Carmel Wynkoop has over 25 years of experience applying software solutions to achieve strategic business objectives, currently serving as the Partner in charge of AI, Automation, and Analytics. She leads a dedicated team in implementing a range of AI projects for diverse clients, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation. With a strong track record of guiding organizations through digital transformations, Carmel specializes in strategic AI deployment to create competitive advantages. Prior to her current role, she directed business-driven processes from conception to implementation, encompassing comprehensive product management, usability, and organizational development.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Carmel shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, significant career milestone, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Carmel. Please tell us about your background and areas of interest.
I was born in Reno Nevada, and while we moved around a bit when I was a kid – I spent most of my schooling in Reno. Back then Reno was more of a Casino and manufacturing town – not a ton of technology. I earned an undergraduate degree in Health and Community Science from the University of Reno before pursuing a graduate degree in San Francisco. This is where I begin to appreciate technology and all it could bring to the table.
I began my tech career working on a Y2K project at Levi Strauss. From there I moved to a small website design firm working as a Product Manager creating B2B and –ecommerce websites. This led to a position at a larger public procurement and sourcing software company where we designed reverse auction and procurement solutions. I later joined Network Equipment Technologies as an internal product manager and quickly became the CIO. Although I stumbled into this line of work, I would also say I have always loved what I do, and I feel very fortunate to be able to be this creative and exploratory in my work. We are now going through another wave of innovation and what an exciting time!
What do you love the most about your current role?
There is really nothing I don’t love. It is such an exciting time to be in the technology space. We are embarking on game-changing technology that is transforming the way we think about and execute work. AI has been the ‘Promise” that has been anticipated for decades – and it’s finally here for all to take advantage of. I love that I get to be a part of helping people realize the power and use cases to begin or to enhance their AI journey.
You were recently a part of ‘AI Got This’ webinar series where the topic for discussion was AI & Healthcare. What do you envisage for an AI-powered healthcare industry in the future? Where and how do you see it being applied, and what benefits will AI deliver?
When we look at the healthcare industry, we see similar trends with other markets but in healthcare these trends are even more pronounced. Staffing shortages, diagnostics and operational efficiencies are key areas of concern. AI can help revolutionize patient care, through improved accuracy, faster decision-making, focus on personalized care and enhancing patient outcomes.
- Diagnostics: AI algorithms to analyze medical images, pathology slides, and genetic data to provide accurate and early diagnoses.
- Personalized Treatment: Tailored treatment plans based on individual patient data lead to more effective and targeted therapies.
- Predictive Analytics: Predictive and prescriptive analytics to help forecast disease outbreaks, patient readmissions, and treatment responses, enabling proactive and preventive care.
- Operational Efficiency: AI streamlines and automates administrative tasks, optimizes hospital workflows, and manages resources, reducing costs and improving patient experience.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
Diversity and inclusion are crucial in the AI and technology fields. They foster creativity, drive innovation, and ensure that the solutions we develop are equitable and effective for all. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives that help identify and mitigate biases in AI systems, leading to more robust and fair outcomes.
Authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers are essential for promoting acceptance and understanding. These dialogues help break down barriers, challenge existing norms, and drive systemic change. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create a more inclusive industry that benefits everyone, fostering a global environment of equity and acceptance.
What skills must a leader have in order to use AI successfully? What technical skills are necessary?
The most important thing is to keep an open mind! New ways to utilize AI emerges every day with growing use cases which make people more efficient using AI – generative AI, RPA and predictive analytics. As a leader, encourage your teams to experiment, create valid use cases and fail fast and then try again. I don’t know if you need any specific technical skill to utilize AI. I do think organizations and leads should establish AI ethical use policies for AI and even some basic training related to what to do and what not to do with different types of AI.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
I would love to talk to Andrew Ng. What he has helped do for AI is nothing short of amazing. He is a renowned AI expert, co-founder of Coursera, and founder of DeepLearning.AI. His insights on AI development, education, and its impact on society would be fascinating to unpack and be able to ask deeper questions.
What is one accomplishment you’re proud of?
I am most proud of building teams that embrace continuous learning and improvement. While I am a huge AI advocate and practitioner – the people that I work with are incredible. We are always learning together, doing our best to educate and help others take advantage of new technologies and processes to improve their situations. I believe AI will continue to be an integral part of our future, both work and home life, but we can’t achieve this ethically and successfully without some really incredible people.
What drives you? How do you measure personal success?
Constant learning and improving and focusing on how we become more effective, efficient and smarter. How do we utilize AI to improve what we do and how we do it. I know I already said this – but we are in such an incredibly exciting time right now, we are going to see new careers, new industries and new possibilities in the next 3 to 5 years. For me success is measured by the positive impact I have on people – as a performance coach, as a mentor and as an advisor. I want people to leave an interaction with me feeling like they gained something valuable.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
This is a funny question right now. The pace of change is so fast, what we spoke about 3 months ago has already changed and we have to rethink how we talk about the same topics. Thinking 5 years from now seems like a daunting task! In five years from now I still want to be dialed into the latest and greatest technology and how people are leveraging it to its fullest potential.
What advice would you give to aspiring AI professionals from your industry?
First and foremost, be open – to all the crazy ideas – they are likely now possible. Learn as much as you can and then know it will change in less than 3 months and you’ll need to stay up to date. Use the tools you are recommending to others for your own benefit. It will build credibility by demonstrating you know how it works and are seeing the results firsthand. Lastly, have fun with it!