Software is eating the world and AI is eating software. Generative AI is now turning the world upside down, with dramatic effects for the world. But we won't change the world with AI if we don't make it work for the Product.

Over the course of my career, I had the great chance to apply AI with highly talented people across various industries.

This book is the result of all these years: the operating system for successful Applied AI teams.

Whether you run a small startup or a large company, whether you are a practitioner or a leader, this book should help you navigate the world of Applied AI.

Fasten your seat belt, and read on!

About me

• MIT PhD (2010). Core member of the MIT DARPA Urban Challenge Team (2007)
• 2010-2014: leading the computer vision team at Thales Optronics
• 2015-2020: leading the machine learning recommendation team at Criteo
• 2021-today: leading the Applied Science team at Onfido, acquired by Entrust in 2024
• More details at olivkoch.github.io

Index

• Building a team
  • The effective researcher
  • Spotting a great scientist in 3 minutes!
  • Hiring scientists
  • Slow is smooth, smooth is fast
  • Traits of a leader
• Delivering for the Product
  • Making your company ML-centric
  • The seven pillars of Applied AI
  • The six-week rule
  • The business of 10X things
• Growing people
  • The Applied Scientist career ladder
  • The Applied Scientist Lead career ladder
  • Your first 90 days as a lead
  • On promotions
  • On performance reviews
  • Rewarding your heroes