ABOUT US

Philosophy & Approach

At Studio 240, LLC, we believe that true innovation in AI development and high-performing technical teams are natural by-products of organizations that cultivate clarity, empowerment, and psychological safety. But when it comes to company values, it’s easy to talk the talk. It’s harder to walk the walk. Despite the best intentions of leadership, management, and builders, too often we've seen promising technical initiatives hindered by miscommunication, misunderstanding, and misalignment behind core objectives. This prevents brilliant technical minds from effectively coordinating, making clear decisions, and ultimately meeting delivery expectations.

Our founder’s personal journey, evolving from astrophysics to data science and then product management, and her experience as a startup founder and manager, showed her the critical need for thoughtful strategy, clear expectations, and humane workplaces. We understand the challenge of needing to develop quickly with tight resources while juggling competing demands. We believe this is best accomplished through a “carrot, not stick” approach - building trusting, unified workplaces that cultivate innovation, and driving exceptional outcomes.

This is why Studio 240, LLC exists: to bring cohesion and direction to AI development and to ensure technology is leveraged for meaningful impact and solving real-world problems. We are passionate about empowering executive leaders and their teams to define clear strategic directions, establish nimble, effective processes, and foster empowered, psychologically safe environments where creativity and innovation flourish. We provide an optimistic and realistic path forward, ensuring that your AI investments deliver tangible business value and that your teams gain clarity, purpose, and direction to execute rapidly and efficiently. Our approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and a people-first mindset.

Founder / Chief Data Scientist

Kim Scott, PhD

Professional Experience

  • Defined and executed strategic AI/ML roadmaps for R&D, services, and products across three early-stage startups

  • Led end-to-end design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI/ML solutions

  • Applied data science expertise across diverse industries, including Healthcare, Climate, Finance, Energy, Agriculture, and Defense & Intelligence

  • Specialization in Space Intelligence, Earth Observation, and Geospatial Data Science

  • Built, mentored, and optimized high-performing data science and ML engineering teams

  • Directed cross-functional technical teams and established agile processes for streamlined operations and enhanced collaboration

Degrees

  • MS, PhD, Astronomy | University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • BS, Physics & Mathematics | University of Evansville

What’s with the Name?

From the Founder…

I chose "Studio 240" after a heated debate – with myself.

My initial approach: "don't overthink it." The word "studio" came to mind because I've always believed data science has an artistic and creative side; it's not just logic, hard tech, or scientific method, which is why I love it. This brought to mind art studio room numbers, and my brain spontaneously blurted out "240" – the main route to my home.

Later, I had doubts. I tried, and discarded, a few fancier name ideas I quickly disliked. I even attempted to weave a beautiful, poetic narrative around "Studio 240" for questions like this. I told you I was an artist!

But that polished story didn't feel right. The name, however, did. So there it is. Honesty is best.

FAQS

What is fractional leadership? What are the benefits of hiring a fractional leader?

Fractional leadership involves engaging an experienced executive or manager on a part-time basis. This arrangement can be project-based, time-bound, or even for an indefinite period. Unlike typical independent contractors, a fractional leader is often embedded within the company, working closely and collaboratively with the full-time executive team and internal staff. For early-stage organizations or rapidly evolving companies, hiring a fractional leader is beneficial when there's a need to develop and execute a strategic roadmap, but the scope doesn't justify the expense or time of a full-time executive. At Studio 240, LLC, we provide these services specifically as a Fractional Chief Data Scientist or Fractional AI Product Manager.

We want to maintain a competitive edge, but we're skeptical of the claims made of modern AI technology. Is it really worth the investment?

Maybe. It depends on your company's current operations, objectives, and, critically, the value you aim to provide your customers. We won't be popular with the AI hype-mongers by saying so, but at Studio 240, LLC, we believe in defining the business objectives first, and finding the right technology solution after, not looking for a way to push the shiniest new tools on you. We can help you make confident decisions on your AI strategy through a custom evaluation of your opportunities, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and defining a realistic and viable path forward that is resource-conscious and avoids chasing valueless applications.

How do you ensure our internal technical teams are empowered and equipped for sustained success after your engagement concludes?

We collaborate closely with your leadership to define and implement a robust change management plan, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities and leaving your teams with clarity, purpose, and direction for continued effective execution long after our fixed-term project concludes. Additionally, we remain available on a retainer basis for continuing support if desired.