Shaping the Future of AI and Data Infrastructure
Shilesh Karunakaran is a distinguished leader in the field of data engineering and artificial intelligence, widely recognised for his ability to bridge complex technical challenges with business objectives. Based in Seattle, Washington, Shilesh's career trajectory is a testament to his unique perspective on the intersection of data infrastructure, AI, and business value creation. His educational background, which includes a Master's in Business Analytics from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from JNTU University, laid the foundation for his deep understanding of both technical intricacies and business strategies.
Shilesh’s passion for data’s transformative potential in decision-making has been a guiding force in his career. He explains, "From the beginning, I saw data as more than just numbers – it's the foundation of how organisations make informed decisions. That realisation propelled me into data engineering, where the challenge is to build infrastructure that’s not only technically sound but also aligned with business goals." His ability to balance these two aspects has been crucial in his work with companies like Slalom Consulting and Sogeti, where he honed his skills in designing scalable, robust data architectures that can evolve with business needs while maintaining compliance and security standards.
His work in generative AI, particularly in fine-tuning Large Language Models (LLMs) through supervised fine-tuning (SFT) and Chain-of-Thought (CoT) learning, has garnered significant attention. Shilesh’s expertise in prompt engineering and advanced AI interactions has pushed the limits of what AI systems, like Alexa+, can achieve. "The goal is to not just make models perform well but also ensure they’re ethical and responsible," he asserts, highlighting the importance of considering broader implications when developing AI technologies.
Privacy and compliance are also at the heart of Shilesh’s approach to data infrastructure. With extensive experience in GDPR and COPPA regulations, he has crafted data governance frameworks that protect sensitive information while enabling efficient utilisation. "As data privacy regulations evolve, it’s crucial that infrastructure is built with compliance in mind, not as an afterthought," he emphasises.
Innovation and leadership are integral to Shilesh’s management style. He encourages his teams to explore new technologies, leading to breakthroughs in business intelligence, data visualisation, and AI-driven analytics. His work has transformed how organisations interact with their data, using advanced tools like Tableau and Spotfire. "Technology is only effective when it’s used to solve real business problems," he says, underscoring his commitment to driving practical, impactful solutions.
As data engineering and AI continue to evolve, Shilesh remains forward-focused, particularly on the convergence of AI and data infrastructure. His vision includes advancements in automated machine learning, edge computing, and privacy-preserving AI, which will redefine how organisations handle data in an increasingly regulated world. Through his leadership, Shilesh continues to shape the future of data and AI, ensuring that these technologies remain both innovative and ethical.