IGNITE Alumni - Cleidi Hearn - ML Skills Academy

IGNITE: Looking ahead to 2025, what do you see as the most significant trends shaping your industry, and how do you plan to leverage them?

Cleidi Hearn: Industry-specific Machine Learning, MLOps, and responsible AI are set to dominate as key trends, driven by organizations seeking tailored solutions and scalable ML deployments to tackle unique challenges. At ML Skills Academy (www.mlskillsacademy.com), we focus on delivering industry-focused training that equips teams with practical, job-ready machine learning skills to design and implement these solutions, while addressing the increasing need for explainable and ethical AI in enterprise workflows.

IGNITE: What key projects or goals are you focusing on in the coming year to continue growing your business?

Cleidi Hearn: We’re enhancing our industry-specific machine learning training by introducing hands-on, practical experiences that closely replicate real-world workflows. Learners will engage in projects covering the entire machine learning lifecycle, from data cleaning and model training to evaluation and deployment, all within a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, we are expanding our focus on MLOps and responsible AI to address the increasing demand for scalable and ethical machine learning solutions. These initiatives will enable us to deliver greater value to our clients, equipping their teams with job-ready skills to solve complex, industry-specific challenges.

IGNITE: What advice would you offer to recent graduates considering joining the IGNITE programme, based on your own experience?

Cleidi Hearn: If you’re considering the IGNITE programme, my advice is simple: go for it and fully commit. IGNITE provides a unique opportunity to develop your business idea in a structured, supportive environment, with access to experienced mentors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

From my own experience, the programme is invaluable for turning a vision into a viable business. Use the time to refine your idea, validate assumptions, and build a strong foundation. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—it’s a safe space to learn and grow. Most importantly, leverage the mentorship and networking opportunities, as the connections you make could be transformative for both your business and personal growth.

IGNITE: Reflecting on your journey with IGNITE, what would you say was the most valuable aspect of the programme that helped you get to where you are today?

Cleidi Hearn: The most valuable aspect of the IGNITE programme was the mentorship and guidance from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. Access to experienced professionals who challenged my assumptions, offered practical advice, and guided me through critical decisions made all the difference.

Equally impactful was the structured environment, which kept me focused on validating my business idea and refining my strategy. The opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs provided invaluable support and fresh perspectives to overcome the challenges of building a business. IGNITE was instrumental in turning my vision into the reality it is today.