The top 30 AI leaders to follow in 2025

PEX Network is proud to present the top 30 AI leaders in PEX to follow in 2025.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, these thought leaders are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in automation, enterprise AI, digital transformation and operational excellence (OPEX). Representing diverse fields including technology, healthcare, finance and manufacturing, they are shaping the future of AI-powered business strategies.

The PEX Network team carefully selected individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in AI-driven process excellence. Criteria for selection included expertise, impact on their industry, thought leadership, published work and global influence. This list highlights a diverse range of professionals, from researchers and analysts to C-suite executives and pioneers in AI ethics and automation.

We’ve compiled the list in alphabetical order, highlighting why each individual is influential in OPEX, along with our pick of their top articles, interviews, podcasts and webinars. Click on a name to go to them directly or scroll through to read the full list.

Meet the AI visionaries who are leading the way in 2025!

Lee Bogner

Global chief generative AI strategic enterprise architect, Mars Inc.

Lee Bogner is a global leader in AI, eCommerce and digital strategy, serving as the global chief generative AI and eCommerce strategic enterprise architect at Mars. A PEX Network advisory board member and pioneer in generative AI and immersive experiences, he has launched over 70 ventures across global markets, spanning eCommerce, telemedicine and digital innovation. An inventor and patent holder, Bogner played a key role in AI-driven enterprise architecture and was instrumental in pioneering retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) generative AI solutions.

A faculty co-teacher at MIT and professor at Hofstra University, Bogner advises C-suite leaders on AI adoption, business transformation and enterprise architecture. With leadership roles at Accenture, J&J and GartnerRB, he has shaped AI strategies for Fortune 500 companies, guiding organizations through AI-driven disruption.

Our pick of Lee Bogner's content:

• Watch Bogner speaking at All Access: BPM 2024
• Find out what Lee Bogner is talking about on LinkedIn

Pascal Bornet

Award-winning AI and automation expert

Pascal Bornet is an award-winning AI and automation expert, globally recognized as a pioneer in intelligent automation and agentic AI. With over 20 years of experience at McKinsey and EY, he has led AI-driven transformations for hundreds of organizations worldwide.

As one of the top 10 global leaders in AI and automation, Pascal is at the forefront of agentic AI. His upcoming book, Agentic Intelligence (March 2025), explores how AI agents will shape the future of work and society.

Pascal is a strong advocate for human-centric AI, believing AI should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He delivers over 100 keynotes per year and contributes thought leadership to Forbes, Bloomberg, McKinsey Quarterly and the World Economic Forum (WEF). His previous best-selling books Intelligent Automation and Irreplaceable provide a practical framework for thriving in the AI-driven era.

• Find out what Pascal Bornet is talking about on LinkedIn

Micheline Casey

SVP and chief data and analytics officer, Siemens Energy

Micheline Casey is the chief data and analytics officer at Siemens Energy. With 20+ years of experience leading AI-driven innovation for Fortune 500 companies across the US, Europe and Asia, she specializes in aligning AI strategy with business execution to unlock new revenue models and operational efficiencies.

Her expertise spans energy, automotive, finance, healthcare, logistics and government, with previous leadership roles at Maersk, Ford and the US Federal Reserve Board. She is a Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and Forbes Technology Council member and a sought-after global speaker on data monetization, AI strategy and digital innovation. A dedicated mentor and TEDx organizer, Micheline is shaping the future of AI-driven business transformation.

• Find out what Micheline Casey is talking about on LinkedIn

Ginevra Castellano

Professor of intelligent interactive systems, Uppsala University

Ginevra Castellano is a leading expert in social robotics, AI ethics and human-robot interaction, with a focus on trust, transparency and fairness in AI-driven robotic systems. She is a professor of intelligent interactive systems at Uppsala University, where she leads the Uppsala Social Robotics Lab.

Her research explores how robots can form relationships with humans, with applications in education, mental health and cyber security. She has led multiple international projects, including MICRO (AI-powered social robots for children's mental health) and CYBERBOT (Large Language Model-powered robots for cybersecurity applications).

As a keynote speaker, she actively contributes to discussions on AI responsibility, human oversight and the ethical implications of robot autonomy. Ginevra has served as general chair for HRI 2023 and is a senior associate editor for ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. Her work has earned prestigious awards, including the 10-Year Technical Impact Award at ACM ICMI 2019.

