AI-first
In this episode, Hari Ram, Finance Transformation Leader at Infosys BPM, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence with Ahmed Mazhari, who served as President of Microsoft Asia.
Mr. Ahmed Mazhari describes AI as "one of the most consequential technologies of our generation, or it could be probably one of the most consequential technologies in several centuries." He compares AI's potential comparability to the steam engine and electricity – technologies that fundamentally transformed industries and societies.
We're still in the early days, with GPT-3.5 only publicly available since November 2022. Major technology cycles typically unfold over decades, with the steam engine transformation occurring over 50 years and electrification taking 10-15 years to reach most American homes. In the next two to five years, AI will be in most business enterprises. And most certainly in every consumer enterprise of the world.
In the current cycle, we are underestimating the opportunity that AI will bring. Equally, we are impatient and overestimating the short-term benefits. Successful organizations will be those that build for both present and future, transforming sectors like banking, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Mazhari identifies several key global AI innovation centers:
For startups seeking AI investments, Mazhari advises:
Mazhari reflects on life after Microsoft as "nothing short of transformative." Without the support structure of a large organization, he's found both liberation and humility in reinventing himself, spending 3-4 hours daily on deep research and exploring new ideas.
"There's no hierarchy. There are no set patterns. I can explore new things. And I'm at the point in my life journey where I'm looking to explore more and experiment more."
Mazhari concludes with this advice for professionals: "It's never too late in your career to take and make courageous decisions." Drawing from his experience of moving to Eastern Europe early in his career and joining Microsoft despite limited software industry background, he encourages embracing discomfort and taking risks.
Ahmed Mazhari, former President – Microsoft Asia
Ahmed Mazhari serves as a board member of WWF Singapore. He is a transformative leader with a distinguished global career. As President of Microsoft Asia, he led operations across 20 countries, overseeing 30,000 employees and over 100,000 partners, driving innovation in AI and digital transformation. He championed digital literacy, AI skilling, and inclusive growth, significantly contributing to the region’s economic development. Prior to Microsoft, he held senior roles at GE, Genpact, and Xerox, with a focus on growth and customer-centric strategies. Known for his collaborative leadership and commitment to social causes, Ahmed also serves on the Economic Advisory Board of the Government of Singapore and the board of Mind Forward Alliance, promoting workplace mental health.
Hari Ram, Finance Transformation Leader – Infosys BPM
Hari Ram, the Finance Transformation Lead at Infosys BPM, collaborates closely with CFO's organizations to drive and achieve their Finance agenda encompassing technology and business processes. As part of our exploration into AI's applications across various domains, Hari is engaging with industry leaders to grasp the implications of AI and identify crucial insights and potential considerations. Stay tuned for valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of AI and its significance. #FinanceTransformation #AI #InfosysBPM.
