A Life Where Athletics, Academia, and Technology Collide
Clémentine Plati is a dynamic and determined French-born data scientist who has made Boston her home for the past decade. Her life is a fusion of athletics, academia, and technology. She spent her early years devoted to volleyball until the age of 20, after which she pursued higher education in mathematics and statistics. This passion led her to the U.S., where she earned a Ph.D. in statistics and embarked on a career in data science and machine learning.
Her love for tech extends beyond her professional life; she is a fan of the podcast “Pivot” and enjoys using platforms like Pandora to explore different music, depending on her mood. Despite her successes, she maintains a down-to-earth attitude, with a motto centered around problem-solving: “There’s no problem, there’s only solution.” Clémentine is an open book, known for her resilience—aptly summarized by the title she would choose for a book about her life: The One That Never Gives Up.
Fun facts: She is a Harry Potter fan (having learned English through the series), prefers Mac over PC, and has a hidden talent for whipping up meals with limited ingredients.
I'm the one that never gives up!
From a Rural French Town to a Data Science Career
Clémentine Plati grew up in the small, rural town of Saint Pierre la Palue, near Lyon, France, where the population was around 500 people. Life in this quaint town was simple and quiet, with farmers herding cows down the main street—a sharp contrast to her later life in bustling Boston.
As a child, Clémentine dreamed of becoming an astronaut and had a strong affinity for mathematics, which was her favorite subject in school. In contrast, French was her least favorite subject. Her earliest encounter with technology involved connecting to the internet in the 90s, when the connection was dial-up and internet usage was time-limited, often to the frustration of her parents.
Her first tech gadgets were a Céline Dion CD she received on her seventh birthday and her father’s first bulky laptop, which she mainly used to play card games. Clémentine didn’t have a specific female role model but found inspiration in the cartoon Cat’s Eye, where sisters fought crime—mirroring her life with her own sisters.
However, it was her mother’s influence that shaped her approach to education and career. Her mother instilled in her and her sisters the importance of being financially independent women through education. This lifelong lesson drove Clémentine to be a serious and dedicated student, which eventually led her to pursue advanced studies and a successful career in data science.
A Career Built on Curiosity and Collaboration
Clémentine Plati’s tech career began with a foundation in mathematics and statistics, which she honed at a French engineering school. Initially unsure of how to apply her love for mathematics outside of teaching, a serendipitous conversation with her sister’s boyfriend led her to pursue a specialized math program, altering her career trajectory.
After an eye-opening internship at the French Atomic Energy Commission, where she worked alongside young, vibrant researchers, Clémentine’s interest in the field solidified. She pursued a Ph.D. in statistics and ultimately transitioned into machine learning and data science.
Her career path has taken her from TripAdvisor to her current role as a machine learning researcher at Twitter. At Twitter, she focuses on recommender systems, developing algorithms to make users’ content more engaging. She recently rolled out a new model that powers Twitter notifications.
Clémentine values the flexibility and creative culture of the tech industry, where she enjoys casual environments and colorful offices. A pivotal aspect of her success has been the transferability of her data science skills, which allow her to work across a variety of industries, from nuclear energy to social media. She has also found great joy in mentoring, having launched a program to guide students in their job search—a project that has brought her immense pride.
Her biggest lesson came in 2016 when she struggled to secure an internship and realized that visibility and networking are key to career success. This experience led to her commitment to mentoring and helping junior employees navigate their own challenges. Despite the competitive nature of her field, Clémentine’s adaptability and focus on continuous learning have been driving forces in her flourishing tech career.
Clémentine’s 10 Favorite Things
- Podcast: Pivot – A source of insights into tech and business.
- Music Platform: Pandora – Where she explores music based on her mood.
- Childhood Inspiration: Harry Potter – Helped her learn English.
- Preferred Computer: Mac – A choice over PC for its user experience.
- Cooking: Creating meals with limited ingredients – A hidden talent.
- Sport: Volleyball – Her first love before shifting to academia.
- Tech Gadgets: Early connection with technology through her father’s laptop.
- Mathematics: Her favorite subject, fueling her passion for data science.
- Mentorship: A commitment to helping others in their career paths.
- Life Motto: “There’s no problem, there’s only solution” – A guiding principle.
