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Ulas Bardak
VP of Engineering at Foursquare
Professional Background
Ulas Bardak is a prominent figure in the fields of data-centric engineering and data science, known for his extensive expertise in building and leading high-performing teams across various global locales. With a career that spans multiple cities including Redmond, Tokyo, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, Ulas has honed his skills in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Computer Science. His rich background has equipped him with the insights needed to drive innovative solutions and instill best practices within engineering organizations.
Over the years, Ulas has held several key leadership positions, most notably as Vice President of Engineering at Foursquare, where he has played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s engineering direction and culture. His previous tenure as Vice President of Engineering at Factual Inc and Clarifai also underscores his impact in the tech community. As the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Data Officer at Whisper App, Ulas was pivotal in steering the app's data strategy and technological advancements.
Ulas's approach to leadership revolves around fostering an environment that encourages ownership, accountability, and work/life balance—essential elements that contribute to a thriving workplace culture. He actively mentors engineers, partnering with HR to implement initiatives that promote career advancement. His contributions to the engineering landscape extend beyond management; he is also committed to enhancing the hiring process, ensuring that it caters to both candidates and the interviewing engineers, thereby setting the stage for successful onboarding and team diversification.
Moreover, Ulas emphasizes the importance of collaboration with product teams, advocating for a balanced approach to addressing technical debt while simultaneously delivering new product features. His proficiency in technical guidance is evidenced by his involvement in design reviews and data science forums, where he shares insights that drive innovation and efficiency.
Education and Achievements
Ulas Bardak's educational journey reflects his dedication to the field of language technologies and computer science. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, followed by a Master of Science in Language Technologies and a Ph.D. in the same field. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in technology, propelling him toward groundbreaking work in data-centric applications.
In addition to his formal education, Ulas has amassed a wealth of professional experience. His earlier roles include Senior Research Engineer and Principal Architect at StumbleUpon, where he led applied research initiatives and personalized user experiences. His stint at Secom Co. as a Research Engineer provided him with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies in the tech sector.
Outstanding accomplishments in his career showcase his ability to blend technical mastery with innovative leadership. His leadership has facilitated advancements in data science applications, addressing complex challenges through collaboration and strategic foresight. Ulas is also known for championing initiatives aimed at improving the engineering culture, making it welcoming for diverse talent and promoting forward-thinking practices in technology development.
Achievements
Some of Ulas Bardak's impressive achievements include:
- Successfully leading and scaling engineering teams in several high-tech firms, impacting both culture and performance.
- Implementing best practices in agile methodologies and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD), significantly enhancing the efficiency of engineering processes.
- Mentoring numerous engineers, facilitating their professional growth through mentorship programs and clearly defined career ladders.
- Improving the interview process to create a more seamless and inclusive experience for prospective candidates, enhancing the overall team composition.
- Developing a collaborative relationship with product teams, ensuring a synergy that balances technical needs with product innovation.
- Providing essential technical guidance that has led to successful product launches and technical developments across the companies he has worked for.
