AI and Data Dynamics: Navigating Tomorrow's Terrain

DataDriven Podcast

Joining us is Ansh Kanwar, the Senior Vice President of Technology at Reltio, known for his expertise and leadership in the tech industry. Alongside him, we have the pleasure of welcoming Asha Saxena, a strategic and innovative leader with a wealth of experience in technology businesses. Stay tuned as we embark on a journey of discovery and learning in the realm of data technology.

Asha Saxena's Background:

• Asha has a distinguished career, including being the Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA). She is also the CEO of Coaching International, a board advisor, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a published author, and a columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine.
• Her journey in technology started with a degree in computer science engineering and a job as a mainframe programmer in New York City. She quickly advanced in her career, starting her own consulting company in her early twenties, growing it significantly, and later founding other successful companies.
• Asha's experience as an educator and author led her to write a book, inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period also led to the creation of WLDA, focusing on responsible and ethical AI and promoting diversity in leadership roles in the field.

Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA):

• WLDA was conceived as a response to the lack of diversity in senior AI roles and the potential biases in AI models. The organization aims to bring consciousness to leaders in the industry and includes both women and men. It focuses on ethical AI and creating a positive impact in the technology world.
• WLDA's activities include peer-to-peer community building, events, tech talks, leadership summits, and awards to recognize contributions in the field.

Asha Saxena's Book on The AI Factor:

• The book discusses bridging the gap between business users and technologists, emphasizing the value of technology and practical frameworks for implementing AI in businesses.
• It provides use cases of successful companies, a four-step process for data readiness, and strategies to ensure that technology projects deliver real business value.

Advice for Companies Approaching AI:

• Companies should not shy away from AI but start with small steps and create small wins to build momentum.
• The approach should be methodical, focusing on data readiness and ensuring that AI investments align with strategic business goals.

Challenges in Data Management and Governance:

• Common issues include unclear ownership of data, priority conflicts, and the tendency of data initiatives to become more focused on infrastructure than on delivering business value.
• Proper data governance and strategic focus are crucial for successful data and AI initiatives.

Asha's story and insights offer a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the data and AI space, especially emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and diversity in leadership roles.