A Day with Dušan Šalović, Senior Data
Scientist at IBM iX

Spending time with Dusan Salovic shows how naturally he brings structure and clarity into AI-focused projects. Since joining IBM iX in 2024, he has worked with clients in consumer goods, retail and several other industries, helping them turn data and AI ambitions into workable solutions. His background in robotics, computer engineering and data science shaped a way of thinking that looks at problems through the lens of interconnected systems. This perspective guides him from the first conversations in presales to the design of technical architectures and the hands-on implementation of AI use cases.

What stands out in Dusan’s work is his ability to balance technical ambition with a grounded sense of what is realistically achievable. He supports clients in identifying where AI can genuinely make a difference and where foundational work needs to come first. Clean processes, reliable data and responsible governance are central to his approach and his experience across different industries helps him recognise recurring patterns quickly. A day with Dusan highlights a modern, thoughtful approach to applied AI: clear, pragmatic and focused on creating solutions that hold up in real-world environments.

The Role of a Senior Data
Scientist at IBM iX

08:30 – A focused start in the Vienna office

Dušan begins his day in the IBM iX Vienna office, a place he genuinely enjoys working from. Before the first meetings begin, he takes time to organise his thoughts, review emails and prepare for the topics ahead. This quiet start helps him set priorities, create structure for the day and build a clear understanding of what will require his attention. Once the team rhythm picks up, he is ready to shift into discussions, client work and collaboration.

09:30 – Collaboration, alignment and knowledge exchange

The morning is shaped by collaboration. Daily standups with project teams help him track progress, identify blockers and ensure that technical work moves forward smoothly. On other days, he meets with the Data and AI practice to discuss active projects, share updates and exchange insights on new tools and capabilities. For Dusan, this knowledge sharing is essential. The AI landscape evolves quickly and staying current is only possible when the team learns together and supports each other. He regularly explores new models, cloud capabilities and emerging AI technologies so his advice always reflects the latest developments.

10:00 – First coffee and a moment to reset

By now, the first meetings are underway and the priorities for the day are clear. Rather than reaching for coffee first thing in the morning, Dusan prefers to establish a clear structure before taking a short break. His first coffee marks a natural transition from planning into execution, allowing him to reset before diving deeper into client work and technical discussions.

12:00 – Lunch and informal connection

Around noon, someone usually plans lunch in the team Slack channel and a group heads to one of the many restaurants near the Vienna office. Lunch is more than just a break. It is a chance to connect across projects, exchange ideas and strengthen the team’s culture. Afterward, Dusan spends ten to fifteen minutes in the office’s quiet zone, giving himself time to reflect, recharge and prepare for the second half of the day.

14:00 – Strategic design and solution planning

With most meetings behind him, Dusan moves into the part of the day reserved for architecture thinking and solution planning. This is often when he reviews client requirements, evaluates how emerging AI capabilities could support business goals and develops technical concepts that balance innovation with practicality.

A significant part of his role is helping organisations understand where AI can create measurable value and where more foundational work is needed first. From presales through to solution architecture, he works with clients to align business objectives, governance requirements and data readiness before implementation begins.

His experience across retail, e-commerce, consumer goods, aviation and pharma helps him quickly recognise patterns, challenge assumptions and identify opportunities that are both realistic and scalable.

16:00 – Building and refining AI solutions

The late afternoon is reserved for focused implementation work. With meetings largely finished, Dusan can dedicate uninterrupted time to developing and testing the solutions he has designed earlier in the day.

Depending on the engagement, this might involve

These sessions are where strategy turns into working software. Whether experimenting with new capabilities or refining production-ready solutions, the focus is always on creating systems that are robust, scalable and ready for real-world adoption.

17:00 – Wrapping up the day

After work, Dusan often enjoys Vienna’s after‑work culture: a late coffee or drink outside with his wife, or an informal gathering with colleagues. Every few weeks there is a board game night at the office, which has become one of his favourite ways to unwind. On other evenings he goes to the gym, valuing the mental reset that physical activity provides. Basketball still plays a role in his life and he joins friends or colleagues on the court whenever he can. Weekends often take him into nature, where hiking helps him decompress and return to the week feeling grounded.

What stands out most to him at IBM iX is the people. The sense of appreciation, the natural atmosphere and the everyday interactions create an environment where he feels genuinely at home.

A glimpse into how IBM iX designs tomorrow through everyday decisions

Dušan’s day reflects a modern approach to AI delivery at IBM iX: grounded, collaborative and focused on creating real value. He brings clarity to complex topics, guides clients toward realistic solutions and keeps people at the centre of every decision. His curiosity, adaptability and commitment to responsible AI shape how we work at IBM iX and show how “Designing Tomorrow” becomes tangible in everyday practice.

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