“Curiosity saves the cat” — STEPHEN KOLESH
In the world of data and AI, there are no limits to innovation. Let’s introduce Kolesh, an AI engineer at the front line of transforming data into valuable insights. With a keen ability to identify patterns and a relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, Kolesh is helping to revolutionise industries through the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
Humble Beginnings
Growing up in Kenya, Kolesh’s passion for technology took root during his high school years, where he was first exposed to a technical subject, computer studies. After graduating from high school, he spent his free time watching Mr Robot, where the main character Elliot Alderson, motivated him to pursue a degree in computer science. Despite the wish of his father to study medicine, Kolesh followed his passion, studied computer science at the Multimedia University of Kenya.
Joining Zindi
As a freshman in college, Kolesh attended his first orientation where a lecturer mentioned data science being a promising career path for the next decade in Kenya.Intrigued, he conducted his own research and also joined a CAT(Computer and Technology) club. He immersed himself in the world of machine learning by joining Zindi 4 years ago.
“Zindi has served as my gateway to the world of AI, where each project and every engagement within its collaborative community has been a stepping stone to refining my skills and deepening my understanding,” says Steven. “Through Zindi, I’ve not only strengthened my technical abilities but also acquired invaluable real world experience.”
Today, he ranks #2 in Kenya and #4 overall on Zindi’s online leaderboard that ranks its community of 70,000 data science and AI practitioners from around the world based on performance in solving real-world problems. In one of Kolesh’s quest in solving real world problems, he completed a challenge for Alvin, a smart money manager app in Kenya to create a machine learning algorithm to automatically classify expenditure into different categories, improving Alvin’s services and offerings to their users. He ranked #1 out of 408 that enrolled.
Perseverance pays off
Despite facing challenges like having limited access to computing resources, not able to afford big paychecks for the GPUs, the AWS, trying to find a balance between getting a degree and being invested in his passion for AI and machine learning, he persisted in his pursuit for success. His relentless determination combined with commitment set him forward in his AI endeavours.
Kolesh’s insatiable curiosity stands out as one of his most remarkable strengths, driving him to constantly seek new insights and innovative approaches to AI challenges.
“Technology evolves rapidly and staying ahead of the curve requires continuous learning and adaptation, therefore in this case curiosity is a life saver,” Kolesh shared with us in a recent interview.
Through his involvement with Zindi, he has not only sharpened his skills but also found a community that supports and inspires him. His dedication to learning led him to host webinars titled “Koding with Kolesh,” where he generously imparts his wisdom, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community.
Pathway to success
As a recent graduate, Kolesh is a step closer in achieving one of his dreams by securing a job as an AI software developer at GET Capital, a financial advisory company developing Jibudocs, a state-of-the-art digitization software designed to streamline data management and enhance search capabilities.
Of his recent move, Steven says, “Equipped with the knowledge and confidence gained from Zindi, I am now prepared to confidently pitch myself to potential employers, demonstrating my passion and capability to excel in the field of AI.”
