Jan Balatka, Managing Director of Semantic Visions, has been named one of the top IT leaders of 2024 by the Computerworld magazine. This recognition highlights his contributions to digital transformation, advanced data analytics, and the use of artificial intelligence in supply chain risk management. Under his leadership, Semantic Visions has become a key player in detecting risks and opportunities through open-source data and cutting-edge AI solutions.
Jan Balatka
Managing Director, Semantic Visions
Jan Balatka serves as the Managing Director at Semantic Visions, overseeing the company’s direction for two years following an investment by the Behind Inventions fund. His role includes managing business activities, technological development, and product innovation, relying on an expert team that drives these areas forward.
"My role is to push the company forward, keep it stable and dynamic, and at the same time, foster a friendly and open corporate culture," says Jan.
This year, he considers the most significant achievement to be the development of a product for detecting relevant events in the supply chain. This tool provides valuable insights from open data for risk management and trading stocks or commodities. It has expanded Semantic Visions' capabilities and strengthened its competitiveness.
"Successes open new business opportunities, while even failures allow us to learn and refine our approach," Jan adds, emphasizing that he values both achievements and the lessons learned from less successful projects.
Jan strives to create a work environment that fosters innovation and gives the team space to grow. "Giving people freedom is essential for creativity, but at the same time, our activities must always be client-focused," he explains. Maintaining a balance between flexibility and client expectations is, in his view, the ideal approach for building a successful and motivated team. On the other hand, he considers micromanagement, lack of trust, and excessive formality to be reliable demotivators that stifle initiative and enthusiasm.
Currently, Semantic Visions is actively engaged in the use of advanced artificial intelligence models. Jan points out that while media attention around AI is growing, the company has been using language models for many years. The latest models, such as LLMs, are being applied to improve the accuracy of certain products. In his opinion, AI technology will primarily bring changes in job automation rather than posing a threat to employment.
"AI will change the nature of job roles, allowing people to focus on the creative aspects of their work," Jan states, expressing an optimistic outlook on the future.
Jan is dedicated to maintaining a stress-free work environment and avoiding unnecessary pressure. One way he ensures this is by implementing essential project management tools that help organize work efficiently without excessive bureaucracy—such as Kanban boards, calendars, or CRM systems.
In his free time, he enjoys relaxing with his family at his countryside retreat, away from data and technology. Looking ahead, he is excited about further developing supply chain event detection solutions and receiving positive feedback from clients. According to Jan, the key to success lies in surrounding oneself with a great team and focusing on fulfilling goals that bring joy to both clients and the entire team.
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