Inward to Upward: Lessons from Aysha Khan on Leadership, Clarity, and Redefining Success

What does it take to lead with intention and find fulfillment in both work and life?

In this episode, we explore the transformative leadership philosophy of Aysha Khan, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Treasure Data. Drawing on over 20 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, Aysha has developed a powerful framework for growth, alignment, and impact.

We delve into her insights on:

• The role of exposure and role models in shaping vision and ambition
• Moving beyond work-life balance toward alignment and mission clarity
• Applying the Japanese concept of Ikigai to uncover your purpose
• Building a portfolio of impact across roles—executive, advisor, coach, and more
• Shifting from chasing success to attracting it through energy and intention

Aysha’s journey—from her early days in Karachi to leading in Silicon Valley—offers a compelling blueprint for anyone ready to grow from the inside out.

🎧 Tune in to discover how “Inward to Upward” leadership can help you unlock your full potential.

This podcast is based on a session at the Chief in Tech Summit, a conference focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on businesses.

Linda Yao, a Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for AI Solutions & Services at Lenovo, discusses the use of AI and how businesses can effectively implement and scale it. She highlights the importance of building a strong foundation, including security, people, technology, and processes, and stresses the need for a practical approach in determining where AI can drive the most value. The session also touches upon the challenges of managing AI in diverse settings, such as remote work and different industry sectors, as well as the potential impact of AI on traditional business models.

The podcast is based on the keynote presentations from the Chief in Tech Summit on the exciting future of AI and quantum computing, specifically their convergence.

Dr. Kristin M. Gilkes, Global Quantum Leader at EY, discusses the revolutionary potential of this synergy in various industries, highlighting its impacts on cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. She emphasises the importance of understanding the differences between classical and quantum computing, using accessible examples like logistics to illustrate how quantum computing can solve complex problems more efficiently. Dr. Gilkes also explores the implications of AI development, particularly the potential for artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the ethical considerations that accompany such advancements.

In this talk from the Women and Tech Global Conference, Dr. Gilkes provides a clear and engaging explanation of these complex technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize various fields.

She discusses:

• The fundamental differences between classical and quantum computing: illustrating how quantum computing's ability to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously allows it to tackle problems beyond the reach of classical computers.
• The concept of "quantum utility": where we're already seeing quantum computers solve real-world business problems.
• EY's groundbreaking work on a "moonshot" project to develop early warning indicators for earthquakes: showcasing the potential of quantum computing to address critical societal challenges.
• The exciting future of AI with the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): where AI systems could potentially surpass human intelligence in specific domains, leading to unprecedented problem-solving capabilities.
• Her optimistic view of AI's impact on the job market: emphasizing how AI can augment human capabilities and drive economic growth rather than replacing jobs.

Dr. Gilkes invites listeners to embrace these technological advancements and the boundless opportunities they present for a brighter future.

This podcast is based on the Chief in Tech Summit insights from Kate Prouty, the Chief Information Officer of Akamai Technologies, on how to be an organizational change maker. Prouty, having witnessed Akamai’s transformation from a start-up to a global tech giant, emphasises the importance of embracing change and fostering a growth mindset. She shares her experiences in navigating cultural shifts within Akamai, highlighting the need for leadership to adapt and listen to employees, as well as the benefits of promoting teamwork, collaboration, and inclusive work environments. Prouty encourages attendees to become catalysts for positive change within their own organisations, advocating for a culture that values diversity, personal well-being, and continuous improvement.

How to Be an Organizational Change Maker

Joining Akamai Technologies in 1999 and now serving as CIO, Kate Prouty has seen her organization evolve from a fledgling start-up to a billion-dollar industry-leader. During this talk, she will focus on the importance and positive value of change in an organization, how to evolve leadership to support the needs of an established but dynamic company, and lessons learned from two and a half decades in a rapidly evolving industry. Attendees will learn how to leave behind aspects of culture that no longer serve the company, and to drive a growth mindset from the top down.

In this episode of Chief in Tech Deep Dive, we hear about the Chief in Tech Summit panel discussion of three Chief Technology Officers at the forefront of AI adoption: Fiona Tan of Wayfair, Michelle Grover of Slalom, and Sheila Jordan of Honeywell. They share their insights on how they are using AI to drive business value, from enhancing customer experience to optimising internal operations.

• The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI, with a focus on the importance of data strategy, talent development, and ethical considerations.
• The CTOs provide real-world examples of how their companies are using AI, including Wayfair's use of AI to personalise product recommendations, Slalom's work on integrating AI into business analytics, and Honeywell's development of an AI-powered platform for industrial automation.
• They also offer advice for companies at all stages of AI adoption, from getting started with pilot projects to scaling solutions across the enterprise.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders and technology professionals who want to understand how AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities for competitive advantage.

Leveraging AI and Emerging Technologies for Competitive Advantage

This engaging panel discussion delves into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and cutting-edge technologies as pivotal tools for securing a competitive advantage in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Chief Technology Officers from leading industries to share their insights on the role of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping competitive strategies. It offers a deep dive into how these leaders are steering their organizations through technological transformation, emphasizing innovation, efficiency, and ethical considerations. Participants will gain firsthand perspectives on identifying and implementing cutting-edge solutions, overcoming challenges, and driving sustainable growth in the digital era. Join us to learn from the experiences of those at the helm of technological advancement, and understand how to position your organization for success in a landscape defined by rapid change and opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

Strategic Innovation with AI

Leadership in the AI Era

Drive growth through technology innovation

Moderator:

• Elaine Zhou, Co-CEO of SageCXO

Speakers:

• Fiona Tan, Chief Technology Officer, Wayfair
• Michelle Grover, Chief Technology Officer, Slalom
• Sheila Jordan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Technology Officer, Honeywell

This mini episode is based on a panel discussion at the Chief in Tech Summit 2023 on emerging technologies and business strategy, featuring Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from various industries. The panelists discuss the impact of cloud technology on business, highlighting its role in accelerating innovation and enabling companies to leapfrog ahead of competitors. The conversation then moves to the intersection of digital technologies and their convergence, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform businesses. The panelists emphasize the importance of data, problem-solving, and communication in this new technological landscape, while also addressing concerns about the ethical implications of AI and the need for sustainable practices in technology development. The discussion concludes with advice for individuals entering the workforce, stressing the importance of embracing change, continuous learning, and the need for a strong sense of intellectual curiosity in a rapidly evolving technological world.

The Future is Now: CIO Panel on Emerging Technologies and Business Strategy

Jae Evans, Global Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, Oracle

Penelope Prett, Chief Information, Data & Analytics Officer at Accenture

Ron Guerrier, 5 Times CIO, CIO Hall of Fame Inductee, & current Fortune500 Board Director at Equinix

Asha Keddy: Senior Executive (Former Corp VP at Intel) and Board Member

https://www.womentech.net/speaker/all...

Session: The Future is Now: CIO Panel on Emerging Technologies and Business Strategy In this panel, CIOs from leading companies will discuss how emerging technologies are driving business innovation and transforming industries. The discussion will also touch on how CIOs can effectively balance innovation with business strategy and drive successful outcomes. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into how to leverage emerging technologies to drive business growth and competitive advantage. Key Takeaways

• Where are we now (contextualize the digital infrastructure landscape and progress thus far)
• What we problems and opportunities we see in next 3-5 years and how we prepare our teams aka Where are we going
• Spotlight on sustainability and how the CIO's view sustainability as a business imperative