#37. Bridging Healthcare, Tech Culture, and Research with William Brendel

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Sheikh Shuvo interviews Will, an accomplished research scientist and tech executive. Will shares his journey in the field of AI, from his early interest in computer graphics to his eventual focus on computer vision. He discusses the hype and public awareness surrounding AI and how it has evolved over the years. Will also talks about his favorite project at Snap and the impact of company culture on research. He provides insights on evaluating companies as a research scientist and offers advice for PMs and software engineers transitioning into AI. The conversation concludes with a discussion on risk assessment and management in AI and Will's current projects in healthcare.TakeawaysThe field of AI has experienced significant hype and public awareness in recent years, with the community gaining exposure to the masses in a political campaign-like manner.Company culture plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of research and development, with different companies having distinct approaches and priorities.When evaluating companies as a research scientist, factors such as ethics, product focus, and the founders' background and leadership style should be considered.For PMs and software engineers transitioning into AI, it is important to understand the technology and its use cases, as well as the product-market fit.Risk assessment and management are critical in AI, especially in areas like generative AI, and organizations should invest in cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.Will is currently working on projects in healthcare, using AI to improve healthcare systems, provide insights, and develop software solutions for sensitive populations like inmates.