https://thenewstack.io/why-python-is-so-slow-and-what-is-being-done-about-it/
PyCon 2024 showcased a number of ways to speed the pokey Python programming language including sub-interpreters, immortal objects, just-in-time compilation and more.
Profiling is an extremely useful tool for optimising the system that you have. It doesn't help if you have the wrong system entirely though.
That's why you need an architect to design the project for the expected requirements. They'll ask the important questions, like:
You don't need all the answers up front, but you need enough to design a coherent system. It's like building a rail system, building a commuter line is much different than a light rail network, and the planners will need to know if those systems need to interact with anything else.
If you don't do that, you're going to end up overspending in some area, and probably significantly.
Upfront analysis and design is very close to independent from the technology, particularly at the I/O level