Poornima Muthukumar, a Senior Technical Product Manager at Microsoft with over 10 years of experience in developing and delivering innovative solutions for various domains such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and Big Data Systems. She has a Master's Degree in Data Science from the University of Washington. She holds eight Patents at Microsoft specializing in AI/ML and Big Data Systems and was the winner of the Global Hackathon in 2016 in the Artificial Intelligence Category. Here let us take a look at her AI journey. 

Can you tell us about your AI journey? 

My AI journey started when I was a student at the National University of Singapore, where I majored in Computer Engineering. I was fascinated by Machine Learning, an application of AI that provides systems the ability to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

After graduating, I joined Microsoft Ireland Research Center as a Software Engineer, working on the MS Office team. In 2016 I was part of a team that won the Microsoft Global Hackathon in the Artificial Intelligence and Computational Network Category. We built a system that applies Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to use information concerning software bugs to assess the riskiness of software change and to generate a decision whether to commit a software change or not. As a result of my work, I have 4 patents at Microsoft in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. 

In 2016 I came to Redmond USA, to work at Microsoft HQ. I was part of the team that built software systems to ensure Office’s products are deployed to all customers, across all platforms, Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, via one unified, friction-less pipeline that enables enables fast feedback loops, exposure control, efficient use of our audiences, and a hypothesis-driven engineering model. 

A few years ago, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Washington, focusing on machine learning and big data systems. Recently I pivoted as a Senior Product Manager at microsoft where I leverage my technical and data science background to build data driven products that delight customers. 

Today, I volunteer as an Ambassador for the Women in Data Science (WiDS), Women in Big Data(WiBD) and Women who code Data Science(WWCode) community as an effort to empower women in the field of data science and spread awareness. I am also a hackathon Judge for the Microsoft AI Classroom Hackathon - A challenge for students to reimagine the future of education using AI. My AI journey has been challenging but rewarding. I have learned a lot from my professors, advisors, peers, and collaborators.

I have also contributed to the advancement of AI and ML through my publications, presentations, and patents. I am passionate about AI and its potential to improve our lives and society. I hope to continue my AI journey as a researcher and innovator, sharing my knowledge and experience with others.

What is your area of expertise in AI, and what made you choose it?

 My background in AI spans more than five years, and I have acquired a high level of proficiency and passion in Machine Learning and Data Science. These domains are very appealing and stimulating to me, as they require using rigorous and creative methods to tackle complex and relevant problems and extract valuable insights from data. As a product manager I thrive on analyzing different kinds of customer data, such as feedback data, usage data, engagement data, experimentation and retention data, and applying various techniques and tools, such as deep learning, natural language processing, clustering and classification to generate business insights. I also enjoy working with other researchers, engineers, and product managers to create innovative solutions that can have a positive impact on society and enhance people's lives.

How did generative AI impact your field of work?  

Generative AI has been a game-changer for my field of work as a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. It has enabled me to create and test new ideas faster, more efficiently and more creatively. For example, I can use generative AI to generate mockups, prototypes, user feedback, marketing copy. This saves me time and resources, and allows me to focus on the most important aspects of product development. Generative AI also helps me to explore new possibilities and solutions that I might not have thought of otherwise. It enhances my creativity and innovation, and helps me to deliver better products to our customers.

Describe some challenges you have faced in reaching where you are now.   

I have lived and worked in five different countries: India, Singapore, New York, Ireland and Seattle. Each time I moved to a new country, I faced many difficulties and uncertainties. It was not easy to adjust to a new culture, make new connections, and find new opportunities for my career growth. But looking back, I think it was a valuable experience for me. I learned how to adapt to different situations and environments, and how to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which are essential skills for a leader. I also learned how to cope with ambiguity and uncertainty, which are inevitable in AI when working with large datasets and exploring the unknown potential of what you can do with them.

Do you see enough female leadership roles in corporates? In your opinion, what should change?  

Microsoft is a great place for female leadership roles because the company values diversity, inclusion and empowerment. Microsoft has many initiatives and programs to support women in their career development, such as mentoring, networking, training and recognition. Microsoft also has a strong culture of innovation and collaboration, where female leaders can contribute their ideas and perspectives to shape the future of technology. Microsoft is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace for everyone.

However, I think there is still room for improvement in terms of female leadership roles at tech industry. While I appreciate the efforts that the tech industry has made to promote diversity and inclusion, I believe that more can be done to empower and mentor women who aspire to lead product teams and initiatives. Some of the changes that I would suggest are:

• Providing more feedback and recognition for women who demonstrate leadership skills and potential, and encouraging them to take on more challenging and visible projects.
• Addressing any unconscious bias or stereotypes that may affect the hiring, promotion, and evaluation of female managers, and ensuring that the criteria and processes are fair and transparent.
• Supporting the work-life balance and well-being of female leaders, and offering flexible work arrangements and benefits that cater to their needs.

What do you want to say to women who wish to build careers in AI and other tech-related fields?  

I vividly remember when I joined Microsoft Ireland Research Center as a Software Engineer, I was one of the only two women on the whole floor. It was not easy to feel like I belonged in this male-dominated field and to find other women who could relate to my experiences, support me, and have company while going through similar challenges. However, I did not let that stop me from pursuing my career goals and advocating for women in tech. I became an interviewer for my team and made sure that every woman candidate felt welcome and represented. I joined various women groups, such as Women in Office at Microsoft, Women in Data Science Puget Sound region, and Women in Big Data leadership team, to empower and inspire women across the globe. I also completed my part-time master’s degree in data science while working full-time at Microsoft and being pregnant with my first child, a unique challenge that only women can face. I believe that women in STEM or tech fields should never stop learning, growing, and achieving their dreams. They should embrace their curiosity, creativity, and diversity with confidence and pride. They should also celebrate their accomplishments and not be afraid to speak up for themselves and others.