• Find out what Ginevra Castellano is talking about on LinkedIn

Craig Le Clair

VP and principal analyst, Forrester Research

Craig Le Clair has held the position of vice-president and principal analyst at Forrester for over 18 years and has been at the forefront of defining emerging AI technologies, from robotic process automation (RPA) to the rise of agentic AI. “Around 2015, I became one of the first analysts to define the emerging RPA market,” he told PEX Network. His work on digital workers led to his acclaimed book Invisible Robots in the Quiet of the Night and shaped his expertise in AI agents, now a core driver of digital transformation.

While a strong advocate for AI's potential, Le Clair also warns against unchecked adoption. “I’m very concerned that the rush to AI is not being thought through,” he shared. His upcoming book, Random Acts of Automation (February 2025), explores the unintended consequences of rapid AI adoption, including its disruption to work and mental wellbeing. He offers a practical guide for workers to navigate this seismic shift, ensuring AI is leveraged responsibly and strategically.

• Find out what Craig Le Clair is talking about on LinkedIn.

Richard Dasselaar

Digital transformation and strategy leader, Modern Dental Group

Richard Dasselaar is a global leader in digital health transformation, specializing in AI-driven healthcare solutions, value-based care and medical innovation. As chair of the AI in Cardiology Working Group, he pioneers the integration of AI and generative AI in diagnostics, predictive analytics and preventative healthcare.

His expertise spans health policy, EU AI regulations, medical AI, insurance and investment strategy, working with governments, multinationals and startups to shape the future of healthcare. With a Ph.D. in value-based healthcare, Richard’s mission is to elevate patient care through AI-driven, outcome-based models, particularly for underserved populations.

Driven by a personal connection to cardiovascular health, he champions AI-driven ECG technology to detect heart conditions earlier and more accurately.

• Find out what Richard Dasselaar is talking about on LinkedIn.

Rami Deeb

Senior field marketing manager, Rossum

Rami Deeb is a B2B SaaS marketing expert, specializing in AI-powered demand generation, revenue acceleration and brand strategy. Passionate about the intersection of AI, automation and marketing, Rami ensures businesses stay ahead in competitive SaaS markets by embracing cutting-edge AI technologies.

Speaking to PEX Network about staying at the forefront of AI innovation, Rami emphasized that true progress comes from solving real, high-impact problems rather than chasing trends. “Our north star has always been to listen to our customers and realize that vision with what technology can do,” he shared. At Rossum, he champions an innovation strategy rooted in real-world applications, pioneering instant learning for 276+ languages and developing AI agents that reason and act rather than simply process. “The future of AI is about augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that AI should empower businesses by reducing friction and unlocking new opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey into AI, Rami highlighted his passion for technology’s transformative power. “AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about unlocking new possibilities,” he told PEX Network, recalling how inefficiencies in business processes inspired his focus on digital transformation. 

• Find out what Rami Deeb is talking about on LinkedIn

Holly Foxcroft

Senior cyber security practitioner and head of neurodiversity consulting, Stott and May Consulting

Holly Foxcroft is a responsible AI governor for the UK, leading efforts to ensure the ethical integration of AI in cyber security and digital transformation. As part of the Global Council for Responsible AI, she advocates for AI frameworks that prioritize security, transparency and accountability. With over a decade of experience, Foxcroft specializes in AI-driven cyber security solutions, AI risk management and ethical AI adoption. A sought-after international speaker, she drives conversations on AI ethics, bias mitigation and the role of AI in cyber crime prevention.

Speaking to PEX Network, Foxcroft highlighted her fascination with the intersection of social sciences, business and cyber security. “Deepening my knowledge of how AI affects these areas has been key to shaping a positive, human-centered and responsible relationship with AI,” she explained. Her approach ensures AI serves as a force for good, balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility. Foxcroft also shared concerns about the risks AI introduces to businesses, particularly “shadow AI” attacks. “Employees using AI without their organization knowing will see a rise in shadow AI attacks,” she warned. Adversaries will exploit AI to launch sophisticated cyber threats. To stay ahead, she advocates for cross-industry collaboration. “Leaning into industry leaders helps with research and development to ensure responsible AI practices,” she stated, urging organizations to integrate AI into cyber risk quantification, reinforcing security and resilience.

