Mathematics is a powerful tool that transcends the limits of the classroom and is fundamental in many areas of life and work. In episode 41 of AmplificaCast, we had the pleasure of talking to Walker Batista, a professional who personifies the practical and strategic application of mathematics in business and life.
Currently, Walker is the Director of Innovation and Modeling at Linear Softwares Matemáticos, where he uses his expertise to optimize processes and make crucial decisions.
Born in Jales, in the interior of São Paulo, Walker moved to the capital to study at the renowned Escola Politécnica, where he graduated in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on Automation and Energy. His journey did not stop there, as he sought international improvement with advanced studies in Financial Engineering in France. His path is marked by challenges, such as moving alone to São Paulo without many resources and having to adapt to a new environment while dealing with the loss of his father.
Walker shared with us how mathematics was an essential tool in his career, from his first steps working in an electrical machine optimization laboratory at USP to his experience in the financial sector, optimizing portfolios at Banco Safra. He highlighted the importance of optimization techniques and how they can be applied to generate more profitable and efficient results in various sectors, especially in the financial industry.
This episode of AmplificaCast is an invitation to explore how mathematics, often seen as an abstract discipline, is fundamental in strategic decision-making and innovation in different areas. Join us in this inspiring conversation with Walker Batista and discover the beauty and applicability of mathematics in the real world.
Developing career and trip to France
“I brought order out of chaos.” —Arthur Conan Doyle
In Chapter 2 of our journey with Walker Batista at AmplificaCast, we dive into his career transition from optimizing financial portfolios to optimizing energy distribution. Walker highlights that, although the segments are distinct, mathematics is the common thread that permeates both fields. It leads us to imagine a city's complex energy distribution network, where the goal is to minimize energy consumption along electrical wires. This optimization, explains Walker, is carried out using software that calculates the minimum connections necessary for efficient distribution.
After seven months in this sector, a new opportunity arose for Walker: studying in France. His goal was to delve deeper into the concept of chaos, a branch of mathematics that, despite appearing random at first glance, reveals patterns under careful analysis. This study was especially relevant to his work with derivatives in the financial market.
Returning to Brazil, Walker found himself in the nascent world of mobile apps. Together with colleagues from Politécnica, he founded a startup focused on digital auctions and market information systems. This experience, although intense and rewarding, led him to rethink his priorities. Tired of the extreme pressure and wanting to have a better quality of life, he decided to move away from entrepreneurship and dedicate himself to new projects.
It was then that the opportunity to join Linear Softwares Matemáticos arose, thanks to a casual conversation at a party. Intrigued by the potential to bring value to Brazilian companies, Walker sent his resume and was promptly accepted. This chapter in his career marks a significant shift from a frenetic startup environment to a more stable role focused on innovation and optimization.
Path to reaching Linear Softwares Matemáticos
In chapter 3 of our discussion with Walker Batista at AmplificaCast, we address the personal and professional reflections that shaped his trajectory. One of the most significant lessons for Walker was recognizing his limits and prioritizing what really mattered: time with his family. He shares that although he was thriving financially with his startup, he realized that business success didn't make up for being away from his family. This revelation led him to rethink his lifestyle and seek a healthier balance between work and personal life.
Walker emphasizes that time is a precious resource and that sometimes difficult choices need to be made to preserve it. He highlights the importance of assessing the true value of things and making decisions that are aligned with your personal priorities.
After leaving the startup, Walker found a new challenge at Linear Softwares Matemáticos, where he started as an analyst. He highlights the contrast between the autonomy of being a partner in a company and the adaptation necessary when entering a more structured corporate environment. However, Linear proved to be a welcoming environment for innovative ideas, allowing Walker to apply his entrepreneurial drive to contribute to the company's growth.
Walker explains that his promotion to partner at Linear was the result of his technical capacity and his proactive stance in seeking solutions and improvements to the company's processes. He highlights the importance of balancing technical skills (hard skills) with interpersonal skills (soft skills), especially when dealing with customers and presenting complex solutions in an accessible and friendly way.
This journey illustrates Walker's evolution both personally and professionally, highlighting the importance of aligning career decisions with personal values and priorities.
Becoming a partner in the company is a big step!
In the fourth chapter of our conversation with Walker Batista at AmplificaCast, we explore his transition to partner at Linear Softwares Matemáticos and the evolution of his role in the company. Walker highlights that the skills acquired at his startup, especially in negotiating with customers, were crucial when joining Linear. He knew how to navigate the organizational hierarchy and apply his entrepreneurial experience to contribute significantly to the company.
The invitation to become a partner at Linear was recognition of its exceptional performance and ability to bring innovations to the business. Walker approached this opportunity with the same diligence he applied to his finance career, carefully analyzing the company's numbers before accepting the offer. This methodical approach reflects his commitment to ensuring that his membership in society was a sound investment.
Since becoming a partner, Walker has felt more motivated and gained greater freedom to make decisions. He has dedicated himself to seeking new technologies and techniques in the international market to keep Linear competitive. Its focus on innovation is a crucial differentiator for the company, which develops decision-making software to optimize business operations.
Walker firmly believes in the value that Linear brings to society, especially in a globalized market where smart decisions are fundamental. The complexity of modern business operations often requires advanced algorithms for effective decision making, and this is where Linear stands out.
