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By Kate Mowbray, 7 min read


“To engage more women in the AI industry, I believe we need to start by highlighting the diversity of roles available. Not all of them are purely technical. AI needs linguists, designers, ethicists, project managers, and many other profiles. Showing that there’s space for different kinds of expertise can make the field feel more accessible. We also need more visible role models: women who are leading, innovating, and mentoring in AI.”

As part of our series about the future of Artificial Intelligence, I had the pleasure of interviewing Paola Tirelli, linguistic AI specialist with RWS Group. Paola is also an MSc in Applied Data Science and AI graduate of OPIT — Open Institute of Technology, a global online educational institution.

With over a decade in translation and project management, Paola is passionate about integrating technology with language services. She considers bridging language barriers and leading teams to success her strength.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue this career path in AI?

Mybackground is in linguistics and localization, and I’ve spent years working with translation, quality assurance, and automation tools. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of language and technology. The turning point came when I realized I had reached a plateau in my role and felt a strong urge to grow, contribute more meaningfully, and understand the changes reshaping the industry.

That curiosity naturally led me to AI, a space where my linguistic expertise could meet innovation. I began to see how powerful AI could be in solving specific challenges in localization, especially around quality and efficiency. This inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Applied Data Science and AI at OPIT, to deepen my skills and explore how to bridge my domain knowledge with the new tools AI offers.

What lessons can others learn from your story?

It’s never too late to reinvent yourself. You don’t need to have a technical background from the start to enter the AI field. With strong motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, you can go very far.

Embracing your own expertise, whatever it may be, can actually become your greatest asset. AI isn’t just about code and algorithms; it’s about solving real-world problems, and that requires diverse perspectives. If you’re driven by purpose and open to growth, you can not only adapt to change, but you can help shape it.

Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

What I find most exciting about my current work is the opportunity to experiment and explore where AI can truly be a game changer in the localization space. I’m particularly interested in projects that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, initiatives involving massive amounts of data or complex workflows that no client would have considered feasible due to time, cost, or resource constraints. Thanks to AI, we can now approach these challenges in entirely new ways, unlocking value and enabling solutions that were previously out of reach, such as automated terminology extraction or adapting content across different language variants.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’m especially grateful to the person who would later become my manager, Marina Pantcheva. At the time, I had already started my Master’s at OPIT and was looking for the right direction to apply what I was learning. I knew I wanted to stay within my company, but I wasn’t sure where to focus.

Then I attended a talk she gave on AI. It was clear, engaging, and incredibly inspiring. It felt like a calling. I knew I wanted to work with her and be part of her team. When I eventually joined the AI team, she believed in my potential from the start. She gave me the space to ask questions, explore ideas, and gradually take on more responsibility. That trust and support made all the difference. It helped me grow into this new field with confidence and purpose.

What are the 5 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?

· We’re writing the future — AI is still in its early stages, and we don’t yet know the limits of what it can do. Being part of this journey feels like contributing to something truly transformative.

· Unthinkable opportunities are now possible — Tasks that once required enormous manual effort or were simply out of reach due to scale or complexity are now achievable. AI opens doors to projects that were previously unimaginable.

· Access to knowledge like never before — AI enhances how we interact with information, making it faster and more intuitive to explore, learn, and apply knowledge across domains.

· Cross-disciplinarity — AI touches every field, so it’s full of opportunities for people from different backgrounds.

· Problem-solving at scale — AI can help automate tedious tasks and improve decision-making in complex workflows.

What are the 5 things that concern you about the AI industry? Why?

· AI systems are not 100% reliable, and their outputs can sometimes be inaccurate or misleading. This raises questions about how much we can (or should) trust them, especially in high-stakes contexts.

· As we integrate AI into more aspects of our work and lives, there’s a risk of becoming overly reliant on it, potentially at the expense of human judgment, creativity, and critical thinking.

· If we delegate too much to machines, we may gradually lose some of our own cognitive abilities, like problem-solving, memory, or even language skills, simply because we’re not exercising them as much.

