We invited Malt’s freelance community, along with Le Wagon students and alumni, for an evening of networking and conversation on how AI is reshaping the world, careers, and the freelance landscape. Kalindi (freelance tech consultant), Claire Lebarz (CTO & Chief Data & AI Officer at Malt), and Zhibek Valevka (Head of Community at Malt) led talks on AI-driven projects, upskilling, and the fast-evolving AI ecosystem. After the tech session and Q&A, we mingled over refreshments and had a blast at the AI photobooth, which offered multiple fun filters, though the nostalgic ’90s option, in particular, teleported everyone back in time and quickly became the crowd favourite!
Upskilling for AI
We talked about the pivotal role of freelancers in bridging the AI gap as companies adopt new technologies. Their specialised expertise and flexible engagement models empower businesses to tackle short- and mid-term AI projects with agility, driving innovation without the long-term commitment of full-time hires
Mia, Regional Marketing Manager from Le Wagon, showcased courses and bootcamps for those looking to pivot into tech. Explore Le Wagon's programmes in Web Development, Data Analytics, and Data Engineering. If you’re keen on AI, be sure to check out their dedicated Data Science & AI course, covering everything from rapidly prototyping AI-driven applications to deploying off-the-shelf or customised AI models - and get a discount as a Malt freelancer!
AI Skills in High Demand:
Beyond Technical
Another crucial point was that AI projects involve more than just coding or data science. They rely on a range of roles - designers, ethicists, legal experts, and strong communicators - who can address user experience, legal compliance, and ethical frameworks. Thanks to the EU AI Act, awareness of ethical and legal considerations is on the rise, outpacing the current supply of expertise and opening up further avenues for consultants and freelancers.
The Intrapreneurial Spark
Claire Lebarz talked about the concept of intrapreneurs - people who experiment, problem-solve, and spot opportunities to apply AI, rather than waiting for top-down directives. They help organisations keep pace with rapid change by building internal AI chatbots, streamlining workflows, or integrating advanced language models. This intrapreneurial mindset has helped Malt foster a culture of innovation, and is just as valuable for freelancers looking to collaborate with forward-thinking companies.
"Tech for Good"
Kalindi shared how her passion for “tech for good” led her to discover that many sustainability challenges revolve around data. She began with self-directed coding and data learning, progressed to community projects, and ultimately decided to upskill in AI through structured bootcamps at Le Wagon. Kalindi’s journey shows that you don’t need a traditional computer science background to make a meaningful impact in emerging technologies.
Looking Ahead
The event closed on a powerful note, reminding everyone that “the best way to predict the future is to build it.” Whether you’re curious about AI’s potential or ready to embrace your inner intrapreneur, there’s never been a better time to join communities like Malt and Le Wagon, stay updated on workshops, and explore the limitless possibilities of a freelance career powered by AI.
