From Abstraction to Production: How Engineers Really Build AI - Zendesk's Akshaya Murthy

In this episode of The Inference Show, we’re joined by Akshaya Murthy, an engineer and technologist whose work sits at the intersection of systems thinking, AI, and real-world problem solving.Akshaya brings a grounded, practitioner’s perspective to how modern engineering is evolving, where theory meets execution, and where technical decisions increasingly shape business outcomes. This conversation goes beyond tools and trends, diving into how engineers think, learn, and adapt in an era defined by complexity and rapid change.In this episode, we discuss:⬛ How engineering judgment develops beyond textbooks and frameworks⬛ The realities of applying AI and advanced systems thinking in production environments⬛ Why trade-offs, not perfection, define great technical decisions⬛ The importance of first principles when navigating fast-moving technologies⬛ How engineers can bridge the gap between abstraction and execution⬛ Lessons on learning, unlearning, and staying relevant over time⬛ What it means to build systems that are not just powerful, but dependableAkshaya’s insights resonate with engineers, builders, and leaders who care deeply about clarity, rigor, and long-term impact, not just novelty. This episode is especially relevant for anyone navigating technical careers in AI-driven, systems-heavy environments.—About the HostDr. Manish Arora is the co-founder of LearnDesk and Insaito, where he leads marketing and sales. He has helped scale LearnDesk into a global platform serving over 25,000 businesses worldwide. He is currently building Automatan, an AI-powered platform for intelligent workflow automation. With 80+ patents and deep industry experience, Dr. Arora brings thoughtful, human-centered conversations to leaders across disciplines.—The Inference ShowThe Inference Show explores leadership, learning, technology, and human performance through conversations with builders, thinkers, and practitioners shaping the future.Stay connected and explore more episodes, guests, and insights:🔗 Automatan: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automatan-ai🔗 Insaito: https://in.linkedin.com/company/insaito-inc🔗 Dr. Manish Arora: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish7901🔗 Vivek Puri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivpuri🔗 LearnDesk: https://www.learndesk.us/🔗 Insaito: https://www.insaito.com/Want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]