Staying Ahead of the Curve: Tech Talk Series: Insights from Kaosi Anyanwu
In the fast-paced world of technology, staying ahead of the curve can be a great challenge. It requires a blend of technical prowess, adaptability and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I sat down with Kaosi Anyanwu, a seasoned tech professional and philanthropist, to delve into her remarkable journey through the ever-changing tech landscape.
EARLY BEGINNINGS AND PASSION FOR TECHNOLOGY
Kaosi’s love for technology led her to enter into the tech world with the mindset of solving world problems with the use of technology.
“I am passionate about technology-driven solutions,” Kaosi emphasized.
THE TURNING POINT- TECH EDUCATION AND ENTRY
Getting the opportunity to get a fully-funded master’s program with a stipend played a significant role in shaping Kaosi’s career as her educational background and degree transition from Mechanical Engineering to Aerospace and Computer Science opened many exciting opportunities for her in the tech industry. She landed her first tech-related role as an Embedded Software Engineer at Raytheon Missile and Defense, by applying on their career website.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING
“Having an agile mindset and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues is vital for navigating challenges and change in the tech industry,” Kaosi notes.
For her, staying ahead meant embracing change even if it required getting a new certification or learning a new skill to help her contribute more effectively in her role, networking with like-minded individuals, and building emotional and interpersonal skills for successful collaboration in tech teams, just to mention a few. Kaosi’s journey was marked by challenges but she was unwavering.
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
As the years went by, Kaosi’s career advanced. She played pivotal roles in open-source projects, and most notably optimized machine learning models for cloud data center outage detection at Microsoft. “By enhancing model accuracy and leveraging AI, we've significantly improved the reliability and performance of cloud services, contributing to a more seamless cloud experience for users,” Kaosi said proudly.
Additionally, Kaosi has been able to fulfill her desire for sustainable technology and environmental responsibility by contributing to her company's mission to go carbon-negative by 2030.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
In addition to her role in leveraging AI, Kaosi is passionate about giving back. She mentors and tutors aspiring young people in STEM, especially girls, encouraging them to embrace technology and break barriers. She does this through STEM BRIDGE, an organization founded by Kaosi. She is also actively involved in tech communities and these communities have allowed her to collaborate with diverse teams, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.
“Together, we can shape the future of tech,” Kaosi asserts.
Kaosi Anyanwu’s story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of tech professionals who navigate a constantly evolving landscape. Her journey through the ever-changing world of technology reminds us that, in the realm of tech, the only constant is change. And, as Kaosi exemplifies, with resilience, continuous learning, and a love for innovation, anyone can stay ahead of the curve in the journey of tech.