All About the World of AI from the Chief Technology Office at Dell Technologies
Ana De Oliveira | Senior Director, Data Science | Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Originally Published: February 27, 2025
What sparked your interest in artificial intelligence and how did you get started in this field?
During my undergraduate studies, I began working with data analysis using classical techniques. It was during my master’s program that my advisor suggested I take a course on neural networks. From that moment on, I was captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence and have been dedicated to the field ever since.
What personal experiences have most shaped your approach to leadership at Dell Technologies?
Despite being an engineer by training and always working with technology, I have a passion for interacting with people. I was actually a university professor for 17 years which has led me to focus on motivating and developing the teams I lead. Dell team members believe in the company’s code of conduct, values and mission, which creates a unique culture and makes Dell a place where people love to work.
AI is built on the pillars of data, algorithms and infrastructure. Dell will continue to support these advancements by providing robust infrastructure and innovative solutions that help customers accelerate their AI adoption. As AI evolves, Dell is committed to staying at the forefront, enabling enterprises to harness the full potential of AI and stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
Ana O.
Senior Director, Data Science
How do you balance the fast-paced world of AI with personal interests and downtime?
I am fortunate to work with a highly collaborative team where we have established mechanisms for knowledge sharing, which significantly accelerates our learning process. When it comes to balancing the fast-paced demands of AI with personal interests and downtime, I don’t subscribe to the idea of allocating equal time to each area of my life.
Instead, I adopt a more fluid approach. There are times when my work demands more of my attention, other times when my family takes precedence and moments when I need to focus on myself. The key, in my view, is to understand the context of each situation and decide where to concentrate your energy accordingly. This flexibility allows me to stay productive and fulfilled both professionally and personally.
What technological trends or innovations does Dell see shaping the future of enterprise IT and AI infrastructure in the next 5-10 years?
The world is changing at such a rapid pace that predicting the future 10 years from now seems almost impossible. However, the field of AI is certainly expected to continue expanding, as we are only at the beginning of this new technological revolution. AI is built on the pillars of data, algorithms and infrastructure. Dell will continue to support these advancements by providing robust infrastructure and innovative solutions that help customers accelerate their AI adoption. As AI evolves, Dell is committed to staying at the forefront, enabling enterprises to harness the full potential of AI and stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
What excites you most about the future of AI and its potential impact on the world?
What excites me most about the future of AI is its incredible potential to transform many different aspects of our lives and society. AI has the power to revolutionize industries, from healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment. It can enhance our ability to solve complex problems, improve efficiency and create new opportunities for innovation. Additionally, AI can democratize access to information and services, making them more accessible to people around the world in the format they’re most akin to consume them. The continuous advancements in AI technology promises to improve our daily lives, making tasks easier and more efficient, and even enabling new forms of creativity and expression. The future of AI holds endless possibilities, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey, contributing to its positive impact on the world.
What are some books, podcasts or other resources that have significantly influenced your understanding of AI?
Full disclosure: My preferred ways of learning are reading, writing and doing. Having entered college in 1987, my journey through the world of AI has been shaped by a mix of classic and contemporary resources. Early on, I was influenced by foundational texts such as “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach” by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, which provided a comprehensive introduction to the field. Another significant book from that era was “Neural Networks for Pattern Recognition” by Christopher Bishop, which deepened my understanding of neural networks.
In recent years, I’ve found immense value in more contemporary resources. “Deep Learning” by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio and Aaron Courville has been particularly influential, offering a thorough exploration of deep learning techniques and their applications. Additionally, “Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI” by Paul Daugherty and H. James Wilson has offered insights into the practical applications of AI in the modern workplace. Also “The Algorithmic Leader: How to Be Smart When Machines Are Smarter Than You” by Mike Walsh has also been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership in the AI era. These resources, spanning from the foundational to the cutting-edge, have significantly influenced my understanding of AI and continue to inspire my work in this ever-evolving field.
To learn more about AI at Dell, read the following Wall Street Journal article highlighting Michael Dell and how he prepared for the AI boom.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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