Meet Graham Ware | Founder & Data Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Graham Ware and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Graham, how do you think about risk?
I was 10 years old with a Mark McGwire rookie card in my hand. I was wanting the Frank Thomas rookie card a fellow classmate was holding. Staring each other down during recess, I agreed to the trade, giving into my appetite for one of my favorite players. The Mark McGwire card I gave up, today, goes for more than $1000 while the Frank Thomas card, I still have to this day, goes for a somber $7.00. As I grew older I never forgot about that day. We are surrounded by risks even when we may not realize it, in moments as simple as trading baseball cards. While I am comfortable with calculated risks over a reckless gambling risk, I’ve had to learn that my personal comfort or desires cannot dictate the company strategy or even when it comes to my personal goals. I’m naturally a cautious person, a trait that can be a strength as it forces me to analyze situations thoroughly. I’ve heard people and business owners say “no risk, no reward” to which I tend to reply “no data, no decision.”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
AXONION, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, stands at the vanguard of artificial intelligence and machine learning innovation. Founded in 2019 with a prescient vision of the transformative power of AI, even before its ubiquity in the public consciousness, AXONION has rapidly evolved into a distinguished development firm. Our core competency lies in crafting bespoke AI and ML solutions, leveraging the expertise of a globally distributed team of preeminent engineers, modelers, and data scientists. We empower businesses across diverse sectors to harness the potential of intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and advanced algorithms to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, insight, and competitive advantage.

Beyond our proficiency in AI and ML development, AXONION distinguishes itself through a critical and increasingly vital offering: governance auditing of business AI systems. Recognizing the inherent complexities and potential risks associated with the deployment of artificial intelligence, we provide comprehensive evaluations to ensure ethical compliance, algorithmic transparency, and robust operational integrity. Our audit frameworks are designed to meticulously assess AI models and their integration within business processes, offering clients the assurance of responsible and reliable AI deployment that aligns with regulatory standards and mitigates potential liabilities.

At AXONION, we are driven by a commitment to not only build cutting-edge AI solutions but also to foster a landscape of trust and accountability in the adoption of this transformative technology. Our interdisciplinary approach, combining deep technical expertise with a rigorous understanding of governance and ethical considerations, positions AXONION as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence and strategic foresight. We strive to empower organizations to unlock the full potential of AI while upholding the highest standards of responsible innovation.

A unique approach to the market is that we do not engage in traditional marketing tactics or strategy. That could change but we have been wholly based on referral between businesses, primarily in the fortune 1000 & wallstreet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a fun and challenging question as Arizona has so much to offer people! I am going to assume he will come in the winter months when the weather is nice.

I would blend leisure and adventure. The week would commence with a series of golf outings at some great courses like Grayhawk Golf Club. Followed up with a trip to a bourbon bar for some fine whiskeys and cigars for thoughtful conversation. I think a truly local experience would include watching bull riding and country dancing in Cave Creek to give him a juxtaposition of grit and tradition of the Old West.

The itinerary would also feature road trips to some iconic landscapes. A day trip to Sedona where we’d hike among the red rocks taking in the stunning beauty. The trio would continue north to Horseshoe bend before heading to Lake Powell for an exhilarating day of jet skiing.

Of course we would have to hit up some of my favorite restaurants like Ajo Al’s, Dominick’s Steakhouse, Italian Daughter, Keelers, and Nobu. The week would culminate with a downtown Phoenix sporting event to experience the city’s vibrant energy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
While it is true that my journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, determination and a certain degree of ambition, it would be a profound disservice to attribute my achievements solely to my own efforts. The intellectual and professional trajectory that has led me to where I am today with AXONION is in fact a mosaic of influences, each one indispensable.

I must acknowledge Linda, a mentor who saw potential where others might have seen only inexperience. Her willingness to invest her time and wisdom in a fledging professional from humble beginnings was an act of generosity that indelibly shaped the course of my career. She provided not only guidance, but also a crucial belief in my capabilities, which served as a power catalyst for growth. Her influence underscores a fundamental truth, that true leadership lies in the cultivation of talent and empowerment of others.

I would be remiss not to recognize the formation support provided by my family, especially my wife Katie. Her role as my “North Star” is not a poetic exaggeration. She has consistently offered the kind of clear-eyed, outside perspective that is essential for grounding ambitious, often high-risk endeavors. Her unwavering support, love and encouragement have been the bedrock upon which my professional life is built. Allowing me to pursue lofty goals with the confidence knowing I have great supporters & genuine friends is an invaluable foundation.

While my academic pursuits at institutions like M.I.T, or even technical certifications from companies like Google, Azure, or Databricks have provided me with intellectual tools, it is the guidance of mentors, the support of loved ones, family & friends that have truly provided a compass for my journey.

Website: https://www.axonion.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamware

Other: info@axonion.com

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