Ashwini has more than 10 years of experience ranging from Java/Oracle Apps development for Supply Chain ERP to enterprise level machine learning products across assortment, pricing and customer domains.
How has your journey been as a woman in AI so far?
My journey in AI has been fascinating; I completed my Master’s in Business Analytics from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and started building AI algorithms when the technology was still nascent. I was one of the first few data scientists to join Walmart Global Tech, and it’s been fantastic growing from a handful of us to a significantly large team today!
When I reflect on my career path, it feels immensely rewarding. I started off as an individual contributor and I now lead a large team of data scientists focused on driving Walmart’s data commercialization product. As a woman leader in AI, I aspire to build, grow and nurture a diverse team that innovates for our customers globally and serves Walmart’s purpose of helping people save money, live better.
What type of work do you do at Walmart Global Tech?
Each day at Walmart Global Tech, we strive for excellence and innovate for our customers and members, so they can live better lives. I presently lead the development of a data science insights platform that powers the decision making for 1000s of Walmart’s suppliers. This involves developing and deploying scalable ML solutions for applications ranging from anomaly detection, chat bots, recommendation engines to knowledge graphs. While my responsibilities have evolved over the years, I find my current role very exciting and one that makes me very proud. As a woman leader in AI, I aspire to build, grow and nurture a diverse team that innovates for our customers globally.
Why did you choose science and technology as a career opportunity? How challenging was it and what motivated you to keep going?
I grew up in a middle-class home with a family of engineers and teachers and had the opportunity to study in over 10 cities! I naturally gravitated towards traveling and reading. Being an avid reader, I was always curious about the science behind the functionality of things. All of this inspired me to choose science and mathematics and eventually a degree at IISc in the field of Business Intelligence. My degree further directed me to a career in AI, at a time when AI was still in its nascent stage. The early years of my professional journey were challenging since AI adoption was still picking pace; only a few of the AI proofs of concept were produced.
However, I always envisioned how AI could reimagine retail and build playbooks around its implementation. One of the playbooks was a solution that led to automated markdown pricing recommendations across several of our international markets. This was primarily a manual process and the automation led to significant savings. The impact we were able to create was truly special and brought in a sense of accomplishment that I will always cherish.
What kind of work have you done so far? What has been your career highlight?
I have been leading teams that use AI to solve retail problems. All our solutions are focused on improving the everyday experiences of our customers and bringing our Walmart ethos of Everyday Low Prices (EDLP) to life.
The opportunity to pioneer AI-driven ideas for several of our international markets has definitely been a highlight. This involved building ML-driven algorithms for product assortment, placement, pricing, and promotion which have resulted in operational excellence and major savings.
One of my recent projects, a SaaS product, is also very special. This innovative work has become the cornerstone of our data commercialization flywheel and is being actively used by our suppliers in their everyday decision-making. In fact, it has also given me the opportunity to file patents.
What has been your biggest challenge and achievement as a woman in AI?
When I started my journey, there weren’t many women leaders in the field. Today, it is gratifying to see the landscape changing with many more women being acknowledged and celebrated.
I feel it is important for all of us to give back, in some way. As a step in this direction, I’ve been an active volunteer and mentor at various industry programs for budding AI enthusiasts. I also conduct AI workshops at IISc and participate in several women-in-tech initiatives across Walmart. It makes me so proud and humbled to be recognized as a ‘Woman in AI’ thought leader at Walmart and the broader AI community. As I move forward—I hope that I continue to inspire and be inspired by the amazing talent that surrounds us!
