Vitaly M Golomb Of Sofielabs On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The AI Industry

An Interview With David Leichner

Ethical Awareness: Prioritizing ethical considerations in AI development is crucial if you have a long-term perspective. At Sofie Labs, our goal is to improve the lives of our users, and that serves as the guiding principle in creating a product that makes them feel empowered.

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 Vitaly M. Golomb.

Vitaly M. Golomb is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sofie, the next-gen CRM that uses AI to automate the sales process. He is a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor who co-founded HP’s corporate venture arm and is the best-selling author of Accelerated Startup. He is an avid fan of motorsports, innovation and entrepreneurship.

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 a bit about your childhood and how you grew up?

I was born in Ukraine, and my family immigrated to the United States as political refugees when I was 8 years old. Growing up in Silicon Valley, technology and entrepreneurship was the local sport on par with Friday night football games and track meets. I started running a BBS as a 12-year-old on the family computer pre-Netscape and started learning graphic design as soon as I could get my hands on Photoshop and PageMaker. Soon after I graduated from Homestead High School (same as Jobs and Wozniak), I was running a design team in an enterprise startup in the heydays of the Dot Com era. I’ve changed careers several times, from design to entrepreneurship to corporate venture and investment banking. I wrote Accelerated Startup, a bestseller from the hard lessons I’ve learned as a Founder, and I am now back in the startup trenches with Sofie Labs.

Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue a career path in AI?

My journey into AI was sparked by observing emerging trends in the future of work while at HP Tech Ventures, which coincided with the rising chatbot wave circa 2016. This technology, still in its infancy then, showed immense potential for transforming business operations and customer interactions. The concept of autonomous agents fascinated my long-time friend and co-founder, Jonathan Romley, and we recognized that timing would be crucial for significantly impacting this space. As an entrepreneur and investor, I’ve learned that success often hinges on entering a market at the right moment — when the technology is mature enough to be practical but still early enough to capture substantial market share.

Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

At Sofie Labs, we’re creating an AI-powered CRM to revolutionize the sales process, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. While this might seem like mundane enterprise technology, it’s important to note that businesses allocate an average of 48% of their operational expenses to marketing and sales. Therefore, significant improvements in this domain can have a transformative impact across multiple industries. Additionally, I’ve been deeply involved in the future mobility sector for nearly a decade. It’s incredibly rewarding to continue making a substantial contribution to global decarbonization efforts through my advisory roles and directorships in various companies.

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?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have numerous mentors and role models who’ve shaped my path to success at each stage. Now, as I often find myself in the mentor role, I advise young entrepreneurs to seek out individuals who: believe in their potential, open doors for them, facilitate valuable connections, offer crisis support based on experience, and most crucially, tell you when you are acting like a jerk when others might not. While people may come and go in our lives, we cherish those who’ve expanded our knowledge or created opportunities by connecting us with the right information at the right time. These mentors leave lasting impressions, whether by challenging our thinking or by fostering “lucky” moments where preparation meets opportunity. Their guidance is invaluable in navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship and personal growth.

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?

Starting something new that is worth doing is always challenging. The AI industry’s rapid growth has created a challenging landscape for experienced entrepreneurs, with investors setting increasingly high bars for early-stage startups. For seasoned founders, there’s an expectation of not just deep technical knowledge but also a demonstrated ability to gain significant market traction quickly. Investors are looking for startups that can show rapid user growth, high engagement metrics, or early revenue traction — often expecting to see these indicators much sooner than they would from first-time founders.

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 excites me about the AI industry is the potential to disrupt traditional industries, solve long standing problems with unprecedented efficiency, and create entirely new opportunities. AI has the capability to transform sectors like healthcare, finance, and energy by offering solutions that are 10X faster, better, and cheaper than existing methods which in turn provided 10X efficiency when compared to the generation that came before it. This technological leap can address complex challenges more effectively and open up possibilities that were previously unimaginable. It is hard to overstate what impact the AI era will make on most things we do each day.

What are the 3 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why? What should be done to address and alleviate those concerns?

While AI holds immense promise, there are concerns that need addressing. These include ethical issues, data privacy, and the potential for job displacement. Ensuring ethical AI development requires robust guidelines and transparency. Data privacy must be safeguarded through stringent security measures and regulations that won’t come too late if we are to learn anything from the damage social media has done. To mitigate job displacement, there should be a focus on reskilling and upskilling the workforce. Addressing these concerns involves collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers to create a balanced and responsible AI ecosystem. There is a severe lack of government understanding of the impact AI will make. This is not surprising since all the talent currently flows into the exciting startups innovating in the space.

For a young person who would like to eventually make a career in AI, which skills and subjects do they need to learn?