· Without clear communication and reskilling strategies, AI can be perceived as a threat rather than a tool. This fear can create resistance and anxiety, especially in industries undergoing rapid transformation.

· From bias in algorithms to the misuse of generative tools, the ethical challenges are real. We need strong frameworks to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, with transparency and accountability.

As you know, there is an ongoing debate between prominent scientists, (personified as a debate between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg,) about whether advanced AI poses an existential danger to humanity. What is your position about this?

I think it’s important to separate science fiction from science. While I don’t believe current AI poses an existential threat, I do believe that we need to be very intentional about how we develop and use it. The real risks today are more about misuse, bias, and lack of transparency than about a doomsday scenario.

What can be done to prevent such concerns from materializing? And what can be done to assure the public that there is nothing to be concerned about?

Transparency and education are key. We need to involve more people in the conversation; not just engineers, but also linguists, ethicists, teachers, and everyday users. Clear communication about what AI can and cannot do would help build trust. Regulation also has to catch up with the speed of innovation, without stifling it.

As you know, there are not many women in the AI industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more women into the AI industry?

My perception is slightly different, because I come from the localization industry, where there’s a strong presence of women. So, when I transitioned into AI, I brought with me a sense of belonging and confidence that not everyone may feel when entering a more male-dominated space.

To engage more women in the AI industry, I believe we need to start by highlighting the diversity of roles available. Not all of them are purely technical. AI needs linguists, designers, ethicists, project managers, and many other profiles. Showing that there’s space for different kinds of expertise can make the field feel more accessible. We also need more visible role models: women who are leading, innovating, and mentoring in AI.

Representation matters. When you see someone like you doing something you thought was out of reach, it becomes easier to imagine yourself there too.

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?

It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” by George Eliot.

This quote really resonated with me when I decided to shift my career path toward AI. Starting a Master’s in Applied Data Science and AI while working full-time wasn’t easy, but that quote gave me the courage to step into a field that initially felt far from my comfort zone, and to trust that my unique background could actually be a strength, not a limitation.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I could start a movement, it would focus on democratizing access to AI education and tools, especially for people from non-technical backgrounds. I truly believe that AI should not be limited to engineers or data scientists. It has the potential to empower professionals from all fields, from linguists to educators to healthcare workers. I’d love to see a world where people feel confident using AI not just as a tool, but as a partner in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, regardless of their background, gender, or location.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I usually share updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-tirelli-9abbb32a9/

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

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Raconteur: AI on your terms – meet the enterprise-ready AI operating model
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Nov 18, 2025 5 min read

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  • Raconteur, published on November 06th, 2025

What is the AI technology operating model – and why does it matter? A well-designed AI operating model provides the structure, governance and cultural alignment needed to turn pilot projects into enterprise-wide transformation

By Duncan Jefferies

Many firms have conducted successful Artificial Intelligence (AI) pilot projects, but scaling them across departments and workflows remains a challenge. Inference costs, data silos, talent gaps and poor alignment with business strategy are just some of the issues that leave organisations trapped in pilot purgatory. This inability to scale successful experiments means AI’s potential for improving enterprise efficiency, decision-making and innovation isn’t fully realised. So what’s the solution?

Although it’s not a magic bullet, an AI operating model is really the foundation for scaling pilot projects up to enterprise-wide deployments. Essentially it’s a structured framework that defines how the organisation develops, deploys and governs AI. By bringing together infrastructure, data, people, and governance in a flexible and secure way, it ensures that AI delivers value at scale while remaining ethical and compliant.

“A successful AI proof-of-concept is like building a single race car that can go fast,” says Professor Yu Xiong, chair of business analytics at the UK-based Surrey Business School. “An efficient AI technology operations model, however, is the entire system – the processes, tools, and team structures – for continuously manufacturing, maintaining, and safely operating an entire fleet of cars.”

But while the importance of this framework is clear, how should enterprises establish and embed it?

