Company
Date Published
Author
Gideon Mendels
Word count
1166
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The latest episode of the In Context podcast, hosted by Kathryn Hume, features a discussion with Eric Colson, Chief Algorithms Officer at Stitch Fix, exploring the interplay between machine learning, data science, and business operations. While the episode title suggests a focus on hiring for autonomy, the conversation covers various aspects of structuring data science teams, the role of algorithms in the customer experience at Stitch Fix, and the balance between machine learning and human judgment. Colson elaborates on how Stitch Fix leverages algorithms beyond just recommendations, integrating them into inventory and demand management, and highlights the company's organizational structure that aligns data science closely with other business functions. He advocates for the concept of "full stack data scientists" to enhance the iterative process and reduce coordination costs, contrasting it with specialized roles seen in other companies. The episode also touches on how data scientists can contribute to the business by understanding the broader "Horizon of Imagination" and the importance of a quantitative mindset in candidates. The conversation raises questions about the feasibility and benefits of adopting a generalist approach in data science teams and how such a model could be implemented in different company cultures.