• Find out what Holly Foxcroft is talking about on LinkedIn

David Glick

SVP of enterprise business services, Walmart

As senior vice-president of enterprise business services at Walmart, David Glick spearheads technological innovations that enhance both employee and customer experiences. His leadership encompasses finance technology, people technology, payments, trust and the associate digital experience. Under his guidance, Walmart has implemented AI-driven solutions such as intelligent truck-loading systems and QR code-based inventory management, streamlining operations and boosting productivity. Reflecting on Walmart's AI journey, Glick noted: “Generative AI efforts at Walmart last year centered around discovery... But this year it’s all about execution.”

Before joining Walmart, Glick served as CTO at Flexe, where he developed on-demand warehousing solutions. His two-decade tenure at Amazon saw him building foundational technologies, including the company’s original automated pricing system and various transportation systems like Amazon Flex.

Speaking with PEX Network, Glick spoke about Walmart's exciting AI initiatives: “Technology has a significant role in our business and is changing how many of our associates operate in their day-to-day roles. One project we’ve worked on throughout the past year is My Assistant. This is our in-house tool that allows for safe access to internal and external generative AI models. We’re seeing momentum accelerate across the company as we roll out new features and integrate My Assistant into daily work life for those in corporate functions, merchandising and operations at Walmart.”

• Find out what David Glick is talking about on LinkedIn

Daniel Hulme

Chief AI officer, WPP

Daniel Hulme is a globally recognized expert in AI and a leading investor in emerging technologies. As CEO of Satalia, he now serves as WPP’s chief AI officer and has been named one of the top ten chief AI officers globally. He also founded Conscium, the first commercial research organization dedicated to understanding machine consciousness.

With over 25 years in AI academic research, Hulme holds a PhD from UCL, where he is now computer science entrepreneur-in-residence. He previously led UCL’s Applied AI Masters Programme and serves as an impact board member at St Andrew’s University, focusing on AI’s role in business and social impact. A sought-after keynote speaker and faculty member at Singularity University, he advises global organizations on AI, ethics and innovation. Passionate about AI-driven governance and entrepreneurship, Daniel contributes to books, podcasts and research, advocating for technology that empowers innovation and benefits society.

Speaking with PEX Network, Hulme said: “Everyone has become an AI expert over the past three years. If you really want to build or utilize differentiated AI solutions, then make sure you're engaging with genuine AI experts – those who can prove have been implementing AI solutions into production for the past few decades.”

• Find out what Daniel Hulme is talking about on LinkedIn

Cassie Kozyrkov

CEO, Kozyr

Cassie Kozyrkov is a leading AI and decision intelligence expert, best known as Google’s first chief decision scientist. Now CEO of Data Scientific, she advises top organizations, including Lenovo, NASA and Gucci, on AI-driven decision-making. With over a decade at Google, she trained 20,000+ Googlers and guided 500+ AI projects, shaping the way businesses integrate AI for strategic advantage.

A LinkedIn Top Voice for five years and the number one AI writer on Medium for seven, Kozyrkov is a widely followed thought leader with over half a million tech professionals engaging with her insights. Her writing and keynotes blend humor and expertise, making complex AI topics accessible. Whether through speaking engagements or advisory roles, she continues to demystify AI and empower organizations to harness its potential responsibly.

• Find out what Casssie Kozyrkov is talking about on LinkedIn

Fei-Fei Li

Cofounder and CEO, World Labs

Fei-Fei Li, often hailed as the “godmother of AI,” is a pioneering figure in AI, renowned for her contributions to computer vision and human-centered AI. As the Sequoia Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University and co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute, she emphasizes the importance of aligning AI advancements with human values. Reflecting on her work, Li shares: “My students and I are passionate about AI research! We work on machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics, computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, AI+healthcare.”

In 2024, Li co-founded World Labs, a startup dedicated to developing AI technologies capable of understanding the three-dimensional physical world. The company raised $230 million in funding, aiming to revolutionize spatial intelligence in AI. Balancing her entrepreneurial endeavors with academia, she continues to inspire the next generation of AI researchers and practitioners.

• Find out what Fei-Fei Li is talking about on LinkedIn

Maria Luciana

AI executive and advisor 

Maria Luciana is PwC’s first head of AI public policy and ethics and spearheads efforts to integrate ethical considerations into AI governance, foster industry partnerships and drive engagement in critical policy discussions. Previously, as PwC’s responsible AI lead, she played a pivotal role in embedding ethical AI frameworks within the UK firm and its clients, collaborating with policymakers, researchers and industry experts to shape the responsible AI narrative.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Luciana is a passionate advocate for AI safety, human-centric AI and the protection of children in AI development. As a sought-after speaker, AI executive and advisor, she continues to influence the evolving landscape of AI ethics. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, she actively shares insights on AI governance, ethical AI adoption and the future of responsible technology.

