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Mike Bernico is Senior Staff Software Engineer at Google, where he leads a team of AI engineers working on the health algorithms for the Pixel watch and the Fitbit product line.
Before coming to work on Google wearables, Mike worked as part of Google Cloud’s professional services organization where he helped Google’s largest customers achieve their business goals with AI. Prior to Google, Mike was the lead data scientist for State Farm insurance where he developed 6 patents around insurance products, including computer vision based estimatics.
Mike is the author of the book ‘Deep Learning Quick Reference’ and has spoken on using AI responsibly, and transfer learning.
Connect with Mike to learn more.
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Here are Five Things We Cover:
- The ability to effectively communicate and persuade others is essential in any technical role. No matter how technically proficient you are, if you can’t explain or convince others, your impact is limited.
- Being resilient in the face of change, uncertainty, and setbacks is a crucial trait for succeeding in a large organization. The ability to thrive in ambiguity is highly valued.
- Writing code with the focus on readability is key. A good codebase should be easily understandable and maintainable by others, even when the original author is not present.
- Understanding oneself and recognizing personal preferences is essential for finding fulfillment in one’s career. Knowing whether you are more inclined towards leading people or towards technical work can help guide career decisions.
- Aligning technical goals with business objectives is crucial in the application of AI and technology. Prioritizing initiatives based on their impact on the bottom line is a powerful approach.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Regardless of how skilled you are technically, the ability to explain and convince others of your ideas is crucial. Focus on improving your communication skills, whether it’s through public speaking, writing, or simply conveying complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner. This will significantly enhance your impact and influence in any field, especially in the tech industry.
- Build Resilience: In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to adapt and remain composed during times of change is essential. Cultivate resilience in the face of ambiguity and unpredictable situations. Rather than being derailed by unexpected challenges or reorganizations, learn to navigate them with composure and adaptability. This trait is highly valued, particularly in larger organizations.
- Strive for Excellence in Technical and Soft Skills: Aim to maintain high standards not only in your technical work but also in your ability to lead, collaborate, and persuade. By demonstrating a balance of technical prowess and effective interpersonal skills, you can stand out and thrive in a tech environment. Invest in continuous learning and improvement across both technical and soft skill sets to build a well-rounded professional profile.