AlpnaJ Doshi is a seasoned leader, currently holding the position of CEO and Board Chairwoman at Stralynn Consulting Services, Inc. Alpna brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned veteran in the Public and Private Equity industry, with past roles that include Board and C Suite MNCs and being an Operating Partner and Chief Digitization Officer at one of the world’s largest PE firms, Thoma Bravo in several of the Portfolio companies. Alpna also worked with Royal Philips as Global CIO, Netherlands and Reliance Group a CIO while residing in India. Alpna’s career over 30 years has also included stints at Verizon, Deloitte & Touche Management Consulting and Telcordia Technologies as well making her well rounded from global and diverse industry standpoint.

In a recent conversation with the Global Woman Leader Magazine, Alpna discusses about Artificial Intelligence (AI) with regards to quantum leaps with a mention of female-led teams. She also spoke about AI adoption and the importance of DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on board, of any organisation. Read out the article to know more.

In a landscape where AI is reshaping industries, how can organizations measure the quantum leap in innovation driven specifically by diverse teams, particularly those led by women?

Diversity has always been essential for innovation. It's not just about gender but also diversity of thought, perspectives, and ideas, which drive progress. AI's true potential is unlocked by teams that reflect the diverse world they aim to transform. We've seen AI deliver quantum leaps—advancements we once thought belonged only in movies are now real.

I worked in AI nearly 20 years ago, when it was more research-oriented. Its rapid rise today is a result of diverse minds working together. Women, known for their ability to think in multifaceted ways and excel at multitasking, mirror the way AI processes vast amounts of information. In fact, the concept of a "quantum leap" aligns perfectly with how women contribute to innovation. By bringing together male, female, and transgender perspectives, we can create synergy and push the boundaries of technological advancement.

How can the inherent unpredictability of AI and its outcomes be harnessed by women leaders to create dynamic business models that challenge the status quo in their industries?

Unpredictability has always been a part of my experience, often linked with unstructuredness. I see it as a secret weapon for innovation. Women leaders can transform AI's uncertainty into revolutionary, disruptive business models. When you follow a blueprint, with clear inputs and outputs, it's more like traditional, structured growth. But true disruption comes from embracing the unknown and turning unpredictability into multiple outcomes.

I compare this to a goddess with many arms—like Durga—able to foresee and manage various possibilities. Women naturally align with this unpredictability because they often navigate unstructured challenges in their personal and professional lives. Whether raising children or supporting families, they build resilience. I've seen this adaptability in both large and small organizations, and now, in my own entrepreneurial journey. I don't know what the next three days or three months will look like, and that uncertainty keeps my mind active and open to new ideas.

A young Gen Z introduced me to the term "FIO"—figure it out—and it resonates with the energy and excitement unpredictability brings. Harnessing AI in such a dynamic world offers bold new opportunities and encourages adaptive strategies, especially those that challenge the status quo. This is how we move the needle.

How can women in tech reshape the power dynamics within organizations during the adoption of AI tools?

AI adoption isn't just about technology—it’s about transformation. It requires visionaries who dream and use the logic behind software and AI to turn those dreams into reality. Women in tech are at the forefront, reshaping organizational dynamics and ensuring that their voices are part of the process from ideation to execution, not treated as an afterthought.

Just like a neural network, AI draws on vast databases of patterns, continually enriched with new inputs. Generative AI contextualizes these patterns to provide relevant responses, enhancing decision-making. AI isn’t just reshaping power dynamics—it’s foundational to that change. Even before AI emerged, women leaders were shifting these dynamics despite persistent barriers like the glass ceiling.

With AI, gender need not be at the forefront. It enables leaders to work behind the scenes, driving groundbreaking initiatives and transformational ideas. Inclusive innovation starts with a decision to adopt AI, and for women, this presents a unique advantage. Through my experience in diverse situations, I’ve focused less on overcoming challenges as a woman and more on solving problems effectively. With AI, this problem-solving becomes faster, more agile, and more impactful.

How can women in technology redefine the narrative around disruption—transforming it from a fear-driven response to an opportunity for growth and innovation, particularly in the context of AI adoption?

Many people fear that AI will take away jobs, control the world, or even challenge humanity itself. While AI has disruptive potential, the key is recognizing that disruption isn't a threat—it’s an opportunity. If humans created AI, we must be smarter than it. Beyond databases, logic, and contextual learning, human beings possess unique qualities, such as creativity and emotional intelligence, that allow us to navigate disruption effectively.

Instead of fearing technological change, we should see it as a platform for solving previously unsolved problems—whether in space, the ocean, or other frontiers. The human brain is designed to tackle new challenges, and with AI, we can pursue breakthroughs in science, environmental exploration, and innovation. This is especially crucial with diverse perspectives—such as those of women—driving the governance of AI and shaping its evolution.

AI governance is a pressing, unsolved issue, but transforming fear-driven narratives into engines of innovation will be essential. We need to think beyond the confines of traditional corporate mindsets and adopt visionary approaches. For women especially, it’s important not only to voice ideas but also to implement them through AI, regardless of geographical limitations—whether in Delhi, Bangalore, or Nashville.

Personally, I took the leap from Silicon Valley to Tennessee, despite the challenges of moving to a new state with no family support. Originating from India, I’ve taken on jobs, education, and new experiences. Women are incredibly strong and resilient, but to unlock their full potential, they must overcome emotional barriers, much like taming AI to achieve bigger dreams. Transformation lies in redefining disruption—dream big and make it happen.

What radical advocacy approaches could women in technology adopt to ensure that ethical considerations in AI development are prioritized?

AI has been unwrapped, but there is still insufficient governance around its use. Issues such as data copying, unauthorized data usage, and unethical practices like using AI to cheat in exams are increasingly common. Proper regulations are essential to prevent misuse.

Women in technology can be powerful advocates in this space. By nature, they often prioritize doing the right thing, and if they champion diverse voices in AI development, adoption, and governance, it will create stronger, more inclusive frameworks. Radical advocacy and focused campaigning are necessary to ensure fairness in AI.

Women in tech are already driving inclusive practices like DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on boards, and the introduction of AI provides another critical opportunity to balance fairness with innovation. For example, AI can replicate a musician’s work, or replace jobs, as seen with the recent Hollywood strikes. However, with proper education, individuals can enhance their own work through AI rather than fear job loss. Governance and ethical regulations around AI are crucial, and this is a prime opportunity for women to step into leadership roles and drive responsible AI practices forward.

In what ways can women in technology be catalysts for *cultural transformation* in their organizations, using AI to challenge existing norms and create more equitable workplaces?

AI is a tool, but cultural transformation comes from using it effectively. While AI helps break down barriers and create opportunities, building equitable workplaces requires diverse voices leveraging the tool. In the AI evolution journey, we can act as catalysts for reshaping how we work and lead.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged traditional 9-to-5 office norms, but remote work emerged as a viable solution despite initial challenges. Similarly, AI has the potential to drive breakthrough transformations, fostering greater equity by eliminating biases like gender and pay disparities. AI acts as an adaptive mediation layer, where identity becomes irrelevant—whether you're male, female, or transgender, it shouldn’t influence your pay or opportunities. In this borderless digital world, factors like gender or nationality have no place in determining professional value.

The power of AI lies in enabling individuals to master the technology and drive meaningful transformations within their roles. That’s what true disruption looks like—reshaping organizations to eliminate outdated inequalities. Gender gaps and inequities should be relics of the past, not issues we continue to face in modern workplaces.

QUOTE: Women building ecosystems today are shaping the future, and female leaders in AI will drive digital transformation across industries. Empowering women in this Partisan world is essential.