• Find out what Maria Luciana is talking about on LinkedIn

Irene Lyakovetsky

Founder and principle, SaugaTalks

Irene Lyakovetsky is a tech marketing strategist and the founder of SaugaTalks, a podcast dedicated to exploring AI adoption, intelligent automation and digital transformation. With 20+ years in the industry, she has built a platform where global tech leaders share insights on emerging trends, making complex innovations accessible to business leaders and tech enthusiasts alike.

Through influencer marketing and podcast-style cornerstone content, she helps brands amplify their voices and connect with forward-thinking audiences. Irene believes that “technology storytelling is key to driving real impact.”

Our pick of Irene Lyakovetsky's content:

• Click here to explore the SaugaTalks podcast
• Find out what Irene Lyakovetsky is talking about on LinkedIn

Bernard Marr

Best-selling author and keynote speaker

Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, renowned keynote speaker, futurist and trusted advisor to governments and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise lies in helping organizations harness AI, big data, blockchain and internet of things (IoT) to drive digital transformation and improve business performance.

Ranked by LinkedIn as one of the world’s top five business influencers, Marr actively engages with over 1.5 million social media followers and regularly contributes to the WEF and Forbes. His insights guide leading companies, including Microsoft, IBM, Walmart and HSBC, through the evolving AI landscape.

Marr has authored 15 books, including Data Strategy and Big Data in Practice, with his work translated into over 20 languages. He believes that “understanding AI is no longer optional – it’s a necessity for any business leader navigating the future.”

Our pick of Bernard Marr's content:

• Newsletter: AI & Future Tech Trends
• Article: AI everywhere – Scaling AI in the cloud with Intel® Xeon®6
• Find out what Bernard Marr is talking about on LinkedIn

Allie K. Miller

Fortune 500 AI advisor 

Allie K. Miller is one of the most influential voices in AI business, with a following of over 1.5 million professionals and a mission to demystify AI for enterprises and startups alike. As the former Global head of machine learning business development for startups at Amazon (AWS) and an AI leader at IBM, she has helped shape AI adoption across industries, advising top researchers, founders and Fortune 500 executives. She is also an angel investor, speaker and AI policy advisor, known for her practical, hands-on approach to scaling AI-driven businesses.

Named LinkedIn’s Top Voice for AI and Technology multiple times, Miller is a thought leader in AI strategy, governance and implementation. She has authored AI playbooks, educated thousands through her AI-First course and advised policymakers on the ethical deployment of AI. Recognized as an AI Innovator of the Year and one of the top AI influencers globally, she continues to champion responsible AI and drive its practical applications for organizations worldwide.

Our pick of Allie K. Miller's content:

• Article: How to use Claude Computer to build an AI agent for non-engineers
• Article: How to accelerate your career in the AI age
• Find out what Allie K. Miller is talking about on LinkedIn

Ramnath Natarajan

Director of intelligent automation and enterprise integration, Johnson Controls

With 20 years of expertise in AI, machine learning and intelligent automation, Ramnath Natarajan is a leading force in digital transformation. As director of intelligent automation at Johnson Controls, he leads a team of over 100 engineers, driving AI-powered solutions for operational efficiency and sustainability. “My journey into AI and intelligent automation was driven by a deep fascination with technology’s ability to transform businesses,” he told PEX Network, emphasizing the need for innovation beyond just technology implementation.

At Johnson Controls, Natarajan is at the forefront of agentic AI, leveraging over 250 automations to enhance operations. “Generative AI advancements have seamlessly paved the way for us to get into agentic AI, and we’re excited about this journey,” he shared. While he acknowledges concerns around bias, ethics and job displacement, he remains committed to responsible AI adoption, transparency and governance. Natarajan is a trusted PEX Network advisory board member.

Our pick of Ramnath Natarajan's content:

• Newsletter: AI & IA: Art of the possible
• Find out what Ramnath Natarajan is talking about on LinkedIn

Lisa Palmer

AI startup founder and CEO

Lisa Palmer is a leading AI strategist, startup founder and advisor helping boards, C-suites and innovators harness AI for business growth. As CEO of Dr. Lisa AI, she specializes in guiding organizations through AI-driven digital transformation, ensuring they maximize ROI while mitigating risks.

