Julia Duran Of South Geeks On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The AI Industry
An Interview With David Leichner
Curiosity is essential in any field, and it’s my top recommendation for a successful career in AI. Being eager to learn, asking questions, staying engaged, and immersing yourself in the industry by attending events can all be key drivers of your career. The AI field progresses rapidly, so staying curious helps you keep up with new developments.
Artificial Intelligence is now the leading edge of technology, driving unprecedented advancements across sectors. From healthcare to finance, education to environment, the AI industry is witnessing a skyrocketing demand for professionals. However, the path to creating a successful career in AI is multifaceted and constantly evolving. What does it take and what does one need in order to create a highly successful career in AI?
In this interview series, we are talking to successful AI professionals, AI founders, AI CEOs, educators in the field, AI researchers, HR managers in tech companies, and anyone who holds authority in the realm of Artificial Intelligence to inspire and guide those who are eager to embark on this exciting career path.
As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Duran.
Julia Duran, the dynamic CEO of South Geeks, is a tech trailblazer with over two decades of experience. She honed her skills at industry giants like IBM, Hewlett Packard and Verizon before establishing herself as a leader in the global technological arena. Her journey has taken her from Buenos Aires to California and roles in multiple countries around the world, contributing significantly to her diverse perspective. Since founding South Geeks in 2016, Julia has been at the forefront of reshaping Software Development across Latin America, building top-tier tech teams with integrity and competitive pricing. Now based in the Netherlands with her loving husband and their family, Julia fosters a culture of excellence and ethical leadership at South Geeks. Her commitment to cultivating enduring client and team relationships underscores her global reputation as a leader in tech innovation and conscientious business practices.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would like to learn a bit about your origin story. Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue a career path in AI?
Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here. My journey began in Buenos Aires, where I was born to two wonderful parents and grew up alongside my two younger sisters. From a young age, I found myself drawn to unconventional ideas and often posed questions that left my parents saying, “Whaaaaaat?”
My fascination with computers and my inherently algorithmic mind led me to pursue studies in computer science, where I felt completely at home. Alongside my technical interests, I’ve always been intrigued by cultural diversity and unique philosophical perspectives. This curiosity has been a driving force behind my interest in artificial intelligence, which I see not only as a technological innovation but also as a fascinating subject from an anthropological standpoint.
These early passions and interests have profoundly shaped my journey, influencing both my personal growth and my career aspirations. They’ve instilled in me a deep appreciation for innovation and a drive to explore how technology can intersect with and enhance our understanding of humanity.
Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
Absolutely! At South Geeks, our teams are currently immersed in a diverse range of projects spanning fintech, biotech, and cybersecurity. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and innovation that each team brings to these initiatives. They are tackling complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in these critical sectors. It’s inspiring to see how their expertise and passion are driving meaningful advancements that have the potential to make a significant impact.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My parents have been instrumental in my career journey. My father’s entrepreneurial journey — from working for others to building his own company — inspired me to embrace calculated risks and seize opportunities. My mother’s unwavering support and encouragement taught me that there’s no perfect time to pursue dreams so just go for it. I’m also grateful for my coach, Christian, who has guided me in making calm decisions and building confidence. Through the Chairmen’s RoundTable (CRT) program in San Diego, I connected with mentors Dan and Hus, whose wisdom has been invaluable. The supportive CEO collective of CRT has further enriched my journey. Most importantly, I’m blessed with an amazing team at South Geeks — reliable, creative, and supportive individuals I’m proud to work alongside. Their guidance and encouragement have shaped my career and inspired me to make meaningful contributions to my community.
As with any career path, the AI industry comes with its own set of challenges. Could you elaborate on some of the significant challenges you faced in your AI career and how you managed to overcome them?
Adapting to post-pandemic market shifts has been a pivotal challenge for us. Our initial research and strategies had to be swiftly revised in response to changing conditions. AI emerged as a critical tool, providing invaluable market insights and behavioral analytics. This enabled us to promptly refine our offerings and optimize our go-to-market strategies to align with evolving consumer needs.
