Shirish Pokharel
Innovation engineer, Mentor
Category projects
This is an old post from a now-deprecated website. I’m keeping it around only for historical preservation reasons. Not much of it is relevant to the website you’re currently reading on.
Category ideas
This is an old post from a now-deprecated website. I’m keeping it around only for historical preservation reasons. Not much of it is relevant to the website you’re currently reading on. Also, this was a terribly-planned and executed post in general, I should have started writing earlier.
Category engineering
I spent so much time and effort working on this blog that I forgot that consistency mattered over immediate output. I was burnt out because I put a lot of effort writing and making changes on this website that it stopped being fun or interesting. I now understand how to...
Don’t entomb your applications, make them flexible, ready to make gradual changes. That way, they won’t need an overhaul from scratch when the time comes.
My journey with juggling multiple unrelated hobbies suggests that engineers with a diverse interest are assets to allows for greater innovation and creativity.
The “duct-tape and strings” approach to building software systems prioritizes functionality and rapid iteration over achieving design perfection. While it might raise eyebrows among proponents of careful planning, it’s borne out of real-world pressure and can lead to successful outcomes.
Don’t be seduced by the latest ‘innovation’ fads; instead, focus on aligning innovation with your core business goals and customer needs. This approach will help you avoid the innovation trap and achieve long-term success.
A strong engineering team with high degree of trust between indiviudal contributors, and between leadership and the rest of the team can be a potent force for effective organizations. Here’s how to create such teams, and the pros and cons of doing so.
Choosing the right tool and framework for software engineering projects can feel like navigating a minefield. This essay will offer a practical framework for evaluating competing technologies and making informed choices that align with your project’s specific needs. Each option promises unique advantages, but understanding the potential pitfalls and trade-offs...
While technical expertise is of the foremost importance, I’ve discovered an unexpected wellspring of professional growth: fermentation. This seemingly unrelated hobby has become a secret weapon, nurturing important skills that translate directly to my engineering life.
Explainable AI, optical AI, analog AI, and meta-learning. I predict the culmination of optimizing massive generative models will result generative AI being turned into a commodity, and these four areas will be the next frontiers of innovation in machine learning.
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
In her book Learning to Learn psychologist and researcher Gloria Flores argues that the key to a mindset open, receptive to learning is to manage one’s ‘moods’. She argues that only by modifying the less-productive (for learning) moods towards more productive ones, does learning get easier.
Here’s a novel way to help engineering leaders understand themselves, and evaluate the best way to leverage their skillsets.
We learned important lessons after integrating data scientists and software engineers into a unified team as we tested different team structures and planning regimen. This essay takes us through the journey of that discovery.
A tale of unmitigated blast radius, in this essay I discuss how I broke one of our developer environments and our recovery attempts.
Our team decided to use Amazon’s infrastructure-management tooling versus other available tooling a while back. We are now reconsidering the decision.
Even well-run organizations can fall into the trap of ‘hoarding’ their star performers, keeping them ‘on the bench’, unwilling to put them on use in challenging everyday projects. That’s an unnecessary inefficiency. Much like in sports, allowing your strongest players to go out to the field not only gives them...
Category software
Don’t entomb your applications, make them flexible, ready to make gradual changes. That way, they won’t need an overhaul from scratch when the time comes.
My journey with juggling multiple unrelated hobbies suggests that engineers with a diverse interest are assets to allows for greater innovation and creativity.
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
A tale of unmitigated blast radius, in this essay I discuss how I broke one of our developer environments and our recovery attempts.
Our team decided to use Amazon’s infrastructure-management tooling versus other available tooling a while back. We are now reconsidering the decision.
Even well-run organizations can fall into the trap of ‘hoarding’ their star performers, keeping them ‘on the bench’, unwilling to put them on use in challenging everyday projects. That’s an unnecessary inefficiency. Much like in sports, allowing your strongest players to go out to the field not only gives them...
Category leadership
The “duct-tape and strings” approach to building software systems prioritizes functionality and rapid iteration over achieving design perfection. While it might raise eyebrows among proponents of careful planning, it’s borne out of real-world pressure and can lead to successful outcomes.
Planned “unfocused” activities can enhance your cognitive toolkit. In “Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: The Power of an Unfocused Mind,” Dr. Srini Pillay challenges the idea that laser-sharp focus is the key to success, particularly for engineers grappling with complex problems.
Don’t be seduced by the latest ‘innovation’ fads; instead, focus on aligning innovation with your core business goals and customer needs. This approach will help you avoid the innovation trap and achieve long-term success.
