15 AI Leaders Who are Leaders to be Followed

Visionaries and trailblazers are shaping the future of how businesses are, and will be, leveraging artificial intelligence for business growth, career fulfillment, and competitive advantage. These leaders are paving the way for how businesses use AI to stay ahead. They are heading the way in aligning AI initiatives with business goals, enhancing decision-making processes, and driving digital transformation across industries.

These thought leaders offer valuable insights on how AI can transform businesses, along with the ethical aspects guiding its development:

Cal Al-Dhubaib

The Why: A globally recognized data scientist who revolutionizes AI implementation in regulated industries, driving innovation and ethical AI practices for over 100 Fortune 500 companies.

Cal Al-Dhubaib is a globally recognized data scientist and entrepreneur specializing in AI implementation in heavily regulated sectors. As the leader of AI and Data Science at Further, he brings expertise in privacy-first data, analytics, and AI solutions to over 100 Fortune 500 companies. Al-Dhubaib’s background includes founding Pandata, known for responsible AI design and development, which was acquired by Further in March 2024. His insights on AI ethics, change management, and data literacy have been featured in publications such as Forbes and AI Business News.

Learn more about Cal:

Andrew Au

The Why: A technological innovator who champions the impact of digital transformation and cultural evolution.

Andrew Au is the Managing Partner at Intercept, a globally recognized B2B marketing agency focusing on the tech sector. Working with big names like Microsoft, SAP, and others, his role leads all about Strategy and AI integration at the agency. At the age of 22, he made it into the Entrepreneurs Organization. He also landed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and scored 50+ B2B marketing awards. Au’s a go-to speaker on digital innovation and AI, and has shared his keynote presentations on stages for ADP, Microsoft, and more. His expertise and dynamic views have attracted major media outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, Tech Insider, Bloomberg, and BNN.

Learn more about Andrew:

Sandy Carter

The Why: A top AI and blockchain expert, drives innovation and empowers women to find their roles in Web3 and AI.

Sandy Carter is a powerhouse in the world of technology, AI, and blockchain. She is recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Tech by CNN and a Top 10 Responsible AI Leader. Carter is currently the COO at Unstoppable Domains and the founder of Unstoppable Women of Web3 and AI. Carter is also the author of the best-selling book “The Tiger and The Rabbit: Harnessing the Power of the WEB3, and AI for Business Success.”

Learn more about Sandy:

Sharon Gai

The Why: Learn from a digital transformation specialist with a decade of experience, and see why she’s a top voice in retail and AI.

Bringing a decade of e-commerce expertise, Sharon Gai is a culture-fluid pro in digital transformation and AI. Her impressive background includes advising brands and heads of state on digital strategies during her time at Alibaba. Gai’s expertise has been sought after by major organizations such as TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, and LVMH. Recognized as one of 2024’s RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Experts and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking 2023, Gai brings an abundance of expertise to the intersection of AI and retail.

Learn more about Sharon:

Lisa Gately

The Why: An analyst deep in the world of marketing and B2B tech who understands what marketers and business leaders need.

Lisa Gately, a Principal Analyst at Forrester, helps B2B organizations build and optimize content engines for generative AI growth and enhanced customer experiences. With over 20 years of experience in marketing leadership at B2B tech companies, she guides leaders and marketers on AI use cases, aligns teams for better outcomes, and specializes in content marketing, strategy, operations, services marketing, and customer marketing.

Learn more about Lisa:

Brett Harris

The Why: A leader in helping brands understand, pilot, and scale programs augmented with smarter technologies in an ethical and effective way.

Brett Harris brings more than 20 years’ of experience supporting brands, retailers, and B2B clients in developing strategic communication channels and technologies. As a member of SGK’s leadership team, Harris drives the alignment of resources to empower clients, offering insightful leadership and top-tier practices. In his current role, Harris has executive responsibility for SGK’s development of generative AI solutions, including leading SGK’s AI Council. Harris uses his experience to guide the SGK council in practices that promote the effective, ethical, and empowering use of AI technology.

Learn more about Brett:

Tim Hayden

The Why: Visionary CEO, whose innovative strategies have propelled brands like Facebook, Google, and IBM to new heights.

Tim Hayden brings a wealth of experience as the founder and CEO of Brain+Trust, a strategic consultancy helping brands leverage first-party data and AI to grow revenue. His background includes leadership roles at Zignal Labs and Edelman Digital, where he worked with tech giants like Facebook, Google, and IBM. Hayden’s expertise has driven transformational change for major brands such as Dell, McDonald’s, Shell, and Walmart, making him a valuable voice in the AI and marketing space.