I talked to Harveer Singh about what it really takes to build an AI-ready organization.And one thing came through clearly:Technology is rarely the hardest part.The harder part is trust.The harder part is helping people understand where AI fits into their work.The harder part is building a culture where learning matters more than looking perfect.Harveer made a point I keep thinking about:AI can perform a task.But it is never accountable for that task.That part still belongs to leadership.He also said something that feels true in almost every company I’ve seen:There are three groups in every change effort.

• People who resist
• People who do just enough
• People who move the organization forward

The mistake is treating the first group like a problem to remove.Often, they’re the ones who know the process best.They know where the skeletons are buried.They can become the strongest guide if you actually listen.He framed the culture piece simply:An AI-ready culture is built on three fuels.

• People
• Processes
• Data

Not just the model.Not just the tool.And definitely not the hype.The most interesting part of the conversation was his practical view of the next few years.The winners won’t just have the smartest AI.They’ll have the most adaptable people.Still feels like we’re early.Maybe that’s the point.Hear the full conversation

The hardest skill in data storytelling isn't finding insight, it's deciding what not to show. Brent Dykes, author of Effective Data Storytelling, makes the point well: a story isn't data on a slide, it's a curated narrative that takes your audience somewhere. The discipline is in the edit ,cutting the noise to move from exploration to explanation, and that's where clarity and better decisions actually happen. Insight, as Dykes frames it, isn't just something interesting you noticed; it's a genuine shift in understanding. When a story creates that shift, it doesn't just inform a room , it cascades through an organization's decisions.

None of this works without trust, which is built slowly through relevant, accurate data and a real understanding of your audience's priorities, and lost quickly if you get it wrong. The takeaway for anyone leading with data: your job isn't to deliver every fact — it's to deliver the right story, one that changes how your organization sees the problem in front of it.

Building Ecosystems That Last: The Midwest Approach to Accelerators

Michael Arulfo’s perspective reminded me that real impact comes from authentic community-building.

At Beta.mn, the focus has been on collaboration, resilience, and genuine support for founders. It’s not just about scaling programs,it’s about staying rooted in a clear mission and solving real problems for the community.

What stood out most was the intentional way they’ve grown: building pipeline, infrastructure, and partnerships together. That balance has helped them stay relevant for over a decade, even as funding and tech trends have shifted.

The lesson is simple: lasting impact doesn’t come from hype alone. It comes from authenticity, consistency, and a commitment to the people you serve.

Worth thinking about.

The Power of Unlearning in leadership:

I’ve realized that real growth isn’t about adding more, it’s about letting go of old beliefs.Sometimes, unlearning is the hardest step. It reveals how much our identity and habits can hold us back. For example, I had to let go of the idea that my technical skills defined my value. Once I did, I found new ways to lead focusing on strategy, people, and purpose.Unlearning isn’t just about shedding habits; it’s a way to create space for new ideas, empathy, and better leadership. It takes humility, patience, and self-awareness qualities that only experience can foster.Maybe that’s the point growth requires us to be brave enough to let go.

The real secret to customer loyalty? It’s about showing you see and hear your customers,beyond just metrics.

We often get caught up in dashboards, charts, and scores, thinking that’s enough to keep customers loyal. But the truth? Customers are people with emotions, frustrations, and hopes. Recognizing that is the power move.

When I asked Mike Shea how to make customers feel truly valued, he highlighted simple but profound touches: remembering their stories, understanding their business, and being genuinely curious. It’s those little things that turn a transactional relationship into a loyal partnership.And here’s a bold insight from Mike: metrics like NPS are only tools,use them to start conversations, not to define success.

The real game-changer lies in building trust slowly, through every interaction. In a world rapidly shifting with AI and automation, the human element remains irreplaceable. Whether it’s proactive outreach or empathetic listening, these are the things that create advocates, not just customers.Maybe that’s the point technology can enable, but authentic human connection is what truly transforms customer success.

Worth thinking about.

Leadership evolution isn’t a straight line. When I first stepped into leadership, I modeled many of the behaviors I observed in leaders around me :task-focused, action-driven, and centered on delivering results. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership is just as much about growth and self-awareness as it is about execution. Each experience, challenge, and conversation has shaped my perspective and expanded my understanding of what it means to lead effectively.

Today, I believe leadership is less about having all the answers and more about empowering others, building trust, and creating an environment where people can thrive. The most impactful leaders are those who remain curious, open to learning, and willing to evolve. Growth is perpetual, and authenticity is a journey, not a destination. Worth reflecting on.

Leading with Purpose: Women Driving Innovation in Finance & Tech

Titles like "Global Data Power Woman" were just badges, recognition and visibility. But Priya’s perspective is so much deeper. For her, it’s about responsibility. About showing the next generation what’s possible and fueling real change, not just for women, but for the entire industry.

Priya shared how visibility has empowered others to believe in themselves and how her advocacy is more than words. It’s action. From mentoring women early in their careers to inspiring girls in STEM, she’s creating ripples of impact.

Resilience, she says, isn’t just bouncing back. It’s about evolving through storms and using setbacks as stepping stones. She’s proof that curiosity, intentional pivoting, and staying authentic are what create true leaders.

Her story reminds me that real leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about legacy, influence, and the courage to shape the future, one story at a time.

Maybe that’s the point.

Worth thinking about.

The secret to winning with data strategy in the age of AI? It’s all about movement, turning plans into real action.

I’ve seen so many organizations talk about data strategy, but very few actually live it. It’s not enough to have a roadmap or a shiny platform. Real transformation happens when strategy moves from ideas to behavior. It’s about fostering a culture where data isn’t just tech. It’s a leadership discipline and a long term capability. Trustworthy data, clear ownership, and safe experimentation are how leading organizations unlock AI’s full potential.

And here’s the key: success depends on aligning your data and AI initiatives directly to your core mission, whether that’s better patient care, personalized education, or faster decision making. When everyone understands how their work drives the big picture, momentum builds. It’s not perfect, but the organizations that focus on culture, clear governance, and a shared mission are the ones moving the fastest. Maybe that’s the point.

Bringing Heart to Data & AI: Why Humanity Matters More Than Ever

The truth behind every signal, there’s a human story .My guest, Kai Feng, a director in Data & AI Strategy, emphasizes that most failures in our work come from overlooking the human side, misunderstandings, lack of empathy, collaboration gaps. He believes data isn’t just about precision; it’s about connection, storytelling, and empathy.

One example really stuck with me: a project on product data quality. Instead of just telling a team to fix the data, Kai showed them the human effort behind their work. That simple act of empathy led to real change fewer hours wasted, better data, better outcomes.

It’s a reminder: technology is only as good as the human context we provide it. When we treat our colleagues and the people impacted by our work with empathy and humanity, that’s when data truly can drive meaningful change.Maybe that’s the point.Worth thinking about.

The future of work isn’t humans vs AI.it’s humans with AI.

What once felt like a threat is quickly becoming a partnership. AI is amplifying creativity, accelerating decision-making, and removing repetitive work. I’ve seen it firsthand,from streamlining clinical notes in healthcare to translating content across 80+ languages in minutes. These tools aren’t replacing us; they’re making us more effective.

But AI can only tell you what the data says,humans understand what it means. We bring nuance, empathy, and ethics. As AI handles routine tasks, our value shifts toward judgment, adaptability, and responsible leadership. The real question isn’t whether AI will change our jobs.It’s whether we’ll evolve with it. Those who embrace AI as a partner will thrive.