A strong engineering team with high degree of trust between indiviudal contributors, and between leadership and the rest of the team can be a potent force for effective organizations. Here’s how to create such teams, and the pros and cons of doing so.
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s captivating science fiction books, Children of Time and Children of Ruin, transcend genre boundaries to offer a profound exploration of evolution, intelligence, and consciousness. There is a third part in the series that I haven’t read and don’t intend to. The trilogy’s world-building, thought-provoking themes, and grand space...
A review of Atul Gawande’s seminal book ~ The Checklist Manifesto ~ and the lessons it holds for engineers and engineering leaders.
This essay proposes a strategic revitalization of Blogger through a premium subscription model, enhanced features powered by Google’s AI capabilities, and a renewed focus on user needs. Blogger, once a dominant force in the blogosphere, has stagnated in recent years. While competitors like Medium and substack have thrived in the...
Epstein’s central thesis in “Range” is bold and potentially disruptive to our ingrained beliefs about success. He argues that individuals who embrace diverse experiences and develop a broader range of skills outperform specialists in complex and unpredictable environments. This flies in the face of the conventional wisdom that champions early...
In her book Learning to Learn psychologist and researcher Gloria Flores argues that the key to a mindset open, receptive to learning is to manage one’s ‘moods’. She argues that only by modifying the less-productive (for learning) moods towards more productive ones, does learning get easier.
Here’s a novel way to help engineering leaders understand themselves, and evaluate the best way to leverage their skillsets.
We learned important lessons after integrating data scientists and software engineers into a unified team as we tested different team structures and planning regimen. This essay takes us through the journey of that discovery.
Even well-run organizations can fall into the trap of ‘hoarding’ their star performers, keeping them ‘on the bench’, unwilling to put them on use in challenging everyday projects. That’s an unnecessary inefficiency. Much like in sports, allowing your strongest players to go out to the field not only gives them...
A tale of unmitigated blast radius, in this essay I discuss how I broke one of our developer environments and our recovery attempts.
Our team decided to use Amazon’s infrastructure-management tooling versus other available tooling a while back. We are now reconsidering the decision.
Our team decided to use Amazon’s infrastructure-management tooling versus other available tooling a while back. We are now reconsidering the decision.
Category infrastructure
This essay narrates an unexpected adventure in implementing GPU time slicing on our EKS kubernetes cluster. What began as a seemingly straightforward task – installing the gpu-operator – turned into a long-lasting exploration that uncovered challenges, helped us refine our processes, and ultimately led to substantial benefits for our infrastructure....
This is the syllabus I originally designed to train Hack.diversity fellows for a 8-week workship (1 hour weekly classes, 2 hours of expected assignment load) to help them perform well on their internship/co-op interviews. I’ve worked on this with the engineer I mentor with the organization, and will be proposing...
A tale of unmitigated blast radius, in this essay I discuss how I broke one of our developer environments and our recovery attempts.
Category kubernetes
This essay narrates an unexpected adventure in implementing GPU time slicing on our EKS kubernetes cluster. What began as a seemingly straightforward task – installing the gpu-operator – turned into a long-lasting exploration that uncovered challenges, helped us refine our processes, and ultimately led to substantial benefits for our infrastructure....
A tale of unmitigated blast radius, in this essay I discuss how I broke one of our developer environments and our recovery attempts.
Category teamwork
We learned important lessons after integrating data scientists and software engineers into a unified team as we tested different team structures and planning regimen. This essay takes us through the journey of that discovery.
Category styles
Here’s a novel way to help engineering leaders understand themselves, and evaluate the best way to leverage their skillsets.
Category learning
In her book Learning to Learn psychologist and researcher Gloria Flores argues that the key to a mindset open, receptive to learning is to manage one’s ‘moods’. She argues that only by modifying the less-productive (for learning) moods towards more productive ones, does learning get easier.
Category skill
In her book Learning to Learn psychologist and researcher Gloria Flores argues that the key to a mindset open, receptive to learning is to manage one’s ‘moods’. She argues that only by modifying the less-productive (for learning) moods towards more productive ones, does learning get easier.
Category book-review
Planned “unfocused” activities can enhance your cognitive toolkit. In “Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: The Power of an Unfocused Mind,” Dr. Srini Pillay challenges the idea that laser-sharp focus is the key to success, particularly for engineers grappling with complex problems.
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s captivating science fiction books, Children of Time and Children of Ruin, transcend genre boundaries to offer a profound exploration of evolution, intelligence, and consciousness. There is a third part in the series that I haven’t read and don’t intend to. The trilogy’s world-building, thought-provoking themes, and grand space...