With a doctorate in AI and an extensive career spanning Microsoft, Gartner and academia, Palmer’s unique cross-disciplinary expertise allows her to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. She describes her superpower as “helping executives envision and surface business value from AI investments.”

Her experience includes roles as CIO, enterprise software leader, technology field executive and university professor, where she teaches AI applications in marketing, finance and ethics. A passionate advocate for responsible AI adoption, she frequently speaks on topics such as generative AI, AI governance and enterprise transformation.

• Find out what Lisa Palmer is talking about on LinkedIn

Nathaniel Palmer

CEO, Infocap

Nathaniel Palmer, CEO of Infocap, has led over $3.5 billion in R&D initiatives, shaping AI and automation strategies across government and private sectors. As co-founder of an Inc. 500 consultancy – later acquired by a $1 billion contractor – he helped drive AI-powered process automation for agencies like the US Navy, GSA and FDA.

A best-selling author of 15 books, including the AI bestseller Gigarends, Palmer is recognized as the “#1 Most Influential Thought Leader in BPM.” His groundbreaking work in AI has earned awards like the Marvin L. Manheim Award and Innovation Pulse Award for his pioneering work in intelligent automation. 

• Find out what Nathaniel Palmer is talking about on LinkedIn

Raja Rajamannar

Chief marketing and communications officer/founding president of the healthcare business, Mastercard

Raja Rajamannar is a globally recognized marketing and business transformation leader, currently serving as chief marketing and communications officer and founding president of the healthcare business at Mastercard. With a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies across financial services, consumer goods and healthcare – including Unilever, Citigroup, Anthem and Mastercard – Rajamannar has driven groundbreaking innovation in AI-driven marketing, brand strategy and customer engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating highly regulated industries, implementing data-driven marketing strategies and leveraging AI to enhance personalization and business growth.

An award-winning industry pioneer, Rajamannar has been named WFA Global Marketer of the Year and ranked among Forbes' Top 5 Most Influential CMOs. He is also the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Quantum Marketing, a visionary playbook for the future of AI-powered marketing. Beyond his corporate leadership, he serves on multiple boards, including PPL Corp and ANA, shaping the future of ethical and responsible AI in business.

Our pick of Raja Rajamannar's content:

• Newsletter: Marketing Sense
• Find out what Raja Rajamannar is talking about on LinkedIn

Noelle Russell

CEO, AI Leadership Institute 

Noelle Russell is a multi-award-winning AI executive, speaker and author dedicated to transforming businesses through strategic AI adoption. As the founder of the AI Leadership Institute and the I ❤️ AI community, she is a passionate advocate for AI literacy and responsible AI practices. With leadership experience at NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS and Amazon Alexa, Noelle has played a pivotal role in advancing AI-driven innovation across industries. She specializes in revenue growth and cost optimization through AI and has been recognized as a Top 25 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, a 4x Microsoft Responsible AI MVP and a Top 25 Global Thought Leader in Artificial Intelligence by Thinkers360.

A champion for democratizing AI, Noelle highlights the transformative power of agentic AI, stating, “agentic AI’s biggest advantage is its ability to autonomously execute complex workflows while adapting to diverse human needs, reducing technical barriers and creating more inclusive systems that empower both technical and non-technical stakeholders.” She believes that AI should serve everyone and works tirelessly to bridge the gap between cutting-edge capabilities and practical business applications. Most recently, she was awarded the AI and Cyber Leadership Award from DCALive.

Our pick of Noelle Russel's content:

• Newsletter: AI Leadership Journal 
• Find out what Noelle Russel is talking about on LinkedIn

Doug Shannon

Global intelligent automation and generative AI leader

Doug Shannon is a leader in IT automation and digital transformation with over two decades of experience. He integrates AI and leadership principles to build autonomous enterprises, helping organizations adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.

Speaking to PEX Network, Shannon emphasized balancing AI with human expertise. “The shift is from human-in-the-loop to human-on-the-loop – AI leads execution, but humans remain the architects of strategy and oversight,” he explained. On AI integration, he noted, “AI is only as good as the structure behind it. Without clear data frameworks, it’s just noise. The key is making AI outputs truly business-ready.”