The Power of a Supportive Network
Clémentine Plati doesn’t subscribe to the traditional idea of role models, preferring not to look up to individuals whose full stories may be obscured by their public personas. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of a strong support network made up of colleagues and friends she can rely on for advice and guidance. While she doesn’t have a formal mentor, she recognizes the value that mentors can offer, especially those who have navigated similar career paths. Clémentine believes mentorship can be beneficial if you find the right person whom you trust, although, for her, role models are not a key component of personal or professional growth.
Empowerment at the Core
For Clémentine Plati, leadership is about empowering others to grow and helping them become the best versions of themselves. She values leaders who actively seek counsel from their teams while making decisive choices and bearing the responsibility for outcomes. Clémentine aspires to this style of leadership—being collaborative yet decisive.
On the flip side, she views micromanagement and distrust in one’s team as traits of bad leadership. These traits stifle growth and autonomy. Although she doesn’t see herself as a formal leader yet, Clémentine hopes to be approachable and supportive, especially when helping others work through challenges.
She has learned from past leaders to recognize and appreciate the effort people put into their work before offering critiques. Clémentine believes that patience and being genuinely helpful are her strengths, especially because she has always had to work hard to understand concepts. However, she admits that she can be blunt in her communication and is working on becoming more polished and tactful in her approach.
Beyond Gender: Fostering Inclusion Through Varied Perspectives
For Clémentine Plati, diversity and inclusion mean bringing together people from as many different backgrounds as possible. She values varied perspectives, believing that when everyone shares the same background, innovation is stifled. Clémentine emphasizes that DEIB isn’t just about gender—age, ethnicity, and experiences are equally important for fostering a culture of creativity and fresh ideas.
When evaluating company culture, Clémentine pays attention to signs like turnover rates, as they can indicate underlying issues. She notes that women often self-censor, holding themselves back from opportunities because they believe they’re underqualified—something she hasn’t personally struggled with but recognizes as a widespread issue.
Clémentine believes it’s vital for people from all backgrounds to join tech, not just women, as diversity fosters a broader scope of ideas. When it comes to helping women advance, she suggests providing flexible work hours, equitable pay, and remote work opportunities, as these can ease the burden women often face when balancing family responsibilities with their careers.
Challenges to building a DEIB-focused workplace stem from the lack of diversity in the candidate pool, particularly in STEM fields, where the majority of graduates are men. Clémentine suggests that more efforts should be made at the education level to increase diversity. Companies that achieve gender diversity at the top offer younger women role models, helping them to visualize themselves as leaders—something Clémentine felt was missing when she began her career.
Although she acknowledges that there’s still a long way to go, Clémentine sees conscious efforts from companies like Twitter to improve gender diversity. She encourages women to apply for roles, even when they feel underqualified, and calls for greater focus on equal pay and mentoring. Mentorship, particularly for young women, can play a crucial role in helping them overcome imposter syndrome and realize their full potential.
DEIB = bringing together people from as many different backgrounds as possible. She values varied perspectives, believing that when everyone shares the same background, innovation is stifled.
5 Best Quotes by Clémentine Plati Inspiring Other Women:
On Self-Belief: “You are smarter than you think. Don’t self-censor, and reach for the stars.”
On Embracing Failure: “Try everything. If you fail, that’s okay, but never stop yourself from trying.”
On Personal Potential: “Never let others limit your potential; trust yourself and go after your goals.”
On Perfectionism: “Doing your best is enough; perfection isn’t necessary.”
On Growth: “Embrace challenges and continue to grow while being kind to yourself in the process.”
Remote Work Revolution: The Key to Maintaining Mental Well-Being"
Clémentine Plati acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially with the demands of a busy career in machine learning. To manage her mental health, she strives to work out regularly and makes a conscious effort to unplug from work after 5 p.m., despite the temptation to stay engaged due to her passion for her work. With team members spread across different time zones, it’s easy for her to get pulled back into work, but she actively tries to set boundaries, particularly as a remote worker with her laptop always nearby.
While she has been fortunate not to experience burnout, Clémentine recognizes the importance of stepping away from work and prioritizing personal time. For her, the challenge isn’t finding motivation to work but rather learning to disconnect at the end of the day, as she deeply enjoys her job.
Clémentine views remote work and flexible hours, both of which became more common during the pandemic, as significant contributors to her improved mental health. Remote work has given her more time for personal activities, such as morning workouts, and she hopes companies continue to embrace these changes. She believes that by maintaining these flexible options, companies can help foster a healthier work environment for their employees.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
Clémentine Plati emphasizes self-confidence as a core element in navigating both personal and professional life. Her mother’s early encouragement to believe that she could do anything has been a guiding force, and Clémentine strongly advocates against self-censorship. Her advice: “Try everything. If you fail, that’s okay, but never stop yourself from trying.”
