Susmitha Mutapally, MSBA '24
“Learning alongside such a driven, global cohort taught me how powerful it is to be part of a community that shares knowledge, challenges your thinking, and celebrates each other’s growth.”
Susmitha Mutapally is an AI/Data Science Engineer II at Medtronic, where she leads the development of AI models and supports product decision-making to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes. She also serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Young Aspiring Thinkers in South Africa, leading AI strategy and platform development to expand access to career opportunities for underserved youth. In both roles, she applies data science to drive real-world, ethical, and meaningful impact — a direction strengthened and clarified through the MSBAi program.
She recently spoke with Stern about her journey into applied AI, the breakthrough experiences she had in the MSBAi program, and how both have shaped the meaningful, high-impact work she leads today.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue the MSBAi program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
When I applied to the MSBAi program, I was working on healthcare projects that were impactful, but it was during that time that I realized I wanted to go deeper into AI. My curiosity for the field had actually started earlier when I worked on Alexa at Amazon— seeing how voice assistants learned and adapted made me wonder about the models behind the scenes. That curiosity stayed with me, and over time I knew I needed more than just technical skills. I wanted to deepen my foundation while learning how to connect AI solutions to business strategy and decision-making.
One of the most underrated but essential skills in data science is storytelling — the ability to translate models into narratives that help leadership act with clarity. What drew me to Stern was its perfect balance: a curriculum that combined rigorous machine learning and analytics with a strong business lens, preparing us to be the bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders. The program felt like it was designed for someone exactly at my crossroads, and it delivered.
What was the biggest professional challenge you were facing before joining the MSBAi program, and how did the program help you solve it?
Before joining the MSBAi program, I often found myself in a gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. I understood both sides, but I didn’t yet have the confidence or tools to lead from that middle. I wanted to be the person who could not only build models, but also translate them into real decisions that drove impact. The MSBAi program gave me that bridge. Through hands-on coursework, real industry projects, and constant exposure to applied AI use cases, I was able to grow from being a strong contributor to someone who could shape product strategy, ask the right questions, and influence leadership decisions.
What excites you about the field of analytics and artificial intelligence? How do you see yourself contributing to the field, and how will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
What excites me most about analytics and AI is how fast the field is evolving — there’s always something new to learn, explore, and apply. It’s not just about keeping up, it’s about continuously deepening your perspective and staying curious. The MSBAi program gave me a strong foundation to make sense of the rapidly changing AI landscape, not just technically but also through a business lens.
From here, it’s about continuous learning, building responsibly, and contributing by bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world decisions. I see myself growing into a leadership role where I can do exactly that: drive impact by combining technical depth with strategic thinking.
Which course, project, or professor was most transformative for you?
One of the most transformative experiences in the program was the Capstone project. It gave me the opportunity to lead an applied AI initiative from start to finish — balancing technical depth with real-world business impact. I’ve since applied several of the techniques and approaches from that project to my work at Medtronic, where I now lead multiple analytics and machine learning initiatives. It was a powerful moment of realization: I wasn’t just learning in a classroom; I was actively leveling up in my day-to-day role.
What has the immediate value-add of the program been on your career?
The immediate value was clarity and confidence. I started applying what I learned almost in real time at Medtronic, from building better models to designing experiments to communicating insights in a way that influenced decisions. It changed how I showed up at work, not just as someone who could build, but as someone who could lead. That shift played a big role in my promotions at Medtronic. It also gave me the confidence and credibility to step into the CTO role at Young Aspiring Thinkers, where I now lead AI strategy for a growing non-profit. The program truly accelerated my growth in ways I hadn’t expected this quickly.
How has the program influenced your long-term career direction or ambitions?
The program expanded the way I think about my work in data science. It deepened my appreciation for not just building models, but understanding how those models are used, why they matter, and who they impact. It gave me the perspective to think beyond technical accuracy and focus on building solutions that are impactful, explainable, and aligned with real business needs.
It also gave me the confidence to start my own Medium channel, where I break down AI advancements — from leadership trends to technical deep dives — for a broader audience. I want to stay at the forefront of innovation, continuously improving the models I work on while helping others navigate this space. The MSBAi program gave me the foundation, confidence, and community to grow with intention in applied AI.
What are some specific skills you gained in the program?
The program strengthened my technical toolkit, especially in machine learning, causal inference, and model evaluation, but what stood out even more was how it pushed me to grow beyond the technical. I became more comfortable navigating ambiguity, presenting to diverse stakeholders, and making data-driven decisions under real-world constraints.
It also helped me become more intentional about networking and relationship-building, something I hadn’t prioritized before. Learning alongside such a driven, global cohort taught me how powerful it is to be part of a community that shares knowledge, challenges your thinking, and celebrates each other’s growth.
What advice would you give someone considering this program but unsure whether it’s the right time?
There’s never a “perfect” time, but if you're even considering it, that’s probably a sign you're ready to grow. I had doubts too — about timing, bandwidth, and whether I could balance it with work — but I’m so glad I didn’t wait. This program is designed for working professionals, and it gives you the structure and support to grow without putting your career on hold.
My advice? Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Growth comes from stretching yourself. If you're serious about becoming a stronger data science leader, this is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
What makes Stern MSBAi graduates uniquely prepared to lead in a data-driven world?
Stern MSBAi graduates are uniquely prepared because we’re trained to think beyond the model. We’re not just building algorithms, we’re constantly asking: Why does this matter? What decision will this drive? How do we communicate this to make an impact?
The program pushes you to develop both technical depth and business intuition, while collaborating with peers from diverse industries and global markets. That combination of analytical rigor, real-world application, and strategic thinking makes MSBAi graduates ready to lead in any data-driven environment.
What three words would you use to describe your experience in the program?
Transformative. Empowering. Fun.