As India drafts policies on data privacy and AI governance, I want to influence both public policy and private sector adoption. Yet, transitioning from research to leadership in industry or government seems daunting. Should I aim for an MBA in public policy, or seek fellowships with organizations like NITI Aayog? How can I build a career that straddles technology, ethics, and leadership? And what soft skills negotiation, public speaking, cross-cultural communication are critical for future-ready leaders shaping India's AI ecosystem?

Hello sir, I've 12 yrs of exp in Energy & Utility(O&G,Steel & Marine factory digitalization, Renewable and Aerospace), my education qualification is B.Tech Computer science and hybrid PGDM (Marketing) from Welingkar. I've domain experience because of experience. I've completed PMP certification. I've .net development 7yrs exp and 5yrs(lead,scrum,PM) management exp, but currently I'm facing push down to lead activities instead of being PM in org- please suggest how to overcome this and how to identify opportunity role properly or how to portray strongly as management profile in interviews or work. I'm planning to do Leadership with AI course from ISB- please suggest your views.

Hello Dr Natarajan. I am a final-year computer science student interning at a Bengaluru startup. Growing up in a middle-class family, I always believed a stable IT job was the safest route. Yet, since joining this young venture, I see my mentors talking about product management, AI ethics, and even social entrepreneurship --paths I never considered. I've built small apps in college but have no idea which domain will give me both good pay and real purpose. Should I specialise further in a niche like AI/ML or pivot to roles that blend technology with social impact? Also, as a woman entering a male dominated tech world, how can I stand out without losing myself? I've read about your work scaling Zensar and founding social ventures. What early steps courses, projects, mentorship would you recommend for someone like me to chart a future - proof, value-driven career?

Hello. Recently, our team started using AI-powered risk-modeling tools that can analyze huge datasets and even suggest asset allocations. While the technology impresses me, I worry it may eventually replace many analytical roles. I'm keen to advance into leadership positions but also want to stay technically relevant. Should I upskill in AI and machine learning, or focus on strategic management and people leadership? How do future-ready finance leaders balance deep domain expertise with digital fluency and soft skills? Also, any advice on networking with VCs to explore fintech startup opportunities on the side would be greatly appreciated.

I'm a senior IT architect with over two decades of experience, predominantly in enterprise software solutions and infrastructure management. While I've witnessed countless technological shifts, the current pace of AI adoption feels different. I'm seeing younger colleagues quickly pick up AI/ML skills and get involved in new projects, while I'm still working on core systems that, though critical, aren't perceived as "future-forward." My concern is, how do I, as an experienced professional in my 50s, ensure my relevance and continued career growth in an AI-dominated future? Is it necessary to retrain completely in AI, or are there ways to leverage my existing deep architectural knowledge and blend it with emerging AI capabilities? What specific leadership roles will emerge that value both traditional enterprise experience and an understanding of AI's implications? I want to ensure my extensive experience doesn't become a liability but rather an asset in this evolving landscape.