She also warns against letting others limit your potential. Recalling advice she received about not pursuing a PhD, Clémentine stresses the importance of trusting yourself and going after your goals, even when others express doubt.
If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to not be so hard on herself and to understand that perfection isn’t necessary—doing your best is enough. For young girls and women aspiring to enter the tech field, her message is simple yet powerful: “You are smarter than you think. Don’t self-censor, and reach for the stars.”
When it comes to her own future, Clémentine approaches her career with an open mind, enjoying the journey and seeing where it leads. She believes in embracing the flow of life and staying open to new possibilities.
Her wisdom reminds us to believe in ourselves, embrace challenges, and continue to grow while being kind to ourselves in the process.
Deeply honored to be featured in the Queens of Tech Podcast! Thank you Jasmine Moradi for letting me share my journey.
Biography
Clementine is a distinguished Machine Learning Researcher currently contributing her expertise to Twitter. As a vital member of the RecSys Lab, she is instrumental in crafting the next generation of recommender systems. Additionally, Clementine serves as a consultant to various product teams within the company, aiding them in unlocking the full potential of their data through the application of cutting-edge Machine Learning techniques.
Before her role at Twitter, Clementine dedicated three years at Tripadvisor, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the models utilized for automating the company’s online marketing strategies.
Clementine is highly educated, holding a Ph.D. in Statistics from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the INSA of Toulouse, France. Her academic background is complemented by her active involvement in non-profit organizations, where she has assumed leadership positions. Notable among these are her roles in the Massachusetts Association for Women in Science (MASS AWIS), Boston University’s Graduate Association for Women in Science (GWISE@BU), and the Boston University Student Chapter of the ASA (BUSCASA).
In her commitment to fostering growth and mentorship, Clementine co-founded Boston University’s Data Science Mentoring Circles, demonstrating her dedication to nurturing talent in the field. Her ongoing leadership in this program reflects her passion for cultivating the next generation of data scientists.
A Life Where Athletics, Academia, and Technology Collide
Clémentine Plati is a dynamic and determined French-born data scientist who has made Boston her home for the past decade. Her life is a fusion of athletics, academia, and technology. She spent her early years devoted to volleyball until the age of 20, after which she pursued higher education in mathematics and statistics. This passion led her to the U.S., where she earned a Ph.D. in statistics and embarked on a career in data science and machine learning.
Her love for tech extends beyond her professional life; she is a fan of the podcast “Pivot” and enjoys using platforms like Pandora to explore different music, depending on her mood. Despite her successes, she maintains a down-to-earth attitude, with a motto centered around problem-solving: “There’s no problem, there’s only solution.” Clémentine is an open book, known for her resilience—aptly summarized by the title she would choose for a book about her life: The One That Never Gives Up.
Fun facts: She is a Harry Potter fan (having learned English through the series), prefers Mac over PC, and has a hidden talent for whipping up meals with limited ingredients.
I'm the one that never gives up!
From a Rural French Town to a Data Science Career
Clémentine Plati grew up in the small, rural town of Saint Pierre la Palue, near Lyon, France, where the population was around 500 people. Life in this quaint town was simple and quiet, with farmers herding cows down the main street—a sharp contrast to her later life in bustling Boston.
As a child, Clémentine dreamed of becoming an astronaut and had a strong affinity for mathematics, which was her favorite subject in school. In contrast, French was her least favorite subject. Her earliest encounter with technology involved connecting to the internet in the 90s, when the connection was dial-up and internet usage was time-limited, often to the frustration of her parents.
Her first tech gadgets were a Céline Dion CD she received on her seventh birthday and her father’s first bulky laptop, which she mainly used to play card games. Clémentine didn’t have a specific female role model but found inspiration in the cartoon Cat’s Eye, where sisters fought crime—mirroring her life with her own sisters.
However, it was her mother’s influence that shaped her approach to education and career. Her mother instilled in her and her sisters the importance of being financially independent women through education. This lifelong lesson drove Clémentine to be a serious and dedicated student, which eventually led her to pursue advanced studies and a successful career in data science.