As our company expands, I’ve prioritized enhancing my skill set to effectively lead at scale. Utilizing AI-driven analytics, I’ve identified targeted learning paths essential for navigating our growth trajectory and ensuring organizational proficiency.
From inception, scalability has been a cornerstone. We’ve focused on implementing robust processes and leveraging AI-powered tools like ClickUp, HubSpot, and Google Workspace to automate operational tasks. This strategic approach allows us to concentrate on strategic initiatives and cultivate impactful client and team relationships.
Ok, let’s now move to the main part of our interview about AI. What are the 3 things that most excite you about the AI industry now? Why?
What truly excites me about the AI industry is how it collaborates with other disciplines to push boundaries. AI isn’t just advancing technology; it’s reshaping entire industries by enhancing human abilities and creating fresh opportunities.
I’m fascinated by how AI is transforming job roles within companies. Roles once considered essential are evolving or being replaced by AI-driven solutions, prompting the emergence of entirely new job functions. This dynamic shift challenges us to adapt and innovate, fostering a workforce that leverages AI to boost productivity and creativity.
While I deeply value human creativity, I’m intrigued by AI’s potential in image and writing creation. AI tools can produce content swiftly and accurately, offering new avenues for artistic expression and efficient content creation strategies. This blend of human ingenuity with AI’s computational power promises exciting innovations in fields from digital marketing to entertainment.
In essence, AI’s integration across disciplines not only drives technological progress but also inspires creativity and redefines traditional roles, shaping a future where humans and AI collaborate to achieve remarkable outcomes.
What are the 3 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why? What should be done to address and alleviate those concerns?
I’m naturally curious about how AI will unfold — it’s an adventure to witness its evolution. Data security is a concern, but AI also contributes to building more robust protections.
The real challenge, I believe, lies in our adaptation as humans. It’s crucial to stay connected to each other and to nature amid the allure of technology. Finding this balance ensures that AI enriches rather than overwhelms our lives.
In essence, I’m optimistic about AI’s potential while mindful of the need to nurture our human connections and preserve our natural world.
For a young person who would like to eventually make a career in AI, which skills and subjects do they need to learn?
This is a challenging question because the AI field is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges. However, a few core skills and qualities can set you on the right path.
First and foremost, cultivating a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. The AI landscape changes rapidly, so regularly engaging with the latest research and technologies is crucial.
Developing an algorithmic mindset is mandatory, as it involves breaking down problems into manageable steps and designing efficient solutions.
By combining these skills of curiosity and an algorithmic mindset, you can achieve remarkable things in technology. Embrace challenges, stay curious, and keep learning, and you’ll be well-equipped to make a significant impact in any tech-related field.
As you know, there are not that many women in the AI industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more women in the AI industry?
This is a challenge that spans all areas of technology. At South Geeks, we are constantly on the lookout for talented women to create a diverse environment that benefits from a mix of skills and perspectives. As a woman in tech, I’m acutely aware of our underrepresentation and often reflect on how to address it, though a simple solution remains elusive.
The impact of female role models on young kids is significant. While our generation grew up seeing our mothers and aunts in different roles, the next generation will increasingly see women thriving in tech. This visibility alone can inspire future change.
However, we can’t rely solely on time to address this issue. Ensuring a safe space for women is the top priority in any industry. Additionally, selecting and coaching leaders to encourage women to speak up, be creative, and proudly share their stories with young minds outside the workplace is crucial.
Ethical AI development is a pressing concern in the industry. How do you approach the ethical implications of AI, and what steps do you believe individuals and organizations should take to ensure responsible and fair AI practices?
Ethical development and business practices should always be a priority for leaders, encompassing both how we conduct our businesses and the impact of our products and services. When faced with challenging decisions, I find it invaluable to seek perspectives from a diverse group of advisors. As the saying goes, “We are the average of the five people closest to us,” and I believe this applies to companies as well, particularly regarding top management and advisors.