A PEX Network advisory board member and recognized thought leader, Shannon has been ranked among the Top 50 Intelligent Automation Leaders and is a two-time Top 25 Thought Leaders award recipient. As co-host of InsightAI and a council member of VOCAL and Theia Institute, he continues to shape AI and automation. He stresses AI success relies on alignment, clarity and transparency (ACT): “Align AI to real goals, bring clarity to vague discussions and demand transparency in an industry that often works behind closed doors.”

Our picks of Doug Shannon's content:

• Article: What if the [Stargate Project] is the beginning of sovereign AI?
• Article: Navigating the future: The autonomous enterprise
• Newsletter: Brewing Insights!
• Find out what Doug Shannon is talking about on LinkedIn

Vinod Srinivasa

Assistant VP of OPEX, America's leading multinational bank

Vinod Srinivasa serves as assistant vice-president of operational excellence at America's leading multinational bank, bringing 15 years of global experience across financial services, engineering and manufacturing sectors. His expertise lies in strategizing and deploying quality, environmental health and safety (EHS), business excellence and OPEX initiatives. Srinivasa’s efforts in digitalization and process optimization have significantly enhanced productivity and decision-making within the organizations he has served.

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and RV College of Engineering, Srinivasa has extensive experience in corporate transformation and multi-disciplinary project management.

• Watch Srinivasa speaking at PEX Network's All Access: Future of BPM
• Find out what Vinod Srinivasa is talking about on LinkedIn

Jeff Winter

VP of business strategy, Critical Manufacturing

Jeff Winter is the vice-president of business strategy for Critical Manufacturing. With over 137,000 LinkedIn followers and more than 70 million content views, Winter has cemented himself as a leading voice in AI and digital transformation. Recognized over 25 times as a top thought leader in his industry, he is a passionate advocate for AI’s role in reshaping business operations. “AI isn’t just another technology – it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, make decisions and create value,” he told PEX Network. His journey began with solving data challenges in manufacturing, and today, he helps organizations integrate AI as a core enabler of intelligent transformation.

Beyond AI’s potential, Winter is also vocal about its risks, particularly its role in misinformation. “I don’t fear AI itself – I fear how it can be used to manipulate perceptions and distort reality,” he explained. He warns that the greatest danger isn’t AI making mistakes but rather how people use it to control narratives and erode trust.

Our pick of Jeff Winter's content:

• Is industry 4.0 a scam?
• Find out what Jeff Winter is talking about on LinkedIn

Santhosh Vijayabaskar

Global thought leader in AI, automation and process excellence

Santhosh Vijayabaskar is a distinguished thought leader in intelligent automation, AI-driven transformation and process excellence. As the director of intelligent automation and process re-engineering at a leading financial services firm, he spearheads large-scale digital transformation initiatives that bridge emerging technology with real-world business outcomes.

Recognized among the top 50 technology mentors in the U.S, PEX Network advisory board member and Forbes Technology Council member, he actively collaborates with industry leaders and global organizations to empower professionals in the evolving technology landscape through mentorship and coaching.

Speaking to PEX Network on AI innovation, Vijayabaskar shared: “When it comes to staying ahead in AI Innovation, I balance solving for now and preparing for next. Use cases keep today’s work grounded. Testing ideas against real-world problems separates hype from value — even theoretical breakthroughs need a bridge to tangible outcomes. My priority is enabling teams to iterate faster with tools that deliver progress, even if they’re less flashy.” His focus remains on practical AI applications that drive measurable success.

Our pick of Santhosh Vijayabaskar's content:

• Newsletter: Learn, Share & Grow
• Find out what Santhosh Vijayabaskar is talking about on LinkedIn

Andra Vaduva

Founder, SafeSpace.tools

Andra Vaduva is a dynamic leader in the AI landscape, committed to integrating empathy and human-centric design into technological solutions. As the founder of SafeSpace.tools, she empowers high-achievers in scaleups and Fortune 500 companies to harness AI through agentic systems and optimized workflows. Vaduva’s mission is clear: “I help scaleups and Fortune 500 companies succeed in the AI era with targeted AI solutions and efficient workflows.”

Beyond her work at SafeSpace.tools, Vaduva established Mental Gym, a platform designed to fortify mental resilience and AI proficiency among leaders. She emphasizes the importance of mental agility in the AI era, stating, “Just like a physical gym strengthens your body, our Mental Gym trains your mind.” A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Vaduva’s background includes a Master's in statistics, an Executive Program in Building Innovative Solutions from MIT and experience with organizations like Reforge and LinkedIn. Her multi-faceted expertise positions her at the forefront of AI innovation and leadership development.