A Career Built on Curiosity and Collaboration
Clémentine Plati’s tech career began with a foundation in mathematics and statistics, which she honed at a French engineering school. Initially unsure of how to apply her love for mathematics outside of teaching, a serendipitous conversation with her sister’s boyfriend led her to pursue a specialized math program, altering her career trajectory.
After an eye-opening internship at the French Atomic Energy Commission, where she worked alongside young, vibrant researchers, Clémentine’s interest in the field solidified. She pursued a Ph.D. in statistics and ultimately transitioned into machine learning and data science.
Her career path has taken her from TripAdvisor to her current role as a machine learning researcher at Twitter. At Twitter, she focuses on recommender systems, developing algorithms to make users’ content more engaging. She recently rolled out a new model that powers Twitter notifications.
Clémentine values the flexibility and creative culture of the tech industry, where she enjoys casual environments and colorful offices. A pivotal aspect of her success has been the transferability of her data science skills, which allow her to work across a variety of industries, from nuclear energy to social media. She has also found great joy in mentoring, having launched a program to guide students in their job search—a project that has brought her immense pride.
Her biggest lesson came in 2016 when she struggled to secure an internship and realized that visibility and networking are key to career success. This experience led to her commitment to mentoring and helping junior employees navigate their own challenges. Despite the competitive nature of her field, Clémentine’s adaptability and focus on continuous learning have been driving forces in her flourishing tech career.
Clémentine’s 10 Favorite Things
- Podcast: Pivot – A source of insights into tech and business.
- Music Platform: Pandora – Where she explores music based on her mood.
- Childhood Inspiration: Harry Potter – Helped her learn English.
- Preferred Computer: Mac – A choice over PC for its user experience.
- Cooking: Creating meals with limited ingredients – A hidden talent.
- Sport: Volleyball – Her first love before shifting to academia.
- Tech Gadgets: Early connection with technology through her father’s laptop.
- Mathematics: Her favorite subject, fueling her passion for data science.
- Mentorship: A commitment to helping others in their career paths.
- Life Motto: “There’s no problem, there’s only solution” – A guiding principle.
The Power of a Supportive Network
Clémentine Plati doesn’t subscribe to the traditional idea of role models, preferring not to look up to individuals whose full stories may be obscured by their public personas. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of a strong support network made up of colleagues and friends she can rely on for advice and guidance. While she doesn’t have a formal mentor, she recognizes the value that mentors can offer, especially those who have navigated similar career paths. Clémentine believes mentorship can be beneficial if you find the right person whom you trust, although, for her, role models are not a key component of personal or professional growth.
Empowerment at the Core
For Clémentine Plati, leadership is about empowering others to grow and helping them become the best versions of themselves. She values leaders who actively seek counsel from their teams while making decisive choices and bearing the responsibility for outcomes. Clémentine aspires to this style of leadership—being collaborative yet decisive.
On the flip side, she views micromanagement and distrust in one’s team as traits of bad leadership. These traits stifle growth and autonomy. Although she doesn’t see herself as a formal leader yet, Clémentine hopes to be approachable and supportive, especially when helping others work through challenges.
She has learned from past leaders to recognize and appreciate the effort people put into their work before offering critiques. Clémentine believes that patience and being genuinely helpful are her strengths, especially because she has always had to work hard to understand concepts. However, she admits that she can be blunt in her communication and is working on becoming more polished and tactful in her approach.
Beyond Gender: Fostering Inclusion Through Varied Perspectives
For Clémentine Plati, diversity and inclusion mean bringing together people from as many different backgrounds as possible. She values varied perspectives, believing that when everyone shares the same background, innovation is stifled. Clémentine emphasizes that DEIB isn’t just about gender—age, ethnicity, and experiences are equally important for fostering a culture of creativity and fresh ideas.
When evaluating company culture, Clémentine pays attention to signs like turnover rates, as they can indicate underlying issues. She notes that women often self-censor, holding themselves back from opportunities because they believe they’re underqualified—something she hasn’t personally struggled with but recognizes as a widespread issue.
Clémentine believes it’s vital for people from all backgrounds to join tech, not just women, as diversity fosters a broader scope of ideas. When it comes to helping women advance, she suggests providing flexible work hours, equitable pay, and remote work opportunities, as these can ease the burden women often face when balancing family responsibilities with their careers.
