AI-First Qualities Valued by Collibra's CEO

Felix Van de Maele, the CEO of Collibra, highlights the importance of AI knowledge among job applicants wishing to join his company. He views a candidate's lack of interaction with AI tools as a significant warning sign.

During a discussion with Business Insider, Van de Maele expressed that every interviewee should inherently apply AI thinking in their everyday work routines. If a candidate lacks experience in utilizing AI to enhance efficiency and performance, it raises concerns for him.

Established in Belgium in 2008, Collibra has become a prominent figure in the data governance industry. By 2021, it reached a remarkable valuation of $5.2 billion and has collaborated with industry giants like McDonald's, Adobe, Credit Suisse, and Heineken.

AI Skills Tailored to Roles

Van de Maele mentioned that AI proficiencies needed can differ depending on the job role. For instance, when interviewing engineers, he seeks to ascertain their engagement with AI applications such as Cursor.

He explained that getting a feel for their practical application of such tools is vital. He wants to determine whether potential hires are eager and proactive about adopting AI tools or if they shy away from innovation.

The Shift in AI Integration at Collibra

In a span of just a year, AI integration at Collibra has significantly evolved, as Van de Maele likens the company’s role to being a 'ServiceNow for data'. His global workforce of about 1,000 employees utilizes AI for a range of activities, from transcribing sessions to crafting specialized agents and assistive technologies, aiming to revolutionize work processes.

Keeping a Competitive Edge in Enterprise AI

Van de Maele envisions Collibra as an intermediary that harmonizes a vast array of company-centric data, unlocking AI’s substantial potential. He envisions AI agents executing tasks that would pose challenges for a newcomer analyzing organizational data frameworks.

He argues that, for both AI and humans, understanding and utilizing internal data effectively require contextual awareness. Without it, both parties face obstacles. To enable AI agents in this capacity, organizations must formalize and document that context.

Flexibility and Adaptability in AI

The quest for flexible solutions motivates the current AI practices in the enterprise realm. Van de Maele highlights the importance of not being confined to a single AI model, which may become outdated as newer, more economical models emerge. Organizations such as Palantir and OpenAI advance this by embedding specialized engineers within their client’s operations.

For Van de Maele, the strategic rationale is clear: maintaining versatility in AI engagements ensures long-term advancement and success.