Inclusion Must be a Cornerstone for AI Systems of the Future

Nupur Verma is a dynamic Data and Analytics leader with over 15 years of experience driving techno-functional initiatives across leading organizations. She has successfully led data-driven strategies, delivering business insights and value through innovative analytics solutions for globally recognized brands across various industries.

In an engaging interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Nupur shares her insights on the rising importance of next-gen technologies and how women leaders can navigate the new AI era. She highlights how organizations are leveraging data, analytics, and AI to build resilience and drive real-time decisions. Nupur also talks about how women can be empowered to grow beyond technical roles in AI leadership.

How are organizations today using data, analytics and AI to build resilience, especially in fast-changing markets? Where do you see AI actually influencing real decisions beyond just reporting?

In my viewpoint, Data & Analytics as well as AI are an absolute essential for organizations aiming to stay competitive in today's fast-paced business world. They enable companies to learn from past decisions and anticipate future scenarios based on key patterns and trends that may not be evident otherwise.

Data based Analytical models equip businesses to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity of today and identify opportunities for tomorrow.

The new age AI technology brings with it massive opportunities for all businesses alike. It has traditionally been understood to bring efficiency and productivity gains. Now, it is increasingly being used to re-imagine and transform business processes, not just boost productivity or create reports.

What are some practical ways you've seen companies align their AI goals with day-to-day business realities?

As per my observation, most companies initially target high-impact, easy-to-implement AI projects which can unlock immediate value in terms of efficiency and productivity gains. This practical approach helps them quickly demonstrate returns on investment and gain a competitive edge. This approach also accelerates organization-wide scaling and fosters momentum as employee and user adoption increases.

As a woman in AI leadership, how do you think we can make sure inclusion is built into how AI systems are designed, not just in what they produce?

I believe that we all have a role to play to ensure that AI systems are inclusive. Thanks to the interconnectedness and flexibility enabled by the Digital world, we now have an opportunity to contribute from anywhere.

Therefore, we should take every opportunity to participate in AI development and provide feedback on AI systems and responses for every interaction.

Since AI relies on its input data, biased data leads to biased results.

Submitting feedback when outputs are unsatisfactory helps correct these systems and build more inclusive AI systems.

What are some tough choices you've made, when trying to scale collaboration between people and AI systems? How can leaders better prepare to make those decisions?

The key challenge for any new technology including AI implementation is change management and convincing people why that change is needed for better results.

We as leaders can facilitate change and encourage participation by communicating the vision and clarifying the goals of implementation.

When individuals understand the reasons for change and the intended outcomes, they are more likely to engage with the process.

It's better to manage change with a focus on people rather than just processes, since successful AI integration involves both humans and machines working together.

LAST WORD: Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Remaining curious and committed to ongoing learning is an important skill for women in today’s evolving business environment.

I would encourage emerging women leaders to stay connected with their business priorities and to develop skills such as design thinking, system thinking along with storytelling, which enable a broad perspective on how various components interact to address market challenges and communicate effectively with the business stakeholders.

Another suggestion is to volunteer to lead big business initiatives within the organization. Gaining experience by taking on responsibilities and “learning by doing” can support the success of these initiatives. Consider participating whenever opportunities to contribute arise.

These abilities can support the creation of innovative solutions, offering significant value to their respective organizations.

[Disclaimer: These are my personal views and do not represent the views of the organization
that I am working with.]