Arjun Bali shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Arjun, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I typically get up early and take a short walk around my neighborhood, it helps clear my mind and sets the tone for a focused day. Before jumping into work, I jot down a short list of top-priority tasks — both personal and professional — that I want to accomplish.
I usually divide my workday into three parts. The first part of the day is reserved for deep work — tackling complex problems, reviewing model results, writing code, or drafting strategy documents that require uninterrupted thinking. Midday is when I switch gears to collaborate: I take calls, meet with stakeholders, and work closely with peers to align on shared goals. In the final stretch of the workday, I return to a more execution-focused mindset — knocking out to-do items, closing loops, and wrapping up deliverables.
After work, I always try to get some physical activity in — whether it’s a tennis match or a pickup basketball game. I also carve out time in the evening for reading, usually around AI research or emerging tools, and if I’m working on an article or project, that’s when I’ll make progress on it. I finish the day with dinner and a walk with my wife — a simple routine that helps me stay grounded and balanced
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Staff Data Scientist who’s passionate about building intelligent systems that not only predict outcomes but also empower decision-makers to act with confidence. Over the years, I’ve consciously shaped my professional identity — or brand — around the idea of being a bridge between advanced machine learning and real-world business needs.
I’ve always believed that data science is most powerful when it’s not just technically sound, but also deeply aligned with business context. That belief has shaped how I approach every problem: with a mindset that balances analytical rigor, business intuition, and storytelling. Whether it’s simplifying a complex model for an executive audience or designing tools that democratize data access, I aim to make AI approachable, practical, and actionable.
My brand has also been built on consistently delivering impact — not just insights. I’ve led projects that have influenced multi-million dollar decisions, been recognized with top internal awards, and had my work showcased at company-wide and external events, including a recent mention at an AWS conference. But more than accolades, what drives me is curiosity, execution, and the opportunity to help others grow — whether that’s mentoring peers or contributing to the broader AI community through writing and research.
I see data science not just as a function, but as a mindset — one that combines structure with creativity, and precision with empathy. That’s the identity I’ve built over the years and continue to evolve every day.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world handed me labels or expectations, I was simply a curious problem-solver. As a kid, I obviously didn’t know what data science was, but I was always decoding patterns — in games with friends, behavior, in the world around me. I asked “why” relentlessly, not to challenge authority, but because I genuinely wanted to understand how things worked and how they could be better and maybe that’s whyI used to love the Book series ‘Tell me Why’.
Somewhere along the way, the world tried to shape that curiosity into more rigid definitions — success meant following a straight path, choosing safe careers, or being just one thing. But over time, I’ve come back to that original version of myself: someone who thrives in ambiguity, who finds joy in peeling back layers, and who doesn’t just want to know what is happening, but why — and what to do about it.
In my current role, that’s still the foundation. I just have more tools now: machine learning models, business frameworks, and platforms to influence change. But at the core, I’m still that curious kid — just operating at scale.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
For a long time, I believed that my path was firmly rooted in the business world. After completing my MBA, I started in IT sales, then transitioned into banking sales at Citibank. I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of client-facing roles and the satisfaction of closing deals — but over time, I felt something missing. I wanted to build things, to solve deeper problems, and to move beyond just driving numbers to understanding why they moved.
That led me to try my hand at a startup — a leap into entrepreneurship where I hoped to channel my ideas into something meaningful. But after a year, I realized I didn’t yet have the technical depth to bring my vision to life the way I wanted to. That’s when I made a decision that changed everything: I would start over, move to the U.S., and pursue a second master’s degree in data science.
It wasn’t easy — walking away from a familiar path, stable roles, and a growing network — but it was the most important mindset shift I’ve made. I changed my mind about what long-term success looks like. I stopped chasing titles and started chasing capability. Today, that decision allows me to operate at the intersection of data, business, and innovation — and it’s a big part of what defines my work and my identity.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For a long time, I believed that success had to be linear — that there was a “right order” to things: get the MBA, land the right job, move up the ladder, and eventually everything else would fall into place. I held onto that belief tightly, convinced that changing course or starting over would mean I had failed.
But over time — especially after trying my hand at a startup and realizing I lacked the technical depth to build what I envisioned — I learned that some of the most meaningful growth comes when you break that linear path. I stepped away from the business world, moved across continents, and pursued a second master’s in data science. It was humbling — and one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Now I know that reinvention is not failure. It’s a sign of clarity. I’ve learned that real success often looks like a squiggly line, not a straight one. And clinging too tightly to a predefined route can actually keep you from becoming who you’re meant to be.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
A large part of my focus today is on exploring how AI can be meaningfully woven into everyday work — not just for automation or efficiency, but to create value-driven applications that empower people across an organization. I’m investing time in building systems and frameworks that make AI more accessible, explainable, and aligned with real business needs. It’s not about hype — it’s about utility, sustainability, and impact.
But beyond the technology, I’m also deeply committed to mentoring and helping shape how teams think about data. I regularly write, coach, and engage with peers to elevate the role of data scientists as translators — people who not only build models but also understand context, ask the right questions, and guide decisions with integrity. That kind of culture shift takes time.
These efforts might not produce immediate results — and that’s intentional. They’re about building something lasting. Ten years from now, I want to look back knowing I didn’t just build tools, I helped build mindsets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arjun-bali.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjun-bali
- Other: https://dzone.com/users/5265830/arjunbali.html