“It begins with a clear strategy that defines objectives, desired outcomes, and measurable success criteria, such as model performance, bias detection, and regulatory compliance metrics,” says Professor Azadeh Haratiannezhadi, co-founder of generative AI company Taktify and professor of generative AI in cybersecurity at OPIT – the Open Institute of Technology.

Platforms, tools and MLOps pipelines that enable models to be deployed, monitored and scaled in a safe and efficient way are also essential in practical terms.

“Tools and infrastructure must also be selected with transparency, cost, and governance in mind,” says Efrain Ruh, continental chief technology officer for Europe at Digitate. “Crucially, organisations need to continuously monitor the evolving AI landscape and adapt their models to new capabilities and market offerings.”

An open approach

The most effective AI operating models are also founded on openness, interoperability and modularity. Open source platforms and tools provide greater control over data, deployment environments and costs, for example. These characteristics can help enterprises to avoid vendor lock-in, successfully align AI to business culture and values, and embed it safely into cross-department workflows.

“Modularity and platformisation…avoids building isolated ‘silos’ for each project,” explains professor Xiong. “Instead, it provides a shared, reusable ‘AI platform’ that integrates toolchains for data preparation, model training, deployment, monitoring, and retraining. This drastically improves efficiency and reduces the cost of redundant work.”

A strong data strategy is equally vital for ensuring high-quality performance and reducing bias. Ideally, the AI operating model should be cloud and LLM agnostic too.

“This allows organisations to coordinate and orchestrate AI agents from various sources, whether that’s internal or 3rd party,” says Babak Hodjat, global chief technology officer of AI at Cognizant. “The interoperability also means businesses can adopt an agile iterative process for AI projects that is guided by measuring efficiency, productivity, and quality gains, while guaranteeing trust and safety are built into all elements of design and implementation.”

A robust AI operating model should feature clear objectives for compliance, security and data privacy, as well as accountability structures. Richard Corbridge, chief information officer of Segro, advises organisations to: “Start small with well-scoped pilots that solve real pain points, then bake in repeatable patterns, data contracts, test harnesses, explainability checks and rollback plans, so learning can be scaled without multiplying risk. If you don’t codify how models are approved, deployed, monitored and retired, you won’t get past pilot purgatory.”

Of course, technology alone can’t drive successful AI adoption at scale: the right skills and culture are also essential for embedding AI across the enterprise.

“Multidisciplinary teams that combine technical expertise in AI, security, and governance with deep business knowledge create a foundation for sustainable adoption,” says Professor Haratiannezhadi. “Ongoing training ensures staff acquire advanced AI skills while understanding associated risks and responsibilities.”

Ultimately, an AI operating model is the playbook that enables an enterprise to use AI responsibly and effectively at scale. By drawing together governance, technological infrastructure, cultural change and open collaboration, it supports the shift from isolated experiments to the kind of sustainable AI capability that can drive competitive advantage.

In other words, it’s the foundation for turning ambition into reality, and finally escaping pilot purgatory for good.

 

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OPIT’s Peer Career Mentoring Program
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Oct 24, 2025 6 min read

The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) is the perfect place for those looking to master the core skills and gain the fundamental knowledge they need to enter the exciting and dynamic environment of the tech industry. While OPIT’s various degrees and courses unlock the doors to numerous careers, students may not know exactly which line of work they wish to enter, or how, exactly, to take the next steps.

That’s why, as well as providing exceptional online education in fields like Responsible AI, Computer Science, and Digital Business, OPIT also offers an array of career-related services, like the Peer Career Mentoring Program. Designed to provide the expert advice and support students need, this program helps students and alumni gain inspiration and insight to map out their future careers.

Introducing the OPIT Peer Career Mentoring Program

As the name implies, OPIT’s Peer Career Mentoring Program is about connecting students and alumni with experienced peers to provide insights, guidance, and mentorship and support their next steps on both a personal and professional level.

