Dennis DeCoste

Enthusiast

DISC Type : i

Consultant and Independent Researcher at Prodiction

Palo Alto, California, United States

Overview

Dennis DeCoste is an applied AI/ML researcher and consultant with deep expertise in large-scale machine learning, deep learning, and LLMs. He has held leadership roles at Cerebras Systems, Apple, and eBay, focusing on recommendation, search, and advertising. He holds a PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

He is the co-founder of a stealth-mode startup, Deepsie, where he served as CTO and advanced deep learning methods for applications using large collections of images and text.

Dennis is an inventor with multiple patents in machine learning, particularly in areas like learning-to-rank for search and recommendation systems.

Personality Overview

Story Driven

Optimistic

Non-Confrontational

Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials. They are more about building relationships than just cutting deals. They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word.

Topics They Care About

LLM Optimization

His current research focuses on making pretrained LLMs faster and more accurate through methods like quantization, fine-tuning, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

AI Hardware Acceleration

At Cerebras Systems, he led a team that developed novel algorithms to dramatically speed up deep learning training on unique wafer-scale chips.

Recommendation Systems

He led applied AI research at Apple and directed research at eBay, focusing on improving recommendations and search ranking using deep learning and user data.

LLM Optimization: His current research focuses on making pretrained LLMs faster and more accurate through methods like quantization, fine-tuning, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

AI Hardware Acceleration: At Cerebras Systems, he led a team that developed novel algorithms to dramatically speed up deep learning training on unique wafer-scale chips.

Recommendation Systems: He led applied AI research at Apple and directed research at eBay, focusing on improving recommendations and search ranking using deep learning and user data.

Media Appearances

Dennis has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2022

Consultant and Independent Researcher at Prodiction

6-2020 - 8-2022

Director, Machine Learning Algorithms at Cerebras Systems

3-2016 - 6-2020

Principal Research Scientist at Apple

4-2015 - 3-2016

Co-Founder at Deepsie

1-2011 - 4-2015

Director of Research at eBay

Education

PhD from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 15 Location : Palo Alto, California, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Consultant and Independent Researcher at Prodiction

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Dennis's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">i</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Dennis's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">Eac</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Dennis DeCoste

Consultant and Independent Researcher at Prodiction

Palo Alto, California, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Dennis

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Informal style, where you are talking in a friendly & casual manner, with a big smile on makes them want to speak to you.

Pace: Don't be too fast or too slow, stay in the middle. Sound like a 'brings happiness to others' person.

Tone: Speak with high energy and in a personal manner, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time.

Tactics To Win: Giving social proof, personal rapport, usage of superlatives, repeating their name.

Mistakes To Avoid: Information overload, use of negations

Making The Ask: Use positivity and/or humor to make the ask. It appeals to them, as if you are bringing a cheer to their day. (Avoid doing this with Dominant or Calculative types)

Subconscious Driver: They are driven by emotion more than any other type. Hence a proposition that excites them will immediately get their attention.

Greeting: Hey Dennis, [user_fname] here at [user_companynamefirsttwowords] calling you this morning/evening!

Opener: Now I know how much people love cold calls, so how about 30 seconds to tell you what I have for you?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what will build a solid relationship with each prospect before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Dennis, leaders just like you at companies like [abc], [xyz] have been blown away with what they have seen, why don’t we put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you if what I am saying is actually real, yeah?

Close: So morning at around [time] next [tuesday], shall we say? And is it [prospect_email]? Don't want to get that wrong you know!

When Writing An Email

Subject: Personalized, catchy

Salutation: Yes (Something casual)

Greeting: Yes (Say something interesting/unusual)

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Avoid

Closing Line: Build excitement

Complimentary Close: Unique, pleasant

Tone of Words: Friendly, first-person

Overall Messaging: Focused on the person and relationship

Length of Mail: Long

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Dennis is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Dennis

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Dennis move?

Can Dennis take some risk or not?

You And Dennis

Personality Compatibility

More Profiles

Christelle Huguet

Monia vial

Chris Watters

Nick Hodges

Search more profiles