6/2025
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Recent Episodes
May 5, 2026
Director of AI Engineering: How to Solve Real Customer Problems | Carmen Herrera, AI and ML # 8
<p>๐๏ธ In this episode of "AI and ML Conversations," I chat with Carmen Herrera, the Director of AI Engineering at Typeform, who shares an incredible journey from studying 300,000-year-old ocean data to leading AI engineering at a top SaaS company. ๐ <br /><br />Carmen discusses her transition from a PhD in physical oceanography - where she used bubbles in Antarctic ice to model ancient climates - into the fast-paced world of retail and e-sports.<br /><br />We dive deep into her experience at Mango, where she built early data lakes and demand forecasting models that optimized pricing across 15 countries.<br /><br />We also explore the technical and cultural shifts required to become an "AI-native" organization. Carmen breaks down how Typeform integrates LLMs to solve real customer problems, the move from deterministic to non-deterministic software engineering, and why "evals" (evaluations) and observability are now the backbone of product quality. <br /><br />Finally, we discuss the "infinite game" of leadership, managing burnout, and why ownership is the most valuable trait in a modern data team.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Links<br />Iavor Botev <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/iavorbotev/" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/in/iavorbotev/</a><br />Carmen Herrero <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carherrero/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/carherrero/</a><br /></p><p><br />Timestamps</p><p>00:00 โ Introduction</p><p>01:47 โ Carmenโs background: From physical oceanography to data science</p><p>06:40 โ Modeling the ancient ocean: Causal settings and 15-variable equations</p><p>13:16 โ Moving the needle at Mango: Pricing optimization and demand forecasting</p><p>25:05 โ Bridging the gap: How a physicist masters software engineering</p><p>27:27 โ Understanding models: Do we still need to know the math in the age of LLMs?</p><p>31:13 โ Rising through the ranks: Transitioning from Senior DS to Director at Typeform</p><p>39:56 โ The infinite game: Strategies for preventing burnout and fostering well-being</p><p>48:58 โ Building AI-native: Typeformโs technical approach to LLM integration</p><p>52:50 โ AI in the IDE: Boosting productivity for data engineers and scientists</p><p>58:41 โ Frameworks and observability: Moving from custom scripts to Arise AI</p><p>01:00:52 โ Generalists vs. Specialists: Who thrives in the new AI landscape?</p><p>01:04:05 โ Measuring ROI: How data teams prove their value to the business</p><p>01:12:35 โ Career advice: Quitting the hype and building for the real world</p><p>01:14:53 โ Closing</p>
March 10, 2026
How Data Teams Can Transform Organizations - Xavier Gumara Rigol | AI and ML Conversations # 7
<p>๐๏ธ In this episode of "AI and ML Conversations," I chat with Xavier Gumara Rigol, the Head of Data at Manychat, who shares his wealth of experience transitioning from Business Intelligence to leading data functions in top tech companies like Oda and Adevinta.</p><p></p><p>Xavier dives deep into the evolving relationship between data and product, explaining why data teams must move away from being "black box" service providers to becoming integral parts of cross-functional product squads. He shares hands-on tips on how to secure executive support for data transformations and why treating "Data as a Product" is the key to driving real business value.</p><p></p><p>We also explore the human side of the industry, from the benefits of teaching at the university level to the nuances of remote vs. hybrid work. Plus, Xavier gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, "Data as a Product Driver," and how Generative AI is already transforming the way he works and writes.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're an individual contributor looking to make an impact or a leader scaling a data organization, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on building a data-driven culture.