It provides a highly supportive and empowering space in which current and former learners can receive career-related advice and guidance, harnessing the rich and varied experiences of the OPIT community to accelerate growth and development.

Meet the Mentors

Plenty of experienced, expert mentors have already signed up to play their part in the Peer Career Mentoring Program at OPIT. They include managers, analysts, researchers, and more, all ready and eager to share the benefits of their experience and their unique perspectives on the tech industry, careers in tech, and the educational experience at OPIT.

Examples include:

  • Marco Lorenzi: Having graduated from the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program at OPIT, Marco has since progressed to a role as a Prompt Engineer at RWS Group and is passionate about supporting younger learners as they take their first steps into the workforce or seek career evolution.
  • Antonio Amendolagine: Antonio graduated from the OPIT MSc in Applied Data Science and AI and currently works as a Product Marketing and CRM Manager with MER MEC SpA, focusing on international B2B businesses. Like other mentors in the program, he enjoys helping students feel more confident about achieving their future aims.
  • Asya Mantovani: Asya took the MSc in Responsible AI program at OPIT before taking the next steps in her career as a Software Engineer with Accenture, one of the largest IT companies in the world, and a trusted partner of the institute. With a firm belief in knowledge-sharing and mutual support, she’s eager to help students progress and succeed.

The Value of the Peer Mentoring Program

The OPIT Peer Career Mentoring Program is an invaluable source of support, inspiration, motivation, and guidance for the many students and graduates of OPIT who feel the need for a helping hand or guiding light to help them find the way or make the right decisions moving forward. It’s a program built around the sharing of wisdom, skills, and insights, designed to empower all who take part.

Every student is different. Some have very clear, fixed, and firm objectives in mind for their futures. Others may have a slightly more vague outline of where they want to go and what they want to do. Others live more in the moment, focusing purely on the here and now, but not thinking too far ahead. All of these different types of people may need guidance and support from time to time, and peer mentoring provides that.

This program is also just one of many ways in which OPIT bridges the gaps between learners around the world, creating a whole community of students and educators, linked together by their shared passions for technology and development. So, even though you may study remotely at OPIT, you never need to feel alone or isolated from your peers.

Additional Career Services Offered by OPIT

The Peer Career Mentoring Program is just one part of the larger array of career services that students enjoy at the Open Institute of Technology.

  • Career Coaching and Support: Students can schedule one-to-one sessions with the institute’s experts to receive insightful feedback, flexibly customized to their exact needs and situation. They can request resume audits, hone their interview skills, and develop action plans for the future, all with the help of experienced, expert coaches.
  • Resource Hub: Maybe you need help differentiating between various career paths, or seeing where your degree might take you. Or you need a bit of assistance in handling the challenges of the job-hunting process. Either way, the OPIT Resource Hub contains the in-depth guides you need to get ahead and gain practical skills to confidently move forward.
  • Career Events: Regularly, OPIT hosts online career event sessions with industry experts and leaders as guest speakers about the topics that most interest today’s tech students and graduates. You can join workshops to sharpen your skills and become a better prospect in the job market, or just listen to the lessons and insights of the pros.
  • Internship Opportunities: There are few better ways to begin your professional journey than an internship at a top-tier company. OPIT unlocks the doors to numerous internship roles with trusted institute partners, as well as additional professional and project opportunities where you can get hands-on work experience at a high level.

In addition to the above, OPIT also teams up with an array of leading organizations around the world, including some of the biggest names, including AWS, Accenture, and Hype. Through this network of trust, OPIT facilitates students’ steps into the world of work.

Start Your Study Journey Today

As well as the Peer Career Mentoring Program, OPIT provides numerous other exciting advantages for those who enroll, including progressive assessments, round-the-clock support, affordable rates, and a team of international professors from top universities with real-world experience in technology. In short, it’s the perfect place to push forward and get the knowledge you need to succeed.

So, if you’re eager to become a tech leader of tomorrow, learn more about OPIT today.

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