Q. How important is representation and what does it mean to be named in Forbes 30 Under 30 list?
Growing up in Slovakia in the LGBTQ+ community was tough. There was nobody who was a CEO and out and proud, so it was difficult to find role models that you felt represented by and that you could look up to. Back then, it felt like the local representation of gay people was mostly distorted stereotypes and parodic images. I felt like I was destined to be pigeon-holed into a certain profession, and I struggled to visualise what my future looked like as a result. I certainly didn’t imagine myself becoming a CEO.
But I realised I was quite well positioned at McKinsey & Company to develop into this role model for other ambitious gay people, and that’s exactly what I set out to do. I’m still working on being the best role model I can be but being featured in Slovakia’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a big step towards getting this representation out into society. I hope that by being featured in this prestigious list, I can show other people like me that you can be out and proud, you can be successful, and you can work in IT.
Q. How important is AI for your business model and how is it being used to better position your brand?
As an LGBTQ+ dating platform, artificial intelligence is becoming an important tool for us to moderate our content, as well as explore opportunities for dynamic pricing models and personalisation. It’s already spanning multiple projects across multiple parts of Cosmic Latte. Having the experience, expertise and credentials that the Executive Diploma in AI for Business provides will definitely enable me to better position the company on the right track as we move forward.
Q. How will you be celebrating Pride this month?
We have a palette of activities and parties planned as a company and, for example, recently went for 'run against homophobia' as a team. Many more activities like this are in the pipeline. However, I plan to spend time with my significant other (we are long distance) and have a nice evening together.
Q. Tell us about your experience with the Diploma in AI for Business and how it is helping you.
The ‘Age of AI’ is certainly upon us, and I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to be completing the Saïd Business School Executive Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business at this time. The Executive Diploma not only has short-term benefits for me and the company, but a long-term impact too. Eventually we will grow in a new way, whether that means going public, being part of a merger or acquisition or something else, and at that point I might be looking for the next step in my career.
I already have a solid IT education and coding experience, but the Executive Diploma in AI for Business is helping me to up-skill and advance my expertise in the business side, specifically the relationship between artificial intelligence and leadership. Having this connection with Oxford Saïd and developing my knowledge in this area is perfect for my future next step – whether that involves joining an AI company, the AI branch of a company, or setting up my own business and ultimately becoming a Chief AI Officer.
Q. What different perspectives do you feel you bring to the classroom?
I’m quite young, considering the average age in the classroom, and my work is heavily focused on Generation Z – both at Cosmic Latte and in my volunteering work. I hope to raise awareness of the younger generation’s perspectives throughout the discussions, particularly on topics such as ethics and personalisation. Equally, my IT background means that I have experience working through technical problems, challenges and the security side of artificial intelligence, so I hope to bring an IT perspective to the business discussions and offer a ‘technical reality check!’
I also hope to represent the views of the LGBTQ+ customer sector, an area which hasn’t had much of a voice previously. And finally, I hope to bring a growth mindset to the programme, connecting sources of information, encouraging fascinating discussions, debating ideas and extending conversations out of the classroom over college dinners.’
Photo courtesy of Milan Kovačič.
