About Me

Hi, I’m Ilias Benkhaled

Portrait of Ilias Benkhaled

I’ve always been curious about how things work — whether in sports, travel, or technology. Football taught me discipline, travel gave me perspective, and that same curiosity eventually led me to explore how AI could make our lives simpler and smarter.

My vision about AI

My interest in AI started when I realized how much time we spend on repetitive, manual tasks — and how often our creativity gets buried under routine. During my early projects in data and consulting, I kept asking myself: Why are we still doing things the hard way when technology could help us think better?

That question never left me. It pushed me to explore how AI could simplify the complex, turn data into clarity, and make work feel more human. Over time, I stopped seeing AI as just a tool it became a way to amplify curiosity and creativity.

I believe AI is for everyone. With the tools we have today, anyone can use it to learn faster, automate what slows them down, and focus on what truly matters. My goal with IBK Blogs is to make AI approachable — to show that you don’t need to be a researcher or coder to benefit from it. You just need curiosity and a willingness to experiment.


Why I started IBK Blogs

IBK Blogs is where that belief turns into action. It’s my space to share how AI can actually fit into everyday life — through small projects, automations, and workflows that make work feel less mechanical and more meaningful.

Here, I document experiments, lessons, and real use cases — not to impress, but to inspire others to try. I want to show that AI isn’t just for tech experts; it’s for consultants, creators, students, and anyone who wants to think smarter about how they use their time.

Ultimately, this blog is my way of exploring what’s possible when curiosity meets technology — and of sharing that journey so others can do the same.

Background

Today Technology Advisor @ KPMG Belgium

Designing strategies that combine data, cloud, and AI to drive business impact.

What that looks like in practice:

  • Built data products that turn siloed datasets into decision-ready insights.
  • Prototyped AI-assisted workflows that save hours per week for analysts.
  • Partnered with business teams to measure impact, not just model accuracy.
2024 Le Wagon Data Science & AI Bootcamp

Successfully completed a rigorous 6-month program focused on the most sought-after skills in data science and artificial intelligence.

Acquired robust expertise in:

  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Leveraged tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
  • Statistical & Machine Learning: Applied advanced techniques to address and solve real-world challenges effectively.
  • Deep Learning: Designed and deployed sophisticated models using TensorFlow and PyTorch, demonstrating strong technical proficiency.
  • MLOps Implementation: Adopted best practices with AWS, Docker, and Airflow to streamline and scale machine learning operations.
  • Generative AI: Created innovative and realistic content using cutting-edge AI models like GPT-4 and Bert.
2023 Erasmus Exchange in New Zealand

Studied at Auckland University of Technology and graduated magna cum laude.

My Erasmus exchange in New Zealand was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Living so far from home taught me to adapt quickly, stay curious, and embrace new ways of thinking. I discovered a culture that values balance, authenticity, and respect for both people and nature — a mindset that still inspires how I approach work and collaboration today.

  • Learned to work and study in a truly international environment, connecting with people from every continent.
  • Discovered the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in solving problems together.
  • Gained perspective on how innovation can remain human-centered — something I carry into every project now.
2023 Solvay Brussels School

Msc. in Business Engineering with a specialization in Data Science and Big Data.

During this program, I discovered how much I enjoy turning abstract data into clear insights that drive decisions. What started as curiosity for numbers quickly became a genuine passion for analytics, technology, and the stories data can tell.

  • Explored topics such as predictive modeling, econometrics, and machine learning.
  • Worked on hands-on projects that combined technical tools with business strategy.
  • Realized how data can bridge the gap between intuition and evidence in decision-making.

How I work

Spot the problem

Most of my projects start with a small friction in my daily life — something that feels repetitive, slow, or unclear. I like turning those frustrations into opportunities to build smarter systems.

Stay curious

Curiosity is my main driver. I explore, test, and learn by doing — whether it’s automating a workflow, experimenting with new tools, or understanding how AI can simplify a task.

Design and implement

Once I find an idea worth pursuing, I move fast — from concept to prototype. I enjoy building simple, tangible solutions and sharing the process so others can replicate or improve it.

“My mission is to make AI approachable. When people understand the possibilities, they can build solutions that matter to their communities.”