A review of Atul Gawande’s seminal book ~ The Checklist Manifesto ~ and the lessons it holds for engineers and engineering leaders.
Epstein’s central thesis in “Range” is bold and potentially disruptive to our ingrained beliefs about success. He argues that individuals who embrace diverse experiences and develop a broader range of skills outperform specialists in complex and unpredictable environments. This flies in the face of the conventional wisdom that champions early...
In her book Learning to Learn psychologist and researcher Gloria Flores argues that the key to a mindset open, receptive to learning is to manage one’s ‘moods’. She argues that only by modifying the less-productive (for learning) moods towards more productive ones, does learning get easier.
Category ai
This essay will provide an introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore the process of running them locally on a Mac using OLLAMA.
This essay proposes a nuanced perspective on the LLM revolution, one that views AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. AI, particularly generative models, can amplify human capabilities, creating a workplace symphony, not a solo act.
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s captivating science fiction books, Children of Time and Children of Ruin, transcend genre boundaries to offer a profound exploration of evolution, intelligence, and consciousness. There is a third part in the series that I haven’t read and don’t intend to. The trilogy’s world-building, thought-provoking themes, and grand space...
Explainable AI, optical AI, analog AI, and meta-learning. I predict the culmination of optimizing massive generative models will result generative AI being turned into a commodity, and these four areas will be the next frontiers of innovation in machine learning.
Remember the recent case where a Canadian passenger, Jake Moffatt, sued Air Canada after its online chatbot misinformed him about bereavement fares, costing him hundreds of dollars? Air Canada ended up losing the case, and now must stand by the commitment made by its AI agents. This incident, a real-world...
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
Here’s the story of how I became an LLM convert. LLM’s can be quite good at some tasks, and awful at others, and being able to create a clear distinction between the two modes is critical. This essay discusses the aras of opportunities of LLM’s for personal use, and how...
Category llm
This essay will provide an introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore the process of running them locally on a Mac using OLLAMA.
This is the syllabus I originally designed to train Hack.diversity fellows for a 8-week workship (1 hour weekly classes, 2 hours of expected assignment load) to help them perform well on their internship/co-op interviews. I’ve worked on this with the engineer I mentor with the organization, and will be proposing...
This essay proposes a nuanced perspective on the LLM revolution, one that views AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. AI, particularly generative models, can amplify human capabilities, creating a workplace symphony, not a solo act.
Explainable AI, optical AI, analog AI, and meta-learning. I predict the culmination of optimizing massive generative models will result generative AI being turned into a commodity, and these four areas will be the next frontiers of innovation in machine learning.
Remember the recent case where a Canadian passenger, Jake Moffatt, sued Air Canada after its online chatbot misinformed him about bereavement fares, costing him hundreds of dollars? Air Canada ended up losing the case, and now must stand by the commitment made by its AI agents. This incident, a real-world...
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
Here’s the story of how I became an LLM convert. LLM’s can be quite good at some tasks, and awful at others, and being able to create a clear distinction between the two modes is critical. This essay discusses the aras of opportunities of LLM’s for personal use, and how...
Category collaboration
This is the syllabus I originally designed to train Hack.diversity fellows for a 8-week workship (1 hour weekly classes, 2 hours of expected assignment load) to help them perform well on their internship/co-op interviews. I’ve worked on this with the engineer I mentor with the organization, and will be proposing...
Choosing the right tool and framework for software engineering projects can feel like navigating a minefield. This essay will offer a practical framework for evaluating competing technologies and making informed choices that align with your project’s specific needs. Each option promises unique advantages, but understanding the potential pitfalls and trade-offs...
This essay proposes a nuanced perspective on the LLM revolution, one that views AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. AI, particularly generative models, can amplify human capabilities, creating a workplace symphony, not a solo act.
Remember the recent case where a Canadian passenger, Jake Moffatt, sued Air Canada after its online chatbot misinformed him about bereavement fares, costing him hundreds of dollars? Air Canada ended up losing the case, and now must stand by the commitment made by its AI agents. This incident, a real-world...
Here’s the story of how I became an LLM convert. LLM’s can be quite good at some tasks, and awful at others, and being able to create a clear distinction between the two modes is critical. This essay discusses the aras of opportunities of LLM’s for personal use, and how...
Category ethics
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
Category generative-ai
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
Category machine-learning
Data ownership in the context of large language models is a thorny, complex and contentious issue. AI companies have unlocked huge productivity potnetial by training their gigantic models, but at the cost of freely appropriating data from original writers, artists, musicians and creators in general, who were never paid. How...
