Aqsa Fulara is a product manager at Google, building enterprise AI/ML products and has extensive experience across recommendation systems, content discovery and business intelligence applications. She has worked at Google Cloud, Assistant and Ads over the past seven years. She has had the privilege to serve on various juries for AI competitions, review AI books and is a published author. 

Can you tell us about your AI journey? 

My AI journey began in 2014 when I built neural networks for behavior recognition in large events for my capstone project. At Google, I’ve had the honor of building innovative AI products across Google Cloud, Assistant, and Ads.

I led the Recommendations AI product, enabling the most prominent retailers to deliver personalized product recommendations and delightful shopping experiences to billions of shoppers. I also spearheaded building novel AI experiences for business intelligence products like Looker Studio, boosting analyst productivity. Currently, I’m focused on developing machine-learning models for advertisers and brands.

Beyond that, I’ve mentored startups on their AI strategy, served on AI awards juries, and reviewed AI books to support others on their AI journeys.

What is your area of expertise in AI?

My expertise is in recommendations and discovery systems in AI. When it comes to shoppers in retail and eCommerce, personalization unlocks delightful experiences. In data analysts or business intelligence applications, discovery enables finding the right content, unlocking productivity and aiding in data-driven decision-making. With AI being top of mind for every business leader and enterprise investor today, it is important to build products and apply AI to solve users’ problems first. So, I care a lot about how AI unlocks new ways of solving user problems while delivering business value and not just reducing down to shiny new tech.      

How important do you think skilling and upskilling are in a country like India?  

With rapid changes in technology and AI evolving daily, upskilling is non-negotiable. With a vast Indian youth population entering the workforce, skilling prime individuals to stay relevant and competitive to evolving trends and industry needs, gain the necessary expertise, and access and create new opportunities, fostering innovation and economic growth.

Many industries have seen a shift in how they operate post-pandemic, and AI and data analytics are creating new ways to work. Therefore, upskilling is essential to keep pace with innovations, bridge the gap, and create paths to fulfilling personal and societal missions. I’ve seen and experienced how 20% of projects taken to explore new projects and skills open avenues to new opportunities and career paths.

In what direction should companies in the AI sphere move to ensure more female participation and leadership?  

Encouraging women to participate and lead in AI is crucial today, as incorporating diverse perspectives promotes innovation and creativity. 

• Role Models: It starts with female role models at the very top who inspire the rest of the organization. At Google, I’ve been fortunate to work for women managers, senior directors, and VPs and have role models across the company. 
• Development programs and practices: Companies moving to the AI sphere should involve women from the get-go across all levels in their AI initiatives. This means paving opportunities for existing talent to learn and grow into AI projects would be significant. Supporting through mentorship and sponsorship programs, learning and training opportunities, leadership development programs, or attending AI conferences and events are some examples. Google offers a plethora of such programs, whether it is internal mobility initiatives, supporting attending industry conferences dedicated to learning budgets, or mentorship matching.
• Celebrate and Showcase: Celebrating women through internal newsletters, features, and external nominations builds success stories of women in AI, inspiring successive female leaders.

As companies adopt AI for internal efficiencies and improving customer and product experiences, ensuring women have a seat at the table, has never been more critical. 

In a country like India, where societal constraints bind women, how do you think that they should break the stereotypes? What are your words of wisdom to young girls who wish to build careers in AI? 

Addressing this complex issue of societal constraints with many stereotypes requires a multifaceted approach. Change needs to be driven not only at an individual or family level but also broadly across communities and societies in suburban and rural areas. 

• Education: AI is a technical role, so a strong foundation in STEM courses like math, statistics, or science is essential. Whether that’s encouraging young girls to take up AI classes or supporting them through scholarships and formal programs, education should be normalized
• Family and community support: In many parts of India, pursuing careers in tech is still frowned upon, so family support and cheerleaders are crucial to thriving and succeeding. I don’t think I’d be here without my family’s support.
• Self-belief and perseverance: Imposter syndrome can be real. Just like anyone, women may not have all the right answers to start with, but a deep faith in their own capabilities, an unwavering commitment to learning and growth, and resilience are important to progress and succeed. 

To the young girls: Stay curious and passionate about learning. AI is a vast field that is evolving daily, so explore it to find your niche, whether computer vision, natural language processing, or something else. Don’t choose AI because it’s the shiny new thing; choose because you’re passionate and let your curiosity lead you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and surround yourself with mentors and support each other. Finally, when you feel the path is not easy, remember T. Roosevelt’s words: “Nothing worth having comes easy”. So, believe in yourself, work hard and know that great things lie ahead!