This chapter highlights Walker Batista's journey from entrepreneur to influential partner at Linear Softwares Matemáticos, demonstrating the importance of adaptability, careful analysis and continuous innovation in the business world.
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Practical application of Linear Softwares Matemáticos solutions
In the fifth chapter of our conversation with Walker Batista, we delve into the heart of Linear Softwares Matemáticos and explore the practical application of its solutions. Walker introduces us to Otomix, the company's flagship software focused on supply chain optimization. The complexity of this area is exemplified by the animal proteins sector, where Linear has a strong presence.
Walker illustrates the challenges faced in the chicken supply chain, from the animal's growth in the field to its arrival at the supermarket. It highlights the need to coordinate ongoing production, manage chicken sensitivity to temperature variations during transport and optimize distribution to serve different markets. For example, while some regions may have high demand for chicken breast, others may prefer thighs, requiring careful planning to maximize profitability and efficiency.
The solution to this complexity, explains Walker, is the use of software such as Otomix, which allows integrated coordination of the supply chain. These systems are capable of analyzing revenue opportunities, costs and constraints to find the most profitable and feasible strategy. An interesting aspect is the use of integer linear programming, a technique awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, which is fundamental to Linear's algorithms.
This chapter reveals how technology developed by Linear Softwares Matemáticos plays a crucial role in optimizing complex processes in vital industries, demonstrating the significant impact that advanced mathematical solutions can have on the business world.
The evolution of optimization models
In the sixth chapter of our conversation with Walker Batista at AmplificaCast, we dive deeper into the expertise of Linear Softwares Matemáticos and the innovations brought over the years. Walker highlights the technique of integer linear programming, an approach awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, as a key tool in optimizing processes in companies. Despite a small controversy surrounding its origin, this technique allows us to find the best possible strategy to face the complex challenges of production chains.
Walker highlights that the industries that benefit most from Linear's solutions are those with complex production chains, such as dairy, beverages and animal proteins. These sectors face unique challenges, such as the need to deliver fresh produce to a tropical country like Brazil. Linear's mathematical expertise allows you to optimize planning and execution in these chains, adding significant value and providing a competitive advantage.
Over his nine years at Linear, Walker has seen an evolution in the company's optimization models, especially the incorporation of statistical variables to deal with uncertainty. This enhanced approach improves software results and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovation.
Walker also highlights the importance of looking at the international market and seeking inspiration from countries like France, known for their attention to numbers and mathematics. This global perspective helps Linear stay ahead by bringing best practices and technologies to its solutions.
This chapter illustrates how Linear Softwares Matemáticos remains at the forefront of optimization and innovation, tackling complex challenges and delivering effective solutions for key industries.
Staying at the forefront of technological innovation
In the seventh chapter of our conversation with Walker Batista, we discuss how Linear Softwares Matemáticos remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Walker reveals that the company is attentive to large technology companies, such as NVIDIA, Microsoft and Google, as they are sources of new ideas and technologies that can be applied to improve the complexity of calculations carried out by Linear.
An interesting example that Walker mentions is the experiment carried out with Fujitsu's Quantum anilin, a piece of hardware that simulates quantum equations. Despite the positive results, he recognizes that the current cost of the technology does not yet justify its large-scale implementation, but believes that, in the future, this could change.
To keep up with trends and innovations, Walker and his team use LinkedIn and follow news from big technology companies. This approach allows Linear to remain up to date and ready to incorporate new technologies that can add value to its software.
Regarding computing architecture, Linear uses cloud computing to run its complex models, taking advantage of the increased processing capacity that the cloud offers. They have no restrictions regarding the cloud provider, adapting to each client's infrastructure to ensure the security and integrity of companies' sensitive data.
This chapter illustrates Linear Softwares Matemáticos' commitment to innovation and security, constantly seeking new technologies and ensuring that its solutions are implemented safely and effectively in organizations.
Interested in learning about mathematics applied to business and beyond?
In the final chapter of our conversation with Walker Batista at AmplificaCast, he shares valuable advice for those interested in learning about mathematics applied to business. Walker suggests the book “The Science of the Factory” as a starting resource for understanding the basic models of optimization and production planning. Furthermore, he recommends university courses in applied mathematics and production engineering, highlighting that renowned institutions such as the Escola Politécnica offer a solid foundation in optimization techniques.
Walker also reflects on the change in his life after joining Linear Softwares Matemáticos. The company, founded in 1997, offers a more stable and less fast-paced work environment than a startup, allowing you a better quality of life and more time with your family. This change was especially important for him, as he recently became a father.
Furthermore, Walker mentions the book “Algorithms for Living”, which addresses in a playful way how mathematics can help in making everyday decisions, such as choosing a life partner. This book exemplifies how mathematics can be applied in a practical and interesting way, even outside the business context.
Finally, Walker emphasizes the importance of mathematics at Linear Softwares Matemáticos, where he and his team transform complex decisions into feasible solutions, always based on the set of information available.
This final chapter highlights the applicability of mathematics in different aspects of life and work, and how the search for balance between career and personal life is fundamental to the well-being of a professional as a human being!
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