• Find out what Andra Vaduva is talking about on LinkedIn

Andreas Welsch

Founder and chief AI strategist, Intelligence Briefing

Andreas Welsch is a globally recognized AI strategy advisor, author and educator with over two decades of experience in AI and enterprise technology. As the author of The AI Leadership Handbook and an instructor of popular AI and agentic AI courses on LinkedIn Learning, he has helped Fortune 500 companies navigate the evolving AI landscape. Previously, Welsch spent 23 years in senior leadership roles at SAP, where he played a pivotal role in driving AI innovation. Today, he continues to shape the conversation around AI’s impact on business through his podcast, What’s the BUZZ? – AI in Business and as an adjunct professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Speaking with PEX Network, Welsch said that “despite leaders asking for AI transformation, what they often mean is business transformation with AI being an enabler. Humans remain critical in this transformation towards a hybrid workforce of people and AI.”

Welsch advocates for a balanced approach to automation, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise. “Human expertise, thinking and reflection are critical to developing meaningful thought leadership,” he explains. While AI accelerates content creation, allowing him to turn a podcast episode into an article and multiple social posts in mere minutes, he stresses the importance of oversight: “Ensuring the repurposed content is accurate is a major part of the AI-driven workflow.” 

Our pick of Andreas Welsch's content:

• Article: Product-focused teams: The secret behind succesful generative AI projects
• Watch Welsch speaking at All Access: OPEX 2024
• Find out what Andreas Welsch is talking about on LinkedIn

Azadeh Williams

MD, AZK Media

Azadeh Williams is an award-winning PR and marketing leader specializing in AI, data and enterprise technology. As founder of AZK Media, she drives global marketing and PR strategies for B2B tech firms. A 2024 Mumbrella PR Professional of the Year and Forbes Council member, she has led campaigns across AI, martech, fintech and CX industries.

Speaking to PEX Network, Williams emphasized AI’s impact. "AI is transforming everything — from social interactions to business and art," she said. She stressed the need for education and ethical awareness: "While innovation outpaces regulation, we must identify AI’s risks and challenges."

A former media lecturer and solicitor, Williams has authored over 6,000 articles for The Times (UK), Reuters and IDG. In 2023, she joined the Global AI Ethics Institute, advising on media strategy. Passionate about AI and communications, she continues to shape global discussions on responsible AI adoption.

Our pick of Azadeh Williams' content:

• Watch an interview about cyber security 
• Find out what Azadeh Williams is talking about on LinkedIn

Lisa Williams

Senior director, operations talent strategy and employee experience, Dow

Lisa Williams, senior director of operations talent strategy and employee experience at Dow, leads the development of global talent strategies and operational improvements for both employees and contract labor. Her approach integrates AI to enhance talent acquisition and employee engagement, reflecting her belief that “inclusion and diversity will unlock the next wave of employee elevation and innovation in our ever-changing global society.”

With over two decades at Dow, Williams has held various leadership roles across engineering, supply chain and procurement. In 2021, she spearheaded a new contract labor strategy and governance system for over 30,000 contract workers, emphasizing the importance of investing in people to achieve sustainable results.

Our pick of Lisa Williams' content:

• Watch Williams speaking at All Access: Digital Transformation in HR
• Find out what Lisa Williams is talking about on LinkedIn

Helen Yu

CEO, Tigon Advisory

Helen Yu is the CEO of Tigon Advisory and advises organizations on AI-driven innovation, cyber security risk management and go-to-market strategies.

Helen has collaborated with global enterprises like SAP, Intel, Microsoft and IBM, as well as FinTech, InsureTech and SaaS startups. She is an MIT Sloan-certified cyber security expert, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author and a board director, shaping industry strategy at the highest levels.

Speaking to PEX Network, Helen said: "While the potential of AI is exciting, I do have concerns about its ethical implications, especially regarding bias and its impact on employment. I believe it’s critical to use AI responsibly and ensure that it fosters inclusion, transparency and fairness. True progress comes when technology uplifts humanity and we must ensure that AI’s growth benefits everyone, particularly those who are often left behind."

As the host of the CXO Spice podcast, Helen amplifies discussions on AI, cybersecurity and customer experience, bringing insights from top technology executives. She is also a passionate advocate for diversity in tech leadership, mentoring the next generation of innovators.

Our pick of Helen Yu's content:

• Newsletter: CXO Spice
• Find out what Helen Yu is talking about on LinkedIn