The Apption Data Podcast - Episode 5
How do you build a great AI product? In this episode, Iris Guo, product manager at Arteria AI and MMA candidate at the Smith School of Business discusses the importance of data for AI, the key to building great products, and the cultural differences between working in Silicon Valley and Toronto's growing tech hub.
Journey and Background
Iris has extensive experience in startups and larger companies, both in Silicon Valley and Toronto. Currently, she works as an AI product manager at Arteria AI, an AI startup that automates legal contracts for banks.
Iris studied finance with a minor in computer science at the University of Waterloo. Initially pursuing a traditional finance path, she discovered her passion for building impactful solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Open Meal, a nonprofit organization that provided free meals to food-insecure individuals from struggling family-owned restaurants. This experience ignited her interest in product management, leading her to shift her career focus.
Iris's career has been shaped by several significant internships. At BlackBerry, she worked on the security team, gaining experience in B2B SaaS. She then interned at Google X, the Moonshot Factory, working on a robotics project involving AI and machine learning. Following this, she interned at Microsoft on the Accessibility and AI team, focusing on user research and designing features for people with neurodiversity.
After completing her internships, Iris began her full-time role as a product manager at Scale AI, working on data pipelines for machine learning models.
Silicon Valley versus Toronto Tech Hubs
Iris has observed several differences between the tech hubs in Silicon Valley and Toronto. American companies tend to have a more risk-taking mindset, making it easier for startups to sell their products. In contrast, Canadian investors and companies are more risk-averse, requiring more proof and credibility before investment. Despite these challenges, Iris sees significant promise in the Toronto tech scene and hopes for increased support for the ecosystem.
Building Great Products with Data and AI
As an AI product manager, Iris emphasizes the importance of understanding user problems before focusing on technology. She believes that building a great product requires deep knowledge of the problem space, competitors, and market gaps. Data and AI are crucial tools but should be employed to solve real problems and create value for users.
Future of AI and Technology
Iris is optimistic about the future of AI and technology. She envisions a world where autonomous vehicles are commonplace, reducing traffic delays and improving city planning. In her role, she anticipates more tasks will be automated, allowing her to focus on higher-level strategic work. She also foresees advancements in AI personal assistants that can help automate day-to-day tasks and enhance productivity.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of her professional life, Iris is passionate about dancing, which she believes is an underrated hobby that can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. She also enjoys playing board games, with favorites including "Dune: Imperium" and "Blood on the Clocktower."
Iris Guo's journey and insights provide valuable lessons on product management in startups, working across different tech hubs, and the future of AI and technology. Her experiences and perspectives are inspirational, offering listeners a glimpse into the evolving landscape of AI and data-driven products. Listen to the episode here.
You can connect with Iris Guo on Instagram at @IrisImpact and on LinkedIn.