</p><p></p><p><b>Links</b></p><p>Iavor Botev http://www.linkedin.com/in/iavorbotev/<br />Xavier Gumara Rigol https://www.linkedin.com/in/xgumara/<br />Xaviers's book & substack https://www.dataproductdriver.com/</p><p></p><p>๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐</p><p>00:00 โ Introduction</p><p>02:05 โ Xavierโs background: From BI and consultancy to Head of Data</p><p>06:46 โ Why teach? The benefits of being a university instructor</p><p>12:36 โ Remote vs. Hybrid: Protecting your time and "owning your calendar"</p><p>17:25 โ The evolution of Data and Product functions</p><p>32:08 โ Solving the ownership problem in cross-functional teams</p><p>45:45 โ Executive support & treating "Data as a Product"</p><p>55:45 โ KPIs and outcome-based OKRs: Using data to set baselines</p><p>01:04:05 โ Scaling data teams: How many data people do you actually need?</p><p>01:08:01 โ The impact of GenAI on data workflows and book editing</p><p>01:12:56 โ Xavierโs upcoming book and where to find his work</p><p>01:13:39 โ Closing</p>
February 16, 2026
Pablo Fernandez (Head of Eng Pexels@Canva, Ex-Google): AI Shift, LLMs | AI and ML Conversations #6
<p>๐๏ธ In this episode of "AI and ML Conversations," I sit down with <b>Pablo Fernandez</b>, Head of Engineering for <b>Pexels </b>at<b> Canva</b>. Pablo brings a wealth of experience from his time at <b>Google</b> to co-founding multiple startups and leading engineering teams in the age of AI.</p><p></p><p>We explore the shifting landscape of software engineering, specifically the rise of the <b>"Product Engineer"</b> and how LLMs are lowering the "cost per line of code," forcing engineers to focus more on business impact and decision-making.</p><p></p><p>Pablo shares his unique philosophy on <b>work-life integration</b>, the importance of "quality of thinking" over hours worked, and why he believes traveling is a secret weapon for unlocking new ideas.</p><p></p><p>We also dive deep into the practicalities of remote work, discussing how to fight <b>proximity bias</b>, the hidden dangers of private Slack channels, and how to maintain a healthy engineering culture in a fully distributed team.</p><p></p><p>Finally, Pablo offers invaluable advice for junior engineers looking to break into todayโs tough job market, highlighting why <b>open-source contributions</b> (like his own work on KDE) are the ultimate "proof of experience."</p><p></p><p><b>Links</b></p><p>Iavor Botev <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/iavorbotev/" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/in/iavorbotev/</a><br />Pablo Fernandez <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pupeno/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/pupeno/</a></p><p>Pablo's website <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="pablofernandes.tech" target="_blank">pablofernandes.tech</a></p><p></p><p>๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐</p><p>00:00 โ Introduction</p><p>01:17 โ Pabloโs background: Google vs. Startups</p><p>05:10 โ Developing a business mindset as an engineer</p><p>07:14 โ Should engineers focus on code, business, or both?</p><p>08:58 โ The rise of the "Product Engineer" in the AI era</p><p>11:56 โ Balancing technical and leadership roles as a founder</p><p>14:57 โ Work-life balance vs. Work-life integration</p><p>17:21 โ Maintaining relationships while in a "single focus" mindset</p><p>20:24 โ Why travel and change of scenery unlock better ideas</p><p>24:04 โ Engineering leadership at Pexels and Canva</p><p>26:20 โ Value Stream Aligned teams and setting engineering goals</p><p>32:35 โ How Pexels uses AI: The weekly "AI Exchange"</p><p>35:57 โ Ownership and the risks of AI-generated code</p><p>38:15 โ Practical AI use cases in product and data</p><p>40:17 โ Why you shouldn't delegate decision-making to LLMs</p><p>44:11 โ Lessons from 20 years of remote work</p><p>48:28 โ Fighting proximity bias and "Second Class Citizen" status</p><p>52:10 โ Why private Slack channels can be toxic for culture</p><p>56:46 โ Tackling office politics in remote teams</p><p>57:11 โ The current state of the engineering job market</p><p>01:00:38 โ Reimagining the "Junior Engineer" role</p><p>01:07:04 โ Advice for juniors: The power of Open Source contributions</p><p>01:12:05 โ How to effectively contribute to large projects (React, KDE)</p><p>01:15:34 โ Closing</p>
8 total episodes available
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