How Microsoft Balances AI Innovation with Compliance & Safeguards in Finance with Ravi Shankar Goli

In this episode of the Good Decisions Podcast by ModelOP, James Combs explores the rapid evolution of generative AI in enterprise products, specifically Microsoft Copilot for Finance with Ravi Shankar Goli. The conversation goes deeper into how leaders can balance innovation, responsibility, compliance, and productivity while navigating the fast-paced AI landscape.Our guest, Ravi Shankar G.(Ravi Shankar Goli), is the Lead Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft, where he leads the Copilot for Finance team. His journey spans from serving in the Indian Air Force, to global consulting, to multiple master’s degrees, including AI and Machine Learning. Ravi is not only a seasoned technologist but also a passionate mentor, actively supporting Microsoft’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program to advance computer science education.

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Expect to Learn

- How Microsoft is building Copilot for Finance and addressing the challenges of generative AI adoption.

- The decision-making frameworks that balance speed, compliance, and innovation in enterprise AI products.

- Why probabilistic AI systems pose unique challenges compared to traditional deterministic software.

- The role of engineering fundamentals in the age of AI-powered coding and the truth about “vibe coding.”

- Ravi’s personal journey from discovering Windows 98 in a military post to leading AI innovation at Microsoft.

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Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00] Teaser

[01:51] Introduction of Ravi Shankar

[02:45] The Pace of AI at Microsoft

[04:05] Team Structure & Collaboration

[08:33] Regulation & Responsibility in Finance AI

[13:06] Biggest Challenge: Probabilistic vs Deterministic Systems

[14:59] Using Generative AI to Build Copilot

[17:54] Vibe Coding & Risks

[21:41] Military Lessons in Software Leadership

[31:29] Why Ravi Pursued a Third Master’s in AI

[35:06] First Encounter with Computers

[40:21] Mentorship & TEALS Program

[42:18] Celebrating Success & Team Rituals

[44:14] Conclusion

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🔗 Follow Ravi Shankar Goli on:

👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravisgoli

👉 Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft

👉 Website - https://www.microsoft.com/
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🔗 Follow James Combs on:

👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/

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👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/
👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/

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