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Asha Saxena, CEO, WLDA

Describe your career to date

With 30 years of industry experience, I am a strategic and innovative leader in the technology sector. My career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements, showcasing my ability to build and lead successful technology companies. I am the author of The AI Factor – How to Apply Artificial Intelligence and Use Big Data to Grow Your Business Exponentially.  

I am the Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI, a global organization committed to promoting parity and equity in the digital realm, where world leaders come together to create a more inclusive future. I also serve as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, teaching graduate classes on Entrepreneurship. I also held the role of Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Columbia Business School, further solidifying her position as a respected authority in entrepreneurship and business development.  

I served as the CEO of a healthcare data analytics company, applying data-driven insights to revolutionize healthcare outcomes and I successfully built an e-commerce platform and served as the President and CEO of Future Technologies. 

I have a BS in Computer Science from Bangalore University in India, an MS in Data Science from Southern Methodist University, and management training at prestigious institutions like MIT and the London Business School.  

What challenges do you see for data in the year ahead that will have an impact on you and on the industry as a whole?  

Anticipated challenges for the data industry in the year ahead include data privacy and compliance, security threats, ethical data usage, maintaining data quality, scalability, talent shortages, cloud adoption, and addressing artificial intelligence (AI)-related concerns. These challenges require proactive solutions to ensure data remains a valuable and secure asset. 

How do you see data literacy developing across a) your network and b) the data industry generally? 

Data literacy is poised for significant growth within my network and across the data industry. As more individuals and organizations recognize the critical role data plays in decision-making, there is a growing demand for information and education on data-related topics. In my network, interactions with users seeking insights and guidance contribute to the ongoing development of data literacy.  

Moreover, the data industry is making strides in promoting data literacy through educational initiatives and training programs. This emphasis on data literacy is crucial as it equips professionals from diverse backgrounds with the skills needed to harness the power of data for innovation and informed decision-making, ultimately driving industry-wide progress. 

How do you see the industry preparing for AI adoption and change management? 

The industry is gearing up for AI adoption and change management through a comprehensive approach. Organizations are prioritizing education and training to empower their workforce with essential AI skills, while developing change management strategies to assess and navigate the impact on existing processes and roles. Collaboration with AI experts and technology providers is enhancing seamless integration and alignment with organizational objectives, with a strong focus on ethical considerations.  

Pilot projects are being employed to gain practical insights and refine approaches, while continuous monitoring ensures adaptability. Regulatory compliance, cultural shifts towards innovation, and effective data management are central to the industry’s preparations for successful AI adoption and change management. 

Asha Saxena
has been included in:
  • 100 Influencers 2024 (USA)