Valeriia Usmanova is a name synonymous with cutting-edge advancements in AI and generative AI. Her work has not only reshaped the business-to-consumer landscape but also transformed urban environments, making her a standout figure in the tech industry.
Educational Background
Valeriia’s foundation for becoming a prominent expert in Digital, AA, AI, and GenAI was laid out when she joined the Bachelor of Arts in Economics program offered jointly by the Higher School of Economics and the New Economic School, two of Russia’s top economic institutions. Valeriia was one of 50 students who excelled in Olympiads in Economics and Math and entered the program. Thanks to her academic achievements, Valeriia was also chosen to participate in an exchange program with Bocconi University in Milan, where she studied as an exchange student. For her achievements in the field of economics, she was honored by Moscow State University as part of the “Gold Reserves of the Russian Economy” and by Universum Global as the “Futurologist of the Year”. At the end of the four-year educational program, many top graduates decided to pursue further PhD studies at Ivy League institutions. Valeriia chose a different path; thanks to her academic achievements, she had the opportunity to choose among the best employers.
Transforming the Future with AI and GenAI
Valeriia progressed from Business Analyst to Senior Engagement Manager at one of the most prestigious consulting companies and quickly became a recognized expert in the GenAI field. She shares with us the recipe for successful GenAI transformation. Organizations should create a value roadmap that prioritizes impactful and feasible use cases and identify “lighthouse” domains to champion innovation. Selecting initial projects that are likely to succeed with available resources and ensuring necessary data and technical foundations are in place is crucial. Internal use cases can facilitate adoption and mitigate external risks. Clear definitions of target audiences, key features, and phases for Proof of Concept (POC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and rollout phases are essential for alignment among stakeholders. A dedicated team with the required skills and clear roles should drive the POC, while key success metrics tracking growth, productivity, and innovation ensure the project remains on course. Identifying and mitigating risks, such as algorithmic bias and privacy concerns, is vital for ethical AI deployment. Developing a robust solution architecture and continuously testing and fine-tuning it is necessary for scaling. Finally, integrating the use case into operations, measuring POC results, and scaling with enhanced data processing, new features, and comprehensive risk monitoring will lead to successful GenAI implementation from concept to deployment.
Following this recipe, Valeriia Usmanova played a pivotal role in creating an innovative AI/ML-driven personalized promotional tool designed to boost bank customers’ transactional engagement. Observing the high frequency of cash payments and peer-to-peer transfers among the bank’s clients, Ms. Usmanova devised a solution to predict and influence customer transaction behavior through targeted offers. For instance, a 5% reward incentive on the first three grocery shopping transactions was crafted to encourage specific activities. Her cutting-edge models significantly increased the bank’s transactional activity by 5-10%, which led to a decrease in the share of cash payments and peer-to-peer transfers, benefiting both customers and the bank.
Pioneering AI in Urban Planning
Valeriia also delivered novel and groundbreaking results for one of the biggest European cities. Leveraging AI and digital tools in urban planning can significantly enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of city development strategies. A prime example is the innovative “Idea Marathon,” an initiative designed to gather public input on the future development of urban transport infrastructure. This initiative, conceptualized and led by Valeriia Usmanova, resulted in over 9,000 ideas from 20,000 citizens, demonstrating the power of community engagement. Ideas were collected through various digital channels, such as WiFi pop-ups and the City Transport app, as well as offline methods like posters in public transport and in-person surveys. Ms. Usmanova utilized advanced data analytics to process an immense volume of data. Her groundbreaking techniques, unmatched in both scope and effectiveness, drew insights from thousands of citizens’ ideas from various sources, transforming this extensive data into actionable and meaningful feedback, which was pivotal in validating and expanding the city’s strategic priorities until 2030.
The initiative addressed a wide range of areas, including public transport, cycling, road infrastructure, parking, and speed limits. The success of the “Idea Marathon” led to its annual replication, showcasing the benefits of sustained citizen engagement. This approach not only ensures that urban planning aligns with the needs and preferences of residents but also fosters a sense of community ownership over public projects. The Deputy Mayor and the Head of the City Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development praised the initiative, highlighting its effectiveness in engaging residents and implementing their suggestions. This example underscores the value of integrating digital innovation and public participation in shaping the future of urban transport.
Vision Zero Strategy
Using Big Data and advanced analytics, Valeriia helped one of the biggest European cities decrease road casualties. Developing a “Vision Zero” project is crucial for cities aiming to eliminate road fatalities through data-driven strategies. A notable example of such an initiative is the efforts led by Valeriia Usmanova, who utilized Big Data and advanced analytics to identify and address the main factors contributing to road accidents and fatalities. By collecting and analyzing road accident data, Ms. Usmanova pinpointed key risk factors contributing the most to casualties. The novelty of the approach lies in the fact that Ms. Usmanova looked at the complex combination of factors (e.g., speeding trucks on specific highways during construction work) instead of individual factors (e.g., speeding). This data-driven approach enabled the identification of major car accident clusters on the city map, leading to targeted interventions.
For instance, Usmanova’s analysis revealed specific high-risk areas and proposed measures to mitigate these dangers, along with detailed implementation roadmaps for each. The results have been promising; in 2020, the city recorded 3.5 road fatalities per 100,000 population, with a goal to reduce this to less than 1 by 2040. By the end of 2023, this metric had decreased to 2.3, demonstrating significant progress.
“Vision Zero” projects, like the one developed under Usmanova’s guidance, are being implemented by leading cities worldwide, including London, Stockholm, and New York City. These projects showcase the effectiveness of combining data analytics with proactive urban planning to create safer streets. By identifying risk factors and implementing targeted solutions, cities can make substantial strides toward reducing road fatalities and enhancing public safety.
Professional Acclaim
Valeriia’s contributions have earned her recognition as an expert in her field. She has served as an author and judge for notable competitions, including the McKinsey Business Diving (2020) and the All-Russian Case Championship (2021). Additionally, she has been invited to peer review for the prestigious journal “Contemporary Scientific Studies.”
Innovation-Driven Outlook
With her pioneering mindset and innovative approach, Valeriia Usmanova continues to explore the vast possibilities of Digital, AA, AI, and GenAI. Her dedication to driving progress and aiding companies in effectively integrating and leveraging novel technologies cements her status as a top expert in her field, poised to shape the future of technology and urban innovation.