Promote kindness, strive to do good, and always consider the consequences of your actions. It’s essential to instill these principles throughout the organization. I’m a strong advocate for ongoing training and fostering open discussions about ethical issues. This approach helps create a culture where ethical considerations are at the forefront of decision-making.
Can you please share the “Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The AI Industry”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1 . Stay Curious
Curiosity is essential in any field, and it’s my top recommendation for a successful career in AI. Being eager to learn, asking questions, staying engaged, and immersing yourself in the industry by attending events can all be key drivers of your career. The AI field progresses rapidly, so staying curious helps you keep up with new developments.
I’ve always been incredibly curious, which has led me to acquire unexpected skills and explore new paths. This reminds me of Steve Jobs’ “Connecting the Dots” speech, which emphasizes how seemingly unrelated experiences can come together in meaningful ways. My curiosity has often taken me down unexpected but rewarding roads, enriching my career in AI.
2 . Effective Communication
Effective communication is absolutely vital in any profession, in my opinion. I’ve seen firsthand how things flow smoothly when communication is clear, and how things can get complicated when it’s not. Becoming a great communicator is a lifelong journey, but starting early with awareness and good practices can greatly improve both your career and personal life.
In my experience in corporate settings, I found that asking for what I needed led to some of the most interesting conversations. When I shared my goals and plans, it often opened doors for me. Communication isn’t just about conveying information — it’s about building connections, and those connections are key!
3 . Tech Education: Tech education is important, but it doesn’t necessarily require a PhD. Any reliable form of learning counts — whether it’s self-education, mentorship, college degrees, certifications, attending conferences, reading books, or taking online courses. Investing in these avenues to enhance your skills is invaluable.
In the realm of AI, mastering machine learning and Python stands out as particularly critical tech skills to focus on.
4 . Awareness is key: understanding your capabilities and limitations can propel you forward. I deeply admire team members who, despite their extensive experience, continuously seek to expand their knowledge.
In our company, there’s a highly experienced software developer who consistently pursues training in new technologies. One of his colleagues once questioned what more there was to learn, considering his wealth of experience. He responded by acknowledging the vastness of what he didn’t know and the boundless possibilities ahead. This was a profound lesson in self-awareness that resonated with me.
5 . Passion for your work is critical! True success (though that varies for everyone) often stems from genuine passion for what you do. Living a life infused with love for your work, industry, and community enhances enjoyment, making your efforts more fulfilling and noticeable in your results.
Personally, in my past career, I’ve found that when I’m not passionate about my role, producing quality results becomes a challenge. It’s when I’m truly engaged in my job that I shine and inspire those around me.
Continuous learning and upskilling are vital in a dynamic field like AI. How do you approach ongoing education and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the AI industry? What advice do you have for those looking to grow their careers in AI?
I’m a member of a business owner organization that keeps me connected with fellow entrepreneurs, many of whom specialize in AI. I strongly encourage everyone to seek out a community that shares your challenges and maintain those connections!
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
I have many favorite quotes, but one that has been on my mind lately is: ‘Character defines fate’ I truly believe that our everyday decisions and approach to life shape our outcomes. Whether we’re going through challenging times or experiencing ease, how we navigate life and interact with others greatly influences the opportunities we encounter and where we choose to direct our focus.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I’m sure this isn’t a novel concept, but I’m drawn to the idea of leaving the world better than we found it. This principle extends to our work, shopping habits, driving behaviors, home life, and parenting styles. If each of us made a small effort to leave things in a better state than we encountered them, wouldn’t we collectively move towards a brighter future?
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/southgeeks/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
About The Interviewer: David Leichner is a veteran of the Israeli high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications. At Cybellum, a leading provider of Product Security Lifecycle Management, David is responsible for creating and executing the marketing strategy and managing the global marketing team that forms the foundation for Cybellum’s product and market penetration. Prior to Cybellum, David was CMO at SQream and VP Sales and Marketing at endpoint protection vendor, Cynet. David is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Technology College. He holds a BA in Information Systems Management and an MBA in International Business from the City University of New York.
