#SheSpeaks

Jade Emmanuel is an AI and data strategist working at the intersection of technology, product, and commercial strategy, helping organisations turn complex data into clear direction and meaningful outcomes. Alongside advising enterprise organisations, she also works closely with early-stage businesses, helping them build intelligent systems and the foundations for scalable growth.In this episode, we explore what it’s really like working in AI during such a fast-moving moment in tech, the realities of building a career in this space, and how leaders and organisations can navigate both the opportunity and uncertainty that comes with emerging technologies. Jade shares her thoughtful perspective on making AI practical, responsible, and genuinely valuable to the people and teams using it.Grounded and refreshingly honest, this conversation is about clarity in complexity — and the skills and mindsets that matter most when technology and change move quickly.

Tavier Taylor is a Fractional CIO, Board Advisor, and transformation architect helping boards, CEOs, and investors govern AI and digital risk with clarity and confidence. As Chief Technology & Information Officer at the Chartered Management Institute and founder of TFM Innovations, Tavier works at the intersection of technology, governance, and cultural intelligence - ensuring transformation doesn’t just move fast, but moves responsibly.In this episode, we explore what transformation leadership really looks like when you combine tech, people, and culture. Tavier shares how boards can regain visibility and decision ownership as AI accelerates, why governance must evolve alongside innovation, and where leadership teams often fall short when driving change.We also dive into hiring for complexity, building resilient teams, and how cultural intelligence becomes a true competitive advantage in today’s digital landscape.Insightful, practical, and grounded in real boardroom experience, this conversation is essential listening for leaders navigating AI, risk, and transformation.

Furkan Karayel is a multi-award-winning diversity & inclusion leader, author of Inclusive Intelligence, and founder of Diversein.com. With a background in software engineering across global tech organisations, Furkan brings rare credibility at the intersection of technical expertise and inclusive leadership, helping companies build workplaces that are both high-performing and deeply human.In this episode, we explore her journey from engineer to global speaker, educator, and advisor, the realities of navigating tech as a woman and non-native professional, and why representation across culture, gender, neurodiversity, and ability is essential — not optional. Furkan unpacks what inclusive leadership actually looks like in practice, and how organisations can move beyond performative gestures to create meaningful, lasting change.Grounded, incisive, and empowering, this conversation is a powerful reminder that inclusion is an action, not an intention — and that creating space for others often begins with owning your voice.

Violet Snell is a machine learning & AI leader whose career bridges rigorous academia and real-world impact. With an Oxford Engineering & Computer Science degree, a PhD in Computer Vision from Surrey’s CVSSP, and hands-on stints across research and software engineering, Violet pairs scientific depth with product pragmatism. She’s led AI for high-stakes domains — from medical imaging and fraud detection to road-safety systems that spot mobile use and seatbelt non-compliance — and brings a clear, ethical lens to how AI is built and deployed.We dive into her Socratic leadership style; how to advocate for AI’s strengths and limitations inside the business; and practical playbooks for inclusive hiring (from job-ad language and panel design to smarter graduate pipelines). Violet unpacks why champions beat “distant role models” for getting girls into tech, what schools and universities can really do (hello, diamond schooling & Code First Girls), and how diverse teams spot — and fix — bias in AI. Thoughtful, candid, and refreshingly actionable.

Magdalene Amegashitsi is a trailblazing Data & AI strategist with 10+ years helping organisations turn complex data into clear strategy. With an academic foundation in econometrics and a career spanning advanced analytics, machine learning, and digital transformation, she pairs technical depth with a values-first lens. She’s also the founder of the Global Queens Community, focused on bridging the gap between the underrepresented and the thriving, and is also now launching her own data & AI venture!We dive into her path from languages and econometrics into AI leadership; how to communicate technical truth when you’re the only dissenting voice in the room; and why “conscious, values-led” leadership is non-negotiable in AI. Magdalene unpacks her idea of “forever mentors,” the real difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how to build legacy without burning out — all while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood.

Meri Williams is the CTO at Pleo, a fintech scale-up reimagining how businesses manage spending across teams. With an impressive leadership track record at Monzo, Healx, and in government, Meri brings deep technical expertise and a bold, people-first approach to engineering at scale.We explore their journey through fintech, medtech, and public sector innovation — from scaling platforms during hypergrowth to shaping what inclusive leadership really looks like. Meri also shares powerful insights on mentorship, sponsorship, and championing neurodiversity — and why representation at the top still matters more than ever.

Dr Claire Knight is the VP of Engineering at Odin, a platform redefining how operator-angels and communities invest in early-stage startups. With leadership experience at GitHub, Netlify, and beyond, Claire brings decades of engineering expertise and a refreshingly honest take on what it really means to thrive in tech.We explore her journey from being the only woman on her degree course to building high-performing global teams, championing inclusive hiring, and navigating the changing landscape of career growth. Claire also challenges traditional narratives around representation — and yes, she’s also a two-time AWPC World Champion powerlifter!

Jessica is the Chief Technology Officer at Puraffinity, where she leads the charge in developing novel media to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from water. Her mission is rooted in impact—using engineering to create real environmental and societal change.Today, we’ll dive into her journey, her work at the intersection of materials science and sustainability, and what it really means to lead with purpose in deep-tech.

Dr. Paulina Cecula is a physician and entrepreneur, currently co-founder of Dama Health and also works as a doctor at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.In this week's episode, I speak to Dr Paulina about her journey into reshaping the landscape for women's reproductive health, particularly around personalising healthcare using technology and data.

Carmel is the CEO of an innovative BioTech company, Bioventure Works, building a number of early stage ventures and job development programs.In this weeks episode, I speak to Carmel about drug repurposing and how she is embracing AI in reshaping the world of BioTech.