A conversation with Head of Applied AI, Michelle Yi: her journey, vision, and passion for AI innovation
We’re thrilled to announce that Michelle Yi has joined Able as our new Head of Applied AI in January 2025. With over 15 years of experience spanning roles at IBM and leadership positions in AI innovation, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise and a vision that aligns perfectly with Able’s mission to combine world-class human talent with cutting-edge AI tools.
Michelle’s career has been defined by her dedication to using AI for societal good, from her groundbreaking work in breast cancer research to her leadership in AI. She is also deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Michelle is an active supporter of Girls Who Code and on the board of Women in Data, organizations dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups in STEM, and she was a finalist for the prestigious Women in Technology Woman of the Year (Science) award.
As Able continues to empower our partners with AI-powered solutions, Michelle’s expertise will play a pivotal role in enhancing our AI-powered Software Development Lifcycle (SDLC) offerings. Her leadership will help us deliver even greater efficiency, innovation and scalability for mid-market companies navigating their digital transformation journeys.
We’re honored to have her on the team and look forward to achieving incredible milestones together.
Get to Know Michelle
We sat down with Michelle for an exclusive interview where she shared her career journey, vision for AI at Able, and insights on AI’s transformative potential and her leadership philosophy.
Key Highlights from Our Conversation
- Michelle’s Career and Contributions: From her engineering days at IBM to working on Watson and leading AI initiatives for societal good, Michelle shared her inspiring journey, including her work in breast cancer research and her advocacy for diversity in tech.
- The Future of AI: Michelle discussed AI’s transformative potential across industries and emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. She believes that AI is for everyone and encourages all team members—technical or not—to engage with it.
- Leadership in AI Projects: Advocating for a "team of teams" approach, Michelle highlighted the importance of collaboration across departments and external partnerships to ensure successful AI implementation and market impact.
- AI Research and Innovation: Michelle is excited about the future of AI, particularly advancements in architectures and world models, which could unlock innovations in robotics, collective intelligence, and beyond.
- Engaging and Learning in AI: A strong advocate for inclusion, Michelle encourages experimentation and community involvement to bring diverse perspectives into AI, fostering better solutions and greater innovation.
Join Us in Welcoming Michelle Yi
As we continue to empower our partners with AI-powered solutions, Michelle’s expertise will undoubtedly enhance our ability to innovate and drive efficiency. We’re honored to have her on the team and look forward to achieving incredible milestones together.
"We found mutual value immediately across skillset, ambition, and values. She is a true builder, a wonderful leader, and a leading AI practitioner."
Andy McKinney, CEO of Able