Category blogger
This essay proposes a strategic revitalization of Blogger through a premium subscription model, enhanced features powered by Google’s AI capabilities, and a renewed focus on user needs. Blogger, once a dominant force in the blogosphere, has stagnated in recent years. While competitors like Medium and substack have thrived in the...
Category product
This essay proposes a strategic revitalization of Blogger through a premium subscription model, enhanced features powered by Google’s AI capabilities, and a renewed focus on user needs. Blogger, once a dominant force in the blogosphere, has stagnated in recent years. While competitors like Medium and substack have thrived in the...
Category review
A review of Atul Gawande’s seminal book ~ The Checklist Manifesto ~ and the lessons it holds for engineers and engineering leaders.
Category fermentation
While technical expertise is of the foremost importance, I’ve discovered an unexpected wellspring of professional growth: fermentation. This seemingly unrelated hobby has become a secret weapon, nurturing important skills that translate directly to my engineering life.
Category hobbies
My journey with juggling multiple unrelated hobbies suggests that engineers with a diverse interest are assets to allows for greater innovation and creativity.
While technical expertise is of the foremost importance, I’ve discovered an unexpected wellspring of professional growth: fermentation. This seemingly unrelated hobby has become a secret weapon, nurturing important skills that translate directly to my engineering life.
Choosing the right tool and framework for software engineering projects can feel like navigating a minefield. This essay will offer a practical framework for evaluating competing technologies and making informed choices that align with your project’s specific needs. Each option promises unique advantages, but understanding the potential pitfalls and trade-offs...
Category architecture
The “duct-tape and strings” approach to building software systems prioritizes functionality and rapid iteration over achieving design perfection. While it might raise eyebrows among proponents of careful planning, it’s borne out of real-world pressure and can lead to successful outcomes.
Don’t be seduced by the latest ‘innovation’ fads; instead, focus on aligning innovation with your core business goals and customer needs. This approach will help you avoid the innovation trap and achieve long-term success.
A strong engineering team with high degree of trust between indiviudal contributors, and between leadership and the rest of the team can be a potent force for effective organizations. Here’s how to create such teams, and the pros and cons of doing so.
Category trust
A strong engineering team with high degree of trust between indiviudal contributors, and between leadership and the rest of the team can be a potent force for effective organizations. Here’s how to create such teams, and the pros and cons of doing so.
Category workshop
This is the syllabus I originally designed to train Hack.diversity fellows for a 8-week workship (1 hour weekly classes, 2 hours of expected assignment load) to help them perform well on their internship/co-op interviews. I’ve worked on this with the engineer I mentor with the organization, and will be proposing...
Category innovation
Here’s something worth thinking about: you don’t have to worry about the systematic issues. You can make change as a single person. Often when I want to help somebody out, I’m overwhelmed by the scale of the issues I will need to fix. And it’s true for otheres too. Most...
Don’t be seduced by the latest ‘innovation’ fads; instead, focus on aligning innovation with your core business goals and customer needs. This approach will help you avoid the innovation trap and achieve long-term success.
Category data-science
This essay narrates an unexpected adventure in implementing GPU time slicing on our EKS kubernetes cluster. What began as a seemingly straightforward task – installing the gpu-operator – turned into a long-lasting exploration that uncovered challenges, helped us refine our processes, and ultimately led to substantial benefits for our infrastructure....
Category tutorial
This essay will provide an introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore the process of running them locally on a Mac using OLLAMA.
Category creativity
Planned “unfocused” activities can enhance your cognitive toolkit. In “Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: The Power of an Unfocused Mind,” Dr. Srini Pillay challenges the idea that laser-sharp focus is the key to success, particularly for engineers grappling with complex problems.
Category rewrite
Don’t entomb your applications, make them flexible, ready to make gradual changes. That way, they won’t need an overhaul from scratch when the time comes.
Category blogging
I spent so much time and effort working on this blog that I forgot that consistency mattered over immediate output. I was burnt out because I put a lot of effort writing and making changes on this website that it stopped being fun or interesting. I now understand how to...
Category burnout
I spent so much time and effort working on this blog that I forgot that consistency mattered over immediate output. I was burnt out because I put a lot of effort writing and making changes on this website that it stopped being fun or interesting. I now understand how to...
Category inspiration
Here’s something worth thinking about: you don’t have to worry about the systematic issues. You can make change as a single person. Often when I want to help somebody out, I’m overwhelmed by the scale of the issues I will need to fix. And it’s true for otheres too. Most...