Challenges to building a DEIB-focused workplace stem from the lack of diversity in the candidate pool, particularly in STEM fields, where the majority of graduates are men. Clémentine suggests that more efforts should be made at the education level to increase diversity. Companies that achieve gender diversity at the top offer younger women role models, helping them to visualize themselves as leaders—something Clémentine felt was missing when she began her career.
Although she acknowledges that there’s still a long way to go, Clémentine sees conscious efforts from companies like Twitter to improve gender diversity. She encourages women to apply for roles, even when they feel underqualified, and calls for greater focus on equal pay and mentoring. Mentorship, particularly for young women, can play a crucial role in helping them overcome imposter syndrome and realize their full potential.
DEIB = bringing together people from as many different backgrounds as possible. She values varied perspectives, believing that when everyone shares the same background, innovation is stifled.
5 Best Quotes by Clémentine Plati Inspiring Other Women:
On Self-Belief: “You are smarter than you think. Don’t self-censor, and reach for the stars.”
On Embracing Failure: “Try everything. If you fail, that’s okay, but never stop yourself from trying.”
On Personal Potential: “Never let others limit your potential; trust yourself and go after your goals.”
On Perfectionism: “Doing your best is enough; perfection isn’t necessary.”
On Growth: “Embrace challenges and continue to grow while being kind to yourself in the process.”
Remote Work Revolution: The Key to Maintaining Mental Well-Being"
Clémentine Plati acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially with the demands of a busy career in machine learning. To manage her mental health, she strives to work out regularly and makes a conscious effort to unplug from work after 5 p.m., despite the temptation to stay engaged due to her passion for her work. With team members spread across different time zones, it’s easy for her to get pulled back into work, but she actively tries to set boundaries, particularly as a remote worker with her laptop always nearby.
While she has been fortunate not to experience burnout, Clémentine recognizes the importance of stepping away from work and prioritizing personal time. For her, the challenge isn’t finding motivation to work but rather learning to disconnect at the end of the day, as she deeply enjoys her job.
Clémentine views remote work and flexible hours, both of which became more common during the pandemic, as significant contributors to her improved mental health. Remote work has given her more time for personal activities, such as morning workouts, and she hopes companies continue to embrace these changes. She believes that by maintaining these flexible options, companies can help foster a healthier work environment for their employees.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
Clémentine Plati emphasizes self-confidence as a core element in navigating both personal and professional life. Her mother’s early encouragement to believe that she could do anything has been a guiding force, and Clémentine strongly advocates against self-censorship. Her advice: “Try everything. If you fail, that’s okay, but never stop yourself from trying.”
She also warns against letting others limit your potential. Recalling advice she received about not pursuing a PhD, Clémentine stresses the importance of trusting yourself and going after your goals, even when others express doubt.
If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to not be so hard on herself and to understand that perfection isn’t necessary—doing your best is enough. For young girls and women aspiring to enter the tech field, her message is simple yet powerful: “You are smarter than you think. Don’t self-censor, and reach for the stars.”
When it comes to her own future, Clémentine approaches her career with an open mind, enjoying the journey and seeing where it leads. She believes in embracing the flow of life and staying open to new possibilities.
Her wisdom reminds us to believe in ourselves, embrace challenges, and continue to grow while being kind to ourselves in the process.
Deeply honored to be featured in the Queens of Tech Podcast! Thank you Jasmine Moradi for letting me share my journey.
Biography
Clementine is a distinguished Machine Learning Researcher currently contributing her expertise to Twitter. As a vital member of the RecSys Lab, she is instrumental in crafting the next generation of recommender systems. Additionally, Clementine serves as a consultant to various product teams within the company, aiding them in unlocking the full potential of their data through the application of cutting-edge Machine Learning techniques.
Before her role at Twitter, Clementine dedicated three years at Tripadvisor, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the models utilized for automating the company’s online marketing strategies.
Clementine is highly educated, holding a Ph.D. in Statistics from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the INSA of Toulouse, France. Her academic background is complemented by her active involvement in non-profit organizations, where she has assumed leadership positions. Notable among these are her roles in the Massachusetts Association for Women in Science (MASS AWIS), Boston University’s Graduate Association for Women in Science (GWISE@BU), and the Boston University Student Chapter of the ASA (BUSCASA).
In her commitment to fostering growth and mentorship, Clementine co-founded Boston University’s Data Science Mentoring Circles, demonstrating her dedication to nurturing talent in the field. Her ongoing leadership in this program reflects her passion for cultivating the next generation of data scientists.
