Women leaders are becoming central to driving success in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, especially in the cutting-edge realm of AI where forward-thinking and innovation reign supreme. At the forefront of this movement is Meriam Bessa, the visionary Founder of L'Atelier Digital and Phoenix AI. With a robust academic background, including a Bachelor's and Master's in Marketing and Advertising, along with certifications in AI, Meriam exemplifies leadership and expertise. Her remarkable achievements include creating Miss AI 2024, honored at the World AI Creator Awards, and being recognized in the Visa She Is Next 2022 Moroccan Edition. Growing up in Morocco with a supportive family, and further shaped by her international education and tennis career, Meriam's journey reflects a blend of empathy, perseverance, and a relentless drive for innovation in technology and digital marketing. Let’s read on.

What inspired you to create L'Atelier Digital? Share the concept that sparked the venture and highlight its core areas of expertise. & what about Phoenix AI?

L'Atelier Digital was founded with the vision of creating a leading digital marketing agency that blends creative strategies with data-driven insights to meet the evolving needs of brands. Specializing in digital strategy, content creation, media management, and influencer marketing, we focus on driving meaningful brand engagement and measurable outcomes. Phoenix AI was later established to revolutionize digital interactions by developing AI META HUMANS—advanced avatars designed to provide personalized, engaging experiences. These avatars, capable of adapting to user preferences and interacting naturally in multiple languages, are setting new standards in AI, transforming the way brands connect with their audiences.

What are the main roles & responsibilities you take on as the Founder of L'Atelier Digital? What are your key focus areas when it comes to driving the company's growth? And how do these compare to your priorities at Phoenix AI?

As the Founder of L'Atelier Digital, I am tasked with defining the agency's strategic direction, managing critical client relationships, and overseeing the delivery of innovative digital marketing solutions. My key responsibilities involve developing new service offerings, growing our client base, and fostering a culture of excellence and creativity within the team.

"My Success Mantra Involves Embracing Ongoing Innovation, Prioritizing Customer Needs, And Fostering A Collaborative, Creative Team Environment"

In my role as CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix AI, I lead our efforts in advancing AI AVATARS and AI META HUMANS in the MEA region. Phoenix AI represents a major leap in AI technology, creating dynamic, human-like avatars designed to engage and empower users. A notable achievement is the creation of Miss AI 2024, an award-winning AI character recognized for her exceptional realism and technological prowess. My focus includes steering the development of our AI models, forming strategic partnerships, and driving continuous innovation to ensure our solutions remain at the forefront of the AI industry.

A business leader's path is filled with obstacles. Can you shed light on the significant challenges you face in your current role & how you navigate these hurdles?

A significant challenge we face is equipping our team with the skills to effectively utilize and comprehend AI technologies. We needed to grasp AI concepts and learn to automate processes without relying on coding. To tackle this, I undertook advanced studies at Columbia Business School and MIT Executive Masters, ensuring I remain updated with the latest AI advancements. Moreover, it has been essential to cultivate a culture of ongoing learning and adaptability within our team. This approach not only helps us stay ahead of technological changes but also fosters resilience and drives our overall success in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

In your view, what are the most significant achievements you've attained in your professional career? What guiding principles or ‘success mantra’ have you followed as a leader?

One of my top achievements is winning the Miss AI 2024 award for the best AI bots globally, recognized for their technology and realism. This accolade highlights our dedication to innovation and excellence. My success mantra involves embracing ongoing innovation, prioritizing customer needs, and fostering a collaborative, creative team environment. Staying agile and committed to continuous improvement has been crucial for achieving and maintaining success.

How do you anticipate the global AI landscape will develop in the coming years? What potential impacts could AI have on digital marketing strategies?

The global AI landscape is poised for swift progress, with advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and automation opening up new possibilities. AI is expected to significantly reshape digital marketing by facilitating more personalized and dynamic interactions with consumers. By harnessing AI for advanced data analysis, precise customer segmentation, and content creation, marketing strategies will become more effective and influential. AI’s capabilities in delivering deeper insights and predictive analytics will transform how brands engage with their audiences, driving enhanced results and redefining marketing approaches in the digital era.

Meriam Bessa, Founder, L'atelier Digital & Phoenix AI

Meriam Bessa, Founder of L'Atelier Digital and Phoenix AI, is a pioneer in AI technology and digital marketing. With groundbreaking achievements like the Miss AI 2024 award, she leads innovations in personalized AI Avatars for brands.