Naturally, a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics is essential for young individuals aspiring to a career in AI. However, many overlook the importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are crucial for creating products and services that meet human needs. Staying updated with the latest advancements and committing to continuous learning is vital for sustaining a long-term career in AI, ensuring the next wave of innovation doesn’t leave you behind. Additionally, it’s important to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying opportunities to solve problems for consumers and businesses by leveraging new technologies. This dual focus on technical expertise and practical application will enable you to make a meaningful impact in the AI industry.

As you know, there are not that many leaders in the AI industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more leaders in the AI industry?

Engaging more leaders in the AI industry involves fostering a deep understanding of AI’s potential and its implications across various sectors. One of the first steps is cross-industry education. Leaders from different fields must be educated about AI’s capabilities and how it can transform their industries. Executive education programs focused on AI applications and implications can be highly beneficial. Regulatory engagement is another important aspect. Involving business leaders in discussions about AI regulation can help shape policies that foster innovation while addressing societal concerns. This ensures that leaders are not only aware of regulatory requirements but also actively contribute to shaping them.

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

Overall, ethics are the framework for how this powerful technology should benefit humanity as a whole. One key aspect is avoiding amplifying the worst aspects of human nature. AI systems must be designed and trained to prevent the perpetuation of biases, discrimination, and unfair treatment. This requires diverse teams, careful data selection, and ongoing monitoring to ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate existing societal inequalities or create new ones.

Another critical ethical consideration is preventing the manipulation of humans for commercial or political gain. As AI becomes more sophisticated in understanding and predicting human behavior, there’s a risk of it being used to exploit vulnerabilities or influence decisions in ways that benefit specific entities rather than individuals or society. Again, this is a lesson learned from the social media era.

The transition of jobs due to AI automation is a pressing ethical concern. While AI will create new opportunities, it will also displace many workers. Ethical considerations include supporting those affected by job losses, ensuring equitable access to retraining and new opportunities, and managing the societal impacts of widespread automation. This requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions to develop comprehensive strategies for a just transition.

Ultimately, ethical AI development demands a proactive, multifaceted approach prioritizing human well-being, fairness, and societal benefit over short-term gains or narrow interests.

Can you please share the “Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The AI Industry”?

1. Strong Technical Foundation: A solid understanding of computer science, mathematics, and programming is crucial. Though my formal education was originally in design, I’ve always learned enough “under the hood” to effectively guide product and technical teams to realize my business thesis.
2. Continuous Learning: Business and technology constantly evolve, so staying updated with the latest advancements is essential. I read 50+ books a year and complete a long-form professional education program every couple of years. I do this to stay ahead but also because I find it fascinating.
3. Practical Experience: Hands-on experience through projects and internships is invaluable. My early exposure as a teenage intern set the course for my career. It is important to balance theoretical and practical learning.
4. Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities and provide support. As an entrepreneur and business leader, you are your network.
5. Ethical Awareness: Prioritizing ethical considerations in AI development is crucial if you have a long-term perspective. At Sofie Labs, our goal is to improve the lives of our users, and that serves as the guiding principle in creating a product that makes them feel empowered.

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?

In a dynamic field like AI, continuous learning and upskilling are vital. I approach ongoing education by reading voraciously and actively comparing notes with the smartest people I can find in the field. Staying updated with the latest research and advancements helps get a head start on where the wind is blowing. For those looking to grow their careers in AI, I recommend a similar approach. Embrace lifelong learning, seek out new knowledge, and stay curious. The nascent AI industry is quickly evolving, and staying informed is key to success.

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?

I often quote Scott Galloway: “Don’t follow your passion; follow your talent. Determine what you are good at (early) and commit to becoming great at it. You don’t have to love it, just don’t hate it.” This means finding something you’re good at with a high employment rate and committing to becoming great at it. The passion will often follow once you become successful and enjoy the benefits of your work. Pursue your passions in self-expression and sports as side projects. Focus on developing skills people will pay you for, even if it’s not your initial passion.

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.

If I could start a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, it would focus on reminding individuals that they have one life to live and that work shouldn’t be their sole source of identity. This movement would encourage people to explore diverse interests, cultivate personal relationships, and prioritize their well-being. By promoting a balanced life, we can help individuals find fulfillment beyond their careers, fostering a sense of purpose and happiness. Emphasizing activities like hobbies, volunteering, and spending quality time with loved ones, this movement aims to create a culture where personal growth and joy are valued as much as professional success.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can follow my work at SofieLabs.com, my personal website Golomb.net, and my LinkedIn profile, where I regularly share my professional insights. Additionally, Accelerated Startup is ranked among the best startup books of all time and provides valuable insights into the tech industry and entrepreneurship that I’ve learned through years of hard lessons in the trenches.

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.