Transforming Telecom with Data & AI with Sara Asgari, Head of Digital & Analytics at Telia

In this episode of Builders, Lee Haynes speaks with Sara Asgari, Head of Digital & Analytics at Telia, about the future of telecom powered by data and AI. Sara shares her journey into digital transformation, the challenges of attracting and upskilling tech talent, and the importance of diverse teams. They also discuss smart cities, customer engagement, and why cybersecurity is critical in today’s connected world.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Digital Transformation in Telecom(00:58) Sara's Journey: From Engineering to Digital Leadership(04:47) Evolution of Digital Analytics in Business(06:07) Challenges in Transitioning to Data-Driven Strategies(07:04) Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in Tech(08:40) Creating an Engaging Work Environment for Talent(10:15) Addressing the AI Skills Gap(11:55) The Importance of Diversity in Hiring(13:24) Building Inclusive Cultures Beyond Hiring(15:53) Encouraging Collaboration Between Business and Tech(17:22) Common Pitfalls in Business-Tech Alignment(18:42) AI's Role in Shaping Customer Experience(19:14) The Future of Hyper-Personalization and Automation(21:43) Challenges in Implementing AI and Automation(24:33) Predictive Analytics in Customer Service(26:25) The Role of Telecom in Digital Services(29:06) Hyper-Personalized Customer Experiences(31:13) The Evolution of Networks with AI and 5G(34:15) Leadership Lessons in Digital Transformation(36:35) Future Projects and Sustainability in Telecom