Team Impel includes musicians, foodies, avid animal lovers, athletes, and more, and their passion, energy, and grit make Impel successful. Impel’s Employee Spotlight Series highlights one of our incredible teammates each month, giving you an authentic and behind-the-scenes look at our culture. This month we’re introducing you to Nachiket Patel, Computer Vision Scientist.
What is your role at Impel? What are a few of your core duties?
I’m a Computer Vision Scientist at Impel. I’m involved in developing Impel’s AI algorithms focused on images and video. One of my core duties is to research and develop machine learning techniques and algorithms to define Impel’s artificial intelligence strategy. Many of Impel’s products are powered by AI and Computer Vision. I ensure their seamless delivery and availability to our customers.
Which Impel core value resonates with you the most and why?
Grit and Curiosity. I’m very curious by nature. I always want to get to the root of anything. To that end, I’m very persistent in understanding the causes of things, no matter how long it takes.
What about your role inspires you the most? Why?
As part of my job, I learn new technologies and ideas from the AI research community. I really get inspired by using those (technologies and ideas) to solve challenges and, as a result, create state-of-the-art frictionless AI.
How do you define success?
Success to me is seeing thousands of HAPPY customers using our work to drive growth and create unmatchable experiences.
What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
Every situation in life is all about how we see it — as a problem or an opportunity to grow.
What are you currently reading or watching? Do you have any recommendations?
I don’t watch too much TV, but I do read books. I’m into Psychology and Indian Philosophy. Right now, I’m reading FLOW by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It’s about finding flow (optimal experience) in your day-to-day activities. My all-time favorite book is Bhagavad Gita, which ignites spirituality, gives a deeper understanding of life, and provides a way to lead a more peaceful life.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.
- I’m a horophile — I like collecting and fixing old grandfather clocks.
- I’m a superior tennis player and played volleyball in high school.
- I recently developed a hobby in 3D printing and created my first gyro-based
mechanical watch winder.
Tell us the three words your friends would use to describe you.
- Sarcastic
- Funny
- Intelligent
What do you like to do on your days off?
I love to spend as much time as possible with my 2-year-old son and my family. I love working on DIY projects, playing video games, and reading research articles on AI and machine learning.
What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?
It would be on recent advancements in the computer vision field and on Indian Philosophies.
What is one thing you can’t live without, and why?
My family and loved ones. Why do we work? To be with them and provide them with comfortable lives.
We love Nachi’s career advice and are super impressed with his hobbies — a horophile! What a fascinating way to spend time.
