In this episode of the AI Innovators podcast, host Prashanth interviews Shashank Kapadia, a staff machine learning engineer at Walmart Global Tech. This episode is brought to you by SaladCloud, the most affordable cloud for AI/ML inference at scale (www.salad.com). Shashank shares insights on his role in developing and operationalizing machine learning models at scale within Walmart. He discusses his extensive experience in machine learning, including pivotal moments that reshaped his approach. They delve into the challenges and learning moments in recommendation systems, the importance of considering user experience holistically, and the phenomenon of the 'next best algorithm syndrome.' Shashank also highlights AI's role in enterprise and balancing innovation with operationalization. The conversation covers the broader integration of AI in business operations, the ethics and fairness of AI systems, and how ethical AI can serve as a business moat. Towards the end, they touch upon the technical and operational considerations for scalable AI platforms and emerging AI technologies promising advancements in personalization. This episode provides a deep dive into the intersection of AI and retail, offering valuable insights for both industry professionals and enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:28 Role and Responsibilities at Walmart 01:10 Key Projects and Learnings in Machine Learning 03:39 Challenges in Implementing AI Models 04:15 Balancing Innovation and Operationalization 07:26 Enterprise vs. Startup AI Implementation 10:22 Transition from Engineer to Leader 16:51 Personalization and Ethical Considerations 31:50 Scalable AI Platforms and Architectural Decisions 38:17 Future of AI in Retail 42:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts