Robert Yi is the CTO at Oxygen Intelligence (Oxy.tech), where he works on an AI-powered data platform that lets people handle data through natural language instead of complex pipelines. He's worked in established, cutting edge tech firms (Airbnb, Wayfair) before navigating the startup scene and has spent years in data science and analytics. On his blog, he writes about practical stuff like running data teams more like product teams (https://think.ryi.me/), why a lot of self-service tools don’t deliver, and the real value of quick ad-hoc analysis. Robert brings a grounded take on how AI is changing how we organize knowledge, build products, and work with data every day.

Find him at:

• blog: https://think.ryi.me/
• X: https://x.com/imrobertyi
  

03:08 From Coding to Startups: The Journey of Robert Yi

06:00 Oxygen Intelligence: Merging AI with Data Analysis

09:07 Building Accuracy in AI: The Semantic Layer Approach

12:01 Lessons from Airbnb: Data-Driven Culture and Innovation

15:11 Navigating the Founder Journey: Challenges and Insights

17:56 Creative Leadership: Brian Chesky's Impact on Airbnb

21:06 The Pandemic's Effect on Travel and Business

24:06 The Academic Mindset: Curiosity vs. Practicality

27:22 Mastery and Complexity: Reflections on Learning

32:46 The Practical Applications of Science and Engineering

35:52 The Evolution of Tech Jobs and AI's Impact

41:18 The Dichotomy of Academic and Industry Perspectives

47:21 The Complexity of Real-World Problems

51:40 Innovation vs. Standardization in Business

56:49 The Future of AI and Its Societal Implications

01:08:55 Navigating Social Media's Impact

01:10:50 Family Adventures and Hobbies

01:12:02 Exploring AI Tools for Productivity

01:13:38 Knowledge Management and Note-Taking Systems

01:18:49 Innovation Through Connection

01:23:00 The Future of Memory and AI

01:32:37 Decentralization and New Ideas

01:35:29 The Evolution of Reading and Learning

01:40:39 Revisiting Literature: A New Perspective

01:43:00 Character Depth: Holden Caulfield vs. Odysseus

01:46:14 The Power of Fiction: Understanding Human Nature

01:51:03 Lessons from Fiction: Parenting and Storytelling

01:57:58 The Complexity of Characters: Disney vs. Miyazaki

02:01:10 The Realities of Power Dynamics in Storytelling

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