Interview: Misha Ghosh
Who are you, and what do you do?
By my academic training, I am a Data Scientist. I have a graduate degree in Statistics. I connect historical data points to understand the past, project the underlying trend to make a deterministic view of the future. To my employers and research partners, I provide data driven insights for better allocation of capital and via increased revenues and decreased costs. And now by profession, I have managed and directed big data divisions for Fortune 500 companies, where their data is aggregated and anonymized; then productized and monetized to provide insights to several industries such as commercial real estate and capital markets.
What will you be talking about at the conference in Canada?
I will be talking about data and how the same data can be used correctly as well as the same data being used incorrectly. Data can be both the oxygen and carbon-dioxide of insights. The data can be invigorating and defeating at the same time. I will share my data story through my career journey.
Why do you think Estonia is such a leader in technology?
Someone once said that the “Only stability these days is the pursuit of new opportunities”. What Estonia has done today is remarkable … it has unshackled itself from legacy thinking and constantly challenging itself to become more and more progressive. Change is difficult and the embracement of constant change is one of Estonia’s catalyst to becoming a world leader in technology and innovation. Some of the advancements that the country has made towards blockchain technology are truly amazing like storing of medical records and online voting are remarkable.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting into this field?
Be curious and travel the world. Read as many books and periodicals as you can lay your hands on. Leverage the data to augment your thinking.
What excites you about coming to Canada?
I have been to Canada several times. What I like best is the warmth and hospitality of the country.